Gathering Underground // M-Note 10.11.2025

Addiction touches nearly every one of us. For some, it’s a personal battle—alcohol, drugs, gambling, or something else that quietly takes hold of our lives. For others, it’s the pain of watching a spouse, child, parent, or friend struggle. Addiction can affect nearly all aspects of our lives - our work, our relationships, our finances, our emotional and physical health. It often leads to isolation, and most of all, shame. This shame can keep us from the help that God wants to give.

Unfortunately, this shame can also keep many people from church. Too often, the church seems like a place for people who have it together, instead of those whose lives are in turmoil. But, one of the things I love most about Jesus is that he always went toward the people others avoided. He saw through the labels and the struggles and saw the person. When the world turned people away, Jesus welcomed them in. That’s the kind of church we want to be—a community where no one has to hide their pain, and everyone can take a step toward healing and hope.

The truth is, recovery isn’t just about overcoming addiction—it’s about discovering grace, rebuilding trust, and learning to live a new life one day at a time. It’s about finding people who will walk with you, pray with you, and remind you that you are not alone. And that’s why I am so excited to share something new with you.

Beginning Wednesday, October 22, The Gathering will launch a new recovery ministry and service at our McCausland site called The Gathering Underground Recovery Community. This will be a weekly service designed especially for those who suffer from addiction, are in recovery, and those who love them. Chris Pondoff, a long-time Gathering member, will lead this ministry. Many of you know Chris’s powerful story of addiction and sobriety that he has shared on several occasions in our church as well as on his podcast, Pondoff’s Anonymous. Worship will begin at 6pm, followed by traditional and non-traditional 12step recovery groups where people can connect, share, and grow together.

Gathering Underground is part of our church’s growing commitment to be a place that welcomes those who are hurting and reminds all of us - you don’t have to struggle alone. We want to be a place of grace and healing for all people. Whether you’re contemplating recovery, in recovery, walking alongside someone who is, or simply want to be part of a community that welcomes and supports people in every stage of the journey—this is for you.

I am proud that The Gathering continues to live out our mission to create a Christian community that is compelling for new generations of people. This is another way we get to embody that calling.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. This weekend, I will continue what I called the most important series of the year, Much Given, Much Expected. You should have received a booklet about this series, The Gathering’s future vision, and how you can be a part of it. If you did not, make sure to grab one in worship this weekend or let us know here, and we will make sure you get one. I hope all of you who love the Gathering will make an extra effort to be in worship this month. It matters! Have a great weekend, and see you Sunday!