Follow Us

A 4th Grade Tradition // M-Note 8.9.2025

I grew up in a small United Methodist Church in Washington, MO. As was the tradition in a lot of churches, when I was in 4th grade my friends and I were called up to the front of the church and given our very own adult Bible. Inside we were asked to write our name as the pastor told us about all the benefits of reading it. I went home that day, stuck the book on a shelf, and didn’t think much about it for several years. 

But then, in high school, I got curious. I heard someone say something about Christians that I wasn’t sure I agreed with. They told me that it was, “in the Bible,” so I went home and picked it up to see for myself. It was the beginning of a long, windy road of occasionally reading, often neglecting, but beginning to wrestle with a book that would shape my life. But, it wouldn’t have happened if there wasn’t a community that cared enough about me as a fourth grader to give me the Bible in the first place. 

We do a lot of things differently here at The Gathering, but there are some traditions I love. Giving away Bibles is one of them. This weekend, there are several exciting things happening. We will be celebrating our kids as they prepare to move up a grade in kids ministry. We will invite our fourth graders up on stage to give them their very own Bible. We will also be blessing backpacks for students of all ages, so be sure to have your kids bring theirs! Finally, I will be starting a new series called Boomers to Zoomers: Bridging the Generational Gap. We are going to listen to the voices of several generations in our church and find out what each one has to teach us about our faith.

Last week, I was able to sit down and talk about life and faith with four of our students, and their voices will inform this week’s message. It is an important one for all of us to hear, especially as we want to create a church that welcomes new generations. 
 
As we get ready to start the series, I want you to add YOUR voice to the mix as well. We’ve created a short, anonymous survey where you can reflect on your own generation, your experience in the church, and what you wish others understood about you. It’s a fun and meaningful way to contribute to the conversation—and maybe learn something along the way.

? Take the survey here!

I say this a lot, but The Gathering is here to welcome people who never thought they would be in church. So many people have found that following Jesus can be significant and meaningful in their life. And people find our church because one of you has the courage to reach out and invite them. As summer begins to draw to a close and school is on the horizon, this is a perfect season to invite someone - especially folks with kids. And, if you know someone with kids, it is THE DAY.

I am so proud that we are a church that invests in younger people the way others invested in me. And who knows what difference one of those Bibles we hand out this weekend might make!

Stay cool, and I can’t wait to see you on Sunday.

Peace,
Matt

Posted in

No Comments


Recent

Archive

 2025
 March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10Sending Forth // M-Note 3.15.25Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11Friends Along the Way | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 12The Loneliness of Fear | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 13Not Through With You Yet | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 14Clinging to Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 15Bring It To The King | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 16Pray When Unsteady | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 17Courage to Stand for Faith | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 18Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 3A Holy Rage | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 19Focus on What is Holy | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 20Fast for Justice and Kindness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 21The World is Harsh and Beautiful | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 22I Feel Sorry for Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 23Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 4i flipped a table once | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 24Ain’t Got Nothin’ | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 25Spring Forward in Faith // M-Note 3.29.25Visio Divina | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 26Everlasting Joy Sealed in Your Heart | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 27
 April
Sometimes Joy is Simply Doing Your Best | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 28An Unexpected Gift of Spring | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 29When Joy Flows Freely | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 30Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.5.25Joy Even When It Rains | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 31Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 5Joy Entwined with Loss | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 32When Betrayal is Part of the Plan | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 33Healing From Disappointment | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 34Betraying Others is Betraying Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 35A Sarcastic Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 36Have Compassion for Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 37Another Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.12.25A Disappointing Disciple | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 38When We Disappoint Others | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 39Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 6The Belief of Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 40The Value of Praise | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 41Through the Eyes of Those Who Knew Him | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 42Feeling Called Out | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 43Where Was Judas? | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Maundy ThursdayEaster Discussion GuideEasterSTL @The Factory Pro-Tips // M-Note 4.18.25Today is Not the End of the Story | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Good FridayThe Burning Pain of Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Holy SaturdayHe is Risen | 2025 Lenten Devotional | EasterMuch to Celebrate Post-Easter // M-Note 4.26.25CoreGroup Guide | We Just Click - Part 1

Categories