Local Mission Highlights // M-Note 7.19.25

Gathering,

In June, The Gathering celebrated in worship four non-profit mission organizations that we support. In a culture that is increasingly self-focused and self-centered, Jesus’ call for his followers to serve and give is radical and significant. At The Gathering, we want to be that kind of community in a visible way.

Every week last month, we highlighted the work of a St. Louis non-profit organization doing great work in our community, talked about ways to serve through that organization, and contributed $5000 to each one. While the financial gifts were incredible, what happened afterwards is even better. You signed up to serve! So much so that every organization reached out to celebrate how you’re making a deep impact on the work they are able to do.
 
Here’s some of what they said. 

• Big Brothers Big Sisters exceeded their June goal for volunteers thanks in part to their Sunday at The Gathering. Their representative shared how powerful it was to feel seen, supported, and aligned with Pastor Charity’s message. 
• Ready Readers had 15 people sign up to learn more about volunteering, and many more took flyers. Their representative was deeply moved by the kindness and interest of our people. 
• Wesley House Association had many meaningful conversations. 
• The Brick by Brick Benefit Concert raised more than $26,000 to support storm recovery in North St. Louis. This funding will help:
  • InvestSTL provide $3,000 in direct cash assistance to up to 1,300 North St. Louis City households most impacted by the storm.
  • Help 4thVille in their efforts to rebuild and revitalize the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. corridor.

 
I am grateful to all of you for your generosity in giving. When you give each week during worship, you help us to support mission work in our own city. If you have not yet set up a way to give regularly online, please check out how you can do that here. I am also proud that so many of you followed up your giving with serving in and through these organizations. If you want to learn more about how to serve, check out the opportunities here.
 
Thank you, Gathering, for the ways that you listen and live into Jesus’ call to be generous and to serve people. It is one of the simple ways that we live differently because of our faith, but the results of that obedience are powerful and life-changing.
 
This weekend, I am continuing our new series Hot Ones: A Spicy Take on Faith. Each week I am tackling a tough question about faith and God, questions that I get asked a lot but that don’t have simple answers. The messages are going to be really interesting and some of the answers might surprise you. Last week, I tackled the question of hell (what a way to return from a break). If you missed the message, you can listen here. This weekend I am answering the question, “Is God really in control of my life?” A lot of you wonder if God has a plan for your life and how to find it. Because this question is asked so often, even by people who don’t normally come to church, this is a great weekend to invite a friend. The message will be especially relevant and useful.                                                                                                                              

Thank you, Gathering, for being so committed to giving and serving. I am so excited about the work that is happening in our church right now. I hope you are having a great summer, and I can’t wait to see you on Sunday.

Peace,
Matt