Intentional Community. Holistic Service. Christian Spirituality.
Applying for the 2019-2020 Blackburn House Cohort
Faithful and authentic participation in six core areas of life drawn from Jesus' teachings is expected of each Blackburn House resident and the collective cohort:
Residents live communally according to Acts 2:42-47: "And they devoted themselves to the apostles teachings and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers..."
Residents are active participants of Blackburn's Chapel, and serve as worship leaders, musicians, event organizers, and more.
Residents spend approx. 20 hours doing direct service with BCO, community organizations, and the church that ranges from organic gardening to youth mentoring.
Residents extend hospitality towards church and Todd community members with weekly dinners and other creative gatherings.
Personal prayer, reflection, and sabbath are important aspects of resident life, deemed just important as their service efforts and community life.
Residents are expected to live as stewards of our resources, as well as their own, according to Jesus' teachings.
Areas of volunteer service include:
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Permaculture gardening
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Food preparation and preservation
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Event planning and coordinating
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Attending Todd community events and meetings
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Church leadership
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Hosting community meals
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And more!
Applicants should demonstrate all of the following:
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Interest/knowledge of Jesus’ radical teachings of love, service, hospitality, and community
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Interest and dedication to living faithfully by Jesus’ teachings
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Interest/experience living in a rural, mountain community
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Interest/experience living in community with 2-3 other young adults
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Interest/experience in organic gardening and food distribution
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Interest/experience in utilizing listening as a mode of community engagement
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Interest/experience in cultivating regular spiritual practices such as prayer and studying
sacred texts and other theological writings
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Interest/experience planning events and group projects
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Love for potluck meals!
Other qualifications:
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A Bachelor's degree is recommended but not required
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Ability to work outdoors in all seasons for several hours
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Ability to lift 30 pounds unassisted
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Residents must have a personal vehicle and a valid driver's license
Accommodations:
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Residents live communally (rent-free) in a parsonage behind a small Methodist chapel.
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Each resident has their own furnished room, but shares common spaces.
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Residents receive a monthly stipend as well as weekly, fresh garden produce in the local growing season (May-October).
"Todd fulfills the old saying that strangers are just friends you haven't met yet. This community is full of friends who will love you for who you are."
- Jeremiah Stanton-Rich, 2016-2017 Cohort