Reflections on Outdoor Worship

May 3, 2022

We were delighted to begin worshiping under the tent again this past Sunday during our LIFT liturgy! We were accompanied by beautiful music and rich readings. Alleluia!

Providing outdoor worship and formation opportunities are one of the best and most important parts of my job. Children are deeply spiritual beings, with an unadulterated sense of wonder and curiosity. Children's spirituality is enhanced when they are encouraged to explore and play.

According to Michigan State University, "Children who spend significant time outdoors could have a stronger sense of self-fulfillment and purpose than those who don’t," and, "...children who played outside five to 10 hours per week said they felt a spiritual connection with the earth, and felt their role is to protect it" (2014).

The soundscape during LIFT worship enables participants to hear the birds singing, the crickets chirping, the trees rustling with the wind. We are surrounded by God's Creation when we worship outdoors, and are able to develop a reverence for the earth and all that dwells within it. I always feel a deep sense of joy when I receive the Eucharist outdoors – God provides the grace, the meal, and the soundtrack.

I encourage all of you to join us outdoors, under the tent for LIFT. While we will be indoors this upcoming week (May 8) to celebrate a baptism, we will return to the tent on May 15 and beyond.