On Sunday 25 January, Bishop Michael joined a packed congregation at St Michael and All Angels church in Flax Bourton, to celebrate their fantastic achievement in being the first church in our diocese to be awarded the A Rocha Gold Eco Church Award.
The service, led by Rev James Harris brought everyone together in prayer and song. Those present were all given a wildflower seed paper prayer card in the shape of an apple and encouraged to write a prayer on it while considering what they would like to give thanks for or see transformed. Pictured are two of the prayers written by the youngest members of the congregation – Cecily and Alice. The paper prayers will then be planted and in due course, will of course transform into beautiful wildflowers in what James described as, ‘a sign of new life and hope that something will spring up’.
There was a wonderful musical interlude courtesy of The Flax Barberettes who sang a traditional wassail song, with a verse especially written for the village. And finally, Bishop Michael was delighted to bless two golden hornet crab apple trees that are going to be planted in the churchyard and the local school. In true wassail tradition, the trees were doused in local cider before everyone attending was invited to share a drink and slice of delicious apple cake. Adrienne Hughes, Eco Church Lead said, ‘It’s so fantastic to be here celebrating our gold award! I’ve led the team and the team are amazing, but we couldn’t have done it without the community’.
And Bishop Michael summarised the afternoon by saying, ‘We’re celebrating the achievement that’s happened here in getting a gold A Rocha Eco Church award, which represents all the different things this community has done to care for the creation and environment around them. It’s involved the contribution of lots of different people, all of whom have been in church this afternoon, celebrating the difference that they’re making. I’m so proud of everything that’s happened here, and it’s been great to come along and find out more.’
For a video montage from the service and more information about how you can get involved, please look at our Facebook page. And remember that you can find out how you can get involved in Eco Church on the Environment section of our website.