Peace House - Canberra
Want to learn more about faith....service....and peace?
Then spend a year as an intern at:
Irene’s Place
a house of discipleship and peace
Canberra, Australia
"Bringing young adults together. Promoting the teachings of peace and non violence. Living in community and practicing everyday faith."
Who is Irene?
Irene comes from the Greek word for peace. Irene’s Place means that we are making a space for peace in our ordinary lives.
What’s involved?
- one year living in community with other young adults
- exploring discipleship and practicing our faith together through prayer, Bible study and discussion
- learning about the complexities of peace and how we can be people of God’s wholeness
- volunteering in the local community
Who can particpate?
Participants should be young adult Christians, preferably between the ages of 19-23. Internationals and Australians are invited to apply. Irene's Place can offer a great place to spend a 'gap year' - after high school and before doing further studies or work. See below for more details.
Where is Irene's Place?
The community house is in Forest, an inner suburb of Canberra. The house is on the site of the Wesley Uniting Church, a short walk from Canberra Baptist Church.
Overview of the year
- Workshops, field trips, speakers, examining Australian culture and religion
- Active involvement in the neighbourhood
- Training in the ‘Alternatives to Violence Project’
- Exposure trips – Examining peace in regional areas
- Matching with host families and mentors
Snapshot of a typical week and daily life at Irene's Place
- Active participation in the life of the church including leadership opportunities in the youth programs and wider church
- Volunteering at community organisations or local schools and drop-in centres
- Sharing in the life of the house, worshiping, eating, playing, and learning together
- Creating an individual peace project combining your passion for peace with community organising
Mission of Irene’s Place
Jesus summoned his followers to build communities characterised by wholeness, truth telling, peacemaking and respect for the dignity of all. In response to Christ’s call Irene’s Place seeks to challenge the ready recourse to violence and conflict at all levels of human activity; from interpersonal and family relations to local, national and international interactions. In an effort to be proactive about peace, Irene’s Place will teach and model peaceful actions. Irene’s Place will be a centre of learning and welcome where committed young adults are encouraged to explore peaceful resolutions to conflict in its many facets.
At Irene’s Place we aim to:
Teach peace and peacebuilding
- by raising awareness of local and international issues of conflict and examining possible peaceful resolutions
- by training in and giving opportunities for practical hands-on peace making
- by providing safe space for conversations and engagement around ecumenical and interfaith issues
Disciple young adult Christian - by mentoring and teaching
Facilitate service opportunities - by matching participants with local agencies
Build community - by living in a shared house and getting to know our neighbourhood
Develop leadership skills - by participating and leading in activities and events at a local church
House running costs
Each participant will be required to pay an amount at the beginning of each year to cover living expenses. This will vary from year to year; it is expected to be around AU$3,500 for 2009.
Program costs
Irene’s Place is to be supported by contributions from both the Canberra Baptist Church and the Mennonite Mission Network.
Proposed dates
Successful Irene’s Place applicants will move to Canberra in March 2009. The program will begin in March and conclude in November 2009.
Leadership
Moriah Hurst will be the community coordinator for young adults in the house. Moriah works with youth and young adults at Canberra Baptist Church and has completed studies in theology and youth ministry. She is trained in peace making and related disciplines.
Apply now for 2009 Program!
For an application or more information contact:
Canberra Baptist Church
P.O. Box 4055 Kingston ACT 2604 Australia
Tel +61 (02) 6295 9470
Email: moriah@canbap.org
Visit blog: irenesplacecommunity.blogspot.com
This initiative is enthusiastically supported by the Canberra Baptist Church, the Anabaptist Association of Australia & New Zealand Inc. and the Mennonite Mission Network.
