The Servants Of God
WHO WE ARE:
The Servants of God is a community of
Episcopaleans, clergy and lay, married and celibate.
Our Rule provides options for both Solitary and Community Life. Currently we are all Solitaires. Founded in 1998, the community has the approval of The Bishop of Virginia who has appointed a Warden from the clergy of the diocese to oversee the development of the community until it meets the requirements under Canon III.30. (More on our Past and Future)
VOWS?
We profess the three traditional vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. Our Poverty is a life of simplicity; our Chastity is according to our state in life; and our Obedience is to Christ, His Church, and the rule of the Community.
WHY ENTER A
COMMUNITY?
We see our religious commitment as a means of
fulfilling our Baptismal Covenant. We
do not see our vows as being in conflict with other vows such as marriage.
We are not monastic but our rule does allow for this expression for whose called
to this way of life.
We remain very much in the world, ministering through
our individual call to the world in ordinary ways.
WHAT IS OUR MINISTRY?
As our name implies we are SERVANTS.
We engage in many forms of Servant Ministry; as full time and part time
ministers in church settings, as persons working with marginalized people, such
as the mentally retarded, minorities, AIDS ministries, etc.
The possibilities are limitless.
FORMATION:
After a period of investigation, there is a one-year
postulancy and a two-year novitiate after which vows are taken.
Currently vows are temporary. When the Community has met the requirement of Canon III.30 Life Vows will be taken. Formation is on going as long as you remain in community.
All members, no matter at what stage have a voice in
community affairs. Professed
members have voice and vote.
Currently all formation is done by reading and
correspondence with the Director of Postulants and Novices.
ADMISSION:
Candidates should be 18 years of age or older, a
member of The Episcopal Church or another church which is in communion with it.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
We seek to identify ourselves as “Normative
Episcopalians”. We represent many
traditions of The Church but as a community we are not associated with any party
or movement in the church.
We accept the Canons and affirm the positions of the General Convention while permitting each member to take their personal stand on issues in the church.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION WRITE:
The Servants of
God
Director of
Vocations
St. Matthew’s
Episcopal Church
7 North Mast
Street
Goffstown, New
Hampshire 03045
e-mail:
stmattsgoff@juno.com