The Gathering Place

Our Common Need

County regulations on the current Lummi Island

Congregational Church building severely limit our

ability to provide space for both church and

community functions. The Church and the

community need a larger space in which to gather.

Creating Space

A new, stand-alone building will provide more space

and more varied use within that space to the church

and the wider community. The Gathering Place will

be 2,400 sq. ft. wtih a maximum capacity of 200

people (100 people at tables).

What We Can Offer

Oceanfront land with existing utilities; substantial

seed money; a detailed plan ready for permitting;

established working groups shaping strategy and

use guidelines; and a tax-deductible status.

New Uses

The Gathering Place design includes both a tenant

space for a possible medical facility and a spacious

commercial kitchen. The Gathering Place will be

available for both secular and church uses.

Responsible Design

The Gathering Place will be a welcoming and

versatile space. Designer Deborah Todd has worked

on the Island Library and other local projects. Her

professional skill combined with her knowledge of

the culture and “vibe” of Lummi Island will ensure

the structure is appropriate for the island in style

and function.

Commitment

Financial pledges, along with the volunteer time and

expertise of deeply committed church members, will

provide a solid platform for a successful capital

campaign.

Fiscal Responsibility

Ground-breaking will only happen when pledges

meet the projected cost. Should the project not go

forward, all pledges will be cancelled and any funds

contributed will be returned.

Stewardship

A fund will be created for future maintenance of the

new facility to ensure The Gathering Place serves the

Island community long into the future.

Lummi Island Congregational Church and The Gathering Place

How Can It Be Used?

Lummi Island Congregational Church currently has an exemption from paying property tax as provided

by Washington State to all churches under RCW 84.36.020(2). In 2014, the state Senate passed SB

6405 to enable churches to further support their communities by allowing more uses of their buildings

under certain conditions without jeopardizing their property tax exemption.

The church itself can offer its own events,

activities, and fundraisers in The Gathering

Place. NO LIMIT to the number of days in a year:

• Weddings & Funerals

• Elderberries (seniors meal/social group)

• Community dinners (such as Parish Dinners)

• Alcoholics Anonymous

• Yoga classes (church-hired instructor)

• Music events

• After school Childcare (church-hired teacher)

• Classes/workshops

• Retreats

There are three categories under which an

individual or organization other than the church

itself can rent The Gathering Place for their event.

1. Exempt organization activites (non-profits,

government services or schools) in which “some

social objective is served or general welfare is

advanced” are allowed. NO LIMIT to the number of

days in a year:

• Library sponsored events

• Water district trainings

• Fire department trainings/meetings

• Church retreats (hosted by other churches)

• School sponsored events

• Health department clinics/classes

• Girl/Boy Scouts

• LIHT/LICA/FOIL/LIFE/PTO, etc. meetings

and activities (note: see item 3 for fundraising)

2. Non-exempt individuals or organizations are

allowed up to 50 days out of the calendar year,

provided it is not a business activity (meaning the

host isn’t earning a profit from the event).

• Civic Club & Grange classes/activities (note:

see item 3 for fundraising)

• Political gatherings (provided the church

offers equal access to any political party, and

no fundraising occurs on site

• Private parties

3. Fundraising or for-profit activities where the

church receives less than 51% of the proceeds is

considered business activity. Can occur 15 days of

the 50 days.

• Concerts at which musicians wish to take the

majority of ticket sales and/or wish to sell

their own merchandise on site.

• Artist’s Tours

• Fundraising events for non-profits such as

LIHT/LICA/FOIL/LIFE/PTO/Grange/Civic

Club, etc.

Front View of The Gathering Place

Fundraising Strategy

Land$1,300,000

Design$49,500

Site Improvements$58,000

Structures$623,750

Fire Protection$300,000

Commercial Septic$60,000

Furnishings & Small Equipment

$20,000

Stewardship Fund$100,000 Contingency

$88,750

Already Pledged$550,000 (21%)

Capital Campaign$750,000 (29%)

Existing Assets$1,300,000 (50%)

Floor Plan

W48

2718

PANTRY

CO

FFEE

30'-0"

18'-0"

38'-0"

2'-0

"

10'-0"

CHAIRS & TABLES

1362 SF OCCUPANCY=200

MOP ROOM

STO

RA

GE

STO

RA

GE

STO

RA

GE

ENTRY HALL

10'-0"

DV GAS

Gathering

Place

The