Kokopellyn

Life in our community... Currently, we are a 'community of two' . We are developing the cottage industries and writing manuals and becoming better each day at walking our talk. What follows is our vision of the community once we have the land-base and other people to come together and share with us in bringing heaven to Earth.

Imagine yourself arising each morning with the enthusiasm of a child, eyes popping awake, eager to begin your day. You are living in a village of people: adults, elders and children. Each person has a place: a way to contribute that calls forth their gifts and skills. We also share equally in the other tasks that will keep the community thriving: things that may not feel like your “calling” but that keep you grounded in the simple mind-set of “chop wood/carry water” (and take out the garbage!)

Our community is set up around many simple ecologically-sound cottage industries. We make things with our hands, grow things in the garden, offer classes to the surrounding community at-large and create publications and documentaries of our life together so that others may learn and apply our experience towards creating their own communities.

We live in a spirit of joyful service. Each gives ‘according to ability and receives according to need.’ We go out of their way to find ways to give because we are grounded in the knowledge that whatever we give is given to ourselves. We are set up with “schools of experience.” Each of these areas (cottage industries, gardening, mechanic shop, cooking and grounds maintenance etc) has a person who is the facilitator/point person. We make sure that we have all the materials needed for our “schools” to run efficiently. We also take a leadership role in mentoring others who have an interest but lack experience. In order to develop a well-rounded understanding of how the puzzle pieces fit together to create the full picture, we encourage each other to circulate amongst the different schools as apprentices. We share in the mindset that all we do is an expression of our creativity and is done in a spirit of service whether it is cleaning, cooking, auto-mechanics or whatever.

Our physical environment is kept safe and orderly and clutter-free. We use environmentally conscious practices to build and maintain our buildings and grounds. An attitude of artistic expression and mindfulness is brought to the creation and maintenance of all structures and the land we steward.

Aside from the core beliefs outlined in Acts 4:32-35 and the beliefs below, we do not dictate how members should believe or practice their spiritual path. We believe there are many paths to God; many expressions of worship and service. We aim to integrate the four important areas of human needs into a shared lifestyle. These are: family, education, meaningful occupations and spiritual practice. We share all things in common. This means that each of us has put a full commitment into participating in the community-on a financial, emotional and material level. Ideally, we close all back doors so we have the best chance of working through our petty differences and re-integrating at a higher level, much like in a marriage. You will go through a trial period to determine whether or not you are a good fit with the Full Circle Family Church. Upon becoming a full member, you will be asked to contribute all of your assets to the community. You have the option of “freezing” some of your assets in your own name but during your time as a member you will agree not to access these resources for personal benefit, i.e. vacations, clothing, toys, equipment or anything that would raise your status or standard of living above that of other community members. We, as a community, in turn, take care of all of our basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, health and simple entertainment. We wholeheartedly step into the practice of living according to the Golden Rule and believe that “all things shall be added unto us”. We embody the spirit of “all for one and one for all.”

Our lifestyle, dress and way of being are all conducted in a way to reach the broadest possible audience. It is our intention to be an easily duplicated model so that others can emulate our example and live a life of companionship, meaning and service. We aim to address our most basic physical needs while at the same time addressing those less tangible, but just as necessary spiritual/emotional needs. We offer an alternative to ‘business as usual’ but in a way that doesn’t create a dynamic of opposition, competition or ‘counter culture.’