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We are striving toward mutuality.

Shared Meals

We believe something holy happens when people break bread together which is why shared meals are central to our worship every Sunday. We begin each Sunday with a potluck. 1-2 households cover the main dish, and we share pancakes, frittata, baked oatmeal, fresh strawberries, or even a bag of chips. There’s no pressure to bring anything (especially if it’s your first week); all are welcome to enjoy the spread. 

Our gathering closes where it began–at the table–we break bread again, sharing communion. These practices are connected in the scriptural narrative and in our worship. In communion we say, “May these gifts of bread and wine be to us the body of Christ, that we might be the body of Christ, broken and poured out for the life of the world.” There is a deep connection between our eating practices each week as a community, and the reconciling work of God in and through creation.

Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer, M-F, 7:00-7:30am

Dawn is leading morning prayer over zoom. All are welcome. No commitment is necessary. Please contact her in advance for confirmation. The meeting’s atmosphere is very relaxed and flexible, group members have a short morning check-in as they prepare their coffees (until 7:15am).

The typical format follows “The Book of Common Prayer: a Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals” which is an adaptation for New Monasticism of the Book of Common Prayer and typically includes a historical event, a song, a Psalm, both a new and old testament reading opening and closing prayers. The book can be accessed free-of-charge through a website and downloadable app.

Investment & Relief

Money Matters 

Since our founding in 2007, Refuge has been thoughtful and intentional in how we collect, spend, give away, and even save money. Without the overhead and upkeep of a church building, we’ve been able to give away a lot of money through our practice of Jubilee Giving. Jubilee Giving has taken different shapes and forms over the years, but we’ve always prioritized sending money into our community to support the work of justice and peacemaking.

Currently, our Jubilee Giving looks like investing in 3 different organizations each year to offer consistent funding and support. We know nonprofit organizations can always find good use for financial gifts, but we also know there is opportunity for sustainable relationship when we give our time as well. Jubilee Giving helps Refuge connect more deeply to what’s happening in our community and provides opportunities to listen and grow as we partner in the work of these organizations.

In addition to Jubilee Giving, we have a Crisis Fund to meet smaller, emergency needs, such as rental and utility assistance, medical bills, and grocery and transportation needs. To make a request for the emergency fund, please contact our Jubilee Advocate, Zach Bond. 

Refuge Reads

Refuge Reads provides an opportunity for people to read books together. Sometimes one person invites the whole community to join them in learning about a topic, other times we read a book that coincides with a series of Sunday sermons. Through our reading and conversation we take time to consider important ideas and get to know each other a little better. 

Here’s a list of some books we’ve read together in the past:

Practicing the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence 

The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas 

Citizen: An American Lyric, Claudia Rankin

Jubilee Home Partnership

Jubilee Home works with men in Durham to create a place that bridges the gap between incarceration and full independence.

When we heard about the dream of Jubilee Home years ago, we knew we wanted to support their work and mission. As this dream became a reality in the beginning of the pandemic, we committed to showing up, responding to needs, and learning together what kind of support they need.

For the last 2 years, our partnership with Jubilee Home has included walking alongside a former resident through a Faith Team, participating in the MLK Day of Service, organizing the annual Welcome Basket drive at Christmas, providing food for neighbors, and working once a week in the on-site community garden.

Religious Coalition for a Non-Violent Durham

The Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of individuals who, as an expression of their faith and goodwill, come alongside neighbors most affected by our collective violence. RCND does this through vigil ministry among homicide survivors, support circles for citizens returning from incarceration, and restorative justice practices that seek to repair the harm caused by wrongdoing.

Durham has a strong support network for people returning to the community after time in prison. As a result, the members of the Refuge Faith Team focus primarily on building relationships and cultivating an atmosphere of mutual trust and vulnerability. We have been partnered with the same formerly incarcerated individual for over a year, meeting biweekly for meals and social outings. 

Butner Federal Prison Partnership

Since 2011, we have had the opportunity to join the people at Butner Federal Prison Medium II worship. This is not in addition to our weekly gathering–it is where we meet for worship 4 times a year. To join us at the prison, you must complete a background check (previous arrest and incarceration may prevent participation). Persons under 18 years of age are not permitted to join. You can hear more about our passion for prison ministry here.

Due to COVID-19, all-volunteer visitation at Butner Federal Prison is currently suspended.