Windstone Farm Community
The Windstone Welcome
This is not a place of assumptions – or at least, we try our best.
And ask the same of all our guests.
At Windstone we believe deeply in the goodness of Hospitality –
even if we have much to keep learning.
We are inspired by the hospitality found in the Gospels,
exhibited and invoked by a Triune God.
You may have a similar faith, a completely different faith,
no faith at all: regardless, you are welcome.
May we all learn much from each other,
from our differences and our shared delights.
Be prepared to meet differences: be challenged to love ever more deeply, more truly.
“To understand is not more wonderful than to Love.”
Mission
Cultivating community through Theology, Ecology, and the Arts.
Vision
Windstone Farm Community is a place-specific nonprofit rooted in the (inextricably linked) social and natural history of the rural Ottawa Valley. We seek to both facilitate and cultivate community through a practice of interdisciplinary activities with particular emphasis on the conversations between Theology, Ecology, and the Arts. In the ecumenical spirit of Scottish theologian, Thomas Erskine of Linlathen, who in the 19th century opened up his estate to friends and colleagues for hospitable reflection, Windstone Community strives to be a space where those of diverse backgrounds can gather over a shared love of goodness, imagination, and the natural environment. Through modelling, teaching, and participating in relationship with the land and one another, we invite visitors and community members to unpack their understanding and indwelling of faith. Anchored in our commitment to a loving Triune God, we hope to work together to inspire others towards renewed perspectives and/or renewed energies for their callings at home.
What happens at Windstone Farm Community?
Windstone Farm has become a destination for those who wish to experience hands on learning in a natural environment and be inspired as a new generation of Christian leaders to embody creation care.
Education
Windstone Farm Community's annual summer gathering of theologians, ecologists, and artists where hospitality, food, and the farm itself set the stage for rich conversations, impromptu concerts, peaceful walks, and joyful connections.
Linlathen
Gathering for a book club, spiritual retreat, read-aloud book evenings, walks on the trails, house concerts, book launches, or friends connecting for a drink on the deck, Windstone Farm serves as a hub of local Christian community.
Events
Windstone Fellows are young adults who choose to participate in the daily rhythms of Windstone Farm for a season, immersing themselves in a mix of guided spiritual reflection, ecological work, and participation in the gatherings hosted there.
Fellows
Our Story
Over ten years ago, our founder, Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson, returned to the Ottawa Valley. Having lived abroad, and complemented her Regent College degree with a PhD from the ‘Institute of Imagination, Theology, & the Arts’ at University of St Andrews, Scotland, she now found herself re-rooted in the soil of her childhood.
She began cultivating a community of neighbours and friends, who connected over shared place, home-cooked meals, Bible studies, and the challenges of rural life.
As the community grew, Kirstin established annual conferences in the farmhouse, inviting academic and artistic colleagues from around the world to share in her local community through an exchange of ideas, arts, and stories.
Today, what began as neighbours gathering around the fireplace has evolved into an internationally recognized community at the epicentre of theology, ecology, and the arts.
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The hunger for this kind of community was unanticipated. Individuals from diverse cultures, denominations, age groups, and walks of life continue to flock to Windstone Farm, taking pieces of it home to share with their families, churches, schools, and local communities.
In addition to being a community centre, Windstone Farm is evolving into a hub for art performances and exhibitions, ecological research and restoration, as well as spiritual growth and reflection.
Embarking on the next chapter of our story, the Windstone Farm Community formalized as a not-for-profit organization in 2023. It is exciting and humbling to see the community growing beyond our current administrative capacity, and we require increased financial support to continue welcoming people into our uniquely shared space.​
Since Incorporating in 2023:
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Hundreds of students, chaperones, and other visitors have discovered the delight of personal engagement with creation – returning to their communities inspired and equipped to ‘practice resurrection’ in new and Biblically-responsive ways.
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Scores of events have been hosted, including house concerts, book launches, bonfires, and signature ‘NovelNights by Candlelight’.
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Every Linlathen Conference has sold out, each hosting over 125 attendees at the public lectures, book clubs, and conferences combined.
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10+ academic and ministry institutions have partnered for on-site retreats and educational experiences.
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More than 100 clergy or ministry leaders from more than 15 denominations have conversed, studied, and held retreats at the farm
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More than 100 published writers, musicians, and artists have learned, rested, and created at the farm
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More than 30 A Rocha staff/interns/long-term volunteers have come to Windstone Farm for education, respite, or both.
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More than 1,500 species have been recorded on Windstone Farm's 190 acres, including almost 50 Threatened Species.
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1 inspirational 'headwater stream’ restoration in progress, part of Ontario’s most vulnerable watershed capillaries
Our Board
Nathan Lemphers
(Chair)
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Liba Straznicky
(Treasurer)
Kirsten Appleyard
Chuck Ma
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Brenda Henry
Sid Ypma
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Emily Martin
Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson, Ph.D., Director
Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson is an author, scholar, and land steward who lives at Windstone Farm. She writes and lectures internationally on George MacDonald, the Inklings, the 19th century, and Faith & the Arts. She is on the Advisory Boards of Inklings Journal VII and Traces: A Canadian Journal of Christian Arts & Letters, the Executive Board of the George MacDonald Society, and is a founding Board member of the C.S. Lewis & Kindreds Society of Eastern & Central Europe. She is an International Trustee for the Christian ecological conservation organization, A Rocha. Kirstin is passionate about (re)integrating ecological care, local community, art, and academia, you can find some of her photography on Instagram: @Mythopoeic_Life or read more at kirstinjeffreyjohnson.com