An Invitation to Contribute a Cameo to The Meetinghouse
We are writing a book—and we would love for you to share your story.
The Meetinghouse: Stories and Practices from a Living Commons is a multi-voiced work emerging from the lived experience of the Ridgebury Meetinghouse reclaiming our roots as a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs gather to grow, heal, create, serve, and flourish together.
The project will be anchored and edited by me, with chapters written by team—Heather, James, Sara, Fanta, Claire and Candice—actively shaping this living experiment, alongside shorter reflections and stories—“Voices from the Commons”—from the wider community.
And so, we are inviting the voices of the community into the book.
What We’re Asking
Should you feel called, we invite you to write a short cameo (approximately 250–450 words) reflecting on your experience of The Meetinghouse.
You might consider questions such as:
- How did you first come to The Meetinghouse?
- What drew you in?
- Why did you stay?
- What has this community meant to you?
- How have you experienced belonging, healing, creativity, or connection here?
- What moments, practices, relationships, or experiences stand out?
- What do you sense is emerging through this community?
There is no “right” way to write this. Your voice matters more than polished prose. Some cameos may read like stories, others like reflections, memories, letters, or even brief meditations. We simply ask that you write honestly and personally.
A Few Encouragements
- Write in your natural voice.
- Specific moments and lived experiences are often more powerful than abstractions.
- Feel free to include joy, struggle, surprise, doubt, hope, or complexity.
- A single meaningful moment can say a great deal.
- Length: approximately 250–450 words.
- Due: 6/15/26
- Submit your story via email by clicking here.
Together, these voices will help tell the story not only of a place, but of a different way of being community—one rooted in presence, participation, and shared flourishing.
Thank you for considering being part of this collective offering. Your story may become part of someone else’s hope.
With gratitude,
Deborah Rundlett
Director, The Meetinghouse
