September 2023
6 | The BRIDGE
IN FOCUS...
The Season of Creation 2023
Giving thanks for God’s Creation A good time for generosity As we approach the Season of Creation or Creationtide (1 September – 4 October), we see many church communities use this time to celebrate all of God’s creations and reflect on how we care for the world around us. This year’s theme for the Season of Creation is ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’, dedicated to God as creator and sustainer of all life. The symbol is a Mighty River – we are called to join the river of justice and peace through climate and ecological justice. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24). As God’s children we are encouraged to work together on behalf of all creation – not only do we renew our commitment to care for the planet, but we also give thanks for what God calls us to care for during special services, Harvest festivals and thanksgivings. Creationtide also
brings us together to give generously – giving gifts to those who need it most, as well as donating to charitable causes, to communities across the world who are severely impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. We also continue our journey in Southwark Diocese towards greater sustainability and appreciate the value of creation care, one of Church of England’s Five Marks of Mission, so that we may live out our faith in everyday choices and actions. The Church of England offers a range of free resources to help your church community to mark the season of creation (see below).
More information Find out more and download resources to help your church or Christian community mark the Season of Creation at: tinyurl.com/yw39ru2x
Small steps to make a big difference Thank you and well done to 44% of parishes who have now completed the Energy Footprint Tool (EFT). This is the highest completion rate we have had so far and has doubled from last year. The EFT is an online resource that will calculate your church’s carbon footprint over a yearly period, based on the energy used to heat and light your buildings. Completing the EFT will allow the Diocese to keep track of our overall carbon emissions, which in turn, will help the Diocesan team know what level of support and guidance you might need to reduce your carbon footprint. Remember, by understanding your carbon footprint, you can make informed decisions and take meaningful actions to reduce your energy consumption and environmental impact.
and gratitude
Smudging fingers and scratching arms while foraging blackberries or getting up early to cook heaps of chicken wings for bring and share meals… there are many kinds of harvest celebrations in a Diocese like ours – but whatever we’re sharing, autumn is a good time for generosity and gratitude. The Church of England marks Generosity Week from 24 September to 1 October. Gabby Parikh, Director of Giving, is encouraging churches to embrace this opportunity for honest, hopeful, gracefilled conversations about generosity. Gabby said, “Some people feel awkward about talking about money in church. Sometimes ‘money talks’ are only ever given in response to a crisis, so they are associated with anxiety or guilt. Or they are so frequent that it seems the church talks about little else. But Jesus spoke about money naturally as a part of discipleship and churches can learn by following his lead.”
“Growing both in what we give and how we spend are important elements in the life of a disciple.” Sharing his thoughts on giving, Bishop Martin who is deeply committed to social action and environmental justice said, “Growing both in what we give and how we spend are important elements in the life of a disciple. What we eat, the clothes we buy, the holidays we take, the transport we use, all say something about where our heart is, especially given the way in which our consumption impacts the planet and our neighbours near or far.”
Bishop Martin remembers ministering in a very deprived church, where, for some, finding an extra fiver was a stretch. Together the church was able to raise £50,000 for a major building project over five years. He said, “It was real widow’s mite kind of stuff!” This discipleship is born in gratitude: “Any serious conversation about giving needs to begin with a reflection on the good gifts we have received in our lives – people, experiences, the love and companionship of family and friends – and a sense of thankfulness to God for them. We come into the world with nothing, fragile and dependent, and yet from our first breath until our last God provides.” He concluded, “For those who have much, I hope we can rejoice in how our gift enables mission and ministry in places where people have little. Moreover, while more prosperous parishes may through their financial giving enable mission and ministry, say, on our estates, our estates equally bless and have much to teach the wider Church.” Gabby and the Giving Team are keen to support churches in these conversations. There are resources – including sermon notes, a PowerPoint presentation and children’s activities – which can be found at: tinyurl.com/GWsouthwark The team are also hosting an informal lunchtime Zoom on Wednesday 13 September at 1pm to discuss resources, ideas and questions. To join email: hannah.starkins@southwark. anglican.org