The Heart of Norfolk benefice recently hosted a highly successful Eco Fair and Creation Care Sunday service, which drew in over 125 people to St Mary’s Church in North Elmham. The event, held on a scorching hot weekend in mid-June, was a culmination of the benefice’s efforts to raise awareness about the importance of caring for God’s creation. The Rector, Revd Sally Kimmis, reflected on the journey that led to this milestone, highlighting the pivotal role of a group service held last year, where Dave Appleton spoke about the “Towards net Zero” conference and the need for Christians to take action in protecting the environment. This sparked the idea of hosting an Eco-Fair, which would provide a platform to engage the wider community and demonstrate the Church’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
The Eco-Fair was a resounding success, with a diverse range of environmental groups, wildlife organizations, and exhibitors showcasing their work and passion for recycling, upcycling, and reusing materials. The event also featured exhibits from local schools, including the two Church of England primary schools in the benefice, North Elmham and Stibbard, which are federated as The Flourish Foundation. The students’ creative models, made from recycled materials, impressed visitors with their ingenuity and imagination. The feedback from exhibitors and visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their enthusiasm for the event and the prospect of future Eco-related activities. The success of the Eco-Fair is a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of working together to address the pressing issues of our time.
The Heart of Norfolk benefice, which comprises churches in 12 villages, including Bawdeswell, Bintree, Foulsham, and Guist, among others, has been actively working towards promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. The Eco-Fair was a significant step in this direction, providing a platform for people to come together, share ideas, and learn from each other. The event was also an opportunity for the Church to demonstrate its commitment to caring for God’s creation and to encourage others to join in this endeavor. As Revd Sally Kimmis noted, the idea of hosting an Eco-Fair was born out of a desire to engage the wider community and to show that the Church takes the climate crisis seriously. The success of the event is a clear indication that this message resonated with the community, and it is hoped that it will inspire others to take action in protecting the environment.
The Eco-Fair and Creation Care Sunday service were also attended by Bishop Graham, who is the lead bishop for the environment. His presence served as a reminder of the Church’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis and promoting environmental sustainability. The event also highlighted the importance of intergenerational engagement, with local schools and community groups coming together to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. The students’ exhibits and presentations demonstrated that even the youngest members of the community can make a significant contribution to promoting environmental sustainability. As the Church continues to grapple with the challenges of the climate crisis, events like the Eco-Fair serve as a reminder of the importance of community engagement, education, and collective action in promoting environmental sustainability.
The success of the Eco-Fair has also sparked interest in hosting similar events in the future. The benefice is considering organizing another Eco-related event, which would provide an opportunity for the community to come together once again and continue the conversation about environmental sustainability. The event would also serve as a reminder of the importance of ongoing education and awareness-raising about the climate crisis and the need for collective action to address it. As the Church continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, events like the Eco-Fair demonstrate the importance of community engagement, intergenerational collaboration, and environmental sustainability. By working together and sharing ideas, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
The story of the Heart of Norfolk benefice’s Eco-Fair and Creation Care Sunday service serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement, environmental sustainability, and collective action in promoting a more sustainable future. The event demonstrates that even small actions can make a significant difference when it comes to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of the climate crisis, it is heartening to see communities coming together to promote environmental sustainability and to care for God’s creation. The success of the Eco-Fair is a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of working together to address the pressing issues of our time. By sharing stories like this, we can inspire others to take action and to join in the effort to promote environmental sustainability and to care for God’s creation.
