25 MARCH pm A GUIDE FOR SCOTTISH ECO-CONGREGATIONS KEEP MOVING ON CLIMATE CHANGE. wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour #EarthHour

Transcription

1 25 MARCH pm A GUIDE FOR SCOTTISH ECO-CONGREGATIONS KEEP MOVING ON CLIMATE CHANGE wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour #EarthHour

2 Jon Linton/WWF Scotland Maverick Agency

3 WWF S EARTH HOUR IS THE WORLD S LARGEST CELEBRATION OF OUR BRILLIANT PLANET EARTH At 8.30pm on Saturday 25 March millions around the world will come together because they care about our future. The celebrations have grown each year, spreading round the world, with a record 178 countries taking part last year. We might not be able to see it changing with each passing hour, but the irreversible impacts of climate change are getting faster. We can t afford to let progress on fighting climate change slow down. Earth Hour is more than just one hour of darkness, it s our chance to be the difference that we need to protect our planet today and every day. It has engaged individuals, organisations and businesses all over the world in action on climate change. Across the UK, 85% of adults surveyed that participated in Earth Hour said that Earth Hour inspired them to do more to protect the planet. By signing up you send a message that your organisation supports action on climate change and is committed to protecting our brilliant planet. EARTH HOUR 8.30PM 25 MARCH 2017 This Earth Hour, it s time to keep moving on climate change. This Earth Hour it s the time we get together and do it for our planet. #earthhour

4 WHAT CAN LOCAL CONGREGATIONS DO FOR EARTH HOUR 2017? WWF s Earth Hour 2016 was another success, with over 178 countries worldwide taking part to show they care about the future of our planet. In Scotland thousands of people joined Earth Hour activities in every local authority area- from Orkney and Shetland to the Borders.Over 160 iconic landmarks switched off, including Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow City Chambers, Scottish Parliament, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Kelpies. These took their place alongside other international icons, such as the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Harbour Bridge and thirty-five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We want to build on this success. Dunscore Parish Church wrote a prayer for Earth Hour: Creator God, this earth is miraculous and beautiful. Forgive our confusion and inaction as we confront the challenges of climate change. In the light of your truth, seen so clearly in the life and teaching of Jesus, help us to re-examine ourselves and our lifestyle choices and see clearly the implications of how we live on all that sustains life on this earth. May we follow your leading in caring for every aspect of this precious world, which you made and love. Throughout history you have moved people to do amazing things for the sake of their neighbours. Inspire us now to work together, as your people, to change priorities in the way we live, so that we build a fair and safe world for all your creation; a world where your will is done as it is in heaven. Amen Your congregation can play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, increasing sustainability and engaging with your community. Switch off: register your involvement online at and turn off the lights in your own home for one hour on 25 March 2017 at 8.30pm. Encourage friends, family and colleagues to get involved too. Take part: WWF s Earth Hour is your chance to take action to protect our planet not just for an hour, but every day. There are many ways your congregation could take part: Hold a candlelit service for Earth Hour as Trinity Church Westhill did. Cults Eco Congregation also held a special service In Praise of Darkness Arrange for any lights in or on your church to switch off for Earth Hour Host a candlelit dinner party, like Carnoustie Panbride Church Run an Earth Hour event such as a cake bake off, an Earth Hour quiz or a wear it bright night, by digging out your brightest and most colourful clothes. Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church of Scotland organised a Chamber Choir Concert, the first half with lights, the second with no lights at all Plan a torchlight wildlife or stargazing walk to make the most of the hour of darkness Engage: spread the word and help demonstrate the support for action on climate change in your area by: Encouraging local community groups and other organisations to register and get involved Talking to local businesses and organisations to get the lights switched off on iconic or important buildings/structures in your area Make use of notice boards, newsletters and websites to engage members of the public and highlight your own support

5 A message from Eco-Congregation Scotland Eco-Congregation Scotland is an ecumenical movement helping local groups of Christians link environmental issues to their faith, reduce their environmental impact, and engage with the community. An hour of darkness. A moment of change. A brighter future. We provide: Eighteen local networks across Scotland where congregations can meet each other and share ideas. Written materials for study, worship and practical action. Regular newsletters to keep you informed on environmental issues. An annual meeting of eco-congregations from across Scotland. An environmental audit for your church. A web site full of useful information: An environmental chaplain who supports people to explore the theological and spiritual basis of care for creation. Links with other organisations. An awards scheme recognising achievement by local congregations. We would like all churches to take part in Earth Hour (you don t need to be an eco-congregation) as a sign to the wider community that care for creation matters. Climate change is a justice issue - our misuse of natural resources has a much greater effect on poor people in developing countries than on us. Even if your church buildings are usually closed on a Saturday evening, we d like you to consider holding a short, candlelit Earth Hour service. Over 130 churches in Scotland took part last year and we hope that many more will this year. By promoting your service through local newspapers, newsletters, posters etc, you can make connections with new people and local organisations. For ideas for services and other activities please visit this web page: Trinity Church Westhill

6 SUPPORT AND RESOURCES For up to date information and access to resources, visit wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour On these pages you will find: Links to the online sign-up page Links to useful resources Updates on what s happening in Scotland As WWF s Earth Hour approaches we ll also provide you with a form to report your activities on, newsletter and facebook text as well as tweets for you to use in your promotion work. Make sure you check out our own social media activity on #earthhour or on Facebook at We d like to work with your local authority to help you make Earth Hour 2017 a huge success in your area. Please contact us to find out more. Contact: WWF Scotland T: scotland@wwf.org.uk

7 100% EARTH HOUR ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN EVERY SCOTTISH LOCAL AUTHORITY AREA 160 ICONIC BUILDINGS SWITCHED OFF IN SCOTLAND EC0-CONGREGATIONS EARTH HOUR IN NUMBERS 917 SCHOOLS IN SCOTLAND PARTICIPATED LAST YEAR 60 EC0-CONGREGATIONS REGISTERED TO TAKE PART IN EARTH HOUR 2016 Earth Hour in Scotland is funded by players of People s Postcode Lottery WWF Scotland, The Tun, 4 Jackson s Entry, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ. T: E: scotland@wwf.org.uk Design: Claire MacDonald