Nature Church

**Nature Church: Sacred Experiences in the Outdoors**

Join us for *Nature Church*, a series of spiritual experiences in the great outdoors. This free program is open to people of all faith traditions and is held on select Saturday mornings from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Upcoming dates: **Sept. 14 & 21, Oct. 5 & 12**. Nature Church invites you to experience nature as “church,” allowing Creation to speak. Each outing includes a contemplative hike, mostly in silence, followed by a 25-minute reflective sit. Optional guided rituals and a chance to share your experiences wrap up the session. We then hike back to our vehicles. All are welcome!

**WHAT:**  

Nature Church is a contemplative outing series held in various public parks around Mankato, MN. It offers participants moments of intention-setting, reflection, and optional spiritual rituals such as communion. The experience is designed to engage the natural world as a place of worship.

Participants should be prepared to walk 1-2 miles to and from the gathering site, depending on the week. Trails vary in difficulty, so consider your comfort with uneven terrain before joining. Families are welcome as long as children can keep up with the group, remain silent during the hike to the site, and participate in the contemplative sit.

**WHEN:**  

We meet at 8:00 AM sharp in the parking lot behind **Centenary UMC** (501 S. 2nd St.). Maps to the chosen park or trailhead will be distributed before we depart promptly at 8:05 AM. Carpooling is encouraged, with most trailheads located about 15-20 minutes away. 

Each session involves a one-hour experience in nature, including the hike in and out. Afterward, participants may choose to gather for lunch or coffee to continue the conversation and build community.

**WHY:**  

As John Muir said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than they seek.” Nature Church is for those who find spiritual renewal in the wilderness and long to unplug from their daily routine. We are grounded in an open Christian perspective and Creation spirituality, but the experience allows nature to guide the conversation.

If these quotes resonate with you, this experience may be for you:

- “Nature is calling and I must go.”  

- “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”  

- “Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” ~ Luke 5:16  

**PRACTICAL DETAILS:**  

Check the weather before heading out. If conditions are poor, the outing will be canceled. Updates will be posted on our **Facebook page**.

What to bring:

- Sturdy shoes or boots  

- A filled water bottle  

- Jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses, and layers as needed  

- Optional: camera, binoculars

We provide a backpack with a first aid kit, sitting pads, clay for grounding rituals, communion elements, and earth-based readings from sacred texts around the world. We also offer a few optional ritual stations for reflection. Toward the end of the sit, participants can share their insights.

**ALL ARE WELCOME:**  

Nature Church is LGBTQ+ affirming and welcoming to all. If you feel moved, donations are welcome via our website.

Find out more on the **Nature Church Global Facebook page** and join us for this unique opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your spiritual life!