Forest church
Across the UK, accentuated by the COVID national lock down, Christians are looking with fresh eyes at the beauty of creation in their back gardens and the parks all around them.
It was Calvin who said don’t just glance at creation as an illustration of God’s goodness and give thanks but look into creation and note its pattern of life. As part of God’s creation there is much we have to learn from nature.
The Forest Church movement invites folks to seek and to enjoy God through nature. This can involve labyrinths, conservation projects, foraging, allotments, guerrilla gardening, hiking, reflective walks and regular or seasonal gatherings. https://www.facebook.com/groups/forestchurch
As well as learning directly from nature attention is given to our Celtic Christian ancestors who appreciated more than we often do that as Christians we are called to love God, one another and the world around us.
Forest church invites us to search for the gifts in each context and locality in that particular season of the year. Please contact the Mission Officer if you are interested in starting a Forest Church in your locality.
Local Forest Church groups:
An exciting project where 600 trees have been planted next to Cranshaw church
Yester, Bolton & Saltoun Forest Church
We try and meet up termly to chat about resources, ideas and inspirations!
Resources:
Here are some resources that can help
- ‘Forest Church: A Field Guide to Nature Connection for Groups and Individuals’ by Bruce Stanley
- ‘Church of the Wild’ by Victoria Loorz
- Engage Worship: Sara and Sam Hargreaves
Outdoor Worship – Engage with God in His Creation
Worship in the Woods Church Service Pack (10 outdoor worship sessions)
- The Celtic year by David Cole
