Link to CT article

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/009/16.38.html

Introduction

michael gulker said...

I read the CT article. Some interesting things in it. Currently, I am serving as one of 3 pastors at a small Mennonite church in Des Moines, Ia (about 100 people). We are also in the process of beginning a community living arrangement. One of the other pastors and his family of five are in it with us (us being me, my wife Jodie - not Jodie Boyer, but Jodie Gulker - and our 1 year old Samuel). I am hoping the article serves as a challenge to us, since the form of to community seemes to be taking on the tone of WMC (white middle class). We are in Des Moines, after all. Not sure how to press through it yet, other than to forward the article on to some other folks planning on joining us. Looking forward to this as a place to kick some things around.

mg

11:53 AM

Almost Dunn?

Doug, Johanna, Simeon and Holly are moving into 74 Dunn Ave, Toronto ON. The process is a lengthy one. There is still junk from the old tenants, there is painting to be done, and sanding and deep cleaning. We are, however, making headway. At times it feels like: "This is it!" Or at least a modest sapling that will someday bloom into a full grown community. Other times it just feels like a mess. I never expected community here, in this way, with this kind of start. There is much to do. What IS the difference between being communitarian and roommates? When do we invite others in? And how? But, right now I feel happy just sanding and painting and waiting.

Parkdale:
Last weeks someone was shot in our park. In the Head. Dead. Johanna's park. Where she has played (maybe 12 times already.) The area is full of people with mental illnesses. There is the constant smell of chain smoking even on the wide business street of Queen and we are told that the sex trade just recently has moved from an area now gentrified to where we are living. YEt, the area is bursting with life. Kids are everywhere. Ebulliant and playful. Whenever the winds is a southwesterly we get an amazing breeze off Lake Ontario (only a block away.) Queen street offers a full range of shopping options and the street car rattles along ready to wisk you to the subway and to all points Toronto. Just behind us a group of Catholic Workers a block away the Sisters of Charity..... I think this is a good spot. But, time will test. I didn't want to post twice in a row but my first post hardly counts.
-Jodie

First Post

I wanted to create a place in which to dicuss matters of our community, community matters, and to make a web community for us. So here is a start.