Diocese of Chichester

The church teamed up with local organisations, charities and individuals to welcome hundreds of visitors throughout the week-long event.

Visitors took part in talks, finding out about sustainable living, sampling goods made locally and taking time to enjoy lunch and teas with friends in a supportive and friendly environment.

There were bee-keeping demonstrations and information on meadow flowers, apples and sustainable gifts using reclaimed wood and people selling hand-made arts and crafts.

There were prayer spaces giving people opportunities to reflect upon the spiritual as well as the economic, political and social aspects of climate change. There were also inspiring sermons at our worship from Debbie Beer, the Diocesan Environmental Officer and Jeremy Burdett, a Reader from Chailey, on Regeneration and Farming which will be available on our website soon.

The nearby St Peter and St James’ Hospice ran a pop-up charity shop and visitors were able to talk to Bryan McAllen from the popular Repair Café that operates in St Peter’s Church Chailey Green, where over 30 people are stationed every fortnight to repair a range of items from toasters to sewing machines. All free but donations are encouraged.

A great example of the collaboration taking place was evident when two sturdy chairs, donated by a village member, were reupholstered by Fine Furnishings of Lindfield, sponsored by a coffee shop member and donated to the hospice for their funds. (photo caption)

There was plenty for children to get involved with too. Mollie Hainge aged 10 from St Augustine’s Primary school needed little assistance when making an owl from bits of recycled paper and a cardboard roll. She said she really enjoyed making the owl, following instructions, and although she said some bits were trickier to cut than others, we think she did a pretty neat job. (picture caption)

The Church’s Eco Team, set up in 2021 worked with the local sustainability group and the idea of the Eco Festival was born. They have worked tirelessly over the past year to get the support needed relying on a wonderful bank of helpers from inside and outside the church.

The church benefits from a great kitchen staffed by enthusiastic volunteers with a friendly smile and delicious food and cakes. A harvest style lunch was served during a talk about responsible investments, followed by sticky toffee pudding with ice cream - a very popular choice for dessert.

The Vicar Bev Miles said: “The groups key message is to live sustainably and to promote the circular economy - to think local.

“We hope this Festival has inspired all who visited to consider using local organisations, producers, and shops. There are lots of wonderful businesses locally and we have had an excellent response with many being involved in the festival. We have produced a booklet that lists all the businesses that took part. With support from the Lindfield Rural Parish Council, we were able to offer free bike security marking and promote safer cycling with a display about the local cycle path project into Haywards Heath and Lindfield. On the first weekend everyone had fun pressing local apples into fruit juice. Mims Davies, our MP, came along to show her support and was very happy to answer questions on environmental matters.'

St Augustine’s has achieved the Silver Eco Church award – you can find out more about his award here https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/

St. Mark's Church, Holbrook, held a Treasure, Safeguard and Care for Creation conference as part of Great Big Green Week on 1st October 2022.

Karen Park, Eco Church Champion at St. Mark's said: "We were delighted that the 35 attendees represented more than 14 churches and included people from our community. It was great to hear the buzz of conversations and attendees leaving inspired to take more action to care for God's wonderful world. We had lots of positive comments including: "Was an excellent gathering lots of very inspiring speakers. Well done for organising it.""Thank you for today and for all that you do, inspiring us and enabling us.""Thank you for laying on such a rich day of topics, presentations and resources. It was interesting and motivating.”

Revd Richard Coldicott, Vicar of St. Mark’s, Holbrook, reflecting on the day added “As churches work towards the Church of England’s target to become carbon “net zero” by 2030, it was so exciting to hear about the various initiatives churches and individuals are undertaking to care for the natural world. I hope all that has been shared here and at other similar events will encourage us all to live out the 5th Mark of Mission “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”.