UP WILD CHURCH
WHAT IS U.P. WILD CHURCH
Where has the reverence, the wonder, and the awe for the natural world gone? Have we built too many walls over, through and around ourselves so that we can no longer see or feel the Mystery that creates all things?
Wild Church is: a means of encountering the actively Living God, based on shared values of faith, connection, and nature. Deep within the Christian tradition there hides a wealth of wisdom on how to cultivate a culture of compassion through the way of love. It is time to bring this authenticity forward especially in the wild setting of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
In Gathering Together:
We create opportunities to foster a deeper spiritual connection with God outdoors and through virtual nature walks online.
Wild Church is Collaborative Voice:
One that is rising up from an diverse choir of seekers who desire a faith life that is responsive to what’s happening in the world right now. Indeed, it is as if Spirit is stripping us of our man-made divisions by reconnecting us to the soil, the watersheds, the oak tree, the caterpillars, as if there, we will fall back in love & in doing so, find ourselves again.
Wild Church Values:
We are a community who openly prays for the healing of the land and our hearts, allowing for open conversation on our culture of consumption, embracing holy wisdom, and celebrating our varied personal experiences. Using expansive language, our intention is to provide space in which each person experiences God’s love by simply by being Christ-like to them (kind, compassionate, understanding). We walk Jesus' way of love, justice and transformation and especially strive to listen and respond to the spiritual needs of those outside of traditional church contexts.
The leaves have not suddenly changed their colors at this moment, nor has the sky been transformed. All that beauty was already there. What changed? I did. This splender was there, but I did not notice it. I became a beholder and I see what is there to be seen (M. Himes). When we step out of ourselves (ego) and into creation, we begin to notice the love which supports all that exists. God is the Mystery which has created all things; for God is love and love is a relationship of which, we are called into daily.
Wild Church is For:
Everyone. You are welcome whether you are a part of a Christian faith community already, questioning your faith, in recovery from wounds inflicted by religious trauma, simultaneously receiving nourishment from other faith traditions, or simply seeking to go deeper.
Your Are The Bee*:
Like bees pollinating the flowers... growing our community is all word of mouth. You tell your story, and you invite your friends by sharing what you found helpful and why you attend gathering- we invite those we know who need to be nourished, fed, excited or inspired! You are the bee who takes the nutrients back to the hive. You are invited to actively participate in creating content, reading a poem or reflection, guiding us on a nature walk, taking photos or videos in nature, sharing our gifts with us.
* If you noticed the typo, so did someone else who sent a message reminding us, "always include something imperfect, because it reminds us that we're all here on this earth to learn, and to leave the perfection to God."
Who We Are:
A non-profit 501(c)3 collaboration with funding support from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan and the ELCA Northern Great Lakes Synod. We have a core group who lead Wild Church offerings and are always adding new seed planters.
Have Questions?
Are you doing Online services?
Yes! We have found a large community of people all over the world tune in. We air new videos LIVE through our Facebook/Youtube channels. All past online services are archived on our website's 'video' page.
What is a Nature Connection Service Like?
The nature connection service brings in an element of our relationship to the natural world. There are different themes and sometimes guest speakers. Usually 45 minutes with time for conversation afterwards.
What is an Evening Prayer Service like?
This prayer service is a time of solitude meant to allow us to simply BE and destress from the cares of the world. There will be candles, incense, music, chairs or cushions to sit on. There will be hot tea available and an area to converse.
Which services are kid-friendly?
Most services are inclusive for teens, some require the ability to be still like the evening centering prayer - most nature connection services are kid-friendly and will stated on event page. Any concerns just ask Lanni who has a toddler and knows what it is like!
Will I be asked to do anything if I visit?
Some people like to just experience and observe, some like to do readings. You are always invited to participate as our community is made up of volunteers but will never be asked to do anything that incites discomfort.
Which denominations is this affiliated with?
We are a non-profit collaboration with support from the Episcopal and ELCA(Lutheran) denominations. Most people who attend Wild Church services come from a range of backgrounds including: Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Unitarian Universalist, and self described "nones".
Do I need to be Christian to attend?
Everyone is welcome AND included. Our concern for the environment and our love of the Wild UP wilderness draws us together. We respect all other traditions and invite everyone to see what praying for creation from a Christian persective is like.
Shouldn't I limit my screen time?
Yes! Yes and Yes! Our nature videos should be used a form of spiritual meditation that draws us deeper into relationship with the natural world and God. We should be mindful that the dark matter behind our screens is pulling for our attention & spend most of our time away from screens while being intentional with the time we do spend online. Especially important for kids.