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The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Houston, Texas, beginning in the mid- 1960s.
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The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Mar 26, 2015

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Page 1: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The Community of Celebration

The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Houston,

Texas, beginning in the mid-1960s.

Page 2: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Contemporaries in the church at large spoke of it as “a new way of living.”

Page 3: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Christians across the world were captivated and inspired, both by the extraordinary power of worship

Page 4: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

and by the “extended family” life‑style which had been adopted by hundreds of people as a means of serving God. Those involved experienced the risen Christ

as a palpable presence among them.

Page 5: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

In 1972 the Bishop of Coventry invited an extended household to move to his diocese and see if this new way of living might catch on in the Church of England.

Page 6: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

A year later we had outgrown our Coventry property and moved to Yeldall Manor in Berkshire.

Page 7: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

After 2 years at Yeldall, the Community moved to the Isle of Cumbrae off the west coast of Scotland.

Page 8: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

In 1985, the Community heard God call us to leave our island home of

10 years and to move back to our urban roots,

Page 9: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

and we decided to relocate to the USA. We exchanged this…

Page 10: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

…for this.

Page 11: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Aliquippa was a town devastated by the recent closure of its steel mill.

Page 12: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The streetscape resembled a ghost town. It was a place dominated by unemployment, poverty and social problems.

Page 13: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The Community bought a disused funeral home and renovated it for office and chapel space.

Page 14: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Next to the office we also bought the 12 rowhouses which had fallen into decay. They required an enormous amount of renovation work.

Page 15: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Just down the street from the rowhouses, All Saints Episcopal Church was in great need after 80% of the congregation had left 6 months before to plant an Episcopal church in a new suburb. The Community joined with the remnant congregation to be a Christian presence in the neighborhood.

Page 16: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Soon we were involved in supporting local people protesting the mill closure and loss of pensions and medical benefits. This march on Palm Sunday 1987

Page 17: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

had great historical significance as it was exactly 50 years after the Wagner Act was upheld by the Supreme Court giving the workers at the Aliquippa mill the

right to organize into a union.

Page 18: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The closing of All Saints Church in 1999 gave us the green light to pursue our dream of building a chapel more suitable for the needs of a Benedictine

community. This signaled a new direction:

Page 19: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

We would invite individuals and groups to experience our life and mission first hand rather than our traveling to them. The chapel is

nestled between the office and rowhouses.

Page 20: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Everything is movable, so we can accommodate many different

arrangements. This is the setting for the Morning, Noon, and Evening Prayer offices.

Page 21: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

In 2003 we dedicated the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in a joyous celebration that began with a procession reminiscent of our time in Scotland.

Page 22: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

We gave thanks to God for providing such a gracious space in which to worship,

Page 23: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

and to gather with friends.

Page 24: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The following year the Salvation Army moved out of their facility next to our office, and in partnership with a former member of the Community, we purchased

and renovated the building

Page 25: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

thus providing additional accommodation for retreats and conferences.

Page 26: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Now we can host conferences at home

Page 27: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

where conferees can enjoy the beauty of our common areas

Page 28: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

and cooking and dining facilities.

Page 29: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Our monthly Taizé service draws a variety of worshippers from the area.

Page 30: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Our complex is very suitable for youth pilgrimages, such as this Journey to Adulthood group from Michigan.

Page 31: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Young people and their leaders can experience Christian community while they study, work, recreate, worship,

Page 32: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

and share common meals.

Page 33: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

As part of our ministry of presence, we offer safe, affordable housing to the public.

Page 34: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The common backyard provides the only green space in the neighborhood.

Page 35: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Our new facility made it possible to offer a program to the women in the county jail. Women on work release came two mornings a week for workshops in

wellness, cooking, and creative writing as well as learning crafts such as making jewelry and scrap booking, sewing, knitting, and quilting.

Page 36: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,
Page 37: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,
Page 38: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,
Page 39: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The repeat offender rate is above 80%, and our prayer is that the seeds of hope, self-esteem, and practical knowledge will bear fruit in these women’s lives and

encourage them on a life-changing path.

Page 40: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Steven McKeown serves as chaplain to Aliquippa Police, Fire Department, City Council, Civil Air Patrol, Air Marshalls, and the FBI of Western PA.

Page 41: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The Community has a long history of a commitment to peacemaking and reconciliation. A recent conference theme was “Waging Peace.”

Page 42: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called

the children of God.”

Page 43: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

And “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to

you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

Page 44: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

In early 2003, every afternoon before Evening Prayer, we demonstrated in front of our houses—right on Aliquippa’s main street--to protest the

proposed invasion of Iraq.

Page 45: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

We joined with thousands of others in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to prayerfully ask President Bush to make a Faith-

based Initiative and give international inspectors more time.

Page 46: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Afterwards we marched to Lafayette Square across from the White House

Page 47: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

where we led the singing as ecumenical leaders led the prayers for peace and held a candlelight vigil.

Page 48: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

However, our life and mission is rooted locally, not at a national level. This is what downtown Aliquippa looks like today.

Page 49: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Remember what it looked like 25 years ago?

Page 50: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

And our property has been transformed from a derelict hovel…

Page 51: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

to gracious living spaces.

Page 52: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

We seek to find Jesus present in worship, in our common life,

and in ministries that concentrate on responding to

the needs of the times

The undergirding principle of our life:

Page 53: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The Community of Celebration is recognized under the Canons of the Episcopal Church as a Christian Community and we take Benedictine Vows:

StabilityConversion of character

Obedience

Page 54: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Ever since landing in Aliquippa we have prayed that God would send someone with gifts for evangelism. In 2001 God answered that prayer by sending the

Stanley family all the way from Sydney, Australia. They are part of the Church Army, an evangelistic ministry in the Anglican Communion, and they live in one of

the rowhouses.

Page 55: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

When John Stanley arrived in Aliquippa, he immediately set out to locate a building that could serve as a hospitality center–where any and all would be welcomed into an environment free from oppression and drugs–right in the

middle of Aliquippa’s blighted main street.

Page 56: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The building he chose had been officially condemned, and the Church Army bought it for back taxes.

Page 57: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The first miracle was that John was able to attract volunteer labor from churches, youth groups, retirees, and young men in drug rehab to accomplish the enormous

task of renovating the building into usable space.

Page 58: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Almost finished…

Page 59: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Today the Café serves breakfast and lunch 5 days a week, hosts open mic night and a movie night, provides space for AA groups, art classes, and special occasions.

Page 60: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

It is all about rebuilding Aliquippa through creativity, imagination, community service, recovery, great food, and fellowship

Page 61: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Besides providing good food, good coffee and conversation, the Café acts as the home for an Aliquippa church, hosts Bible studies,

Page 62: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

features local music on its stage and local art on its walls.

Page 63: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Uncommon Grounds is a healthy, diverse community where people of all ages, races, and income levels freely gather.

Page 64: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Five years ago God planted the seeds of another ministry alongside the Community of Celebration. Aliquippa Impact began as a summer outreach to at-

risk kids in Aliquippa’s most challenging housing estate, staffed by students from a Christian college who donate their time to provide tutoring in basic subjects,

build self-esteem, and to take the kids on field trips.

Page 65: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

In preparation for the summer programs, they use our facilities for group study,

Page 66: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

for team building exercises,

Page 67: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

for worship and teaching,

Page 68: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

and joint work projects

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In partnership with Family Guidance, Aliquippa Impact offers a one-to-one mentoring program for youth ages 6 to 15. Currently, their program has matched nearly 30

students with mentors.

Page 71: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Their City Camp program serves approximately 35 students from the 3rd to 6th grades.

Page 72: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

They believe in access to the arts for marginalized youth—that every child in every town,

including Aliquippa, should have the opportunity to see and to create beautiful things.

Page 73: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

The Community of Celebration’s 45 year history in common life and worship provides a solid base for other ministries which share a vision for Aliquippa’s

revitalization.

Page 74: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Uncommon Grounds Café offers radical hospitality that draws in all sorts and conditions of men, women, and children to ways of relating that are transformational.

Page 75: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

Aliquippa Impact instills hope in youth to live with purpose and become catalysts for change in Aliquippa and beyond.

Page 76: The Community of Celebration The origins of the Community of Celebration lie in a movement of the Holy Spirit at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

By God’s grace we are all a sign of hope and healing to a hurting town.

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The Community of Celebration