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Koinonia
- is a Movement ...
has an Ideal ...
Has a Method ...
begins with a Weekend ...
goes on ...
History ...
Additional Information
The Movement is people - Christians whom we call Koinonians - who share an ideal, a purpose.
It is inclusive in nature, drawing its participants, both clergy and laity, from many Protestant denominations in southern Ontario and Western New York. All are welcome who know or seek Christ and respect Christians of varying backgrounds.
Koinonia is a unique Movement designed to renew and support one's commitment:
1. To Jesus Christ
2. To his/her church
3. And to bringing christ to the world of our daily lives.
It is not affiliated with any other Christian movement although individual Koinonians may be participants in other such groups.
KOINONIA
HAS AN IDEAL ...
That ideal is to live in
union with Christ as individuals and to work to bring others into a vital
union with Christ.
Koinonians are a group of
people who are striving to live fully the message of Christ and to share
the "Good News" with others, thereby encouraging an awareness of Christ
in ALL our human environments - home, work, neighbourhood, church, society.
KOINONIA
HAS A METHOD ...
The unique method used involves
a direct way through which one's Christian faith may be developed, lived
and shared in all areas of human life. It is a tool, adapted from
the Roman Catholic Cursillo method, which both encourages personal spiritual
growth and provides support in personal outreach.
There are two basic parts
to the method:
FIRST:
a living experience in Christian community, a Koinonia weekend.
SECOND: opportunities
to share life and faith with others, and to gain - especially through small
sharing
groups - the support and
encouragement necessary to be an apostle (meaning one who is sent out)
in today's world.
KOINONIA
BEGINS WITH A WEEKEND ...
A Koinonia weekend focuses
on the basic "how-to's" of the Christian faith: how to live with
Christ, how to live for Christ, how to live in fellowship with other Christians.
It is literally an intensive short course in Christianity. The Roman
Catholic name "Cursillo" means "short course" in Spanish. Led by
a team of specially selected and trained lay people and clergy, the weekend
stresses the meaning of God's grace, the necessity of spiritual growth
through prayer, study and action, and the need to carry Christ's message
to the community and the world both individually and through the church.
The three day weekend begins
on a Friday evening and ends Sunday evening. It shares some features
of a conventional retreat but otherwise is unique in its structure and
content. Those who attend live, listen, discuss, worship and sing together.
It is truly an experience in meaningful Christian community living.
KOINONIA
GOES ON ...
A Koinonian's life after
the weekend is known as the 4th. day. This refers to the "rest of
our lives". Koinonia recognizes the need for support and encouragement
as each person embarks on living his/her commitment to Christ using the
Koinonia method.
To provide this support
there are:
- Small groups -
where Koinonians can share with friends - generally on a weekly basis -
their efforts and discoveries in living Christianity.
- Reunions - a monthly
gathering of the larger Koinonia community to share their awareness of
Christ on a broader basis.
- Leaders School
- an opportunity for learning more about the purpose of the Movement, conducted
twice a year over a four to seven week period. Courses are also offered
that provide for personal spiritual experiences and growth. The school
is frequently held jointly with the Cursillo community.
KOINONIA'S
HISTORY ...
Koinonia owes its existence
to our Roman Catholic Cursillo friends.
In 1975 a group of Buffalo
area Cursillistas offered to share their method of renewal with the Protestant
community. Since then the two movements have been closely associated
and mutually supportive.
The Cursillo Movement has
its roots in Spain. In the late 1940's Bishop Juan Hervas realized
that the people of his diocese lacked the spirit and enthusiasm of the
early church. He gathered together a team of lay persons and clergy
to formulate a plan to make Christ a living reality to the people.
The Cursillo Movement is
that plan. Koinonia of Western New York and Southern Ontario and
Koinonia Northshore have adapted and developed that plan into a remarkably
effective instrument for the Spirit of Christ to use in bringing new life
to persons, churches and the people and the world around us.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...
... Koinonia weekends are
held separately for men and women, and are limited to not more than 40
persons in attendance. Each participant has a Koinonian as a sponsor.
... Koinonia is a totally
volunteer Movement. There is no paid staff or office. It's
services are offered without a fee. There is however, an opportunity
on the weekends to made a contribution toward defraying expenses.
... If you are interested
in obtaining more information about Koinonia, or would like an application
for attending a weekend, please contact us at: [email protected]
Background designed especially for Northshore Koinonia