January 2024

Written By Barb Miller

Friends,

I wish you and yours a very happy New Year! As we prayerfully consider what this new year may bring I want to share with you my hope for peace here in the United States and around the world. I hope and pray that as we approach a new election we will keep a respectful mind toward those we may not agree with. May we learn to dialogue with those with whom we may have differences. May we stand with those who are the most vulnerable in society. May we welcome the stranger.

As I write this I am aware of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Last week South Africa charged Israel with genocide in the International Court of Justice and Ireland supported the case. This past weekend thousands marched in Washington, D.C. and around the world to say: "Ceasefire now. End the killing of Palestinian children. No to Israeli occupation. Make peace not war." 

It was a JOY to be with those in Washington, D.C. who gathered from all over the country and marched for a free Palestine and an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people by Israel. There was great love and hope among the families and individuals who gathered to pray and march. Free, free Palestine!

Here at Community of Peace we continue to offer a beautiful sung prayer for peace everyday and to welcome the stranger and those in need. We need your support to do this. Thank you for your prayers and financial help.

Please consider how you might support the work of Community of Peace.

Thank you from all of us here at Community of Peace.

Grace and Peace,

Br. Stefan

“I’m here at the Community of Peace to raise chickens and build community” says Chris, a man of few words and great devotion. He spends much of his time with our three dozen chicks making sure that they reach adulthood happy and healthy. 

PRESS THESE MUSHROOMS TO WATCH A VIDEO “HOW TO GROW OYSTER MUSHROOMS” 

Wonderful things continue to take place at the Community of Peace. Chickens, new buildings, and new visitors, all are a great start to a new year. 

Michael (master cabin builder)

In this world there is a small peace community with a big heart where everyone is allowed to stay while you meditate, pray, retreat, and make your stay memorable. If you are able to help with ongoing projects you are welcome to or to share your thoughts, experiences.

Manyam

During our Saturday Mindfulness Group, we were talking about the benefits of our sung prayer and meditation three times daily. I recalled how I felt when I visited this community the year before last. My days revolved around the prayer times and it felt good. When I returned to Colorado I resumed my busy life. I tried to keep up regular prayer but often I’d skip it. When I think about my life in Colorado and my life here, I would say that in Colorado, my life was busy, with or without prayer. Here, my life is full. There’s lots to do, but with regular prayer, things often go smoother. Of course, challenges occur, but we’re better equipped to deal with them.

Barb

January was really experiential for me; I learned a lot of new skills. With the help of Tim, I got the water and power for our washer and dryer ready. I learned how to lay out the wires and how to connect those. Even if I’m not going to be an electrician or a plumber, it’s always useful to have this knowledge and to know how to use it!

Ruben

 

Events

  • NEW - Saturday Mindfulness Group 10 - 11 am (see flyer below)

  • Contemplative Nature Walks for all ages - We offer Contemplative nature walks led by Tim every Saturday at 11:00 am followed by lunch at noon and Sung Prayer at 1:00 pm. 2 - 4 pm is free time to walk, explore . . .

  • Now that our cow barn has a new floor we are looking forward to hosting our first Event in this unique venue.

  • NEW - Young Adult Forest Camps - One in Spring, One in Summer: dates TBD (see flyer below). We’re excited to offer this program to teach forestry and gardening skills and much more to young people ages 18-35. We have some excellent and knowledgeable instructors in the community, others will be brought in for the event.

  • More outdoor experiences - like evenings around the fire circle are being planned. We will let you know as they are scheduled.

  • Daily sung prayer morning (8am), midday (1pm) and evening (7pm).

  • We are now listed on the HIPCAMP website www.Hipcamp.com. Bring your tent or borrow one of ours. Camp in our beautiful forest, walk the trails, explore or relax by the pond. Enjoy the deep peace of being in the wilderness. Campers are welcome to join us at sung prayer or our occasional gatherings around a lovely fire for story telling, music and sharing at our fire circle near the pond. Enjoy walking our beautiful labyrinth.

If you have questions or to schedule a time to visit us or a time for Br. Stefan to visit you (flyer below), email us at communityofpeaceva@gmail.com or call (540)500-9729.

Br. Stefan’s scheduled weekend retreats and concerts are listed below in date order:

  • Taize worship at Saint Luke on Saturday March 2, 2024 at 5pm at Saint Luke Episcopal Church in Mount Joy, PA.

  • Concert at Saint Paul Episcopal Church in Columbia, PA, Friday March 1, 7pm.

  • Workshop on Saturday morning March 2 at Saint Paul or Saint Luke,

  • Worship at the two churches, St. Paul, Saint Luke on Sunday morning March 3.

We hope to see you soon!

Barb Miller
Next

December 2023