CoreGroup Guide | Christian In Name Only - Part 4
Written by Jenny Huffman and Christopher Burford

Welcome

Welcome to the fourth and final week of our series “Christian in Name Only.” For the last few weeks we have wrestled with the reality that people in positions of power are increasingly using the Christian faith to justify behavior that is contrary to the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. We finish the series this week by examining the ways in which Christianity is being used to enforce a social order where certain groups are placed higher than others. This distortion is consistent, widespread, and harmful, weaving itself into the fabric of our society at an alarming rate. But Jesus practiced radical equality, and calls us to do the same.

Opening Prayer Activity

Today we are invited to start our time together with some deep breathing and mindful grounding. This week brings another hard topic, but one that is critically important for us to discuss as a faith community. Let’s take a moment to center ourselves and invite God into this shared space.

To begin, find a comfortable position and set aside any potential distractions. You can close your eyes if you would like. As you sit in silence, imagine taking in a deep breath and moving the air towards each part of your body, starting with your head, neck, and shoulders, then through your spine and chest, arms and legs, and to the tips of your fingers and toes. 

As you breathe in, pull in calmness, courage, and hope to every part of your body. Fill yourself with the wisdom and peace of the Holy Spirit.

As you breathe out, push out all of the noise, the chaos, the worry, and the strife. Blow it out as far as it will go. Empty yourself of the angst.

Breathe in calmness, courage, and hope.
Breathe out chaos, worry, and strife.
Breathe in wisdom and peace.
Breathe out angst.

Amen.

Ice Breaker

Which do you prefer, even numbers or odd? What does this say about your personality?

The Head

A few decades after the resurrection of Jesus, the apostle Paul wrote one of his first letters to the Galatian church, located in modern day Turkey. Some of the believers there had become confused about the true meaning of the gospel. In this letter, we learn that God’s blessing, through Jesus, was now available to all people, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or gender. 

• What does it mean to clothe yourself with Christ? What are the “articles of clothing” (so to speak) that you put on when you claim the name of Christian?
• 2,000 years ago the divisions of the day were Jew vs Greek, slave vs free, and male vs female. What are the most prominent divisions in our world today? 
• Why does Paul bring up Abraham’s descendants at the end of this passage? [See the Book of Genesis for more info, specifically Genesis 15:5-6.]
• Why would this promise to Abraham have mattered so much to the original recipients of this letter? Why should it matter to us today?

The Heart

In the book of Revelation, the apostle John describes a vision of heaven that reflects his deep belief in what it means to be a follower of Christ:


Ultimately Jesus represents a vision for humanity that is not marked by division and hierarchy, but rather by equality, diversity, and abundance. The kingdom of God has room for all!

• What images come to mind when you envision humanity as God intended us to be?
• What do you think is the underlying motivation for people to create unequal social orders? Is it fear, scarcity, power, ignorance, sin? Something else? Why do people grab on to these divisive and distorted rhetorics in the first place?
• Where might you be unintentionally perpetuating the hierarchies of our society?
• How can you grow your compassion for all of God’s people?

The Hands

This trend of using Christianity to support a harmful social order is widespread and quickly becoming a normalized part of our society, but the good news is that we are part of that society as well! We have the power to recognize this distortion, name it, and do something about it.

• Where is one place you could push back a little this week? How can you do so in a way that honors what it means to be a follower of Christ, in more than just name?
• We often use the word “radical” to describe the actions of Jesus – Radical equality, radical hospitality, radical inclusivity. What does the word radical mean to you? 
• What is one way you can live out your faith in a radical way this week?
• How can the group be praying for you to take this step?

Going Deeper

The recommended memory verse for the Christian in Name Only series was 1 Peter 2:9 from the Common English Bible (CEB):


Whether you memorized it or not, read through this verse three times together as a group. For those who have the verse committed to memory, try closing your eyes as you recite the scripture together. How does God speak to you through these words?

Closing Prayer

Good and gracious God, thank you for choosing us, for knowing us, and for calling us out of the darkness into your amazing light. As we go forward into the world today, help us to carry that light with us wherever we go. Help us to bear witness to the life and ministry of your son, Jesus Christ, so that we may be Christians in name, in word, in action, and in love. Amen.

Spring is a season of transitions. Personally, our calendar is full of events this May as my youngest son George prepares to graduate high school. Of course, he is in a season of change as he says goodbye to one chapter and prepares for college in just a few months. But, Jess and I are also preparing for a new season. For the first time in 25 years, we will not have a kid living in our house!
 
In our church, it is a season of transition as well. Last Sunday, we celebrated Pastor Adam Baker’s last Sunday at our Webster Site. He and his family are preparing to move to New Zealand at the end of the month, where he will begin serving Methodist churches on the South Island. Adam has been an instrumental part of our church for the last six years. He joined us in the middle of COVID. At the time, our Webster Site was struggling. We were in a less than ideal space where we had to set up and tear down each week. We needed a new building, a new leader, and new energy for the site. Adam and his family were an answer to many prayers. Since his time joining us, our Webster Site moved into a new building, relaunched worship after COVID, and has doubled in size. On a personal note, so many of you have had your lives impacted by Adam’s compassion, wisdom, and friendship. I am proud that we get to send Adam off to take what he has learned and offered here to new people and communities.
 
I hope you will join me in praying for the Bakers as they prepare for this move. We hope to announce a new pastor for our Webster Site soon, and, until the end of June, Pastor Martin Leathers will be filling in as the Site Pastor on Sunday mornings.
 
All this transition reminds me that seasons of loss also contain seeds of promise. While change in our lives can mean losing something, change also makes space for something new to begin. We often cannot consider new possibilities without saying goodbye to old commitments. As Jess and I prepare for a new season of life, and as our church prepares for a new chapter, I am ultimately hopeful about what God will do for us. As you navigate transition in your own life, I pray that you might hold on to that hope as well, that just as you let go of one good thing, God will begin leading you towards another.
 
Peace,
 
Matt
 
P.S. I hope you will be in church this weekend as I finish our series Christian in Name Only. If this series has resonated with you, don’t miss this last message. I want to thank all of you that have listened or shared these messages with others. We have had four times the normal views of the messages online, and I am receiving so many encouraging notes about what this series has meant. Thank you for that. If you want to catch one of the messages or share them with a friend, you can find the whole series here.

CoreGroup Guide | Christian In Name Only - Part 3
Written by Christopher Burford and Jenny Huffman

Welcome

Hello friends and welcome to week 3 of “Christian in Name Only.” Over the last few weeks, we have discussed distortions in faith that have led some to wrongly justify positions of power and commit acts of violence based on faulty interpretations of the Bible. This week might be even more challenging to us personally because there will be some self-reflection involved. We will be discussing a distortion of faith that results in the exclusion of others. In other words, a distortion of faith that leads to practicing prejudices against our neighbors; a distortion that would have made Jesus upset. Let's pray to God for help first as we navigate this difficult topic.  

Opening Prayer

God, we thank you for this time together to talk even if the conversations are hard. We want to be better followers of your word in thought and in action. Please guide our conversation to deeper understanding and humble our comments so that we can grow together in understanding. It is in your name we pray Lord, amen.  

Ice Breaker

At a restaurant or cooking at home, what things are you most likely to exclude or leave out of your meal? What ingredients are least on your list? Is it flavor, texture, or something else?

The Head

This week, we are referring back to Matthew 23:13, a familiar verse from the first week of this series. You may recall that Scribes were experts in religious law and Pharisees were religious purists. Neither group wanted to change their status or their influence and they were heavily engaged in excluding others. Because of this hypocrisy, Jesus called them out.  

• The “woe” beginning in this statement is really meant as shame thrown towards the Scribes and Pharisees. How would Jesus say this quote if it was spoken today?
• Locking people out of the kingdom of heaven was a reference to excluding people from worship. What types of people would have been excluded back then? 
• The visual of Scribes and Pharisees keeping people from worship while not worshiping themselves is powerful. What type of worship was Jesus referring to? 
• What do you think motivated these leaders to lock people out? 

As a point of comparison, here are a few additional Bible references with summaries from the New Testament that show how Jesus interacted with the same “excluded” groups of people:

Matthew 8:5-13

Jesus encountered a Roman Centurion needing help with a servant’s paralyzed son. The Centurion expressed a level of faith that deeply impressed Jesus and the boy was healed.

Mark 7:24-30

Jesus encountered an immigrant woman needing him to remove an unclean spirit from her daughter. Jesus praised her faith and healed the little girl.  

Luke 5:12-13

A man with a deadly skin disease approached Jesus with faith that he could be healed.  Jesus, without fear or hesitation, touched the man and healed him.

Matthew 9:10-13

Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors. Pharisees saw this as wrong behavior, but Jesus said he desires mercy for sinners.

John 4

Jesus intentionally visited a woman – rejected by society – at a well in the heat of the day.  He explained that God seeks people who worship in spirit and truth and he let her know that she was not rejected by God.  

• How are these actions of Jesus different from the actions of religious leaders?
• All of these encounters happened before the scene described above in Matthew 23. How do Jesus’ words of “Woe” compare to the way he conducted his ministry?

The Heart

Excluding others from worship seems utterly preposterous in modern times, however most of us can name a church experience in our lifetimes when a group of people were not welcomed or loved in a church setting. In fact, we may have even gone along with those exclusions without giving much thought to how that would have made Jesus feel. People excluded like this may have been in the LGBTQ community; or maybe they were divorced; maybe they were immigrants or a different race; maybe they were addicts; maybe they committed certain sins or had doubts in their own faith; or maybe the exclusion targeted women!

• How is the Christian faith still used in modern times to exclude others? How is this even possible given how much has changed since Jesus was here on earth?
• What do you think motivates some churches and other faith-based groups to exclude certain groups of people?
• In what ways have you felt excluded in Christian spaces? How did that impact your faith?
• What exclusions of people live in your heart? Who is hard to love in your life? Why?
• What messages do you need to hear or what thoughts do you need to process to change your own exclusion feelings?

The Hands

When you read about Jesus in the New Testament as we did above, you notice a pattern he establishes that emphasizes radical inclusion. Jesus made intentional choices to elevate women, children, and others generally excluded from places of worship. Jesus met them where they were and made sure to let them know they were loved. We can use his examples to model what our actions should strive toward when seeking ways to live a Christian life.  

• Recognizing that we are all made beautifully different, what would practicing radical inclusion look like in your life?
• What meaningful steps would you need to take to feel like you are making a difference to include others?
• What efforts have you already made with radical inclusion that we can celebrate as a group?
• How can we be praying for you this week as we seek ways to match our actions with our faith?

Closing Prayer

Hey God, we get caught up in wayward thoughts and actions that do not match the love or devotion you have for us.  We somehow think it's right to love some people and not others. Please forgive us. Lead us to compassionate ways. Open our minds to new thoughts to radically welcome everyone to the grace you have for us. Please send your Spirit to nudge us this week as we seek to live as your people. It is in your name we pray, amen.    

Going Deeper

The memory verse for this series is 1 Peter 2:9 from the Common English Bible (CEB):


Here are three simple ways to practice memorizing a verse:

1. Write it (one time a day on a notecard, in your notes app, or on your mirror).
2. Say it out loud (at the same time daily - driving, brushing teeth, before bed).
3. Pray it (turn the verse into a one sentence prayer for yourself or someone you love).

From Pastor Charity

ICYMI there’s a fun food collab for One CoreGroup One Day plus my big dare when we reach 350 sign ups! Watch the video here: 1CG1D Promo

Please take a moment for your group to sign up while you’re together.

Thank you Gathering. From the beginning of our ministry, I promised that we would be a church that tackled hard topics and addressed issues that many churches are unwilling to talk about. I also promised that I would not pull punches, but I would share and preach what I think scripture teaches. Since that time, you have been a church that is willing to wrestle with those hard topics, and give me space to preach and teach in ways that challenge you, or that some of you may even disagree with. Those are qualities that make our church really unique, and that is true with our current series Christian in Name Only.

So many of you have written notes of gratitude and support for the current series. There is a collective sense that the church needs to be talking about what is going on in our world. I am really grateful for that support. Some of you differ from me in how you see things. A few of you disagree with some of what I have taught. That is not only ok, it is good. Because we are also a church where everyone does not have to see, believe, or understand things the same way. I am grateful for those of you that talk to me about how you see things differently, and continue to be a part of this community. One church that is able to hold people of differing perspectives is rare, but that is exactly what is happening at The Gathering. Agree or disagree, I value each of you and I am glad you are a part of this church.

I also want to thank all of you that have listened to the series online and shared the message on social media. This current series is setting new records for online engagement and I am grateful that so many people are sharing and listening to the messages. Last week’s sermon along with the series can be viewed and shared here.

This weekend, we will continue the series by talking about a distortion that has been going on for a long time and is perpetuated by people of all theological, ideological, and political perspectives. The church is often drawing lines that keep people out when Jesus radically invites all people in. This message goes to the heart of who we are as a church. I hope that you will be there and continue to be a part of this series.

Before I go, I want to celebrate that so many of you signed up to help with the upcoming respite night for kids with disabilities that we will be able to serve all the families on our wait list (nearly 30 families). We even have more volunteers than are needed which allows us to begin planning for future respite nights. Thank you for being a church that doesn’t just say the words, but does the work of following Jesus in the world.

Have a great weekend, and I will see you in church.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. This weekend is a baptism Sunday. If you are interested in being baptized or recommitting to your baptism, please reach out to your site pastor. Also, if you have been coming to The Gathering a while and are interested in becoming a member of our church, talk to your site pastor about that as well. You can also let us know you want to talk on our app, and we will reach out.

CoreGroup Guide | Christian In Name Only - Part 2
Written by Jenny Huffman and Christopher Burford

From Pastor Charity

If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to invite your group to our upcoming One CoreGroup One Day event.

• Date:Tuesday, May 5, 2026
• Time: 6:30-8:30pm
• Location: McCausland Site
• Theme: Ours to Own

This is going to be an awesome night of food, worship, community, prizes, and so much more. Plus, if we hit 350 sign-ups, I will be dressing up as Tina Turner and singing Proud Mary. You don’t want to miss this! Participants can sign up HERE before leaving your group today.

Welcome

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word Distortion as, “The act of twisting or altering something out of its true, natural, or original state.” Synonyms include words like twist, slant, skew, and wrap, as well as misrepresent, falsify, deform, disfigure, and manipulate.

As we move into the second week of our sermon series called Christian in Name Only, we will be discussing some of the most damaging ways that “Christians” across our country distort who Jesus is and what he stands for to promote their own agendas. Today we begin with a distortion that is, unfortunately, all around us right now: Using Christianity to justify violence, when in fact, Jesus practiced and preached non-violence. Now is the time to reclaim this distorted narrative and get back to the heart of what it means to be Christian!

Opening Prayer

Lord, thank you for this opportunity to gather together once again. Some of us are here today feeling worn out and weary from the world we live in. Some of us feel angry and defensive, ready to fight. Some of us feel burned and bitter, exhausted after yet another fruitless battle. Some of us just feel helpless and hopeless, unsure of where we go from here.

Forgive us, Lord, for the times we forget who You are, and the ways You are always working for what is good and right in this world. Help us to lean into our identity as Christ-followers, in name and in action. Help us to learn from each other, to collectively witness all of the ways you are already leading us, guiding us, and strengthening us. Help us to stay humble and open to your nudging today. It’s in your powerful, and peaceful, name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

When things start to feel especially tense and the temperature starts to rise, what is your favorite way to calm down and cool down, to blow off some steam, so to speak?

The Head

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the Israelite people faced a great challenge. The powerful Assyrian empire was threatening to take over Israel and it looked like a devastating military battle was imminent. The king believed that God wanted them to go to war, but the prophets pushed back on this idea. Read these verses from the Book of Isaiah to learn more.

• If not war, what does God desire from God’s people, according to this scripture?
• We don’t often use swords and spears to fight our battles today, but what weapons do we use to bring harm to each other?
• How do humans learn how to make war?

• Who is the wolf and who is the lamb, and what do the rest of these animals represent?
• Why is Jesus described as a little child in this verse, and not one of the other more powerful or mighty attributes of the Son of God?
• How would you describe the “knowledge of the Lord” that will cover the earth?

The Heart

Information is available to us lightning fast these days and people in positions of power and influence do not hesitate to use that technology to distort the truth. Religious language is used to justify war, twisted theology is used to promote hate, false teachings online are used to spread fear, aggression, hypocrisy, and lies. Sometimes it all just feels like too much!

• When you scroll social media and/or watch the news, what feelings bubble up for you? 
• Aside from living in a world with no war, what does “peace” actually look like? 
• How does God’s vision of peace compare to your own?
• What challenges do you face when it comes to choosing peace over violence?

The Hands

One of Jesus’ most famous collections of teachings comes from the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. It is here that we really come to understand the life Jesus desires for us. This is especially evident in the Beatitudes, a series of declarations or blessings from Jesus. For example, Matthew 5:9 says, “Happy are people who make peace because they will be called God’s children.” In other versions it says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” In a world so consumed by violence, what does it look like to be makers of peace?

• What did Jesus model for us in his life, ministry, and teaching during his time on earth?
• When a Christian-in-name-only leaves you feeling some sort of way, how will you actively resist violence, in yourself and in others? 
• How will you work towards peace instead?
• What invitation can you extend to someone who has been burned by the church?

Closing Prayer

As time and technology allow, listen to this song and meditate on the words together as a group:

“Lord I Need You” by Matt Maher
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvfMDhTyMA

Lord we need you, oh we need you.
Every hour we need you.
Our one defense, our righteousness;
Oh God how we need you.
Amen.

Going Deeper

The memory verse for this series is 1 Peter 2:9 from the Common English Bible (CEB):


Here are three simple ways to practice memorizing a verse:

1. Write it (one time a day on a notecard, in your notes app, or on your mirror).
2. Say it out loud (at the same time daily - driving, brushing teeth, before bed).
3. Pray it (turn the verse into a one sentence prayer for yourself or someone you love).

Last weekend, I started a new series called Christian in Name Only. I introduced the problem I wanted to address – so many people in the public sphere are using Jesus’ name to justify actions that are contrary to what Jesus teaches. That message was listened to four times more than a typical weekend message (if you missed it check it out here). It struck a chord with many of us who are angry about the way the Christian faith and message of Jesus is being distorted in the public square. Instead of serving God, our faith is being used to serve economic, political, and social agendas. And it is important that we talk about it. Why?
 
Because when leaders distort the message of Jesus to justify actions contrary to what he taught, it causes so many people to say, “If that is what it means to be a Christian, I don’t want to have anything to do with it.” This has happened throughout history, and throughout history Christians have had to push back and speak up for the authentic Jesus. I think we are in a similar time today. The way leaders are using our faith in distorted ways has caused many to want to shy away from church and no longer claim the name of Christian. But, I believe the best way to resist Christians in name only is to more authentically follow Christ and create churches that welcome people to meet the real Jesus. That is why I think The Gathering is such an important witness, especially right now.
 
This week, I will continue the series by talking about one of the most destructive distortions of our faith that we see right now. Many are using the Christian faith to justify violence and war while Jesus consistently taught a path of nonviolence. The message is once again timely given all that is happening in the news. It is an important week to be in church, and an important week to invite others to join you. The best way for us to resist the misuse of Jesus’ name is to gather to more faithfully proclaim the authentic Jesus. And, that is exactly what so many of you are doing.
 
Last week, at the end of my message, I challenged us to respond by signing up to serve and welcome families and kids with disabilities. You all did it, and we had an overwhelming response. In fact, we will have enough volunteers to serve all of the families on our waitlist for the next Respite Night as well as extra volunteers for future Respite Nights. If you signed up but have not yet been contacted, please let us know. Thank you, Gathering, for showing up and making space to welcome kids and families with disabilities. It is one way to witness to what the church is supposed to be. I am really proud of you.
 
Let’s do it again this weekend. I hope you will plan to join me for church this Sunday. Enjoy your day, and I will see you in worship!  
 
Peace,
 
Matt

P.S. We're coming up on the annual One CoreGroup One Day event, which will be Tuesday, May 5, at 6:30. I heard a rumor that Pastor Charity will wear some sort of wig if enough people sign up to come, which is reason enough to be there! But, even more importantly, it's an incredible, tangible way to witness the power of CoreGroups, connect with others outside your own group, and hear about where this ministry is headed next year. Plus, there will be great food from our friends at Felix's in Dogtown. I'll see you there.

I want to thank all of you that joined The Gathering for Easter this past weekend. It is an honor to have you spend your time with us and worship. This weekend I will celebrate some of the highlights from Easter Sunday and you will not want to miss it! This week I am also beginning a new series called Christian in Name Only, and it may be the most timely and relevant series I preach all year. Here's why.
 
When I started in ministry 27 years ago, there were a lot of reasons people had stopped going to church. A lot of people that grew up in church over time found the church to be kind of boring and irrelevant to their everyday lives. Some people had been burned by the church or told they don’t belong for some reason. Other people saw the church as a place that asked you to check your brain at the door – a place that didn’t encourage exploration, discounted science, and made little room for doubt. Still others of us just drifted away because life is busy and Sunday mornings can be a rare moment of peace. All of these factors contributed to people going to church less.
 
While all of these reasons are still at play today, there is a new reason that has shot to the top of the list. All of us hear so-called Christians claiming to speak for Jesus, and yet say things that are the opposite of what Jesus stood for. The biggest obstacle to people believing in Jesus or going to church today is the public witness of so-called Christians. People look at the way that so many Christians act and think to themselves, “if that is what church is all about, then I don’t want to have anything to do with it.” And you know what, I can’t blame them.
 
I am tired of pastors and leaders trying to justify behavior, policies, rhetoric, viewpoints, and ideologies that are contrary to things that Jesus actually taught.
 
And I bet many of you are tired of this as well. I know that all of us have friends who feel this way. This is THE series that I hope you will invite them to.
 
I will talk about the distorted ways that Jesus is being used by so many people in our world and help us to remember what Jesus actually teaches. I think it is a series that our world desperately needs to hear.
 
I believe that The Gathering is creating a church that is different. This is a community for many people who have given up on the idea of church altogether. This series is a perfect time to introduce new people to who we are and who we believe Jesus is. I hope you will be in worship this Sunday. It would mean a lot to me. And offer the invitation to someone you know.
 
Again, I am so grateful to be your pastor, and I love what God is doing through this church. Enjoy your weekend, and I will see you Sunday.
 
Peace,
 
Matt

P.S. Our West County site will be hosting a preview service this Sunday at 10am at The Reverie in The District. It will be the same sermon as all of our sites - kicking off the new series - and there will be great music and a chance to celebrate God doing new things in a new place! Especially if you live in or near West County, please invite a friend and check it out.

CoreGroup Guide | Christian In Name Only - Part 1
Written by Christopher Burford and Jenny Huffman

From Pastor Charity

This week we begin our new sermon series, Christian in Name Only. Our shared practice for this series is Invite. Take a minute to look at the Start / Grow / Stretch on the Shared Practices page and reflect on where you are and where you hope to go during this series. It’s time for us to reclaim the narrative and get back to the heart of what it means to be Christian!

The memory verse for this series is 1 Peter 2:9 from the Common English Bible (CEB):


Here are three simple ways to practice memorizing a verse:

1. Write it (one time a day on a notecard, in your notes app, or on your mirror).
2. Say it out loud (at the same time daily - driving, brushing teeth, before bed).
3. Pray it (turn the verse into a one sentence prayer for yourself or someone you love).

Finally, please take a moment to invite your group to our One CoreGroup One Day event happening on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 6:30-8:30pm at the McCausland Site. Experience the energy of being in one place, celebrate the highlights of CoreGroups, and look ahead to the fall. Attendees can expect food (Mexican!), worship, prizes, pictures, and so much more. Please encourage group participants to sign-up HERE before leaving your group today.

Welcome

Hello friends and welcome to the first week of Christian in Name Only. Over the next four weeks, we will take a deep dive into what it means to be Christian. It's weird to live in a time when so much harmful behavior is attributed to Christianity and The Church. So many unkind words and actions get thrown around in the faith we share, and this can be really confusing and disheartening. But this is not a new concept. Power, ambition, greed, tyranny, and hypocrisy are hardly Christ-like traits, and yet all of these things can be found in Christianity throughout history. In fact, our Bible reading this week focuses on several of these unholy attributes from ungodly people, and how Jesus responds to it all. 

Let’s first start our discussion with a prayer.  

Opening Prayer

Hey God, please bless us with the feeling of your presence this week as we discuss what it means to follow you. Please guard our hearts as we discuss angry things done in your name.  Guide us to clear understanding of our roles as your people and soften our words so that we are kind to one another. It is in your name we pray Lord, amen.  

Ice Breaker

Can you remember your first experience with something being unfair? Was it an argument with friends, despair over a board game, or maybe even sibling rivalry? What was your experience and what did you learn?

The Head

Our Bible verses this week come from the New Testament book of Matthew. Now Matthew was one of the twelve disciples closest to Jesus and in chapter 23 we drop right into a fiery lesson Jesus is giving within the massive Temple complex in Jerusalem. His audience at this time would have included his disciples, many commoners (people drawn to Jesus) and religious leaders called Scribes (experts in the religious Law of Moses), Sadducees (wealthy religious aristocrats), and Pharisees (religious purists focused on legal religious interpretation).

• Phylacteries were typically small leather boxes worn by religious leaders on their belts that contained copies of the religious law copied on small scrolls. “Long fringes” was a reference to the outward appearance of someone trying to convey piety or holiness. Taking those items into consideration, what is Jesus actually saying here?

• How do you think these leaders “locked” others out of the kingdom of heaven?
• Why would they stop others from getting closer to God?

• The gold of the sanctuary written about here is a reference to the gold that adorned “sacred” objects used in religious practices. What is Jesus saying about the glitz in the church?

• Jesus describes expensive offerings here that were given without meaning. How is Jesus clarifying his thoughts about giving without spirit?

• Mic drop. This is clear. Jesus called out the religious-in-name-only. Approximately one week after he gave this fiery lesson, he was crucified, which adds some context about how uncomfortable Jesus made religious leaders feel. Why were his words here so threatening?

The Heart

We can see from the verses above that Jesus was really angry with how the church had taken the meaning out of worship and turned tradition into power, prestige, and profit. Of course, Jesus was in the process of changing the law and tradition to help people understand that God's will for us as believers was and is about spirit and truth and not about power, influence, and greed. Yet, those evil forces were constantly invading the way Jesus taught and those forces continue to infiltrate Christianity today.  

• Why is power so addictive to some people? 
• What might a “Christian in name only” look like today? What behaviors or outward appearances might they have? In what ways have you fit this description at times?
• Jesus was upset when leaders gave offerings without giving justice or mercy to others. Why does this matter to God?
• What habits or patterns have you caught yourself in that seem more like outward displays of faith rather than authentic belief? 

The Hands

We have spent some time examining behaviors that use Christianity like a wolf in sheep's clothing. These behaviors clearly angered Jesus! As a comparison, this section will examine behaviors that Jesus supported as a path that Christians should walk.  

In Matthew 22, from the same lesson Jesus gave in the Temple complex, Jesus was tested about his understanding of the Ten Commandments which were given to Moses and then to all Israelites in the book of Exodus more than 1,400 years before. His answer became known as the new covenant; a way to honor God in two statements.

• As Christians, what are some ways we can love the Lord?  
• How might we express fullness of heart, soul, and mind?
• What does loving your neighbor as yourself look like? 
• What are practical things we can do as Christians to love our neighbors?
• What are some practices we can put in place to make sure we are living and acting in line with our faith?

Closing Prayer

Oh Lord, There are influences in our lives that distract our thoughts and actions away from what we truly believe. Please forgive us for being distracted and help us to stay focused on your will for us. Guide us in ways that help others. Enlighten our minds to ways we need to act as believers. Show the path we need to take to fully honor you Lord. It is in your name we pray, amen.

Going Deeper

Maybe a “Christian in name only” could use an invitation to church. When we invite someone to come to church with us at The Gathering, is there an implied invitation to the Methodist denomination? The greater Church? The whole Christian faith? A relationship with Jesus? 

• Can you invite a person to one of these without the others?
• When we extend an invitation to church, what are we really inviting people to? 
• How might you nurture an invitational spirit throughout the rest of this series?

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
April 5, 2026
Written by: Tim Ziegler

Experience the Surprise of Easter

Scripture:

After the Sabbath, at dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. Look, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven. Coming to the stone, he rolled it away and sat on it. Now his face was like lightning and his clothes as white as snow. The guards were so terrified of him that they shook with fear and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead … Now hurry, go and tell his disciples”.
 
Now as the women were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. They met with the elders and decided to give a large sum of money to the soldiers. They told them, “Say that Jesus’ disciples came at night and stole his body while you were sleeping. And if the governor hears about this, we will take care of it with him so you will have nothing to worry about.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were told.
 
Matthew 28.1-7, 11-15a

Reflection:

Ah, yes! Easter time! And it’s also spring in the Midwest. There is a distinctive, familiar, and deeply comforting nostalgia that seems to descend upon this region each year at this time. As the landscape softens, we are met with redbuds and flowering dogwoods which erupt in vibrant blooms across our neighborhoods and parks. Children—busy at play on playgrounds and backyard wiffle ball games—may inadvertently stumble upon fragile bunny nests concealed in the returning grass. And we are met with a sense of optimism with the arrival of Opening Day and the notion that hope springs eternal for those bearing the mark of Cardinal red.

These cultural markers are beautiful! They provide a predictable, domestic sense of peace that evoke fuzzy, warm feelings intimately associated with our survival of another harsh winter and the promise of brighter days.

The above scripture paints quite a different picture: gone are the pastels as they are replaced with stark colors, images set against the oppressive shadow of the Roman Empire—the most lethal and coercive political apparatus of the ancient world. The cross was not a piece of jewelry; it was an instrument of state sponsored terror, a gruesome billboard of public torture reserved for rebels and designed to enforce strict compliance through the ultimate threat of death.
 
Mary—and the other Mary—were back on the scene, expecting to find just that: the emptiness of death, the empty tomb, presumed solid proof that the empire’s rule would continue with even more of an iron fist. After all, Jesus was executed because of the threat he posed through his radical preaching and teaching regarding love of neighbor, the inclusion of the marginalized, and the forgiveness of enemies.

The armed guards were one of the first to recognize the disruption that Jesus’ resurrection would mean to the established imperial power. Immediately, they became like ‘dead men’ themselves once they were confronted at how the empire’s ultimate weapon—death via public terror—no longer would have its sway.

So, they run to their rulers. Those in power respond with a proposed cover-up full of bribes and lies—because the empire absolutely hates resurrection. If Jesus is alive, it means that state violence does not control human destiny. It means that the rich and powerful are merely that—rich, powerful—for a limited time.

In the end, the self-emptying love of Jesus will outlast every empire. And this is why on Easter we sing. Come and check it out at The Factory or Dogwood Social! It’s always different. Even better. More alive. Because on Easter—as the dogwoods blossom and the world blooms—these triumphant songs loudly and boldly declare that we are here to profess the earth-shattering truth: the empire has failed! Death is defeated! And divine love reigns supreme.
Now run and tell. And while we’re at it, let’s sing.

Prayer:

Gracious God, may we—yet again—be surprised by hope. As we wander around the gravestones and the tombs, may we find new life. Where once we were certain we would find dismay and darkness, bless us with light and life. Give us eyes to spot the glimmers of it—at once fleeting and eternal. Enable and strengthen us to live out this new life by modeling our lives after your great love through Jesus Christ. Amen.

CoreGroup Guide | EASTER 2026
Written by Jenny Huffman

Welcome

Happy Easter, Friends! For the past five weeks our church has wrestled with the question: “Why Did Jesus Have to Die?” – To free us, to redeem us, to show us how to love, to forgive us, to expose us, or maybe some combination of all these theories. While we may never truly understand this mystery of our faith, today we turn our attention to Easter, to the Resurrection, to Christ’s victory over sin and death. Christ is risen; He is risen, indeed!

Ice Breaker

An age old Easter question: What’s best – jellybeans, chocolate bunnies, Cadbury eggs, or marshmallow Peeps? Can you guess the favorite of others in your group, just based on vibes?

The Head

Each of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) recounts some version of the Easter story. The gospel according to Matthew tells the story in a particularly dramatic fashion. Read this scripture from Matthew 28 together, imagining what it would have been like to be there with Mary and Mary as they went to see the tomb that day.

• What words, phrases, or imagery stand out to you in this account? 
• There are several mentions of fear or being afraid. What do they all have in common?
• Describe a time when you experienced “fear and great joy” at the same time (verse 8). How did Jesus meet you during that time?
• When the woman encountered Jesus after he rose from the dead, Matthew 28:9 says, “they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.” How does this act of worship compare to our Shared Practice of worship at The Gathering?

The Heart

The Resurrection is one of the most powerful parts of our Christian faith. The dictionary defines Resurrection as, “the state of one risen from the dead.” Synonyms include: Revival, Rebirth, Renewal, and Revitalization. What does the word Resurrection mean to you?

• Which of the synonyms listed above resonates most with your understanding of the Resurrection, and why? Share examples!
• Have you ever witnessed something or somebody rise from the dead? This could be in a literal sense, an example from nature, or something more metaphorical. Describe the experience. How did this situation impact your understanding of resurrection?
• Reflecting on our Lenten sermon series, do you believe Jesus really had to die in order for us to experience the hope and healing of the resurrection? Why or why not?
• What prevents you from fully experiencing the power of the Resurrection? 

The Hands

Spend some time as a group meditating on the words of 2 Corinthians 5:17 – 

• Is it possible to experience new life without first experiencing death? What informs your response to this question?
• What are the new things that you long for in your life? 
• What are some old things you can let go of in this season? These could be habits that no longer serve you, relationships that have become toxic, memories of past hurt that still cause you pain, places of guilt, shame, or resentment you carry with you, and so on.
• How can your CoreGroup be praying for you as you live into this new creation?

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for your ministry here on earth, for your death on the cross, and for the gift of the resurrection. Thank you for the opportunity to gather together today and for the promise of a new creation. Help us to believe in what we cannot see, to make sense of what we cannot comprehend, and to experience the hope of new life, even after death. Amen.

From Pastor Charity

Take a moment to invite your CoreGroup to our One CoreGroup One Day event happening on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 6:30-8:30pm at the McCausland Site. This will be the third time that all CoreGroup members, leaders, and coaches will convene! Experience the energy of being in one place, celebrate the highlights of CoreGroups, and look ahead to the fall. Expect food, worship, prizes, pictures, and so much more. Please encourage group participants to sign-up at the link above before leaving your group today.

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
April 4, 2026
Written by: Megan Hall

The Day Between

Scripture:

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
(Matthew 27:59–61)

Reflection:

I think often about how the disciples must have felt that day.

They had just watched their friend die an agonizing death. I imagine that until his body was taken down, they were still hoping for a miracle.

But there wasn’t one.

They went home numb. Grief-stricken. Confused. The One who had healed, delivered, restored, and loved so fiercely was now silent behind a stone.

They had dared to dream of a different kind of kingdom. A new society where the last were first and the broken were made whole. And now the One who ushered it in was gone.
I’m sure they felt the sting that one of their own had handed him over. I’m sure they felt fear that they might be next. I’m sure they replayed the night over and over, wondering what they could have done differently.

Holy Saturday is the day between promise and fulfillment. Between death and resurrection. Between what we believed would happen and what actually did.
Lent teaches me to sit in that space.

I lean into silence during this season. I light a candle and resist the urge to rush toward hope. I let myself feel the ache of unanswered prayers. The confusion of unmet expectations. The grief of dreams that appear buried.

Because faith is not only forged in resurrection joy. It is also formed in the waiting.

Holy Saturday reminds me that sometimes God feels quiet. Sometimes the stone seems final. Sometimes the miracle doesn’t come when we think it should.

And still, the story is not over.

Prayer:

God of the in-between,
Teach me how to wait without losing heart.
When you feel silent, help me trust that you are still at work in hidden places.
When grief feels heavy, sit with me in it.
Form my faith in the quiet, not just in the celebration.
Give me courage to stay present in the waiting.
Amen.

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
April 3, 2026
Written by: H. Baer

Good Friday

Scripture:

Luke 23:33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing.
35 The people were standing around watching, but the leaders sneered at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he really is the Christ sent from God, the chosen one.”
36 The soldiers also mocked him. They came up to him, offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you really are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
(Luke 23:33-37)

Reflection:

Good Friday has always been my favorite day of the year. I typically get weird looks when I tell people that. To me, it's the ultimate climax of this beautiful and heart wrenching love story.

Each year, I dedicate this day to reading scripture, praying, reflecting, and watching The Passion of Christ...then reflecting some more. All of this time spent reflecting, and I still can't even begin to wrap my head around it. I can't even imagine what Jesus must have been thinking and feeling throughout those horrific 24 hours. We get a glimpse of it during His prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46), but I truly can't imagine. As soldiers were whipping Him, mocking Him, driving giant nails though His hands and feet, Jesus prayed for them. He asked His Father to forgive them. Can you imagine?!

It's really hard for me to watch the entire scourging scene in The Passion, but I force myself to stick it out. I mean, if Jesus could endure it, live it, feel it...certainly I can watch it. It's difficult for me to reflect on how physically painful all of this must have been for Him, even down to having to lug this incredibly heavy cross all over town after having been nearly tortured to death. I can barely get out of bed to crawl to the couch when I have a cold.

In addition to the physical pain, can you even imagine the mental and emotional pain, He must have experienced? These were the very people He came to save, to love, to experience life with. They chose to treat Him as a condemned criminal? All He ever did was love them. I can't even imagine how that must have felt. As they are torturing Him, He prayed for them to be forgiven?!

I know there's a lot to be said about the events of the crucifixion, but my focus for this devotional today is just to try to put ourselves in Jesus' shoes for a minute. As best as we can, try to truly imagine what He must have felt, thought, experienced. When I meditate on Jesus’  experience, I recognize how incredibly grateful I am that He chose to love, to forgive. Despite everything we did to Him... He loved us.

Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for loving radically in a way none of us ever could. How great is our God. Amen Amen Amen!!!

And my gosh, I am just so so sorry. Amen.

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Easter weekend is here! The Gathering will have TWO worship services - at 9 and 10:45am - this Sunday at The Factory, along with one worship service at 10am at our Metro East Site. All the details can be found here.  

If your Easter plans are still undecided, or if you need help convincing family or friends to join you, here are 8 reasons why you won’t want to miss EasterSTL this year:

1. Plenty of room! With two services at The Factory, and one in Illinois, we’ll have more than enough seats for you and all of your family and friends. Invite them now! It could be the single biggest difference you make in someone’s life. 
2. Incredible live music, including the return of The Easter Choir! Worship will be led by a superband of familiar faces from all our sites, including Brando Hall, Aly Chisum, Sarah Turner, Claire Krober, and more!
3. Kids Ministry! We will have an awesome experience for kids ages birth through 5 years old at the Reverie right next to The Factory and at our Metro East service. Pro tip: arrive at least 15 minutes early to take a family pic, check in the kids, and head over to worship. Kids Director, Elizabeth Hogan, shows you just how close it actually is in this video!
4. Parking is EASY! There is plenty of parking right in front of both venues. If you’re dropping off kids at The Factory, there will be signs to show you the best place to park to make it even easier.
5. Worship online! The Easter message will be online on demand starting at midnight on Easter morning. I hope you’re able to join us in person, but if not, this is a great option and another way to invite people!
6. A chance to make a difference! 100% of our offering will go towards local missions including public schools in St. Louis through our Literacy Partnership as well as literacy efforts in the Metro East. You can give in person or online anytime this weekend and throughout next week.
7. A place for those with disabilities. We will have an ASL interpreter at The Factory during both worship services for those with hearing impairments. If you need accessible seating, we will have it saved for you. Drop offs can be done right in front of the building, and then someone in a Gathering shirt will guide you to accessible seating.
8. You’ll hear the Good News! We’ve designed a worship service that will leave you inspired, hope-filled and re-energized. We’ll be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and encouraging you to choose hope, even in a world that makes it tough. Who doesn’t need that?

Easter is the culmination of our story of faith, and it is a time for great celebration for our church. All the details for the day are right here. I hope that you will take a moment right now to share the invitation on social media, and make sure to invite a friend this weekend to join you.
 
I cannot wait to see you there!
 
Peace,

Matt
 
P.S. Tonight, we will celebrate Good Friday at 7pm at our McCausland site to commemorate Jesus’ death on the cross. It is a powerful and moving service of readings and music, and the best way to prepare yourself for the joy of Easter. If you have never tried it, please come. You will be glad you did.

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
April 2, 2026
Written by: Ben Hartley

The Wonder of Dust and Dirty Feet

Scripture:

1 Before the Festival of Passover, Jesus knew that his time had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully.
2 Jesus and his disciples were sharing the evening meal. The devil had already provoked Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew the Father had given everything into his hands and that he had come from God and was returning to God. 4 So he got up from the table and took off his robes. Picking up a linen towel, he tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he was wearing. 6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.”
8 “No!” Peter said. “You will never wash my feet!”
Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t have a place with me.”
9 Simon Peter said, “Lord, not only my feet but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus responded, “Those who have bathed need only to have their feet washed, because they are completely clean. You disciples are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 He knew who would betray him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you is clean.”
12 After he washed the disciples’ feet, he put on his robes and returned to his place at the table. He said to them, “Do you know what I’ve done for you? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you speak correctly, because I am. 14 If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do. 16 I assure you, servants aren’t greater than their master, nor are those who are sent greater than the one who sent them. 17 Since you know these things, you will be happy if you do them.
(John 13:1-17)

Reflection:

The Sunday before Lent began this year, our congregations in The Gathering listened to pastors preach about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. It is Scripture we usually hear at Maundy Thursday services, but this year it came before Ash Wednesday.
 
It had never occurred to me before that Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent, and Maundy Thursday, which comes at the end, both invite us to consider DUST. On Ash Wednesday we get dust or ashes put on our foreheads; on Maundy Thursday we get dust – or its sweaty equivalent – tenderly wiped off our feet.
 
Both liturgical actions are, at the very least, awkward. Who among us appreciates being told the hard truth, “From dust you have come, to dust you shall return?” Clumsily taking off a sock and a shoe and hobbling forward is not elegant. Too many of us avoid the ritual entirely because we, like Peter, can’t handle even the thought of doing this. The awkwardness and struggle of these rituals is part of the point of good liturgy. It jolts us out of our pedestrian imaginations into the wonder of a radically Christian imagination.  

There is something else that resonates when I contemplate Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday together. The service of Ash Wednesday is sometimes called “the imposition of Ashes.” Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin term, mandatum, from which we get the English word, “mandate.” Ashes are imposed. Mandates are given. In churches today, pastors try hard to make showing up at church easy, hospitable, and non-threatening. “No pressure,” we say, when we invite a friend. But on Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday Christianity loses the fluffiness we try to put in it. Being a disciple of Jesus is an imposition and involves mandates.
 
And yet, there is a gentleness to the pastor’s touch on my forehead when I hear the words reminding me of the ashes I will become. The tenderness of water and hands on my dusty or grimy feet often moves me to tears. These rituals remind us we are deeply cherished by the Creator of the cosmos. The last two stanzas from Jan Richardson’s Ash Wednesday poem, “Blessing the Dust” (that I’ve amended slightly for Maundy Thursday) expresses this well.
 
…Let us be marked
not for false humility
or for thinking
we are less
than we are

but for claiming
what God can do
within the dust,
within the dirt,
[put on and cleaned off]
within the stuff
of which the world
is made
and the stars that blaze
in our bones
and the galaxies that spiral
inside the smudge
we bear – [and the feet tenderly washed]

—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons

Prayer:

Holy God. Help us to draw near to you with the dust and grime that fills our daily lives. Grant us courage to receive the grace of your gentle, cleansing love. Embolden us to follow the mandates of our calling to be servants in this world you so dearly love. For the sake of Christ we humbly pray, Amen.

Here’s the full poem by Jan Richardson for contemplation:

BLESSING THE DUST

All those days
you felt like dust,
like dirt,
as if all you had to do
was turn your face
toward the wind
and be scattered
to the four corners

or swept away
by the smallest breath
as insubstantial—

did you not know
what the Holy One
can do with dust?

This is the day
we freely say
we are scorched.

This is the hour
we are marked
by what has made it
through the burning.

This is the moment
we ask for the blessing
that lives within
the ancient ashes,
that makes its home
inside the soil of
this sacred earth.

So let us be marked
not for sorrow.
And let us be marked
not for shame.
Let us be marked
not for false humility
or for thinking
we are less
than we are

but for claiming
what God can do
within the dust,
within the dirt,
within the stuff
of which the world
is made
and the stars that blaze
in our bones
and the galaxies that spiral
inside the smudge
we bear.

—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons
janrichardson.com/books

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
April 1, 2026
Written by: Katrina Molnar

Embracing the Gift of Presence During Holy Week

Scripture:

and said, “What will you give me if I turn Jesus over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver.

Matthew 26:15

Reflection:

During Lent, we are often called to examine our interior life.  What are the things that are distracting me from prayer or keeping me from God? How can I improve my relationship with God and others so that I am ready to embrace the fullness and joy that comes with the Resurrection?
 
As we enter the final days of Holy Week and get closer to Easter Sunday, I find myself reflecting not on my own interior life and emotions, but on the interior life and emotions of Jesus, particularly during the days leading up to the Passion and Resurrection. What must it have been like for him to sit at dinner with the person who he knew was going to betray him?  Even though he was surrounded by his closest confidants, was he able to share with them his feelings about what was about to happen at their deepest level or were these conversations only had in his personal prayer life?  

With the beginning of Maundy Thursday tomorrow, Jesus will experience a rollercoaster of emotions.  He will go from facing the most difficult day of his life and his earthly death to the ultimate day of joy and his resurrection just three days later.  We are asked to sit and be present with him through all this pain and joy.  I invite you to lean into this gift in the coming days.  Be present with Jesus through all of the emotions and vulnerability he will experience through the Passion and Resurrection, just as he gives us the gift of his presence every day of our lives.  The Passion and Resurrection are not just something that happened.  They are something to be experienced deeply every Easter.  Embrace the journey in the coming days.  

Prayer:

God, today I celebrate the gift of presence.  I thank you for your presence and that of your Son in my life, as well as all of the gifts you grant me every day.  I am grateful for all of the people who are present for me when I most need them, and ask you to help me be present and bring comfort to  people who need it most.  As I enter these last days of Holy Week, may I make myself vulnerable to be present with you and fully experience your Passion, the coming Resurrection, and the joy that will come in the Easter season. Everything is always for your greater glory. ~ Amen

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 31, 2026
Written by Claire Gunn

I Will Sing to The Lord

Scripture:

1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord:
I will sing to the Lord, for an overflowing victory!
    Horse and rider he threw into the sea!
2 The Lord is my strength and my power;
    he has become my salvation.
This is my God, whom I will praise,
    the God of my ancestors, whom I will acclaim.
3  The Lord is a warrior;
    the Lord is his name.
Exodus 15:1-3

Reflection:

When I look back on Holy Weeks and Easters from my childhood, my strongest memory is always of the Easter Vigil service at my childhood church. We would process silently into a dark church by candlelight, and after a few readings, the lights powered on and the choir broke into the “Canticle of the Free” based on the Exodus passage above. It was always so powerful, the wave of light and song casting out darkness and silence. A cantor beautifully singing, “I am free”.

When I think of Jesus’ resurrection, joyful song and bright light still resonate with me. Easter comes, and as a church we cast out darkness through our bright (and rocking) Easter service. We sing, we dance, and we celebrate that God is alive. I can’t think of anything we need more these days than to bask in the light of the resurrection. This year, my prayer is that we can extend the hope, freedom, and joy of Easter morning to the world around us and share God’s strength, defense, and salvation with those who need it most.

Prayer:

Dear God,
In a time that can feel dark, may the Easter triumph of light over darkness remind us that God’s strength and salvation are steadfast and can empower us to be the light to those around us. May the joy and celebration of Easter fill our hearts with hope and strength. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

How can I cast out darkness and be the light in my community?
How can I extend and spread the song of Easter in my day-to-day life?

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 30, 2026
Written by Rick Eccher

Do I Trust that Christ’s Sacrifice is Enough?

Scripture:

25 Through his faithfulness, God displayed Jesus as the place of sacrifice where mercy is found by means of his blood. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness in passing over sins that happened before, 26 during the time of God’s patient tolerance. He also did this to demonstrate that he is righteous in the present time, and to treat the one who has faith in Jesus as righteous.
(Romans 3:25-26)

Reflection:

God does not wait for us to get our lives together. He moves toward us first. Christ becomes the mercy seat—God’s own self offering reconciliation. Through sermons and devotions in this Lenten season, we have been exploring the meaning of Jesus’ death. This passage from Romans focuses more on the outcome of the cross: Jesus’ death allows us to receive God’s mercy.  

During Lent, we are invited to let these truths soften us. We do not hide our failures; we bring them into the light of a God who has already made provision for them. We do not earn forgiveness; we receive it. And we do not remain unchanged; the same love that pardons us also reshapes us.  My takeaway from this passage is that Christ’s self-giving love satisfies justice, extends mercy, and invites us to receive by faith what only God can provide.

Prayer:

Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

You are our Merciful God, you presented Christ as the sacrifice that heals what I cannot fix. Teach me to trust your righteousness more than my attempts to justify myself. Let the cross draw me into honesty, humility, and hope. Shape my heart by the love that bled for me, so I may live reconciled to you and become an instrument of reconciliation in the world. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Is there a particular place in your life where receiving—rather than striving—feels like the next faithful step this Lent?
• Where am I still trying to “pay” for my sins instead of receiving grace?   
•  How might I extend the same patience God has shown me to someone else?

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 29, 2026
Written by Melissa Ross

Christ’s Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem

Scripture:

1 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. 2 He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that their master needs them.” He sent them off right away. 4 Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, 5 Say to Daughter Zion, “Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.” 6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus had ordered them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them. Then he sat on them.
8 Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
(Matthew 21:1-11) 

Reflection:

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem the “parade” was not just joyful and vibrant, it was spontaneous.  The crowd’s impromptu response to Jesus’ arrival is refreshing, since even simple parades require extensive planning and coordination. Crowds of people recognized Jesus as “the Son of David” and used available items, like palm branches and their clothes, to celebrate his arrival as throngs of Jews gathered in Jerusalem and prepared for Passover.  Consider, too, that these crowds had no inkling of the dramatic events that would occur in the next seven days that we remember 2000 years later.

In the midst of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the scriptures weave in a prophecy about a donkey.  All four gospels* include details about a seemingly insignificant prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 that the Messiah will enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey.  When you consider the particulars written, it almost feels like a spoof.  Rather than an impressive horse which most rulers would use, Jesus arrives on a borrowed donkey that had never been ridden.  We even learn that Jesus told the disciples what to say as their alibi for taking the donkey.  *Mt. 21:5, Mk. 11:1-7, Lk. 19:29-35 and John 12:12-15
 
I appreciate the juxtaposition of Jesus’ glorious triumphal entry where mobs of people acknowledge him as he rides in on a borrowed donkey.  Like the infant son of God being born in a farm building and using a feed trough as a crib, or lowly shepherds being told of the savior’s birth by the heavenly host, God’s plans (even for our Messiah, the Christ) are very different from what we may anticipate.  Yes, the Son of God deserves to be received with joy and fanfare, yet he is humble to walk among us and delights in upending our preconceived expectations as he enters this celebration astride a donkey.  

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, fill my heart and countenance with joy as we sing Hosanna and celebrate the advent of Holy Week.  Prepare my heart to reflect meaningfully on the biblical events that we remember during this time.  Help me to carve out time this week to be alone with you and to participate in communal worship.  May I respond to you with gratitude and love. Amen.

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 28, 2026
Written by: Susan Meister

Working Out My Own Salvation

Scripture:

12 Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.

Philippians 2:12-13

Reflection:

I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church in central Illinois - grade school, high school, confirmation, weekly Mass, the Saints, weekly confession, the Catechism - the whole package. Like many others in my cohort, I stopped church once I left for University. In the 1990s, I moved back to the Midwest and reconnected to my husband (it’s a long story). We had known each other in college and gone our separate ways for nearly 20 years. In that span, Peter had attended seminary and been ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church.

When he and I decided to marry, I thought I had hit the jackpot. While I had infrequently started attending church again, I thought he could get me where I needed to be spiritually with all his seminary training!  I didn’t know much about Methodists, but my first impressions were positive - they ordained women and had open communion.

Over the past 30+ years, I have been deeply involved in the details as a pastor’s spouse. I helped lead worship, choir and Bible studies. I eventually worked for the Illinois Conference, the General Board of Global Ministries and UMCOR. I was steeped in the mechanics and polity of the church.

But mechanics don’t guarantee a relationship with Jesus. Nor does being married to an ordained pastor assure my spiritual growth.

I eventually learned more about John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. I discovered his sermon, The Most Excellent Way, preached in 1741. An excerpt of Sermon 85, On Working Out Our Own Salvation, examines the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the people of Philippi nearly 2000 years ago.* The sermon is a powerful series of arguments for our personal responsibility!

As we have moved through this Lenten season with powerful messages on Why Did Jesus Have to Die?, I’ve been reminded again and again that I need to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling. The theories of atonement are so challenging! And while my spouse and I discuss and sometimes argue about theology, I need to go deeply into my own head and heart spaces to see what God is saying to me during my reading, praying and worship.

One of the beauties of The United Methodist Church is her encouragement to think for ourselves and work out our own salvation. We don’t need to check our brains at the door of the worship space. We need to individually access the love, mercy and grace of God to lead us on our personal journey and our relationships with those around us.

Prayer:

Heavenly God, keep reminding me to go deeper every day. When I read, study, meditate and worship, move me to absorb the deep meaning of your love, grace and mercy. I pray that the excitement of being part of The Gathering will not only move me, but encourage me to reach out to others in need of your love. Amen.

**Use this link to read more of Wesley’s Sermon 85 and additional commentary.

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In February, we did a series on the power of serving. Let’s be real, most of us like the idea of serving, but making the time to actually do it is a lot harder! We easily get consumed with our own schedules, tasks and to-do lists. Our lives are plenty busy, so often service is forgotten. Yet, when we serve, several important things happen. We contribute to something bigger than ourselves, we positively impact the lives of others, and we get outside of our own lives giving us fresh energy and perspective. Serving matters to others but is also good for us.

After the series, several of you asked me how you can get involved. One small step that you can take is to serve on a Sunday morning, and Easter Sunday is the PERFECT time to try.

As most of you know, we will be celebrating Easter at The Factory this year with two worship times, 9am and 10:45am. We also will have an Easter service at our Metro East site in Illinois at 10am. All the details are found here. If you haven’t done it, I hope you will text a friend this invite, post on Facebook or lnstagram, or grab some cards this weekend and invite someone to join you.

Also, you may not know but we need about 200 people to make Easter as hospitable and welcoming to new people as we can. Serving on Easter does all the things I named above. It helps us to accomplish something that we can only do together, it helps new people connect with God in new (and often life-changing) ways, and it is fun. Plus you will get a cool new Gathering t-shirt! Please consider serving. I would be so grateful. There are many simple ways to serve. You can see the options and sign up for either The Factory OR Metro East.  I can’t wait to serve alongside you as we celebrate in a way worthy of the hope that Jesus offers us.  

Don’t forget that next week is Holy Week and we have two special worship opportunities. On Maundy Thursday we remember the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples through an interactive and contemplative worship open house at our Clayton site. On Good Friday, we remember the crucifixion of Jesus through a powerful evening worship at 7pm at our McCausland site. I hope this service takes on even greater meaning for you in light of our current series on the cross. Both of these Holy Week worship services are an important part of preparing for the hope and joy we will celebrate on Easter and I hope you will be a part of them.

Have a great weekend, and I will see you this Sunday as I finish our series on Why Did Jesus Have to Die? This final week may be the most meaningful one to me, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. After nearly 12 years, my former assistant Amy Sanders stepped down to accept another job with the United Methodist Publishing House. I am so grateful for Amy and our long partnership in ministry. I am also thrilled to announce that Samantha Smith is my new Executive Assistant. Some of you know Samantha because she has been on our staff for awhile, most recently on our communications team. She is now shifting over to work directly with me, and I am so glad to have her in this new role. You can still contact Samantha at her same email.

CoreGroup Guide | Why Did Jesus Have to Die? – Part 5
Written by Denee Bowers and Jenny Huffman

From Pastor Charity

Hey friends! Easter is just around the corner and we are in DIRE NEED of volunteers across all ministries. We still need 105 volunteers for the 9am service and 125 volunteers for the 10:45am! Sign up here to serve: https://gatheringnow.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/1077/responses/new

Welcome

We did it! We’ve made it to Holy Week! As we move through the final days before Easter, we are considering an atonement theory that spotlights some of the ugliest parts of human nature and how Jesus saves us from them. The scapegoat theory is a relatively new idea, but its roots are in the Old Testament practice of sacrificing a goat that symbolically carried the sins of the people. Although most of us will never sacrifice a goat, we may still need someone to save us from the worst parts of ourselves.

Opening Prayer

Gracious and loving God,
We gather together today at the end of a long journey toward the cross. As we reflect on Jesus’ suffering, guide us not only to understand it, but to be transformed by it. Be present in our conversation, in our listening, and in our sharing.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen

Ice Breaker

Would you rather be wrongly blamed for something small or admit to something embarrassing that you actually did?

The Head

The scapegoat theory of atonement is a perfect example of how Jesus recontextualizes and brings new meaning to Old Testament practices. The Israelites’ practice of sacrificing a literal scapegoat looks a lot like our culture’s tendency to avoid acknowledging our part in a situation by placing blame on others. Jesus’ death and resurrection stand to show us the problem with demanding violence as a way to feel absolved of our sins.

• What stands out to you about the choice between Jesus and Barabbas? 
• Why do you think the crowd was so insistent about Pilate’s choice? 

• What descriptions of atonement stand out to you from this passage? 
• How would you describe the scapegoat theory in your own words?
• Do you think Jesus’ death was primarily the result of human scapegoating, part of God’s plan, or somehow a combination of both? 

The Heart

The uncomfortable truth of the scapegoat theory is that a group of people who once worshiped Jesus were the same people who demanded he be crucified. This theory is bold enough to suggest that humans would rather let Jesus take the fall for their sins, than own up to the ways they have done wrong. This acknowledgement of our personal and communal sins is the first step toward a reconciled relationship with God.

• How do you feel when you imagine yourself as a part of the crowd that puts the blame on Jesus and demands his death? 
• What about the act of placing blame or scapegoating makes it an easy choice in difficult situations? 
• How can remembering that Jesus’ suffering was a result of systemic sin allow you to feel closer to him? 

The Hands

Having our sin is a difficult thing to face, but the beauty of the Easter story is that it doesn’t end in death. When he was resurrected, Jesus exposed the patterns of sin in the world, and made clear that they would not stand. If we are part of the group that demanded violence, we also have an opportunity to choose a different way.

• How can we become better at recognizing sin in ourselves and the world, instead of choosing to avoid it? 
• How could you incorporate a regular practice of confession into your life? 
• What would it look like to follow Jesus in refusing to scapegoat others? 

Closing Prayer

Gracious God,
We thank you for this time together. Help us to carry what we have learned over the course of this series with us into our daily lives. Remind us that no matter how far we stray, the cross has the power to free us, forgive us, and show us how to love. We give thanks for your sacrifice, rejoice in your resurrection, and seek to live out our redemption every day.
Amen.

Going Deeper

This semester, each CoreGroup guide will include a memory verse that you can learn on your own or together with your group. The recommended memory verse for the Why Did Jesus Have to Die? series was John 3:16-17 from the Common English Bible (CEB):


Whether you memorized it or not, read through this verse three times together as a group. For those who have the verse committed to memory, try closing your eyes as you recite the scripture together. How does God speak to you through these words?

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 27, 2026
Written by Charity Goodwin

Jesus and Community

Scripture:

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue,as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
(Luke 4:14-21)

Reflection:

My grandparents were sharecroppers and so were their parents - just years removed from the Emancipation Proclamation.

I stand amazed and in debt to them for making it out alive and with faith! I stand on the shoulders of those who’ve gone before me and I stand with and for a community of people unashamedly.

The Exodus story of Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land is central to the hope my greats and grands had and that I hold on to today.  For me faith in Jesus Christ is yes, about scripture, it’s also about family.  And for me, faith is about an entire people’s liberation - not just then but still now.

In the same way that God through the first Moses liberates the Israelites, (the second Moses being Harriet Tubman who led enslaved people to freedom), Jesus is the liberator from injustice, systems of oppression as well as individual and collective sin. Jesus is also the one who understands our suffering and is in solidarity with the lived experiences of Black people.

Prayer:

God, remind me that my life is not just mine. I’m part of a community from humanity, to a neighborhood, church, my family chosen and by blood. May I remember them in my prayers and decisions. May I increase my gratitude for being part of a collective. In the name of the liberator, Jesus. Amen.

Reflection Question:

How has faith been a source of liberation or freedom in your life?

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 26, 2026
Written by: Ryan Hebel
 
Christ’s Victory Empowers His People to Serve

Scripture:
“Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.'”
(Matthew 25:40)

Reflection – A practice for the day:
Sometimes, the immensity of the world’s needs can be overwhelming, or even completely paralyzing.  Luckily, Christ does not require us to solve all the world’s problems.  Instead, he calls us first to the things that are seemingly small.  We are invited to join Jesus in his reign of victory and ongoing work of redemption, by meeting the needs of and making an impact on the lives of the people who are right in front of us.  This is no easy task.  Sometimes even the biggest needs of the people around us can be largely invisible, often hidden by a culture that thrives on exploitation and a society that turns a blind eye to “the least of these”.  

But the atonement theory of Black Theology reminds us that we don’t always have to go looking on our own for people in great need.  King of All, Jesus is already there among them, calling us to respond with what we have in meaningful and tangible ways.  In this Kingdom of God, the powerless are the ones who change the world by actively resisting those who only seek their own gain.  This resistance is not simply an activity, but a complete lifestyle.  It constitutes a culture that is centered around a Jesus who stands in solidarity with the suffering and oppressed while he also empowers his people to serve one another.  Jesus flips the power-structure, not simply by undermining the exploitative cultural norms that provide the framework for the existing oppressive power structure, but also by rendering it largely irrelevant over time.  In this context, Jesus takes very seriously the feeding of the hungry, the clothing of the naked, the visiting of the sick and imprisoned, the quenching of those who thirst, and the welcoming of the stranger.  Following Jesus’ example means that we should care for these needs, too.  

So today, in the spirit of the Black theological perspective and the upside-down, Jesus-led, hospitality-driven culture from which it springs, take seriously this invitation.  Do some asking.  Do even more listening.  And then take one tangible step to meet a present need that is before you today.  For Jesus, this is not metaphorical.  It is a command.

Prayer: 
Creator God, help me to recognize today that, in you, I already have everything I need.  At the same time, give me the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the sensitivity to understand, and the courage to respond in tangible ways to the needs of those around me.  Make yourself obvious to me in the midst of it all, and thank you for your constant invitation to be a part of your upside-down Kingdom and the making of all things new.  Amen.

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 25, 2026
Written by: Ryan Hebel
 
In Christ, freedom from the oppression of sin is both personal AND communal  

Scripture:
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.  He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.  He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God.  He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.  He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.  
(Luke 1:47-52)

Reflection:
Christ’s rescue and redemption is for all people. While the saving act of Jesus’ death and resurrection indeed releases each of us from our own guilt, sin, and death, Black Theology asserts that it is not just personal, but that true freedom from the oppression of sin is both personal AND communal.  True victory comes when we are all free, yes, from the chains for sin and death, but also from actual chains.  And Black Theology consistently emphasizes the perspective that none of us are truly free until we are all truly free.  This corresponding atonement theory reflects the belief that, in finding our individual freedom in Christ, we are spurred on to work on behalf of others for their freedom from oppression and bondage as well.
 
The final victory that Christ makes possible for us is communal, and comes with an invitation for each of us to join with Christ in his work on behalf of others, as a response to what he has done for us.  We should live a life that rejoices in what God has done for us in Christ, and in God’s favor, while also doing everything we can to show mercy to those around us in need and to lift up the lowly.  This invitation in Black Theology echoes Christ’s invitation on the cross to the thieves hanging beside him to join him in paradise later that day (Luke 23:40-43).  It also reflects Mary’s words in the Magnificat, acknowledging God’s faithful desire to lift up the lowly and to look with favor upon those of humble status (Luke 1:46-48, 52-53).  In the Kingdom of God, freedom and victory for me means freedom and victory for you too, even when it costs me something.  Maybe even everything.  

Prayer:
Jesus, may your willingness to hold nothing back in your pursuit of bringing forth true freedom from the oppression of sin, suffering, and death for all people (myself included) inspire me today.  Fill me with courage to join you in that redeeming work, without reservation and on behalf of others, until freedom is something that can be truly shared and embraced by all people everywhere as a reflection of your kingdom, existing here on earth. Amen.

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Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 24, 2026
Written by: Ryan Hebel
 
Marginalized Prophetic Voices Emphasize God’s Character

Scripture:

Take away the noise of your songs; I won't listen to the melody of your harps.  But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.  
(Amos 5:23-24)

Reflection:
Black Theology centers God’s character by leveraging the prophetic voices of marginalized people, and in doing so reveals a God of solidarity and justice in the atonement.  God has a long history of raising up prophetic voices from the margins, and from places of suffering.  Sometimes these voices arise on behalf of suffering people.  Other times, the prophets themselves are suffering.  Either way, God consistently shows a lack of interest in those seeking to pay God lip service while ignoring or even perpetrating injustice. Instead, God raises up prophets who reassert God’s true nature and concern for those who are suffering and oppressed.  We see this pattern throughout the Old Testament, in Jesus’ life, and later through believers coming to faith in the New Testament.  Wherever there is suffering, there God is as well.  

But God is not content to let the marginalized suffer in silence.  God gives them a voice, and that voice is reaffirmed and reasserted repeatedly in the black theological tradition as modern-day prophets of the civil rights movement.  The best known of these modern prophets, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., echoed the biblical prophets in declaring God’s never-ending desire to, “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”*  In the same way, Christ revealed these same aspects of God’s character by living in solidarity with the oppressed while leveraging the fullness of his divine power and authority to speak God’s truth to earthly power, in line with the prophets who had gone before him, and as an example to those that he knew would continue to follow after.  Whether written down in an ancient text, or shouted from the street corners of our very own neighborhoods, prophetic voices echo the voice of God.  It is the voice of Christ himself crying out on the cross, “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46), both in anguish and in victory.  And this voice exists in each of us.  Today we are invited to join in the chorus of prophetic voices to continue this same tradition.
 
*August 28, 1963, “I Have a Dream,” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Prayer:
God of justice, in this season of Lent and time of turmoil, help me to find my prophetic voice in the places where you have granted me influence.  May my words reveal and reflect your character as I seek to support the marginalized.  In the places where I am able, help me also to create space for others who are ignored to their voices as well.  Thank you for your mercy, and for the ways in which you grant us courage and perseverance when we feel diminished in our ability to speak up, or to even find the right words for ourselves.  Amen.  

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