Rev John has a love of scripture that dates back to his teenage years and an evangelical conversion, and that has been enhanced through Bible College training and now 24 years of Methodist ministry on circuit, where he has always led Bible study groups as a key part of his understanding of what it means to be a presbyter to a people called Methodist.
Over eight years with people from this church, and others across the circuit and beyond, in the meeting room, by Zoom, and now available both in person and by computer link, he has shared his love with others who have contributed to his understanding of what the Bible means for our lives today.
Join him in his last series, on Tuesdays at 1.30pm, throughout June and July as he takes a ‘Green Bible’ look at the lectionary readings which are set for the Sundays during this period. We begin on 6th June with Genesis 1:1-2:4a • Psalm 8 • 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 • Matthew 28:16-20 and the added insight of Bill McKibben. All will be welcome.
This week’s challenge and prayer is quoted from their email below:
Week 7 Challenge: Fast from screens
We’ve made it to the last week of Lent – we hope you are still enjoying and learning new habits from the carbon fast.
All technology has a carbon footprint from its manufacture, use, disposal and data storage. With our increasingly technologically-dependent lives, we often focus on our screens and don’t take time to appreciate other people and the natural world around us.
The Challenge: Fast from using screens including laptops, tablets, TV, and social media. Outside work, try to keep screen use to a minimum. Instead of turning to screens for entertainment, why not play a game, read, spend time with friends or practise a skill. If possible, go outside and enjoy being in creation – go for a walk, plant some seeds, feed the birds…
Why? While the internet, social media and TV bring many benefits, all our gadgets use finite resources (including precious metals) in their construction, and energy in their manufacture, transport and use. Data storage and transmission adds to the carbon footprint of the gadgets themselves.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for modern technology which brings so much good in so many ways. Help us to use it responsibly, and to maintain and repair tech items before replacing them. This Easter week, as we pause from our constant use of screens, help us to slow down, to notice and appreciate the natural world and people around us, and to share your love with them in words and deeds. Amen.
The Carbon Fast for Lent was created and is run by Climate Stewards.
This week’s challenge and prayer is quoted from their email below:
Week 6 Challenge: Fast from Driving
The more we can reduce our reliance on fossil-fuel powered transport, the better for the planet!
The Challenge: Fast from driving this week, especially on regular trips where you can plan ahead. If possible, use public transport, walk or cycle to get to work, church, shopping or other regular activities. Think about how you can combine trips rather than take lots of shorter trips. If you need to use a car for reasons of mobility, getting to work or transporting others, consider offering or sharing lifts.
Why? In the UK, transport accounts for 24% of all carbon emissions, making it the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gas emissions (closely followed by energy at 21%). Private cars contribute over half of the UK’s transport emissions. Even electric cars have an embedded carbon footprint from the energy and resources used in their manufacture.
Switching to public transport, walking and cycling are not only good for the planet, they are good for us too; we get more exercise, opportunities to chat to neighbours and fellow passengers, and to connect with the natural world. Learn more about carbon emissions from transport from this BBC article or go into more detail from the Department for Transport.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for all the ways in which we can get around sustainably – buses and trains, lift-sharing, walking and cycling. We know change is difficult and complex but we pray for boldness and finances to invest in safe, sustainable transport for all.
God, grant us the courage to do our part in loving our neighbours as ourselves by being an example of hope and love in our own lives, as well as using our voice to advocate for climate justice in our local area and round the world.
We pray this is in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Carbon Fast for Lent was created and is run by Climate Stewards.
This week’s challenge and prayer is quoted from their email below:
Week 5 Challenge: Fast from long showers and using the tumble dryer
We are over halfway through Lent. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
This week, we’re focusing on reducing our household energy consumption. Recent price rises have forced us all to take steps to cut our energy use, but many of us still take for granted the availability of plentiful electricity. So reducing electricity and gas consumption is good for the planet as well as our bank accounts. For those of us privileged enough to take electricity for granted, a fast reminds us that access to energy is an issue of climate and social justice. Water heaters and tumble dryers use a significant amount of energy. The average Briton showers for 7-9 minutes, with younger people showering for up to 25 minutes. This week, we are reducing the time spent showering, and cutting our tumble dryer use to save electricity (and/or gas).
The Challenge: Limit your showers to 5 minutes or less to reduce the hot water you consume. If a short shower sounds like a struggle, try turning off the water while putting on shampoo, conditioner and soap. If you shower every day, why not shower every other day? Meanwhile, air dry your clothes. Get hold of a clothes drying rack or think about installing an overhead airer. If you have space outside, put up a washing line if you don’t already have one. If you wash your clothes after just one wear, try airing it out and wearing it again before putting it in the wash.
Why? Currently around 60% of UK electricity comes from burning fossil fuels (the remaining 40% comes from renewables– solar, wind, biomass and hydropower; for those on renewable electricity tariffs this percentage will be higher). The more we can reduce energy demand by limiting the use of energy-intense appliances like water heaters and tumble dryers, the less fossil fuels and other energy sources we consume. Read more about line drying clothes at Consumer Reports’ “Tricks and Tips for Line-Drying Clothes” and head to the Energy Saving Trust for tips on reducing energy consumption at home.
Prayer
Almighty God who causes the sun to shine and the wind to blow, we are grateful for abundant free sources of energy. But we lament the inequity and harm caused by the fossil fuel industry and our consumerism and materialism.
When we feel cold this week, may we pray urgently for energy equity in our country and around the world. When we add another blanket to keep warm in our homes, may we give generously to charities supporting those in fuel poverty.
Bless the work of governments, businesses and agencies building and increasing access to renewable energy. Amen.
The Carbon Fast for Lent was created and is run by Climate Stewards.
This week’s challenge and prayer is quoted from their email below:
Week 4 Challenge: Fast from cheese, chocolate and coffee
We’ve completed two Carbon Fast challenges! This week is another hard one – sacrificing those high-carbon treats we love.
You might be surprised to learn that kg for kg, the total supply chain carbon footprint of cheese, chocolate, and coffee are all higher than pork or chicken. According to a recent study, dark chocolate is second only to beef in total supply chain emissions per unit of weight! [Supply chain emissions include everything from land use change, transport, processing and packaging.]
The Challenge: Fast from one or more of the delicious and satisfying treats that we often take for granted: cheese, chocolate, and coffee. If cutting out coffee completely is not feasible, reduce consumption to one cup a day.
Why? Two reasons: one, as stated above, the carbon footprint of cheese, coffee, and especially chocolate is significant. Secondly, climate change is having a significant impact on the coffee industry. Coffee trees are sensitive to temperature and precipitation changes. By 2050, half of land currently used for growing coffee is predicted to be unsuitable for production. Read more in this article.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for those experiencing famine and food insecurity due to extreme weather events which are exacerbated by climate change; droughts, floods, and hurricanes which damage crops, livestock, and livelihoods. We pray you will continue to provide as you do for the lilies of the field, as you promise in Scripture.
Thank you for your provision and generosity in our lives. We pray for all those working to use sustainable, organic methods of farming. We ask that you to inspire continued solutions and innovation in agroforestry and conservation agriculture and allow that knowledge to spread throughout the Earth so that we can sustainably provide for everyone. Amen.
The Carbon Fast for Lent was created and is run by Climate Stewards.
This week’s challenge and prayer is quoted from their email below:
Week 3: Fast from meat or dairy
Well done for completing the first Carbon Fast challenge! How did you find it? Comment below.
This week we dive into a challenge which may be familiar to many of us: reducing meat consumption for the health of the planet.
The Challenge: Fast from meat and fish. If you are already a vegetarian, fast from dairy products this week. If you are vegan, choose a favourite sweet treat to fast from this week. Choose delicious but basic meals, such as rice and beans with vegetables, dhal with naan or roti, vegetarian lasagne, or vegetable curry. Need a few recipe ideas? Check out BBC Good Food and Veganuary for easy recipes and inspiration. (Note: if you have health conditions or concerns, talk with your GP before changing your diet).
Why? Globally, livestock production accounts for 15% of all carbon emissions. We all need to eat much less meat and fish, and ensure that what we do eat is produced in a sustainable way. What we eat matters, and generally what is good for us is good for the planet. Beef is particularly bad; read more in this article.This is a complex issue and it’s important to point out that the carbon footprint of our food depends on how and where it is produced. The graphic above shows the ranges of carbon emissions for different foods.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you that we have more than enough to eat, and for the pleasure that eating brings. Help us to consider carefully the impact of our food choices on the planet. We pray for those near and far who are in food poverty, and for farmers and families around the world where climate change is causing floods, droughts and reducing yields. Give us wisdom and restraint as we seek to live more simply so that others may simply live. Amen.
The Carbon Fast for Lent was created and is run by Climate Stewards.
This week’s challenge and prayer is quoted from their email below:
Week 2: Fast from consumerism
We’ve completed one short week and fasted from consumerism.
This week, we continue the challenge of “Buying Nothing”!
The Challenge: Until 4th March, buy nothing unless you truly need it. Exceptions include food and necessities like toothpaste.
Climate Stewards’ board chair, David, is doing the Carbon Fast along with us and says this:
“As we get older I find I have done most of my consuming! I did my flying around when we didn’t realise how bad it was for the planet. I have now accumulated most of the things I want and find I am trying to dispose of a lot of stuff. In fact it gets quite difficult to think of something I would like for a birthday present. I think one of the biggest challenges is letting go of the accumulated wealth and “stuff” of a lifetime lived in a secure and prosperous country. Jesus tells us not store things up that are perishable but the challenge is to dispose of it in ways that are constructive and responsible. Rather than just throwing stuff “away” (there is no “away”) we need to take time to repurpose, recycle or just find a new owner for the accumulated possessions of a lifetime. So for those of us who have already acquired a lot, the challenge this week is to get rid of it responsibly. Time to go and rummage in the storeroom, garage, loft!”
If, like David, you find yourself thinking you already have enough (or too much) stuff, look at what you already own; can you find a new use or a new owner for it?
Why? Buying nothing for two weeks can open our eyes to how accustomed we are to fast fashion, next-day delivery, and the endless ways to consume material goods. Our collective societal appetite for new things drives wasteful practices and significantly contributes to climate change. Jesus was someone who lived with few possessions, focussing instead on receiving his joy and pleasure from God and community. Together, let’s turn our focus to gratitude for what we already have, while reducing our carbon emissions. Read more in this National Geographic article.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for your creativity, and for the vastness and complexity displayed in creation. We pray that you would renew our minds and reshape our hearts to care for the earth that you have so graciously and lovingly made. We confess we have failed as stewards of creation. We pray you would help us protect the ocean from further harm and restore what we have damaged. Bring innovative ideas to our minds to help creation heal and shift our focus from self-centeredness to the fruitfulness of all creation. Amen.
The Carbon Fast for Lent was created and is run by Climate Stewards.
This week’s challenge and prayer is quoted from their email below:
Week 1: Fast from consumerism
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the traditional 40-day Lenten fasting period leading up to Easter. Together we will embrace the discomfort of fasting from certain elements of a typical “Western” lifestyle. Some of these practices may be familiar to you because they coincide with lower carbon living. You may extend any fast through the entirety of Lent or even make it a part of your lifestyle beyond Easter. Each week will also feature a climate hope-related photo and accompanying prayer.
Since this week is shorter, we will observe our first Carbon Fast challenge for two weeks.
The Challenge: Until the 4th March, buy nothing unless you truly need it. Exceptions include food and necessities like toothpaste. If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing a “want” or a “need” ask yourself this series of questions before making a purchase:
Can I wait until the 4th March or after Easter to purchase this?
If not, can I borrow it from a friend or family member?
If not, is there a second-hand alternative I can find?
If not, can I find a responsible company selling an eco-friendly or fair trade version?
Why? Buying nothing for two weeks can open our eyes to how accustomed we are to fast fashion, next-day delivery, and the endless ways to consume material goods. Our collective societal appetite for new things drives wasteful practices and significantly contributes to climate change. Jesus was someone who lived with few possessions, focussing instead on receiving his joy and pleasure from God and community. Together, let’s turn our focus to gratitude for what we already have, while reducing our carbon emissions. Read more in this National Geographic article.
Prayer
Father in Heaven, we are thankful for clothes to keep us warm and express our creativity or personality. Thank you for your continued provision throughout our lives. Please empower us to be good stewards of the resources you have blessed us with, and help us give abundantly to help others. Give us the creativity to upcycle, repurpose, reuse, and repair our stuff. Help us to find new uses for the things you have already blessed us with, rather than continuing to consume. Bring us closer to you as the material status symbols of this world fade away and become less important to us. Amen.
The Carbon Fast for Lent was created and is run by Climate Stewards.
People across the country and all around the world are feeling the impacts of climate change and spiralling costs of living, but are united in wanting to see a safer, greener future.
The solutions are there. We need to support the people hardest hit across the world by the impacts of climate change. We need to protect and restore nature. And we need support to stop our homes wasting energy and to quickly move towards cheaper and cleaner renewables that bring down household bills and give us reliable, secure energy the nation can be proud of.
This February, people from all walks of life will use the power of green hearts to show decision makers that we want to see urgent action to tackle climate change, protect nature and bring down bills.
These problems can feel huge, but together we can create real and meaningful change. Start small – take action and #ShowTheLove for our planet.
The #showthelove website allows you to write to your MP, to create green hearts in different ways to share with friends and the community to show your support for the campaign, watch their video below for more ideas and get sharing and #showingthelove
