Where do you feel most connected to God? When you ask this question, many people talk about when they were on top of a hill where you could see for miles, in a forest surrounded by trees or by a peaceful stream. The answer for many is outside, in creation.
Many churches across the diocese have started creating worshipping spaces outside, from Forest Church in Shirley and Sutton Coldfield to Outdoor Church on the Lickey Hills.
But it can be done on a bit of land round the back of the church too, as the team at Holy Cross Billesley Common have discovered when they turned it into an Eco Garden and invited all sorts of people along to join in.
Revd Debbie Collins says: “We received three classes from Dame Ellen Pinsent School, an additional needs school, on different days to plant, make art from nature, paint rocks and plant an apple tree.
"Chris Chalmers, our curate, led a song that we could all join in the actions too. It was exhausting but joyful and wonderful to hear teachers comment on children who were surprising them by engaging so well.
"We also have a community sunflower growing competition which schools, nurseries and the children’s centre are joining in with.
"Lots of lovely stuff is happening and we’re putting together an 'Awards for All' bid to extend our Eco Garden connectivity with community groups of all ages. Anyone can come and visit us and have a chat, we loved to show others what we have done and how God is shaping us.”
So, if you want to have a go at an outside expression of worship and community, contact Emma Sargeant who is gathering ideas from all over the diocese and will be able to pass on resources and ideas to get you and your community outside, connecting with our Creator through the creation.
Muddy Church, Outdoor Church, Wild Church ... these are examples of a new normal.
With churches re-gathering over this next season CofE Birmingham’s Parish Mission Support are exploring what is possible for mission in this brave new world. Watch the series of 'Festival Of Possibilities' videos here.