OWL Conference 2025
Launde Abbey was once again host to the Outdoor Worship Leicestershire (OWL) Conference, which saw more than 120 people - adults and children - come together to Pray and Play in Creation through a variety of diverse and creative workshops.
Against the backdrop of the autumnal trees, the gathering enjoyed and embodied active welcome worship led by Sara Hargreaves (Engage Worship) learning a new song (In the Woods - 3 Part Song For Outdoor Worship).
They then engaged in a variety of workshops including: Fire and Food with Rachel Summers, cooking babybel cheese and cinnamon apples as well as sharing faith around the fire; Connecting with God through birds with Alison Morgan where they learnt about how birds are related to the Psalms and came up and close to a Great Tit; Creative Movement and Outdoor Yoga which used the whole body in creative worship; walking the Launde Abbey Labyrinth, and exploring the beauty of slowing down with mindful walks.
The aim of the conference is to inspire new worshipping communities, and they heard from Sara Hargreaves with her top tips on setting outdoor worship, as well as celebrating a new community which began after last year’s conference.
OWL also aims to encourage and support leaders, and many of the participants left feeling inspired with practical ideas. One participant said: “I am buzzing with enthusiasm and ideas. I can’t wait to use some of them!”
It was a joy to see members of the OWL Network share their experiences and creativity – Laura and Holly from the Windmill Forest Church team led art workshops with blackberries, gelli printing paints and scissors. It was a wonderful opportunity to release their ideas into the wider community.
Along with escape rooms, photography, treasure boxes and outdoor tots, the workshops were well received by adults and children: there was such a joy watching the children engage with the sessions and parents were grateful for the way they were valued and welcomed to the conference.
They ended their time together by sharing communion, led by the Revd Crystal McAllister.
Blessed as they left by the many conversations they’d had and the many ideas they’d heard, reflections from the participants revealed their engagement:
“I’ve had several moments today where I could lose myself in the beauty of the moment”
“It was a wonderful opportunity to be creative myself and not just planning for others.”
“It was a slice of heaven.”
“It was a beautiful time to hear from God.”
Anne Scott, facilitator for OWL, said: “It was wonderful to spend time praying to our Creator within creation and hearing from God through the world which was all around us. It was also a joy to use play as an act of worship as we explored, laughed and had fun together.
“We hope and pray that this conference will be a catalyst for new Outdoor Worshipping Communities to start and that through them, more people will encounter the love that God has for the world and them.”
The next OWL event will be a zoom conversation with the Revd Grace Thomas on Outdoor Worship and mental wellbeing – more details to follow.