The Hawkes Bay Eco church gathering on Saturday 22nd February showed that there’s a whole lot of energy for the Creation Care Kaupapa in the Hawkes Bay! 35 people from 8 different churches gathered to hear from several speakers about conservation and the what/why/how of being an eco church, as well as share with each other the joys and challenges they’re experiencing as they take steps on their eco church journey.

Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to Te Taurapa – Southland to connect with churches and individuals passionate about creation care. It was a trip filled with deep conversations, theological reflections, and inspiring stories of churches living out their faith in practical ways. It was an incredible experience to talk about the care of creation while being surrounded by the beauty of God’s good creation. The setting of St Luke’s in the Bush reinforced the message that our faith must be deeply rooted in the land we inhabit.

I had the incredible privilege of being part of Festival One, which is a unique festival that celebrates faith, community, creativity and creation. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to lead two sessions titled “Eco Church – Why We Must.” Alongside these talks, I also led three reflective nature walks, inviting participants to step into creation with fresh eyes. We spent time in the bush, pausing to reflect on Romans 1:15 and considering how creation can reveal the heart of our Creator.

With over 1000 attendees from churches all over the country, it was a privilege to have the opportunity to hold an Eco Church workshop at the New Wine Festival held at Wairarapa College this January. Anna Baird and Steve Thawley from the Tribe Church in Masterton led the workshop with help from Eco Church Regional Coordinator Mo Morgan.

From August 29th to 31st, I had the pleasure of visiting Dunedin with Kristel van Houte, National Director of A Rocha Aotearoa, hosted by Selwyn Yeoman, convenor of A Rocha’s Dunedin local group. Our hope was to deepen connections with local churches working in the creation care space, and  to experience the creative ways they are embracing creation care as part of their mission.

I joined with a dozen or so other Eco Church champions for the first online Kaihāpai Kōrero last week. I have come to know that Eco Church sessions are always worth attending whether in person or online, as I get to meet others who are facing similar challenges to those I face and so get encouragement. I have also observed that they are meticulously organised with lots of short varied activities that hold my attention.

On June 22, 2024, The 40 Hour Challenge Good News Project, brought together A Rocha, Eco Church and World Vision in a collaborative effort to regenerate native bush at Spencer Park in partnership with Christchurch City Council. This event aimed to engage local youth groups and inspire young Christians to take part in practical environmental action, creating a space where participants could hear the Good News and actively be the Good News through environmental restoration.

Youth Groups from across Christchurch (including from many eco churches) came together as part of The Good News Project to spread joy, hope and mulch, and we couldn't be prouder! Over 100 young people joined the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust and Christchurch City Council to help to regenerate native bush at Te Ihutai. Check out this highlights video of the project!

In late September 2018, A Rocha partnered with South West Baptist, Cashmere Presbyterian and Grace Vineyard churches to run a weekend of events in Christchurch to explore these questions.

What’s the chance of getting 100 people out on a cold wintery Saturday night to talk about faith and looking after our planet?