Forty families and young children came to explore the Blackdown Hills as part of Forest Church organised by Revd Nick Jerrett and Revd Deborah Perreau. Deborah and Nick wanted to invite local people to worship outside in the beautiful woods around the area where they live.
Revd Deborah says, “We invited families from local schools and toddler groups who perhaps don’t usually come to church. We purposefully didn’t call it Forest Church as we wanted everyone to come even those who are sometimes intimidated by going into a church building and were surprised by the number of people who chose to join us.”
The mornings began with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Together they shared stories, sang songs and created nature based crafts. People were invited to wander and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the woods. Later everyone gathered around the campfire for hotdogs and warming drinks.
Revd Nick says of the Forest church initiative, “We invited families to come and explore nature around a campfire. We built pictures on the forest floor and recently made Christmas Wreaths whilst making new friends and having conversations about everyday things that are important in our lives.”
His comments were echoed by Deborah who says she was “delighted that people wanted to be together outside. In the forest we can be ourselves and listen to what God is saying to us.”
Following the success of the Sticks and Sausages events there are plans to hold others in the future exploring the outdoors in different seasons.