Something Worth Celebrating // M-Note 9.12.26

Twenty years ago, on September 17, 2006 - a new church gathered for worship in an old sanctuary in the city of St. Louis. The church didn’t have a lot of resources, no money, couldn’t afford staff, and didn’t have fancy technology. What it did have was people who were highly committed to something that they couldn’t yet see. They were people that wanted to create a church that was compelling for new generations of people. We imagined a church that people wanted to come to instead of coming out of guilt or obligation. We wanted a church that people were excited to tell their friends about, one that authentically welcomed people that had been burned or bored by the church, one that was passionate about inviting and welcoming new people.

I remember the week leading up to that first worship service. We held a 24-hour prayer vigil, asking God to bless this new community. My prayers were born out of hope and fear. I was hopeful for what God might do, but I had a lot of voices feeding the fear inside of me.


In fact, I spent so much time focusing on what might go wrong, that I didn’t think enough about what might happen if it worked.

Well, it worked. All of you have created a church with not just 1 site but 4 with a 5th one on the way. You didn’t just grow, you are one of the ten largest United Methodist Churches in the country. You didn’t just reach financial sustainability, you give away over a half a million dollars every year to missions in our city and around the world.

But that is not the most important thing you have done. You have created a community for thousands of people - a community of hope and healing, challenge and change, repentance and forgiveness, invitation and inclusion. For twenty years you have shared the authentic Christ with thousands of people who never thought they would be involved in church.

All of this is worth celebrating. This weekend, I am beginning a three week series called Defining Moments where we will stop and celebrate what God has done in our church, what is happening right now, and what God is going to do in the future. If The Gathering has been meaningful to you over the years, please join us. I would love to see you, have you in worship and hear your defining moment at our church. If you have been meaning to invite someone, please do it! This is the perfect time to introduce someone else to our community. Who knows, your invitation may lead to THEIR defining moment!

I can’t wait to celebrate with you. Each week, we will have powerful worship and a few fun surprises along the way (including treats and special giveaways). I am amazed by what God has done through you, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. Have a great weekend, and plan to be in church on Sunday at any of our sites.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. I would love for you to share your own defining moment at The Gathering. It can be a memorable worship, something that happened to you, or a moment that changed your perspective on faith. You can record from your own phone and just click to submit here.