Johnson Service Corps is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and founded by the Episcopal Church, but welcomes people of all spiritual traditions and those new to exploring spirituality. Fellows commit to weekly attendance with a spiritual community of their choice and must be open to exploring both Christian and interfaith traditions. There is an expectation of welcome and acceptance for all as we engage in discerning how we may each be called to express our faith in how we live and work.
Within the household, Fellows rotate leadership of the daily morning spiritual practice. Popular practices have included book studies, music, and a wide variety of prayers.
Fellows also commit to weekly participation in a local spiritual community of their choice while they are here. The Durham-Chapel Hill area offers a wide mix of churches, other houses of worship, and spiritual practice centers. Prior fellows have become involved with yoga studios, Buddhist temples, a local farm church, and a synagogue, along with more mainline Christian congregations.
Fellows will also have a mentor from the community who may serve as a spiritual advisor if that’s what you agree to, and personal spiritual directors are available on request.
There are opportunities for spiritual reflection, prayer, and worship for the entire cohort throughout the year, including several retreats. We have found that everyone’s spirituality deepens through learning how others express their faith and through respecting their faith expression.
JSC embraces its Episcopal and Christian roots, and there are requirements to attend some Christian centered activities and services throughout the year. A few examples (subject to change) are:
- Occasional Sunday visits to Episcopal church partner parishes (generally weekly spiritual community time is independent)
- Attend the NC Diocese Convention in November
- ESC retreat with programs from around the country
- DurhamCares Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope
- DC Retreat and visit to The Festival Center
- Elon Ripple Interfaith Conference – faith based, but not Christian centered
Examples of some local faith communities where JSC Fellows and Alumni have connected (or still attend):
JSC official Partner Congregations:
- Chapel of the Cross
- The Episcopal Church of the Advocate
- St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church
- St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
- St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
- St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
- Beloved Community at the Trees
- St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
- St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
- Iglesia Episcopal El Buen Pastor de Durham
Other Faith Communities:
- Church of the Holy Family in Chapel Hill
- Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church
- Binkley Baptist Church
- Beth El Synagogue
- Refuge Home Church
- NorthStar Church of the Arts
- Eno River Unitarian Universalist
- United Church of Christ Chapel Hill
- Kindred Church (United Methodist)
- Judea Reform Congregation
- Durham Friends Meeting
- Durham Baha’i Center
- North Durham Masjid
- Zen Center of Chapel Hill
- Duke Chapel
- Duke Memorial United Methodist Church
- University United Methodist Church
- University Presbyterian
- Westminster Presbyterian
- Watts Street Baptist Church
- University United Methodist Church
- Farm Church
- Church of the Nativity in Raleigh
- Oak Church
- CityWell Church
- Bethany United Methodist Church
- Won Buddhism Temple of North Carolina
- St. Joe’s AME
