Monday, February 22Exodus 1-2“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist.Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out- – Because I was not a Trade Unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.Then they came for me–and there was no one left to speak for me.”I’ve read different versions of th...  Read More

Sunday, February 21The First Sunday in LentEasily the most popular rule in the official Lent rulebook is the one that tells us we can break our fast on Sundays during the season.Ok, there’s not really an official Lent rulebook. Instead, there are traditions and ways of engaging Lent embraced by generations of Christ followers that we get to join in. One of those common practices is to set Sundays ...  Read More

Jesus in the DesertSaturday, February 20Matthew 4:1-11Fasting is a spiritual discipline taught throughout the Bible. As we learn in the books of Ezra and Judges, fasting can be used to strengthen prayer and to seek God’s guidance. Matthew 4 demonstrates that fasting is a powerful tool for overcoming temptation and growing closer with God.Jesus was led by God into the wilderness. No one forced him ...  Read More

March will mark one year since we have been able to worship together in person at The Gathering. It is perhaps fitting then that as we approach March, The Gathering is announcing the return of in-person worship. On April 11, 2021 (the Sunday after Easter), The Gathering will relaunch an option for in-person worship at each of our three sites.  We have been anticipating this news for some time, and...  Read More

Why Do We Fast? Friday, February 19Deuteronomy 8:2-3, Matthew 6:16-18Fasting, going without food and sometimes without water, is an ancient practice observed the world over. It is used for both religious and nonreligious purposes. The principle of fasting is mentioned about thirty times in the Bible. We inherited the practice from our Jewish siblings. And for most of church history, fasting has be...  Read More

What is Lent?Thursday, February 18Isaiah 43:19I grew up mostly watching Lent from the sidelines. I attended the local Presbyterian church with my family, but in our small town there was a large Catholic church. Many of my friends were a part of the parish, attended weekly fish frys, and gave up something for Lent each year.Giving up chocolate was popular. Some gave up television, though I suspecte...  Read More