Gathering,
In 2021, I started a podcast and radio show called The F Word: Conversations in Faith. I am only three weeks in, but I am having a lot of fun so far! I started this project for a few reasons. First, The Gathering is all about meeting people where they are and inviting them to explore faith. Especially in a world where people cannot come to church, this is a new way for us to reach out to new people. Second, on a personal level, I never want to grow stale in my leadership or complacent in my work. This has been a fun and creative new challenge. Finally, the podcast gives me the chance to talk about topics and have conversations that aren’t always possible or appropriate for a Sunday during worship. That is especially true this week.
Last Sunday in worship, I briefly addressed the violence and insurrection in our nation’s capital. But, I have been reflecting a lot lately on the way in which so many Christians have not only supported these sorts of political movements, but in many cases, participated in them. In this week’s episode of The F Word, I decided to explore why Christians have become so identified with one political party in the US. In addition, how can followers of Jesus support speech, policies, tactics, and leaders that seem so…unchristian?
Joining me for this conversation is Dr. Marie Griffith, the Director of the John Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Griffith studies evangelical Christians, their participation in partisan politics, and the controversies over gender, sex, and marriage. The conversation is not only really interesting, but important for all Christians to hear and reflect upon.
I hope you will check out and support the new show and podcast. I am partnering with The Big 550 KTRS so you can listen to the show each Sunday afternoon at 3. You can also subscribe to The F Word: Conversations on Faith here or just search the title and my name wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes will drop each Sunday afternoon. I would love it if you would subscribe, give it a listen, and share it with someone that may be interested. And as always, I would love to hear your feedback about it or your ideas for future topics. You can email them to thefword@gatheringnow.org.
This weekend at The Gathering, I will be continuing our series Frame of Mind by exploring the question, “What are you focused on?” Science has shown a simple correlation between what we focus on internally and what we experience externally. Our thoughts shape the world that we see and experience. We may not always be able to change our circumstances, but we can change what we focus on! As always, we will worship online live at 8, 9, 10, and 11 or anytime OnDemand. For all the details or to join just head to gatheringnow.org. And don’t forget to invite someone who may need to redirect their focus in the new year.
Ok, as I write, the snow is falling. I hope you find some time to go look at it, take a deep breath, and remember that God has brought you this far and will not let you down now! I will see you Sunday.
Peace,
Matt
In 2021, I started a podcast and radio show called The F Word: Conversations in Faith. I am only three weeks in, but I am having a lot of fun so far! I started this project for a few reasons. First, The Gathering is all about meeting people where they are and inviting them to explore faith. Especially in a world where people cannot come to church, this is a new way for us to reach out to new people. Second, on a personal level, I never want to grow stale in my leadership or complacent in my work. This has been a fun and creative new challenge. Finally, the podcast gives me the chance to talk about topics and have conversations that aren’t always possible or appropriate for a Sunday during worship. That is especially true this week.
Last Sunday in worship, I briefly addressed the violence and insurrection in our nation’s capital. But, I have been reflecting a lot lately on the way in which so many Christians have not only supported these sorts of political movements, but in many cases, participated in them. In this week’s episode of The F Word, I decided to explore why Christians have become so identified with one political party in the US. In addition, how can followers of Jesus support speech, policies, tactics, and leaders that seem so…unchristian?
Joining me for this conversation is Dr. Marie Griffith, the Director of the John Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Griffith studies evangelical Christians, their participation in partisan politics, and the controversies over gender, sex, and marriage. The conversation is not only really interesting, but important for all Christians to hear and reflect upon.
I hope you will check out and support the new show and podcast. I am partnering with The Big 550 KTRS so you can listen to the show each Sunday afternoon at 3. You can also subscribe to The F Word: Conversations on Faith here or just search the title and my name wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes will drop each Sunday afternoon. I would love it if you would subscribe, give it a listen, and share it with someone that may be interested. And as always, I would love to hear your feedback about it or your ideas for future topics. You can email them to thefword@gatheringnow.org.
This weekend at The Gathering, I will be continuing our series Frame of Mind by exploring the question, “What are you focused on?” Science has shown a simple correlation between what we focus on internally and what we experience externally. Our thoughts shape the world that we see and experience. We may not always be able to change our circumstances, but we can change what we focus on! As always, we will worship online live at 8, 9, 10, and 11 or anytime OnDemand. For all the details or to join just head to gatheringnow.org. And don’t forget to invite someone who may need to redirect their focus in the new year.
Ok, as I write, the snow is falling. I hope you find some time to go look at it, take a deep breath, and remember that God has brought you this far and will not let you down now! I will see you Sunday.
Peace,
Matt
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2022
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March
M-Note 3.1.22Lenten Devotional // Day 1Lenten Devotional // Day 2Luke: The Gospel For Rebels Week 5Lenten Devotional // Day 3Lenten Devotional // Day 4Lenten Devotional // First SundayLenten Devotional // Day 5Lenten Devotional // Day 6Lenten Devotional // Day 7Lenten Devotional // Day 8Lenten Devotional // Day 9Following Jesus: Some Assembly Required – Week 1Lenten Devotional // Day 10Some Assembly RequiredLenten Devotional // Second SundayLenten Devotional // Day 11Lenten Devotional // Day 12Lenten Devotional // Day 13Lenten Devotional // Day 14Following Jesus: Some Assembly Required – Week 2Lenten Devotional // Day 15Lenten Devotional // Day 16M-Note 3.20.22Lenten Devotional // Third SundayLenten Devotional // Day 17Lenten Devotional // Day 185 Benefits to Embracing Your Uncertainty of GodLenten Devotional // Day 19Lenten Devotional // Day 20M-Note 3.24.2022Lenten Devotional // Day 21Following Jesus: Some Assembly Required – Week 3Lenten Devotional // Day 22Lenten Devotional // Fourth SundayLenten Devotional // Day 23Lenten Devotional // Day 24Lenten Devotional // Day 25Lenten Devotional // Day 26
April
Following Jesus: Some Assembly Required – Week 4M-Note 4.1.2022Lenten Devotional // Day 273 Implications of God's Humanity on YoursLenten Devotional // Day 28Lenten Devotional // Fifth SundayLenten Devotional // Day 29Lenten Devotional // Day 30Lenten Devotional // Day 31Lenten Devotional // Day 32Following Jesus: Some Assembly Required – Week 53 Misunderstandings of Easter that Impact YouLenten Devotional // Day 33Lenten Devotional // Day 34Lenten Devotional // Palm SundayLenten Devotional // Day 35Lenten Devotional // Day 36Lenten Devotional // Day 37M-Note 4.14.2022Lenten Devotional // Day 38 Maundy ThusdayLenten Devotional // Day 39 Good FridayLenten Devotional // Day 40 Holy SaturdayLenten Devotional // EasterMysterious You: How your union with God makes you divineM-Note 4.20.2022No Filter: See The Real You – Week 14 Ways Embracing Your Sin Serves the WorldM-Note 4.28.2022No Filter: See The Real You – Week 2
May
3 Reasons You Should Embrace Your WeirdnessM-Note 5.5.22No Filter: See The Real You – Week 3Identify Your Purpose and Empower Your FutureM-Note 5.12.22No Filter: See The Real You – Week 4Confidently Approach Life as a Second ChanceLearning to Enjoy LIFE by Eliminating DistractionsUncomplicating the “God” Question to Simplify Spirituality
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