CoCreate Project
St. John United is partnering with the community to transform this property into a more inclusive and collaborative commons – a hub where all can gather, create, and recharge. We are sowing seeds for a new organization that will serve as an umbrella, supporting and sharing all that happens here.
We’re calling this effort the “CoCreate Project” because we believe in the power of collaborative and creative common areas. Through CoCreate, we are growing into a community-centered “third place,” meaning somewhere outside of home or work where you can have fun, share your gifts, and tend your body/spirit all while building relationships.
CoCreate currently offers daytime work space, bi-weekly craft/game nights, and quarterly potlucks. Soon we will add skill share workshops to showcase and share the many gifts and talents of community members.
This invitation is for all – our building partners, neighbors, and church members. CoCreate events are non-religious and rooted in values of collaboration, belonging, and creativity. When opportunities for personal reflection and conversations about life’s big questions pop up we welcome and celebrate a diversity of perspectives.
Contact Jessica, our Director of Community Engagement, (cocreate@stjohnunited.org or 206-784-1040) if you are interested in learning more, asking questions, or sharing your thoughts to help co-create our path forward! CoCreate also has an Advisory Team of non-church community members supporting this project who would be happy to chat with you.
This project is part of SJU’s ongoing Future Visioning exploration about the property. Click here to read more about the vision and how we got here!
Open Space
Have fun in community
Every other Thurs 5-8pm
CoCreate hosts evening “Open Space” gatherings every other Thursday where community members come together to recharge with a dose of fun.
The focus of Open Space alternates between craft and game nights. You can bring a creative project to work on, a game you’ve been wanting to play, or dabble with the craft supplies and games we have on hand. You’re also welcome to just come hang out, read a book, or chip away at a jigsaw puzzle.
Open Space is very casual – come as you are and drop in for as long as you want! Pizza dinner, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are provided.
Our intent is that Open Space will help community members get to know one another while finding ease and joy at this place. It also encourages you to engage in life-giving activities that you may not do alone at home, or that end up brushed aside by life’s many “shoulds.”
Work Space
Bring your “to-dos”
Mon-Thurs 10am-2pm
Our Work Space option offers space for community members to bring their personal or professional tasks between 10am-2pm Mon-Thurs.
We have a variety of spaces available for you to set up your mobile work station, use our wifi, enjoy a cup of coffee/tea, and be at home. It’s a bit like co-working or going to a coffee shop with more intention on co-creating community while you accomplish what you want/need to do.
We know that remote work can be wearisome and that many are craving more connection with others. CoCreate Work Space strives to foster meaningful connections and care more than individualistic productivity like other co-work options. If you plan to come by, just click here to let us know.
Share Space
Host your events here
Part of CoCreate is serving as a vibrant community gathering space!
We offer a range of rental options, from large performance spaces and meeting rooms to smaller more relational areas for gathering. Our rates are below market rate, and payment is based on a sliding scale. If you’re hosting a public community event we offer to publicize it in our email newsletter.
CoCreate is also home to a vibrant ecosystem of neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations. Over 500 people gather here weekly! We’re grateful for the ways they each welcome and serve the community.
CoCreate Open and Work Space are currently free offerings to the community. To help us further this project, we welcome and greatly appreciate your gifts of time, talent, energy, compassion, in-kind gifts, and financial donations. Your generosity helps us maintain the space, provide materials, and affirm the vision behind this project! The best ways to give are by check via mail or on our website where you can donate once or set up recurring gifts. Contact Jessica at office@stjohnunited.org if you are interested in volunteering or providing in-kind donations.
