WelcomeWelcome Back! Whether this is a re-up with old friends or you are joining a new group, we are glad you are here. Last week we used this time to get to know one another – to hopefully establish an ease for everyone to participate in the group. This week we begin our regular discussions of the sermon topics. Our beginning series for the year is focused on The Lord’s Prayer. It is the most pra...  Read More

It has been a hard week. Sunday, I am going to share some words about the events of this last week before my message, and I encourage you all to worship with us in person. But, there is also much to celebrate and anticipate right now at The Gathering. Sunday, September 14th, The Gathering Metro East will have its first preview worship service. This is an important time to cast vision for the new s...  Read More

WelcomeWelcome to a new season of groups at The Gathering! We’re glad you’re here. Usually this CoreGroup Guide will lead us through a discussion related to the current sermon series. Each week we will dive into scripture, reflect on the main themes of the sermon, and ponder how we can engage our Head, Heart, and Hands as we journey together in faith. This week will follow a similar pattern, but i...  Read More

Churches talk about prayer a lot. But many of us are embarrassed to admit that we really don’t know how to pray? It's challenging to find time, we struggle to stay focused, and we don’t always know what to say. If you have felt that way, you aren’t alone. Prayer is something we have to learn.Jesus knew this. During his sermon on the mount, he taught his disciples how to pray and even gave them a p...  Read More

People try a church because someone invites them. People come back because they like worship. People stay because of relationships. And relationships happen when we get into a group. Most of us know this. It is easy to come to worship and leave without really meeting other people. That is one of the reasons why we urge people to join a CoreGroup. Groups are where we make friends. Groups are where ...  Read More

Part of The Gathering’s commitment is to influence the larger United Methodist Church. I am so grateful that I get to serve the greater church through teaching, preaching, and writing. I especially love working with, and helping to develop, younger pastors. Two days ago, I left for England where along with Pastor Adam Hamilton from Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, I get to help lead a gr...  Read More