This is a collaboration between MEEC and Miami River Valley Wild Church. For information on the Wild Church movement, visit wildchurchnetwork.com. If you would like to be kept informed of changes to the Wild Church schedule and receive reminders for future Wild Church events, click here.
Wild Church is an opportunity to explore nature with others, to slow down, and to renew your spirit, refresh your body and expand your mind. These gatherings are facilitated by Methodist Deaconness Beth Vanoli. We begin with a liturgy of poetry and readings, followed by a time of Centering Prayer. The “homily” is our soul in conversation with the Divine, each in our own way— around the grounds and nature trails at Mount Saint John before gathering back together for a time of sharing.
In winter, we begin in the MEEC meeting room in Saint Joseph Hall at Mount Saint John. For a map and directions, click the "visit" tab at the top of this page. Bring a reading or a poem about nature and creation to share, if you wish. We love to hear what speaks to your heart in this season. It is helpful if you can arrive a little before 10:00 so we can begin on time. If you have questions, email Beth.
What might you experience on the land in March?
- Chipmunks, one of our few true hibernators, begin to emerge from their winter dens.
- The call of male redwing blackbirds, who arrive in advance of females to establish territory, can be heard in and around wetlands.
- Wind-pollinated trees begin to bloom.
- Yellow-bellied sapsuckers, hermit thrushes, Eastern phoebes, woodcocks and other birds also arrive back from winter territory.
- Squirrel pups and fox kits are birthed.
- Garter snakes emerge from winter hibernacula.
- Wood frogs begin calling when day and night temperatures reach 50° F.
- Big brown bats return to the area for the summer.
- The first spring ephemeral wildflowers begin to emerge. These perennial plants will complete their entire annual life cycle before the tree canopy closes.