Creating Space

Creating Space begins on September 22nd, 2024


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

For a few weeks prior to each term, we will communicate the groups that will be offered for the upcoming term. We will 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. 

Fall 2024 Creating Space Semester

Creating Space groups for Fall of 2024 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 12 groups.


Childcare will be available during the fall semester.

Introduction to Lectio Divina // Meets in Prayer Room 137 on Sundays at 11:30a
Lectio Divina, Latin for “divine reading”, is an ancient Christian practice of reading the Scriptures in a prayerful, meditative way.  Rather than studying the passage (which is also a helpful practice!), we seek to hear from God and then respond to His invitation in what we are reading. We slow down and pay attention to what we’re thinking, feeling, and sensing as we read. This group will both teach this way of connecting with God and provide a weekly opportunity to practice it during our sessions.  No experience with lectio divina is necessary—just a Bible and a desire to connect more deeply and personally with God! Led by Craig and Andrea Shields.

This group will be limited to 10 people. If you would like to sign up for this group, please email Andrea at ashields1995@gmail.com as soon as possible before it closes.


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.


Cultivating Awareness // Meets in Room 131A on Sundays at 11:30a

In this space we will practice the art of slowing down and paying attention. Together we will learn tangible ways to grow in awareness of the voice of God and the movement of the Holy Spirit through a process of becoming more aware of our breath, body, emotions and thoughts, as well as of creation and people around us. Led by Allyson Aylesworth. Show up to join.