The Sacred Spiral: A path to transformation

About this series:

Theory of Change is a phrase that gets used, especially among non-profit organizations, foundations, and grant funders, to describe the methodology for promoting social change. The sacred spiral of organizing was developed by women of color looking to transform their communities. It is a framework that has been introduced in a variety of ways at UCUCC. Through connections with the Organizing for Mission Network, the theme from 2022’s Seabeck Church camp with Sister Kelly Marciales and Missioner Cesar Marciales, and with the “Faith and Land Initiative” cohort we are a part of with Church Council of Greater Seattle, we have pondered how this sacred spiral might meet us in the historic moment of potential for change.

The sacred spiral of organizing moves along a nonlinear path that builds relationships and moves toward transformation. This becomes a model for our inward and our outward spiritual journey. We begin with the “Sacred Encounter,” the place where listening draws us out of ourselves into something bigger; we move to “Sacred Unveiling,” revealing the place where we see there is potential for change and growth;  “Radical Invitation into Sacred Movement” is the place where we seek to expand our circles of connection to include more people; “Sacred Action” is the place where we are mobilized through our community and the gift of the Holy Spirit to bring forth the Beloved Community rooted in collective liberation; the “Sacred Pause” happens at each step in the journey, and is the place where we make meaning, enter into discernment, evaluation and reflection.

Spiritual Practice:

With our Lenten theme focused on building and strengthening relationships, we are inviting the church to connect and grow together. We are inviting you to schedule a one to one conversation each week. These are intended to be natural but uncommon conversations to hear someone’s hopes, dreams and party of their story of faith. Plan to spend at least a half an hour just listening to their story.  Here’s some ideas of folks to ask to meet:

• Someone you’ve seen at church or online but you don’t know very well
• A friend with whom you haven’t connected in a while
• Someone from a different generation
• Have a spiritual conversation with someone outside the church
• Someone involved in a ministry about which you know very little
• Someone in a small group, ministry, or worship service that you want to spend time catching up
• Anyone you think of! Yeah, that person, who just popped into your mind. Ask them. Yep, that one too! You can have as many of these conversations as your schedule can handle.

If you are someone that struggles with asking someone to chat, feel free to use the line “I want to try our spiritual practice and I wonder if we can chat?” These can be in person, on zoom, or on the phone. They can be at a coffee shop or a corner of the sanctuary. Try not to squeeze it into a place you’re already doing something else (during a committee meeting or in a crowded coffee hour doesn’t lend to deep listening). Have fun with this!

For those gathering at the UCUCC campus on Sunday mornings, we will have two labyrinths set up in the chapel before worship to walk these “sacred spirals” as an embodiment of the collective journey during this season.

Feb 26
Sacred Encounter
Acts 16:11-15
Rev. Amy Roon, preacher

Mar 5
Sacred Unveiling
Jeremiah 8:8-12; 18-22
Rev. Amy Roon, preacher

Mar 12
Sacred Pause
Luke 6:12-19
Rev. Steve Jerbi, preacher

Mar 19
Sacred Movement
Matthew 4:18-23
Rev. Amy Roon, preacher

Mar 26
Sacred Action
Nehemiah 2:16-3:2
Rev. Steve Jerbi, preacher