05/28/2026
REFORESTING FAITH BOOK STUDY
Holy Hikes of Western New York, St. Matthias’ (East Aurora) and St. Paul’s Cathedral (Buffalo) will host a 5-session book study and discussion of Reforesting Faith. The sessions will be held on Zoom for five consecutive Wednesday evenings (June 10 – July 8) from 6:30-7:30pm.
REFORESTING FAITH: WHAT TREES TEACH US ABOUT THE NATURE OF GOD AND HIS LOVE FOR US by Matthew Sleeth, MD
"In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, Dr. Sleeth convincingly makes the case why trees are essential to every Christian’s understanding of God. There’s a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to itself as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18). Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them.
This is no accident. When we lose track of the trees in Scripture, we miss essential lessons of faith necessary for our growth. Reforesting Faith is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator.
Join in a deanery wide reading and discussion of this book by Dr. Matthew Sleeth who explores the Bible’s trail of trees and reveals the wonders of the nature of God and his love for us. You’ll be amazed at how science is just beginning to catch up to the truths described in Scripture thousands of years ago.
Once you discover the hidden language of trees, your walk through the woods—and through Scripture— will never be the same."
5-session book study reading schedule:
6/10 - Chapters 1-3
6/17 - Chapters 4-6
6/24 - Chapters 7-9
7/1 - Chapters 10-12
7/8 - Chapters 13 - End
The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87163407294
Passcode: 02241869
Books may be purchased on Amazon, or from your favorite bookseller. All in the Erie South Deanery (and beyond!) are welcome to join in.
Questions/Concerns? – Please contact Mo. Ann Tillman ([email protected]) or Dean Rebecca Barnes ([email protected])
*** Holy Hikes of Western New York
Holy Hikes of Western New York, a ministry of St. Paul's Cathedral, is pleased to announce its full schedule for the 2026 season. All hikes are held on the second Saturday of the month at 10am, unless otherwise announced. We hike rain or shine. All are welcome; carpooling will be available from the Cathedral at 9:30AM or you can join us directly at the appointed hike location.Join us as we will hit the trail to celebrate the Eucharist in nature!
Holy Hikes of Western NY 2026 Schedule
1. Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, (Depew) - April
2. Chestnut Ridge Park (Orchard Park) - May
3. Tifft Nature Preserve (Buffalo) - June
4. Owen Falls Sanctuary Trail (East Aurora) - July
5. Stiglmeier Park (Cheektowaga) - August
6. Goat Island (Niagara Falls) - September
7. Heartland Forest Trail (Niagara Falls, Ontario, CN) - October
8. Iroquois National Wildlife Preserve (Basom) - November (weather permitting)
(N.B. All trails are listed as easy with the exception of Chestnut Ridge which is moderate.)
Holy Hikes® is an eco-Ministry of The Episcopal Church that is committed to rebuilding Communion between all of God’s Creation. It’s founder and director, Fr. Justin Cannon says, “I feel closest to God in nature and also in the Holy Eucharist. Through Holy Hikes people across the country are bringing these two together in profound ways.”
Questions: Please contact The Very Rev. Rebecca Barnes at [email protected]
