Columba House Fellowship Manual

PART ONE: OVERVIEW I. Columba House Mission Statement Columba House is an Episcopal intentional community where young people can explore spirituality through dialogue, prayer, and service to our neighbors. II. Program Philosophy The philosophy of Columba House (CH) is expressed in the program’s three pillars: faith, justice, and community. Columba House Interns will live out these pillars in their year of service. Columba House is a hospitable space for inquisitive, justice­oriented, irreverent, contemplative, and progressive folks looking for dialogue partners and fellow sojourners. Columba House Interns (and whoever else is interested) explore rooted (Anglican) spirituality through communal life and justice­work. III. History of Columba House Columba House is a Christian Intentional Community and Internship program as a convocation­wide ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. The house is owned by the Collegiate Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Savannah, GA. In 2013, Columba House was founded and made possible by a grant from the Campaign for Congregational Development. It was birthed out of a desire to build spiritual community among young adults and to cultivate future leaders. Columba House is an affiliated program of the Catholic Volunteer Network. IV. Columba House’s Residential Programs Columba House offers two residential programs for young adults . The first is a Full­time Residential Internship and the second is a Part­time Residential Fellowship. Interns and Fellows will live together intentionally in community through sharing a house, breaking bread, praying, and learning together. Interns and Fellows will support Columba House’s mission to build spiritual community among young adults. There will be leadership opportunities and avenues to explore one’s gifts. Columba House’s residential programs are 10 months from August to June with an option to extend for a second year. The Full­time Residential Internship Program is well­suited for those individuals who want to immerse themselves in the life and work of faith, justice, community, and discipleship. Interns will serve in a local Episcopal congregation and work in the community. The full­time Internship program strikes a balance with the needs of the congregation and the interests and skills of the Interns. Interns are given a modest stipend and provided housing, health Insurance and training.

The Part­time Residential Fellowship Program is tailored to those who wish to live intentionally and serve passionately while working or attending school. Fellows will serve in the ministry of Columba House. V. What to Expect Columba House strives to truly reflect Christ’s welcome to all. Interns are supported financially, but are expected to support each other in community and interact positively with those who support CH in any way. Please see the Rule of Life for how Interns and Fellows are expected to interact. We require Interns and Fellows to commit to discern God’s call at this stage in their life and work to firm and shape the community within the Rule of Life guidelines. This ten­month sojourn in intentional community is designed to foster spiritual formation, build young adult community in Savannah area, and train leaders of all types. Through it Interns and Fellows prepare themselves for lives enriched by CH values beyond the program’s term. The program components, program values, and expected Rule of Life are discussed in detail in sections below.

VI. Who Interns & Fellows Can Expect to Meet During the CH residency, Interns and Fellows meet many people outside their immediate group. Below is a list of people (and their respective roles) who Interns can expect to interact with in formal and informal settings:

The Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase, Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia. Rudy Reyes, CH Director: Organizational operations and management, planning and

development, and CH program implementation. The Rev. Michael Chaney, Missioner for Savannah’s Colleges and Universities: Responsible

for facilitating and enriching gatherings for young adults who are students at Savannah Area universities through ministry of Columba House programs and direct support.

Advisory Board: consulting group for CH leadership. Chaplain: on­call guide to the internship community, spiritual discernment, helps Interns keep

and modify their "Rule of Life", dispute settlement. Church Community: fellow congregation members at fellow’s spiritual community Landlords: St. Paul's leadership that help to maintain facilities of CH Savannah Convocation Clergy: co­workers in ministry throughout the Savannah region Diocesan Staff: Canons and office staff who support the mission of the Diocese and, by

extension, the CH. Supporters: Diocesan Council, Diocesan leadership, Diocesan Convention, donors. Alumni: those who have completed the CH Internship.

VII. Program Completion Requirements To complete the Columba House Fellow Program, Fellows must successfully fulfill the following requirements:

Meet CH time requirements and actively participate for the full 10 months, Participate fully in all aspects of the CH, relational evangelism, communal Rule of Life, and

attend all CH sponsored retreats,

Participate fully in House Meetings and CH sponsored events, Give time, presence, talent, and resources to fellows spiritual community, Leave the CH in the same (or better) condition as it was found upon moving in at the beginning

of the program year

PART TWO: THE PROGRAM I. Mission, Philosophy, and Practices Columba House Mission Statement Columba House is an Episcopal intentional community where young people can explore spirituality through dialogue, prayer, and service to our neighbors. Program Philosophy The philosophy of Columba House draws its inspiration from The Book of Common Prayer, 1979’s Baptismal Covenant (see Appendix). This is distilled in the program’s three pillars: faith, justice, and community. Columba House Interns will live out these pillars in their year of service. Faith: Interns have the opportunity to enhance their spirituality through reflection and action throughout their Internship year. Through prayer, worship, retreats, work with clergy, community reflection and other gatherings, Interns can challenge themselves to put their faith into action and share their story. Justice: Doing justice begins in the house and extends from there to the surrounding community. Interns have the opportunity to better understand the realities of poverty in our community and world in at least the following ways:

1) Through personal commitment to communal life and creative use of resources, Interns and Fellows have the opportunity to develop a lifestyle that is spiritually rich and economically responsible. Interns may challenge one another to redefine their needs and live a conscientious lifestyle in community. 2) Through increased exposure to others and increasing knowledge of systemic challenges, Interns and Fellows will be a voice for positive change in our world.

Community: Interns live in intentional community where they pray and worship together, provide support to one another, share their experiences of ministry, commit to building open and honest relationships and offer hospitality to the local community. Interns work together to set community goals and challenge one another to live a life of hospitality, simplicity, integrity, prayer and worship. Practices CH Interns and Fellows will participate in work and practices that engage with the three pillars of faith, justice, and community. These practices should fall under one of the following categories, though others may develop over time: Intentional Community, Rule of Life & Spiritual Formation:

Includes cooperative living shaped and directed by the Columba House Rule of Life as adapted each year by the chaplain and Interns. Spiritual Formation within the common life will take place through both disciplined, committed individuals and collective attention toward: prayer, worship, hospitality, and vocational discernment. Together, the Interns and Fellows aim to discern the calling, purpose, and practical responses available to each of them at this stage in life. Relational Evangelism: Engagement with one or two niches in the Savannah community, usually coinciding with the Intern's personal interests and hobbies (e.g. dance, coffee, soccer, art, film, card games, advocacy groups, etc.). Engagement should be fairly regular and intentional, aimed at enjoying common bonds outside of the Church while building friendships with those who may find the CH community interesting. The goal of relational evangelism is threefold: (1) to enjoy the presence and friendships with those outside of the Church and (2) to practice listening to others and humbly sharing one's Christian heritage while (3) encouraging others' spiritual­seeking.

II. Rule of Life (annotated Rule in appendix) Spiritual Formation in Intentional Community Interns and Fellows will commit:

To participate in Daily Office prayer twice per day in the Columba House, Monday through Friday (unless a church event conflicts).

To attend Holy Eucharist at least twice per week, one of those on a Sunday and one on another day of the week.

To eat one meal together each day. To practice generosity with common spaces, and respect all housemates' share in the House. To

refrain from over­using the words, "my" and "mine" and get in the habit of saying, "we" and "our."

To develop a rotation of chores so that the common areas stay clean and manageable. To share the responsibility of buying common groceries, cooking and cleaning up after meals. To hold a 1­2 hour House Meeting once per week (which may overlap with a shared meal) that

is dedicated to (A) caring for one another and developing friendships, (B) distributing chore assignments and following up on their completion, (C) coordinating schedules, (D) clarifying thought, particularly related to CH's vision and activity, and (E) resolving conflicts.

To keep the Sabbath on one day each week for the whole house. To keep the House quiet and closed to visitors at least one day per week in addition to the

Sabbath. To participate in orientation and plan two weekend­long retreats (academic year Interns). To come to a consensus about visiting hours and other hospitality arrangements and introduce

regular visitors to all housemates.

To avoid accumulating too many possessions in the common areas and other spaces outside the Intern’s or Fellow’s bedroom.

We encourage Interns and Fellows: To choose a spiritual director as soon as possible and meet together every four to six weeks. To practice a simple lifestyle by avoiding "luxury items."

Commitment to Justice

Doing justice begins in the house and extends from there to the surrounding community. Interns will commit:

To actively seek reconciliation with housemates and be prepared to forgive. To participate together in at least one activity per month that is aimed at enacting justice in the

community, particularly for the economically and socially poor and needy. To welcome all people to CH events, without discriminating on account of sex, gender identity,

race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual preference, physical ability, religious beliefs, economic status, citizenship status, etc.

To dedicate one bedroom to Christ, whom we meet in the stranger and traveler. Through this “Christ Room,” CH can practice hospitality to Interns’ and Fellows’ friends and family, parish and/or diocesan guests, and others in need as the house and leadership deem fit.

To refrain from drunkenness and the use of illegal drugs, to refrain from smoking and tobacco use inside the house.

To retain high expectations for themselves and for those with whom they have committed to live. To fully engage the expectations of the Diocesan leadership and parish supervisors (Interns). Living in community is full time work.

We encourage Interns and Fellows: To practice the Rite of Reconciliation (Confession) on a monthly basis.

Community Engagement

Interns will commit: To participate in all CH­sponsored events and programs. To seek to develop friendships with those who attend CH events and their churches and invite

others to participate in formal and informal CH gatherings. To engage with at least one young adult community in the greater Savannah area on a regular

basis.

PART THREE: BENEFITS AND REQUIREMENTS I. Benefits Housing Columba House provides housing with simple furnishings and will cover basic utilities and internet.

II. Requirements Time Time defines the CH Intern experience: it is a 24/7, ten­month commitment. Interns and Fellows live lives that blend community time and individual time, both of which are integral to the CH experience. Respect for time translates into respect for others and one’s self: timeliness is expected at home, work, and at training and social sessions. Devoting time to contemplation of the Timeless God is also expected. God’s call comes in whispers that take time to hear. Transportation Columba House will issue reimbursement to Interns for program­related travel expenses outside of the Savannah area (e.g. to and from retreats, etc.). If the Intern or Fellow has a car she or he is responsible for maintenance, repairs and insurance. Interns and Fellows are expected to comply with the parking regulations of the neighborhood in which they reside and the parking rules of the site placement and the city of Savannah. Interns and Fellows are responsible for any parking tickets that are acquired. Personal transportation for recreational activities or other events should come from the Intern’s personal stipend unless they are communities’ activities. Travel during the program is not encouraged unless it is part of the overall experience. Travel outside the designated vacation periods is strongly discouraged since it affects the life of the community as a whole. Each Columba House Intern and Fellow is responsible for travel costs to the orientation program.

Columba House Facilities Move­in: Interns and Fellows will document the condition of the house upon arrival. A written and photographic report will be given to the Director once the inspection is complete. This should occur as soon as possible after move­in. The report will serve as the baseline record against which the Move­out condition will be compared. Individual Intern/Fellow Property Security: Stewardship includes protecting individual and common property. CH is unable to obtain group renters’ insurance to cover the house occupants’ possessions as a whole. Each Intern and Fellow should consider purchasing renter’s insurance for protection of the individual property they choose to bring into the common community setting. In many cases parents’ homeowner’s policies may cover Intern possessions. For those who cannot or opt not to obtain renter’s insurance, a property waiver form,, should be completed and filed with the Director as soon as possible after Move­in. Under any circumstance Interns and Fellow should decide carefully what they wish to bring into the community setting. Together Interns can and should provide security for each other in the house but external security risks will still exist. Landowner Information Columba House, St. Paul’s, Savannah and diocesan leadership have worked hard to obtain housing and furnishings for use during the year of service. Although Columba House has entered into an agreement with St. Paul's for the house, we consider the house's care the Interns/Fellows' responsibility during the year at Columba House. We hope that each will care for the house as if they had signed an agreement themselves. A few tips:

The Interns/Fellows will designate one house member as the primary contact person with the landowner. We recommend that the primary contact for the house have a copy of the Letter of Agreement (provided during orientation) and be generally familiar with its contents.

Let the Director know when major repairs are needed/requested, as we may need to follow up later.

Contact the landowner when there are physical problems with the house. The landowner is responsible for general maintenance (plumbing, window’s, etc.) This does not include damage caused by residents. Interns are responsible for the condition on the house. If the house is damaged beyond “normal wear and tear” at the end of the year, housemates will be charged for repairs (see below). Do not contact the landowner for anything other than the physical condition of the house.

Housemates are responsible for keeping the house and yard clean and in good shape. The sexton at St. Paul's does the lawn maintenance.

No pets are allowed. Even if everyone in your house agrees, one of next year’s interns may be unable to live in a house recently occupied by a pet due to allergies.

The house is smoke free. Smoking is not permitted in the house. Do not assume that you will be reimbursed for home improvements or repairs. Before

investing in the house, make sure that the landowner is willing to reimburse it AND approves of the changes/improvements. There is no money in the Columba House budget for home repairs or improvements. When in doubt, ask first.

Year End Cleaning Guidelines These guidelines are intended to ensure that Columba House is cleaned well at year end in preparation for the new Interns or Fellows. These are things that need to be done before the Final Year end Walkthrough. CH has created this list of expectations so that people can enter their Columba House year feeling “at home.” There are enough things to do in the first few weeks of the Columba year without cleaning up after the previous community. Please feel free to get rid of or throw away the “junk” in the house that interns do not think would be of use to future Interns or fellows, but do not get rid of furniture or appliances without consulting the Director and Columba House Leadership Team. If the house is not cleaned satisfactorily Interns and Fellows will be fined. The fines will be charged to each person in the household if cleaning for any one item is not completed. For example, If a housemate does not clean the stove and oven each person in your house will have $30 deducted from his/her travel reimbursement. The fines will pay for cleaning/repair projects. Kitchen 1. Stove and oven cleaned, including broiler and underneath stovetop (range) where food drips. $20.00. 2. Refrigerator cleaned. Outside wiped of prints, inside washed and free of food stains on shelves and in drawers (leftovers and spoilables removed). Freezer defrosted. Drip pan emptied and cleaned. $20.00. 3. Kitchen floor and wall by stove scrubbed thoroughly. $5.00. 4. Compost emptied. $5.00. 5. Recycling and garbage removed from house. $5.00. Living and Common Areas 1. Swept/mopped/vacuumed. $15.00. 2. Personal items removed or placed in bedroom in boxes/bags with a note saying when they’ll be removed. (Anything left behind will be given to Goodwill or thrown away).

Bathroom(s) 1. Tub/sink/toilet scrubbed. $15.00. 2. Tile (floor, tub or shower stall) scrubbed of mildew and dirt. $15.00. Bedrooms 1. Swept/mopped/vacuumed. $10.00 per individual. 2. Emptied – no personal effects in drawers or closets once you leave. (Anything left will be given away or thrown out.) 3. Trash emptied. $10.00 per individual.

Expected Behaviors Having integrity means being your “best self” at all times: in community, in service to others, in private. Maintaining high expectations for oneself and others doesn’t mean interns/fellows don’t or won’t change, grow, make mistakes, have conflicts, or have fun during CH residency. It does mean interns must take responsibility for their actions and words in advance of actions or as soon as they recognize they have made a mistake. Acts or words that compromise CH’s integrity, community, reputation, and ability to function as described in the corporate by­laws are prohibited among Interns/Fellows. Specific behaviors are forbidden and prohibited for CH Interns; others are tightly proscribed according to this manual. Both categories of behavior restriction apply in the house, wherever the CH community gathers, in the work place, and in private: Prohibited: Violation, not determination of guilt or innocence, equals dismissal

Violation of ANY Federal, State, and Local laws and statutes. Harassment of any sort, on any basis. Possession of weapons, firearms, explosives during Intern residency.

Actions that would warrant a warning, repeated offense may cause dismissal:

Posting inappropriate content related to CH in any electronic media form. Imagine having to justify all media posts to the Bishop, CH Director, leadership team, and community members; this includes, but is not limited to all social media sites. Be careful when discussing anything CH with outside people, including those with close friends and family members, anything that might detract from CH community harmony as defined by the adopted “Rule of Life.”

Drunkenness. Consumption of alcohol in moderation is permitted at open CH functions. Consumption of alcohol in the house at other times must also exhibit moderation and may be further restricted by the “Rule of Life” each Intern group adapts for themselves.

Abuse of hospitality. Overnight visitors are restricted by the “Rule of Life” and wishes of intern community and permission from the Director and may in no case exceed three (3) nights.

Participation in civil protest and performance of acts of conscience should be weighed against the overarching interests of the intern community, the “Rule of Life,” and the house. Interns

and fellows should and never be entered into protests unadvisedly, or without prior deliberation involving the community, CH Director, and leadership team.

While commission of a prohibited act has legal consequences, tolerance of or failure to report proscribed acts constitutes a failure to care for each other, a violation of CH values. Such a failure may or may not seem to have consequences that extend beyond the house, but may in fact have implications that jeopardize CH's standing with alumni, friends, donor, and/or Diocesan support.

Significant Relationships Maintaining a significant relationship while living in a community has its joys and its difficulties. Romantic relationships, and even friendships, can place demands on your time and energy that need to be balanced with your commitments to your housemates. While in a significant relationship with a person outside or within your community, we recommend that you address the following concerns individually and as a community: Talk with your housemates about the effect of the relationship on the community and vice versa. Also be aware that staying as a guest away from the house can be detrimental to community. It is critical to discuss how to balance this type of outside relationship with the needs of community. It is important that these conversations be ongoing, and that they address all community members’ needs. Your relationships with one another, as well as with a significant other, will go through stages and changes over a year period. Housemates need to feel privacy within their own home, with some limits set for outside parties’ involvement. Likewise, maintaining an outside relationship requires time and space separate from the rest of the community. Keep lines of communication open so that all may express their preferences and concerns.

Visitation Policy Family, friends, boyfriends and girlfriends are welcome at our community residences as visitors but should not interfere with the residents fulfilling their commitments to community. There is a two step process for requesting a guests. First each person in the community must consent and second this request is submitted to and approved by the CH Director via email no later than a week before the expected visit. All housemates be copied on the email request to the Director. Overnight visitors are restricted by the internship and fellowship manual and wishes of intern community. Overnight visitation requires permission from the Director and may in no case exceed three (3) nights. Community residents should be notified of visitors’ arrival and length of stay. Visitors are never to interfere with the Interns' or Fellows' work schedule. Under no circumstances should the Intern or Fellow re­arrange his or her work schedule to accommodate visitors. Any particular visitor or group of

visitors that infringes upon the privacy or integrity of an individual or of the group may be asked to leave with a group consensus or at the request of Columba House leadership. In order to protect the privacy and comfort of all residents as well as to protect the reputation and integrity of Columba House, all overnight guests are to use guest rooms and every guest must be approved by the Director.

Columba House Fellow Agreement Form I, ________________________ will uphold the mission of Columba House, follow the Columba House Fellow Rule of Life and have read and agree with all principles and regulations as described in the Columba House Fellowship Manual. _________________________ Columba House Fellow Date ___________________________ Director Date

Appendix: Annotated Columba House Rule of Life

The Columba House is an Episcopal intentional community that practices relational evangelism and

serves as a hub for young adult ministry. Episcopal Intentional Community & Spiritual Formation Interns will commit:

To participate in Daily Office prayer twice per day in the Columba House, Monday through Friday (unless a church event conflicts).

Suggestions: We suggest using the Book of Common Prayer, or other Anglican

resources for prayer. For example: the New Zealand Prayer Book, the Church of England resources, Enriching Our Worship I, etc.

Suggested times: 7:30/8:00 for MP and 5:30 PM/6:00 PM for EP Noonday Prayer and Compline are optional (but strongly

encouraged) for those in the Columba House at those times. Some or all of these prayer services may be regularly open to

guests as a community building and evangelistic endeavor, at the discretion (and consensus) of the interns.

Passing the Peace daily encourages interns to think critically about whether they are truly at peace with their sisters and brothers.

To attend Holy Eucharist at least twice per week, one of those on a Sunday and one on another day of the week.

Suggestions: Host parishes also usually have a weekday Mass. St. Paul’s has it every day so this should be easy.

To eat one meal together each day. To practice generosity with common spaces, and respect all housemates' share in

the House. To refrain from over­using the words, "my" and "mine" and get in the habit of saying, "we" and "our."

To develop a rotation of chores so that the common areas stay clean and manageable.

Suggestions: Common areas include: Entire first floor, all stairwells and

hallways, garbage cans, outdoors, shared bedrooms, and shared bathrooms.

Interns must COLLECTIVELY and carefully keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean throughout the week! Messy kitchens and bathrooms tend to be a source of stress for housemates and visitors.

We strongly recommend Interns clean together during one designated “cleaning time” in order to hold each other accountable.

Quick cleaning must be done Tuesday afternoon, prior to guests arriving for House events

We suggest deep cleaning on Wednesday mornings/afternoons/evening because during the Tuesday community dinner things get messy!

We suggest playing some motivational, dance or sing­a­long music.

Suggested chore list: Kitchen: dusting, wiping down the counters and all flat

surfaces, hand towel laundry, remove old food, make sure all refrigerator and cabinet food is properly sealed and stored, compost and garbage removal, dishes, sweeping and mopping

Living Rooms (main living room, dining room, back room): dusting, wiping windows and flat surfaces (tables, cabinets, bookshelves and couches), sweeping and mopping the floor

Bathrooms (split downstairs, each’s own bathroom): mirrors, empty garbage, clean toilet, sink shower, refill toilet paper, wash towels

Hallways: vacuum, sweep, dust, organize loose items, wipe down windows, artwork and walls

To share the responsibility of buying common groceries, cooking and cleaning up after meals.

Suggestions: We suggest that the interns decide (at house meeting) on a regular

common grocery list and maintain a weekly rotation for going to the store for food. This is facilitated by each person contributing to a House Money Pot on a weekly basis.

To hold a 1­2 hour House Meeting once per week (which may overlap with a shared meal) that is dedicated to (A) caring for one another and developing friendships, (B) distributing chore assignments and following up on their completion, (C) coordinating schedules, (D) clarifying thought, particularly related to CH's vision and activity, and (E) resolving conflicts. Decide by consensus and/democratic decision­making.

Suggestions: Perhaps the meeting could begin with Sunday Evening Prayer, then

it could move into everyone’s “highs and lows” for the week, chore assignments, scheduling (asking permission to host visitors, informing housemates of absence, suggestions for adjusting schedule, scheduling events or fun time), concerns or conflicts (Ex: dirty dishes issues, laundry timing, rowdy guests, absence from events/prayer), compile a grocery list, and closing prayer.

Please use consensus OR democratic decision­making models Appoint one person to coordinate worship, one to coordinate household

maintenance and chores, one to coordinate groceries and meals To keep the Sabbath on one day each week for the whole house.

Suggestions: Normal prayer routines may continue on an ad hoc basis. Sabbath may involve praying, reading, sleeping, exercise, creative

arts, and other enjoyable activities that one would do to glorify God; it does not include visitors from the neighborhood or parishes unless housemates grant permission beforehand.

To participate in orientation and plan two weekend­long retreats (academic year interns).

Suggestions: These are aimed to be intentional times of developing friendship,

clarifying the vision and direction of the house community, and getting adequate rest and preparation for the work ahead of the group.

They may be low­cost and local or involve more of a getaway (St. Helena’s Community involvement?)

To keep the House quiet and closed to visitors at least one day per week in addition to the Sabbath.

Suggestions: We suggest alternating “open” and “closed” to hospitality days

(e.g. Tues/Thurs OPEN, Wed/Friday CLOSED), unless others arrangements are made in house meeting or by consensus.

To participate in orientation and plan two weekend­long retreats (academic year interns).

To come to a consensus about visiting hours and other hospitality arrangements and introduce regular visitors to all housemates.

To avoid accumulating too many possessions in the common areas and other spaces outside intern's bedrooms.

We encourage interns:

To choose a spiritual director as soon as possible and meet together every four to six weeks.

To practice a simple lifestyle by avoiding "luxury items." Committed to Justice

Doing justice begins in the house and extends from there to the surrounding community. Interns will commit:

To actively seek reconciliation with housemates and be prepared to forgive. Suggestions:

Rules for Engagement (VISON Guidelines): "Try on" the other's viewpoint It's okay to disagree It is not okay to blame, shame, or attack, self or others Practice "self­focus" and "self­awareness" Take 100% responsibility for own learning Practice "both/and" thinking Notice both process and content Be aware of intent and impact Maintain confidentiality

Interns strive to follow Christ’s teaching in Matthew 18:15­22 with regard to a sister or brother who has faltered.

Interns can and should ask for a conflict mediator. To participate together in at least one activity per month that is aimed at enacting justice

in the community, particularly for the economically and socially poor and needy. Suggestions:

It need not be the same activity each week, although repetition builds greater rapport with the neighborhood.

Volunteer in local agencies as a group, based on group interest. Consider advocacy or community­organizing work (e.g. participating in MLK parade in Savannah; LGBT Self­Defense citizen’s mobilization)

This should be seen as both a worshipful and missional activity geared toward making us more humble and able to exude Christlike love

To welcome all people to CH events, without discriminating on account of sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual preference, physical ability, religious beliefs, economic status, citizenship, etc.

To dedicate one bedroom to Christ, whom we meet in the stranger and traveler. Through this “Christ Room,” CH can practice hospitality to interns’ friends and family, parish and/or diocesan guests, and others in need as the house and leadership deem fit.

Suggestions for further discussion: See Dorothy Day’s “Christ Room” and Peter Maurin’s “Feeding the Poor

at a Sacrifice”. To refrain from drunkenness and the use of illegal drugs, to refrain from smoking and

tobacco use inside the house. To retain high expectations for themselves and with those with whom they committed to

live. To fully engage the expectations of the Diocesan leadership and parish supervisors. Living in community is full time work.

Suggestions: Interns need to learn to shape their lives such that they are unafraid of the

scrutiny of others, since these sorts of communities model Christian living more publicly than other housing arrangements. Non­Christians and non­Episcopalians as well as others will judge our church based on how they see the lives of those living in the Diocesan­sponsored house. We never know who is watching our actions.

We encourage interns: To practice the Rite of Reconciliation (Confession) on a monthly basis. This builds

humility and self­awareness, which are key for a healthy and just community

Community Engagement Interns will commit: To participate in CH­sponsored events and programs. To seek to develop friendships with those who attend CH events and their churches and

invite others to participate in formal and informal CH gatherings. To engage with at least one young adult community in the greater Savannah area on a

regular basis. Relational Evangelism:

Engagement with one or two niches in the Savannah community, usually within the intern's personal interests and hobbies (for example, dance, coffee, soccer, art, film, card games, advocacy groups, etc.). Engagement should be fairly regular and intentional, aimed at enjoying the common bond outside of the church while building friendships with those who may find the CH community interesting and worthwhile. The goal would be threefold: (1) to enjoy the presence and friendships with those outside of the Christian/Episcopal faith and (2) to practice humbly sharing one's Christian heritage while (3) encouraging others' spiritual­seeking.

Baptismal Covenant

"Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292).

A mini catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the Baptismal Covenant opens with a question­and­answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.

The Baptismal Covenant

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?

People I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and

fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the

prayers?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever

you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good

News of God in Christ?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving

your neighbor as yourself?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all

people, and respect the dignity of every human

being?

People I will, with God’s help.

(Book of Common Prayer, pp. 304­305)