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Registrations for the ECS Annual Gathering 2011 close this week – register now!

By News

We would like to invite you to celebrate with us the 10th Anniversary of Eco-Congregation Scotland at the Annual Gathering 2011, which will also include the charity’s first AGM. Please print and display this invitation in your church halls and other appropriate places.

The Gathering will take place on 5th March 2011, 10am – 3.30pm, at Bridge of Allan Parish Church Halls, Keir Street, Bridge of Allan FK9 4QJ.

We are very pleased to welcome Kathy Galloway, Head of Christian Aid Scotland, to preach at the Celebration Service. The programme of the day will focus on ‘Our daily Bread’ and look at issues of sustainable living. As usual, a variety of interesting and challenging workshops will be part of the programme.

Register now to participate in the event, by contacting us by email here, by phone on 0131 240 2274 or 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN before 18 February 2011.

While everyone is warmly invited to attend the AGM, only charity members of Eco-Congregation Scotland are able to vote. You can register as member of the charity by filling in this form and sending it back to us.

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Gathering!

Eco-Congregation Awards for Ferryhill Parish Church and Queen’s Cross Church

By News

Congratulations to Ferryhill Parish Church on achieving their first, and Queen’s Cross Church Aberdeen on achieving their second Eco-Congregation Award!

In Ferryhill, the assessors were particularly impressed by – the excellent activities of the Sunday Club and Summer Clubs; – the Fabric Improvements which have been well thought out and, where practicable, have included energy efficient systems (CH boilers; advanced controls; and thermostatic valves); – the general efficiency of the ‘team’ approach to spreading the word throughout the congregation and within the community. Good use of key resources has ensured that a wide variety of people, from youngsters to older folk, have had the opportunity to contribute and to implement environmentally sound and sustainable practices whenever possible; – the initiation of the ‘Fairtrade’ activities and the achievement of £560.00 sales since November 2010.

At Queen’s Cross Church, the assessors especially commended the congregation for – the “Adopt a Border” initiative – which promotes both a sense of ownership of and practical action in the church grounds; – the way in which they have engaged many of the congregation, including the Congregational Board, in discussions to achieve a more environmentally friendly purchasing policy; – the eco-team’s commitment to bio-diversity projects, especially the forthcoming creation of a hedgerow to include indigenous plants i.e. hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel to enhance an already picturesque and historic part of Aberdeen city; – the automated lighting system and new zoned heating system, which will help achieve improved energy efficiency in a building which is used every day.

Well done and congratulations to both congregations!