Long before church steeples and stained-glass windows, God’s people were praising outdoors. Moses didn’t have an organist or a roof over his head when he worshiped on Mount Sinai. In fact, in ancient Israel, before the Jerusalem temple was even a blueprint, folks gathered at the bamah (a high place) where sacrifices were made, prayers were offered, and the breeze carried their songs upward.

Jesus kept the tradition alive. He preached his most famous sermon on a mountainside, not in a sanctuary. He prayed in a garden, not a chapel. He healed along roadsides and taught by lakeshores. He didn’t mind a little dust between his toes or sunshine on his shoulders, and neither should we.

Centuries later, 19th-century revivalists adopted outdoor worship practices, featuring tent meetings, campfires, and spirited hymn singing that echoed through the woods. The great outdoors has always made a great sanctuary.

So this Sunday, July 27 at 9:30 AM (weather permitting), we’re bringing church outside! Why? Because there’s something holy about hearing God’s Word beneath an open sky. Because birdsong can be part of the liturgy. Because passersby might just overhear a prayer or hymn and feel an unexpected tug on the soul.

Outdoor worship reminds us that church isn’t just a building: it’s a body, a community, a living witness. When we worship outside, we’re not only drawing closer to God’s creation; we’re also connecting with it. We’re also becoming visible signs of grace to our neighbors. Plus, lawn chairs are surprisingly comfortable.

One favor: if you’re able, come a bit early to help us set up folding chairs. Many hands make light (and holy) work!

And if the skies don’t cooperate, don’t worry—we’ll move indoors and worship in our sanctuary.

So grab your sunscreen, bring your voice, and maybe pack a hat. We’ll have hermetically sealed Holy Communion packets, joyful music, and plenty of fresh air. Come experience worship as Moses did—minus the thunderbolts (we hope).

See you under the heavens!

Blessings,

Pastor Marc