St Dionis’ church have launched the Fulham Litter Pick: a quarterly meet where members of the local community and congregation collect litter together in their local area. In this article Chantelle Johnson spoke to Jen Symes, PCC member at St Dionis Parsons Green to hear more about how their simple, yet impactful act of environmental outreach has made a difference in their community.
What is the Fulham Litter Pick and how did it start?
“It was all part of us becoming an eco-church with the charity A Rocha UK. They prompted us to consider running some environment-focused events, and we wanted to give litter picking a go!
I’d taken on championing our church’s approach to the environment as part of my role on the PCC, so decided to throw the feelers out there and see who would come and join in. I was amazed at how many people signed up. We had so much engagement from the community as we did it – and collected so much litter – that we decided to hold another one. “
What motivates you and other people to serve the community in this way?
“We believe strongly that as Christians we need to steward the Earth. We wanted to be able to do something practical and environmentally friendly as a church, and also something that benefitted the wider community and showed them a glimpse of the amazing love God has for them!”
Through a simple act, the team at St Dionis have made an impact in their local community. Litter picking has also helped them make new connections with their local council waste and recycling team and residents in the Fulham area.
To find out more about A Rocha UK, and how they can help your parish become an Eco Church, please visit their website.