Defining Moments at the Gathering // M-Note 8.29.26

When did you first come to The Gathering? Can you remember? For some of us, it was a random invite from a friend. For others, we saw a mug sitting on a coworker's desk. Maybe you drove by and saw the orange sign or googled and we popped up. Just the other day, someone told me they asked ChatGPT for a church that isn’t lame in St. Louis, and AI invited them to The Gathering!

What did you experience when you first came to The Gathering? For some of you it was genuine welcome and acceptance. For others it is transformation and healing. Some of you were challenged to finally make faith a priority, and others of you found authentic friendships that are different from the others in your life. Some of you have discovered that church doesn’t have to be tied to political ideology, or you've been challenged to think more critically about the faith you hold. Many of you have grown spiritually, found a place to raise your kids, or begun serving in ways that have changed you.

What in your life has changed because of The Gathering? Many of you have been baptized or recommitted to following Jesus in your life. Some of you are more generous with your resources or lead a CoreGroup (to your great surprise). Some of you serve in ways that you never thought you would. Many of you have healthier marriages and relationships, a better handle on parenting, or a community of people who get what you are going through.  Many of you have gotten sober, decided to work on your anger, worked through grief alongside others, or found support with your mental health. A few of you have even decided that God is calling you to be a pastor!

What are you excited about for the future of The Gathering? Maybe you haven’t thought a lot about this question. We live so focused on our to-do lists that dreaming about the future of this church, this place you have been a part of and helped create, probably isn’t front-of-mind. But I hope that as you read this, you take a few minutes to think about that question, chew on some answers, and recognize what a gift it is to be in a church that you are excited about.

So why all the questions? Well, September will mark the 20th anniversary of The Gathering. It was on September 17, 2006 that a small group of people finally launched weekly worship in an old sanctuary on McCausland. I have spent a lot of time this year reflecting on these questions and more as we prepare to celebrate The Gathering. On September 13th, we will launch a new series called “Defining Moments.” We will have THREE big weeks of celebration at all of our sites as we look back at what God has done through our church, celebrate what is happening right now, and look ahead to the future.

I have two favors to ask. First, if The Gathering has played a role in your faith and life, please join us in-person for these three weeks. Secondly, most of us got here because someone invited us. Please invite someone that you think would find this church meaningful to join you for this series. It is the perfect time to introduce someone to who we are.

I can’t wait to see so many of you in September. Please plan on being here. As for this weekend, I will be finishing our series on Moses (which I have loved preaching). Have a great weekend, and I will see you Sunday!

Peace,

Matt

P.S. This weekend, after each service at all of our sites, we will have our Groups Launch Party! This is THE time to meet leaders of various groups, see what kind of CoreGroups and Wellness Groups are offered, and sign up to check one out. So make sure to take some time to see all the groups that are starting this fall at The Gathering.