Forest Church is an informal outdoor service held on Sunday afternoons in All Saints’ Churchyard on a regular basis. It celebrates God’s wonderful creation and offers worship in the open air.
Forest Church is held outside, in all weathers. It is led by different members of our Forest Church team. We can be found at the log circle at the very end of the churchyard by the hedge. To find us, walk all the way down the path from the lych-gate, passing the church on your right, and keep going until you reach a clearing at the back. We cannot be seen from the road, so keep walking to the end of the path then look left until you can see us!
A typical Forest Church involves sitting together on logs (some people bring their own camp chairs) around an open fire where we sing, pray, listen to a Bible reading or story, and do nature activities (making or observing things around the Churchyard). We start by whittling sticks to be our ‘toasting forks’, and we end by toasting marshmallows over the fire, enjoying hot drinks and fellowship together. We sometimes use a “Boom Box” to play music and have a microphone so we can be heard on windy days. Look out for the two banners, one for each Church, advertising Forest Church services on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 2:30 (unless there is already an outdoor service happening in the town that day, such as Remembrance).
Our activities have included making a “harvest table” for the creatures of the Churchyard to enjoy (seeds, berries, fruits); exploring the trees in the churchyard; making food for the birds; making crowns out of wild flowers and grasses; making and decorating lanterns using the resources we find around us; praying using dandelions; and mini-beast hunting.
Some people who are not familiar with Sunday services in Church come to Forest Church to explore their faith. Others prefer to worship outside. Others come to enjoy time with Christian family and friends in a safe and informal space.
So far we have enjoyed reasonable, mostly dry weather, even in the depths of winter. Flowers, birdsong and nature in all its glory enhance our worship. We have seen birds of prey, admired an inquisitive robin, heard the woodpeckers, watched squirrels and even found a badger’s sett.
Everyone is welcome to join us. Please wear clothes suitable for the weather as we are always outside. We look forward to seeing you at our next Forest Church.
Catherine Graham
