Spring has sprung and, for many, this means moving back outdoors, setting up our fire pits and gathering around the flames to enjoy those cool spring evenings. There is just something about a good campfire that warms the heart. Maybe its the flickering light, crackling sounds, warmth and that good old campfire smell. So why, with all our modern conveniences, are we still drawn to a campfire?

According to Dr. Christopher Lynn, our guest this Sunday, it has to do with our evolution. Early humans needed campfires for survival, heat, and warding off danger. Campfires illuminated dark places, facilitated cooking, and provided a place for socialization, a place to tell stories. Dr. Lynn’s studies show that unwinding around a fire decreases blood pressure and enhances relaxation.

Fire is part of our faith story, where it most often points to the presence of God, from the burning bush to tongues of fire.  This Sunday at The Garden, we'll put another log on the fire and have our own "Burning Man" gathering.