The 2023 FGC Gathering will be held in Monmouth, Oregon, and we welcome newcomers!

We look forward to sharing a week of Quaker worship, learning, play, and new friendships with you! There are so many things to do – with this in mind, we have compiled some suggestions to make your week more enjoyable.

Welcome Sessions

All those new to the Gathering are encouraged to attend one of the Welcome Sessions at the beginning of the Gathering. Welcome Sessions will introduce you to the Gathering and connect you to experienced buddies as well as other first time attenders. Gathering registrants will be emailed more information.

Self-Care and Connection

There are many opportunities to make new friends at the Gathering! For many, workshops provide a comfortable home base with friendships that develop out of sharing a common interest. 

Be sure to get plenty of rest. Some experienced attenders encourage afternoon naps. You can’t do everything!

If you are a light sleeper, you may wish to bring ear plugs.

Check out the Healing Center and the Silent Place if you are looking for a quiet or restful spot.

Worship & Grounding

There are numerous opportunities for worship during the Gathering. Worship sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend. They are not limited to members of the sponsoring group, unless they say so specifically. The worship sponsored by FLGBTQC (Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns) provides childcare and is open to all Gathering attenders.

There are grounding movement opportunities (like yoga and tai chi) offered mornings and afternoons. There is no need to sign up in advance – just show up!

Facilities

We work hard to find a comfortable user-friendly campus, but dorm rooms and beds are never the same as home. You might wish to bring a desk lamp or other small personal things to make your room more comfortable. Make sure to bring pillows and a fan! More about what to bring will be in your Final Details email.

The university food service staff works with us to provide a variety of foods that meet our diverse dietary requirements. If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know before you come. If you have unanswered questions or un-met special needs, there will be a meeting on Monday after lunch with the university food-service personnel and the FGC Food Coordinator. 

Meal Times

  • Eat at the First-Time Attenders table, where new and experienced attenders join together.
  • If you’re feeling overstimulated at meal times, try the silent dining area.
  • Go to a singing group and eat lunch later, especially if you want to avoid the busiest crowds and lines (the lunch rush is right after workshops get out.)
  • Ask for help. There are tray carriers to assist parents and others who may need help getting their food to the table.
  • If you have young children or have a medical issue that limits your ability to stand or wait in line, please move to the front of the line. 

Questions? 

Learn more about programs & events at the 2023 Gathering.

If you have questions about being a newcomer to the Gathering, you can reach the First Time Attenders Committee on the Gathering Contact Form. 

Land acknowledgment information can be found at http://native-lands.ca and https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/.

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