“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven”

— Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV)

Friends,

In response to a world gone war-mad we are attempting to build a little Community of Peace here in Louisa, VA. At the moment we have two young German students, a woman originally from Ethiopia, a man from Canada, a handful of people from across the United States, a young family with two boys, and a man from India due to arrive next week. We offer a safe space for those in need.

Every week we are receiving requests from people who want to come visit. Many are in need of healing or help of some sort. Everyday I listen for a phone call from God. Today's call came in a conversation with a young person who wants to come to Community of Peace. Her question: Is this a healing place? I am SO happy when people here at Community of Peace feel safe enough to come out for the first time. This is a joy and an honor to witness!

On a practical note... It's all about dishes. Tonight at dinner here in Community of Peace we had a serious conversation about doing dishes. Living in community as we do it is clear that doing dishes becomes a matter of importance with differences of opinion as to how and when the dirty dishes should be done. Life in community is all about doing the dishes both literally and metaphorically.

Finally, a word about Israel/Palestine. Now is not the time to be silent. Say NO to genocide. Israel has cut off water, food and power to Gaza in response to the horrific killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas. This response by Israel is mass murder. It is genocide. Speak up. Millions around the world say NO. End the siege. Stop the killing. If ever there was a time for a two-state solution it is now. Come to the table. Make peace. Not war.

May we all learn the things that make for peace more and more...

Grace and Peace,
Br. Stefan

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Observations and Reflections from the crew

Michael

Community of Peace is more than just a community of people. The love and support that everyone in the community shows creates a family.

Mulu

It has been one week since I arrived at Community of Peace as a WWOOFer. I have already been working on getting a new garden bed ready for next year and planting garlic cloves on the existing garden. So it has been an exciting and busy week work wise, and, the community has welcomed me with open arms. It is lovely to be around people that want to support and uplift each other in every way.

Jared

Our children have been warmly welcomed during our first couple of weeks here. I am enjoying the fellowship, times of prayer, and our daily work.

Dennis

In the last weeks I focused on creating videos for our new YouTube channel. I never did that work before. I just started doing it and I love it. That’s great about this place. There are so many things to do and I often don’t know how to do them. But I noticed that I can learn nearly everything in a short period of time. That makes me a lot more confident.

Jason

She had the sweetest voice I've ever heard; when she sang even birds would listen, my eyes would shine and all would glisten.

Ruben

The longer I am here the more new things I’m exploring in nature. The most interesting plant for me is the cedar tree. The fact that the wood can’t rot is impressive and of course the color is so beautiful. I started making a bench out of a cedar tree. I’m excited about how it will look. In general I’m testing a lot of things out here in Community of peace and I’m grateful to be here!

Manyam

I am feeling blessed being back to community. The prayers make me recharge every day. We have everyone, kids from age 1 to seniors of 94. I am connected to a special source of energy at this cosmopolitan community.

Sarah

I love watching the beautiful changing colors of the trees as I walk up the driveway or explore the forest paths and play in the creek with my two boys. Feeling the warm sun on my face on a cool October day is like a big warm hug. I’m grateful to be here at community of peace.

After a long exhilarating day of prayer, work and play, community members get ready to retire in silence

EVENTS

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 . . .
Full day Contemplative offerings facilitated by Barb and Tim - dates and times TBD
Now that our cow barn has a new floor we are looking forward to hosting our first Event in this unique venue.
More outdoor experiences - like evenings around the fire circle are being planned. We will let you know as they are scheduled.
Monthly drum circles continue on the third Saturday.
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.

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 .

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