| The Community in Island Pond began in 1978. Eventually we grew to 15 houses and over 300 people. We decided to spread out and not just keep growing here in Island Pond. So over a period of time members were sent to different localities in New England and throughout the world to continue the life they had lived here. Presently we are five houses and about 65 people ages ranging up to 89 years old. Island Pond is a little town nestled in a small valley surrounded by the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. Our main house is an old three-story railroad hotel that sits picturesquely on a hill overlooking the town and the peaceful little lake with an island in the center of it. We have a small business where we work together selling shoes and clothing. The primary purpose of our store is to create an environment where people can come and taste the love, the warmth, and the care of our master, Yahshua, by the way we serve them and by the way we relate to one another. We began our shop through a burden of one of our members that we would be able to have access to quality shoes, socks, and clothing. This has blossomed into a lovely rustic store where people from all over New England come to shop.
We also have a small instrument shop where we make wooden stringed instruments like violins, guitars, up-right basses, mandolins, dulcimers and harps.A lot of these instruments we use in our celebrations and in teaching our children. We also have a small flock of goats for cheese and milk and hope to have a small cafe' here in the near future.The purpose of our presence here in Island Pond is to be a witness of the love and character of Yahshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ of the Scriptures) by being of one heart and mind, working together to accomplish his will on this Earth. We live as one big family, sharing everything in common. We work for the common good rather than a paycheck. We submit to one another because the love of God has been poured into our hearts. We have abandoned our lives, as commanded in the Scriptures (our possessions, opinions, preferences, and independence), to do the will of God. We are not perfect, but we are growing in love for one another and Yahshua, who is the center of our life. Our doors are open 24 hours a day, and we invite you to come and visit us. | |
Population Open to new children: Yes | Government Leadership Core Group: Yes | Labor and Money Financial Style: 100% income sharing (We live as one large, extended family, sharing all our income. We do not make our own individual paychecks & have our own health insurance policies. We care for one another's needs in all aspects, physical, mental, emotional, social & spiritual because we love one another. This is the foundation for our sharing.) Labor Contribution: Expected (full time hours/month) | Land and Buildings Urban Land Owned By: Individual community member(s) | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (Home gardens) Share Community Meals: Nearly all meals Dietary Practice: Omnivorous | Social Factors Shared Spiritual Path: Yes Educational Style(s): Home schooling | |
