‘ON THE EDGE’ Youth Group at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Skipton, North Yorkshire is the first group in Yorkshire (and the second group in Britain) to achieve the Christian Ecology Link Millennium Certificate. It is the first Anglican group to receive the certificate.
The Certificate will be presented to the group of twelve 11 to 16 year olds on Sunday 6th September at the 9.45 am morning service by Dr Judith Allinson, international secretary for Christian Ecology Link. Revd Janice Sharp, the youth group leader and assistant curate at Holy Trinity, will preside at the service and the rector, Revd Adrian Botwright will preach.
To receive such a certificate a church group needs to carry out ten environmentally positive activities of their choice. Here are just three of the activities which the group organised. (The full list from their application form is included below)
Rev Janice Sharp, the Youth Group leader said: "It was wonderful to see the young people not only take an interest in ecology but also be willing and eager to take part in projects which promote the issue. They really care about the world in which they live and take its preservation seriously."
The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David J Smith in a message to be relayed at the service said "I would like to send all members of the group my warmest congratulations and very best wishes. This is a fine achievement and is a very important reminder to us all that ecological issues are at the top of the world agenda. We have the power to destroy this wonderful creation of God and we also have the power to help it to grow into something more splendid still. I hope the group will go from strength to strength."
If you are part of a church based group or church that would like to do something special for the Millennium, then contact Mr G Dent 01524 36241 to find out more about the Christian Ecology Link Millennium Certificate Challenge.
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Full list of events and activities of On the Edge Youth group for the CEL Millennium Certificate
1. Held sale of reusable goods, Jan/Feb 98: Blue Peter sales held in Refectory - collected and sold unwanted items
2. Supported Green Transport Week, 14/6/98: Raised awareness among congregation, walked to church
3. Supported a wildlife charity, 12/7/98: Fund-raised for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. (Held a town treasure hunt)
4. Inserted at least one energy efficient light bulb. Church uses energy efficient lighting system
5. Used fair trade goods. ‘Café Direct’ coffee in vestry
6. Used prayers for environmental concerns. These are incorporated where appropriate into intercessions
7. Used organic bread and wine or fruit juice. HoneyPot (the Friday church café) serves and promotes organic food and drink
8. Use recycled paper. Church Office uses this
9. Recycle used materials. Have system for re-using paper, envelopes and collecting stamps, postcards, paper and glass
10. Promotes eco-friendly consumer goods. Uses ‘Green Pages’ to encourage parents to buy eco-friendly goods
11. Learnt about animal welfare. Group visit to the local Vet’s practice