Day 15 - Are you sitting comfortably?

I like to keep informed of what’s happening in the church, news that otherwise might escape my attention. News about the local, national and international faith family. There are some headlines that fascinate me, stories that make me think further on specific issues and there’s always one or two good stories about what was found in a bag of rummage at a church jumble sale or something similar!

Just recently the following headline caught my attention: Church of England considers flower ban to turn the tide on climate change

I thought wow! That’s a drastic step and something of a surprise! However, as I read through the article I discovered that they weren’t advocating the wholesale prohibition of floral displays in church, just one particular kind. The General Synod of the Church of England is currently considering whether or not to ban foam from funeral and wedding flowers, instead asking relatives and well-wishers to use pebbles, sand or moss to form the foundation of their bouquets.

I’ve taken many a funeral where GRANDMA or BROTHER, or the person’s name is spelt out in individual floral letters, all of which have used foam and plastic to create the display. I’ve also had football crests, bottles of beer, even animals as funeral tributes, all of which use a similar foam/plastic construction. Whilst I have no issue with how a family wish to remember their loved one the floral foam is damaging to the environment, it isn't biodegradable and this has prompted the General Synod to consider a blanket ban on the material.

As part of the same debate the General Synod is also set to vote on plans to make it easier for their churches to install comfortable materials on wooden pews, meaning there could soon be more cushions, kneelers and rugs in parish churches across the country. Soft furnishings retain more heat and help towards insulation in draughty buildings so would help the C of E towards achieving its environmental target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

I found both these stories very interesting. There are many church buildings up and down the country – including Congregational ones - which struggle with eco challenges. And these are the types of challenges we need to face and find answers to. For we are called to be good stewards, with our buildings and facilities, with our time and possessions. These issues are often reinforced by the beauty and majesty of the scriptures, where the focus on God’s creation reminds us of the challenges we face.

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.

May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made! I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.

Psalm 104:24,25,31,33,34

Gracious God,

Help me each day to seek your presence more and more.

Fill my heart with love for you and your creation.

Amen.

Neil Chappell