As part of our commitment to caring for creation across our whole lives in partnership with the ARocha Eco church scheme, we are encouraging everyone to seek to be a little greener this Christmas. The most obvious thing might be to buy something second hand, or buy a locally grown Christmas tree you can plant out after Christmas and use each year, or offset the carbon created from the meals you might eat out. We write one Christmas card per church, where everyone writes a message on one recycled card and then share it with each of our congregations. Here are lots of other suggestions to be dreaming of a green Christmas...The 12 Days of a Green(er) ChristmasOn the first day of ChristmasBuy a real Christmas tree from a sustainable source. After Christmas plant it, or take it to a local recycling centreOn the second day of ChristmasIf you need some new Christmas lights or electrical goods don’t bin the old ones, donate them or take them to your local recycling centre. On the third day of ChristmasBuy recycled Christmas cards, send an e-card or make your own. On the fourth day of ChristmasThere’s nothing worse than smiling a grateful thanks for a present you don’t really want, so give consumable presents, buy a membership or an experience day or go for a luxury meal and/or the theatre.On the fifth day of ChristmasAre you buying presents that use batteries? If so, why not add recycled batteries and a charger?On the sixth day of ChristmasWhen shopping use your LOAF(Local ———————– Organic ———————– Animal friendly ———————– Fairtrade)On the seventh day of ChristmasBuy eco-crackers or, in the best Blue Peter tradition, make your own. all you need is a few toilet tube rolls, newspaper and some small gifts people might actually want.On the eighth day of ChristmasGo for a walk, decorate a tree for wildlife (suet balls etc), but make sure it’s where the birds can see the cat coming, or use twigs to create a 5 pointed star and find other natural things to decorate it with.On the ninth day of ChristmasUse the wrapping paper recycling test: scrunch it up into a ball, if it stays in shape you can recycle it. Alternatively use magazine articles the recipient will enjoy reading and they get two presents for the price of one.On the tenth day of ChristmasWhere possible freeze leftovers rather than binning them.On the eleventh day of ChristmasHad time to read all those magazines you subscribe to over the festive period? Why not pass them on to a friend?On the twelfth day of ChristmasMake a New Year’s Resolution to get in touch with the seasons and/or seek out local adventures. Or simply make your own eco-resolution (and keep to it!) Jean BurrowsHutton and Shenfield Union ChurchA Rocha UKCons
We were encouraged to wear pink for the Living Waters and communion services on Sunday 20th October in support of the breast cancer awareness campaign organised by, wait for it..... BRA!The Bawtry Retail Association raised over £11, 000 over the month to support research into breast cancer treatment and St Nicholas church raised £110. 00 on the Sunday, praying special themed prayers and getting into the spirit of fun for this serious and important work. Ross Jarvie from BRA wore a pink kilt, but our churchwarden Chris was not to be outdone....check out the photo!
A varied group of runners, led by Jacob Tyers, a curate, and Gary Pitt from the central comms team, ran 120km over the whole week, stopping to pray in 24 churches over the week and share stories of encouragement about people meeting and being changed by encounter with Jesus. They started at St John the Baptist Church in Misson, supercharged for the run ahead by Janet's flapjack, and praying for the needs of both the local church and the wider community. Bishop Paul Williams also joined the runners for the first leg, and sent them off to their next stop in Bawtry at our very own St Nicholas church. Jacob and Gary were greeted by the River Idle Bellringing team, which spurred them on once they had prayed with a small group awaiting them. For the full story of this amazing pilgrimage of prayer, see: https://southwell.anglican.org/news/
What began in 2023 as our response to the cost of living crisis is now a much loved feature of our church's life. We serve homemade soup and rolls, (gluten free always available), cake and as much tea and coffee as you can drink, plus book swap and jigsaws. There's always good conversation and a place to feel welcome, make friends and be supported. So come and see us from the 14th October - every Monday from 11.30am-1pm in the church hall in Bawtry.
