Although many churches are beautifully designed with colorful stained-glass windows and intricate wood-carved alters, many churchgoers agree that nature was also beautifully designed — by God.

Therefore, many churches ditch their pews and indoor services to worship outside at least once in the summer.

These outdoor services not only involve the usual singing, praying and preaching, they provide churchgoers with the sense of peace and serenity that comes with being surrounded by nature.

The Rev. Steve Ogle of Community Life Church in Butler believes that being outdoors is a great way to glorify God.

"We like to have as many things outside as possible," he said. "We love the outdoors."

Among the outdoor events the church holds are the prayer services at Butler Memorial Park every Thursday night to help church leaders feel connected to the environment and the community.

"It's just a small gathering where we pray for the city of Butler, the people of Butler and the future of our church," Ogle said.

The church also has planned a picnic at Moraine State Park on July 27, as well as many outdoor fellowship activities including softball and golf outings.

Members of St. John's United Church of Christ in Evans City also enjoy worshipping outside. They have held an outdoor service and picnic every June for more than 15 years in the backyard of church members Dave and Sue Ann Jones.

"I think it's a more relaxed atmosphere," Sue Ann said, "and Ithink there is more time for reflection."

She also said that because the service has a more relaxed feel to it and is not "high church," many more people feel comfortable with participating in the service, which usually replaces a typical sermon with a skit.

"It's another way of worshipping that teaches you that you don't necessarily need to be in a church to find God," she said. "There are many other avenues where you can find God."

The Rev. Dave Saylor at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Evans City agrees that outdoor services produce a more relaxed feel.

The church held an outdoor worship service at their picnic shelter next to their church building this month and they will hold another on August 19.

"We thought that people would enjoy the outdoors and the more casual atmosphere," said Saylor, who has been with the church for the past two years.

The congregation also tries to spruce up the outdoor services with themes to encourage more participation.

"Last year we had a Hawaiian theme and handed out leis," he said. "We just try to have some fun with it."

"We also have pet and backpack blessings for back to school, which are more conducive to outdoor services."

Church members of the New Life Christian Ministries in Saxonburg are also enjoying the relaxation of outdoor worshipping about once a month during the warm season.

"It's wonderful because you are out in God's creation and you can hear the birds chirping during the service," said Pat Fecich, the church's pastor of administration. "It's also how it was done in Old Testament times, so it brings us back in history."

Additionally, the service is important because it is held on the property where the group's new church will be built, said Fecich.

Like the effort needed to plan and build a new church, planning and setting up for the outdoor service also involves a lot of help from church members, strengthening their bonds of fellowship.

"Everyone has to pitch in," she said. "We have teams of people who set up tents, chairs, the nursery hut and bring drinks and pastries."