There comes a time in our lives when space for vocational understanding, a deeper spiritual connection, and intentional service makes the difference between living and surviving. For many years the Parish of St. Margaret’s, Cedar Cottage had been praying and envisioning a program that would provide this space for young adults, and today that dream has come to life.
The Hineni House is an intentional community for young adults that will allow them the much needed space to explore and grow in understanding of who they are in God’s world, and what they might do in it. For nine months, the five members will be able to be mentored, learn and engage discernment through the lens of their vocational and spiritual calling, use spiritual direction and counseling resources, strengthen interpersonal skills, discover and practice their rule of life, serve within the context of St. Margaret’s and/or the wider community, among many other wonderful opportunities and fascinating learning experiences.
Hineni (or הִנְנִי as seen in the Hebrew text) literally means “I am here.” In the Old Testament it is understood in a spiritual sense that indicates disposition and readiness to serve. It was Moses’ response to God when he was called from the burning bush, it was Abraham’s response when he was divinely tested, as well as many others. There are at least eight Hineni accounts in the Old Testament. Hineni House hopes to be a refuge for those wanting to say the words, but needing the space and guidance to do so.
Early this month, the Hineni board hired Anita Fonseca as part-time Community Director, whose goal is to ensure that Hineni is a sustainable part of the parish, as well as oversee and guide the systems in place for the program. Chilean-born, Anita is a 2015 graduate from Eastern Mennonite Seminary (Harrisonburg, Virginia) and has studied for many years the intersection between spiritual practices, emotional healing and neurobiology. She was the first graduate in the history of her Seminary to ever study these connections in depth, and is now a ThM student at the Vancouver School of Theology, where she is deepening her knowledge in this unique field. She is passionate about helping others heal, facilitating their balance, allowing them to discover their rhythm and rule, and effectively guiding them with both spiritual and counseling tools and techniques. Anita is very excited to be a part of the team, and is looking forward to meeting the house members with whom she will be working.
Many authors have written about the importance of spaces to breathe, discern and share, and one such is renowned theologian Henri J.M. Nouwen who wrote in his book Discernment that “Jesus was deeply connected to the earth on which he walked. He observed the forces of nature, learned from them, taught about them, and revealed that the God of Creation is the same God who sent him to give good news.” For that and many other reasons, the board and staff is excited about this program and they look forward to its starting date on November 1. Young adults (Christians and non-Christians) who are interested are encouraged to visit www.hinenihouse.org or email questions at hinenihouse@gmail.com.
Submitted by Anita Fonseca
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Anita Fonseca
The House at 3888 Dumfries