What exactly is a Small Christian Community? At St. Joan's, and in thousands of other communities, Small Christian Communities are gatherings of eight to fourteen people, some more, some less. They meet at different members homes. Some meet every other week, some once a month or so. But they all have one thing in common: they are building a family. 

The family you come from isn't as important as the 
Family you're going to have.  (Ring Lardner)  

Leitourgia - A Network of Praying Communities
These communities celebrate together. They celebrate with prayer and worship. They do what we do each week in our larger community when we all celebrate together.

Koinonia - A High Degree of Mutuality
They work to build a bond, a trust, with each other. They know that they can count of the other members to meet when they say they can. They all plan their other activities around the groups, rather than squeezing the group in around all other activities.

Didache - Growing in Our Knowledge of Out Faith
They struggle together to try and discover how to make our world work - how to make a difference in all of their lives by the strengthening of their faith.

Diakonia - Awareness, Reflection, Action, Service
Many groups are involved in social justice causes, like Loaves and Fishes, affordable housing, violence, or other issues that are plaguing our society. 

Since we are all given gifts, it is up to us to share those gifts. We are sent to be a witness, and to offer hope and light to our world. Being a part of Small Christian Communities is just one way to generate the light. 

Small Christian Communities are truly great, but they are not without price. It takes time to develop the commitment and trust levels of the groups. It takes no small degree of patience and nurturing to bear the fruit of love that these communities create. 

Tom Smith-Myott emphasizes that these communities are not just one more thing to add to your plate, they are a commitment to a group of people that become your second family. They bring joy and companionship, fun and spirit into your life. You will get more back than you ever give, in giving to your community.

The Small Christian Communities portion of the St. Joan's website is helping groups keep in contact, and sharing information with each other. Some groups create their own email lists to keep in touch more often than the meeting times.  Some groups are able to keep in touch through email with members that have moved out of state.

If you are interested in learning more about these Small Christian Communities, please contact Tom Smith-Myott at 612.823.8205 or tomfsm@stjoan.com.