Here are answers to some questions we are frequently asked concerning the Northumbria Community in the USA
1. What does the Northumbria Community ‘look like’ in the USA?
The quote from William Stringfellow best describes us – especially, “…visible here and there, now and then…” We are more of a network of friends and companions scattered across the country than a community who meets face to face. The prayers of the Daily Office and engagement with the Rule of Availability and Vulnerability hold us together. For most of us the Alone part of the journey is the norm – Together is the exceptional.
2. Is there a Northumbria retreat house in the USA, like Nether Springs or the other Community Houses?
No. Occasionally, we hold retreats that are either hosted by or held at other retreat facilities. Information about these retreats is sent out to the folks on our database.
3. What is a Community group and is there one near me?
Since the Covid Pandemic in 2020, this part of Community life has become fluid and ever changing. Community groups have been (and some still are) groups who meet regularly to say the Daily Office, share fellowship and engage in discussion and/or spiritual practices around our Rule of Life. These groups are either led by or include Northumbria Community Companions – folks who have journeyed with the Community for a while and have a grasp of our Rule and ethos. Now many of these groups have moved to an online platform and/or a hybrid combination. There have also arisen online Community prayer groups that meet regularly to say part of the office and to pray for each other. Some of these groups are based in the US although geographical lines have become fluid. The best way to find and connect with a group is to contact the office at Nether Springs in the United Kingdom and express your interest. They then will connect you to someone who can help. The email address is
4. Are there any Northumbria folks near me who I can contact and/or meet?
We are very careful with the contact information with which folks entrust us. Therefore, we do not give this out until we get to know you better! … And not until we have everyone’s permission.
5. I feel very drawn to the Northumbria Community. How can I pursue my interest and connection to the Community here in the US?
The best way to do this is to become a Friend of the Community and get on our database. Email the Community Office and ask for the introduction pack. Included in this e-mailing is our Prayer Guide (used with the Daily Office), a copy of our E-newsletter Encompass, and a database form which must be emailed back to the Community Office in order for you to be on our database.
If you want to receive a hard copy of our Prayer Guide in the post, please indicate this in your email. We ask for a donation to cover postage costs.
6. I have been using Celtic Daily Prayer for years and am feeling drawn toward becoming a Companion. Is it possible to enter the Novitiate from the US?
Yes – but we do not have nearly the resources here in the US that are available in the UK so it will take persistence, patience and faith in the ‘right time’…
Again, the first step is to become a Friend (get on our database) and make yourself known to us.
7. Can I purchase Northumbria resources in the USA?
Our prayer book, Celtic Daily Prayer has been published in the US and is available through Amazon and some bookstores. All of our other resources (CD’s, booklets, etc.) are published in the UK and from the US can only be purchased through the online shop on the website. They make it very easy, though!
8. Can I make donations to the Community with American dollars?
Yes – but please don’t send any American checks to the UK. The Northumbria Community USA is an incorporated non-profit organization, registered with the State of New Hampshire and the IRS. We encourage donors to use our online giving platform HERE.
If giving online is not an option for you, we will continue to receive and process checks. Checks can be made out to Northumbria Community USA and sent to:
Northumbria Community USA
℅ Margene Vessel
1541 N Albert St
St Paul, MN 55108
All donations made in this way are fully tax-deductible. Funds in the NC-USA treasury are used to support the Mother House in the UK and any events we hold in the US.