Ponteland URC is one of the latest churches to have been awarded the distinction of being an eco-congregation, and the second (after Northallerton) within our Synod. And its minister, Kevin Watson, had to confess "We are one and I didn’t even realise it!"
"It all happened during the summer when I was on Sabbatical," he explained, "but the evidence was there when I returned in the shape of a rather nice plaque on our vestibule wall. I don’t want to say what marvellous things we have done to gain the award because that would only put you off from applying and more importantly – it wouldn’t be true."
From the beginning the church had decided that they wanted to get involved as an ordinary church and doing things which could be achieved in normal church life. As they expained to Eco-Congregation, they wanted to do things that made sense to the whole church, and might serve as a witness to the wider community.
They soon discovered that Eco-Congregation produce a good pack to get you thinking and get you started. They used material for house-group discussion and worship: as Kevin explained, " it was important to explore the Biblical/theological underpinning of our concern for God’s world. Throughout our exploration we discovered a Church united as one about the principles of care for our environment, but certainly divided as to what is the best way forward, whether that be recycling, energy conservation, or wildlife protection. But what has been important is that Ecology has been very much on our Church agenda and got discussion going."
One of the oldest members at Ponteland, Sam, who once worked as a Ministry of Agriculture adviser, came up with the idea of converting a patch of boring lawn into a Wildflower Garden. There is now a sign telling passers-by that this is a garden - as God intends it! At first there was amazing success as over thirty indigenous plants seeded in the first year. But soon it really looked a mess – God isn’t a tidy gardener! Then Sam was taken into hospital, and that week a council worker took pity on everyone and mowed it all away. Kevin had to tell Sam about the catastrophe, just after he had had a major operation. His response was simply, “Thank God, I thought you were going to say someone was hurt!” A graciousness, says Kevin, that is the very spirit that inspires him to care for all God’s creatures.
Penny, a much younger member, then took up the baton. It was decided to give God a hand and begin to plan the garden, but only using British wild flowers. And so for three years it has taken shape, gradually being stocked and now with a walk cut through it to enjoy it all better. But nothing was more enjoyable than seeing children from the local school helping to plant spring bulbs.
Does everyone in the church appreciate it? No really, says Kevin, nor do all have conservation high on their list of priorities. But Penny has faithfully provided challenging articles for the monthly magazine, and the church has crafted equally challenging services around themes such as each of the Four Seasons and Re-Thinking the Cross. That was probably the most controversial service - with a wooden cross standing among three recycling bins, central to worship in the round. The Re-thinking focused on dozens of words which begin with RE- such as recycling, re-using, redemption and so on, and yes there are dozens – so get re-thinking!
It is more than just thinking though, and Kevin explains that Penny is keen to give everyone practical ideas to try. They have collection boxes in church for recycling. Red squirrel survival is an important issue in the area, so Penny has raised people's awareness and concern, and given hints how to help the little fellas in their defence against their grey cousins! Energy saving is now an important design component as the church looks to redevelop its buildings, and managers are having to think carefully about energy use in the building. Willie, one of the elders,who is already heavily involved in Conservation charities, has given invaluable advice.
But is this just good news for Ponteland? No! says Kevin. You too could easily get involved and would find that folk in the community, particularly young people, are interested in Green issues, and respond when they see a Church getting involved. Talk with your local school, local councillors, and wildlife volunteers. Look up the Eco-Congregation website and get hold of the pack - and you’ll find that you too are an eco-congregation without realising it!