Campaigns

CHRISTIAN AID

Christian Aid strives for a new world transformed by an end to poverty, and campaigns to change the rules that keep people poor. It is an agency of the churches in the UK and Ireland, working wherever need is greatest – irrespective of religion or race. Christian Aid believes in strengthening people to find their own solutions to the problems they face, and so supports local organisations, which are best placed to understand local needs, as well as giving help on the ground through 16 overseas offices.

Netherlee Church members have been active in the Clarkston and District Christian Aid work over many years, and a representative from Netherlee sits on the Clarkston and District Christian Aid committee. This is an inter-denominational group involving the congregations of seven local churches.

The Committee organises various events in the area, and 2006 saw a superb year of fundraising - including the fabulous total of £14,485, raised during Christian Aid Week in May. 2007saw 582 paintings exhibited and 112 paintings sold at the Christian Aid Art Show, with a value of £15629.
The total profit to Christian Aid from the Art Sale and the sale of 2007 calendar was £8966.
In addition to these annual events , the Committee are planning some coffee mornings, so please keep your eye out for further information throughout the year.

ECO CONGREGATION

Thanks to the efforts of our members, Netherlee Church is now officially registered as an Eco-congregation - the first church in East Renfrewshire to win such an award. Our Co-ordinator Sheena Wurthman spearheaded the campaign, arranging many green activities, along with an independent audit to show us how well we were doing - and where we could still do better.

The Sunday School launched the scheme with the creation of a ‘Pledge Tree’, where members were encouraged to take a paper leaf (recycled of course!), write their environmental pledge on it, then hang their leaf on the Pledge Tree, found inside the Church. Promises included walking or using public transport rather than the car, or simply turning off the tap when you brush your teeth. Our Pledge Tree is just one method to encourage members to commit to action in small ways. The Sunday School also planted an Easter daffodil cross in Kirk House Gardens . Recycling bins have been introduced throughout the church premises, and, of course, we had the Big Church Spring Clean earlier in 2007, which was a practical display of replacing, repairing and re-using our resources.

But a major part of being an Eco-Congregation is thinking of of our community and global responsibility. We already think of others and share resources, but we could do more to encourage our neighbours in the parish and beyond. Again, this could be simple things like collecting spent cartridges from printers, collecting old mobile phones and reusing plastic bags. We plan to have a whole month of voluntary service and eco-activities in October 2007. Watch this space!

Any ideas to make Netherlee more eco-friendly will be welcomed. Please contact Sheena on 637 1106.

Link: eco congregations