2Gather
Changing the world, one gathering at a time.
We help you gather in ways that bring more heart and soul into the world.
2Gather is an innovative platform dedicated to helping small groups of friends and family craft enriching, soulful in-person gatherings. We provide a customizable framework, resources, and guidance for your group to create a unique, spiritual journey together in your own space. This journey moves you individually and collectively in the direction of goodness, truth and beauty.
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If you...
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want a spiritual dimension to your life outside of traditional religious settings
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long for relationships that are meaningful, soul-filled and healthy
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aren't happy with the current state of the world and want to be part of change
We've got you covered.
We are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
The great Mystery of mysteries.
Sacred World.
Sacred: adj. the quality or essence of what is good, true and beautiful that makes it worthy of awe and reverence: i.e. Life. Earth. Relationships. Cosmos. Spirit. Art. Love. Soulful expression.
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Sacred gatherings aren't confined to religious institutions. We can create our own.
And they don't have to be weird or awkward.
We gather together all the time-- birthdays, holidays, book clubs, block parties, weddings. But when it comes to hosting spiritual gatherings, most of us are at a loss. The idea of it feels awkward, daunting, uncomfortable. Maybe we've had a bad experience with religion or have heard stories of unhealthy spiritual circles. Yet, in a rapidly changing world filled with uncertainties and challenges, with many in-person gatherings lost or diminished due to covid-19, we long for a deep sense of community, a way to regularly connect with something larger than ourselves, to bring a cadence to our days that reminds us of what is important and inspires us to live in ways that nurture ourselves and the whole of being.
We're here to help.
Which Path Calls to You?
Those who follow the path of goodness strive to live a life guided by their values, doing good in the world. This path asks us to speak and act from a place of deep love, expanding from our inner circle outward. Personal healing and development often helps compassion, kindness and generosity to bloom. This path is often displayed by random acts of kindness and the Golden Rule.
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Those who follow the path of truth are seekers, driven by a deep curiosity about life's fundamental questions. They are explorers of existence, the origins of life, the nature of consciousness, and the existence of higher powers or a deeper reality we cannot readily perceive. Introspection and contemplation often leads to experiences of unity with the universe, God or a higher consciousness. This, along with scientific exploration and lived experiences, help update our understandings of the universe.
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Adherents of the path of beauty are creators and appreciators of the wonders of the universe. They see and create beauty in all aspects of life, thriving in the realm of imagination and possibility. This path is about expressing and manifesting ideas, emotions, and visions into tangible forms, celebrating the diverse expressions of life through art, music, literature, and other creative endeavors. Those on this path envision and then enact a more beautiful world.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead
How it Works
Form your group and start with a Free Guide
Gather your friends and family for an in-person spiritual exploration. Our free setup guide walks you through everything you need to host your first gathering. You can choose to facilitate yourself or use the prerecorded audio or video facilitation option--just press play, sit back and let us facilitate. This initial gathering is a taste of what's possible with 2Gather.
Join and Create
Ready for more soulful adventures with your group? Join 2Gather for full access to our diverse online resources. We offer four additional setup activities that provide a framework, set the tone, and help build cohesion. You'll choose how you explore the paths of goodness, truth and beauty individually and as a group. Our collection of multimedia resources like guidebooks, readings, videos, and music, are adaptable to your group's preferences. You can use our resources and/or be as creative as you want.
Get Ongoing Support and Community
Share what your group is doing and check out what others are doing on our 2Gather online community platform. Participate in one of our weekly live video calls. If you are stuck, have a conflict, or need support in any way, reach out to us. We're here to help.
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We don’t tell you what to believe, how to live or how to practice your faith.
There is no dogma or prescribed rules.
We Provide:
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How-to guides delivered via videos and/or workbooks for setting up fully customizable gatherings for your group
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A structure and framework for your group with plenty of room for creativity
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A wide variety of multi-media readings, videos, music playlists, activities, topical explorations and more that appeal to many personalities and beliefs. These are organized into the paths of goodness, truth and beauty.
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Weekly live online video calls with a facilitator to ask questions, trouble shoot, and get advice for creating and maintaining your gatherings
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Specific suggestions and guidance for gatherings of families with kids
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A platform to connect with other 2gather groups to share resources, ideas, inspiration and more
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Guidance on how to communicate lovingly and effectively
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Suggestions to navigate conflict or misunderstandings and lovingly come back together
Why this, now?
A growing number of people are stepping away from traditional churches, synagogues, and other formal religious establishments. While the reasons for this shift are diverse, many find themselves with a void where these institutions once stood. Traditional religious gatherings not only provided a rhythm to our lives but also fostered a deep sense of community, uniting us in shared values and beliefs. They served as consistent reminders and sources of inspiration to lead lives of compassion, integrity, and purpose. In their highest forms, they encouraged us to explore the fundamental questions of existence and to express ourselves creatively.
Recognizing this profound gap, 2Gather emerges as a bridge for those seeking spiritual connection outside traditional frameworks. Instead of prescribing a singular path, 2Gather empowers individuals and groups to forge their own spiritual journeys, rooted in authentic exploration and mutual respect. Our platform provides the resources and guidance to create meaningful gatherings, offering a renewed sense of community and a canvas for shared experiences. In this space, participants rediscover the cadence, connection, and inspiration that were once hallmarks of organized religion, but with the freedom to shape it according to their unique perspectives.
Our world is rapidly changing and many feel we are heading in a destructive direction. 2Gather helps build communities anchored in love, trust, and values that align with goodness, truth and beauty to steer mankind in a new direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not sure what a 2Gather group would look like. I mean, what do we do when we’re together?
This is exactly what we help you and your group members design. We give you a step-by-step process to set up your group from sending invitations, setting intentions, finding shared language (God, Mystery, Consciousness, etc), and figuring out logistics. We also help you design the actual gatherings—the tone, the opening, who does what, etc. Your gathering could be formal, like a service or ceremony, or it could be less formal but still structured.
Once you have the basic outline of your gathering, you can add content to explore. We provide suggestions for topics organized into 3 paths--the paths of goodness, truth and beauty. This includes readings, music, activities, and practices that help create beautiful, heartfelt experiences. For example, you might read a passage from a book, like Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements” or Rob Bell’s “Everything is Spiritual” and silently reflect upon, pray or discuss together how the readings have meaning in your life. Or you might listen to one of our guided meditations, share a poem that touched you, sing a song together, or plan a service project.
You and your group members makes your gathering what it is. Go as deep as you want or keep it light. This is your space to design. It can be anything.
Can I be Christian and host a 2Gather group?
Absolutely. People of any religion or identity can organize a 2Gather group. We give you guidelines to create a group that’s a safe space to explore your faith and practice it in a way that nourishes you and others.
I'm an atheist. Can I still participate in a 2Gather group?
Yes. It’s not necessary to believe in God to recognize that you are part of something greater than you that we don’t fully understand-- humanity, the web of life, Earth, our solar system, Universe, etc. Gatherings can focus on living a life guided by values and principles (path of goodness); or honoring the cycles of life by marking the equinox, solstice, moon phases, and seasons in special ways (path of beauty); or celebrating and exploring the interconnected nature of all things (path of truth). Finding shared language and cultivating a sense of ease with those in your group who have different beliefs is an important part of creating a loving and meaningful space.
Does everyone in my 2Gather group have to believe in the same thing?
No. You can choose to invite people with diverse beliefs to join a group. Even when beliefs differ, there are usually many areas of agreement. For example, living in a way that values generosity, honesty and kindness. We give guidance to help you and your group members design a space that is a safe, meaningful and respectful so that everyone feels welcome and able to share. It's an opportunity to build the skills and temperament needed to care for, get along with, and cooperate with people who don't believe the same things you do--something that is greatly needed in today's world.
What size group works best?
That really depends. As groups get larger, space and time can become an issue. Certain aspects of your gathering may need to change to accommodate larger groups. We suggest between 3 and 10 people.
I only have one other person who wants to create a 2Gather group with me. Is that ok?
Yes, that’s ok. We do suggest 3 as the minimum, but go ahead and get started with the two of you. More people may want to join as you gain momentum.
Is 2Gather some sort of new age cult?
Most definitely not. We do not preach or ask anyone to subscribe to certain beliefs or behaviors apart from being kind, open and loving. You are free to create your own spiritual rituals and explore the great Mystery, whatever that means to you. The only thing we espouse is kindness and compassion.
Our Mission
Our mission is to catalyze and support gatherings that explore life's wonders, build strong communities, and inspire lives of value, cooperation, and care for one another and the Earth.
Our Beliefs
Our approach to spirituality embraces curiosity and openness. We acknowledge the vastness of the unknown and the interconnectedness of all things, welcoming diverse experiences and perspectives.
We steer clear of proclaiming a singular Truth. We gently challenge the idea of religious exclusivism, which holds that only certain religions or perspectives are the sole bearers of Truth. This belief separates us from each other; those in the right vs. those in the wrong, and makes too many of us afraid, righteous, angry, and defensive when faced with beliefs different from our own. We believe in fostering a culture of respect, love, and communal growth. We encourage everyone to explore life's profound questions and to inspire each other to live with kindness, compassion, and a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all beings. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment where we can all learn, share, and cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose.