Community

Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

I've been part of an online community of one sort or another since 1998 when I started hanging out on an Anglican/Episcopal listserve where I made some enduring friendships. (When I was ordained in 2005 people on that listserve came from 7 states and Canada to attend). This year I've found community on FB and the RevGalBlogPals.  I don't think I spend as much time on FB as some people, but I do spend time there every day, and I love it because it allows me to be connected to people from all the many disparate parts of my life--one day I friended  both my fifth grade teacher and my favorite college professor; I've reconnected with people from my old Girl Scout Troop, my high school class, my seminary. It's the main way I keep connected with family members
 
I've never been to a RGBP "Big Event" but I do find community there, especially at the Saturday preacher party. I"m inspired by others' words, and the company is great while I'm writing.

And I found community at the CREDO conference I attended last month. I really enjoyed the people I was with--people of different ages and backgrounds and locations but still with so much in common. Which leads to the kind of community I'd like to find or become part of this year. I'd like a clergy peer group. I miss regular contact with peers--people I can be honest with, commiserate with, complain with, rejoice with.