St Ninian’s Church has recently been awarded their Bronze Eco Congregation Scotland Award. This award is given in recognition of the work they have done and their commitment to caring for creation. They were one of the four churches chosen to take part in the Orchard Twinning Project, which saw Scottish church orchards twinned with those of congregations in Hungary.
Being part of the Orchard Project led to St Ninian’s holding an apple tasting day to select the right apples for their site. This was followed by planning a mini orchard of apple trees with the charity The Orchard Project and a ceremonial planting in the church garden. The fruit trees, and wildflower planting, are helping to improve biodiversity in the mature church garden, a space which is widely enjoyed by people in their local community.
The assessors were delighted with the well planned Season of Creation held each autumn at St Ninian’s. This is part of a worldwide, ecumenical 6 week period of prayer and action to protect the planet, ‘our common home’. In 2021 St Ninians put together a special church magazine in the run up to 26th UN Global Climate Summit in Glasgow.
This busy congregation have been promoting the recycling of a wide range of materials. They regularly put articles in their church magazine as well as sharing helpful tips for greener ways to live. They have a bespoke recycling unit for members of the congregation as well as litter and recycling bins, made of reused wood which are placed in the church garden.
They have held sessions to discuss and exploring environmental, peace and justice issues with members of their congregation. Lent study groups often provide a good vehicle for this kind of exploration.
St Ninian’s is a Fairtrade Church and local supporter of Christian Aid Week.
Congratulations to all at St Ninian’s Episcopal Church for their hard work and well deserved award.