MK Eco Church Network – November 2025 Update

Events

1. COP30 – Monday 10th – Friday 21st November, Belem, Brazil. As the negotiations reach their final stage at the COP30 in Belem, Brazil, A Rocha has invited Christians to pray: “that the decisions made in Belém will reflect wise stewardship, justice, and hope for creation. We pray that policy makers and world leaders will be moved and act to protect God’s beautiful creation”.

2. Milton Keynes Parks Trust Community Litter Pick - Wednesday 17th December at 10.30 at Shenley Wood.  For details see: https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/?Event+Category=Volunteering

3. A Milton Keynes Nature Evening will be held on Tuesday 25th November 2025 between 6.30pm - 8.30pm at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, organised by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wild Trust (BBOWT). The event will be evening of community joy, learning and networking! A flier is attached. To register, please click on this link Milton Keynes Nature Evening - Cornerstone Church, Tuesday 25 November | Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust

4. Buy Nothing Day! Friday 28 November this year is a chance to make a difference by doing nothing! Buy Nothing Day is an antidote to the materialism of “Black Friday”. 

Advocacy

Recent research by the University of Oxford indicated that although 70% of the British public say they are concerned about climate change, politicians estimate this to be significantly lower – at 37%. The only way to change this perception is to speak up.

Here are three topics to write to your MP about this winter: 

1. Backing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill - The Wildlife Trusts share information. 

2. Use the postcode checker to see whether your MP is attending the National Emergency Briefing about the climate and nature crisis which will be held in Westminster on 27 November and, if not, ask them to go:

https://www.nebriefing.org/  The event, which will have some excellent speakers, is targeted at MPs and Members of the House of Lords and is by invitation.

3. Ask your MP to support a new law on business, human rights and the environment, which is being led by Good Business Matters.

Resources

1. Incarnation - Advent course
Written by the Revd Dr Mike Perry of Salisbury Diocese for either personal devotion or group work. An Advent course reflecting on the Incarnation and how a deeper understanding of this links to our theology of Creation Care is now available EcoHub.

2. Make Christmas greener, one day at a time - A Rocha publicising a new book!

Purchase here with code

3.  New infra-red heating system helps village church with missional heart provide a warm welcome. St Andrew’s, Oakington have a simple vision for their church; “Our call is to be a powerhouse.” But in order to be a strong presence in their community, the church needed a more reliable heating system, leading to whole sections of the church being cold. Now, the new infra-red panel heaters on the back of the pews, as well as some wall heaters and heat curtain, keep all who come through their doors toasty warm and will hopefully lead to lower bills. Read more…

Funding opportunities

1.   Information about 2 funding opportunities has been provided by the Oxford Diocese Environmental Programme

• For churches planning large projects, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, are particularly encouraging applications from places of worship over the next couple of years.

• The Heritage Fund holds dedicated Places of Worship webinars and the next one, from the London and South Engagement Team, is on Wednesday 3 December at 2pm. Book a place via carolina.guerzoni@heritagefund.org.uk

Webinars

1.  Church Buildings – Ask us anything: Heating themed surgery. Monday 1st December 10-11am you’re invited to join an online drop-in session to ask the Church Buildings Team, in the Oxford Diocese, anything heating-related which you’d find helpful. Please email: churchbuildings@oxford.anglican.org to receive the joining link.

2.  Did you miss the ‘All About Solar Panels’ webinar? Sophie Hammond, Church Buildings Officer, gave a webinar covering everything you ever needed to know about solar panels and you can watch the recording. Watch it back,

Course

1.  Carbon Literacy for Congregations: This course is aimed at small groups and home  groups, who want to work together to better understand carbon and climate change. No previous Carbon Literacy accreditation is required for those leading the course in their small group. Here is what you need to do:

1. Book your place on a 90-minute ‘delivering successful carbon literacy’ course
2. Email faith@carbonliteracy.com to request the free course materials
3. Deliver the course over five sessions, or as suits your small group
4. Optional payment of £15 for individuals who participate and want to receive accreditation. This is paid to the diocese, which then sends payments on to the Carbon Literacy Project.

For further info, a recording of the course launch webinar is here.