Before we get to this week's writing, I would like to invite readers who live near Camano Island, Washington, where we are based, to consider joining us for a Guided Morning of Renewal and Listening on Saturday, September 6 from 8:30am-12:30pm. Come and take a break from busyness and noise, with a time that is both flexible and intentional in which to renew and deepen your connection with God and creation. The morning will be hosted and facilitated by my co-editor, Louise Conner. We have space for a maximum of 8 participants at $40 per person ($50 includes a sack lunch). If you have questions, email us here.

Thanks for reading! - James

A few weeks ago, Circlewood hosted 26 middle school and high school students from four churches based in McMinnville, OR. Here is a brief summary of what we did together, along with what I learned.

Themes We Explored

The trip was called E.D.I.F.Y - Ecological Discipleship Immersion for Youth. During our week together, we focused on three core themes:

  1. We are a beloved part of creation. We explored what it means to be a creature immersed in the community of creation.
  2. We connect with God in, through, and with creation. We explored how we encounter God in the world around us, and that our praise joins with all creation.
  3. We are called to join God in learning about and caring for creation. We explored what it means to be a student of creation (learning about and from the natural world), and the gifts that we bring in the common work of caring for the earth.

Exploration of these themes included teaching and discussion times, guided forest ecosystem walks, art projects, scavenger hunts, silent prayer and meditation, beach excursions, and lots of fun.

Work We Accomplished

The service component of the week focused on building new trails in the Circlewood forest, as well as removing invasive plants and mulching new native plantings. The group worked very hard, and successfully connected two major trails to create a much needed loop.

Lessons I Learned

This week could not have happened without the visionary (and highly capable) leaders from McMinnville. The four churches are part of the McMinnville Youth Collective, an innovative ministry led by Kate Satterstrom and Sean Williams. They were willing to take a risk on Circlewood (this was the first time we put together a week like this), and helped shape the vision for this week alongside us. We need more church leaders who see the need to incorporate ecological discipleship into the heart of traditional church life and formation.

The youth were ready and receptive. They were very aware of the ecological and social problems we are facing, and how they are connected. They were interested in developing a more creation-centered spirituality. They were eager to contribute to Circlewood's mission through service projects, and to explore how their unique gifts could serve the community of creation back in McMinnville. They will help shape the future of their churches.

I also saw the gifts of the Circlewood community in action. We needed every staff member, along with some key volunteers, to make the week happen. It was a helpful reminder to me that we need to continue to model the community approach we are teaching.

It was a very edifying week, indeed.

With you on the Way,

James

Let me know what you think - james.amadon@circlewood.online.