Solar panel projects as a prophetic voice

Published on: 21 November 2022

Along with many others, our churches are facing a fierce hike in heating bills this winter which focuses our attention on our dependency upon fossil fuels.

Some have already looked to make changes through air source heat pumps, and others, such as St Stephen’s, Norwich, are considering solar.

Hannah Emmrich of their Eco Church group explains, “We run a community café throughout the week, so it’s a really good case scenario for solar power, with high and consistent daytime electricity usage.” It’s a long and challenging process with many hoops to jump through, but Hannah sees it as an opportunity for the church to be a prophetic voice in the community too. “My hope is that as climate change becomes an ever more present pastoral and practical concern, we as churches can provide a space for people to channel some of the big emotions caused by this issue and enable more meaningful change.”


This article is from...

Articles in this issue...

Two into One

When does ‘B&B’ speak of hospitality, warmth and welcome but not of ‘bed and breakfast’?

More

The Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2023

A hospice can provide a warm and loving space to families in the bleakest of times.

More

A warm place for young people

Barnham Broom Youth Café has been running for 18 months by the local church with support from North Breckland Youth for Christ.

More

A space for early learning warmed by the sun

More space was needed at St Michael’s CofE Primary in Aylsham so, in a project driven by the Diocese of Norwich, a new nursery has been constructed for Acorn Class.

More

Hong Kong families made welcome

Rachel grew up in Hong Kong and has close family there, so when she saw families turning up in Holy Trinity Church, Norwich, last winter, she was able to connect with them with a question from the heart, “Are you new here?”

More

Boundless love

It was a momentous week for Garry and Penny as they had just said goodbye to their last (probably 100th!) foster child and were now retiring.

More

Café at The Well – an invitation to encounter Christ

A church plant in Ingoldisthorpe, West Norfolk is serving up a warm welcome with barista-produced coffee in a café-setting in the local church hall.

More

A hug from God

Sarah Russell of St Faith’s, Gaywood, is a weaver. “I wanted to start a creative group at church with a faith-filled intent.

More

No place like home

Liam is in his own home this Christmas. For a number of years, he has flitted between the streets of Great Yarmouth and temporary accommodation.

More

Follow the star – the Great Invitation

This Christmas will be the first time since the Covid pandemic that we can invite our neighbours and our communities to an in-person gathering where all can hear the Christmas story and be welcomed into the love of Jesus.

More

Keep up to date

Subscribe to our eNews for a snapshot of news, events and resources, usually emailed once a fortnight

Signup to newsletter