As I journey around I meet many people.  When people discover that I am a minister often interesting conversations evolve.  Fairly regularly people share with me that they are spiritual people, or that they believe in God, but that they do not go to church.

Not all, but many, of these people then go on to share that they used to attend worship at some point in their life but had negative experiences of the church.  They found church (in its variety of flavours) to be a place where they, or others, were judged and not welcomed.

I am not surprised when I hear of such experiences, but I am always disappointed and a little enraged.  It is so ironic that Christians (Christ-Ones),  people who follow the way of Jesus, would become known for their narrow mindedness and judgemental attitudes. This is tragic, not only because such attitudes are not life-giving, but also because it stands in such contrast to Jesus, the one at the heart of our faith, who is so constantly welcoming, loving and open.

My hope is that Prayers in the Paddock is the kind of space that is truly open and welcoming to all.  So that everyone, those who attend church regularly and those who never usually go near such places can feel safe to come, be themselves, express their concerns for their earth, explore their spirituality and their relationship with the Divine.

If you want to be part of this day you are welcome.

To join in the liturgy for the earth come at 11:00am.  If you want to offer prayers, hopes or thoughts in private, come for as long, or as little, as you like between 12 midday and 4:30pm.

Cheers and blessings on your journey,

Rev. Sal Douglas