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Because we all have one Father, we are all brothers and sisters. Therefore, we are a family, a community. God loves
each of His children personally.
“What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a
tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
I Corin. 14:26
A strong community has the following characteristics:
PURPOSE
There must be a basis for the life of the community which is enough to hold everyone together. The basis must include
Jesus Christ. It does not need to be based on programs or activities.
It is to be concerned with all of what is involved in being a Christian.
The top priority of the Community is personal spiritual renewal - the renewal of one’s commitment to Christ. This is a
primary concern, because it is only through spiritual renewal that a community draws together and anything can happen.
ORGANIZATION
The organizational aspect of the community is organic – it is developed to meet needs the community feels, not to supply
services the community ought to want.
There must be enough organization for its members to be able to grow together in service. But not too much
organization that the organization becomes the focus and not personal, spiritual renewal.
There is a common misconception that the only real personal relationships are the kind that are formed individually or in
small groups where people can “get to know each other well.” In real communities there is a bond that comes from
having something in common, belonging to the same body, that has a single purpose. In this case it is personal, spiritual
renewal.
COMMUNING
Every member of the community needs to be an active participant. This means that each member is actively pursuing a
personal relationship with Christ and is on a path of spiritual renewal. This is different for each person, but it always
leads to the same thing – total emptying of oneself and unifying with God.
Members are strongly encouraged to be in regular contact with each other. This is a unique challenge of a dispersed
community. We do this through e-mail, teleconference calls, cell phones, text messaging, regional and national meetings
(Convocations). The interaction between the people must be relationship-oriented, and not just task-oriented.
“Though they be divided in their dwelling, yet do they abide bound and inseparable in spirit and faith and loving-
kindness.” - Historia Monachorum
Our Community is a way to demonstrate our faith and to build a closer relationship with Christ. Here’s our members in
order of their admission into the Community…
Updated 5-9-09
Greg S. is an intervention specialist with an inner-city school system in Ohio. He works with secondary students who
have learning and emotional challenges During his free time he enjoys yoga (as a participant as well as a teacher), and
swimming. Greg is a member of Our Savior Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio. He serves as a Verger and as a choir
member.
have learning and emotional challenges During his free time he enjoys yoga (as a participant as well as a teacher), and
swimming. Greg is a member of Our Savior Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio. He serves as a Verger and as a choir
member.
Br. Daniel-Chad calls Indiana his home, living in the inner city, often sharing his home with guests. He has completed
studies at Phillips U., Christian Theological Seminary, Iliff School of Theology, and Union Theological Seminary. He
loves orchestra performances, cooking, art, reading, biking and gardening. He serves his local congregation as
Eucharistic Lay Visitor, Chalice Bearer, and as a Stephen Minister. Brother recently became a grandfather!
studies at Phillips U., Christian Theological Seminary, Iliff School of Theology, and Union Theological Seminary. He
loves orchestra performances, cooking, art, reading, biking and gardening. He serves his local congregation as
Eucharistic Lay Visitor, Chalice Bearer, and as a Stephen Minister. Brother recently became a grandfather!
Sr. Maria-Francis lives with her family in central Washington state. Sister holds an undergraduate degree from the
University of Dubuque, and a Masters degree from Iowa State University. She is a piano and voice teacher, actor, and
organist. As she says, "I'm interested in almost everything!" Sister shares her vocal music with the Community at
Convocations.
University of Dubuque, and a Masters degree from Iowa State University. She is a piano and voice teacher, actor, and
organist. As she says, "I'm interested in almost everything!" Sister shares her vocal music with the Community at
Convocations.
Br. Michael-Gregory has extensive experience in parish ministry in the areas of administration, religious education,
and pastoral care, having served as a Director of Religious Education, Director of Lay Ministry, and Parish
Administrator in parishes in California and Florida. He currently serves on the parish staff at the Church of St. Paul in
the Desert in Palm Springs as Ministry Coordinator, charged with assisting the clergy in "equipping the saints for
ministry" through ministry development and lay ministry mobilization, and provides administrative support to the rector
in the day-to-day operation of the parish. Brother also ministers in his parish as a lector and is a catechist for
Confirmation classes and is a frequent facilitator for adult education offerings. Prior to joining the staff at St. Paul's, Br.
Michael-Gregory worked as a Spiritual Care Counselor (Chaplain) at the Betty Ford Center. He is a graduate of the
Audire Spiritual Director Formation Program, San Pedro Center (Winter Park, FL) and holds a doctorate in Pastoral
Counseling.
Rev. Sr. Johanna is the Parish Deacon at Grace Church in Elmira, NY. She studied Applied Economics and
Business Management at Cornell University and holds a M.Div. from Bexley Hall Seminary. Sister has an extensive
knowledge of religious studies and has previous training as a Benedictine. She loves music, painting, reading, and is
well-versed in computer science. Sister shares her musical talents with the Community at Convocations.
Br. Daniel-Joseph is the founder of our Community. Brother, like all of us, continues his spiritual journey one step at a
time; he falls and gets up, falls and gets up, falls and gets up... He is a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in
Appleton, WI, and serves the parish as an adult Bible study facilitator, lector, and chalice bearer. Brother was trained
as a Benedictine, and holds an undergraduate degree in Hebrew Studies from the University of Wisconsin, a MBA in
finance from Concordia University, and a MS in Adult Educational Psychology from Northern Illinois U.
time; he falls and gets up, falls and gets up, falls and gets up... He is a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in
Appleton, WI, and serves the parish as an adult Bible study facilitator, lector, and chalice bearer. Brother was trained
as a Benedictine, and holds an undergraduate degree in Hebrew Studies from the University of Wisconsin, a MBA in
finance from Concordia University, and a MS in Adult Educational Psychology from Northern Illinois U.
Peg B. is a psychotherapist in the Indianapolis area. She holds a BA degree from Union College and an MSW from the
University of Kentucky. She enjoys reading, playing with her grandchildren, and serving others through her church, Christ
Church Cathedral, as a Stephen Minister Leader, caregiver, and as a Eucharist Lay Visitor.
University of Kentucky. She enjoys reading, playing with her grandchildren, and serving others through her church, Christ
Church Cathedral, as a Stephen Minister Leader, caregiver, and as a Eucharist Lay Visitor.
