Rivendell’s professed members (called “Companions”—those who
break bread and share the journey together) include women and men,
lay and ordained, married and single. Some live together in residential
community, while the majority live in private homes, coming together for
worship, prayer, conversation, study, and active ministry. All follow a
common Rule, or pattern of life and prayer, which sustains and
nourishes us to live active lives of service in our particular and diverse
ministries.
The work of the Rivendell Community is focused on prayer and
hospitality: the constant offering of prayer and worship on behalf of the
Church and the world, and hospitality both physical and spiritual.
Through its life and work, the Community seeks to foster the
contemplative dimension of Christian faith—not as self-seeking
spirituality but as self-giving availability to the transformative power of
the Gospel, and loving obedience to the purposes of God. "Bringing
the Story to Life" offers a brief history and description.
Rivendell is a recognized Christian Community of the Episcopal Church. (For more information, visit NAECC,
the National Association of Episcopal Christian Communities.) While professed Companions are
Episcopalians, Associates and friends represent other Christian traditions, both Roman Catholic and
Protestant.
Some of Rivendell's ministries and projects include...
Facilities and hospitality for personal and small group retreats
Several thematic retreats and conferences each year
Theological education and spiritual formation (including hosting the George Herbert Institute for Pastoral Studies)
Pastoral leadership for congregations in the region: St. Alban's, Bolivar; St. Mark's, Kimberling City; Trinity, El Dorado
Spiritual direction
Stewardship of Creation, including wildlife habitat development, composting and recycling
Saturday night meal/discussion/worship
Social justice ministries
Parish spiritual/liturgical life (Daily office, quiet days, seasonal celebrations)
Chaplaincy for inner city independent elementary school
News, communication, commentary on Episcopal and Anglican affairs