Message from the Vicar
A Rocha means The Rock in Portuguese. It is a global family of Christian environmental organisations that was set up in the 1980’s to promote the care of God’s creation. Amongst their many activities, they have an awards scheme that helps churches focus their environmental concern.
I am delighted to say that St Anne’s has just been awarded the Bronze Eco Church award, that reflects the work we have been doing as a church to care for our little corner of creation. Particular thanks go to Jane and Susan Hayman, who have been taking the lead on this work, and also to Simon Child our tireless Parish Architect who is especially committed to us making progress as an Eco Church.
It is also important to mention the terrific work that our friends over at St Luke’s and The Barn churches have been doing. Their recent Eco Fair was a huge success, and we congratulate them on this.
Now we have our Bronze award, we will begin to work towards the Silver. The A Rocha scheme provides a road map towards a more sustainable future for us as a church. It involves everything from our banking to our detergent use to our heating and insulation. There is lots of work to do, but it is very exciting that we are working on this together.
Eco Church is a whole congregation effort. If you want to know more, have a look at the A Rocha Eco Church website: https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk (opens in new tab).
Canon Dr Giles Fraser, Vicar of St Anne’s, Kew
