People from parishes across the Diocese gathered at Chester Zoo on 05 June to give praise, celebrate creation and to think about the preservation of our world. The event was free and began with a visit to the sunken garden.
The day was the brainchild of Debbie Dalby, Director of Social Responsibility for the Diocese of Chester. The Diocese wanted to mark World Environment Day and what better place than at Chester Zoo, which has an outstanding record of helping to look after and preserve species from around the globe.
"Celebrating World Environment Day is just part of our mission to encourage all parishes to think about their role in the care of creation," said Debbie. "Our aim is for parishes to become eco-churches and the Diocese of Chester to become an eco-diocese. The event is a chance to focus people’s minds and to publicise this aim.
"This is the start of a very exciting partnership with Wildlife Connections at Chester Zoo. We want to encourage our parishes to become eco-churches. A simple and enjoyable starting point is making the most of your outdoor spaces – encouraging and protecting wildlife and growing wild-flowers. A day of prayer, song and revelling in the wonder and beauty of God’s world – what better way to mark World Environment Day!”
Entrance to the Zoo was free and nearly sixty people attended the day which began in the Zoo's sunken garden where prayers were said and hymns sung.
Worship was led by the Revd Shaun Conlon and Archdeacon Ian Bishop with a hymn written by Jan Berry.
One of the parish groups who attended were from St Mary's Cheadle. Shown in the photo are Jo Davids, Liz Woods, Lois, Georgie and Georgia.
Liz said: "We're looking forward to having a really great day."
"And we are hoping to see the monkeys and giraffes," added Lois, aged 8.