A Parish Story from Cliff Cannon | Spokane, WA

In a time where so many carry such deep hurt from their experience with church, Common Well Neighborhood Church still champions the importance of gathering to remember. About 3 years ago, Lauren Goldbloom and her family sat in their living room with one other family. They were all deconstructing what it means to be the Church and looking for a hopeful path forward. 

Lauren had attended the Inhabit Conference for the first time in 2016, and went on the next year to join the Seattle School cohort studying Leadership in the New Parish.

Lauren Goldbloom

“Every neighborhood tells a story. Let’s keep telling a better one.”

Out of those early living room meetings, Common Well was born. They are an ecumenical Christian faith community of 25 people that gathers weekly on Saturday nights. They share a meal, pray, learn and discuss Scripture, creatively engage in spiritual practices, and receive communion together.

They also create spaces to gather for their wider community including an annual summer camping trip, a monthly women’s night, and block parties throughout the year–with “Oaktober” being the pinnacle event. Lauren and her community believe that you can experience God everywhere throughout the neighborhood. They also recognize the importance of intentionally gathering together to tap into God’s dreams for the neighborhood.

Click to watch Lauren sharing a beautiful piece at Inhabit 2022 entitled “Dear Neighbor.”

Learn more about Common Well on Facebook, or email Lauren: lauren@parishcollective.org.