Heavenly Father,
We gather here today in the stillness of Your house, grateful for the roof over our heads and the earth beneath our feet. We thank You for the gift of Creation—from the vastness of the stars to the delicate veins of a leaf—and we acknowledge our calling to be faithful stewards of this world.
As we begin this Eco Church survey, we ask for Your guidance. Open our eyes to see our parish not just as a building, but as a living part of Your ecosystem.
For those gathered here: We thank You for their time and their hearts. Whether we come with burning passion or simply out of a desire to support one another, we ask that You unify us. Let this not be ‘just another meeting,’ but the start of a journey that brings us closer to You through the care of Your handiwork.
Bless our conversations today. Give us honesty as we assess our progress, hope as we dream of change, and the grace to take the first step together.
May our efforts reflect Your love for all living things.
Amen.
A few tips for your meeting:
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Acknowledge the “Elephant”: You might start by saying, “I know everyone is busy, and I truly appreciate you being here to support me and the church. It means the world that I’m not doing this alone.” Validating their effort usually eases the tension.
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Focus on the “Why”: Remind them that Eco Church isn’t just about lightbulbs; it’s about worship and loving our neighbors who are most affected by environmental changes.
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Keep it light: Since it’s a Sunday and people might feel “forced,” bring some snacks or coffee to make the survey feel like a community hang-out rather than an exam.