I heard this week from Karen Ward from the Church of the Apostles in Seattle - http://www.apostleschurch.org/ - that they are starting a Mission Order called "The Order of Saint Brendan the Navigator" - http://episcopalvillage.org/index.php/pioneer-order/
The idea is that Chapters can be formed by any group of Christians who can hold to the values and vision of the Order...
Missional Development' via the start up of new, renewed, and contextual Christian churches and ministries that are capable of connecting emerging generations to life and community around Jesus Christ. Especially connecting with: people with no previous church experience, people with prior negative experiences of Christianity, people in urban areas, people from non European cultures, and people from subcultures amonst whom the church rarely engages.
'Wholistic Mission' which engages all dimensions of mission: the contextual, the cross-cultural, the trans-cultural, and the counter cultural ways in which the Gospel relates to culture.
'The Reign of God Horizon' which unites us in common cause with all those working for justice and compassion in culture and society. We will develop partnerships, and work collaboratively with people of different faiths and those with no particular faith tradition, towards the renewal of human community and relationships within our various localities, because the Reign of God extends beyond the bounds of the church.
'Spiritual Stability' within a particular Christian tradition We hold that spiritual depth within Christian life and practice is most often found by living within a particular Christian tribe or spiritual tradition with integrity. Being fully part of a tradition calls for being 'under authority' within the tradition (to your Bishop, or equivalent oversight or accountability). Claiming any Christian tradition with integrity involves allowing that tradition to claim you.
I've known Karen for a few years and we've been on a few panels together at Greenbelt and met at other gatherings and we have spoken at depth about St. Brendan and new-Monasticism. Clearly the new Order shares both the values and story of Safespace, and I am beginning to wonder wether the re-gathering and re-focussing we are going through as we try to discern the way ahead is pointing us in this direction - to connect with the order and perhaps to become a chapter? What may be interesting is that it re-opens the possibility of growing two aspects of Safespace - the living community here in Telford but also a wider dispersed "membership" to the Order through us. I'm hoping, if I can find the necessary funds, to join the Order in February to share stories and explore the future together.
Details about the values and vision of the Order,is absolutely awesome and constructive,but the Saint Brendan is one of the early Irish monastic saints. He is chiefly renowned for his legendary quest to the "Isle of the Blessed,also called St. Brendan's Island,so i must say the order is good as its details too.
Posted by: Dissertation Writing | 02/03/2011 at 04:37
A very good post indeed. It's a shame about some of the responses. A very good post and an excellent blog. I am now a follower. Thanks, Steve
Dissertations | Essays
Posted by: Dissertations | 30/08/2011 at 20:56
This is my Good luck that I found your post which is according to my search and topic, I think you are a great blogger, thanks for helping me outta my problem..
Posted by: Dissertation Editing Service | 07/10/2011 at 19:57
I think they got the right person for the job. I definitely want this person running the show here. This is definitely an easy choice...
Posted by: Instant Loans Online | 23/10/2011 at 13:36
This is a very good news for the locals for the ones who are unemployed. I will make certain to bookmark this post.
Posted by: No Verification Payday Loans | 23/10/2011 at 15:08