Keynote Speech

Andrew Shepherd

Dr Andrew Shepherd

Dr Andrew Shepherd is a Lecturer in Theology and Public Issues within the Theology Programme, University of Otago. His working life has alternated between formal and informal teaching roles and leadership responsibilities in non-profit organisations – including a long involvement with International Christian Conservation Organisation, A Rocha.  He has taught and written extensively on Christian faith and environmental themes and been involved in a range of conservation projects.  His publications include: Shepherd, Andrew and Hoggard Creegan, Nicola, eds. Creation and Hope: Reflections on Ecological Anticipation and Action from Aotearoa New Zealand. Eugene, OR.: Pickwick Publications, 2018.

He will be both presenting our Keynote speech and facilitating the “Head” stream of workshops.

Amy Ross

Amy Ross is a valued member of the Eco Church NZ team as their Community Coordinator for the Wellington region. She lives in Porirua with her husband, an Anglican vicar, and their two lively young sons. She was based in England for 10 years prior to 2020 and connected with A Rocha UK in various capacities throughout that whilst working for a mixture of Christian and environmental organisations. She has also pursued graduate research in climate justice, participation, environmental governance and sustainable consumption. Most recently she has begun examining links between faith and community participation in climate change response planning. Amy has particularly enjoyed visiting A Rocha Ghana and A Rocha France over the years as well as getting to know A Rocha friends from other countries. She is currently involved in supporting her own church on their Eco Church journey, the third church (the first two in the UK) that she has had the privilege of doing this with!

Amy will be facilitating the “Heart” workshop stream.

Brett Reid

Brett Reid is a KCML intern training for Ordained Ministry. He is passionate about caring for God’s wonderful creation in simple and practical ways. In his current placement at Levin Uniting Church, he’s explored diverse ways of engaging the congregation in its witness to actively nurturing God’s created world.

Brett will be facilitating the “Hands” workshop stream.

It’s hard to dress this one up… In this workshop we will be collecting rubbish at the Hokowhitu Lagoon. This is the kind of workshop for those who want to do and not just talk about it. It is the kind of workshop for all who wish to engage in something practical, intergenerational, and hands-on.

Keep in mind, it is winter, and it is likely to be cold. If you would like to join us, can you please make sure that you have a sturdy pair of shoes, warm clothes, and a windbreaker/rain jacket. If weather does not permit, there are alternative plans in place. After the rubbish clean up, we will reconvene at St Alban’s for a debrief.

It is our hope that you will go from this Presbytery Gathering, having been involved in a rubbish clean up, and feel empowered to try something like it in your own context.

We hope you can join us!

What is Eco Church NZ and how can YOUR church make the most of available resources and support?

Be inspired by the background, purpose and goals of this growing network and hear real-life examples of different ways Eco Churches across the country are taking action.  Understand how to integrate creation care into the five areas of Eco Church: leadership, worship and teaching; church buildings and facilities, church land and grounds, community and global engagement; and sustainable lifestyles. Explore tools such as the church self-assessment, Para Kore/ waste reduction support, carbon emissions calculator, and youth and children’s resources. (Amy Ross)