Page 15 - C.A.L.L. #31 - Spring 2009

KALEIDOSCOPE
So busy were we contemplating internal communal issues that we didn't give much thought of
late to ways and needs of collaboration between communities. Shalom Connections of August
2008 reminds us through an editorial by David Janzen entitled "Why communities need each
other", that mutual communal support can be crucial:

I recently asked Reba members why we need other communities. Why are we in a covenant with Shalom
Mission Communities and in intentional connection with many other groups?

David Lukens began. "Just as we personally need each other in community to be real, to not hide from God,
so it is between communities." We observed that over time, the dominant society tends to wear down
prophetic communities unless they find renewal from new movements of the Spirit in a wider community
of communities.

Penny recalled such a turning point in Reba's history. "The visitation from the Church of the Redeemer in
Houston in the early 1970's was very influential. Graham Pulkingham and others introduced us to the gifts
of the Holy Spirit, to freer worship and to dancing before the Lord.
Their example caused us to form many ministering households."

"When we were starting a community in Newton, Kansas, in the
early 70’s." Joanne remembered. "Fellowship of Hope. Reba, Plow
Creek. and many other groups came to our aid with visits,
practical help and counsel. As a new community we drew on a
wider circle of wisdom and experience."

"There is also another side to the story." Joanne added. "Other
communities help minimize the damage we can do to one another.
We remember the tragedy at Jonestown and other groups that
isolated themselves from the wider church. Groups that go it alone
can get off track."

"When Koinonia came under great persecution in the 1960's for practicing inter-racial fellowship." Julius re-
called. "their high school children were sent here for a time. We made many trips back and forth to give
support. Clarence Jordan came to tell us his Cotton Patch parables, and he made recordings here that were
widely circulated. Clarence inspired us to 'be strong in the Lord.'”

"Communities can carry out resistance together," Tatiana reminded us. "sustaining subversive actions like
the Overground Railroad, where Jubilee Partners and Reba moved hundreds of Central American refugees to
asylum. Now many Christian communities support Christian Peacemaker Teams, praying for them and
providing a home base for members who spend part of the year in areas of world conflict."

Communities can come to each other's aid. When Church of the Sojourners' two senior leaders died within a
year of one another, other Shalom Communities sent delegations to offer deep counsel and support because
we already knew each other well. Likewise, we can join each other in times of joy, especially when there is a
reconciliation or a wedding to celebrate.

Visits, sabbaticals, and retreats at each others' communities renew us in our vocation to radical discipleship.
Tatiana added, "Chico and I have visited Jubilee Partners several times to review our life. We get rest and
retreat time - and clarity to discern our life questions with people who share the same calling. They know us
and can be honest with us in whatever we are going through."

Others recalled the courtships and marriages between communities. "If you are part of a group that re-
nounces personal possessions and careers, where will you find such a mate?” Young people who grow up in
community are shaped by radical commitments, but also need to "fly the coop" to test their own faith and
calling. They are encouraged to visit other communities, which sometimes - thank you Lord - has romantic
consequences.

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