Mamre Community

The many people connected with Mamre consider they are "in community". Authentic community struggles with diversity, conflict, chaos and differences. Such a community endeavours to work together harmoniously for the common good. Authentic community making requires patience, effort, honesty and a willingness to invest in its development and vitality. Mamre tries to emulate these ideals.

A particular challenge for understanding the community ethos in Mamre arises from its historical evolution and story. Mamre was founded 25 years ago as a small intimate group who worked closely together in a spirit of cooperation and shared vision. Currently Mamre's network has greatly expanded into a large array of services that embrace hundreds of families.

The reality for community is that community can be both inclusive and exclusive. Some people can experience a sense of belonging to a community while others can feel either marginalized or even left out.

Authentic community encourages a shared commitment to goals of quality service while being prepared to challenge those who flout the values and behaviour norms of the group. Mamre as a community of relationships is based on the ethics of love, compassion, justice and acceptance. The community exhibits inclusion in its embrace of all who choose to work collaboratively according to these ethics. The community recognises exclusion only for those who opt for values and behaviours that are contrary to Mamre's ethos and mission.

To speak about 'membership' of the Mamre community and even the word 'community' for those associated with Mamre raises questions about the aptness of the terms and their relevance to the present day situation. However because the theme of 'community' is so woven into the very fabric, story and culture of Mamre's ethos, Mamre believes that the language and experience of Mamre as community should be maintained and woven into its discourse, reflection, celebration and development.

Role of the Mamre Community

There are different ways in which individual members may live out their commitment, including:

  • supporting Mamre's vision and service through acts of stewardship;
  • working formally for Mamre; and
  • receiving services from Mamre and contributing back when and in whatever way they are able.

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