Thought for the Week 20 September 2026

In the Season of Creation, we reflect on our mandate from Genesis 2:15 : “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it”. Caring for creation can include advocating for government level changes that can have a significant impact on our collective footprint. It can also include more localised actions from community groups and individuals which can have a multiplier effect if enough people get on board. As a church we have two projects underway which will have a small but significant local effect.

The first is the installation of double-glazed windows in our church offices, due to be done on Monday. This will make the offices warmer and more efficient to heat and cool (as I write this there is a stiff southerly wind leaking thought the existing steel framed single glazed windows).

The second project will have a greater impact; Parish Council have approved theinstallation of a 23kwh PV solar system on the roof of St Stephens. A generous donation was received which will cover 2/3 of the cost of this project. This will generate more power than we use so will reduce our power bill significantly and provide an income stream for the parish. Work is expected to commence later in the year.  Extra supply in the grid means the hydro lakes can stay higher and there is less dependence upon fossil fuel driven peaker systems. We hope in time to do a similar project on the roof of the Trinity Centre.

A huge thank you to all who contributed to the plant and bake sale. Special mention goes to Max Muldrew and Jim Garden who drove this event. But without the contributions of plants, baking and person power on the day, this would not have been possible.

Nga mihi nui, Brent