This group is for those in Southwest VA and neighboring areas who:

- love the wilderness

- aren't afraid of the dark

- find Christ in the face of fellow human beings

- imagine God as both Mother and Father

- can critically examine the history of Christianity as a process of *deepening* their faith

- honor the Earth as our Creator's loving gift & instruction book

- serve God through works of compassion, justice & peace

- enjoy the masks of "religion" that the Divine loves to play with

- would rather celebrate outdoors than in expensive buildings

- want to gather with others of open minds and hearts to study the Christian tradition as it is, was, and could be.

 We are a non-denominational and non-hierarchical group based in Panentheistic theology, and welcome all who wish learn about alternative views of Christianity, early Christian traditions, natural spirituality, classic Christian mysticism and contemplative or gnostic methods.  Meetings will range from discussion groups to informal fellowship to exploring ways to find spiritual direction through a praxis that honors both Earth and Heaven. 

We are working especially to create a local community for Christians who do not find their spiritual needs fully met by the area church options, and to help those who have been hurt in the past under the name of Christianity to heal and recover their relationship with Christ.  For this reason, we have clear rules of behavior that all who participate, either online or face-to-face, will be expected to follow. Please see the "Group Goals and Expectations" folder under the "Discussions" tab - you will be asked to read and abide by these guidelines in order to join the meetup. 

NOTE:  The groups under "Other nearby Meetups" are not selected by the Group Organizer nor endorsed or affiliated with this group.  Groups and Events that may be useful to people sharing our interests or are recommended by members of this group are shared in the "Area Resources" folder under Discussions.