Rem wrote:For anyone who practices their faith, regardless of what denomination or even religion, what do you do when attending a group gathering or camping trip that exstends beyond a day usually set aside for worship?
Private time, or group worship non-denominational?
Wow, what a fascinating question because this (your question) is an incredible aspect of most of my camping adventures and I talk about it a lot. All of my trips are two things in nature: physical and spiritual.
Fitness always comes in with working out, hiking, biking, hot springs, etc. And spiritual comes in with meditation, yoga retreats, monastery retreats, etc. But the incredible spiritual part is I always seem to be guided to the perfect service at a local church wherever I am.
I have often said that some of the best services with the most resonating messages have occurred when I travel. Sunday morning is an adventure. Sometimes I'll just take a bike ride in whatever town I'm in and pull over at the first church that "feels right".
The members I've met at these churches over the years are as much of a gift as the sermon. I can recall being in crazy Quartzsite, AZ and stopping by a makeshift tent church (for the makeshift seasonal thousands of RV folks that live there for a couple of months). Anyhow, it was between services and the pastor and I sat and talked for about an hour. His story and what he is doing with his life was very inspiring and I'll never forget it.
I guess I would suggest you just "go with it" wherever you are. And those times when you are truly isolated in nature or whatever, always bring some good spiritual reading material and make the space you're in sacred. I've been high up on a hike in Sabino Canyon in AZ and my girlfriend and I will burn sage, say affirmations, and read inspirational passages. It's all about your intentions.
Happy Camping!
Scott G.