Glasgow Network update from Jan Macdonald

Dear Glasgow Group member,
This is an invitation to join us at Cadder Parish Church, South Hall, Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs, G64 2JA on Wednesday 7th September at 7.30pm to decide and plan for 2017.
The hall is in Bishopbriggs village: coming from the south, pass the Arnold Clark garage on the right.   Go through three sets of traffic lights, pass the shops and immediately after the next  set turn left into car park.   The hall phone number is 0141 772 7436. Irene Walker’s mobile  is 07790503126. Also see  http://www.cadderchurch.org/map.html
There are no ‘rules’ to planning, only what you as Eco-congregation members feel would be valuable to you, your congregation, community, other ECS members, our faith – so wide and various items may be considered!
Please do come and contribute ideas and topics. It’s also an opportunity to network and share experiences, get tips and the very valuable support which comes from the fellowship we share. Please feel free to invite other churches along from your own neighbourhood – car sharing is good 🙂

Invite others to join
I would like to pass on this invitation from David Bethune, our Eco-congregation Co-ordinator for Scotland:
Although we have over 350 registered eco-congregations throughout Scotland, including 48 in the Glasgow area, we know that there are many others who are not yet registered.  Many of them may already be doing good environmental work and worship;  others may not have given much thought to it…… we are asking each network coordinator to suggest 5 or 6 congregations within their area that are not yet registered as eco-congregations, but which might respond positively if invited…. large… or small….any denomination.

Therefore I shall be seeking suggestions from all our current Glasgow group members. If you can’t attend on September 7th, then please e-mail me any suggestions and contacts.
November meeting
A notice of our November meeting at St Joseph’s RC church Clarkston; Thursday November 11th, 7.30pm for a talk and discussion about ‘Air Quality’ issues with Friends of the Earth Scotland. This subject has been much in the news this year and will give us the opportunity to learn more about this insidious problem.

In advance of this there is this invitation from FOES to “Campaigning for Clean Air Neighbourhoods” training day, 8th October at the Quaker Meeting House, 38 Elmbank Crescent between 10am and 4pm; more information to follow.
Funding & Speaker Opportunities
A ‘heads up’ on funding and speaker opportunities from Heather McHaffie; Heather McHaffie is a member of Wardie Parish Church in Edinburgh and is involved in helping to co-ordinate the Edinburgh Eco-congregation network.
There are two things I thought you might not know about. The Climate Challenge Fund awards money to help with projects that will reduce the carbon footprint of community groups and there is funding available to develop the application for a grant. Paste this link into your browser:
http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/sustainability-climate-change/climate-challenge-fund/news/climate-challenge-fund-development-grants-apply-now/
Also, are you aware of the work of the Science, Religion and Technology Group? They offer a wealth of information and potential speakers on a wide range of key issues. Their website is an excellent source for clear information: srtp@srtp.org.uk

Castlemilk Parish Church (new building) official opening this Sunday
Our official opening is planned for 4th September 2016 at 2pm. All are welome to join us for this long awaited day! Please pop in and visit if you are passing by. 1 Dougrie Road, Glasgow, G45 9NP.
On a final note I’ll be writing up a bit about the walk at Seven Lochs Wetland Park on a lovely afternoon in August, learning about this new and interesting project; a great asset to the people of Glasgow and to be developed further.

I look forward to seeing you next week hopefully.

Regards, Jan MacDonald

Glasgow ECS group co-ordinator