EcoCongregation Scotland is a growing movement of over 200 congregations across the country, representing 9 denominations. Its aim is to help congregations to understand environmental issues and to make appropriate practical and spiritual responses. A church can call itself an Ecocongregation when it has registered and completes a ‘green’ audit. It then has the opportunity to work through various modules and to apply for EcoCongregation awards.

Dunscore Church has been an EcoCongregation since 2003 and is only one of a handful of churches to have gained a 2^nd award. We have a small group which meets every 6 weeks but are keen to involve the whole church in our activities. We also try to forge links with community groups, including Dunscore school, which is an eco-school, and the PreSchool.

Recent activities have included :-

• A coffee morning which raised funds for Engineers Without Borders to equip a Cambodian orphanage with solar panels
• A visit to the Dumfries EcoDeco plant
• Setting up of a freecycle scheme
• Supporting our twinned congregation in Lubuto,Zambia through a ‘Mile-of-pennies’
• An alternative Spring Fling at a local farm with reflective walk and info. On microhydro schemes and tree planting
• A bookstall at the gala to raise money for Gala funds
• Contributing to the school’s ‘Ragbag Collection’.
• A ‘Celtic Connections’ service
• A showing of the film ‘Age of Stupid’ about climate change.

As a church we use recycled paper and safe cleaning products. Our electricity is supplied by Good Energy. We actively recycle paper, print cartridges and plastics. We use only Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar and have a monthly Traidcraft stall. Every week in the Church Family Notices there is an ‘Eco Snippet’ which gives a little information on environmental issues. We have a green corner in the church with a noticeboard, recycling point and small library.

We are keen to involve other churches, especially those in our own Presbytery, to become Eco- Congregations. At present only 3 churches in the whole of Dumfries & Galloway are registered with the programme.

For more information contact Alison Boyes at alisonboyes25@googlemail.com or on 01387 820263

Or visit  www.ecocongregation.org/scotland.