By Rev. Gilles Haché
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MATTHEW'S Anglican Church in Windsor has entered a new chapter in its life and mission—one shaped by intentional ecological stewardship, renewed baptismal identity, and a deep commitment to the diocesan vision Turning to Grace.
This transformation, rooted in prayer, discernment, and parish-wide collaboration, reflects our desire to honour God’s creation with integrity, purpose, and hope. Our journey began with a simple but profound recognition: “The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it” (Psalm 24:1). If creation belongs to God, then our responsibility as disciples is to care for it faithfully. This conviction guided our parish as we began to re-examine our habits, our practices, and our impact on the environment.
A Vestry-Mandated Commitment to Creation Care
In February 2026, following a clear and affirmative vote at our Vestry Meeting, St. Matthew’s adopted a comprehensive eco-friendly stewardship policy. This decision marked a significant turning point for our parish. It was not merely an operational adjustment; it was a theological and spiritual commitment to live more deeply into our baptismal promises.
The Renewals of Baptism, calls us to “strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth.” This promise, often understated, became the foundation of our renewed ministry. It reminded us that caring for creation is not an optional activity—it is part of our baptismal identity and a sign of our faithfulness to Christ. Our policy established new standards for all parish activities, ministries, and rental groups. It also initiated a cultural shift within our community—inviting parishioners to embrace new habits, reconsider long standing practices, and participate in a shared ministry of environmental responsibility.
Concrete Actions and Measurable Impact
Since adopting this policy, St. Matthew’s has implemented several substantial changes: We eliminated 99 percent of paper products, removed all Styrofoam and single use plastics, and reduced our biweekly garbage output by 60 percent.
We established a parish run composting program, maintained by trained volunteers, and required all rental groups to follow the same eco-friendly standards without exception.
These initiatives reflect the biblical call found in Genesis 2:15, where God places humanity in the garden “to till it and keep it.” Our efforts are a direct response to this ancient mandate—a recognition that stewardship is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Greening Sacred Spaces: Stewardship in Action
On July 19, 2026, a special Vestry Meeting approved the installation of eco efficient windows in our church hall. This project represents both ecological stewardship and long term financial responsibility. It is a tangible sign of our commitment to sustainability and our desire to care for the physical space where our community gathers for worship, fellowship, and service. St. Matthew’s anticipates achieving Greening Sacred Spaces certification by the end of the year, joining other Anglican communities across the Diocese of Huron who are actively pursuing environmental justice and creation care.
Our work is also shaped by the hope expressed in Romans 8:21, which proclaims that creation itself longs to be “set free from its bondage to decay.” Our efforts are part of this longing—an offering of hope to future generations.
Our ecological ministry is a direct expression of our baptismal covenant and a sign of our commitment to live faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that our faith is lived not only in prayer, but in practice; not only in worship, but in the choices we make each day.
St. Matthew’s ecological stewardship aligns directly with Bishop Todd’s diocesan vision Turning to Grace. Our parish’s initiatives embody this vision by integrating ecological responsibility with spiritual renewal, community engagement, and long term mission planning. By turning to grace, we turn toward God’s dream for creation. We turn toward a Church that leads with courage, compassion, and conviction.
Rev. Gilles Haché is the Rector of St. Matthew's, Windsor.