In Rochdale, schoolchildren are leading the way in encouraging local Christians to make changes that help the environment. The children come together to attend 'Watch Our World (WOW)' meetings that enable them to share their eco-message and guidance with local Christians. The children look within their own homes at the changes that can be made to move towards reaching ‘Net Zero’ by 2030. This all fits within the fifth Mark of Mission of caring for God’s great creation.
Upcoming meetings will concentrate on Christmas recycling such as trees, paper etc.
At a recent event at St Peter’s Primary School, Rochdale, the Bishop of Middleton, the Rt Revd Mark Davies, welcomed St James, Milnrow Parish pupils, Alannah and Reed to the Council alongside Elisa from St Peter’s Primary School. They joined the existing members Monroe, Elodie and Fleur from St John’s Primary School, Thornham and Hassan.
The Bishop blessed olive wood crosses and Angel figures for the council and welcomed their new mentor member to the council, Loretta Leung who has recently joined the diocese as the Children’s Growing Faith Deanery Worker for Rochdale.
After the commissioning, Bishop Mark and representatives from the diocese were invited to tour St. Peter’s school grounds where they found an amazing space with woodland walks, a pond where the children searched and discovered a newt, fruit and vegetable gardens, and a fantastic activity area. Bishop Mark invited them to a race back, which he didn’t win!
We look forward to seeing the further amazing work that this council will achieve over the next year. The children created this film to share with their Deanery Synod, with the aim of inspiring and encouraging Synod members to make changes in their church yards and homes.