St John's Methodist Church in Sudbury recognised for commitment to environment with Silver Eco Award

A church in Sudbury has been applauded for its commitment to supporting the environment, after receiving an accolade from a national charity.

The team behind St John’s Methodist Church, which is located in York Road, is celebrating after being presented with the Silver Eco Award.

It is the seventh church in Suffolk to earn this recognition from the Christian environmental charity, A Rocha UK.

A plaque was handed over by the Rev Andy Jowitt, from A Rocha, who described it as “a perfect fit” for the church.

St John’s had previously received the Bronze Eco award, and had decided to try to advance to the Silver level.

This is given to members who demonstrate their commitment to the environment’s future through their worship, their engagement with the community and their general lifestyle.

The activities run by the church to achieve this have included various eco-themed prayer breakfasts and messy church events, as well as a number of community litter picks around the Sudbury area.

Gill Phillips, steward of St John’s Methodist Church, said: “We are pleased to have reached this stage in our commitment to the environment.

“St John’s is a mission-orientated church and I see this award scheme as being a key part of our guiding principles.”

For more information about St John’s Methodist Church’s eco award, go to www.stjohns-sudbury.co.uk/ecochurch.htm.