“People ought to saunter – not hike! Do you know the origin of that word ‘saunter?’ It’s a beautiful word. Back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, “A la sainte terre,’ ‘To the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these [trees] are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”- John Muir
Throughout the Easter 2021 season, we will celebrate outdoor Eucharists at Deacon Anne’s redwood-studded home in Eureka CA on Saturdays. Once you book online here, we will send you an address and driving instructions.
We ask that you please arrive ten minutes before the hour and dress appropriately for walking and weather. All will be required to wear masks and maintain distance from participants outside of immediate households, including those fully vaccinated. People of all ages are welcome.
These events are free. If you have trouble booking, please call the church office at 707-442-1797 (and leave a message if no one answers) or email christchurcheureka@gmail.com
Book online here for the following Saturdays of Eastertide:
Saturday April 10 at 11 AM (Feast of William Law)
Saturday April 17 at 3 PM (Feast of Kateri Tekakwitha)
Saturday April 24 at 11 AM (Feast of John Muir and Hudson Stuck)
Saturday May 1 at 11 AM (Feast of Catherine of Siena)
Saturday May 8 at 11 AM (Feast of Julian of Norwich)
Saturday May 15 at 11 AM (Feast of Pachomius of Tabenissi)
Saturday May 22 at 11 AM (Feast of Helena of Constantinople)
We look forward to sauntering with you!
Download Sacred Saunter worship bulletin here: Sacred Saunter Worship Program
For questions regarding Sacred Saunter, contact the Rev. Dr. Daniel London by calling 707-442-1797 or emailing christchurcheureka@gmail.com.
Watch the St. Francis Virtual Sacred Saunter here
Read a local newspaper article about Sacred Saunter here
Read about or listen to the origins of Sacred Saunter here
The Sacred Saunter community is a proud member of the Wild Church Network
We hold Sacred Saunters on select Saturdays throughout the year, including the Saturday closest to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4).
Download Sacred Saunter worship bulletin here: Sacred Saunter Worship Program
For questions regarding Sacred Saunter, contact the Rev. Dr. Daniel London by calling 707-442-1797 or emailing christchurcheureka@gmail.com.
Watch the St. Francis Virtual Sacred Saunter here
Read a local newspaper article about Sacred Saunter here
Read about or listen to the origins of Sacred Saunter here
The Sacred Saunter community is a proud member of the Wild Church Network
Read a local newspaper article about Sacred Saunter here
Read about or listen to the origins of Sacred Saunter here
The Sacred Saunter community is a proud member of the Wild Church Network
Older descriptions of Sacred Saunter:
We gather at the park entrance for opening prayer and then saunter to a beloved sequoia tree that we affectionately call “the gargoyle tree” because of its delightfully gnarled burls. We then pray a Psalm together by a trickling waterfall. From there, we proceed to a nearby bench for the reading of the Gospel and a brief devotional reflection. We then gather around a fountain by a duck pond for the Prayers of the People and the Passing of the Peace. Finally, we slowly ascend a small hill to arrive at a meadow, where we form a circle around a redwood tree trunk altar to sing and celebrate Eucharist.
Like John Muir, we appreciate the term “saunter” as it invites us to walk more slowly and mindfully and to bathe in the forest trees’ ancient and verdant light. Although some have called our church building the “Cathedral of the North Coast,” it is only when we gather for Sacred Saunter services at Sequoia Park that we feel we are in the true Cathedral of the North Coast. Nature mystics such as St. Francis, Teilhard de Chardin, Mary Oliver, and the Celtic Saints have been our favorite guides so far as we glorify God among the giant sequoia trees.
