The Environmental Projects team are delighted to announce that Margaret Ainger has taken on the voluntary role of Diocesan Eco Church Champion, supporting registered Eco Churches across the Diocese.
Margaret has vast experience as the Eco lead at St Mark’s Broomhill and Broomhall. In June 2023, St. Mark’s became the first church in the Diocese to gain a Gold Eco Church award. Working alongside Diocesan Environment Officer Cathy Rhodes and the Environmental Projects Team, Margaret is now using her knowledge and experience to provide advice and support to other churches as they register and work towards awards on the A Rocha Eco Church Scheme. Margaret will also be working with the team to empower others in the Diocese to take on the role of championing Eco Churches in their local area.
Dr Cathy Rhodes, Diocesan Environment Officer, said:
“We are so blessed that Margaret has volunteered to join the team. We are really looking forward to working together over the next couple of years towards our Silver Eco Diocese Award. It’s exciting to see the number of Eco Churches and awards growing steadily throughout our Diocese as we commit to caring together for God’s Creation.”
Margaret Ainger said:
“I am delighted to be joining the Diocesan team to promote and support Eco churches in whatever way I can. I have had a lot of fun, encouragement and friendship working on the programme at St Mark’s and would like to share the benefits and opportunities it offers with others.”
Eco Church continues to grow in the Diocese of Sheffield and 8 churches have received Bronze awards since October 2023. There are now 64 registered Eco Churches with 36 awards- 27 Bronze awards, 8 silver and 1 gold. To find out more please see https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/
If you would like to contact Margaret to discuss Eco Church, you can do so via the main contact address for the environmental projects team- environment.admin@sheffield.anglican.org