Caring For Creation

We believe creation care is an act of discipleship

We learn in the Bible that the Earth is the Lord’s and that all things were created through and for Jesus. Because creation is a means of God’s revelation to us (Roman 1.18), we are stewards of the Earth, summoned by God to ‘work it and take care of it’ (Genesis 2:15).

Together, we want to lead by example in the way that we manage our buildings and resources, also inspiring others as individuals and communities to do the same. 

We’ve recently achieved the Silver Award for the A Rocha EcoChurch scheme in partnership with the Diocese of Gloucester.

There are many things that we are already doing, and want to build on.

We are committed to:

Progressively making all our buildings more sustainable

  • measure our carbon footprint annually, 

  • use green energy suppliers where feasible, 

  • recycle our papers and paper cups, 

  • have solar panels on a now much better insulated church roof 

  • are always looking out for grants to carry on our buildings’ transformation!

Including consideration and mitigations for the risks our activities might pose to the environment.

We want to see more people walking and cycling to our events, sharing lifts, volunteering to wash up cups rather than using disposable ones, and offsetting carbons when it is not possible to eliminate it completely. Needless to say that ‘Care for Creation’ is a standing agenda item on all our PCC meetings.

Sourcing our food products locally and our partnership with local food outlets.

Big shout-outs to SOHO Coffee Co., Pret a Manger, Morrisons, Greggs and others who have so generously donated perishable and long-life food items to our Transform ministries throughout the years, and are continuing to do so.

Joining in with others!

Did you know all our 24 toilet cubicles are twinned through TearFund’s Flushing Away Poverty Program? We’ve had some brilliant speakers from TearFund in the past and other environmental charities sharing their heart for God’s world - and we look forward to having more.

Inviting and inspiring through our communication channels.

Promoting local green events and initiatives through our social media and newsletter, joining other local churches in their creation care discipleship journey (or grant applications!)

But we won’t stop there!

As we upgrade our buildings over the next decade, we will choose to select green materials wherever possible and look at suppliers ‘green’ credentials. You’ll also notice bird boxes appearing on our trees as well as paved courtyards & parking giving room to greener areas.

Want to Get Involved?

  • We love to hear from people passionate about making a difference, whether you have gardening talents, keen to run a litter picking party, or have expertise in building decarbonisation. Get in touch with Marion to find out more.

  • creationcare.org.uk

    St Paul’s Church, Guildford have designed a questionnaire to help households work out how to better care for God's creation. It helps your household to look at seven areas of your life, to see where you’re doing well, and give ideas for action to care for God's creation. We’d love to hear how you are doing!

    Short introduction to the Creation Care awards

  • www.toilettwinning.org/

    Toilet Twinning – an introduction - WATCH HERE

  • www.recyclenow.com/

    Three concepts that promote sustainable living. If you’re not sure what recycling symbols mean and where your nearest recycling location is, head to this website!

  • gloucester.anglican.org/2023/blog-from-christian-climate-actions-the-big-one/

    Cate Williams (Gloucestershire Diocese Environmental Engagement Officer) shares about some nationwide campaigns you can be part of after attending the Christian Climate Action’s London demonstration on Friday 21st April 2023.

Local Green Initiatives:

  • www.cheltenhamzero.org/

    A wide-ranging partnership of local organisations – private sector, public sector, charities and community groups – working together to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in Cheltenham by 2030.

  • www.cyclecheltenham.org.uk/wp/

    led by Chris Chiswell, member of Trinity

  • www.vision21.org.uk/

    A not-for-profit with a vision to make Gloucestershire more sustainable. Their aim is to provide local opportunities for people to engage in environmental activities, to educate and encourage the public and for businesses and local authorities to become more sustainable.

  • foodloose.co.uk/

    A refill shop 10 min walk away from Trinity! It is ran by volunteers, with a focus on organic and sustainable produce. Bring your containers (or a paper bag on us)

Videos / In The Media

Get in touch

Do you have a heart for God’s world and fighting climate change? Any suggestions, ideas for us that you’d like to talk to someone about?

Marion David
Operations Manager
hello@trinitycheltenham.com