EcoHub
Our EcoHub is a collection of free searchable resources to enable everyone to respond to the climate and ecological crisis. Resources are organised thematically by Eco Church categories, or you can use the search function to find anything you might need - from small group courses to guidance on heat pumps, from training videos about climate change to churchyard management plans. There are resources for schools, parishes and individuals.
Deanery Environmental Leads
Our deanery leads are here to support you on your creation care journey. They offer advice and experience on Eco Church, speak to Deanery Synods on issues that matter to you, and represent your views and concerns to the diocese.
We are looking for people with a passion and enthusiasm for environmental issues, and a heart for supporting others on this journey, to become local Deanery Environmental Leads. Watch and find out more. You can also see who is your Deanery Environmental Lead.
Learning and training
If you want to deepen or broaden your knowledge on creation care theology, climate science or communications, we have something to offer.
Learning hub (self-guided)
The diocesan learning hub currently has a number of courses available that cover creation and creation care:
- 'Called to Wonder' - a series of short videos from Christian scientists, zoologists, ecologists and more, on how they find awe and wonder in God's creation, and how this links to their journey of faith.
- 'Five Marks of Mission' - a longer course that explores each mark of mission and how we can respond.
- 'The Story of Scripture' - includes a module on the theme of creation in the Bible.
Carbon confidence in an hour (either delivered or self-guided)
A session that can be delivered online or in-person, or self-guided using our video. Visit our net zero pages for more information.
Environmental theology (full day in-person)
A full-day, held in March each year with Martin and Margot Hodson, delving into Scripture to explore Environmental theology, climate science, and our practical response. Contact us to express interest in attending.
Creation care events
Sign up to our newsletter (below) to find out forthcoming learning and training events, ranging from online net zero forums and informal networking opportunities, to full days covering net zero carbon, implementing energy audits, or celebrating Eco Church stories.
Download this poster to share with your parish or deanery, listing our training and learning opportunities.
Greenshoots network
A network for all those helping their church take environmental action, to connect with others for mutual support and information sharing.
We have monthly online get-togethers and occasional on-site gatherings - have a look at what we get up to. We also have a Facebook group to share ideas and news.
Care for Creation newsletter
Our monthly newsletter contains resources, stories, information, updates, news, and events on everything related to caring for creation in the Diocese of Oxford and beyond.
Subscribe to our Care for Creation newsletter
Church of England resources
The national church has a range of resources, webinars, case studies, and guidance on its website, which the Diocese of Oxford is contributing to and supporting. You can sign up to the newsletter and join the environment briefings by emailing us.
Events
A range of events, online and on site, that may be of interest (updated monthly)...
See also the BBOWT Community Groups network online events listings.
Monday 8 September, 7.30pm JRI Bookclub - And So I Roar (online)
Discuss the first winner of the Climate Fiction Prize by Abi Daré. Registration.
Tuesday 9 September, 7.30pm In our hands; our climate future St John's and St Stephen's Reading, RG1 3JN
A talk by Professor Chris Merchant Professor in Ocean and Earth Observation at Reading University
Monday 15 September, 7.30pm Greenshoots Network Get-together (online)
An online gathering for our Greenshoots Network (those encouraging their churches in environmental action) with a guest speaker on the Diocese of Lincoln's climate resilience work. Ask to join the network by emailing and stating the church you're linked with.
Wednesday 17 September, 1pm Heating our churches 2: A 'heat the people' approach and infrared heating (online)
A Diocese of Portsmouth webinar with church energy specialist Matt Fulford to consider what heating system might be best for your church. See details of this and more up-coming webinars.
Thursday 18 September 6.30pm Season of Creation Service online
A joint, online service between the Dioceses of Växjö (Sweden) and Oxford, with contributions from Bishop Mary and Bishop Fredrik. Join us for a time of worship, prayer and reflection for creation. Registration
Thursday 18 September 7-8.30pm Climate Matters Oxford
In conversation with Lord Deben, Dr Pete Sudbury and Roz Savage MP organised by MP Watch Witney. Details and booking
Tuesday 30 September –Thursday 2 October Hazelnut Community Landscapes Conference at Ashburnham Place
Aiming to be an unforgettable in-person gathering that creatively explores the intersection of Creator, Creation and Community in a time of ecological transformation. Details and booking. Book ahead as only 20 places remained at the end of May.
Saturday 4 October, 2.30pm-6.30pm or 10pm Pilgrimage Nature and Us Oxford
Interfaith conference arranged by Hope4Creation to hear from eminent speakers of different faiths about their individual journeys to understanding pilgrimage and our relationship to the natural world. Details and booking.
Tuesday 14 October, 10am-1pm Deanery Environmental Leads Meeting Kidlington
If you are considering becoming a volunteer Deanery Environment Lead, but aren’t sure what to expect, come along to our next onsite meeting at Church House, Oxford. It’s an informal gathering to share updates, experiences and learnings. Contact us to join.
Saturday 18 October, 2-5pm Creation Care Conversations All Saints Wokingham
For churches looking to share ideas, connect with other environmental groups, and find support on their Eco Church journey. Registration
Saturday 18 October, 2-4.30pm Open afternoon with "Wild and Wonderful" photo competition St James, Woodley