www.newmonasticism.org

New Monasticism is an emerging nationwide movement to reclaim the Church’s historic emphases on community life and the pursuit of justice. Central in this paradigm is the renunciation of our society’s rampant materialism and greed. Sustainability, generous sharing, and open hospitality are the core values espoused by New Monasticism.

 

www.koinoniapartners.org

Koinonia is an intentional Christian farm community founded by Clarence and Florence Jordan and Martin and Mabel England in 1942 as a “demonstration plot for the Kingdom of God.” Amidst the poverty and racism of the rural South, they founded an interracial community where blacks and whites could live and work together in a spirit of partnership. The community grew and friendships formed and called themselves the “Koinonians.” The community emphasizes equality and fellowship among all and is committed to 1) treat all human beings with dignity and justice, 2) choose love over violence, 3) share all possessions and live simply, and 4) be stewards of the land and its natural resources.

 

www.catholicworker.org

The Catholic Worker Movement began in 1933, when a journalist named Dorothy Day and a philosopher named Peter Maurin teamed up to publish a newspaper called “The Catholic Worker.” This radical paper promoted the biblical promise of justice and mercy. Their movement was grounded in a firm belief in the God-given dignity of every human person, and they put their beliefs into action, opening a “house of hospitality” where the homeless, the hungry, and the forsaken would always be welcome. Today there are some 130 Catholic Worker communities in the United States. Catholic Workers live a simple lifestyle in community, serve the poor, and resist war and social injustice. Each Catholic Worker house is independent and there is no “Catholic Worker headquarters.” Catholic Worker communities in North Carolina include: Fr. Charles Mulholland Catholic Worker, Garner; Nazareth House Catholic Worker, Raleigh; and Silk Hope Catholic Worker, Siler City.

 

www.obsculta.org/companions.htm

The Companions of Stillpoint Ministries, Black Mountain, is an inclusive Christian covenant community sponsored by the Methodist Church that acknowledges God’s revelation to all people and wel- comes the wisdom and presence of other faith expressions. The principles of the Companions rule of life include: sta- bility in regular prayer, worship, study, and service; process of ongoing Conversion; obedience to God’s voice; re- newal of body, mind, and spirit through re-creation; stewardship and compassionate action.

 

www.anathothgarden.org

Anathoth Community Garden is a ministry of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church that seeks to be a healing presence in the community by mending relationships with the land and with each other. Cedar Grove is a place broken by racial and economic divides. The land itself has suffered decades of misuse through unsustainable tobacco production. The hope is that by bringing people of diverse backgrounds together to grow organic food for one another that these divides will begin to crumble. The garden is as much about building community as it is about growing healthy food. Community-building happens through pot-luck suppers, worship services, concerts, and harvest celebrations.

 

www.divinity.duke.edu/programs/youth

Duke Youth Academy for Christian Formation is a two-week summer program for selected high school students to live in an intentional Christian community on the Duke University campus in Durham. Duke Youth Academy is an intensive encounter with Christian life. Days are patterned by worship through word and sacrament, reflection on scripture, study, service, and play—practices ancient and modern that nourish the life of faith.

 

www.johnsoninternship.org

The Johnson Intern Program, in Chapel Hill, is an 11-month opportunity for post-baccalaureate young adults to serve in an intensive experience of social justice, leadership training, communal living, and spiritual development. This ecumenical internship program supports the development of community and church leaders capable of understanding the complexities of social and institutional reform. Interns live in an intentional Christian community, coming together for meals, prayer, and theological reflection.

 

www.agapekurebeach.org

Agape+Kure Beach Ministries is an organization affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and offers year-round programming and facilities.  The ministry provides opportunities to grow spiritually, experience the wonders of creation, and nurture leadership skills in an intentional Christian community.