Great Yarmouth Minster has recently celebrated the achievement of reaching Eco Church Silver. Well-done to the congregation in Great Yarmouth. Paul Spychal, Churchwarden and Eco Team member tells us more:
“Our Eco Church journey, in Great Yarmouth started in November 2020. By February 2024, following several years of determined effort all three local churches had achieved the Bronze Eco Church Award. The Parish Vision of a Green Future continues to be focus, for all our churches.
“Eco Church asks us to place Caring for God’s Earth at the centre of our Vision. To realise this vision, we are thinking about five key action areas.
1. Creation Care is embedded in the preaching of our excellent Ministry Team. This is implicit in our parish worship and in our teaching.
2. We are measuring the carbon footprint of our buildings and are actively working towards Net Zero Carbon usage. We are actively working on plans to minimise energy usage and maximising the energy efficiency of our buildings.
3. We are actively engaged in encouraging biodiversity, on our extensive church land.
4. We are working in partnership with other community groups, on a range of environmental concerns.
5. We are promoting a lifestyle in which we recognise the importance of wellbeing opportunities to enjoy, nurture and protect God’s Creation.
“Our next Parish Eco Target is to achieve Eco Church Silver Awards for St Mary’s and St Paul’s. Watch this space!”
For help with eco church and biodiversity advice, contact Barbara Bryant: barbara.bryant@dioceseofnorwich.org
For help with net zero advice, contact Ed Cotterill: ed.cotterill@dioceseofnorwich.org