Use of PDF Files

We have made a decision to stop issuing documents to the public in Microsoft Word format. The reasons for this are that not everyone has a copy of Word and it costs money; Microsoft changed the Word format itself recently adding to the confusion and Word is not available for all types of computer (or indeed mobile devices). All new documents will be in PDF format. This can be read using a number of free reading programmes. Many computers already have a pdf reader installed and some web browsers will open the files automatically. If you have any problems do a Google search for “Adobe pdf reader” and this will take you to the main free one. We will be moving all the downloadable files on our web site to this format over the next few months.

Two more Eco-Congregation awards

We are pleased to announce that New Machar parish Church, Aberdeen have achieved their first Eco-Congregation award and Dalbeattie Parish Church have achieved their second.

Congratulations to both congregations!

Gorgie Parish Church gains Eco-Congregation Award

Gorgie parish Church in Edinburgh has gained its first Eco-Congregation award.

The assessors particularly commended the congregation for the following:

• The excellent communication of environmental matters to everyone in the church community through the newsletter.
• A great sense of pride in all of the work competed in the church and a feeling of good community spirit, especially with events such as the Royal Wedding Tea Party.
• The way in which environmental work has been integrated into church life so that none of the work appeared to be a hassle to anyone on the group. As much as an action plan is not in place, everyone was certainly aware of everything going on.
• The number of caring for creation initiatives run.
• Fair Trade status.

The Eco-Congregation award recognises achievement in promoting and carrying out environmental work by churches. For further information please click here.

Interest free loans available

The Energy Saving Trust is providing interest free loans to charities and community groups (including churches) to encourage them to install renewable energy technologies or measures that reduce energy consumption.

The full details, including the application forms, can be found here:
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Scotland-Welcome-page/Business-and-Public-Sector-in-Scotland/Grants-loans-awards/Small-business-loans

This is a key resource and a great opportunity for eco-congregations to carry out work on their biuldings and reduce their carbon footprint.

Network Seminar – 10th September 2011

Saturday 10th September 2011
11am – 4pm

Stirling Methodist Church, Queen Street, Stirling, FK8 1HL
(map – http://stirlingmethodist.org.uk/FindUs/Index.asp )

Networks play a vital role in helping Eco-Congregation Scotland assist individual eco-congregations fulfil their mission. They also play a key role in sustaining the organisation.

We would like to invite you to this seminar for network coordinators and others – we suggest that two or three people from each network attend. It is a chance for us to discuss together the future development of networks and how they can best be supported.

Items for discussion will include:

• The growing role and development of networks (The purpose of our networks – current and possible future)
• How can we help and support networks in this role
• How can networks help Eco-Congregation Scotland flourish
• Help with award assessment process

In attendance: Ewan Aitken (Chair of the Board, Eco-Congregation Scotland), Gordon Hudson (Manager), Margaret Warnock (Coordinator) plus other Board members.

Tea and coffee will be served, but please bring a packed lunch.

Please reply, by 1st September, with the names of those who will be attending from your network so we know how many people are coming.

Thank you, we look forward to seeing you there!

Congregational mergers and linkages.

Due to the number of mergers and linkages which have taken place over the past few years we have had to revise the figures for the number of eco-congregations. In doing this we have developed the following policy:

1. When an eco-congregation merges with another church (whether they are an eco-congregation or not) the congregation resulting from the merger can remain as a single eco-congregation.
2. Two or more linked congregations can register separately as eco-congregations or join Eco-Congregation Scotland as separate members.
3. In all cases of new mergers and linkages the congregations will need to contact the manager of Eco-Congregation with any change of congregation name and updated contact details.

We hope this makes sense and that it helps people know what to do if they are part of a merger or linkage.