Below are a few answers to questions that might be helpful to know. If you have more questions
remember you can contact us at hinenihouse@gmail.com or fill out a contact form
remember you can contact us at hinenihouse@gmail.com or fill out a contact form
Do I have to be aN anglican or a christian to be part of this community?
No. St. Margaret’s welcomes all, no matter what they claim to believe or not believe. Spirituality is a sacred journey that is inherent to all human beings, no matter their religious or non-religious affiliation. However, we do ask that Hineni House members be involved with St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage Church at some level.
how do i have to be involved with st margaret's?
St. Margaret's is more than just the landlord and they want to get to know you! However you are not required to attend services or become a member. Every year the community comes over on a Sunday afternoon early in the program to bless the house and celebrate with residents. There may also be other events held from time to time, like a summer BBQ in the backyard. These are always co-ordinated with residents. Once again, you are not required, but if you're curious about Christianity, Anglicanism, or faith communities, you are more than welcome to visit us and experience St. Margaret's for yourself!
Do I have to take care of finding a job or are placements available for me?
Unlike other programs which provide placements, Hineni House wants to help you incorporate a spiritual rule of life into what you have already going on. In other words, you can just continue with your work and/or studies as you will have plenty of time to do that as well.
What does it cost?
Costs are currently under revision but range from $620-775 a month - such a deal in Vancouver! Visit Costs page to review the exact costs for this year's program. Rent covers all Hineni programming, housing, Internet, cable, Roku, and 2 retreats a year. Meals are not offered nor covered by our program.
How long is the program?
Members are welcome to stay for a year, but may also choose to live there for a second year. Program begins every September, but people may move in as early as August.
HOW IS ADMISSION DECIDED AND WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED?
The selection committee is made up of the Director and some members of the Board. They will let you know, around 2 or 3 weeks after you've applied.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE HINENI COMMUNITY?
The minimum is three people, and the maximum is five.
HOW MUCH TIME IS INVOLVED?
Weekly: Every week the Hineni members will hold a community meal and subsequent meeting. This will be approximately a 2-4 hour weekly commitment. The weekly meetings will touch base on how everyone is doing, questions, and conflict transformation sessions if need be. Mostly the meetings discuss spirituality, Rule of Life, and other such pertinent topics. Once a month the weekly meetings may have a guest speaker that will speak to the community's interests.
Biannually: Once a year the Hineni community will attend a weekend-long retreat that will be held in a retreat centre near or in the Lower Mainland. Other events like Quiet Days may be held at the house from time to time. These are always arranged well in advance with residents.
Optional counselling, spiritual direction and mentorship may be arranged if you are interested, with frequency of meetings arranged between professional and resident.
Biannually: Once a year the Hineni community will attend a weekend-long retreat that will be held in a retreat centre near or in the Lower Mainland. Other events like Quiet Days may be held at the house from time to time. These are always arranged well in advance with residents.
Optional counselling, spiritual direction and mentorship may be arranged if you are interested, with frequency of meetings arranged between professional and resident.
WHO IS IN CHARGE?
The community director works with the Hineni Council, who report to the Church Committee of St. Margaret’s. The director manages intake and exit of participants, facilitates the connection with mentors, spiritual directors, leads the two retreats during the year, coordinates conflict transformation, and generally has a handle on the heartbeat of the community to make sure it’s not just surviving but thriving. The director works with and reports to the Hineni Council.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE’S A CONFLICT?
It’s natural and healthy to have some level of ‘conflict’ or disagreement. It’s how we handle it that’s important. In a nutshell we suggest first attempting to address the conflict directly with the other person/s without triangulating. If this does not help, you may talk to the director and she may either mediate or bring in a conflict transformation professional to help. As it is pertinent or needed, the group will be taught practical tools to have difficult conversations, to reach difficult decisions and to transform conflicts into peaceful, lifegiving outcomes.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
Our application window runs from May through July every year. The number of residents we can admit will depend on how many spaces open up each year.