Christian Ecology Link has Local Groups (CEL)
How to start a Local Group
Download this page to print out:- local-group-briefing.doc
Jesus told his disciples to 'preach the good news to all creation' (Mark 16.15) - and Creation certainly needs good news today. Thankfully, more and more Christians are hearing God's call to care for the Earth, and seeking out others who are beginning to hear it too.
Such groups of ordinary people are vital signs of the kingdom for our times. As we know, they can transform the church and change the world. Several towns and churches already have Christian Ecology Link Groups.
This briefing paper explains how you can start a local group and plant a sign of hope in your community.
There is no charge for becoming a CEL group, though we would expect some of the organisers to be CEL members.
First steps
Have a chat with our Local Groups Contact. She can arrange for you to be sent some free leaflets and magazines.
Ask people you know who share the same ideas, whether they would be interested in starting a local Christian Ecology Link Group in your church or a group of churches.
Share your thoughts with your minister, priest or church leader and suggest writing a short article for the weekly church news-sheet or bulletin.
Leave leaflets and copies of our magazine Green Christian at the back of church
If you have a suitable opportunity, such as an outreach committee or women's fellowship, tell them about CEL and our campaigns particularly Operation Noah our Climate Change campaign and LOAF, our campaign for food that is L ocally produced, O rganically grown, A nimal friendly and F airly traded.
Another idea you could share with them is Eco-congregation, the churches environmental programme. This encourages churches and their members to make appropriate practical and spiritual responses and get an Award to show what the church has done.
Involving others
Once you have gathered a small group, and you have decided the sort of things you want to do, you could contact other Christian worship communities in your district, tell them about CEL and ask if they would be interested in belonging to a CEL group in your district.
Contact secular groups like Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, CPRE and various Wildlife trusts. Some of their members are Christians who might be interested in joining a green Christian group. They might also be able to help you arrange talks or field trips. Is there a Transition Town movement in your area? The CEL ecocell programme could be a useful way to engage local churches in transition thinking.
What a Local Group can do
No two local groups of CEL are the same, but here are some of the things you might consider.
- talks and visits
- use CEL's ecocell programme
- communal meals
- a litter pick at a local beauty spot
- a trip to an organic farm
- tree planting
- promote CEL and other Christian environmental campaigns
- help members make their churches more eco-friendly
- hold a service with a 'green' theme
- make church grounds wildlife-friendly
- hold a stall at local and regional events
- organise a session for writing letters to local MPs, newspapers etc. Make it special by offering Fairtrade tea and home made cakes to all who participate
- promote discussion on local environmental issues
- give talks to local church groups
- produce a newsletter - keep everyone informed of what is happening.
CEL can support you in the following ways
• supply posters, leaflets, and ChurchLink, a free newsletter for churches, which is produced once a year
• provide a speaker
• offer five addivional copies of each issue of Green Christian
• small projects grant scheme
To find out more contact the Local Groups Contact: Write to CEL Local Groups, Isobel Murdoch, Hopp House, Back Lane, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 4EU or phone 01790 763603.
CEL website: www.christian-ecology.org.uk
Visit the website to discover:-
• Details of CEL campaigns and conferences.
But most importantly , send us news of your events, activities, successes and stories. Events will be added to the What's On?' page. Send to webeditor@christian-ecology.org.uk Download this page to print out:- local-group-briefing.doc |
