April 2023

Calf "Mighty-Mouse" was born March 29th to one of our cows "Mouse". It was also Claire's birthday. Mom, baby and Claire are doing fine.

Dear Friends,

Blessings from the forest here in Community of Peace! I want to share with you a way of seeing a moment in the Gospels anticipating the story of Jesus's resurrection. It is also our story. Our resurrection.
Where do your tears lead you? Mary Magdalene was led by her tears to a garden, a tomb and then to the resurrection and to the risen Jesus. She was able to feel her loss. She was determined to follow her love. We have all lost something. But perhaps our loss may not be what we think. Beneath the pain and suffering of our loss is a desire that may yet be found. As we struggle to see through our tears we are led to what appears to be only a tomb. It is also a garden. It is the place where our desire is reborn in a new way. May we, like Mary Magdalene, deeply feel our loss and at the same time with determination follow our love. May it be so.

Peace of Christ,
Br. Stefan

Barb's Reflections:

I'm writing this on Tuesday of Holy Week, a most important time in recollecting the life, the mission, the death and Resurrection of Jesus, our Teacher, our Healer, our Beloved. Covid has caused us to reconsider our celebration plans with our community and our visiting friends this week. It feels a little like a loss. I wonder what Spirit is opening us to? I recently came across the word 'bewilderment'. What a marvelous word. 'Be - wild'. Let life flow without trying to force our own agendas. Of course we need to plan; then we can release our plans to the 'wilderness' of Spirit who has more to share with us than we can possibly imagine. We need only to do our part then remain open to whatever, by Grace, is given to us.
One of our friends suggested we celebrate a week later for the Orthodox Easter. We may do that. Meanwhile, I look outside my door at the pond and the forest and all the evidence of life out there, and I realize that Grace is everywhere. For a long time now, I've been able to see Grace around me no matter what my surroundings. It's truly everywhere when we keep our hearts open. May you walk today and every day, wherever you are, in 'bewilderment' open to whatever Spirit has to gift you.

Peace and Blessings be with you.
Barb

A couple weekends ago we were visited by these wonderful friends of Community of Peace. It was a productive and enjoyable weekend. Thank you Daniel, Nicole and Terese for everything you bring to our community.

What's Happening?

Recently, Br. Stefan and Barb visited the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia's new Monastery in Bristow where they were warmly welcomed. They were invited to share midday prayer and enjoy lunch with the sisters. Sr. Julia, who has visited Community of Peace, gave them a tour of the grounds, the gardens and the labyrinth. Afterward, they had a wonderful conversation with Prioress, Sr. Joanna, who shared much helpful information and hoped we could share music and prayer together soon. She also offered the possibility of helping with fundraising.

On the same day, Tim and Claire attended a puplic event at Farfields Farm. The event that day was about using horses for timbering to avoid damage to surrounding forest. They also walked around the farm and learned that the farm is engaged in methods of agriculture and so much more that is good for the land. We're hoping to learn a great more about this in the near future.

Events and Retreat Opportunities are in the works for Spring and Summer. We will let you know as soon as we can. You can always schedule Br. Stefan to bring his music, poetry and stories to you.

Friends,
Please consider making a donation to Community of Peace by clicking on the Donate button below. We are grateful for any size donation and especially for your prayers of support. Becoming a monthly donor will help us even more. 800 people donating $30 a month each, will put us within reach of our yearly goal. Many thanks! Our prayers are with each of you every day.

Or write a check made out to Communiy of Peace and mail to:
Community of Peace
1782 Yanceyville Rd.
Louisa, VA 23093

If you or someone you know has an interest in seeing a Taizé-inspired community bloom and prosper here in the US, you can help it happen. If, by God's Grace you have been blessed financially, we ask that you prayerfully consider your sharing to include Community of Peace.

Photo credits: random photos by Tim, Claire, Changyeon and Barb
unless otherwise noted.

Header design and logo art by Barb Miller -
header background photo by Changyeon Park
photo of sign by Todd Heifner