The Caring for Creation Group at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, Belfast, got underway a couple of years ago by firstly completing the Eco-Congregation Ireland church check-list (Section 1, Resources). Members of the group found this was a useful exercise, which showed up several areas where they could work on eco-awareness and practice.
The group started weekly recycling of paper, plastic and tins in the church and church halls and the quantity of paper used in the church has been halved by reducing the size of the Order of Service sheets. Apart from some larger print versions for people with visual impairments, words of hymns are now displayed on a screen at the front of the church.
which claims to plant three trees for every tree cut down.The Caring for Creation Group has led two services, with the main speakers being Philip Orr and Rev Johnston McMaster – one was a harvest celebration, the other a service around the feast of St Francis, the patron saint of ecology. The group 
has led prayers on creation on a number of occasions and has showed some beautiful audio-visuals by Nigel Henderson about caring for creation. He also created the group’s logo from a stained glass window in one of the church’s meeting rooms, depicting ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’.
Before the last Westminster election politicians from all the main parties were invited to come along and answer questions about their parties’ policies on environmental issues. These was organised in association with Christian Aid.
Members of the group visited St Molua’s and Knocknagoney parishes in east Belfast to see what changes they have made to become more eco-friendly.
The church has maintained its Fairtrade status, encouraging the use of Fairtrade tea and coffee by all church organisations.
It also plans to switch to biodegradable bin liners and a more efficient boiler and promote the greening of the church grounds by planting shrubs, flowers etc.