An Update From Ben Collins

Community Statement

We value highly the metaphor of journey. We’re different people from different places and backgrounds, representing an intergenerational community, and we’ve traveled different paths.

So, we agree not to make assumptions about the person across from us, next to us, or in conversation with us. We challenge ourselves to be sensitive, knowing this community includes a diverse group of people from life-long followers of Jesus, to people who are just now open to the idea that God might exist. We strive to avoid offense, ask good questions, articulate and explain our responses. We don’t assume fluency in bible, spirituality, or Church language, because we believe the message of Jesus is not for Christianity, but for humanity. So, we do everything in the spirit of love and grace.

Update!

We aim to release some new content and practice a few times this month, as well as get you updates on the project and the up-coming soft-openings. 

As you see above, and as you’ll see below, the renovations are nearing completion with the sprucing of the lounge and finishing of the Torazzo floors. Thanks again to all who have come by and helped in any and every capacity. Thanks especially to Jess, Jim, David and Cris, who are holding it all together. As the sole present employee in this crazy season, Jess is catching all the stress building to opening events, operational realities, all while working way above and beyond her role. In addition to the painting and cleaning, give her some love. She is Collective, but she’s also a person. She’s Jess. Remind her of that. 

She couldn’t do it without Jim, David and Cris working, helping, scheduling, worrying at all hours, day and night. Thanks for what you sacrifice to make our dreams real. Thanks for supporting and caring for our staff. 

We’re currently targeting a soft opening service the first week of November. Stay tuned for more info as we approach. 

THIS WEEK!

This week we will host a variety of Open Tables on Sunday at 5PM. Check email and Facebook for details on locations for this week's meetings!​

Wanted to make a special recognition of our online community. We know this season has been tough and this month is even tougher to participate remotely. Please trust that we’re getting content out as quickly as we can. Please stay patient and connected while we prepare for the next big thing, and a dramatically increased engagement with our online community. More content and practice coming next week. 

PRACTICE |
INSPIRATION |
PRACTICE |

We hope each week to surround an inspiring video with some contemplative practice. We encourage you to sit silently for at least 3 minutes before and after. Feel free to use a grounding, breath or mantra meditation, or centering prayer practice. 

This week’s video is by Barbara Brown Taylor, religion scholar, priest and (we think) saint. She teases us with the hope that the point of our faith is not choose right in a dualistic world, but to live right in a messy and integrated world of beauty to be found in the grey. 

​What do you think? How has this changed the way you see the world? God? Your spirituality? 

Also, ask a friend: 
How is your spiritual practice? 
How is your life compared to the community statement? 
What’s working?
What’s a struggle? 

The conversation IS the revelation.

Grace & Peace