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Tree of Life

Bishop James Jones tells Claire McCollum why forests are important to Christians. JB Gill meets a former addict who is now a Christian who works as a tree surgeon.

Claire McCollum joins bishop James Jones in Lincoln to learn about the links between Christianity and forests. The 800-year-old Charter of the Forest is given a 21st-century relaunch and JB Gill meets a former addict whose Christian faith, combined with his new job as a tree surgeon, have together cured his addiction. In Essex, a group prepares for Lent with 'Forest Church', plus hymns and songs celebrating creation, including Great Are You Lord and Indescribable.

Music:
This Is Amazing Grace, from Green Pastures, Ballymena
For the Fruits of His Creation, from St John the Baptist Church, Tideswell
Indescribable, from Holy Trinity Platt Church
Be Still for the Presence of the Lord, from Christ Church, Port Sunlight
Your Name, from Presbyterian Assembly Buildings, Belfast
Great Are You Lord, from City Gates, Ilford
To God Be the Glory, from St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen.

35 minutes

Last on

Sun 11 Feb 2018 17:00

Stories

Charter of the Forest -- Part One
Claire McCollum is at Lincoln Castle with Bishop James Jones finding out about the 800 year old Charter of the Forest, and hearing about his faith-inspired passion for caring for creation. Owen Pugh from the Woodland Trust talks about the brand new Tree Charter which the Trust have launched and which Bishop Jones helped pioneer.

Worship in the Woods
We meet a Forest Church group in Essex who are gathering in the woods to connect with God through nature and reflect on the upcoming season of Lent. Rachel Summers, author of 'Wild Lent' and leader of the group, explains what Forest Church is all about and how worshipping in the woods can bring people closer to God.

'Trees Saved My Life'
JB Gill meets Timon, who was addicted to heroin for 20 years but managed to break free of it thanks to Christian charity Betel UK. He now heads up Betel's Tree Surgery enterprise, and shares his story of radical transformation and finding faith.

Charter of the Forest -- Part Two
Claire visits the Cathedral Copse in Lincoln with Bishop James Jones where the launch of the new Tree charter has been marked with a new oak planting initiative. Anita Holdich from Lincoln Cathedral explains how the project aims to protect both the future of the environment and the ancient cathedral.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Claire McCollum
Presenter JB Gill
Executive Producer Cat Lewis
Executive Producer Emyr Afan
Producer Mark Warburton
Series Producer Matthew Napier
Production Company Avanti Media

Broadcast