Connecting with Creation Through Sacred Ground – and a Smartphone App
Early in the book that bears his name, Job tells his friends: “Turn to the animals … Listen to the plants … Let the fish of the sea become your teachers” (Job 12:7-8). God later answers Job from the whirlwind (Job 38-41) using these same illustrations, and leads Job to a place of humility and awe.
Jesus, too, calls his followers to “consider the birds and the lilies” for lessons and perspective, urging them to let go of anxiety for personal comfort and security, and instead to seek God’s righteousness and justice, staying rooted in the present moment (Matthew 6:25-34).
The Sacred Ground project is an effort to tell the stories that I imagine the rocks and trees might tell us if we have “the ears to hear.” It is an audio guide to scenic vistas, parks and trails – currently, over 80 locations in Northern California, with more to come – available on a free smartphone app called Otocast. The guide highlights places of particular indigenous significance, of the impacts of climate change to fragile ecosystems, and of local habitat restoration projects, and covers a wide variety of natural features: forests, watersheds, panoramic vistas, and more. The material is deliberately brief, to discourage too much screen use; the idea is to urge users to engage more deeply in their surroundings. It includes guidance in a mindful spiritual practice and a suggestion for being a more respectful visitor: conserving water, not disturbing wildlife, supporting a local environmental non-profit or BIPOC-owned business, for example.
Otocast is a platform for dozens of audio guides to such places as outdoor art installations and historical sites, and is the host for the Sacred Ground guide. It can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play; after doing so, type “Sacred Ground” in the search bar to access. You can “visit” locations “virtually” by clicking on “info,” “photos,” or “get here” tabs (a link to Google maps), and click on the triangular “play” button at the bottom of the screen to listen to the spiritual exercise narration. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to make an in-person visit – or to imagine what “Sacred Ground” locations exist in your own area, and what stories are worth sharing.
A series of grants, mostly from entities of the United Methodist Church, have funded the project thus far; expenses are mostly in fees paid to the app developer, but also honoraria for indigenous consultants. Another dimension of the project is the organization of monthly “field trips” – small group excursions to nearby locations. These activities resemble “spirituality in nature groups” or “wild church” gatherings, and participants have come from a variety of local churches in Sonoma County, CA, where I presently serve as Pastor of Windsor Community United Methodist Church. The congregation supports the dedication of one-quarter of my work hours to the Sacred Ground Project, and they are enthusiastic prayer partners in the effort.
In 2026, I will be extending the reach of Sacred Ground to California’s Central Valley and getting the material translated into Spanish. My dream is to see this resource made available wherever there are beautiful places with stories to inspire climate action, wherever people feel a deeper connection to the Creator in nature. I see this as a “church without walls,” a gift of hospitality to outdoors enthusiasts who might not ever seek the Holy inside a building, and a way to share the creation stewardship and justice values of our faith. It is also a foil to the paralyzing ecoanxiety that so many experience these days, through a reminder of the healing power of nature, and of our agency and call to participate in healing of God’s world.
If you would like to partner in expanding the Sacred Ground project to your part of the country, we will connect you with Laurie.
Rev. Laurie Bayen recently became a climate ambassador through the on-demand training for clergy. Learn more and start one of the climate ambassador trainings today!
Rev. Laurie Bayen served Windsor Community UMC for 13-1/2 years. She is a United Methodist commissioned Earthkeeper, member of the California-Nevada Annual Conference’s Climate Justice Task Force and the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement’s Worship Working Group. She and her spouse, Albert, enjoy sailing, and Laurie performs with a five-voice women’s vocal jazz ensemble in her community.
About the Author:
Rev. Laurie Bayen, Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador and Pastor
Additional Resources:
Register to Watch: American Climate Leadership Awards 2026
Join the Campaign: One Home One Future
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023