October 2010 Update – Our Aurora “Space”

Months and months ago, we introduced our new “space” on Aurora Avenue.

Months ago, we introduced it as the Aurora Sharehouse.

But, today, we announce that it has a new name… The Aurora Commons.

While we felt very attached to the name the Aurora Sharehouse, there was another stellar organization that has been at work in Seattle for 20 years called “The Sharehouse“.  They kindly asked us to reconsider our name to avoid confusion.  After much discernment and wrestling, we did not feel led to change our name, however, we felt called to relinquish the decision to The Sharehouse – and they asked us to not call ourselves “The Aurora Sharehouse.”

So it was back to the drawing board.  And all of this was at the same time that we were having problems with permits from the city!  No name, no place – we were definitely discouraged.

But the Spirit has continued to guide us and give us strength.  In the midst of all of these setbacks, we have been able to prepare internally for the intense journey that we are about to embark on.

Now, with permits in hand and reconstruction set to resume this week, we have a new name and a crystallized mission.  We always known that “our space” would be a place through which we would extend Christ’s hospitality to our neighbors, but we’ve now honed in on the nature of the continuum that we are seeking to cultivate: a common space for people to gather will lead to reciprocal relationships will lead to resource and gift sharing will lead to mutual and holistic flourishing.

Or, as our mission statement puts it: The Aurora Commons provides a safe place of hospitality along Aurora Avenue where we seek to grow the relational capacity within our neighborhood so that, as we care for one another, we may share space, resources and the fullness of life.

Thanks for your continued support!