Raising a glass to low-waste fellowship at St Margaret’s, Budapest
“When I started attending St Margaret's, we were using paper cups for our coffee and tea after the Sunday service. I noticed that one or two people brought their own mugs from home, so I decided I should do the same. However, since the kitchen cupboards were full of cups, our chaplaincy council agreed to ask the Lutherans, from whom we rent our worship and fellowship space, if we might be permitted to use their cups and glasses. It does feel a lot better not to be filling the rubbish bins with used paper cups each Sunday, especially as our congregation is quite big. There are always volunteers to do the washing up, including some of the youngsters, so the fellowship extends quite naturally into the kitchen and clearing up isn't a burden at all."

Rachel Hideg, St Margaret’s,  Budapest 

Sharing ideas and stories through the Eco Blog at St George’s, Berlin with Professor Michael Seadle (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

The interesting and highly helpful Eco Blog can be found here.

“I started the blog out of personal conviction that our parish needed to be more aware of environmental issues that threaten “God’s creation.” Our parish priest Christopher preaches regularly on the topic, and I often build on his sermons. I am a professor, so my chief goal has been to give parishioners the facts they need to make responsible decisions about their lifestyles. While I try generally to eat vegetarian or vegan, and I no longer drive and only rarely ride in cars, the blog recognises that people and situations are different. In recent years I have flown a lot as Executive Director of an International organisation, which is not good for the environment. In my retirement (in so far as I am retired), I try to fly less. The blog recognises that ideal choices are not always possible, but informed choices are, and helping people to make informed choices is one of the key goals.    Feedback about the blog has been positive but somewhat sparse because we have done less than we should to advertise it. We do have two new members of the Eco Church committee, including one who is just nine years old. I find that especially positive for the future of God’s creation." 

I welcome submissions, which I may edit lightly as needed. In general, I post submissions within a day or two. Submissions in most western European languages are fine.” 

Pictured above: Michael Seadle

For information and to submit content, contact Michael at: 
Mseadle@gmail.com or at my university address seadle@u-berlin.de 

Please continue to share your stories with us: communciations@europe.anglican.org