Churches unwrap Advent

Churches across the country have been singing the praises of an online Advent calendar that’s kind on the pocket and the planet.

Congregations from Enfield to the Isle of Man have been sharing news about A Rocha UK’s eco-friendly resource in their own newsletters and magazines – thanks to Parish Pump – the online treasure trove for church magazine editors.

The calendar includes such tips as – how to choose a ‘happy turkey’, recycle Christmas cards, re-use wrapping materials, shop at charity stores and create candles that are kinder to creation. Each online window opens on a practical plan to soothe the seasonal stress on the environment.

Parish Pump had been offering their subscribers extracts from A Rocha UK’s Advent calendar. And an increasing number of church publications have been snapping them up.

‘We’re here for one reason only – to help hard-pressed church magazine editors make the most of their church magazine,’ said Editor Anne Coomes. ‘A Rocha UK’s festive resource is ideal material for them.’

A Rocha UK’s Churches And Theology Director Dr Ruth Valerio said, ‘We’re concerned that households are clogged up with consumerism at Christmas – and it’s all at the expense of our immediate and wider environment.

‘Family breakdown, health problems and debt are the festive fall-out for many. A Rocha UK wants to help people reclaim the meaning of this special time and enjoy the true “peace on earth” of Christmas,’ she added.

The resource is available at – http://arocha.org.uk/advent – throughout December. To fully digest this festive formula, people can sign up for reminders on Facebook and Twitter. (Photo: Elena Abduramanova/Shutterstock)