| We are an intentional Christian community living in SW Portland. Five values that define how we live are (1) growth, (2) intentional relationship, (3) collaboration, (4) hospitality, and (5) community relevance. Our goal is to live rightly with Jesus as our guide.
Together, we are exploring what it means to be intentional with each other in the house, our "greater community" of friends and neighbors, and with the city of Portland. We are in a unique situation, as we live in the heart of Multnomah Village, a rather well-to-do neighborhood whose physical needs are not apparent.
Founded in 2007 by four friends who met at Cascades Camp and Conference Center (affiliated with the Covenant denomination), the Canby House has had its share of members: (http://www.canbyhouse.wordpress.com/family)
Though not officially affiliated with any church, most people that call themselves part of our community are part of two different churches: Evergreen Community (http://www.evergreenlife.org) and West Hills Covenant Church (http://www.westhillscovenant.org). We are not a house church by any means, but the thing we do have in common is Jesus.
The first Tuesday of each month, we have a community potluck together. On the subsequent Tuesdays we invite over neighbors or people interested in learning more about our community for dinner.
We started an organic community garden in summer 2009. We had two relatively productive summers there. We also have urban chickens who bless us with the occasional egg when they feel like it. :)
Sometimes our house has holiday parties, house shows featuring Pacific NW bands, Prayer and Pancakes, impromptu dance parties, Settlers of Cataan tournaments, fireside discussions, and involvement in various, nerdy word games.
Our house rhythms include a sunday night house business meeting and dinner and Wednesday night house prayer and/or devotional. Currently, for the Lenten season we are reading through the book Manna and Mercy. | Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses) |
Population Members(adults and children): 5 | Government Decision Making: By consensus Leadership Core Group: Yes | Labor and Money Financial Style: Partial income sharing (shared food expenses, set aside) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes Labor Contribution: Expected (there are always dishes and chores to be done. We all pitch in!) | Land and Buildings Suburban (living in the city, but with land, parks, woods all around!) Area: 1 acres (0.4 hectares) Land Owned By: An absentee landlord | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (We garden in the summer/fall.) Share Community Meals: 2-5 times/week Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (Some members are vegetarians, pescatarians, pollotarians, and vegans.) Dietary Practice: Primarily vegetarian Alcohol Use: Used occasionally | Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: Yes (weekly church meetings, weekly house prayer, daily morning prayer) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Other (Emergent Christian Church, Covenant) Educational Style(s): Other (There are currently no children living in the community, but some do visit on occasion) | |
