Spirituality in Nature Gathering:

Join Rev. Pamela and others for a March 16 Spirituality in Nature event from 10am to 12pm. It will be a Celtic-themed spring nature walk. Come out to Forbes Ranch in Esparto for a morning of learning and storytelling in the midst of a beautiful almond orchard. If you want to bring a sack lunch, there are picnic tables with benches on the property. The Ranch has very basic facilities and uneven ground, so be sure to dress appropriately and bring walking sticks if you need them. Call or email the office to RSVP and to get directions (or to ask for a carpool ride—we’ll do our best to help with that). You’re welcome to invite friends.

What is a SING Event?

Have you ever described yourself as “spiritual but not religious”? Do you think the best way to experience a sense of the sacred is by getting outside and communing with nature?

You are not alone. A recent large survey of Americans found that “almost half of Americans (45%) found being outdoors or in nature to be the most spiritually fulfilling activities, followed by prayer (42%) and giving to charity (28%).” To drill down a little more, when asked “Which of the following activities do you personally find the most spiritually fulfilling?” the answer “being outdoors” was number one for Catholics, mainline Protestants (like Episcopalians), those who affiliate with another, non-Christian religion, and those who consider themselves not religious at all. This led the authors of the survey to conclude that “Outdoor activity is the common ground for spiritual fulfillment.”

This survey was conducted by the Ipsos research group on behalf of the Episcopal Church, which like many religious institutions is struggling to find new ways of reaching people in a world that mistrusts organized religion.

St. Martin’s was already offering activities and worship services outdoors before this survey came out last year. In part this was a response to the pandemic lockdown and in part it was because it just fit with the culture of the parish and the community.

In that same spirit, and in order to explore the intersection of spirituality, environmentalism, and the health benefits of being outdoors, St. Martin’s is offering a monthly Spirituality in Nature Gathering, usually on the second Saturday of the month. The location and theme will change from month to month, and details will be available on our website.

Who can come?

The Rev. Dr. Dolan said this is an open invitation and nobody should worry that there are strings attached if they show up. “I want to be clear that all of our outdoor activities these are intended to be joyful experiments in answering God’s call to care for one another and all creation, not reactive marketing ploys. You don’t have to be a Christian, a tree hugger, or anything else in particular to participate. Just give it a try and see what happens.”

Questions?

Anyone who is concerned about accessibility or would like more information, is asked to contact St. Martin’s at (530)756-0444 or email info@churchofstmartin.org.