About

Overview

Confluence is heading into it’s fourth year, and is hosted by St. John’s Episcopal Church in Franklinton, Ohio in partnership with the Diocese of Southern Ohio and the Episcopal Service Corps! Confluence is an Episcopal Service Corps program for recent college graduates or young adults who commit to a year of spiritual formation, vocational discernment, social justice and intentional community. Starting in August, volunteers work 35 hours per week in direct-care or administrative positions at some of Columbus’ most innovative and caring social service agencies. The volunteers live in intentional community, sharing the Hospitality House in Franklinton owned by St. John’s Episcopal Church. They will receive support and educational enrichment through Confluence staff, neighborhood partners, and the congregational community of this historic church in Franklinton.

Confluence  is a year of intentional living in incarnational community that is inspired by the writings of Paul and the hymn of the early church found in Philippians 2

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,  make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.  Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

Volunteer Life

The Confluence program year begins with an orientation in early August and concludes with a retreat at the end of June. It’s designed on an action/reflection model so that volunteers regularly reflect on their work in the world, their community life in The Hospitality House, and what it means to them personally to live intentionally. One evening a week, they gather at home with mentors to share a meal and process their experiences. Their reading and discussions follow a curriculum that blends social justice, urban issues, racial reconciliation, community development, servant leadership training, and theological reflection.

In addition to their worksite placement, volunteers will have the opportunity to volunteer 5 hours a week with community service projects in Franklinton, and to participate in the ministry of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

We are committed to social justice and urban neighborhoods. Confluence exposes young adults to the complexities of systemic injustice while empowering them to explore and enact effective responses. Our volunteers use this year to discern and clarify their future vocations in preparation for becoming leaders in their chosen fields.

Participate

Anyone of any faith may apply, but this program is shaped primarily by the Christian faith as expressed by the Episcopal Church. We encourage young adults from all walks of faith and urge women, people of color, and LGBTQ students to apply.Because an aspect of the program is to be a means to empower young adults to discernment and independent living, we are not considering applicants over 30 at this time. Our partner organizations providing worksites require  a college degree for placement.

Confluence will provide the following benefits to interns – –

• Health Insurance
• Room & Board
• Weekly CSA Bag
• Internet & Utilities
• COTAPass (Bus) or Gas Card
• Bicycle / Helmet / Bicycle Mechanic Training
• A Monthly $150.00 Stipend
• Ongoing support for the intern in both individual and group formats
• $500.00 End of Year Award

Thanks for your interest in Confluence. Please explore the rest of the site to learn more and apply today.