Skiing Toward the Sacred: How Downhill Worship is Carving a New Path for Church
On a crisp Sunday morning at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, skiers gather at the base of the Double Runner chairlift—but not just for another run down the slopes. They’ve come for Downhill Worship, a Fresh Expression of church that transforms a ski run into sacred space.
At four stops along the way down, worshippers pause to reflect on scripture, pray, and experience God in the beauty of the mountains. There’s no pulpit, no pews—just a group of people encountering Jesus in a place they love.
For many, this is the first time church has felt accessible in years. Some had drifted from traditional church, others never felt connected in the first place. But here, in the middle of their everyday lives, they are rediscovering faith in a way that makes sense for them.
“I thought I had left church behind, but here I am, meeting God on the mountain.” – Downhill Worship participant
This is what Fresh Expressions is all about—bringing church to the people, not waiting for them to come to us.
Meeting People Where They Are
Downhill Worship didn’t start as a strategy—it started with a question:
What if church could meet people where they already are?
The Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry recognized that in their community, traditional church models weren’t working for everyone. Locals working in tourism often had irregular schedules, and visitors weren’t going to leave the slopes to attend a Sunday service.
Instead of seeing this as an obstacle, the ministry saw an opportunity. They embraced the heart of Fresh Expressions by listening to their community and asking:
- Where do people already gather?
- How can we bring faith into those spaces naturally?
- What would church look like if it were designed with them in mind?
The answer? Church on the mountain.
“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.” – Hudson Taylor
More Than Worship—A Community Transformed
Downhill Worship isn’t just a creative way to gather—it’s meeting real needs in the Sugarloaf community.
While Sugarloaf is a destination for visitors, locals often struggle with seasonal employment and financial instability. Many workers face housing challenges, food insecurity, and economic uncertainty. In response, the Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry launched the 2020 Community Fund, providing vital support for food, rent, and utilities.
This ministry embodies Matthew 22:39: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s not just about worship—it’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus.
And the impact is clear. People who may never have walked into a church building are experiencing the love of Christ in action—on the slopes, in acts of service, and in a community that welcomes them as they are.
“There’s something about stopping in the middle of a run and hearing a word of encouragement—it reminds me that faith isn’t just for Sundays. It’s for every moment.” – Downhill Worship participant
This is Fresh Expressions—And You Can Do It Too
Downhill Worship is just one example of what happens when churches step beyond their walls and embrace a new way of being church. Fresh Expressions aren’t about abandoning traditional church models—they’re about extending the reach of the Gospel into the places where people already live, work, and find community. The journey begins with a simple yet powerful shift: listening to the rhythms of your community and asking how God might already be at work there.
For the Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry, it was clear that faith needed to meet people where they were—on the slopes, in the beauty of creation, and within the close-knit ski culture of the region. In your community, it might look different. It could be a Bible discussion in a coffee shop, a prayer gathering in a gym, or a storytelling circle around a firepit. As Michael Moynagh reminds us, “The future of the church lies in its ability to be both faithful to Jesus and flexible in form.” The message of Christ remains the same, but the methods can—and must—adapt.
The beauty of Fresh Expressions is that anyone can start one. You don’t need a building, a budget, or a large congregation. You just need a willingness to step into the spaces where people already gather and be a presence of love and grace. The first step is simply to look around, notice where people connect, and ask: What would church look like here?
Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church
What is the Fresh Expression called?
Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry
Where is it?
Carrabassett, Maine
Who is it for?
Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry is for locals, seasonal workers, and visitors who seek community, spiritual connection, and practical support in the Sugarloaf region. Whether it’s through Downhill Worship, community assistance programs, or relational ministry, Sugarloaf meets people where they are—on the slopes, in times of need, and in everyday life. It’s a place for those who may not connect with traditional church but long for belonging, encouragement, and a deeper encounter with God.
What do they do?
Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry creates innovative, accessible ways for people to experience faith and community in the Sugarloaf region. Through Downhill Worship, it brings church to the ski slopes, offering a unique, reflective worship experience in nature. Beyond worship, Sugarloaf supports the local community through outreach programs like the 2020 Community Fund, which provides financial assistance for food, rent, and utilities. Whether through spiritual formation, pastoral care, or tangible acts of service, Sugarloaf meets people where they are—offering hope, support, and a sense of belonging.
Who is the Pioneer?
Reverends Pamela and Earle Morse
Where can I learn more?
