Strong Foundation, Growing Impact // M-Note 10.17.26

So much can change in a year. Want proof? How about this…

One year ago The Gathering didn’t have a West County site. We didn’t have an Underground Recovery Community for people in recovery or struggling with addiction. We didn’t have a robust disabilities ministry or respite nights. Our Metro East site had not yet launched worship. At that time, I preached a series called Much Given, Much Expected where I casted a vision for the next 2 years at The Gathering. I then asked you to make a 2 year commitment to give financially to help make the vision a reality. So many of you said yes to that invitation and have been giving generously.

Today, we have a growing and thriving ministry across 5 sites, including Metro East and soon to be West County. Our Underground Recovery worship service is getting ready to celebrate its 1 year anniversary.  We have a burgeoning ministry for kids with disabilities. Our foundation is strong, our impact is growing, and the difference we are making in the lives of people is visible and profound. All of this is due to your commitment to this church, including your giving. Thank you. I am so honored to be part of a church that follows up its commitments and prayers with resources to serve others.

This weekend, I will continue our series Debunked: Unpacking Christian Cliches. I will talk about the granddaddy of all cliches, Everything Happens for a Reason. We will explore what this cliche gets right, why it's dangerous and a better way to express what I think we mean when we use it. This will be a great day to bring a friend as I know many people are curious about the questions this cliche raises.

Along with the message, we are going to have an opportunity for all of you to pray for our church and reaffirm your commitment to support it. Those of you that made a commitment to give last year, you’ll have a chance to remember that commitment and write down a prayer for our church’s future. If you are new since last year or never had a chance to do it, I am going to invite you to make a commitment for the remaining year of this initiative. I want you to be a part of it.

We will give out cards in worship this weekend if you want to make a commitment. You can also find a card online.

I am so grateful to each of you and for the ministry you make possible through your presence and your generosity. I can’t wait to see you Sunday and celebrate what is happening in our church.

Peace,

Matt

p.s. Don’t forget that this Sunday, Oct. 18 our West County site will have its monthly preview worship. If you have never tried it or if it has been a while, check it out and see how this new site is developing. If you live in West or St. Charles County, be sure to invite someone else that might connect with a church like ours. This is the time to do it. Worship is at 10am at The Reverie at The District in Chesterfield.