Wesley Uniting Church, Geelong

GEELONG CHURCH RECOGNISED BY ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS

On Sunday 11th of September 2022 Wesley Uniting Church, Geelong was recognised with two prestigious environmental awards for their commitment to climate and environmental action.  

Five Leaf Eco-Awards Founder and Director Jessica Morthorpe visited the church to present the awards: the Five Leaf Eco-Awards Basic Certificate and Eco-Worship Award. These awards acknowledge the many actions the church has taken, including their solar panels, energy efficiency, recycling hub, participation in Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) events and their ‘Declaration of a Climate Crisis’ in May this year.

The awards were presented as part of a joint Season of Creation service themed around Flora & Fauna. The church was decorated with nature for the service, including plants and animals, trees, a large nature mural, a pond and fountain, and a bush hut. The sounds of birdsong were played throughout the service and church members crushed gum leaves to give off the scent of the bush, adding multiple senses to the experience. In partnership with St Luke’s Uniting Church Highton and Western Heights Uniting Church the themes of Cosmos and Oceans will also be celebrated on coming Sundays. 

Convenor of Wesley Uniting Church Geelong’s Sustainability Group, Sue Strong said the church was very pleased to receive the awards and keen to do their part in caring for God’s creation and fighting climate change.