Community in Island Pond

Beginnings

The beginnings of the Community in Island Pond go way back. In the late 70's, there were several families that were discontent with the status quo in their everyday Christian lives. They began meeting in their homes and groped to understand all they had grown up hearing about God, but not seeing lived out. They soon stumbled upon a group from "The South" that would change their lives forever. The folks from the "Yellow Deli" in Chattanooga were already living together in community and sharing all they had. The families from here in the Island Pond area invited them up to teach them what they knew about living together and soon they couldn't deny what was in their own hearts.

A Marvelous Life Emerged

The old "Maples" inn on the hill soon became the bustling center for a quickly growing community. Many from the surrounding area sold their houses and moved to Island Pond because the cry of their heart was being fulfilled, to be able to serve God 100%. More folks came up from the south, more houses were bought, a deli was built and opened, and within a couple of years Island Pond became the home of what was called "the Northeast Community Church" and also "The Church in Island Pond." Many people were saved and the community grew to over 300 people!

Persecutions : The Island Pond Raid, June 22, 1984

You may remember hearing about how our homes were raided and our children taken.  Our Father delivered us from what could have been certain destruction.  We held a few celebrations over the years, commemorating our deliverance.  The most recent was the 40th anniversary in 2024.  We had a gallery telling our story, and many speakers remembering that day.  You can see the gallery in the Photos section below, and there is a page about the 1984 Raid of the Church in Island Pond.  

Spreading Out to Become A Nation

At one point we realized that as much as we loved being together, we couldn't expect that everyone who wanted to devote their lives to God and learn to obey Him would find us in little old Island Pond, VT. We needed to spread out and tell people about the wonderful life we had! So in time, we found other towns, states and countries that opened up and we spread out from here. 

You May Have Seen Us Around

Many years have gone by since then, but we have always had several houses with families living together and continuing on with the original life that began here so many years ago. In the 1980's, we ran a store and restaurant called "Common Sense".  We once ran a store in downtown Island Pond named Simon the Tanner where we sold shoes and clothing. We once operated a small Yellow Deli across the street.  We stay busy caring for our homes, training our children, and gathering firewood to keep our houses warm. 

Continuing on Here in Island Pond

We also have been clearing and re-establishing our "sugar bush" in nearby Norton, VT.  The maple syrup will be packaged in the rear of the new building at the corner of Cross and Main Streets.  Also, the Yellow Deli will serve hot-steamed sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts (along with pancakes and maple syrup).  It is a nice peaceful place to share a meal with a friend, or to get to know some of us in the Community.  Finally, in the same building is the Common Sense Market, a place where you can find quality goods from many of our communities around the world.

Invitation

We would love to get to know you.  Some people come to our deli and ask us their questions.  Some people come to our house and get a small window into our life.  Some people come for a visit and stay with us.  And some people come and never want to leave.  That's how many of us got here.  However you come, we look forward to seeing you!