Thursday, May 2 @ 4pm – Saturday, May 4 @ 2pm  *Deadline for Registration April 12, 2024

This is a retreat is for anyone wanting to learn more about leading wild church services. We especially encourage anyone who will lead or hopes to lead a wild church service in Algonquin Park next summer to attend.

In Wild Church, also known as Forest Church, we attune ourselves to the Sacred through the earth and her creatures. The more-than-human world is part of the gathered congregation.

We gather to listen deeply, explore creatively, and live gratefully; and to be transformed by intentional connection with the ancient and sacred rhythms of the creation of which we are a part. Together we will read and study the Book of Nature.

The ancients say that to know nature is to know something of God.

Leaders of this retreat, Marilyn and Svinda, will explore, among other things, what it means to lead a worship service that is not simply an indoor service moved to the outdoors; how to engage with all our senses, knowing that the gathered community includes the human and more-than-human beings in our midst; and how to lead others to do the same. We will also share some spiritual practices that can be included in a wild church service.

Cost including meals:

Bedrooms in Guest House with shared bathrooms: $550

Cabins: $490 (shared accommodation – single beds and loft)

Commuter: $370 (we can help you find a close location)

Register: click the sign up button on this page and fill in the form or info@riseaboveguesthouse.ca or call Marilyn 613-334-0668

Please contact your Regional Council for a grant to help cover some of the cost. Investment in Leaders Fund.

Location: Rise Above Guest House, 470 East Road Loop, Bancroft, ON. K0L1C0