What is the purpose of work? A way to earn money? Something to endure? A necessary evil? For Settled, work is nothing less than an opportunity to find out who you are and why you are here.

We can see from the early chapters of the Bible that work was actually part of the original plan before things went sideways. Remember what it says? 

The Lord God settled the human in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and keep it.
_{- Genesis 2:15}

So we can plainly see that work was intended for our benefit — part of being human. In the modern context, someone might ask: 

"How do you make a living?"

What a deep expression to describe a typical nine-to-five! It's profound actually. As we do what we do, our life unfolds before us one way or another. We are making a life.

One of the core tenets of Full Community is Purposeful Work. Purposeful Work redefines the role of work and demonstrates how it can be a source of joy, creativity, and connection. This comprehensive program has three components: project-based, product-based, and micro-enterprises.

Project-based: For those who wish to participate, neighbors can choose to perform chores or other tasks around the church property to earn credits toward their monthly rent. This could include cleaning bathrooms, cooking meals, or clearing trees after a storm. It's adaptable and very practical — a perfect fit between what neighbors are good at and what the church and settlement community need.

Product-based: A few times a month, Sacred Settlements hosts a paid, in-person Purposeful Workshop to create handmade items that are sold within the community. Some of the items that have been made include hand-dipped candles, stamped leather projects, and soap. 

We call them: Community Goods.

All of these goods have a sense of "timelessness" about them; ancient crafts that were practiced for centuries before us. In this fast-paced modern world of screens and automation, we are returning to the basics of working with our hands and spending time with others.

It's important to know that Community Goods are not meant as novelty items, or gift items only. They are priced to be used, with the goal of filling your daily rhythms with touches of community.

We are always evaluating the goods we make and adding new ones. We are currently prototyping lip balm, natural cleaning products, and homemade sourdough bread.

Neighbors who participate in these workshops not only get the satisfaction of making something useful and practical (and fun!), but they also get paid for their time. In addition, all proceeds from sales go back to them. There is a leader who oversees the work and makes sure everything runs smoothly and meets the high standards the community has come to expect from Community Goods.

Micro-Businesses: Neighbors who want to personalize their ambitions are encouraged to dream big and be creative. They may choose to repair cars, carve canes, make clocks, mend clothes, or whatever else they enjoy. Their Supportive Friends can help them pursue these ideas and at least twice a year, neighbors are invited to sell their wares at local bazaars. 

The cyclical nature of Purposeful Work creates a supportive ecosystem that provides individuals with opportunities to contribute their time and abilities to improve the community around them. We are making a living, together.

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