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Embracing the Spirit update - June 23, 2021
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Wild Church Network: Planted in a “Failed” Idea

 
Photo of a beautiful forest, sunlight streaming through the trees.
 
Wild Church is for those that consider themselves "spiritual but not religious". It is a growing movement of communities that practice spirituality on the land. For some, it is a return to the Garden of Eden where you recognize that you are fully present in the space. It is about getting out of the four walls of the church into the world and being nurtured there. There is a growing network of Wild Church across the country as we speak!

But that isn’t where the network started. It started with an idea that was completely different. An idea that didn’t work, and yet which planted the seed of an even bigger idea by following the Spirit.

Watch the whole story.

[Photo by Steven Kamenar on Unsplash]

Idea Days Coming Soon…


The next innovation grant due date is July 15. If you are interested in applying, please email us to set up a consultation at embracingthespirit@united-church.ca.

You can also join us for Idea Days to hear what some of the other grant applicants are talking about. The next Idea Day is July 5 at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Crescent Arts Centre Vaudeville Series

 
Photo of three silhouette figures on a stage against a red curtain.
 
Crescent-Fort Rouge United Church in Winnipeg has been amplifying the arts in Winnipeg and continues to follow the energy. Based on the energy that came out of the Prairie Vaudeville Revue at the 2019 Winnipeg Crankie Festival, they decided to create a vaudeville camp for seniors. The vision was that seniors would define the project direction and create the performance over a 12 week period.

Then COVID-19 happened... But the show must go on!

95% of it went online, with gatherings every Monday where participants asked for things they wanted to learn, and made plans about the show. Some of the classes were ukulele, playing the saw, magic, writing comedy and doing stand-up, group dancing, juggling, and even learning how to make a Crankie (a box theatre that plays with a crank). Seven of these sessions were run by volunteers teaching other participants!

The feedback from the participants was that it was fun, and a great way to connect during isolation in this interactive way. There was lots of learning, with an increase in confidence. And another piece of feedback: they didn’t want it to end!

[Photo by Kyle Head on Unsplash]

Embracing the Spirit is a learning network and innovation fund. It offers funding and support for innovation ideas hatched out of faith communities and communities in ministry. Some of the stories and best practices that are happening throughout The United Church of Canada are shared in this newsletter.

If you have an idea that you want to launch, reach out and tell us about it! Proposal deadlines are quarterly, and due on the 15th of the month: January, April, July and October. Find out more

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