After a busy season of ministry, I spent some time yesterday doing something I haven’t done enough of recently. I rested. I didn’t sleep or lay around but instead I did a few things that bring me joy. They were pretty simple things. A morning run, reading with a cup of coffee, a conversation with an old friend that was planned, an impromptu visit with another friend that was not, and time in the k...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | The Christian Parent’s Field Guide - Part 3Written by Melissa Ross and Denee BowersWelcomeParenting! In some ways it feels easier to focus on the early years when children’s needs are immediate and demand active responses from parents. But these “hands on” duties shift as children grow older and become more independent. So far in this sermon series we have explored the role of pa...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | The Christian Parent’s Field Guide - Part 2Written by Denee Bowers and Melissa RossFrom Pastor CharityICYMI, catch the recording of the One CoreGroup One Day event. And yes, we sang Proud Mary. 240 people showed up! Keep the CoreGroup feelin’ by hosting a Summer Hang to meet new people just for the heck of it, or you might consider inviting them to your group this fall after hang...  Read More

The Gathering is a United Methodist Church and that matters. We are part of a global network of churches doing meaningful work around the world. Part of that connection means that The Gathering gets to send out pastors that have been shaped here to serve in other places. Rev. Adam Baker and Rev. Ryan Hebel are being sent out to serve as lead pastors in other churches this June. And grieving the lo...  Read More

When we started The Gathering 20 years ago, I knew that I wanted to be part of a community that not only helped me to grow spiritually, but that also shaped faith in new generations of people. Any of us that are parents know that it is hard raising kids and guiding them towards a meaningful and healthy relationship with God. Weekly, parents of young or adult children alike come to me seeking wisdo...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | The Christian Parent’s Field Guide - Part 1Written by Melissa Ross and Denee BowersFrom Pastor CharityThis week we begin a new sermon series, The Christian Parent’s Field Guide. Our shared practice for this series is Grow in Groups. Take a minute to look at the Start / Grow / Stretch on the Shared Practices page. Reflect on where you are now and where you hope to go during this s...  Read More