As part of our care for creation, we have developed a nature trail.The trail can be downloaded from https://www.smso.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Nature-trail-1.pdf Our care for creation also includesRegular prayer and worship for God’s creation and our stewardship of the EarthWe are a Fair Trade Church and use eco-friendly products whenever possibleEncouraging re-use, recycling, repair and refurbishing in all aspects of our church and community lifeSupporting local flora and fauna through bird and hedgehog boxes, butterfly and bee feeding stations and planting bee-friendly plantsEngaging all ages of the church community in prayer walks, cycle rides and litter picksEncouraging engagement with nature through participation in initiatives such as the Great British Garden Bird Watch and the Big Butterfly CountWorking with other churches and local environmental groups to promote our care for God’s creation.
At our Morning Worship Service on Sunday 19th April (with tissues at the ready), we said a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to Alan and Jane Hulme who are retiring. After 6.5 years with us here, they will be sorely missed. As the Church Wardens said on behalf of the congregation, Alan and Jane have clearly and humbly shown us how to be Jesus Centred, God Dependant, Missionary Disciples and we have been personally enriched by their ministry.We had an incredibly generous response to the collection which we were able to present to them alongside a beautiful wooden plaque. We wish them a blessed and restful start to their retirement.
We have just become the second church in this diocese and the 108th nationally to be awarded anA Rocha Gold Eco Church Award.Our main buildings are operating at carbon zero thanks to our heat pumps, but the external auditors also assessed us under the categories of our:Worship and teachingBuildings and energyLand and natureCommunity and global engagementLifestyle.“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world.” Psalm 8:6The citation from A Rocha included the following: 'This is a really impressive church, where the care of creation is thoroughly embedded in all aspects of church life. It is clear that much has changed even since their application was submitted, as the eco team continues to challenge itself to continue their journey.' The reports and presentations can be viewed at www.smso.org.uk/eco-church. You may be surprised to read how much has happened.
