Spirituality in Nature Groups

SINGs are spiritual communities, supported by the Center for Spirituality in Nature, that meet weekly or occasionally in nature to engage the wisdom nature offers and to reawaken wonder, connection, and renewed commitment to active, loving and reciprocal relationships with the Earth. They provide opportunities to broaden our understanding and knowledge of our local ecosystems, delight in their many wonders, and deepen our relationship with the Mystery that infuses all. Each SING is unique. They go by many names. They are shaped by their community members -- including their more-than-human members -- in relationship to the local ecosystem. SINGs can be small or large, connected to a faith tradition or to none at all, meeting weekly or occasionally. They can hike on rocky wilderness trails or simply walk mindfully in a local park. SINGs are open to all and are strengthened by the diversity of their membership.

Feeling the movement of Spirit and being attuned to the Divine in nature are ancient and enduring traditions. Across religions, beliefs and understandings, the natural world has, and continues to, hold a significant resonance for spiritual engagement, growth and learning. Nature is our spiritual home. ​ Spirituality in Nature Groups provide an opportunity to nurture that spiritual spark, cultivate community with our human and non-human neighbors, deepen our understanding of the Divine and reinvigorate our commitment to caring for one another and for the Earth. The Center for Spirituality in Nature invites SINGs into a robust and interconnected network with regular sharing of both resources and experiences, storytelling, and opportunities for training and further spiritual deepening alongside spiritual seekers both near and far.

As an organization rooted in relationship, The Center for Spirituality in Nature engages its work in partnership and collaboration with like-hearted organizations and communities. We have worked extensively with partners from a variety of spiritual traditions and mission-aligned non-profits to create rich resources for deepened engagement with Earth, Spirit, and each other. Our efforts focus on cultivating a network of care and support for nature-attuned community building and mindful practice and attending to the spiritual foundation of environmental advocacy and healing. Whether through cohorts of Spirituality in Nature Groups, presentations on nature's wisdom and gifts for physical, mental, and spiritual health, or as collaborators in projects connected to community building, climate consciousness, and ecological care, we are excited to partner with communities who are moved and inspired by the natural world! In the News Read about how we partnered with TryTank—an experimental lab for church innovation within the Episcopal Church—to bring the SING program to the Episcopal Church network here.(https://0a99e4c6-ae6e-457d-8b62-037d9e57f1f6.usrfiles.com/ugd/0a99e4_2374642cbf7a4f6fb0917f397d0dd32c.pdf) Contact us (https://www.centerforspiritualityinnature.org/contactus)to see how we might bring the SING program to your organization.

SINGs call individuals and communities into active, intimate and loving relationship with Earth. They provide opportunities to engage nature, and the Divine Mystery through nature, with openness, intention and intimacy and thus play a significant role in grounding and inspiring the work of advocacy. As one SING leader explains: There is an abundance of people in our community working on and invested in the climate crisis intellectually. SINGs allow them to connect to that work emotionally. For all those trying to respond faithfully to the climate crisis, SINGs offer a vital space to hold the fears and hopes of this important work together. These communities also provide a place to rest and re-energize for the significant challenges we face.

Starting a local Spirituality in Nature Group (“SING”) can be easy and rewarding. Here are a few ideas for how to get started: • Attend one of our upcoming training workshops which offer a detailed, structured, and accessible look at the process of launching your own Spirituality in Nature Group. Check our calendar (www.centerforspiritualityinnature.org/calendar)for the next offering. • Purchase our workbook, Start SINGing: Forming Your Own Spirituality in Nature Group,(https://www.amazon.com/Start-SINGing-Spirituality-Nature-Group-ebook-dp-B07W628LFY/dp/B07W628LFY/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1566334320) and its companion, I(https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Out-Practices-Deeper-Nature/dp/1091283087)nside Out: Practices for Going Deeper in Nature,(https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Out-Practices-Deeper-Nature/dp/1091283087) which offer easy-to-follow step-by-step guidance. • Contact Payton Hoegh, CSN’s Spiritual Communities Director. He is available to answer any questions at payton.hoegh@spiritualityinnature.org (payton.hoegh@spiritualityinnature.org)

Start SINGing: Forming Your Own Spirituality in Nature Group (https://www.amazon.com/Start-SINGing-Spirituality-Nature-Group-ebook-dp-B07W628LFY/dp/B07W628LFY/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1566334320)is a complete, step-by-step guide to starting and maintaining a regular Spirituality in Nature Group (SING). This comprehensive manual includes logistical guidance, suggested itineraries, a year's worth of curriculum, suggested readings and activities, and planning resources that can be adapted to many different ecosystems, organizations and faith traditions. ​ Check out this inside peek!(https://0a99e4c6-ae6e-457d-8b62-037d9e57f1f6.usrfiles.com/ugd/0a99e4_0117f6da88b6473287a7464d13042d2b.pdf)

Our SING community is growing! Please let us know if you set up a SING so we can add it to our site and let others know about it. See our calendar (https://www.centerforspiritualityinnature.org/calendar)for upcoming events with local SING organizations. CALIFORNIA St. Martin's Episcopal SING Davis, CA Contact: Pam Dolan (pamela@churchofstmartin.org) All Wanderers(www.allwanderers.org) Los Angeles, CA Contact: Payton Hoegh (payton.hoegh@spiritualityinnature.org) St. Paul's Spirituality in Nature Group Ventura, CA Contact: Dan Wakelee(dan.wakelee@att.net) Sacred Nature Circle(https://www.facebook.com/groups/503018262667177) South Lake Tahoe, CA Contact: Marni Perschnick (mailto:wildflowerwellness@mplcsw.com ) COLORADO The Love Glow SING Greenwood Village, CO Contact: Hayley Young(mailto:theloveglow@gmail.com) CONNECTICUT Middletown Gaian Guild (http://gaianism.org/local-offerings/)Middletown, Connecticut Contact: Erik Assadourian (info@gaianism.org) GEORGIA Candler Seminary SING Atlanta, GA Contact: Rodell Jefferson (rodell_jefferson@alumni.brown.edu) ILLINOIS The Center Mindfulness Group (https://thecenterpalos.org/) Plainfield, IL Contact: Dan Morley (dsmorley99@comcast.net) INDIANA SINGing With Grace Walks(https://www.waysofgracechurch.org/singing-with-grace-walks) Metamora, IN Contact: Kristi Asher (mailto:kristi.asher@gmail.com) KANSAS Bethany House & Garden SING Topeka, KS Contact: Rev. Caroline Howard (choward@episcopal-ks.org) LOUISIANA Crescent City Gaian Guild (https://groups.io/g/ccgg) New Orleans, Louisiana Contact: Bart Everson(whatever@barteverson.com) MARYLAND River Road UU SING! River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation Bethesda, MD Contact: Charlotte Moser (mosercharlotte@gmail.com) Southern Maryland Regional Walks Southern Maryland Contact: Charity Humm (charityahumm@gmail.com) Sacred Forest Circle(https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/a3NJjIibYVx5t) Washington & Frederick Counties Contact: Charissa Hipp (charissahipp@gmail.com) MASSACHUSETTS All Our Lives SING(https://allourdays.substack.com/) Worcester, MA Contact: Nancy Willbanks (nancyjw@aol.com) North Shore SING(http://nssing.org/) Ipswich River Watershed, North MA Contact: Kent Harrop (mailto:kentdharrop@gmail.com) Pioneer Men's SING(https://www.lionheartmedicinellc.com/pioneer-mens-sing) Amherst, MA Contact: Dave Eyerman MICHIGAN Nature Soul SING (https://www.naturesoul.net/) Leader: Marie Rymiszewski(office@naturesoul.net) Tri-County Area & Gladwin County, Michigan U.P. Wild Church (upwild.org) Marquette, MI Contact: Lanni Lantto (lanni@upwild.org) MISSISSIPPI Creation Walk, a Starkville SING Starkville, MS Contact: Tracy Stebbins (tracy.stebbins@gmail.com) MISSOURI Oneness in Nature Circles - KC(https://www.eventbrite.com/o/heartlight-peace-ministries-115731965311) Kansas City, MO Contact: Rev. Annika Klesch-Sawyer (mailto:revannika@att.net) NEW JERSEY Meditation Gardens of Collingswood(https://www.meditationgardensofcollingswood.org/) Collingswood, NJ Contact: Wendy Clouser (Meditategardenscwood@gmail.com) Wild Earth Spiritual Community-Northern New Jersey (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091089685212) Northern NJ Contact: Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline(mailto:writer@robinhawleygorsline.com) NEW YORK Church in the Wild(https://churchinthewild.org/) Windsor, NY Contact: Cory TurnPenny (churchinthewildcommunity@gmail.com) Nature Wisdom Circle(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064447641282) Patterson, NY Contact: Diana Lee (mailto:kayakhiker@yahoo.com) NORTH CAROLINA Caminamos Con Dios Brevard, NC Contact: Rev. Bill Livingston (rector_bill@bellouth.net) PENNSYLVANIA St. Christopher's Church SING Gladwyne, PA Contact: Kristen Ostendorf (kristen@saintchristophers.org) Whispers at the Waterfall SING North Huntingdon, PA Contact: Brenda Barnes (bfb15235@gmail.com) SOUTH CAROLINA Greenville SING Greenville, SC Contact: Group Discussion Board (https://www.centerforspiritualityinnature.org/group/greenville-sing/discussion) TENNESEE Shakti SING Johnson City, TN Contact: Laurie Levknecht (kayaklaurie@msn.com) TEXAS The Wild Ministry Houston, TX Contact: Amber (amber@amberambrose.com)& Mary Kathryn(marykathrynl@gmail.com) UTAH Outdoor Mindfulness Group (OMG!) Logan, UT Contact: Sara Hunt (mailto:Sara.hunt435@gmail.com) VIRGINIA Cultivate VTS (https://www.facebook.com/groups/356927407795608/) Alexandria, VA Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church SING Arlington, VA Contact: Jaydee Hanson(jaydeehanson@gmail.com) St. Peter's in the Woods SING(https://www.stpetersinthewoods.org/ministries/creation-care/) Fairfax Station, VA Contact: Stacey Remick (sremicks@gmail.com) Clifton Presbyterian Church SING Clifton, VA Kindred Nature (https://kindrednature.carrd.co/) Meets at locations in Northern VA, DC, & Maryland | Available for Virtual and Remotely Guided experiences Contact: Ilana Rubin (mailto:kindrednatureguide@gmail.com) Water & Wilderness Church(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553811179284) Arlington, VA Contact: Pete Nunnally(pete.nunnally@stmarysarlington.org) WEST VIRGINIA Church of the Wild ~ Two Rivers (www.churchofthewild2rivers.com) Meets in locations around Shepherdstown, WV Contact: Leah Rampy (churchofthewild2rivers@gmail.com) International SINGs Victoria, Australia Happy When I'm Hiking Contact: Susan Joachim (happyhikersinc@gmail.com) Private SINGs Some Spirituality in Nature Groups are active and gather regularly but are not presently looking to promote outside their personal communications. SINGs like this are active in: Kankakee, IL Silver Springs, MD Buffalo, MN Bradley, OH Cleveland Heights, OH Eugene, OR Lake Geneva, WI Washington D.C Fort Bend, TX