16/05/2025
Deep within the picturesque setting of Chopwell Woods, people of all ages are joining together to share food, friendship and prayer.
Magdalene Community Church (MCC) is an outdoor entity by design, and all who are part of it engage with God’s creation throughout all four seasons of the year.
It was launched two years ago by Rev Rachael Phillips, curate in the nearby parish of Greenside and Rev Canon Tom Brazier, vicar of Greenside. Rachel was appointed by the diocese as a church planting curate, and in doing so, has realised her own long-standing dream of creating an outdoor church.
This form of finding and worshipping God by connecting with nature struck a chord, and now the church welcomes around 30 people every mid-week and between 40 - 70 on Sundays, with many more joining in with online worship.
Going back to basics
“We are a simple ‘back to basics’ church, finding new life in ancient traditions,” said Rachael, who is church leader for MCC. “We are outdoors and that really frees us. We understand that church is wherever the people gather to be with God. It reminds us that God is everywhere, including within each of us."
On Fridays, the church takes an informal walk into the woods while engaging in all forms of conversation, from the weather and other everyday topics, to sightings of deer and native birds within the woodland.
Sometimes the subject of spirituality is not mentioned until the group finds a suitable location for liturgy and prayer. Everyone is invited to pray and even lead the prayers, if they wish. But there are no obligations. It’s an incredibly relaxed environment. Everything is opt-in.
Children and parents are very welcome. Many of MCC’s members have pre-school age children or those who are home educated. The outdoor environment means they have the freedom to play and express themselves, engaging more closely whenever they choose to do so.
Celtic inspired liturgy and prayers are followed by a trip to local community café The Bank, where hot drinks and brunches are enjoyed, before the group heads back into the woods for communion.
Engaging people
Rachel has noticed that MCC has become a place for some people who have struggled to engage with other models of church, with one example being Neil, who attended a recent Friday gathering for the first time recently.
“I’m coming around to thinking that this might just be for me,” said Neil. “I’ve been looking for a different way to engage with God and this very much appeals.
“I love music and we get to play our favourite songs in the woods. People dance to them. I can see it’s a close-knit community. It’s easy to find people to talk to and I have felt comfortable here.”
MCC has a good working relationship with the Forestry England, which manages Chopwell Woods, and is supportive of the church’s need for a dedicated space and is beginning to partner with a local food growing project in Chopwell.
For more information, follow Magdalene Community Church on Facebook or visit their website.
