Holy Hikes-Vermont Invites Hikers to Second Year of Environmental Sensibility, Church Beyond Walls
Holy Hikes-Vermont is an emerging ministry based at Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne, Vt., in collaboration with St. James Episcopal Church, Essex Junction, and All Saints Episcopal Church, South Burlington. The hikes occur monthly and are open to all people of the Diocese as well as other faith communities and seekers. The hikes are based around a Eucharistic (communion) service.
Holy Hikes is a trademarked organization begun by the Rev. Justin R. Cannon in the Diocese of California as a hiking ministry. The Vermont chapter was established in 2016 by the Rev. Kim Hardy, who was recently named as St. James’ priest in partnership.
One purpose of Holy Hikes is to encourage environmental sensibility within the faith life of the Church. Hikers see a moral imperative to move beyond the walls of church buildings in order to engage seriously the question of how to re-establish right relationship with the earth, Hardy explains.
“In the words of St. Paul, ‘creation waits with eager longing for the revelation of the children of God,” she said. “Creation spirituality and worship in nature can assist in re-establishing our sacred trust with creation.”
Another purpose of Holy Hikes is to broaden opportunities for spiritual integration and community-building. Worship experiences that connect people with God set in places of natural beauty are invitational for those who may not otherwise express their faith by church attendance, and so can serve as another avenue to discovering God’s love.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.
(Romans 8:19 NRSV)
Hardy continues, “Holy Hikes calls us beyond the walls of comfort, to take a step, perhaps even a hike, towards reunion with the earth and all its life and beauty.”
Tentative Upcoming Schedule
Thursday, June 15, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, July 20, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, August 10, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, September 14, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Saturday, November 18, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Saturday, December 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Dates subject to revision. Locations to be announced. If interested, please contact revkimhardy@gmail.com and ask to receive up-to-date details.