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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 very deeply, and very 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 relationship with 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 of the community, both
individually and communally as it strives to respond to the Great Commandments.
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, such as 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 journey 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 are some of
our regular members in order of their admission into the Community:
Updated 6-17-11
Br. Gregory Thomas 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.
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.
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, gardening, and
genealogy. He serves his local congregation as a vestry member. Brother is the Secretary of the
National Episcopal AIDS Coalition, and is a board member of the Transfiguration Spirituality Center in
Cincinnati. He is completing a Spiritual Direction Internship at the Benedict Inn in Beech Grove, IN, and
is providing spiritual direction as a member of Spiritual Directors International. Brother is also a grandfather!
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, gardening, and
genealogy. He serves his local congregation as a vestry member. Brother is the Secretary of the
National Episcopal AIDS Coalition, and is a board member of the Transfiguration Spirituality Center in
Cincinnati. He is completing a Spiritual Direction Internship at the Benedict Inn in Beech Grove, IN, and
is providing spiritual direction as a member of Spiritual Directors International. Brother is also a grandfather!
Br. Michael-Gregory is the Deputy Guardian of the Community and 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. Brother currently serves as chaplain at Family Hospice, a palliative care center. He currently
attends the Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs and is active as a lector, catechist for
Confirmation classes, and is a frequent facilitator for adult education offerings. Prior to joining the staff
at Family Hospice, 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.
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 has served 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.
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 has served 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.
Sr. Margaret 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.
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.
John attends St. Paul in the Desert Episcopal Church, Palm Springs, CA. where he has been called by
their mission statement to serve Christ in others as a front office worker, liturgical service bulletin editor &
Chair of their parish's Abundant Living Action Team which is responsible for stewardship development which
explores gifts of time, talent and finances. He is also a regular attendee of their Tuesday Night Bible Studies.
John is a retired Information Technology Manager. He has also served as a Volunteer, Bi-lingual Supervisor &
Telephone Health Educator for the California AIDS Hotline based at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
John has a BA in Spanish and Education from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and holds an MBA in Marketing
and Management from the University of Cincinnati. He lives with his Chihuahua, "Cookie".
their mission statement to serve Christ in others as a front office worker, liturgical service bulletin editor &
Chair of their parish's Abundant Living Action Team which is responsible for stewardship development which
explores gifts of time, talent and finances. He is also a regular attendee of their Tuesday Night Bible Studies.
John is a retired Information Technology Manager. He has also served as a Volunteer, Bi-lingual Supervisor &
Telephone Health Educator for the California AIDS Hotline based at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
John has a BA in Spanish and Education from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and holds an MBA in Marketing
and Management from the University of Cincinnati. He lives with his Chihuahua, "Cookie".
Juan finally calls the Los Angeles area home after years of globe trekking and wandering. He is a parishioner
at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Downey, California, where he serves as Treasurer and Bookkeeper, a Lay
Eucharistic Minister, lector, usher, and anywhere else help is needed. Juan holds a B.A. in linguistics from the
University of California, Berkeley, an M.B.A. in Management from Loyola Marymount University, an M.A. in the
Humanities from Mount St. Mary's College, and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. After several
years of working in higher education, Juan now works with foster care youth in the care of Los Angeles County
as a staff attorney at the Children's Law Center of Los Angeles. In his free time, Juan enjoys spending time with
family and friends, gardening, cooking, and reading.
at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Downey, California, where he serves as Treasurer and Bookkeeper, a Lay
Eucharistic Minister, lector, usher, and anywhere else help is needed. Juan holds a B.A. in linguistics from the
University of California, Berkeley, an M.B.A. in Management from Loyola Marymount University, an M.A. in the
Humanities from Mount St. Mary's College, and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. After several
years of working in higher education, Juan now works with foster care youth in the care of Los Angeles County
as a staff attorney at the Children's Law Center of Los Angeles. In his free time, Juan enjoys spending time with
family and friends, gardening, cooking, and reading.
Bob is in psychiatric and mental health nursing. He has spent his secular career providing administrative
oversight and management for inpatient psychiatric programs in both the public and private sectors. He is
a member of the Episcopal Church. Bob is seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through the
guidance and support of the Community of the Gospel.
oversight and management for inpatient psychiatric programs in both the public and private sectors. He is
a member of the Episcopal Church. Bob is seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through the
guidance and support of the Community of the Gospel.
Kay is a retired college professor (Eastern Kentucky University) where she taught for fourteen years. She
has authored numerous journal articles, encyclopedia articles, and book chapters, as well as co-authoring
three books on women in public and private law enforcement, police administration and workplace violence.
She holds a B.S. and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, and a M.A. in Applied Sociology. As a member of
St. Michael the Archangel Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY, Kay serves as Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lector,
Prayer Partner, and Sunday School Leader. She is also a member of Daughters of the King, and is a
Benedictine Oblate.
has authored numerous journal articles, encyclopedia articles, and book chapters, as well as co-authoring
three books on women in public and private law enforcement, police administration and workplace violence.
She holds a B.S. and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, and a M.A. in Applied Sociology. As a member of
St. Michael the Archangel Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY, Kay serves as Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lector,
Prayer Partner, and Sunday School Leader. She is also a member of Daughters of the King, and is a
Benedictine Oblate.
