Image of a sun

Let there be light

As followers of Christ, this week we will be thinking about how we can be beacons of light in the darkness of the climate crisis conversations. We consider the message from Paul in Ephesians 5:8-9 as he calls us to ‘live as children of light for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness and truth’. We will consider how the messages we share can bring hope and optimism. We will also think about the role of and global access to electricity, how we can be more responsible with our energy use at home, at work and at church. A lot to reflect on this week!

Optional preparation reading

‘Saying Yes to Life’ book, Chapter 1


Welcome to week 1 – opening questions

  • How are we feeling after the introduction week for the series? 

  • Do you have friends or family living in a country that is significantly impacted by climate change already? How has this impacted their community?

Bible reading selected from

  • Genesis 1; 1-5

  • John 1: 1- 5

  • Psalm 27:1

  • Psalm 33: 5, 20-22, 6-9

 

Optional video viewing

Your group may watch these in advance of meeting to allow more discussion time:

  1. Ruth Valerio in conversation with Christina Figueres - Saying Yes to Life Resources

  2. Katharine Heyhoe - Film two: Climate change is a poverty issue - Tearfund

  3. Katharine Heyhoe - Film six: Grateful for fossil fuels but time to move on - Tearfund

  4. Tenants Session 3 - Do not fear - what can I do? Ruth Valerio

 

Video discussion and questions

The discussion this week explores both the benefits of God’s gift of energy and shines light on the wider impacts of energy related climate change such as poverty, justice, race and inequality. 

Your leader may also email you some specific questions to consider in advance of the session.

Reflection and prayer 

We take time to pray and express gratitude for the abundance of energy that we have in our lives in the UK and ask for guidance for how we can be more respectful and effective with energy use.

“The shift to a cleaner energy economy won’t happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact.”

– Barack Obama

Actions and ambitions planner –
What can I do to impact energy use?

 
short term

Short Term – I can do this tomorrow!

  • Pray for God to open our eyes and shine his light into places where we can bring his light both in our homes and in the world

  • Make a list of 5 ways to save energy at home such as:

    • Only use the tumble dryer in emergency

    • Only use the washing machine for full loads

    • Put jumpers on before the central heating

    • Make good use of the oven whilst it is on – use the shelf below to bake that bread now rather than turn it on again an hour later!

    • Influence simple change at work - switch off devices that you usually leave on standby such a monitors or switching to more efficient light bulbs

  • Learn more – try these other videos from Katharine Heyhoe Developing countries need fossil fuels to reach the standard of living we enjoy, right? - YouTube or Is Carbon Dioxide Really a Pollutant? | Global Weirding

medium term

Medium Term – I can look at this in the next 3 months!

  • Reduce car usage, save petrol and money by driving more slowly, walking and cycling more for shorter distances.  Asking a work colleague to car share and enjoy the company!

  • Fast from driving on the next Kerith fasting week

  • Investigate a renewable energy supplier for your home energy – it may surprise you how easy it is.  There are some helpful objective guides online such as  Tearfund - Big Clean Switch    and   How To Choose The Best Energy Company - Which? 

  • Commit to learning more – check out the resources on saying-yes-resources

  • Contact the local MP about the local actions taken or planned to reduce emissions

  • Consider giving to a Christian charity that is engaged in helping the world’s poorest to avoid consequences of climate change such as Tearfund or Christian Aid

  • Get involved in the Climate Coalition www.theclimatecoalition.org

  • Purchase the L is for Lifestyle book by Ruth Valerio to discover ways of living that do not cost the earth

  • Review your list of 5 ways to save energy and replace any that you have fulfilled with new ways

long term

Longer Term – This needs more prayer, planning and consideration – maybe next year…

  • Start researching about moving to an electric car next time you change your car – cost, charging points at home and at work

  • Research solar panels or for your home to provide your own energy

  • Research switching to an air source heat pump next time you change your boiler

  • Consider less flying or stopping flying altogether – could you take the train or sail on your next holiday?  Can you work colleagues continue with more online meetings rather than face to face?