This morning, I met a friend for coffee. Normally, this sort of thing would happen over Zoom, but he is moving away, so this was my last chance to see him and say goodbye. He and his wife have been instrumental to The Gathering from the very beginning, supporting our ministry with their time, energy, wisdom, and money. From the launch of the church 14 years ago, to the beginning of our safe water ...  Read More

Gathering,Writer Annie Dillard once said, “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Considering that the average person spends a third of their adult life at work - some 90,000 hours - your job can in large part define your life. That is why work is such a source of stress, discernment, and struggle. Loving what you do, or finding deep meaning in your work, can feel like an el...  Read More

Type your new text here. Gathering,It is a season of transitions. Of course, the most obvious one occurred Wednesday when we transitioned leadership in Washington, D.C. But, our government is not the only thing in transition. With the distribution of a vaccine, there is a sense that we may be at least beginning a transition out of this global pandemic. We are in a new year and a new season of life...  Read More

Gathering,In 2021, I started a podcast and radio show called The F Word: Conversations in Faith. I am only three weeks in, but I am having a lot of fun so far! I started this project for a few reasons. First, The Gathering is all about meeting people where they are and inviting them to explore faith. Especially in a world where people cannot come to church, this is a new way for us to reach out to...  Read More

January 8, 2021 Gathering,I am hopeful. You read that right. I am hopeful. That sounds a little strange. After all, we still have a pandemic raging. We witnessed violence and chaos in our nation’s capital. Many of us still feel isolated and disconnected. The holidays have come and gone, and some of us are still waiting patiently for life to turn around. So where does the hope come from? In part, h...  Read More

Gathering,It is Christmas Eve, and I am not rushing around. I am not putting on a tie or preparing for 14 services. Instead, I am praying for you, and eager to worship alongside you. I am going to miss seeing you in person, but today there is an incredible opportunity for all of us, wherever we are, to worship together. Most of us have been so consumed with what is happening in our world day to da...  Read More