Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 17, 2026Written by Sarah RugenstoneGod Doesn’t Glorify Violence, Man DoesScripture:And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,“See, the home of God is among mortals.God will dwell with them;they will be God’s peoples,and Godself will be with them and be their God;God will wipe every tear from their eyes.Death will be no more;mourning and crying and p...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 16, 2026Written by Sarah RugenstoneTime to Tear DownScripture:“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:a time to be born and a time to die;a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;a time to kill and a time to heal;a time to break down and a time to build up;a time to weep and a time to laugh;a time to mourn ...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | Why Did Jesus Have to Die? – Part 1Written by Denee Bowers and Jenny HuffmanWelcomeAs we begin week 3 of our series Why Did Jesus Have to Die?, we are looking at an explanation of Jesus’ death that deals less with the “why” and more with the “how.” This theory, known as the moral example or moral influence theory, follows the movement from head to heart to hands better than any w...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 15, 2026Written by Sarah RugenstoneFeminist Atonement TheoryScripture:“There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.”  Galatians 3:28-29Reflection:A note: First thin...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 14, 2026Written by Frederick (Rick) EccherChrist’s Death Frees Us So His Reconciling Life Can Flow Through UsScripture:I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in my body, I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of God’s Son, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)Refl...  Read More

A few weeks ago I was talking to a woman who had started coming to The Gathering in the past year. She was sharing with me the way that our church has helped her to believe in God after a long stretch of being unsure of her faith or the purpose of church. I told her how much it meant to me that she shared her experience. We started The Gathering to help people who weren’t finding church relevant o...  Read More