European New Monastic Roundtable

During the summer we were generously invited, by the ‘Manor House Community’, to visit their Community House in Steffisburg, and to take our seat at the third European New Monastic Roundtable in Vaumarcus, Switzerland.

We spent two days with the Manor House Community. We heard their story, studied Bonhoeffer with their A300 trainees, prayed together and shared some amazing food, including a slow Raclette feast. (A300 is a training programme for people who want to pioneer New Monastic Communities or live as Urban Monks in European cities).

We travelled from Steffisburg to Vaumarcus, where we stayed at a conference centre on Neuchâtel lake. We gathered with New Monastic Communities from all across Europe to pray and learn together. The roundtable gathering was designed around five core principles; Storytelling, the Prophetic, Celebration, Connecting and Learning.

‘The prophetic and the contemplative were held with integrity and depth and there was lots of space given to hear and learn from one another’s stories. Not all were success stories. There were tales of disappointment and sadness and the cost of pioneering’ – Rachel

We had the opportunity to tell our story and to share our rhythms and Rule of Life. We reflected on how our Spiritual Disciplines are shaping us and leading us to personal and communal freedom.

‘There was a deep sense of being willing to move at God’s pace – to go slow and to grow into God’s calling. There was also a deep ache for Europe and a desire to pray for it’s renewal. And story after story of God at work, through New Monastic Communities, who are inspiring new generations to pray’ – Rachel   

If you want to more about…

The Manor House Community << CLICK HERE >>

The Community of the Tree of Life Spiritual Disciplines / Practices << CLICK HERE >>

A300 Training Programme << CLICK HERE >>

Or to see photos from the Roundtable << CLICK HERE >>