Celebration service and tree planting marks Fleet church’s 25th anniversary
 

The Church on the Heath celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special service of celebration followed by a ceremony to plant a silver birch tree in the church grounds

 


The church – a partnership of the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed churches – was launched in 2000 to serve the Elvetham Heath area of the town.
 
Leaders of the partner churches joined a 250-strong congregation at the anniversary service during which the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt. Revd. Andrew Watson, preached.
 
As part of the celebrations a new tree was planted in the church grounds. The native silver birch was chosen to be sympathetic to the local heathland environment and ecosystem and to reflect the silver associated with a 25th anniversary. 
 
Birches are a pioneer species and one of the first to trees to re-populate heathland after a fire. They are often planted to symbolise new beginnings and, in this case, to mark the next phase in the life of the church community. 
 
The Church on the Heath is also celebrating the recent achievement of an Eco Church Silver Award. This recognises a church's commitment to environmental care in five key areas: worship & teaching; buildings; land; community & global engagement; and lifestyle. 

Recipients must also demonstrate practical actions like using green energy, reducing waste, promoting biodiversity, and fostering eco-conscious living as an act of faith. 

Minister of the Church on the Heath, the Revd Patrick Butler said, ‘What better way than planting a new tree to celebrate being rooted in this community for the last 25 years and demonstrating our commitment to caring for God’s creation’.

The church is part of South Eastern Baptist Association (SEBA), whose regional minister the Revd Paul Kerley was present.