Not even a morning of high winds and heavy rain could prevent God Outdoors from going ahead! By two o’clock, as if by some miracle, the sun made an appearance and the rain ceased.
Nurturing, caring for and being looked after were the chosen themes for the event, very much in tune with the forthcoming ‘Mothering Sunday’,
After the youngsters had refuelled with juice and homemade biscuits, they set off in search of signs of life outdoors, armed with magnifying glasses and a prompt sheet. Excited children found critters under woodpiles, berries on shrubs, flowers in the grass, buds on the trees and worms in the earth. They were keen to share their findings.
Activities on offer included creating a gift for someone who nurtures and cares for them. The youngsters drilled and decorated wooden discs, making perfect presents to take home and gift to a loved one.
The ‘Stick People’ table was busy. Children loved choosing their sticks to transform into a person with colourful wool for clothing. Adults and children were soon immersed in a concentrated effort to create a family member.
For those eager to get messy hands, the ‘Seed Bombs’ area was most attractive. By mixing paper pulp, compost and seeds together, and shaping the mixture into small balls and leaving it to dry out, a feast for the birds was created…nurturing garden wildlife.
In a similar vein, the creation of bug hotels using cardboard, tins, bamboo canes and some moss was equally popular.
Rev. Naomi pulled all the ideas and activities together and gathered some suggestions of Bible stories which showcased nurture and care.
After enjoying a simple tea, the children were invited to join in with the God Outdoors prayer:
‘We have come to nature’s playground,
To a wild cathedral, where the trees raise their arms in praise
and the rocks cry out His name.
We have come to meet God outdoors.’
It turned out, that the respite in the wintery weather was short-lived. The evening saw the return of heavy rain showers, and even some hail! Had God parted the stormy clouds and blessed the event with sunshine? Quite possibly! He was looking after us…again!
