Make a difference in the lives of those who face the connection crisis: people who want to cultivate meaning and community in this time of loss and re-birth. Meet the connection crisis with your pledge to the people connecting through Gathering Ground during 2023.
“Old views and habits of our world are dying, and we are losing people too,” says a regular attender, “I’m overwhelmed and uncertain, and also want to be part of the changes we need. In Gathering Ground we give each other strength and love as we hospice old ways and create new visions.” Regular Attender
Gathering Ground is a place to “do stuff, reflect, and connect”. Planted by UCUCC six years ago, this independent ministry for spiritual-but-not-religious people has grown to involve 150 people each year in an annual cycle of programs: sharing practices of earth holidays, creativity, and justice-making. We share tools to take a journey inward to truth and a journey outward to the world. During pandemic, we moved online and found a new audience, as people struggle to make meaning in ongoing uncertainty. During 2022 we evolved our structure to be community centered in decision-making. During 2023 we will continue to engage folks both online and in person, bringing new energy, imagination, and investment to online engagement. It’s become clear that online space is mission critical for finding and conversing with our audience. It’s the peanut butter that maintains connections in between the sandwich of our other gatherings.
This innovative ministry is entirely supported by contributions: both from those who attend and from friends who care about the continued evolution of meaning making in our disconnected time. We invite friends of Gathering Ground to join a circle of support. Please join those who keep this vision for connection alive. Practice Jesus’ radical hospitality, making a place at the table for everyone wo seeks meaning.
Your support will underwrite our modest annual cost of $25,000, which includes a new Online Engagement Position for 2023. You may make a gift of any size now, or make a pledge of $25 – $2,000 to be fulfilled during 2023. Gifts and pledges may be made at www.GatherinGround.org, through UCUCC’s website (with Gathering Ground in the memo) or by mailing a check to UCUCC with Gathering Ground in the memo line.
Learn more about the campaign and experience a bit of Gathering Ground for yourself by:
- Visiting our table in the Narthex September 11-25.
- Attend an online Q&A on Tuesday, September 27, 12pm – 1pm. (Call or email for the link!)
- Email Seattle@gmail.com or call 206-880-3641.
Our world yearns for transformation. So do many of our neighbors. Bless you for joining together, to forge connections in today’s disconnected world.
September Events
Pinwheel Crafting Kits
On Saturday, September 10, 11am – 1pm stop by the University District Farmers’ Market to get a kit and make your own pinwheel. What might actually be fun about this time of turning points & transitions? What wind makes your personal pinwheel spin? University District Farmers’ Market, 5031 University Way Northeast, Seattle.
Make a Spinner to Find Your Center for Fall Equinox
Lost in the whirl? Wondering where all that Equinox balance went to? Join us for a session of reflecting and crafting online on Saturday, September 17, 6pm-8pm. You’ll get a chance to make a Spinner: a cross between a fidget, a toy, and meditation tool! Best of all, you can make it out of simple items around your home. Join Julia Field and Molly Ebert to play with crayons and ponder what keeps you centered. RSVP here.