MBC and the Environment

We  acknowledge God as the creator of the universe, the earth and all life within it.  We believe the natural world to be a foundational resource for our Christian faith.  We recognise our responsibility to take an active concern for the environment individually and collectively; through our spiritual worship; through our teaching and discipleship; through our stewardship and service and through the promotion of justice and generosity within our sphere of influence.

 These values should be reflected within:
 

1. Our Worship Together – we need to praise and thank God for all his provision within creation; we need to confess when we damage and dishonour his gifts to us and we need to pray for healing of the created world and all who live in it.
2. Our Theology, teaching and discipleship (Theory) – We will ensure that the preaching, teaching and discipleship within the church will promote awareness and action towards the natural context of our faith for all ages and abilities.
3. Our personal lifestyle (Practice) – We will endeavour to put our beliefs into practice in the way we live and also  be part of the way we witness to those around us.  This could include for example reducing our carbon footprint, recycling of goods, eating a healthier diet, reducing our energy use, taking part in or initiating community environmental activities and enjoying the outdoors.
4. Our care of the Church Building – we recognise we need to exercise good stewardship in relation to the church building.  We need to consider how we conserve and use energy; how we repair and maintain the premises; and how we reduce the church’s impact on the environment.
5. Our Financial Management and Purchasing – we will consider all our financial transactions in the light of our concern for God’s world.  This should include where we bank and save our capital. It should inform our discussions each year when we agree a budget. We will try and buy products that are environmentally friendly and buy recycled or second-hand products where possible.  We will also try and prioritise the use of local suppliers and fair trade products.  We will endeavour to improve our sharing of common goods eg. tools, skills, car shares etc.
6. Our Garden and Land –  we will seek to review our use of the outside ground under our stewardship and promote good maintenance, order, beauty, and wildlife where appropriate.
7. Our Community Outreach and Mission – we should consider how we can improve the Matson neighbourhood as part of our giving, mission and outreach.  This could include our links with TIM, the Matson and Robinswood Community Partnership, GL Communities, the local schools and other environmental groups (eg. food production, clean-ups,  and political advocacy events).
8. Our Overseas concerns – when reviewing our prayer and financial support of our missionaries and overseas development we should consider supporting Christian development work, fair-trade organisations, conservation and environmental charities as part of our wider outreach.