Worship outside and rediscover God through his creation – to worship, pray, reflect and care for creation.

When we move beyond the walls of our buildings and shake up our routines, we leave ourselves beautifully interruptible for a God who is always talking. A towering tree, a muddy trail bursting with wildflowers, or the joy of a child exploring God’s creation – each moment can be a holy encounter.
 

Worship shapes us – it helps us understand who God is and how we are to live as followers. Creation care has often been missing or under-served in our thinking about worship, discipleship and mission. This has left us with an incomplete picture of who God is.

The climate and biodiversity crises provide even more urgency to take action, but this isn’t a new thing. The Bible is full of references to God’s plan to redeem and reconcile all of creation. 

Giving regular focus to the importance of caring for creation can help us all to understand more about the fullness of God’s nature and purpose. 

It can help shape each of us more into disciples who can reflect the nature of God as creator and sustainer.

It can help show others that God cares about things that we care about, and that church is a place where we can pursue our passion for the environment.

We have provided a selection of ideas that can be used once or regularly.

The ideas are grouped into themes and types so you can easily find the songs, prayers and creative ideas you need for different parts of a service.

It’s important to provide space for a broad range of engagement, as they are all important. Here are opportunities for praise, lament, repentance and action.

There are a lot more ideas out there – if you find anything that is useful in your context, please let us know via the link at the bottom of the page so we can share these with others who may find it helpful.

These schemes will help you to take stock of where you are at on environmental issues, and highlight where to focus your attention next. Each scheme will help you express your care for God's world through your worship and teaching; the practical impact of your church building and land; how you engage with your local community and in global campaigns; and in the personal lifestyles of your congregation.

While similar in their focus, the schemes vary depending on what part of the territory you are in:

• Eco Church – England & Wales
• Eco Congregation Ireland
• Eco Congregation Scotland