February is LGBT+ History Month, a time to reflect on the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of the LGBT+ community throughout history.At St Hilda’s, we are proud to be part of the Inclusive Church network, a church that welcomes everyone, regardless of sexuality, gender identity, disability, mental health, ethnicity, or economic background. Being an Inclusive Church means more than just open doors, it means actively affirming and celebrating diversity as a reflection of God’s love for all.LGBT+ History Month reminds us why this work matters. The church has not always been a safe or welcoming place for LGBT+ people, but we believe in building a future where all can worship, serve, and belong without fear or exclusion.St Hilda, a remarkable leader in the early church, modelled the values of inclusion and hospitality. As the Abbess of Whitby, she welcomed people from all backgrounds and traditions, fostering a community where wisdom, learning, and faith could flourish together. Inspired by her example, we strive to be a church where everyone is valued, loved, and able to thrive.This month, we honour those who have fought for inclusion and commit ourselves to being a community of love, justice, and hospitality.
February is often a time when our thoughts turn to the hope of warmer weather and the possibility of a summer holiday. For some, this might mean planning a trip abroad, while for others they prefer to stay closer to home, it could simply be a few days away in the UK. Many already holiday locally or enjoy time in nature without the need to travel far.Whatever a holiday looks like for you, A Rocha encourages us to consider how our plans can reflect care for creation. The way we travel, where we stay, and the choices we make along the way all have an impact on the natural world. But this isn’t about guilt, it’s about awareness and making thoughtful decisions where possible.If you’re in a position to make small, greener changes, here are a few ideas:Consider alternative transport – If you're travelling within the UK, could a train journey replace a long car trip? If flying abroad, choosing direct flights and offsetting carbon emissions can help reduce environmental impact.Choose eco-conscious accommodation – Many places now prioritise sustainability, from small B&Bs using renewable energy to hotels with responsible tourism policies. Staying somewhere that cares for the environment can be a simple way to make a difference.Support local economies – Whether at home or abroad, opting for locally owned businesses—cafés, shops, and guesthouses—helps communities thrive and often reduces the carbon footprint of imported goods.Enjoy nature responsibly – Whether it’s a countryside walk, a beach holiday, or a city break, we can all take simple steps to respect the environment—sticking to marked paths, avoiding single-use plastics, and leaving places as we found them.Of course, for some, international travel is a rare and treasured opportunity to visit family, experience new cultures, or simply find much-needed rest. If you do choose to fly, there’s no need to feel guilty—many people are already making sustainable choices in other areas of life. The key is not perfection, but thoughtfulness: making the best choices we can, given our own circumstances.Wherever and however you take a break this year, it’s possible to do so in a way that honours God’s creation. By considering small changes, we can ensure that our time away refreshes us while also treading lightly on the world around us.
Our first parish litter pick was a great success! In just an hour on Thimblemill Road, our team of six managed to collect five bags of rubbish.James, our Parish Environmental Contact, reflected on the morning, saying:“It was a fantastic opportunity to give back to our community—keeping our local area clean, getting some fresh air and exercise, and enjoying good company along the way. One thing that stood out was the sheer number of cigarette butts we collected. They may be small, but they pose a major environmental problem. Their filters contain non-biodegradable plastic, which lingers for years, polluting our streets, parks, and waterways, and poses a real threat to wildlife.”We plan to meet three times a year, gradually working our way along the parish boundary. Our next meet up will be on 12th June as part of the Great Big Green Week—everyone is welcome to join us!
The Eco Group is pleased to announce a new initiative to support the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) by collecting used postage stamps. This simple yet effective way of fundraising helps raise essential funds for people living with sight loss.A collection box has been placed on the window ledge in the inner church porch, where members of the congregation and the wider community can drop off their used stamps. The church is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9:30am and 5pm and the box will be available while the church is open for regular services. Alternatively, they can be handed directly to David Ellis after a service.To ensure the stamps are usable for fundraising, donors are kindly asked to trim each stamp with approximately one centimetre of paper from the envelope around the edge. Both British and overseas stamps are welcome, but large gold Post Office printed labels and pre-printed postage marks cannot be accepted.Once collected, the RNIB will sell the donated stamps to generate much-needed funds that help support people with visual impairments. The money raised contributes to vital services such as accessible reading materials, technology support, and practical guidance for those affected by sight loss.This initiative is an easy way to make a difference while recycling items that would otherwise be discarded. By donating your used stamps, you are directly contributing to a more inclusive world for those with sight loss.For more information, please reach out to a member of the Eco Group or speak to David Ellis. Thank you for your support!
