Community of Peace: A Monastic Forest Sanctuary
The Vision: Community of Peace is an ecumenical, Christ-centered intentional community on 250 acres of sacred forest in Louisa, Virginia. Our life is built on Radical Welcoming, Sung Prayer, and Land Stewardship. We offer a contemplative home for those seeking to live in a mindful rhythm with the land.
The Heart of our Work: Sanctuary of Sound. Our current focus is the creation of a professional outdoor musical forest park designed as a neuro-inclusive haven for children and families. We are currently preparing the land and utilizing fallen timber from our own woods for our installations.
The Daily Rhythm: Life follows a gentle monastic flow inspired by the Taize tradition. We gather 3 times daily (8am, 1pm, 7pm) for meditation and sung prayer. We observe daily periods of quiet and gather every evening for a shared community supper and dialogue.
Sacred Exchange: We invite volunteers into a 20-hour-per-week service rhythm. Current roles include Forest Stewardship (clearing trails), Animal Care (tending to our chickens and puppy), and Hearth-keeping (preparing community meals).
Our mission is to welcome people into a beautiful sung prayer for peace; to engage in meaningful dialogue for peacemaking; and to serve the most vulnerable in society.
Our Vision: To be a sacred sanctuary for all, where young people engage in song, silence, and dialogue to develop as resilient peacemakers, better prepared to serve the vulnerable and move into the world with joy and unity.
Core Values:
Nourishment: We feed the spirit through song and sacred space.
Harmony: We seek unity through the beauty of music and diversity.
Hospitality: We offer a judgment-free welcome to all people.
Reconciliation: We practice peace through listening and non-violent communication.
Service: We prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.
The path into our community is a gradual unfolding:
The Visiting Server (Sacred Exchange): For those staying a week or more. By offering 20 hours of weekly service to the land, you receive the gift of the sanctuary in return.
The Discernment Residency: A three-month season of Mutual Discernment to see if our daily labors and silences harmonize into a shared life.
Committed Residency: By mutual agreement, one may be invited to stay as a permanent Resident, tending the land and the silence for the Long Song.
The Monastic Path: A sacred vocation recognized after an extended season of residency and spiritual maturity.
How to Visit: We welcome seekers, volunteers, and those in need of retreat to experience the rhythm of our forest sanctuary. Because we maintain a monastic schedule of prayer and silence, we ask that all visits be coordinated in advance.
Explore Our Vision: Before reaching out, we invite you to visit our website at communityofpeace.org to learn more about our Sacred Exchange program and the Sanctuary of Sound project.
Reach Out: When you are ready to inquire, please navigate to our Inquiry Page (communityofpeace.org/inquire) to call or text us. This allows you to speak with Br. Stefan or the community to discuss your stay.
What to Expect: You will be invited into our daily life of three-fold sung prayer and communal meals. We look forward to welcoming you exactly as you are.
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
Decisions proceed unless someone has a reasoned objection.
Organized in circles or domains with distributed authority.
A Wide Welcome: We do not require a specific religious alignment—only a desire for joyful living and a sincere search for Something Greater.
Collaborative Voice: All residents and interns are invited to our weekly House Meetings. We believe in the power of the collective voice to shape our communal life.
Consensus and Guidance: Our first path is always toward shared agreement (Consensus). If a clear consensus cannot be reached, final direction is provided by the Council or Br. Stefan to ensure the health of our mission remains the priority.
Members contribute a percentage of income to community funds.
Regular fees: Yes
Labor: Yes (20 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
Common House, Garden(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Swimming pond or pool, Large Scale Kitchen, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access, Internet
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