| The Full Circle Family Community is the live-in congregation of the Full Circle Family Church – a legally recognized organization. We are a community of demonstration and service. All members share housing, vehicles and all “things” in common. The congregation IS the church and does not require a specific building in which to worship. We follow Jesus’ teachings in Acts 4:32-35 where it is said that,
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had…God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.”
There is no buying or selling amongst us. Each gives “according to ability” and receives “according to need”. The daily actions of growing, storing and preparing food, and all the other simple practices of living are how we demonstrate the highest spiritual teachings of love through serving those in need. We believe in living lightly on the Earth, in harmony with all of creation. Our way of life demonstrates how sharing creates abundance, satisfaction and health. Our demonstrations extend into the larger world through such service projects as the “Sharing Gardens of Alpine and Monroe, Oregon.”
The "Sharing Gardens" are a unique style of community-garden. Instead of multiple, separate plots, rented by families or individuals, the Gardens are one large plot shared by all. All materials and labor are donated. The food that is grown is shared amongst those who have contributed in some way (and have need). The surplus is given to local charities. No one is ever charged money for the food that is grown. This style of gardening creates a more resilient community by establishing neighborly relationships; increased local food self-reliance, and many educational opportunities.
Currently we are a community of two. We are ready to move to the next level: to find a land-base we can share with other like-minded members and begin a school of rural-arts; a place that models for others a way of life that can lead us out of the crises being faced world-wide and into a world of radical sharing. | Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses) Peak Moment interview with founders Chris and Llyn discussing the Sharing Gardens - our community's first demonstration project. |
Population Members(adults and children): 2 | Government Decision Making: By consensus (modified concensus: separate committees will research and make recommendations to the whole group at which point we will decide by concensus) Leadership Core Group: Yes (Those of us who are getting the community started are making all decisions at this point. Eventually we see this responsibility shared amongst all full members.) | Labor and Money Financial Style: 100% income sharing (Also known as 'common-purse.' We share all-things-common.) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes (Considered on a case-by-case basis.) Labor Contribution: Expected (As much as it takes! :-) We live and work at a pace that includes time for naps, creative expression, meditaion and socializing.) Join Fee: No (Full members are encouraged to share their resources with the community though they may keep assets separate as long as they don't access them during their time as members.) Regular Fees: No (During the formative stages, any income generated outside of the community will be donated to the common purse. Once we are formed, our income will be generated from within the group through communal ventures. No on-going dues required.) | Land and Buildings Rural (We envision a rural base with an urban satellite. Eventually we envision multiple sites that community-members can migrate between.) Land Owned By: Other (Once we have a land-base and other properties, they will be held in common by the community and not individual members.) | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 21-50% (Chris, one of the founders, has over 40 years experience at organic farming. We focalize a food-sharing garden in a park near our home. See: www.AlpineGarden.blogspot.com/) Share Community Meals: Nearly all meals (We envision sharing most meals communally.) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: There are some dietary restrictions (We are ovo-lacto vegetarians and open to others who eat as we do.) Dietary Practice: Vegetarian only | Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: Yes (This is a spiritual community open to all faith-paths. We believe 'service' is the ultimate spiritual expression and endeavor to 'walk our talk'.) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Eclectic (integrates pieces from many religions) (Our spiritual beliefs are listed on our Blogspot.) Educational Style(s): Home schooling (This will be up to parental choice though the community will have to approve it if parents wish to send children to a private school. Open to creating a home-school.) | |
