Notes from 1st March:  Even as we introduced ourselves, it was clear that several had already wondered about living in an intentional community.  Others expressed a sense of frustration that their “fellowship” with their fellow believers amounted to a superficial chat over coffee after the service, once a week.

We quickly realised that “community” is a very broad term, so we tried to break it down.  The following suggestions were made:
• accountability
• an alternative way of living
• sharing of time, space and resources
• acceptance
• inter-dependence, not independence
• a visible, counter-cultural witness
• vulnerability, openness, honesty
• a new monasticism (as presented by Bishop Graham)
• a geographically focussed centre of prayer and sharing

We agreed that community required both giving and receiving – both of which are vital to our well-being as people, but neither comes easily.  Community must not be an escape; it has to reach out, or it stagnates.

The phrase which seemed to resonate was “Prioritise Relationships”. God is Father, Son and Spirit. Before there even was doctrine, there was relationship.  If we’re agreed that relationships are fundamental, the ‘Cinderella’ of modern life, then something will have to give way so they can rise to their proper place of importance. Make choices to be ‘hearty’ and more vulnerable in your circle of friends. Dare to stop pretending, and say it how it is, and love and prayer can enfold.

Our discussions concluded that any rediscovery of community was going to involve theory (heart) and life (practice).  It begins in the heart with our desire for more, and in the mind with our realisation that choices must be made.  It then requires courage and action – to make new friends, to go deeper than the surface with our friends, and to reach out to new people in our immediate locality.

(Trevor Saxby)