Ready or Not, Here Come the Holidays // M-Note 10.27.23

Halloween is Tuesday, which I see as the kickoff of a rush of holidays. Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas. It all comes rushing at us. This season is fun for many of us - time with family, fun traditions, and an opportunity to connect with friends. But it also comes with struggle for many of us. Grief, strained relationships, over packed schedules, and seasonal depression can all complicate the holiday season. 

The Gathering wants to be a place that celebrates, but that also supports you through times like this. To help with that support, I am excited to announce three new Holiday Wellness Groups that are starting in early November - Grief & Loss, Navigating Complicated Relationships, and Feeling Depressed During the Holidays. Each of these groups will run for four weeks with a break for Thanksgiving. You can learn more or sign up for one of the groups here.

These are the first of many offerings from our brand new Wellness Ministry. Coming out of COVID, we realized we needed to care for people in new ways, and the idea for Wellness was born. Ashley Pondoff started in August as the Director. Ashley’s background is in social work and counseling, and she has been a part of The Gathering since 2010. She and her husband Chris attend the Clayton site along with their 10-year-old son, Charlie.

So, I really encourage you to sign up for one of our new groups if you think this is something you’ll need over the holidays, even a little bit. Or, share the group sign ups with others. Wellness Groups are for everyone, whether they have been to our church or not.

This ministry is a direct result of our OPEN generosity initiative. I am so grateful for all of you that give financially to support ministries like these. It's because of you that we can continue to try new things, and meet people where they are, when it's most needed.

Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing you in church Sunday. 

Peace,
 
Matt

P.S. This Sunday, we’ll wrap up the No Regrets sermon series with something special. I am going to talk about the final step of moving past our mistakes - Release it. This involves receiving forgiveness and moving forward. One of the most powerful examples of this is baptism. And, this Sunday, you’re going to have the chance to be baptized or to remember your baptism. At all our sites, we will have the tubs out (and towels available!). You can let us know that you want to do this by registering here, or just decide in the moment. We will also invite anyone to become a member of the church who is interested. Come prepared because it is going to be a powerful time of worship.I hope to see you there.