St Luke's Bath- Church of the Wild

Second Sunday of Each Month

3pm | St Luke’s Church Gardens

Let’S BEGIN with wonder.

Have you ever found yourself captivated by light dancing through the trees? Felt life rushing through your veins as you stand beside crashing waves? Have you ever experienced an unexpected peace in the early morning birdsong?

Many of us have moments when the natural world leaves us with a sense of wonder, peace or mystery. We may not always have words for those experiences, but they often awaken questions that are deeply spiritual.

This is where Church of the Wild begins.

Christians have long believed that creation is one of the ways we come to know its Creator. Before there were church buildings, there were gardens, deserts, mountains and lakesides, and people found God. Jesus taught outdoors. He invited people to notice birds, seeds, trees and wildflowers, discovering that the world around us can become a window into the kingdom of God.

Church of the Wild is a different kind of church gathering...

It is a gathering for anyone who has ever sensed there might be more to this world than meets the eye.

It is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with the natural world, and become more attentive to the presence of God.

There are no long sermons and no expectation that you already know what you believe. Through simple Christian practices of stillness, reflection, wandering and conversation, we make space to notice what is so easily overlooked.

Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, returning after many years away, or simply curious to discover where wonder might lead, you're warmly welcome.

Let's begin with wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We'll gather together in the gardens of St Luke's before spending time outdoors in silence and reflection. There will be a short reading from the Bible, a simple invitation to explore, time to wander and notice, and an opportunity to share what you've discovered with others if you'd like to. We finish with a short blessing before heading home.

  • Nope. Not at all.

    Church of the Wild is rooted in the Christian faith, but it's open to anyone who is curious. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, returning after many years away, or simply wondering if there might be more to life than meets the eye, you're welcome.

  • That's absolutely fine. There's nothing to prepare and no expectation that you'll know what to do. We'll guide you through everything as we go.

  • There's no pressure to share. Some people enjoy speaking about what they've noticed; others simply prefer to listen. Both are equally welcome.

  • Yes. In many ways, children are our best guides in the wild. Whether they want to join in the reflections, collect leaves and pine cones, lie in the grass, build a den or simply explore, they are very welcome.

    Part of the joy of Church of the Wild is seeing the world with fresh eyes, and children often help us do exactly that.

  • It might! We'll still plan to meet if it's raining.

    Part of Church of the Wild is learning to encounter God in the natural world just as it is. Not only on warm, sunny afternoons, but in wind, rain and changing seasons too.

    If the weather is exceptionally severe or unsafe and our plans need to change, we'll do our best to let everyone know.

  • Comfortable clothes, suitable footwear for the weather, and perhaps a waterproof if rain is forecast. You might also like to bring something to sit on if standing, or perching on the floor for an hour isn't comfortable.

  • About an hour.

  • Our gardens are on a hillside and, in places, are intentionally quite wild. There are paths throughout the grounds, so it's possible to make your way around without using steps, although some sections are uneven.

    There is no fixed seating in the gardens, so if you would be more comfortable sitting during the gathering, you're very welcome to bring a camping chair or folding stool.

    Accessible toilet facilities are available in the Church Centre.

    If you have any accessibility questions or specific requirements, please get in touch. We'll do our best to help.

  • Christians have always encountered God outdoors. Long before there were church buildings, people met God in gardens, deserts, forests, mountains and beside lakes. Church of the Wild is simply an opportunity to rediscover that tradition. We are slowing down, paying attention, and exploring what God might be saying through the world he has made.

"Look at the birds of the air..."

Matthew 6:26