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Our Convener and Guide
Leah Rampy (she/her) is an experienced leader of contemplative, Earth-focused retreats and pilgrimages. She is grounded in Christian contemplative, Celtic, and Creation Spirituality traditions that honor our oneness with Earth as she seeks to learn from other spiritual traditions that chart a path of oneness and compassion.
Leah served as the Executive Director of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Washington, DC, for six years. She continues to serve on the staff of Shalem’s long-term program “Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats” and also offers an online class on contemplative leadership. Leah is the founder of Illumined Way LLC offering retreats and spiritual coaching. She serves on the boards of the Center for Spirituality in Nature and Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Center. Leah and her husband live in Shepherd Village Cohousing Community in Shepherdstown, WV. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Big Picture
Why Church of the Wild?
Prophets and peoples of old retreated into the desert or climbed mountains to listen more closely to the Holy/God. The desert mothers and fathers left the cities to embrace solitude as they sought to understand what was asked of them. Early Celtic Christians were on intimate terms with Creation and spoke of two equal books, the book of the Bible and the Book of Creation. For our spiritual ancestors, it has not been so long ago that nature nourished our souls and nudged us closer to the Sacred.
Today we have lost much of our intimate connection to the natural world. And what we do not know, we cannot cherish and protect, we will not save. We are intrinsically linked to all beings and they to us; but we are living a life of separation that births indifference, injustice and loneliness. Until we can replace the story of separation with the story of unity, we will embrace scarcity, competition, and isolation over abundance, cooperation, and community. Creation offers to guide the way, leading by example, and feeding our souls.
The Church of the Wild invites us to come home to the family of nature that has been waiting for us, to participate in the soul work that offers deeper connection to the Divine, and to take the time to hear the still small voice that is forever seeking us in love.
Are you really a church?
We are a community committed to supporting each other and life around us as we seek to deepen our connection to the Holy. We offer practices grounded in the Christian contemplative tradition and informed by other spiritual traditions that help to ground us in the sacredness in each moment. In that sense we are a church. However in some ways we are unlike most churches. We have no buildings, denomination, formal liturgy or creeds, and we barely have any business to transact. Most especially, we aspire to embrace diversity in all its forms.
What are your beliefs?
- We believe that there is an underlying Sacredness in the Universe, an original blessing, that calls us to love, compassion and unity. Sacred goes by many names - the Divine, God, Wisdom, Yahweh, Abba, Mother, or Spirit – and by no name at all.
- We believe that Spirit is actively present and creating within, around and beyond all; that we are invited into co-creation; and that nature is one path to deepening our connection to the Source.
- We believe that all life is interconnected and that there can be no well- being for one without well being for all.
- We believe that there is gift and abundance in the natural world; as we become aware of these gifts, it is our obligation and joy to work with the natural world for the continued healing and renewal of all beings everywhere.
- We believe that one’s spiritual journey is both shared and unique; thus our beliefs may differ even as we find support and compassion in journeying together.
Who is invited to Church of the Wild?
We welcome anyone who seeks to deepen their spirituality through time in nature. Whatever your religious tradition, or if you have none, Christian or otherwise, you are welcome here.
Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely. We wholeheartedly welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Are you trying to replace more traditional churches?
No. In fact we schedule our meetings in order not to conflict with traditional church worship; we hope to supplement, not replace, more traditional practices. However, some who find a home at the Church of the Wild have never been part of a church or have felt alienated or even hurt by traditional churches; we especially welcome them to this congregation.
Are there other Churches of the Wild?
Yes, Wild Church Network is a loose affiliation of a diverse collection of churches across North America. If you are traveling or live in that direction, we highly recommend Church of the Wild DC and Church of the Wild Shenandoah Valley. And if you're looking for an excellent resource for spiritual practices, check out the Center for Spirituality in Nature.
Is there a pastor?
Church of the Wild~Two Rivers has a convener/guide as well as an advisory team. It does not have an ordained minister in charge.
Questions about the Details
Where and when will we meet?
Since the location will vary, check the website and Facebook page regularly for details. We will meet most often from 3:00-5:00 PM on the first Sunday of the month. Again check online as occasionally this may change.
What should I bring?
Bring your camp chair or blanket and a reusable water bottle. Wear sturdy shoes and socks for walking on paths through the woods. Dress for the weather! Bring a walking stick if you use one. And if it’s one of those days, you might want an unscented herbal bug deterrent.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In the event of rain or snow, we will do our best to meet under a shelter. We will meet regardless of weather unless it is unsafe to do so. We ask you to register to attend each meeting so that we will have your contact information and can advise you if plans change.
What level of mobility is required to participate?
We will be meeting outdoors and the paths to our meeting place are often uneven. However some of the locations where we meet are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us for more information.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No. We may invite donations to cover specific expenses or to offer support to an organization that provides our meeting place, but giving is always a personal decision and you will never be pressured.
How does Church of the Wild make money?
The simple answer is, it doesn’t. Everyone involved in offering leadership is a volunteer, giving freely of their time and talents.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes, yes, yes! We depend on volunteers. Do you play an instrument or sing? Would you be willing to welcome people and guide them from the parking to our meeting location? Could you bring snacks for our fellowship time? Can you organize rides? Please use the form on this website to let us know how you can help.
How do we care for our immediate environment?
Please, please, please carpool. Parking is often limited, it’s better for Earth, and you get to meet amazing people! Offer to carpool on our Facebook page. If anything you bring results in trash, plan to take it home with you. We will also let you know when the places we meet need volunteer help so that you can assist if it's right for you.
Can I bring my dog?
Some of the places where we meet prohibit dogs. Check with us about the specific details for a given location.
Since the location will vary, check the website and Facebook page regularly for details. We will meet most often from 3:00-5:00 PM on the first Sunday of the month. Again check online as occasionally this may change.
What should I bring?
Bring your camp chair or blanket and a reusable water bottle. Wear sturdy shoes and socks for walking on paths through the woods. Dress for the weather! Bring a walking stick if you use one. And if it’s one of those days, you might want an unscented herbal bug deterrent.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In the event of rain or snow, we will do our best to meet under a shelter. We will meet regardless of weather unless it is unsafe to do so. We ask you to register to attend each meeting so that we will have your contact information and can advise you if plans change.
What level of mobility is required to participate?
We will be meeting outdoors and the paths to our meeting place are often uneven. However some of the locations where we meet are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us for more information.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No. We may invite donations to cover specific expenses or to offer support to an organization that provides our meeting place, but giving is always a personal decision and you will never be pressured.
How does Church of the Wild make money?
The simple answer is, it doesn’t. Everyone involved in offering leadership is a volunteer, giving freely of their time and talents.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes, yes, yes! We depend on volunteers. Do you play an instrument or sing? Would you be willing to welcome people and guide them from the parking to our meeting location? Could you bring snacks for our fellowship time? Can you organize rides? Please use the form on this website to let us know how you can help.
How do we care for our immediate environment?
Please, please, please carpool. Parking is often limited, it’s better for Earth, and you get to meet amazing people! Offer to carpool on our Facebook page. If anything you bring results in trash, plan to take it home with you. We will also let you know when the places we meet need volunteer help so that you can assist if it's right for you.
Can I bring my dog?
Some of the places where we meet prohibit dogs. Check with us about the specific details for a given location.
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“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination.” —Mary Oliver, Wild Geese |
