CoreGroup Guide | Simply Christmas - Week 4Guide written by Denee Bowers and Jenny HuffmanWelcomeWe are almost there, Christmas is nearly here (peep that Christmas Eve worship schedule if you haven’t already). It can be both an exciting and overwhelming time. So, it is fitting that this week we are focusing on grace. The grace God extends to us and the grace we can share with others. Opening Praye...  Read More

Scripture"39 Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. 40 She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 With a loud voice she blurted out, 'God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. 43 Why do I have this honor, that the m...  Read More

Even though December 24, is over a week away, Christmas Eve festivities start next week at The Gathering. On Tuesday, December 19, and Saturday, December 23, we will have early Christmas Eve services for those of you who are heading out of town. It will be the same message and music as Christmas Eve (including candlelit Silent Night), just a few days early. It will also be a chance to give to the ...  Read More

Scripture“Nothing is impossible for God.” - Luke 1:37ReflectionThis statement, “Nothing is impossible for God”, comes directly after two families being told by an angel that they were going to have a baby.  Both families had strong cases for why this should be impossible.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were seemingly too old.  Mary and Joseph had not had sexual relations.Those seem like fairly solid rea...  Read More

Scripture"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11ReflectionI hope I’m not the only one, but often I find myself asking the Lord, “Why?” Sometimes it’s difficult to see the “good” in the midst of chaos. As I was meditating and reflecting on this verse, that little footnote after welfare caught ...  Read More

Scripture"My child, eat honey, for it is good.    The honeycomb is sweet in your mouth.Know that wisdom is like that for your whole being.    If you find it, there is a future.    Your hope won’t be cut off." - Proverbs 24: 13-14 ReflectionWe live in the information age where “facts” are one click away 24/7. The church can often be just one more place where getting it RIGHT –the right words, the r...  Read More