It started in his mom's living room.
Every Sunday, Levi Landis and his friends gathered with intentions of making changes, though they weren't quite sure how. Emmaus, as they named the alliance that resulted, became a site for lofty ideas that would change lives - ideas that the 20-somethings are now executing with success.
Currently housed in the old Elks building in Gettysburg, Emmaus uses its space as a concert venue, café, School of Music, recording studio and thrift shop - though its foundation is based in something much deeper than the projects it employs.
"We wanted a friendship, a community and a place to come together without judgment," Landis said. "There were goals, but the means to reach those ends were just as important. That can seem so vague, but it became very specific and we started to see how important the small things were."
While its members are Christian, Landis describes the organization as an "intentional community" with its doors open to everyone, not just the few affiliates that live and cook together above the venue.
Landis says they're still on a journey to figure things out just like everyone else. The purpose of their community is to focus on the paths they take in life and to spur each other towards the righteous ones.
"There are places in Philly and elsewhere that are doing this stuff really well. I feel like we're flying by the seat of our pants, but that's kind of what building a community is about."
Tara Toms, who promotes shows and events for Emmaus as well as running the café, considers her involvement a life-altering experience.
"It's so much more than the programs we run here. I am genuinely concerned about the well-being of each member and patron of Emmaus. There is a true sense of love among us," she said.
Noah Grim runs the sound for every show. Since joining, he's become more aware of his way of life.
"My faith and my beliefs have become something I can grasp, not something I have to do on a Sunday morning," he said.
Sustainability, environmental consciousness, aiding poverty, peace and spirituality are only a few of the issues the permanent and openly volunteer members of Emmaus concern themselves with. They've given money, time and encouragement toward the genocide relief effort in Darfur, worked with the American Red Cross to help the Katrina crisis, ran Poker against Poverty tournaments and continue to take donations for Bethany Bozinski, a Fairfield teen who is fighting cancer. They also donate money toward Roots of Peace, an organization that dismantles land mines globally and the Blood: Water Mission, which supplies fresh water and donated blood worldwide.
The School of Music not only offers lessons for more string instruments, but has also served students interested in live sound technique, harmonica and percussion. Landis believes that students learn more through interactive methods such as playing by ear, recording their own work and jamming with other students.
"You don't 'work' guitar, you 'play' guitar," he said.
The venue showcases independent folk and rock talent from all over, but Landis says they like promoting local bands for the kinship it promotes.
Area and national talents like the Shackletons, Raise Up Roof Beams, Cool Hand Luke, John Francis, Kiss Kiss, Unwed Sailor and Page France have performed there. York band Starfell will perform March 17.
"Art, philosophy, ideas, writing and social dynamics, all that stuff can really fly under the banner of music, so while it's not the goal, it definitely is a medium," Landis said. "Music really unites people."
KATIE LAWRENCE,
FOR FLIPSIDEPA.COM
Every Sunday, Levi Landis and his friends gathered with intentions of making changes, though they weren't quite sure how. Emmaus, as they named the alliance that resulted, became a site for lofty ideas that would change lives - ideas that the 20-somethings are now executing with success.
Currently housed in the old Elks building in Gettysburg, Emmaus uses its space as a concert venue, café, School of Music, recording studio and thrift shop - though its foundation is based in something much deeper than the projects it employs.
"We wanted a friendship, a community and a place to come together without judgment," Landis said. "There were goals, but the means to reach those ends were just as important. That can seem so vague, but it became very specific and we started to see how important the small things were."
While its members are Christian, Landis describes the organization as an "intentional community" with its doors open to everyone, not just the few affiliates that live and cook together above the venue.
Landis says they're still on a journey to figure things out just like everyone else. The purpose of their community is to focus on the paths they take in life and to spur each other towards the righteous ones.
"There are places in Philly and elsewhere that are doing this stuff really well. I feel like we're flying by the seat of our pants, but that's kind of what building a community is about."
Tara Toms, who promotes shows and events for Emmaus as well as running the café, considers her involvement a life-altering experience.
"It's so much more than the programs we run here. I am genuinely concerned about the well-being of each member and patron of Emmaus. There is a true sense of love among us," she said.
Noah Grim runs the sound for every show. Since joining, he's become more aware of his way of life.
"My faith and my beliefs have become something I can grasp, not something I have to do on a Sunday morning," he said.
Sustainability, environmental consciousness, aiding poverty, peace and spirituality are only a few of the issues the permanent and openly volunteer members of Emmaus concern themselves with. They've given money, time and encouragement toward the genocide relief effort in Darfur, worked with the American Red Cross to help the Katrina crisis, ran Poker against Poverty tournaments and continue to take donations for Bethany Bozinski, a Fairfield teen who is fighting cancer. They also donate money toward Roots of Peace, an organization that dismantles land mines globally and the Blood: Water Mission, which supplies fresh water and donated blood worldwide.
The School of Music not only offers lessons for more string instruments, but has also served students interested in live sound technique, harmonica and percussion. Landis believes that students learn more through interactive methods such as playing by ear, recording their own work and jamming with other students.
"You don't 'work' guitar, you 'play' guitar," he said.
The venue showcases independent folk and rock talent from all over, but Landis says they like promoting local bands for the kinship it promotes.
Area and national talents like the Shackletons, Raise Up Roof Beams, Cool Hand Luke, John Francis, Kiss Kiss, Unwed Sailor and Page France have performed there. York band Starfell will perform March 17.
"Art, philosophy, ideas, writing and social dynamics, all that stuff can really fly under the banner of music, so while it's not the goal, it definitely is a medium," Landis said. "Music really unites people."
KATIE LAWRENCE,
FOR FLIPSIDEPA.COM
