Creation Care
Sheldon Road Church is committed to do all we can to care for God’s Creation in our worship, lifestyle and engagement with our community. We include this commitment in our church vision: Caring for the whole of God’s creation so that it thrives now and into future generations. We are part of A Rocha UK’s Eco Church programme, and we are currently working towards the Gold Award.
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March 2026 |
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Living Lightly 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. |
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Scrapstore award: The Scrapstore has just received a beautiful crystal award from the King’s Award for Voluntary Service scheme. It comes with a certificate signed by the King, and both will shortly be on display at the store on the Griffin Estate, Bowden. If you need an excuse to go there, they do good coffee…. And our oak trees to celebrate the 125 years anniversary of the church will be planted near by soon, on Bewley Common! |
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Laundry against Landfill: Wash wisely, wash less, wash better - Our combined laundry bill is being picked up by the planet and we can do better by doing it more wisely, less and better. Wisely: less often not only extends the life of your laundry, but also it uses less energy because you’re running your washing machine less often. It causes less microplastics to wash into the sea as they’re released by the friction in washing machine and tumble dryers. Less: Does each item of clothing in your laundry basket actually need cleaning? Can you spot wash a small stain off with a damp cloth instead? Freshen up a dress or jacket by hanging it in a shower and let the steam do the work for you. Would your clothes need washing less if you hung them up rather than left them on the floor….? Better: Wash at 30 degrees: A 10 degree turn down from 40 degrees saves 60% of energy consumed (according to the Energy Saving Trust). Switch to a renewable energy supplier; It takes 2 minutes and is one of the most effective ways of reducing your emissions at home. Don’t tumble dry your clothes: It releases more microplastics, is expensive in terms of energy and wears out your clothes more quickly. Handwash delicates so you’re not running a washing machine on nearly empty. You’ll be helping to make the items last longer too. |
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Bats: Gareth Harris of Wiltshire Bat Group will give a talk on the incredible bats in our county - from widespread species to important populations of rarer bats such as Greater horseshoe bats, Bechstein’s bats and Barbastelle bats. Join us to learn more about the important Wiltshire landscapes that support them - from Lackham to the New Forest - and the surprising ways that land uses support our amazing nocturnal wildlife! The talk takes place in Chippenham Town Hall on 13 March, doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. This event is free of charge and has been organised in partnership with Wiltshire Bat Group, Rooted Chippenham and the Town Council as part of the Environmental Forum. Donations are accepted to support the work of Wiltshire Bat Group and Rooted Chippenham.
PLUS! Every attendee can get:
- Free wildflower seeds thanks to the Town Council as part of the Environmental Forum!
- Free native tree saplings thanks to Rooted Chippenham Community Tree Nursery!
- Priority booking for the free-to-attend Rooted Chippenham bat walks this Spring
Book your tickets now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rootedchippenham/2052768 |
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Climate Steward’s Carbon Fast: Lent is a time when Christians traditionally fast and focus on God. The Carbon Fast will help you consider ways to live more simply, give you new ideas to cut your carbon footprint and invite you to focus on God and consider the whole of his creation. Beginning on 18th Feb, you’ll receive a weekly email containing key facts, suggestions for how you could reduce your carbon footprint and a prayer to lead you through this Lenten season. Each week features a different theme designed to help us take climate action in manageable ways that bear witness to a God who has promised to restore all of His creation. Find out more and sign up at: climatestewards.org/resources/carbon-fast-for-lent/ |