Ecological Faith/Forest Church

First Sunday of each month at 11am, under the yew tree in the yard of the church at Gleniffer

800 Timboon Road, Gleniffer (map)

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We particularly hold the forests of the Shire dear to our hearts, and seek ways to protect them, and to provide a place of rest and renewal for those who already are, plus anyone else needing renewal and reflection amidst their good doing.

Connect with the God of Life,  surrounded by the Earth family at Gleniffer.

God who is Mother, Father, Spirit, Encourager, Wisdom, the River feeding many wells, the elephant being described by blind people (snake, rope, tree, spear). God of the rainbow and all the rainbow people, here in communion with the Gumbaynggirr people long before Jesus, or even Abraham, walked the Earth.

We engage with Jesus’ teachings, Christian tradition and other traditions, through prayer, readings, reflections, ritual and sharing.  We celebrate a wide diversity of opinion on who or what Jesus was. We encourage each other to respond to the presence of the God who loves all of life, us, and even our enemies, without dictating to each other how we should respond.

All people who are willing to make others welcome, are welcome. Four and no legged people are welcome if they respect everyones boundaries, and someone cleans up after them if need be.

This gathering is part of the embryonic Forest Ministry, auspiced by the Uniting Church  Mid North Coast, and made possible by the hospitality of the Gleniffer Community Church.

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Practicalities

We meet ourdoors on fairly flat but not completely even lawn. There may be the option to go for a contemplative walk sometimes.

If it rains we will meet indoors, which at this stage is not wheelchair accessible, and has three stairs with a handrail.  Inside are traditional wooden pews.

We have a few chairs and rugs, but if you bring your own that could help. Make sure chairs are stable (decent camp chairs are fine)

Children are very welcome, and invited to participate. We usually have a few books on a rug if they would prefer to read them.  At this stage there is no separate children’s activity, and we prefer to work at ways to include them in the main gathering.

At this stage the fence to the river (20m away) is not is not child-proof.  We ask all adults to help keep kids within bounds as we gather, though ultimately at this stage it is up to parents to supervise children.  There is a low wooden fence making it difficult for children to run onto the usually very quiet road.

There is no toilet on the church grounds, but there is one about 50m away, across a lawn. It’s a great idea to go before you come though.

There is beautiful swimming close by if you want to bring bathers for a swim before or afterwards.  Imagine swimming to “church!”

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, as long as you’re wearing something!