Beloved community.. Please take a deep breath. Even after raising the funds to save 901, the shift in our landlord’s financial situation is too great. Jean, Joe, Ari and Covenant of the River are required to be out of 901 by September 12.
This is going to be a tough time for many of us and you are encouraged to lean into your support system. If you want to connect with Council for support: Council Open Hours are the first Friday of each month, Council is available via council@covenantoftheriver.org and Fireside with Jean dates are on the website. The Sanctuary is open and available for use most days: please contact Council before you arrive.
The logistics of moving our sacred space require that we give a few gatherings over to packing, prepping and moving. While there will be other opportunities to help, we ask that folx make effort to be at the Prep & Pack day and Moving Day. Prep & Pack will be Aug 11 9am-1pm, potluck lunch at 130. This gathering is as the name implies: we will be preparing and packing for all of the church belongings to move. Moving Day for Covenant of the River will be Sept 8 starting at 9am. Again, just like the name implies: we will be moving Covenant of the River. If you have a trailer, the vehicle to pull it and the morning to give, we would really appreciate your support so that the church does not have to rent a truck. More details will be posted and shared in the next few weeks.
The harder part for many of us will be the loss of a space we have called sacred. The River Hall and Sanctuary have been a blessed gift to many folx over the years. Many hands have worked to physically build and steward our Circle. The loving care, plus numerous rituals and rites, have woven energies that are almost tangible for many first time visitors. What we must remember is that we are the builders of that sacred space. The stones, the vibe and the call to return for kinship was created by our community. While we will all be sad to surrender 901 E Swallow Rd, the River Hall and Sanctuary will go with us. Please do share your memories, your grief and your needs with your own support system and with the leadership of Covenant of the River. There will be ritual and fellowship opportunities before we move. You are encouraged to attend any or all, or contact the Council to set up a personal visitation. Change is a constant in the lives of humans and we can, collectively, adapt to wherever the next chapter of Covenant of the River begins. Be gentle with yourself and with each other as we make this transition.
While we do not have the answer to where we will land just yet, the Covenant of the River leadership team is working on it. We will update you all as we find our own footing. In the meantime, we ask that you keep the leadership team in your prayers and lean into supporting each other. Please consider donating time, dollars and moving supplies toward our move. We remain strong together and committed to our mission to provide safe sacred space. We make solutions, always have, always will. And while this is a challenge for sure, it is one we are able to meet.
Blessings, the NCCR Leadership Team