“Saying Yes to Life “ by Ruth Valerio was our Lent book at Ascension Stirchley. Each week we read a chapter, watched the YouTube videos and reflected on its message. Christiana Figueres, former head of UN Climate Change Convention, in her interview,  https://youtu.be/UQ387Xs8Bks, spoke passionately about how it is the responsibility of us all to put our energies into doing everything we can to address climate change now!

 I bought her book “The Future We Choose” where she paints starkly contrasted pictures of what life will be like in 2050 if we address climate change now, and if we don’t. She describes her journey from hopelessness around climate change to “Stubborn Optimism” where with the support of her daily spiritual practice, she wakes each day choosing to do all she can to address it. I was so inspired I bought three extra copies of the book to give to friends whom I hope will share the message.

She, like Ruth, makes the link with climate change and all injustice and calls us as followers of Christ to work alongside those who are suffering to try to bring about justice.  

For me this was an epiphany. I wanted to get involved, I contacted a friend and joined the local Anglican Group, Birmingham Anglicans for Climate Action (BACA).

Others in Ascension Stirchley and the Lent Group had been on this journey since the 1980s, buying Ecover Products for as long as they could remember.  During Lent we were encouraged to take small actions which if carried out collectively would have a real impact, like charging our phones during the day, rather than leaving them on charge all night and supporting each other to change our habit.  

During lockdown the Ascension Whatsapp group was buzzing with ideas about composting, growing vegetables, sharing soup recipes to use tired vegetables and recycling. People shielding left surplus plants for others to grow. Photos of the resulting beans were shared and celebrated. Concern about tackling slugs was shared and imaginative strategies suggested. On a recent gardening project to tidy the frontage of the church, for the removal of the railings, we retained the trees which produce the berries which the birds love. Yes, we tidied up, but in line with nature.

To confirm our renewed enthusiasm and shape future actions we signed up to Eco Church. Eco Church (an initiative set up by the environmental organisation A Rocha and widely adopted within the Diocese and the CofE nationally) has helped create a church culture where care for the environment is at the heart of church life. See https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/

Two examples:

• It has focussed our attention on what we buy. A recent Church Council meeting agreed to purchase supplies in line with our values, even though it may be financially challenging.
• It has made us think harder about how we get around. Cycling is encouraged – our vicar is often seen cycling around the parish, and one of us has even bought a tricycle having never learnt to ride a two wheeler!

We are trying to always consider the impact of our actions on our planet whether it’s the plastic and recyclability of the presents from Father Christmas at our Christmas Fair, switching off lights in our church hall when not needed, or what to do about heating for evening meetings during winter, we are trying to play our part as Ascension Stirchley. Will you play yours by signing up to Eco Church?