Worshipping outdoors!
During July, here in the Western Dales we like to take advantage of the good weather and worship outdoors. We had two Outdoor Communion services today, at Holy Trinity Church, Howgill, and St John the Evangelist, Firbank. Next week we will worship outdoors at St John the Evangelist, Cowgill (2.30pm, 16 July), and the following week at All Saints’ Church, Killington (2.30pm, 23 July).
Being outdoors is a good place to consider the Gospel reading for today, where Jesus says: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11.28). In the Bible, creation and rest are closely linked. We are told in the opening chapters of Genesis that after his work of creation, God rested. The rest that Jesus invites us into is the eternal rest of God, which can be known to us in the present. It was appropriate to reflect on this good news as we were surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.
The rest that Jesus offers to us is a gift, and not something that can be earned. Unlike success, wealth, or power, which have a habit of tiring us out and leading to disappointment, Jesus accepts, loves, forgives, and heals us so that we might learn what it means to be one with God, with each other, and with creation.
If you would like to experience an Outdoor Communion Service, do come along to Cowgill at 2.30pm on 16 July, or All Saints’ Church, Killington at 2.30pm on 23 July.
