ON Sunday, June 8, Crediton Congregational Church held its Pentecost service at Shobrooke Park.

I’m pleased to say the weather was fine, and we enjoyed a lovely time, coming together for our church service, followed by a picnic and games.

It has become an annual event, and as many of you know, it’s a beautiful location.

There is something that feels special about getting outdoors. There are many advantages of meeting in our usual location, with all the mod cons and facilities, and a roof in case it rains. However, it adds an extra dimension to be outside in Creation.

The natural world has a way of getting to us, when we slow down and allow ourselves to notice.

On Sunday, we read a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, in which he starts, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God”.

It isn’t just Christians who feel a special connection and encounter in nature. A lot of advice around mental health encourages people to get outdoors, mindfulness sessions often take place outdoors or with a view, and Springwatch has added a mindful moment over recent years.

Some have developed it further with specific ways to engage, such as “forest bathing”, encouraging people to spend time and be still in woods. Taking time to be still and be aware, we can use all our senses to be aware of our surroundings. People of most faiths, and none, value time with nature.

In the Bible, many of the writers were inspired by the natural world around them.

The writers of the Psalms, the collection of poems/ songs, often use descriptions of the world around them, the animals, trees and plants. Some writers are inspired to praise God by their environment, even imagine creation joining in.

In Psalm 65, the writer says, “The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.” 

Other writers found their surrounding helped them ponder questions of life.

In Psalm 8 the writer, awestruck, says, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” 

Now it isn’t just in nature that we can connect with God, and Christians believe God is everywhere, including buildings and in places which may appear to lack beauty.

However, many of us find that this can add an extra dimension. As one church put it, describing a monthly outdoor service they run, “sometimes four walls aren’t big enough”.

Seeing the beauty around us, and the complexity of life, it can help us slow down. We can be aware of God’s presence. Looking at the landscape helps get things in perspective.

On Sunday morning, June 15, we’ll be back in the chapel on the High Street. However, I, like many, will be valuing time outdoors, and trying to find time to pause to allow encounter with God there too.

Paul Hudson