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