A Rocha UK invites you to Chelmsford Cathedral on Wednesday 30th September to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Eco Church programme. The service will begin at 5.15pm, followed by light refreshments and an opportunity to meet, chat, share stories, visit the stalls and take part in a panel discussion which will commence at 6.30pm.
Everyone is welcome! Come for all or part of the evening – it’s free and we’ll provide refreshments, but please book via Eventbrite to help us with numbers for catering: Book your place here.
These anniversary celebrations will be a joyful time of praise and thanksgiving as we reflect on God’s faithfulness and celebrate everything that churches across England and Wales have achieved together through Eco Church over the past decade. Whether your church is already part of Eco Church or you’re simply interested in finding out more, we’d love to welcome you.
Eco Church is A Rocha UK’s award scheme for churches in England and Wales who know and want to demonstrate that the Gospel is good news for God’s earth. They help churches of all denominations evaluate how they are caring for God’s creation across five categories of church life and provide resources for them to take action. Currently in the Eastern Synod we have 64 churches registered with Eco Church, with 26 with bronze awards, 13 silver and 1 gold. If your church is interested in becoming an eco church, wants to move to the next award level or share news of what your church has been doing for eco church, please contact the Eastern Synod’s Green Apostle, Jeremy Flack at jeremyflack25@gmail.com.
The cathedral will also be hosting the stunning Threads Through Creation by Jacqui Parkinson Textile Artist, so make sure you have enough time to enjoy this, either before or after our event.
Season of Creation
General Assembly is encouraging churches to celebrate the Feast of Creation in Christ on the first Sunday of September, to kick start the wider ecumenical Season of Creation (1st September to 4th October). A special set of URC worship notes will be produced for the 6th September and eco preaching resources for the other Sundays for the rest of the season will be offered as an addition to the normal Worship Notes using the regular lectionary readings to help stimulate services with a creation theme. A large amount of resources for the season of creation on the theme of “Living Water” are also available including the celebration guide https://seasonofcreation.org/ , A Rocha UK https://arocha.org.uk/the-season-of-creation-2026-living-waters/ and from Eco Congregation Scotland, curated by URC Minister Rev David Coleman https://ecocongregationscotland.org/resources/season-of-creation-2026/.
Green Investment Roadshow
Operation Noah is coordinating a Green Investment Roadshow to explore how to make your church finances work for climate, nature, and social justice. In an increasingly complex landscape, including the environmental and moral implications of AI, mining, fossil fuels, and emerging green technologies and solutions this is a timely and pertinent opportunity. The roadshow events will bring together experts and organisations showcasing inspiring examples of climate solutions alongside investment opportunities for institutions, churches and individuals. The event will be of interest to church leaders, church finance decision-makers and Christians interested in how money can be invested for climate and nature.
The Roadshow will take place on Monday 7th September, 9:30am- 2pm at Friends House, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ
Click here for more information and to book your place
If your church is looking to green your finances you can also use the very helpful and recently updated JustMoney Movement’s Greener Fairer Banking Guide for churches. The resource is designed to help churches explore how their banking choices can better reflect their values and mission, including their care for God’s creation. It compares four of the more ethical options for current accounts, including services provided, ethical considerations and frequently asked questions. Download the guide here.
