Wild Church

Wild Church is a communal practice of learning to converse with nature in order to experience sacred transformation and restore connection with the web of life to which we already belong. This is an all-ages form of worship, and all are welcome.

Since the launch of Wild Church, a growing number of us are worshipping with Creation on the third Sunday afternoon each month. So far, folks of all ages have gathered at Paul Kane Park and Victoria Park; we have explored themes including gratitude, change, and letting go. In following the example set by many biblical figures, we connect with nature to hear what God is teaching us. We have experienced laughter, tears, and deep discourse during our gatherings. You can follow us on Instagram (@wildchurchyeg) or check out our website (www.wildchurchyeg.org).

If you haven’t yet joined Wild Church worship, here is your invitation! Nature is calling you into the sacred.

How did Wild Church Start?

The Environmental Stewardship team has been exploring how nature calls us into the sacred, and how we need to re-consider how we treat our neighbors – even our non-human and inanimate neighbors – as kin in God’s creation. We have delved into the Victoria Loorz’ book Church of the Wild in order to do so. Loorz highlights that it is in personal conversation with the specific elements of the Earth that we can experience Christ, and that one element frequently missing from our faith formation is how to pray in nature, despite the repeated biblical examples of people going into the wilderness to be with God. Loorz argues that it is through accepting our part in Creation that we can then care for the planet.

The Environmental Stewardship team participated in a discernment process about how to implement ideas from Victoria Loorz’ book. This form of worship intentionally fosters a sacred conversation with nature in order to connect with God. It honours “connection over comfort” and challenges us to connect with nature throughout the year – to experience God in all seasons, even when unpleasant.