The places that we call home are also home to many other creatures. The root of the word ‘ecology’ is the Greek word ‘oikos’, meaning home – so thinking about our shared home is the very essence of ecology. We are all responsible for making sure that animals and plants of all kinds can flourish, in our local areas and on our planetary home. ‘Home’ is one of the most evocative words in the English language. It represents security, belonging and acceptance. It’s the place we can kick off our shoes and relax. It’s a safe place, a refuge from the world, and the place we are most ourselves. Churches offer people a spiritual home, and many of the same connotations are true from that spiritual perspective too. We should feel safe and supported by our church and feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. A variety of other have their homes (or habitat) in and around our church buildings. After all, God knows the whereabouts of every sparrow, as Jesus says in Matthew 10:29. 

RSPB Scotland talks about ‘giving nature a home’, creating more room in our shared spaces for birds and wildlife. This Spring look around our church grounds and see what else calls our church home. What lives in our gardens? How can we roll out the church’s generous welcome to all God’s creatures?