Creating Space

Creating Space begins on February 2nd, 2025


Creating Space is a collection of hour-long, small gatherings that meet for 8 weeks before or after our weekly church service (unless otherwise denoted). These different groups will help equip you to practice the way of Jesus together. 


There are three different types of Creating Space groups from which you can choose: 

engaging with God groups, journeying together groups, and spreading hope groups. 


We operate in three 8-week terms throughout the year—spring, summer, and fall. 

For a few weeks prior to each term, we communicate the groups that will be offered for the upcoming term. We ask people to look over these groups and prayerfully choose one of them that you would be willing to commit to for that term. Now just to be clear, when we say commit, we don’t mean that you have to be there every week, but we will ask that you don’t move around to different groups each week.


There is no pressure to join a Creating Space group, but we do want to extend the invitation to anyone at Union Center. Whether you are new to the church or you’ve been here for decades, we invite you to create space to practice the ways of Jesus together. 

Winter/Spring 25 Creating Space Groups

Creating Space groups for winter/spring of 2025 are here! You will find a variety of groups. Some are very informal and some require more commitment, yet each group, one way or another is essential to our mission as a church. 


Please look over each group and plan to show up for the one that you want to join for the upcoming semester. Make sure to check each tab to see all 13 groups.


Childcare will be available during the winter/spring semester.

  • Exploration of Prayer // Meets in Prayer Room 137 on Sundays at 11:30a

    Have you ever been frustrated, distracted or intimidated in prayer whether on your own or in a group? Do you wonder what prayer is all about and why it’s such a big deal? In this space, we will explore the practice of prayer together through a wide variety of methods (like silence, listening, Scripture meditation, tangible experiences and group prayer), all while seeking to deepen our trust in God and grow in intimacy with Him. Led by Allyson Aylesworth and Linda Cutting. Show up to join.


    The Narrow Path Book Club // Meets in Staff Conference Room on Sundays at 11:30a

    Reading in conversation with others is a powerful means of life change. "The sermon on the Mount should have a warning before reading it. Something like ‘Enter at your own risk’ would do just fine. To take Jesus and his teachings seriously is to enter into a way of life that will tear down the value systems and identities we have constructed. But, dear friend, these same teachings will offer a spaciousness of soul that you and I long to live in. My burning desire is for Christ-followers to actually follow Jesus. And I believe this is the place to start."  - Rich Villodas, Author of The Narrow Path. Led by Laura and Matt Kasson. Show up to join. Purchase The Narrow Path and read the Introduction and Chapter 1 for first gathering.


    Prayer Group // Meets in Prayer Room 137 on Sundays at 9am

    The prayer gathering meets on Sundays before the service to intentionally engage with God through prayer. Included in this prayer time, you will be invited to pray for the upcoming service, our church, and needs within the body. Led by Linda Cutting. Show up to join.

  • UCteens // Meets downstairs in the UCteen Center on Sundays at 11:30a

    All teens from 7th Grade to 12th grade are invited to join our newly formed UCteens! We will meet together on Sundays during Creating Space with new leaders who are passionate about making sure that teens feel like they have a place of belonging. Just show up downstairs to join!


    Sunday Look Back and Check-in // Meets in the Library on Sundays at 11:30am

    In this group we will take a look back at the sermon. We create space to share with each other what stood out to us and how we heard from God either during the message or from reflecting on it afterwards. Led by Jen Wheeler. We only have space to add four more people this semester. Show up to join.


    Journeying Together with Games // Meets in Main Street Café on Sundays at 11:30am

    This group will be a great way to connect with others through various table top games, card games, board games, etc. Feel free to bring a favorite game or use what is provided. This is a low commitment but fun way to journey together! Led by Sandy Martin. Show up to join.


    Sunday Morning Connection // Meets on Sundays at 8:30am in Room 131A

    This group creates space to connect with other adults as we share life together. Through sharing our weekly life experiences, we engage with God by seeing Him work in our lives and sharing our praises. We journey together through sharing where God has been leading us throughout the week. And we spread hope in praying together and encouraging each other along life’s journey. This group is limited to four new members this semester, so contact Greg if you would like to join: g.cisz5@gmail.com


    UC < 35 // *meets on Wednesday from 7 - 9pm in Room 131A*

    This is a group of 18-35 year olds that are building community with each other around the way of Jesus. Come chat with us about life with Jesus. Contact Jeremiah for more info:

    jeremiah478@gmail.com


    Women’s Group // *Meets on Thursdays at 9:30am in Room 134*

    The women’s group meets on Thursday mornings starting January 15, 2025 from 9:30-11:00am. We will be going through a 19-week study on the book of Romans. Any woman can join at anytime during the study. Contact Karen to join: kmayer1550@gmail.com.


    Men’s Group // *meets on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30p in Room 134*

    The men’s group is space to meet with other men within our church and community.  It’s an opportunity to study scripture and strengthen our spiritual walk with the Lord. We also periodically work on projects to help others in our church and the community. This group is organized by Olin Henneman. Show up to join.

  • Creative Ministry // Meets in Room 116 on Sundays at 11:30a

    Do you have a heart for creative ministry? In this group we will make space to get creative with puppets, scripts, and music. We will create a mini show that shares God's word that we can use to spread hope to others. This may be used in our own UC Kids or in local nursing home. All are welcome—adults, teens and even kids who have a heart for creative ministry. (We will be doing more performing this session) We will not be able to meet on Feb. 9th and the 23. Led by Alesha Pendell. Show up to join. 


    Loving Our Kids // Meets in UC Kids on Sundays at 11:30a

    We create space to build relationships with kids through play, snacks and games as well as bless caregivers (including parents, single parents, grandparents, and foster parents) with freedom to join various other groups. Sign-up for adult helpers is require. Contact Allyson at aaylesworth@unioncenter.org


    CHOW // Meets in Room 130 on Tuesdays from 4-6p

    In order to help meet the growing food insecurity in the Binghamton region, we host a food pantry every Tuesday. The fourth Sunday of every month is designated as CHOW Sunday. We will announce that month’s needs to stock the pantry. If you are in need of food relief, please contact our office.