Wild Church Kelowna
Wild Church Kelowna gathers in the grass and sage covered hills, by the lake, the creek, and the forests in the Kelowna area.
Who We Are
Wild Church Oceanside is a small, experimental worshipping group; individuals who have found ourselves longing for connection with the Divine Spirit in the natural world. We come to nurture our spirits and souls and reconnect with our wild home, our watershed, and the community of creation.
We come to find others who are on similar spiritual paths through, silence, beauty, contemplation and wandering. People are welcome from all backgrounds. There are no dogma or creeds - just your openness to your own spiritual growth within nature, in community. There is no expectation except honouring where you are on your spiritual journey and respecting where others are on their journey.
Oceanside is located in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere which is situated within the traditional territories of seven First Nations and gathers on the unceded lands of the Shaw-naw-as and Qualicum. The biosphere is defined by five watersheds which are Englishman River, Little Qualicum, French Creek, Nanoose Creek, and Bonnell Creek.
Leadership
Brenda Riley, leader, is a retired United Church Clergy. She has completed a yearlong Eco-Spirituality Course with the Wild Church Network, a seven-week leadership course, attended various retreats, and has helped lead at Naramata Wild Church camp. Even as a child she felt loved and accepted in nature. She has carried this bond with her throughout life.
“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.”
Gatherings
We meet monthly on the first and third Sunday afternoon, 1:30-3:00. Our flow is gathering, reflection, wandering, sharing, blessing.
Most gatherings are at Rathtrevor Park, Parksville, with summer gatherings in Nanoose or Qualicum Beach. For more information contact Brenda at wildchurchoceanside@gmail.com
Did you know we are on Facebook?
Check out the Oceanside Facebook page for local interests and events. Not on facebook and want more information, or need a ride? Contact Brenda at wildchurchoceanside@gmail.com