The Dumnonia Community
I have been fascinated by Celtic Christianity for many years I remember owning a book (which I never read) on Celtic Church History in my early twenties. This led me to use my Sabbatical to travel to Iona and Lindisfarne. I have also been interested in New Monasticism and its roots in Anabaptism, for many years. I have been inspired, like many by Shane Claiborne and his comm
unity in Inner-city Philadelphia, the simple way. I have loved the idea of a rule of life, and I think it is the key to exploring what it means to be a church in the week, it is also a discipline, in line with what it means to be a disciple, it is a far greater commitment than just the morning “quiet time” I was taught, but a method of ensuring we pause at certain points of the day. But found with many rules it was hard to do in a busy working family situation. I have also learnt the need for Prayer life that goes beyond just asking for a few things from God, but yearns for depth and connection, and so
I have discovered the riches of Contemplative prayer. But again this is difficult with family commitments. I have desired connection, and while my dream is some form of communal living, that is not possible for me, or my family at this time. It is a dispersed, online community, of people who want to create a Rhythm and pattern for life that goes beyond the once a week gathering of church, that reflects are busy days, but causes us to pause in the midst of that time, with a rule of life that reflects that. It draws on ancient and modern practices, to enable people to engage with God, to be disciples and disciplined in our daily routines. What is Dumnoia? Well, it is the Celtic Brythonic Kingdom that made up what is now Cornwall, Devon and parts of Somerset. It is was brought to my attention by the Album Forgotten Kingdom by Devon-based folk singer Jim Causely. As a Devon resident myself I was surprised that there was not already a Celtic Christian Community referencing Dumnoia, but the fact that for most people it is a name that they do not recognise, or know anything about, made it perfect for this dispersed community, because although it is rooted in our history, it comes with no pre-existing barriers. The Rule of Life
Is based on ideas that I have found work for me, rather than trying hard, failing and giving up, this will allow people discipline that is not arduous. Membership is not restricted or limited to those who have taken vows, but is more about giving people the opportunity to engage with something beyond their own self-centred spirituality, and know that others are walking the same path as them. It is fundamentally Christian, we ascribe to the Christian understanding of God as Trinity , Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and acknowledging that Jesus was incarnated both as fully Man and God, to redeem individuals and all creation. In this sense we ascribe to the ancient creeds, the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed. We are Ecumenical, so although I am a Baptist Minister, everybody is welcome to follow this rule.
· Rhythm -
o we encourage people to follow a three-fold daily prayer pattern.
§ A 20min prayer each morning which can be extempore but we encourage the use of a prayer book (see below for a list), followed by some form of theological reading
§ Praying the Lords Prayer at 12pm every day, set an alarm on your phone to remind you
§ A Compline or Examen just before sleep
o We encourage taking at least 1 hour every week for quiet reflection and contemplation
o We encourage a retreat once a month, whether that be a silent, structured community or individual retreat
o Build in a regular pattern of fasting and feasting into our lives (Advent, Lent or post-Pentecost 40 days of fasting are encouraged, followed by times of family, friends and feasting)
· Community -
o We encourage you to meet in a community setting outside of Sunday gatherings once a week for prayer and for food
o We encourage a commitment to being Generous, hospitable and joyful people, wherever possible (a full explanation of what that looks like can be found in this sermon on acts- https://www.devonportbaptist.co.uk/sermons/20th-anniversary-generosity-hospitality-joy/)
o We encourage people to give regularly to their church or local community, because we cannot serve both God and Mammon
· Incarnation
o We encourage people to be committed to their locality
o But also to consider how they can serve God in marginal places, and that may involve sacrifice of our aspirations
o To this end we encourage people to consider how and where they live, work and Worship (for a full explanation watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbpUIqQWWl4&t=56s
· Stewardship
o God created the world and everything in it and so we believe that we need to be good to the planet, the people and the animals
o Poverty is not God’s plan for anyone, therefore we encourage all our members to be part of a local, national or global organisation that works for Social Justice, not just relieving poverty but asking questions about why people are made poor
o The Environment, we encourage all our members to support an organisation that fights for a more sustainable world, or for Green causes or against anthropogenic climate change
o We believe that all people are created equal, so we encourage people to work with organisations that work to inspire Gender, Racial, Sexual, Disability (mental and physical) equality
· Family
o Sabbath is part of God’s plan for the world, but we have made our world 24/7, we therefore encourage all our members to take a clear day off for family time every single week
o We also encourage a tech free hour every day, and tech free meals at least once a day
o We encourage people to switch of their phones (where possible) at 9am and leave them alone until 8am
