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

Scripture“Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you're in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer.” - Romans 12:12 CEBReflectionThe Christian experiences the same world that everyone else experiences. They smile with delight at the birth of their nephew.  And they’re filled with anxiety at that child’s first steps. Their knuckles explode with pain when the wrench slips.  And their hands b...  Read More

Scripture"7 Be patient, therefore, brothers [and sisters], until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the ...  Read More