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 spiritual home for the seekers of beauty, wonder, & awe; where the 'church goers' supplement their journey and the 'misfits' finally feel connected within the congregation of paper birch trees & squawking geese via the Mystery which creates all things. Deep within the Christian tradition there hides a wealth of wisdom on how to cultivate this relationship. 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. Our intention is to provide space in which each person is able to express how they experience Creator. We listen to each others' stories, backgrounds, and language; knowing they will be different, rather than judging- we listen & resonate in our own ways. We walk Jesus' way of love 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 splendor 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 (eco), 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.
You Are The Bee:
Like bees pollinating the flowers... growing our community is all word of mouth.
You tell your story and invite your friends by sharing what you found helpful and why you attend. We invite those that 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 your unique personality with us. The importance of community is
to be reminded that we don't need to be perfect. We're all here on this earth to learn and to leave the perfection to God.
How We Are Funded:
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 members who give monthly & those who give what they can. We rely on grants and generous donors.
We believe in the curiousity and strength of our local youth to grow into Earth Keepers motivated by a moral compass rooted in their faith.
If you feel like we do, please support our future.
Have Questions?
What is the Nature Prayer Service?
This is the general program of one of the events:
The prayer services always start with a time of quiet conversation and welcoming. When people are ready, there is a brief introduction of attendees followed by several readings. These are a mix of "wilderness readings" and Scripture. The "wilderness readings" are usually from prominent naturalists, environmentalists, and writers who are connected with the outdoors.
Then, we do what is called a pilgrimage into nature. Generally, attendees are encouraged to meditate, observe, and pray around a theme. People spread out into the natural area around our gathering place.
After 10-15 minutes, the people are called back, and they share. They share their experience, what they noticed, what they thought, how it connected to the readings or their lives, etc.
Then, there are Prayers of the People. We offer prayers together.
This is followed by a group reading of the Wild Church Call to Action.
Then we finish with a poem and announcements.
After the service, people stay and share tea and conversation.
Services last about 40-45 minutes, and they are delightful.
What is a Wilderness Walk?
We explore revolving locations through walks and hikes together stopping for prayer/reflection along the trail. Usually last 2 hours and range from easy to intermediate levels.
Do you do Virtual Nature Walks?
Yes! We have found a large community of people all over the world tune in. We have past online services archived on our website and air new videos on our Youtube channel. Some people watch them together with family or share links to friends who they know would enjoy a virtual stroll with a good message.
Is U.P. Wild kid-friendly?
All services (including Nature Prayer Service) are inclusive for kids and teens unless specified differently. Some of the hikes are intermediate to advanced where young chidren may have difficulty. If you are every curious, just send us a message.
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, Orthodox 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 U.P. 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.
OUR HISTORY
2019 - The seeds were planted through a conversation by 2 moms re: the need for a innovative Spirit-driven ministry geared towards those who grew up in the 'church' but no longer attend Sunday services.
2020 - We began our Nature Prayer Service & Virtual Nature Walks
2021 - Developed volunteer wild crew, offerings expanded including Wilderness Walks
2022 - Monthly offerings, new people, exploring further across the U.P.
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