Church whānau across our movement are exploring ways to worship in our natural environment and making the most of the warmer weather.

In January, Newlands-Paparārangi had their church camp at Kaitoke, enjoying fellowship with – board games, bush walks, riverside marshmallows and night prayer; and on Sunday worshipping together in the heat followed by river swims and a BBQ lunch.

Last week, they held their second annual Forest Church at a local park, celebrating the presentation of Jesus at the temple (Candlemas). For confession, old beeswax candles were melted down on a gas cooker and new ones formed. The service explored the themes of persistence and waiting for the unexpected in the story of Simeon and Anna as they printed items from around our environment – leaves, flowers – onto sun print paper to see what designs emerged; followed by muffins made with foraged blackberries. 

Something is moving across our movement because last Sunday, others also took their services outside.

Whanganui Anglicans gathered to start the new year together under a canopy that rivalled the grandest cathedrals. The all-age service featured prayer bunting, a drama and anointing of adults and children as they considered what God was inviting people to this year. There was even time to sneak a picnic before the rain set in.

In the South, the parish of St Anne's Northland-Wilton conducted its final summer service amongst the beautiful environs of Otari-Wilton's bush. The service was lay led by Mary Cordery who did a splendid job. Everyone gave thanks to God for all the native birds, flora and fauna that we are blessed with in Aotearoa, New Zealand. We were blessed with sunshine and following morning tea there was some surprising energy and sprightliness displayed as some of the older members partook in outdoor activities with the children!