We aim to embed care for creation into all aspects of our mission. We work with and share resources from many partners in the Diocese, the wider Church and Community.
Lights for Christ
As a part of the Diocesan Lights for Christ initiative, the Environmental Working Group has produced an introductory leaflet to help us to think about our personal responses and possible actions that we can take to help care for God’s creation.
View and download the Introduction to Environmental Pledges
A Rocha Eco Church
Responding to the climate crisis is an essential part of our responsibility to safeguard God’s creation. A growing number of our Churches are joining the Eco Church Scheme, which provides a programme for working towards a bronze, silver or gold Eco Church award.
Celebrating Creation
Creationtide is the period in the annual church calendar from 1st September to 4th October dedicated to God as Creator and Sustainer of all life. Known worldwide as Season of Creation, Christians of different denominations across the globe give thanks for God’s gift of creation, lament and repent of our actions that have damaged this gift, and renew our commitment to caring for our one planet home. Many churches hold special services and events at this time.
Church of England Creationtide Resources
Season of Creation website
Services dedicated to creation can be held at any time of year. There are a lot of resources online, including ‘A Time for Creation’ which is recommended for liturgy and resources for worship. Holding a Climate Sunday service is really good way to start.
Book – Time for Creation
Climate Sunday – Service Resources
Members and supporters of the Diocese of Sheffield’s Environment Working Group have produced some original resources to use in services.
2 Hymns to Celebrate Creation
Local Circle Prayers
Suggestions for Intercessions on Creation
Reflection on Beauty in Creation
Environment Prayers by Church of England Bishops: A collection of prayers originally published by the Church of England arranged with suggestions for use.
A More Sustainable Christmas
Catherine Fish, a member of Green Christian and contributor to the Theology Subgroup of the Diocesan Environment Working Group, shares her ideas for a more sustainable Advent and Christmas.
Sustainability and Justice at Christmas by Catherine Fish
Green Journey
We are promoting a scheme to encourage churches to switch to renewable energy and improve their energy efficiency. Could your church start its Green Journey? How you could be saving money and cutting your carbon footprint.
Find out more at greenjourney.org
Nature Recovery Sheffield and Rotherham
We’re proud to be a founding partner of these Nature Recovery alliances alongside Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Greenpeace, Sheffield Friends of the Earth, Sheffield Green Parents, Sheffield Climate Alliance, Kids Plant Trees and Owlthorpe Fields Action Group. The Diocese supported the call to declare nature emergencies in Sheffield and Rotherham and take action for nature’s recovery. Go to these links to declare a nature emergency as a church or individual, and find lots of resources and helpful information.
Nature Heroes – Nature Recovery Sheffield
Nature Recovery Sheffield
Nature Recovery Rotherham
South Yorkshire Climate Alliance (SCA)
SCA is an alliance of local organisations and individuals who are pressing for fair and effective action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. We are proud to be on the website as an ally and partner, and work together in events such as Great Big Green Week. Signing up for SCA mailings is a great way of keeping up to date with local events and information.
Find out more at southyorkshireclimatealliance.org.uk
Other Recommended Resources
Climate Emergency Toolkit
Guidance for Outdoor Worship
Doxecology – new songs of creation
Anglican Communion Environment Network