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

Ash WednesdayJoel 2:12-17, Psalm 23I always feel a little self-conscious on Ash Wednesday. In years past I have had ashes in the shape of a cross smudged on my forehead. Typically, I would receive ashes in the morning and then go about my day. Going to work, running errands, last year I even had a doctor’s appointment and a book club meeting.Then someone asks, “so, uh, what do the ashes mean?”You ...  Read More

Next week is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. For some of you, this season means Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday always precedes Ash Wednesday and has religious roots). For St. Louisans, Lent marks the beginning of fish fry season. For others, it is a vaguely familiar time when some people come to work with those weird smudges on their forehead. But for Christians, Ash Wednesday is a time to remem...  Read More