God's back yard

Noah was into boating long before it was trendy on Lake Minnetonka. The New Testament has as many references to fishing as some issues of Outdoor Life. And let's not forget Moses, who led the Israelites on the great-great-granddaddy of all backpacking trips.

The bond between spirituality and the outdoors goes back to the roots of organized religion. Many people find a connection to God when they're outdoors -- clergy included. We asked religious leaders in the Twin Cities to share their favorite places in nature to connect with God. Here are some of the responses:

Pastor Mac Hammond, Living Word Christian Center, Brooklyn Park:

My favorite place to connect with God is on my annual hunting trip to the mountains of Colorado. Many times, I've gotten up early in the morning, climbed a few miles up the mountain and settled into the woods in the midst of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine.

In that place, as the sun rises and elk begin to bugle in the distance, I can shift my focus away from the pressures of life and simply begin to fellowship with the Lord.

Bishop James Jelinek, Episcopal Synod of Minnesota:

I love water, especially lakes. My favorite is Rainy Lake, just east of International Falls. Due to the number of islands, bays, rivers and rivulets, there are more miles of shoreline than Florida. In addition, the Earth's crust, represented by Ely green, a limestone formation, comes to the surface here, and evergreens and northern deciduous trees line the shore.

Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas:

Jenifer and I were married at Siebert Field, where the University of Minnesota plays baseball, with the chupah (marital canopy) positioned at home plate. Now we take our three children to the games, and we are grateful, in the words of the priestly benediction, that God's love has shone upon us as we sit outside with our family enjoying a baseball game.

Rev. Peg Chemberlin, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches and president-elect of the National Council of Churches:

In 1976-77, I served the First Congregational Church in Grand Marias as their summer outreach minster. I kept an old, battered aluminum canoe on top of my 1968 Buick so I could drop it on the water on my lunch breaks. I discovered the wonder of the most northeastern tip of this state.

The quiet, the green tall trees, the blue lakes all provide the space I need. However, of most importance to me is the Lake Superior horizon: an endless blue and modulating rhythm. I spend a lot of time looking at the horizon of the church and the broader county; sometimes I need a clear horizon, time to adjust my ability to see.

I hear God's voice every time I walk the piece of land in Plymouth where we plan to build a new facility. It's nearly 100 acres bordered by rows of large trees. And even though there's nothing there now, I'm reminded of God's promise to fulfill his word. I'm humbled by God's ability to make the impossible a reality, and reminded of the great faith that is required to hold onto a vision until it comes to pass.

Rev. Paul M. Youngdahl, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis:

My favorite place for spiritual renewal has been, and continues to be, at Cathedral of the Pines Camp for young people at Lutsen. The chapel is located overlooking Caribou Lake, with plate glass windows. At the base of a spruce tree-filled hill stands a wooden cross, which has been my inspiration. Before our evening chapel service I try to spend some time communing with God in the quietness of the chapel. I am inspired by the prayers of the young people each and every year who share their beautiful simple Christian faith with everyone in attendance.

Rev. Sarah Campbell, Mayflower Community Congregational Church, Minneapolis:

This time of the year, we yearn to head north. As you head up the highway, you shed what weighs you down. Little by little, it comes off of you as you see the familiar roadside markers. It's time to leave the city behind.

Rabbi Hayim Herring, executive director of STAR (Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal), St. Louis Park:

I have only been in Bryce Canyon in Utah once. I arose very early in the morning to watch a sunrise over the canyon with my son, Avi.

This was about a dozen years ago. I was working on my Ph.D. and keeping very long hours and did not want to get up at 4 a.m. while on a vacation. But, I couldn't say no, and I was so glad that Avi asked me to watch the sunrise. We went to Upper Inspiration Point at the canyon, and it was so worthy of its name! The time, the place, and being with Avi all created an impression that I can only call mystical.

Rev. Leith Anderson, Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie:

We have an "up north" Minnesota lakeshore cabin where I delight to enjoy God's creation. And, I love to travel far to experience the variety in all God has made. But most of all I thrill to see God through people whose lives are being transformed by Jesus Christ.

I own a 40-acre piece of property in Wisconsin. There are no trails, no structures of any kind, so that means no running water, no electricity, and I turn off my cell phone. I like the simplicity of it all.

I experience God by taking in the beauty of nature by listening and watching. I like listening to the birds, the bugs, the leaves in the wind and watching the flowers and trees, tasting the fruits of the earth in the wild strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and two apple trees. It is a retreat experience for me, to be with God in nature.

I love to get my hands dirty by taking out buckthorn with a weed puller. Buckthorn crowds out the native trees and grasses. I have a sense of accomplishment to leave the land in a better place than when I came.

Rev. John Mayer, executive director of religious demographics organization City Vision, Minneapolis:

Since 1985, when I was in college, I have made at least one annual pilgrimage during the summer to Gooseberry Falls. Looking at the waterfalls and then walking on the nature trails that lead to where the Gooseberry River empties into Lake Superior and finally just sitting on the rocky beach of Lake Superior, it is a truly an ethereal and transcendent experience for me.

Jeff Strickler • 612-673-7392

DAVID BREWSTER • dbrewster@startribune.com Rev. Joseph Johnson, St. Paul Cathedral:

Not having a lot of time to get outside the city, I have rediscovered Lake Como as a wonderful place to get "away" for an evening stroll, breath of fresh air, and peace to meditate. It is only a few minutes away from the Cathedral but it is far enough to clear my brain of the "business" side of church life and contemplate the goodness of God in Creation.

I am reminded that Jesus often walked along (and even on top of!) lakes, so all of the challenges I face are well within the context of God's power and plan. It is a good place for both physical and spiritual exercise, with my apologies to any bicyclers who have to go around me if I am lost in prayer!