How do I contact you?
Contact us here
Where can I find the rental application?
How do I make payments?
Do you accept donations?
Yes, donations are appreciated! The Gathering Place is a project of the Lummi Island Congregational Church, a non-profit organization. All pledges and donations are tax deductible. You can learn more about the church at www.lummichurch.org. Church members, islanders, friends, neighbors, and foundation grants raised $2,290,000 to build The Gathering Place. Your financial support today will ensure that The Gathering Place will connect, celebrate and serve Lummi Island for generations to come.
To make a gift for The Gathering Place, donate online by clicking the link below or mail a check made out to The Gathering Place to Lummi Island Congregational Church, P. O. Box 6, Lummi Island, WA 98262. To speak with someone about making a contribution call 360-758-2060 or email info@ligatheringplace.com
General FAQ
Where is The Gathering Place located?
The Gathering Place is located at 3913 Legoe Bay Road, behind the 1909 historic church building.
Who can use The Gathering Place? What events or activities are possible?
The building is available to anyone regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, and political beliefs. Private individuals, non-profits, schools, businesses, clubs, and organizations are all welcome to gather in this inviting space. Weddings, funerals, private parties, receptions, retreats, trainings, classes, health and wellness activities, fundraisers, concerts, or workshops are just a few possibilities.
What activities are currently scheduled for The Gathering Place?
Some of the regular, ongoing activities of Lummi Island Congregational Church will be in The Gathering Place, including the Elderberries senior program every Wednesday, Parish Dinners once a month, Yoga once a week, family movie night, and drop-in coffee times. The commercial kitchen is rented by a private party on a regular basis, and Whatcom County holds monthly WCFAC meetings. Anyone can schedule a one-time event or an ongoing meeting or event.
What is the history of The Gathering Place?
The Gathering Place is a new building to serve community needs for small and large gatherings. In 2016, Lummi Island Congregational Church started dreaming about a modern facility that meets health and accessibility codes and raised money from private individuals and foundations to completely fund the construction. The grand opening was on September 16, 2023.
What is the connection between The Gathering Place and Lummi Island Congregational Church?
Legally, The Gathering Place is located on church property and is not a separate entity from the Church. An all-volunteer board of directors, with a majority of members who are not church members, are responsible for developing policies, maintenance, and operation. All financial accounting for The Gathering Place is transparent and totally kept separate from Church finances. Functionally, one of the primary purposes is to serve the wider community and island residents. This is an exciting, new concept. We do not know of another community and church that has a “shared” building like ours. The Gathering Place is available to all regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or beliefs. The Gathering Place is for the community’s use, your personal/private use, and the church’s use. So let’s use it!
Renting FAQ
How do I schedule my event and rent The Gathering Place?
Contact the office to schedule your date. Review the Facility Use Policy and complete a Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver. Pay the appropriate fee and damage deposit.
How far do I need to schedule in advance?
Reservations should be made seven days prior to the event. However, every effort will be made to accommodate last-minute scheduling requests.
Can I arrive early to set up or leave late to clean up?
We ask that you please factor in setup/cleanup time into the times you request for your event. For weddings, contact us about prior day rentals.
How do I access the space during my reservation time? Will there be someone there to meet me?
An Event Host will be assigned to your reservation. They will meet you at the building at the start of your rental time and lock up when your reservation ends. The Event Host will also act as the point of contact for any questions, issues, situations which may arise, and will be able to respond appropriately in the event of something urgent.
Do I need Insurance for my event?
A certificate of insurance may be requested through a user’s homeowners insurance, or one day event insurance may be purchased online at https://www.theeventhelper.com/ . Our office staff will explain insurance requirements and assist you.
What Audio/Visual equipment is available?
The Gathering Place provides use of an 85-inch Smart TV. Your computer, phone, tablet, or other device can connect to the TV via Wi-Fi or HDMI cable (provided). The sound system connects via Bluetooth to your device for music or PA. There are two handheld microphones available. You may also bring your own technology however, you must also bring your own technician. Written instructions for use of the sound system and TV are available.
Can we serve alcohol at our event?
Yes, alcohol may be served and consumed in a completely responsible manner during any event held by an individual or organization. ALCOHOL PERMITS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RENTER.
Is cleaning included?
Clean-up is the responsibility of the user unless prior arrangements are made. All facility areas must be left in the same condition as found. We provide everything needed to clean up including soaps, sprays, paper towels, trash bags, and a commercial dishwasher.
Are table linens included?
No, renters must bring their own table coverings
Are dishes included?
Some dishes are available. Small basic plates and bowls, coffee mugs and water cups are available. The kitchen includes use of pots and pans and cooking utensils. Please inquire with the rental coordinator to confirm what we have available.
Can my guests smoke on the front or back patios?
No smoking indoors or within 25 feet of any building.
Ferry FAQ
Do I have to use the ferry?
Yes, access to Lummi Island is by the county ferry only. There is no public dock for personal vessels.
Do I have to reserve the ferry in advance? How often does it run?
The ferry is first come first serve only, no reservations. On weekdays the ferry runs twice per hour until 6pm and then once per hour with some exceptions. Additional unscheduled runs are occasionally done when traffic is heavy. On weekends the ferry runs once per hour. Click here to see the official schedule: Ferry Schedule | Whatcom County, WA – Official Website
How does getting on the ferry work?
Our wonderful ferry crew (who all live on the island) will guide you onto the ferry. Pay attention to which lane they point at when it’s your turn and follow their signals. They will put cars quite close together, but the crew has it handled. Please be aware that at low tide, the ramp will be steep, so plan accordingly if you are walking on or if you have a very low to the ground vehicle. You should plan to stay in your vehicle the whole time.
How much does it cost? How do I pay?
A regular sized vehicle + driver is $24 round trip. Additional passengers and walk on rates are $10 round trip. Ferry crew will come to your window to collect round trip payment on the way to the island only. Please note they will not accept cash, only debit/credit cards or multi-ride punch cards. Official rates can be found here: Current Ferry Fares, Effective 8/23/2025
How long does it take?
The trip takes about 5 minutes in good weather, a few minutes longer in rougher water.
Ferry Outages
From time to time the ferry experiences planned and unplanned outages including an extended outage once per year called “dry dock”. Make sure to check the County website here before you go!