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?
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."
U.P. Wild Church is:
a faith community that fosters deeper connections with God within our natural world.
Wild Church is Collaborative Voice:
One that is rising up from an diverse choir of seekers who desire a faith life free of man-made divisions. By reconnecting ourselves to the soil, the oak trees, the caterpillars...
we encounter moments of reverence within the natural world.
U.P. Wild Church has 7 branches across the Upper Peninsula connected by a cathedral of trees stretching across three of the Great Lakes. We are 10 million acres of holy ground within a unique bioregion and watershed
unlike any other on the planet.
That remains a huge part of our 'yooper' identity.
Wild Church Values:
Deep within the Christian tradition there hides a wealth of wisdom on how to cultivate this relationship through opening the Book of Nature. It is a part of our tradition yet it is rarely spoken about within the walls of traditional church services. We are a spiritual home for the misfits who can finally feel connected & for church-goers who can supplement their faith journey. We are united in our love our caring for creation and hope to combat isolation by experiencing the abundance of life all around us.
In gathering together, we agree to respect and learn from each other. 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 meet people where they are at with no agenda. We especially strive to listen and respond to the spiritual needs of those outside of traditional church contexts.
Wild Church is For:
Everyone.
You are welcome whether you are Christian, questioning your faith, in recovery from wounds inflicted by religious dogma, simultaneously receiving nourishment from other faith traditions, or simply on your journey. We hope to resonate with each other no matter our background, skin color, ethnicity, economic status, gender orientation, or cat/dog preference. Through the sharing of our own experiences while outdoors in nature we see we all have a lot in common with our ecosystem & each other.
Becoming a Beholder:
We all have a story to tell.
How the bird songs in our garden bring us deep joy. How we go out on the lake while the sun sets because of the busyness of our lives. You are invited into these conversations. We invite you into a Wander & Ponder to awaken your sense of wonder & awe. We invite those who carry around wounds to sit in a healing circle. We invite you to participate in wild school, social coffee + convo, crafting in community +. Come on a wilderness walk & explore new trails in or join us at our Wild Church Service (Nature Therapy) which includes prayers, sharing abundance, and intentional time in nature.
Like bees pollinating the flowers,
growing our community is all word of mouth.
In finding nourishment here for ourselves, we invite those that we know to join us. We are not led by just one 'pastor' or person just as our eco-systems are not led by one organism. You are invited to actively participate, reading a poem or reflection, sharing your art and/or offering prayers. The importance of community is to be reminded that we don't need to have it all together or know all the answers. We're all here on this earth to learn and to surrender the outcomes to God.
How We Are Supported:
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.
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 written by an attendee:
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 using different elements of the Earth. We offer prayers together.
Someone from our group brings food to share and we pass peace.
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.
Shouldn't I limit my screentime?
es! 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.
I'm a busy parent- do you have resources for home use?
We aren't another stress event on your calendar. 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. Yes, we encourage you to come in person esp. to our wild school BUT a lot of us are parents who don't want to shush our kids in the pews and are rushing around to hockey practice. We still want to invite our children into wonder and practically we need to do this at home. We will be creating at home resources for 15 minute Wander & Ponders. Contact us for a hand-out.
What are community meet-ups?
A time to just be with each other - absolutely no agenda then to build relationship and community. For all ages- using intergenerational. Some are random pop-ups within our community, some are coffee hang outs at a local cafe, some groups process trauma together and others tell (mildly appropriate) jokes.
How do we awaken wonder?
By re-engaging with our child-like sense of wonder. We step into the natural world of waterfalls, bee pollination, compost, blades of grass in the sidewalk, dandelions on the lawn of empire, sandhill cranes flying overhead, Huron Mountain views and the chill of Lake Superior- we put our hands in the dirt and gaze at the stars. Creator (The Mystery/God) does the rest.
Where in the UP are you located? (branches)
We have 7 branch locations across the U.P. See our branch page to find the closest group and contact information for the volunteer leader.
Church hurt me. I won't go back. What is a story group?
A story group is a small group in a brave safe space consisting of a trained facilitator and up to six participants.
One of the primary ways you are invited to engage at Story Groups is by sharing written stories from your childhood and young adult life. These stories are important windows to gain a deeper understanding of what has shaped you into who you are today, and are a helpful way to invite you toward discovery, growth, healing, and moving toward healthier relational patterns for the future.
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. What grew forth was the focus on it being outdoors and outside the walls of traditional church buildings.