2013 Annual Gathering

Eco-Congregation Scotland’s Annual Gathering and AGM 2013

The theme of our 2013 Annual Gathering was ‘Food’. Why is food important? What does the bible say about it? What can you do in your Eco-Congregation? We explored these issues and more.

Please click on this link to access the ECS Annual Gathering 2013 report to read about the day.

Annual Gathering (2) Photo of our Annual Gathering on Saturday 20th April 2013 at the Grassmarket Community Project Hall

Rev. David Atkinson did an inspiring talk about Food and Life. You can access his presentation by clicking on this link: PDF | Google Doc

There is a list of the topics we covered with links to available material:

Just Eating? – Dr Sheena Wurthmann presented a study programme published by the Presbyterian Church USA based on her own experiences at Netherlee Church. She will show you how to use the materials and explain what the congregation has gained from it. You can access the materials here.

The Global Food Crisis – Where will our food come from in the future? Dr Neil Hollow has recently completed a doctorate in Environmental microbiology. He is co-author with Andy Mellen of No oil in the lamp: Fuel, faith and the energy crisis published by DLT which is written to alert Christians to the challenges of peak oil and the coming global energy crisis.

Funding for environmental projects – The Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund and Community Energy Scotland presented what funding they have available for local community projects and how churches can apply. The Climate Challenge Fund resource page provides all the information you need to apply for funding. Access the page by clicking on this linkThe Community Energy Scotland support page can be accessed by clicking on this link.

Enough Food IF – Christian Aid and SCIAF presented the biggest mass campaign movement fighting poverty since Make Poverty History and explains how you can become involved. We hope to have the presentation available for you soon.

Whitmuir – Pete Ritchie, an organic farmer, talked about his experience of getting local people involved in running his farm as a community project. You can visit the Whitmuir Organic farm shop at their West Linton home (Whitmuir Farm, West Linton, EH46 7BB), buy there produce online and also join as a farm supporter.

Useful website links for food – Food Resources list

Thank you to everyone who gave us feedback about the Annual Gathering. You can access a pdf summary of your feedback by clicking on this link: ECS Annual Gathering Feedback 2013

We will continue to upload presentations and supporting material as they become available.