Advent

Advent—a time for reflection and preparation, though not the kind the world encourages. Our wish for you is simple: slow down. Savor this sacred season. Find moments of stillness to reflect. Take the time.

Through Clenched Teeth

Living at Koinonia, we are surrounded by quiet heroes who endured the struggle for justice. In times like these, when the world feels harsh and the work ahead seems daunting, Koinonia reminds us that hope grows from quiet acts of courage. The work of a just, compassionate world begins in our own hearts and communities. Let us hold steady to love, even when it requires clenched teeth.

Bren Dubay
November 12, 2024

Feminist and Womanist Theologies

Reflecting on my 15 years at the Open Door Community, a Radical Feminist community, I explore my struggles with ingrained religious imagery and privilege. Through engaging with womanist theologians like Alice Walker and Zora Neale Hurston, I've learned the importance of recognizing distinct perspectives without appropriation.

A Plane & A Storm

As the Johnsson family flew from Sweden to Koinonia, Hurricane Helene threatened to strike. In a heart-stopping moment, the storm shifted, sparing them but leaving devastation elsewhere. Read how a family’s journey, Koinonia’s mission, and neighbors in crisis reveal what it means to live as one community in challenging times.

Bren Dubay
October 8, 2024

Black Liberation Theology

I am now a seminarian, taking courses in Bible, practical theology, and anti-racism. For my 'Practical Theology' class, I've been captivated by Dr. Willie Jennings' powerful lecture 'The Origin of Race,' which has deepened my understanding of whiteness and my commitment to Koinonia's vision of life together.

Once Upon a Time There Was a Three-Year-Old Grandpa

David Janzen’s latest book, Once Upon a Time There Was a Three-Year-Old Grandpa, brought a smile to my face and memories of the many meals we shared at Koinonia. Given the wealth of authors Koinonia knows, I don’t often make recommendations—but for David’s wit, wisdom, and heartfelt reflections, I’ll happily break my rule.

Bren Dubay
September 6, 2024

July 29

Clarence Jordan was born on July 29, 1912, and co-founded Koinonia in November 1942, a few months after he turned 30. Though he died almost 55 years ago, his words and actions still attract people to the community he helped create. He wouldn’t want us to get all silly about his birth, life, or death. He would want us to stay focused on feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving drink to the thirsty, and visiting those who are sick or in prison.

Vote

Living in Sumter County, Georgia, you meet people who faced segregation and fought for the right to vote. Rutha Mae Harris, a founding member of The Freedom Singers, reminds us, “Things have changed.” At Koinonia, she stirs our hearts with her voice and her call to action: “Vote! If you can’t vote for, then vote against! But vote.”

Bren Dubay
July 5, 2024

Katie

She saw us and began to cry. I’ve carried that picture in my heart since. Katie came to Koinonia as an intern in 2014, and in the decade since, she’s been the heart behind our communications. She’s leaving in May—doing everything just as she’s always done: quietly, with commitment, and no drama. Goodbye for now, Katie.

Sacrifice

Siroki-Brijeg, a small village in Bosnia-Herzegovina, has a remarkable tradition: a 0% divorce rate. At weddings, couples receive a "Marriage Crucifix," symbolizing that Christ is central to their union, with vows spoken over the cross. This grounding in shared love and sacrifice fosters connection and resilience, not just between couples but within the whole community. Here, marriages are supported by friends and neighbors alike. Have we in our culture lost touch with traditions that unite and support us? How might we rediscover them?

Bren Dubay
April 30, 2024

And Now…

There are scenes to stir the imagination should we choose to engage them: a colt tethered, palm branches waving, an alabaster jar opened, a meal, a garden, a Roman instrument of torture, and a rooster that crows.

Pride & Humility

Why does the intern curriculum include a reading about humility? For certain, the health of a community is in danger without it.

Bren Dubay
February 29, 2024

Goodbye

Not all of us have had or will have the chance for a long goodbye. But whatever the goodbye, take the time to make it as holy a goodbye as you can.

Mrs. Rosalynn Carter

The Koinonia community grieves the loss of Mrs. Rosalynn Carter.

Bren Dubay
January 9, 2024

In Her Memory

Kind. Lovely. Real. Rosalynn Carter.

The Wave

October 29th marked the 54th anniversary of Clarence Jordan’s death. ... I hope he doesn’t mind a tip of the hat from time to time.

Bren Dubay
November 2, 2023

Silence

Silence is at the heart of every great spiritual tradition. More than 5,000 years old, it isn’t a recent invention.

Seeing

Sue went on, “I found myself looking at each person who came in and seeing Jesus in them. Not so much me being Jesus, but them. They were.”

Bren Dubay
July 26, 2023

Hugs

In general, as a society, people are only halfway here. We are always starting one task before finishing another. Attention spans are growing smaller and smaller. The ability to concentrate is slipping. We live life on the run. Statio can help us with all these...

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

We just celebrated Pentecost Sunday, which marks the birth of the church and highlights the important work of the Holy Spirit. The work of this Third Person of the Trinity is to gather people, give life, and unify. Any community should desire such gathering, life, and unity, but especially an intentional community such as Koinonia.

Bren Dubay
May 31, 2023

Earth Day

Earth Day is a time to take stock of both the good and the bad. It is a time to be thankful for any progress made to care for the Earth. It is a time to acknowledge that there is much, much more to do, and time is short.

Table Fellowship

Would that every person reading these brief thoughts go out and invite someone they don’t know particularly well into their home for a meal and conversation. It just may be that the light would turn up a bit brighter. When we bemoan the darkness in the world, a sure way to dispel it is to look at the other across the table and hear a story. And share a story. Laugh and cry together. Let’s expand our tables and freely offer fellowship to one another.

Bren Dubay
March 30, 2023

Koinonia Grow Around the Community

Koinonia Grow around the community in February 2023

Jenn & Michael

Surely the original soil from which humankind arose was rich and life-filled. At Koinonia, Jenn and Michael are making every attempt to set the table for those coming after them. Life begets life. Thank you, Jenn and Michael. You give us hope. You give us courage.

Bren Dubay
February 28, 2023

Lamentation

Lamenting is an important part of our faith, even if it isn’t a part of our U.S. culture. Jesus lamented. The Psalms lament. We even have a whole book in the Hebrew Scripture named Lamentations. When we don’t grieve, we don’t heal.

The Inconvenient Gospel Reviews & Resources

Here is a collection of reviews, articles, podcasts, and other resources about "The Inconvenient Gospel" book and Clarence Jordan himself.

Everyone
January 20, 2023

Letter from Dr. King

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s letter to Clarence Jordan in February 1957

Koinonia Grow in 2022

Everyone
January 5, 2023

Vulnerable Peacemakers

As I walked around the pond one day after lunch, this thought came to me: though we gathered at Camp Loucon from all over, our common home is the wounds of our Healer. We can become vulnerable because Jesus allows us to dwell in his vulnerability.

80 Years & A New Book

I was struck by Clarence’s words that “you can’t put Christianity into practice. You can’t make it work ... For Christianity is not a system you work – it is a Person who works you. You don’t get it; he gets you.” I think if we are so full of ourselves or the words of others, we may miss the Word. So, we listen. We seek fellowship with the Word. We, too, want to be with him, follow him, know him, and love him. We are open to being changed by this fellowship with him. We are open to “being gotten” by the Word.

Bren Dubay
October 26, 2022

Koinonia Grow – Healthy Sumter Partnership

Koinonia Grow partners with Healthy Sumter at Koinonia Farm, Brookdale Park Community Garden, and the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Home.

Fig Tree

Dan, a retired Lutheran pastor, gave the reflection in morning chapel today. He shared what the fig tree symbolized in Scripture. It was a sign of prosperity, a comfort zone. He suggested that we think about what our personal fig tree may be. Jesus is calling us away from our fig tree to do what?

Bren Dubay
September 30, 2022

Koinonia Grow – Fall Planting

A look at Koinonia's gardens in April.

Open House 2022

Everyone
September 15, 2022

Harry

Do you ever wonder why people do something so crazy as living in a community with other people? Why would you want to form a family with those whom you have no biological connection? Biology can be difficult enough. I watched the way people cared for Harry through the years. I saw their care at the end. I’ve witnessed both for humans here, too.

Memento Mori

Behind me, there’s a small passageway that breaks up the living room and kitchen from the bedroom. It isn’t really a hallway–it's more of just a way. In this space, I have the photos of all my loved ones that have passed away. In the center of their pictures is this prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.” I see these photos and the interwoven feelings of sorrow and joy arise. The hope of the resurrection of the body comes alive in my heart.

Steve Krout
August 11, 2022

Passing the Baton Part 2

Clarence wouldn’t want us to get all silly about his birth, life, or his death. But celebrations are important to community. Celebrations help communities thrive and, truth is, we wouldn’t be here without him. So, I hope he doesn’t mind the tip of the hat we give him from time to time.

Juneteenth and Loaves & Fishes

This year June 19 fell on a Sunday and the Gospel reading was about five loaves and two fish. So, at Koinonia’s Gathered Worship, we were able to celebrate that Juneteenth is now a national holiday and we were able to think about multiplication. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” It is good to celebrate but we have much, much further to go. Fannie Lou Hamer said, “Nobody is free until everybody is free.” Is there anything in that parable about bread and fish that can help us go further?

Bren Dubay
June 29, 2022

Uvalde

What is normal? Certainly not this violence against one another. Please, God, no. Please let this not be our “normal.” We must not grow weary of doing good. We must not be silent. We must fight to create a better world. A safer world. For everyone.

Soil Health at Koinonia

All of the things we do here in our orchards aim to create a healthy soil, leading to a healthy ecosystem, and a healthy crop. It’s just one more way we can demonstrate a better way of caring for and working with nature, and letting nature do the same for us.

Everyone
April 28, 2022

That Week

No doubt, Easter is to be a momentous occasion for Christians — it is our greatest feast day. But it seems its beauty is heightened all the more by living that week — from Palm Sunday to Easter Morning. I wish everyone of you could experience this week with us. That not being practical, perhaps give some thought to experiencing it with us from afar? Together let’s give ourselves to the full range of emotions of that week.

Koinonia Grow – April in the Garden

A look at Koinonia's gardens in April.

Everyone
April 21, 2022

Study

People flocked to the Desert Fathers and Mothers for spiritual guidance. Their advice—called sayings—was initially passed down orally. At least 1,200 of these sayings were eventually written down. So, here are a few that have caught my attention as I have read through them again recently. I hope they teach, guide, inspire, and give you a wealth of thinking to do. They have a way of working on and for us.

Koinonia Grow – Preparing for Spring!

A look at Koinonia's gardens in February.

Everyone
March 4, 2022

Decisions

Unity among us is of paramount importance. It has to be worked for again, and again, and again. Division bears no fruit or at least no edible fruit. How lacking in humility is it to impose one’s ideas through gossip, negativity, bullying, or by discrediting those who offer a different point of view? We are constantly trying to learn what humility is and then put it into practice.

Betsy

There was something about the light in those blue eyes. Betsy’s eyes and smile made that first encounter seem so right … then she spoke and that thick Texas accent took me from, “This seems right,” straight to “This is right.” I was home with Betsy from that moment on.

Bren Dubay
January 27, 2022

Kathleen Monts Retires

Our beloved Kathleen Monts has retired. We'll miss her but she’s promised to come see us often. Thank you for everything, Miss Kathleen!

Koinonia Grow – December in the Garden

A look at Koinonia's gardens in December.

Everyone
January 18, 2022

Peacemakers Series – Sojourner Truth

I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it- and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?

Peacemakers Series – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.

Katie Miles
November 3, 2021

Koinonia Grow – A Busy October!

We have enjoyed our time in the gardens this month. With our interns, Come, Stay Awhile, & Serve participants, and all of the Koinonia Grow team working together, we've been able to harvest, turn over beds, plant for fall, and more!

Peacemakers Series – Eberhard Arnold

We do feel drawn, with them, to all men who suffer need and distress, to those who lack food and shelter and whose very mental development is stunted through exploitation. With them, we stand side by side with the "have-nots," with the underprivileged, and with the degraded and oppressed.

Katie Miles
October 27, 2021

A Tip of the Hat

Clarence and Florence Jordan and Mabel and Martin England founded Koinonia to be an experiment in Christian living. It was and is to be a demonstration plot. But what is it supposed to demonstrate? Love and selflessness, yes, but what is the sign that demonstrates we are loving and selfless? Joy is the fruit, the sign for which we look.

Peacemakers Series – Viola Liuzzo

Viola Liuzzo lived a life that combined the care of her family and her home with a concern for the world around her. This involvement with her times was not always understood by her friends; nor was it appreciated by those around her. -Sarah Evans

Katie Miles
October 20, 2021

Peacemakers Series – A.J. Muste

We cannot have peace if we are only concerned with peace. War is not an accident. It is the logical outcome of a certain way of life. If we want to attack war, we have to attack that way of life.

Koinonia Grow – Fall Gardens

It's a busy time in the garden this month! We are harvesting, watching new plants sprout, and preparing plots for a round of fall planting.

Everyone
October 7, 2021

Peacemakers Series – Susan B. Anthony

Forget conventionalisms; forget what the world thinks of you stepping out of your place; think your best thoughts, speak your best word, work your best works, looking to your own conscience for approval.

Peacemakers Series – Rachel Corrie

Many people want their voices to be heard, and I think we need to use some of our privilege as internationals to get those voices heard directly in the US, rather than through the ﬁlter of well-meaning internationals such as myself. I am just beginning to learn, from what I expect to be a very intense tutelage, about the ability of people to organize against all odds, and to resist against all odds.

Katie Miles
September 29, 2021

Singing the Psalms

At chapel recently, Elizabeth declared that the Psalms were meant to be sung and that’s just what she intended to do that morning. And she did. The notes were crystal clear. I was astonished by the feeling that I was hearing the words at a much deeper level. The experience was beautiful and deeply moving. I wondered why it had ever been our custom to simply read the psalms.

Peacemakers Series -Henri Nouwen

The spiritual life is not before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, the spiritual life is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now.

Katie Miles
September 22, 2021

Peacemakers Series -Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo

Let it be stated clearly that to make peace a reality, we must be ﬂexible as well as wise. We must truly recognize our own faults and move to change ourselves in the interest in making peace… Let us banish anger and hostility, vengeance and other dark emotions, and transform ourselves into humble instruments of peace.

Peacemakers Series -Thomas Merton

We are not at peace with others because we are not at peace with ourselves, and we are not at peace with ourselves because we are not at peace with God.

Katie Miles
September 8, 2021

Koinonia Grow – An Ordinary Plot of Buckwheat

From a distance, this looks just like an ordinary plot of buckwheat. But when you look closer, you find so many good things going on!

The Storm

Every disaster produces heroes and heroines. We know some of their names, but the majority are regular people whose names we will never know. Regular people helping other regular people. What they do for others, for the most part, goes unheralded.

Bren Dubay
August 29, 2021

Peacemakers Series -Jo Ann Robinson

Women's leadership was no less important to the development of the Montgomery Bus Boycott than was the male and minister-dominated leadership.

Peacemakers Series – Hildegard of Bingen

All living creatures are sparks from the radiation of God’s brilliance, and these sparks emerge from God like the rays of the sun. If God did not give off these sparks, how would the divine ﬂame become fully visible?

Katie Miles
August 25, 2021

Peacemakers Series – Peter Maurin

Although you may be called bums and panhandlers you are in fact the ambassadors of God. As God's ambassadors you should be given food, clothing and shelter by those who are able to give it.

Koinonia Grow – August in the Garden

It's been a great summer in the garden so far!

Everyone
August 4, 2021

Peacemakers Series – Rachel Held Evans

This is what God's kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there's always room for more.

Peacemakers Series – John Lewis

Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.

Katie Miles
August 4, 2021

Parables Part 1 – Review

Clarence Jordan's parables "The Great Banquet" and "The Angry Banker" are now available to purchase in our online farm store! Communications Coordinator Katie Miles reviewed both sermons for their online debut.

The Seed

In my imagination standing there in the chapel in the silence with my eyes closed, I saw Jesus as the seed. The Word battling rocks, blazing sun, thorns, and even birds. This seed sown far and wide, through all sorts of means.

Bren Dubay
July 29, 2021

Peacemakers Series – Rosalynn Carter

A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be.

Peacemakers Series – Jimmy Carter

choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes - and we must.

Katie Miles
July 21, 2021

Peacemakers Series – Nelson Mandela

To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

Peacemakers Series – Malala Yousafzai

I think that the best way to solve problems and to ﬁght is through dialogue, is through peaceful way, but for me the best way to ﬁght against terrorism and extremism is just simple thing: educate the next generation.

Katie Miles
July 6, 2021

Koinonia Grow – 6 Months and Counting!

Koinonia Grow has been hard at work and we've harvested over 1,300 pounds of produce for our community and our neighbors!

Peacemakers Series – Mohandas Gandhi

I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.

Katie Miles
June 30, 2021

Is It Time?

The need for equality, for economic and social justice is on our lips and in hearts on a scale larger perhaps than ever before. To meet these problems, we have to be creative. We need a spiritual imagination. We need dreamers and doers, like Clarence Jordan, Millard Fuller, and so many others, to think outside the box. We cannot look to the world that created these problems for solutions. We need to imagine better ways of doing things.

Peacemakers Series – Dorothy Stang

In the midst of all this violence there are many small communities that have learned the secret of life: sharing, solidarity, conﬁdence, equality, pardon, working together. God is present -- generator and sustainer of all life. Thus life is productive and transforming in the midst of all this.

Katie Miles
June 23, 2021

Steve Krout