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. Hineni House 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. Many of those who have come to live with us have been Christian or were raised Christian, but we've also had folks raised in other religious traditions or none at all. We also explore many different spiritual practices and traditions in our weekly meetings, including Judaism, Islam, and Paganism. We will say that the co-leaders of the program both serve St. Margaret's as Anglican priests, and while we are an interfaith initiative, we admit that we are deeply grounded in a Christian ethos. If you are uncomfortable with Christianity or have been traumatized by it, Hineni House might not be the best place for you. We want everyone who comes to live with us to feel 100% safe and affirmed in their own spiritual traditions.
how is st. margaret's involved with hineni house?
There is no expectation of attendance at St. Margaret's Church if you live at Hineni House (although if you are actively looking for a queer-affirming church, we're more than happy to welcome you!) The focus of the Hineni program is on facilitating residents' exploration of a variety of spiritual traditions and practices, without encouraging movement toward one to the exclusion of another.
However, the St. Margaret's community sees itself as a spiritual friend to residents of Hineni House and hopes to build relationships with residents, not characterized by church attendance or the desire to convert but mutual growth and building connections. St. Margaret's is an eclectic community of folks of all ages, abilities, genders, sexualities, and professions who feel moved by the story of Jesus and the rite of Holy Communion. Their offering of this beautiful home is borne out of hospitality to young people looking for a safe place to explore a communal and spiritual life.
What does this relationship look like? One event that occurs every year as we begin the program is that St. Margaret's comes over to the house on a Sunday afternoon after church to bless the house, share snacks and conversation, and celebrate with residents. The rite of blessing used is a Christian one. If residents give permission, there may also be other less formal events with St. Margaret's parishioners held at the house from time to time, like a garden work day in the backyard, or a summer BBQ, or a winter holidays party. They also may be available to volunteer help with household repairs as they arise. For some of our newly immigrated former residents, the community has been like a built-in family, and they can be that for you if you are looking for that.
Some of our residents have never really connected with our spiritual community beyond a few gatherings here and there, while others have been fully involved parishioners themselves. While we do hope for you to do some mingling with our community, you can set the terms according to your comfort level. Again, if you have been hurt or traumatized by the church, Hineni House might not be the best place for you. But if you've never been to church, or if you're seeking to learn more, or if you want to heal your relationship to Christianity, it might be the perfect place.
If you have questions or concerns about this, please reach out to our community director.
However, the St. Margaret's community sees itself as a spiritual friend to residents of Hineni House and hopes to build relationships with residents, not characterized by church attendance or the desire to convert but mutual growth and building connections. St. Margaret's is an eclectic community of folks of all ages, abilities, genders, sexualities, and professions who feel moved by the story of Jesus and the rite of Holy Communion. Their offering of this beautiful home is borne out of hospitality to young people looking for a safe place to explore a communal and spiritual life.
What does this relationship look like? One event that occurs every year as we begin the program is that St. Margaret's comes over to the house on a Sunday afternoon after church to bless the house, share snacks and conversation, and celebrate with residents. The rite of blessing used is a Christian one. If residents give permission, there may also be other less formal events with St. Margaret's parishioners held at the house from time to time, like a garden work day in the backyard, or a summer BBQ, or a winter holidays party. They also may be available to volunteer help with household repairs as they arise. For some of our newly immigrated former residents, the community has been like a built-in family, and they can be that for you if you are looking for that.
Some of our residents have never really connected with our spiritual community beyond a few gatherings here and there, while others have been fully involved parishioners themselves. While we do hope for you to do some mingling with our community, you can set the terms according to your comfort level. Again, if you have been hurt or traumatized by the church, Hineni House might not be the best place for you. But if you've never been to church, or if you're seeking to learn more, or if you want to heal your relationship to Christianity, it might be the perfect place.
If you have questions or concerns about this, please reach out to our community director.
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 $700-850 a month. Visit Costs page to review the exact costs for this year's program. Rent covers all Hineni programming, housing, Internet, cable, Roku, and 1-2 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 up to three years. Program begins every September, but people may move in as early as June.
HOW IS ADMISSION DECIDED AND WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED?
The selection committee is made up of the community director and Hineni Council, a group of five people, most of whom are connected to St. Margaret's and one of whom is not. The community director will review your application and contact you by phone, and if both they and you feel like you might be a good fit, you will come to an interview with council members. After that interview you can expect to hear an answer within two weeks.
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 hold a community meal and subsequent meeting. This is part of what it means to live at Hineni House and all are expected to attend, although allowances are made for emergencies, occasional work or school committments, or other events of a similar nature. 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 attend a weekend-long retreat that will be held in a retreat centre near or in the Lower Mainland, outside the house. This is a very important chance for us to bond as a community. 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. We want to provide a place for residents to be able to explore their purpose and vocation in life as well as their spirituality if they wish.
Biannually: Once a year the Hineni community attend a weekend-long retreat that will be held in a retreat centre near or in the Lower Mainland, outside the house. This is a very important chance for us to bond as a community. 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. We want to provide a place for residents to be able to explore their purpose and vocation in life as well as their spirituality if they wish.
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 any retreats during the year, facilitates conflict transformation, and generally has a handle on the heartbeat of the community to make sure it’s not just surviving but thriving.
Our current community director is the Rev. Clare Morgan (they/them), a queer and nonbinary Anglican priest who also serves as chaplain to St. Jude's Anglican Home, a care facility primarily for elders living with dementia. Clare is also a musician, composer, writer, and artist, as well as a dervish affiliated with the Inayati Sufi community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Their interests include interfaith ministry, chaplaincy, queer and disability theology, and mysticism. Clare lives in Sen̓áḵw, unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory (currently known as Kitsilano) with their husband, cat, and many plants and musical instruments.
Our current community director is the Rev. Clare Morgan (they/them), a queer and nonbinary Anglican priest who also serves as chaplain to St. Jude's Anglican Home, a care facility primarily for elders living with dementia. Clare is also a musician, composer, writer, and artist, as well as a dervish affiliated with the Inayati Sufi community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Their interests include interfaith ministry, chaplaincy, queer and disability theology, and mysticism. Clare lives in Sen̓áḵw, unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory (currently known as Kitsilano) with their husband, cat, and many plants and musical instruments.
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 they may either mediate one-on-one or in a wider circle. Once a month, we hold listening circles with the opportunity to have longer check-ins and raise concerns in the group. As it is pertinent or needed, the group will also be taught practical tools to discern their conflict styles, have difficult conversations, reach difficult decisions, and 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.