Forest Church
Forest Churches vary in the details but all have in common that connection with nature is key. This is not about doing outside what could have been done inside, rather doing church in ways which can only be done when surrounded by nature. Connection with the breadth of God’s creation is a necessary part of a Forest Church’s spirituality. Many Forest Churches meet on a pattern that reflects the cycle of the seasons, with the turning of the year celebrated at the solstices and equinoxes. The nearest Forest Churches to our area are currently in Cheltenham and Oxford, although with new groups springing up each month that is changing rapidly. Anyone interested in exploring Forest Church (either an existing group or starting something new locally) can initially contact: Revd. Arthur Champion, Diocesan Environmental Adviser, The Department of Mission and Ministry, Diocese of Gloucester, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR, phone: 01242 870402 email: achampion@glosdioc.org.uk
Further reading: Bruce Stanley, Forest Church, Mystic Christ Press 2013 Forest Church groups http://www.mysticchrist.co.uk/forest_church/groups See also links in the nature connection article
Cate Williams February 2015 |