This weekend, The Gathering continues our 20th Anniversary celebration, and I hope all of you are in worship to be a part of it. Worship will be powerful, the message important, and we have a lot of meaningful and fun ways for you to engage. In particular, I hope that in addition to coming to worship, all of you will do 4 things this weekend:

1. Share your “defining moment” during your time at The Gathering. Share a memorable moment, a step of faith you’ve taken here, or a way the church has changed your life. I deeply value hearing everyone's story. You can share them by recording a quick video here or posting a card on our Defining Moments timeline at all of the sites.
2. This weekend, we will be celebrating the Literacy Partnership and inviting all of you to consider serving this school year. To celebrate, every child at The Gathering will get a free book this weekend. Along with the gift, I hope that you will consider serving. You can check out the opportunities or learn more here.
3. We will have CANDY this weekend along with Gathering bumper stickers. Make sure to grab some after worship.
4. Last year, we launched our Much Given, Much Expected generosity initiative. We took time to share a vision for the next 2 years at The Gathering and asked all of you to support the future of our church through a 2-year giving commitment. We are now 1 year into the initiative and already seeing the impact of your giving. Since many of you are new, I want you to hear about our vision. I hope you will grab a Much Given booklet at any of our sites this weekend or read about it online here. This October, those of you that haven’t done so will have an opportunity to make a commitment to be a part of it for next year.

This Sunday, our West County Site will have a preview worship service. If you live in West County or St. Charles, I hope you will check out our newest site and invite someone you know to come with you. Worship is at 10am at the Reverie at The District in Chesterfield. Be a part of creating the newest site of The Gathering, and join us at West County.

I can’t wait to continue our series Defining Moments this weekend and celebrate with all of you!

Peace,

Matt

P.S. Have you ever wondered if you should become a pastor? I know, it is a weird thing to think about. But many of you have the gift, and some of you are feeling a nudge towards exploring ministry as a vocation. This fall, we are starting a small group for those that want to explore a call to ministry. To be a part of it or to learn more, just email Pastor Tim here.

CoreGroup Guide | Defining Moments – Part 2
Written by Jenny Huffman and Christopher Burford

Welcome

Over the past two decades at The Gathering, countless people made countless small decisions that led the church to be what it is today. And now it’s our turn. Welcome to Part 2 of our series, Defining Moments: Celebrating 20 Years of The Gathering. This week we reflect on the present moment and the possibilities that God has laid out for our church community today.

Opening Prayer

Good and Gracious God, we welcome you into this space today. We welcome your presence, your peace, your guidance, and your grace. Help us to be welcoming towards each other as well, Lord. Help us to be fully present here today, just as we are, with curiosity and compassion. Thank you for this opportunity to gather together. It’s in your name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What one article of clothing or accessory defines you the most? Maybe it’s that sweatshirt you’ve worn for years? Or the snazzy bowtie you pull out when you need some pizzazz? How about the skinny jeans that will never really go out of style, those fabulous earrings that make you feel confident, or that cherished baseball cap from your favorite team?

The Head

Hebrews 12 starts with an important phrase: “So then.” Other translations use “Therefore.” Oftentimes in scripture when we encounter words like “so then” and “therefore” it is a prompt to look at what came before. Something significant led us to this point, so now what? Last week we took a journey through the faith hall of fame in Hebrews 11, remembering some of the defining moments of the past. Today we pivot towards the present, with a call to action and a bit of encouragement that is just as relevant to us today as it was to the first followers of Christ.
.

• Why would this message have been impactful to the original recipients of this letter, a community of early Jewish believers facing persecution, pressure, and fatigue?
• Who is the “cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us? What exactly are they witnessing?
• What is the connection between Jesus and all of these other past pillars of the faith?
• In what ways is Jesus the pioneer and perfector of the faith?

The Heart

Living a life of faith is not just about retelling the Biblical stories, it’s also about embracing the ups and downs of the current moment, as unexpected, inconvenient, or draining as that can be.  Hebrews 12:3 goes on to encourage readers to remember the example of Jesus, “so that you may not grow weary in your souls or lose heart.” Truly words to live by today!

• How do you know when you are starting to grow weary in your soul? What does that experience look like, or feel like, to you?
• What is your greatest source of endurance in this current season of life?
• How does your participation in weekly worship support you to “run the race” that is laid out in front of you?
• What prevents you from running that race to the fullest? What extra baggage are you carrying?

The Hands

Present day decisions can leave a legacy far beyond what we can ever imagine. This is not to say we need to be anxious or worried about every little decision we make, but rather to remind us that our words and actions matter. Our presence matters. We matter! The small ways we choose to use our gifts and graces today can have a big impact in the future.

• Think about a decision you are facing right now that may be a defining moment at some point in the future. Share the decision with your group and invite them to pray for you this coming week.
• What type of legacy do you want to leave at The Gathering or in your local community? What is your next step to move in that direction?
• What is one action your CoreGroup could take together this year to be a part of the work God is doing in and through The Gathering, right here, right now?

Closing Prayer

Prayer of Good Courage

Lord God,
You have called your servants
to ventures of which we cannot see the ending,
by paths as yet untrodden,
through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out with good courage,
not knowing where we go,
but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(Written by Eric Milner-White, Daily Prayer, p. 14, Oxford University Pres, 1941)

CoreGroup Guide | Defining Moments – Part 1
Written by Christopher Burford and Jenny Huffman

From Pastor Charity

As we move into a new CoreGroup season, I want to remind us all of one of our key values for the CoreGroup ministry: Show Up. It’s That Simple. Your group counts on you. When we show up consistently, listen deeply, and share honestly, we become more than attendees - we become owners of something bigger, the great commandment - love God, neighbor and self.

Show Up is a focus value this year. We know nothing is possible unless you’re in the room, sitting in the circle - so SHOW UP. It’s that simple!

During each sermon series, we will also highlight one of our Six Shared Practices. Our practice for this series is Worship. Worship is more than an obligation. It’s a weekly opportunity for us to participate in the body of Christ. Click on the link above to review the “Start, Grow, Stretch” opportunities listed under Worship. Assess where you are right now, choose a next step, and share it with your group.

Welcome

Hello friends, and welcome to a new season of CoreGroups! We hope your summer break included some rest and maybe some rejuvenating reflection.

Our first week of the semester will begin with a new series looking at defining moments. These moments are crossroads in our lives where important decisions are made. Sometimes these moments are inconvenient and downright stressful because the decisions are difficult. But when we examine defining moments in the Bible, we often see positive outcomes while stepping out in faith. Week 1 encourages us to take courage by examining others who stepped forward with faith in the past.

Let's open with a prayer.  

Opening Prayer

Hey God! We welcome you into our time together today. Please bless us with your presence.  Help us to have good conversations and deep understanding. Guide us towards peace, insight, and grace for one another. It is in your name we pray, amen.    

Ice Breaker

The moment you first decide you like a song or music group is a defining moment in your life.  What is the very first album, artist, or song you sought out? The format could be anything from vinyl record to 8-track to cassette tape to compact disc or even a streaming service. What was your defining music moment?

The Head

Our scripture reading this week comes from the New Testament Book of Hebrews. The author of this book has never been fully identified, but we know it was a letter written to a known population of new Christian believers who faced harsh prosecution, imprisonment, and even death for their beliefs. Their temptation was to deny their faith and to revert back to old traditions. In response, the author of this letter pointed them towards a hall of fame of Biblical heroes who overcame adversity and triumphed through a faith in God.

Our reading this week comes from Chapter 11, which is quite long. A selection of verses is included below, but you are encouraged to read the whole chapter on your own time.

• What common theme(s) did the author use to weave these Biblical stories together? Why would that style be impactful to new believers back then?  
• Scholars believe Hebrews was written between 30-40 years after Jesus’s time on Earth.  It's reasonable to think that the first readers of this letter may have even seen Jesus. Why do you think this encouragement was needed?
• Five of these verses were dedicated to Moses. Culturally, why do you think this increased attention on Moses would have been impactful?
• What else jumps out to you from this selection of verses from Hebrews 11?

The Heart

Truth be told, many of the examples on the list of heroes above include defining moments at times of high anxiety, extreme fright, and/or deep pain. Such is often the way for defining moments. The predicted outcomes are unknown, which makes decisions difficult. Before The Gathering became a church, with five worship sites, it was just a concept, a dream, a prayer. Decisions had to be made. Details had to come together. Outcomes were unknown. But like our verses above, steps were taken with faith with courage at the forefront.

• Defining moments can be as unique as fingerprints. Situations are different for all of us. What makes a moment “defining” for you?
• As you reflect back on your life thus far, what defining moments can you identify for yourself or someone else? What is the value in naming these moments from our past?
• An unknown outcome can be troublesome when considering options at a crossroads.  Faith certainly helps, but what has that looked like for you? What helps guide you when making important decisions and moving through the crossroads of life?
• What role has Worship played in your life as you navigate defining moments?

The Hands

Whether you’ve been at The Gathering for 20 years or for 20 minutes, there was a defining moment that brought you here. But you didn’t get here alone. God is always working in and through faithful communities, and small defining moments can have a huge impact!

• What defining moments at The Gathering have shaped you the most? This could be joining a group, serving in some capacity, giving generously, participating in worship, or engaging more fully in another shared practice.
• Describe a tough decision you have made in the past few years. What were the circumstances? Who else was involved? How did your faith impact the decision? If you are comfortable, briefly share the story with the group.  
• Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.” As you reflect on the defining moments of your life thus far, how did you keep moving towards hope, even when you couldn’t see the outcome yet?
• How might you help someone else navigate a defining moment?

Closing Prayer

God, we thank you for our time in discussion today. Please watch over us as we consider big decisions in our lives and open our hearts towards helping others. Please guide us towards good choices according to your will and forgive us when we fall short.

It is in your name we pray, amen.  

Twenty years ago, on September 17, 2006 - a new church gathered for worship in an old sanctuary in the city of St. Louis. The church didn’t have a lot of resources, no money, couldn’t afford staff, and didn’t have fancy technology. What it did have was people who were highly committed to something that they couldn’t yet see. They were people that wanted to create a church that was compelling for new generations of people. We imagined a church that people wanted to come to instead of coming out of guilt or obligation. We wanted a church that people were excited to tell their friends about, one that authentically welcomed people that had been burned or bored by the church, one that was passionate about inviting and welcoming new people.

I remember the week leading up to that first worship service. We held a 24-hour prayer vigil, asking God to bless this new community. My prayers were born out of hope and fear. I was hopeful for what God might do, but I had a lot of voices feeding the fear inside of me.


In fact, I spent so much time focusing on what might go wrong, that I didn’t think enough about what might happen if it worked.

Well, it worked. All of you have created a church with not just 1 site but 4 with a 5th one on the way. You didn’t just grow, you are one of the ten largest United Methodist Churches in the country. You didn’t just reach financial sustainability, you give away over a half a million dollars every year to missions in our city and around the world.

But that is not the most important thing you have done. You have created a community for thousands of people - a community of hope and healing, challenge and change, repentance and forgiveness, invitation and inclusion. For twenty years you have shared the authentic Christ with thousands of people who never thought they would be involved in church.

All of this is worth celebrating. This weekend, I am beginning a three week series called Defining Moments where we will stop and celebrate what God has done in our church, what is happening right now, and what God is going to do in the future. If The Gathering has been meaningful to you over the years, please join us. I would love to see you, have you in worship and hear your defining moment at our church. If you have been meaning to invite someone, please do it! This is the perfect time to introduce someone else to our community. Who knows, your invitation may lead to THEIR defining moment!

I can’t wait to celebrate with you. Each week, we will have powerful worship and a few fun surprises along the way (including treats and special giveaways). I am amazed by what God has done through you, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. Have a great weekend, and plan to be in church on Sunday at any of our sites.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. I would love for you to share your own defining moment at The Gathering. It can be a memorable worship, something that happened to you, or a moment that changed your perspective on faith. You can record from your own phone and just click to submit here.

Lately, several people have come to me about decisions they are struggling with. Many Christians wrestle with how to apply their faith to everyday life. How do we make faithful and spiritually informed decisions? It isn’t an easy question, and for that reason, many people don’t invite God in to everyday, seemingly non-spiritual choices they make.
 
For example, how many of you prayed and asked for God’s wisdom before buying a car, a house, or going on a vacation? Do you consult with God before over-committing your kids to activities, deciding how to use your retirement, or choosing a place to live? Is God ever part of the conversation when you decide what job to take, when to leave, and how to use the money you earn? For most of us, the answer is, “not often.”
 
I understand that and yet, scripture encourages us to think about the decisions we make through a lens of faith. When people ask me some version of the question, “what would God want me to do?” the answer is rarely straightforward. But there are some criteria I suggest to people who want to make faithful decisions in their everyday life.
 
First, what does scripture say about the choice you are making? Rarely does the bible directly talk about a decision but the Bible encourages us away from selfishness, towards generosity, and regularly reminds us that faith is easy to lose the more stuff you acquire. Secondly, when (or if) you pray about it, what do you sense God telling you to do. Is there a nudge you are feeling in a certain direction? Thirdly, have you gotten the perspective of people who love you and love God? What do they say about this decision? Finally, have you thought about the natural consequences of your decision? Will it lead you closer to Christ and the church or make that commitment more difficult?
 
While it isn’t mathematical, this way of making decisions slows us down, invites God into our choices, and makes the direction we go more intentional. So add it up. When you answer these questions, what direction do they point you in? If two or three of them are cautioning you to reconsider the decision, stop, take your time, proceed with caution (or don’t proceed at all). If three or four of them are giving you green lights to move forward, then, despite your fears, maybe it is time to make a move.
 
Many of you are in a season where you are making a lot of decisions – from how to use your money, what job to take, who to call friends, and how to use your gifts. We are making decisions about major purchases and how to parent our kids. I urge you to think about all of these decisions, no matter how mundane, through a lens of faith. Invite God to help shape the choices you make. It is one of the best ways to allow God to work in every area of your life.
 
I hope you make GOOD decisions this holiday weekend! I will see you on Sunday.  

Matt
 
P.S. September marks the 20th anniversary of The Gathering’s first worship service. Next Sunday, September 13, we will begin a 3-week celebration series of looking back at what God has done, celebrating what God is doing, and anticipate what God wants to do through The Gathering in the future. This is the best time to invite a friend to see who we are, to realize that churches aren’t all the same, and to be a part of the church we are becoming.

When did you first come to The Gathering? Can you remember? For some of us, it was a random invite from a friend. For others, we saw a mug sitting on a coworker's desk. Maybe you drove by and saw the orange sign or googled and we popped up. Just the other day, someone told me they asked ChatGPT for a church that isn’t lame in St. Louis, and AI invited them to The Gathering!

What did you experience when you first came to The Gathering? For some of you it was genuine welcome and acceptance. For others it is transformation and healing. Some of you were challenged to finally make faith a priority, and others of you found authentic friendships that are different from the others in your life. Some of you have discovered that church doesn’t have to be tied to political ideology, or you've been challenged to think more critically about the faith you hold. Many of you have grown spiritually, found a place to raise your kids, or begun serving in ways that have changed you.

What in your life has changed because of The Gathering? Many of you have been baptized or recommitted to following Jesus in your life. Some of you are more generous with your resources or lead a CoreGroup (to your great surprise). Some of you serve in ways that you never thought you would. Many of you have healthier marriages and relationships, a better handle on parenting, or a community of people who get what you are going through.  Many of you have gotten sober, decided to work on your anger, worked through grief alongside others, or found support with your mental health. A few of you have even decided that God is calling you to be a pastor!

What are you excited about for the future of The Gathering? Maybe you haven’t thought a lot about this question. We live so focused on our to-do lists that dreaming about the future of this church, this place you have been a part of and helped create, probably isn’t front-of-mind. But I hope that as you read this, you take a few minutes to think about that question, chew on some answers, and recognize what a gift it is to be in a church that you are excited about.

So why all the questions? Well, September will mark the 20th anniversary of The Gathering. It was on September 17, 2006 that a small group of people finally launched weekly worship in an old sanctuary on McCausland. I have spent a lot of time this year reflecting on these questions and more as we prepare to celebrate The Gathering. On September 13th, we will launch a new series called “Defining Moments.” We will have THREE big weeks of celebration at all of our sites as we look back at what God has done through our church, celebrate what is happening right now, and look ahead to the future.

I have two favors to ask. First, if The Gathering has played a role in your faith and life, please join us in-person for these three weeks. Secondly, most of us got here because someone invited us. Please invite someone that you think would find this church meaningful to join you for this series. It is the perfect time to introduce someone to who we are.

I can’t wait to see so many of you in September. Please plan on being here. As for this weekend, I will be finishing our series on Moses (which I have loved preaching). Have a great weekend, and I will see you Sunday!

Peace,

Matt

P.S. This weekend, after each service at all of our sites, we will have our Groups Launch Party! This is THE time to meet leaders of various groups, see what kind of CoreGroups and Wellness Groups are offered, and sign up to check one out. So make sure to take some time to see all the groups that are starting this fall at The Gathering.

As a brand new 24-year-old pastor, I was tasked with leading a Disciple Bible Study at the church I served. Disciple Bible Study is a journey through the scriptures designed for those who want to intentionally begin to learn more about the scriptures. It includes a structured, accessible reading plan, a brief daily reflection opportunity, and a weekly small group to talk about what you are learning. As I prepared to lead it, I thought it would be like dozens of other small groups that I had been a part of growing up. But it surprised me and surpassed every expectation. Not only did I learn more about the Bible than I ever had in a single study, I grew close to a multi-generation group of people. It was a highlight of my first year in ministry, and I loved it so much that during my four years at that church, I led this study every year.

I know that many of you love Jesus, are faithful in coming to worship, but wish you knew more about the Bible. Of course we can read the Bible alone, but it is easy to fall away from that habit and not keep it consistent. It can be hard to read the scriptures alone without anyone to talk with about it. CoreGroups contain some Bible readings but aren’t designed for more in-depth study. Many of you have asked me over the years, “do we have dedicated Bible studies”. If any of this sounds like you, or if you are curious about beginning to read the Bible more intentionally, then I have an opportunity for you.

Beginning the week of September 13th, The Gathering is launching our first ever Disciple Bible Study. DISCIPLE Fast Track 1 is a two-semester Bible study that takes you through the Old Testament in the fall and the New Testament in the spring. Plan to read 3-5 chapters, five days a week, for up to 30 minutes daily. You will have read about 60 percent of the Bible by the end.  All of this happens inside the Be A Disciple App. Then groups will meet in person or virtually to discuss that week’s readings. For any of you that have wanted to learn more about the Bible while meeting some incredible people, this is the time! I hope you will sign up to be a part of Disciple Bible Study. More information and signups can be found here.

This weekend I will be continuing our series, Moses: Lessons for the Journey. Last week I said that after a significant change, things in our life often get harder before they get easier. Circumstances sometimes are worse before they are better. That is all part of the journey and sometimes, it is precisely when we are at our lowest that God is able to transform us and ready us for something new. Rock bottom moments can also become turning points for us. This weekend, I will talk about what God did for Moses and the people when they were at a low point, and what God can do for you when you hit a low point in your own journey.

This message will especially resonate with a friend in your life that may be going through a really challenging transition or stage of life. So I hope you will invite them to check out worship with you. I would love to meet them.

I hope you enjoy your weekend and I will see you Sunday.

Peace,

Matt Miofsky

It is a big day for Jessica and me. This morning, we are moving our youngest son, George, into his freshman dorm. We will get him set up, make sure he has what he needs, and then give him a hug as we leave him there. We have done this twice before, so that part we have some experience with. But when we return home, we will begin our first week in 25 years without a kid living in our house! Yes, I have officially hit empty nest status (at least for now).
 
People have been asking me if I am ready for it, how I feel, what we will do, or what we think it's going to be like. The truth is that I don’t know! I haven’t ever done this before. Of course we are happy, thrilled for George and all of our kids as they head out and begin to find their way in the world. That is the whole point of parenting, to raise kids that go off and do whatever God is calling them to do. But this is a significant transition for Jess and me. And like any time of transition, we don’t fully know what life will look like yet. We are leaving one thing behind, but we haven’t yet arrived at a new rhythm of life. So for at least a while, we will fumble our way through this transition season trying and testing what comes next.
 
That is the way transitions are for all of us. When life shifts, when you feel called to do something new, or when you step out to make a change, you rarely move directly from the old to the new. Usually, you enter an in-between time. You have left one thing behind, but you haven’t fully discovered the new thing you are moving towards. You are, Biblically speaking, in the wilderness! And the wilderness isn’t always an easy or comfortable place to be.
 
Scripture tells us that the wilderness is important for us during times of change.
The wilderness is disorienting. There is some grief leaving behind what is familiar. It is uncertain because you aren’t sure where exactly you are going or how long it will take. But the wilderness isn’t wasted time. God uses it as a place of experimentation and formation, of development and discovery. As hard as they can be, we need these seasons of transition to fully say goodbye to the old and get ready for something new.
 
Many of you are in transition right now as well. Maybe it is the ending of a relationship, a career shift, a new stage of parenting, or a decision to change something in your personal life. Just know that, sometimes, listening to God’s nudge to move forward into something new can feel disorienting and scary at first. Life can sometimes get harder before it gets better.

This weekend, we will talk about transitions and the lessons we can learn from Moses’ time in the wilderness. If you are in a season of transition like me, then you won’t want to miss this weekend. But we all know people who are there right now. Invite them. This will be a perfect opportunity to introduce them to the Gathering; the conversation we will have could encourage them in ways they desperately need.
 
So wherever you are right now, just remember, God is walking with you. Have a great weekend, hang in there, and I will see you Sunday.

Peace,


Matt
 
P.S. Wellness Groups are starting soon. If you are going through a particular transition in life or trying to make a change, don’t do it alone. Check out our list of Wellness Groups here, and walk this road with others on the same journey. From finances to parenting, navigating grief or feeling overwhelmed by life, there is likely a group for you.
 

To grow you have to go. Growth requires movement. You have to try something new, develop a different habit, learn something, or disrupt your normal routine. Usually, growth requires you to take a risk or try something that might feel uncomfortable. And that can be scary. There is inertia to overcome and excuses to put aside. Growth requires work, but if you step out and do it, growth is worth it. A new world is opened up, you shift your perspective, feel things differently, and meet people that you never would have met.

This is true in every aspect of life, but especially in our spiritual life. I meet people all the time who will say things to me like, “I wish I knew more about the Bible, had time to serve, could get more involved, learned how to pray better, or could meet some new people.” I often will respond by asking them what new things they are trying in order to grow in whatever area they name. I often get blank stares!

I get it. Many of us want the benefits of a spiritual life that feels alive and growing. But we don’t always want to change our routine and try something new to make that happen. I don’t want that for you, or for our church.

What excites me about The Gathering is that so many of you genuinely want to grow in your faith. You don’t just want to “go to church” but also follow Jesus in your everyday life. And to do that, you regularly have to try new things. As August begins and the summer starts to wind down, I want to invite you to make this fall a season of growth for you. I have three specific invitations that will help you grow in your faith. I invite you to try one.

1. Start reading the Bible and let us help. For the first time, we will be hosting a weekly Bible Study called Disciple Bible Study. Whether you know the Bible or have never read it, this group is designed to meet you where you are and help you to grow in your understanding of the Bible. The best part is that you will get to do it with some other really great people. Watch for sign ups in the next few weeks.
2. Try serving in a new way. We regularly need people to serve on Sundays and throughout the week. Try a hospitality team, work with kids, be a buddy for someone with a disability, or serve in the tech booth. When you serve, you stretch yourself and see faith from a different angle. You can indicate an interest in serving here or talk to your site pastor and they can help.
3. Try out a new CoreGroup or Wellness Group. We are launching sign-up season for our groups this month. Sometimes trying a new group (or trying one for the first time) is the kickstart you need to begin growing. A new group will help you meet new people, pray, talk about what you hear on Sunday, and build a support system of others that will be there for you if you need them. You can see the new groups in the app or again, talk to your site pastor and they can help.

As always, doing any of these steps with another person is even better. I hope you will invite someone that you think would find our church meaningful to join you for worship this weekend. Take these invitations to heart, and help us create a church that isn’t stagnant and stale, but continues to be vibrant and growing.

Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday.

Peace,

Matt

Worship last weekend was powerful as we ended our series Heaven on Earth. I invited all who wanted to be baptized or reaffirm their baptism to come forward. What followed was inspiring. Across our sites we had over 150 people come forward to be baptized, reaffirm their baptism or commit to membership at The Gathering. All of these represent steps to follow Christ, not just through our words, but in our everyday lives. I want to share with you why these commitments matter.
 
Baptism is a sacrament in the church, an outward and visible sign of inward and invisible grace. In simpler terms, baptism makes visible on the outside, what God is doing in your life on the inside. As a pastor, I sometimes question if all the effort put into the ministries of the church matter. Maybe you feel that way sometimes. You serve or give or invite or show up weekly and maybe you wonder if all of it is making a difference. Is the Holy Spirit really moving among us? The answer is a resounding YES. The work you do matters, and God is moving in peoples’ lives. Baptism is an outward sign of what is happening in so many of your lives. And it was inspiring to see.
 
These commitments also matter for a different reason. Jesus tells his disciples,
 We know all too well that our world is full of people who claim the name of Jesus but do not look like Jesus. There are people who love the title of Christian but don’t want to listen to Jesus’ teachings. There are so many who wear the badge of church membership and yet do not act as Jesus does. And the world notices. Too many Christians use Jesus to promote their own (narrow) social, economic, and political views, cheapening the faith and turning away millions of people tired of this distortion.
 
I pray nearly everyday that The Gathering would be different. That we would be people who both worship Jesus inside the church and live like Jesus teaches outside the church. I want us to be people who are growing in faith, both inwardly in our hearts, and visibly in our treatment of others. I want to be a church of people that do not just care about ourselves and those like us, but work for a world that reflects the justice and equity Christ brings. I am desperate for that kind of church. I think a lot of you are desperate for that kind of church as well.
 
So last Sunday, when I saw hundreds commit to taking a step to follow Jesus more closely in their lives, I rejoiced. Gathering, thank you for being a church that wants to love Jesus and live out the faith of Jesus. Thank you for inviting your friends to experience a church that is different. Thank you for making space where new steps of faith are encouraged and celebrated. If you are interested in being baptized or reaffirming your baptism, please reach out to your site pastor or let us know here. Thank you for not just claiming the title but seeking to live like Jesus in a world that needs him.
 
Peace,
 
Matt
 
P.S. This weekend is a great time to invite someone new to The Gathering. I am starting a new series retracing the life of Moses and learning how his journey can offer us insights on our own. I will share reflections I had during my recent trip to Egypt where I was able to see firsthand many of the places that we will talk about. I can’t wait to share it with you and I hope to see you Sunday.  

Life is full of endless choices. Before you’ve even made it out the door in the morning, you’ve likely chosen what to wear, what to have for breakfast, whether to work out or not, what route to take to work or school…and you’re only a few hours into your day! Most of the choices we make might seem insignificant, but some can have lasting, even profound effects.

This Sunday, we’re all going to have the chance to make significant choices. I will be finishing our series Heaven on Earth at all of our sites, focusing on the way Jesus ended his Sermon on the Mount. Spoiler, he posed a choice for all of us to make, asking “Do you want to continue living according to the wisdom of this world, or will you follow me?” Then, we will all have a chance to make that choice in real time. At the end of the sermon, there will be a time to be baptized or to remember and recommit to your baptism. I hope all of you will come ready to participate.
 
We will have the baptism pools available at all sites for full immersion or the font available for those that prefer water on their heads. If you have never been baptized, this is THE Sunday to do it. Baptism is simply the act of receiving Jesus’ gift of new life and making a commitment to follow him. At the end of the sermon anyone who has not been baptized (children and adults) will have the opportunity to come forward and do so.
 
For all the rest of you that have already been baptized, you will be able to come forward to reaffirm your baptism and recommit to following Jesus. Some of us may have been baptized as babies, and can’t even remember it. Others may have drifted far away from God since our baptism. Some of us have had profound experiences of Jesus and want to mark our new commitment to follow him. Reaffirming our baptism is a great way to do this. You will be able to reaffirm your baptism through full immersion or with water over your head at the font. It is powerful, especially if you feel like you have drifted from faith, to recenter yourselves on Jesus and make a new commitment to follow him.
 
Everyone will be invited to come forward to either be baptized or to reaffirm your baptism. I hope all of you will participate. You can wear comfortable, casual clothes. We will have t-shirts and plenty of towels available.
 
I know that for many of you, this is a new experience or outside your comfort zone. But it is one of the most powerful Sundays at The Gathering, and I hope you will be there and participate. Why? Because it is an outward sign of one of the most important choices we will ever make. The choice to follow Jesus.
 
Have a great weekend, and I can’t wait to see you Sunday.
 
Peace,
 
Matt

P.S. Tuesday, July 28, I will be hosting NEXT. We’ll eat some food, share stories, and discuss what it means to be a part of The Gathering. This is a great way to learn a little more about the church, meet other people, ask me questions, and find out how to get more connected. It will be at the McCausland Site at 7pm. Childcare will be provided, beginning at 6:30pm. Whether you’ve been at The Gathering a week or a few years, if you have never been to NEXT, please join me. You can find out more details and register here.

The Gathering only grows when you are willing to take a step forward in your own faith. Our church is in a season of change, development, and growth, and that means opportunities for all of you to grow with us! Here are three specific invitations I hope you’ll consider right now in the life of our church.

1. This weekend, our West County site is having a preview worship service. It will be their first one led by our new site pastor Roxy DeLong. Some of you have tried the site in the past or maybe have been intending to check it out. This is the Sunday I hope you will be there. You will have a chance to experience our newest site, meet Roxy, and help create a space for new people to experience our church. If you live anywhere in west or St. Charles county, please plan to come this weekend and invite someone to come with you. You can find out more here or join us at 10am at The Reverie in Chesterfield.
2. Next weekend, July 26, we will have a church-wide open baptism Sunday. If you have never experienced one, it is powerful, and I want you to be there! At the service, I will invite any of you that want to be baptized to come forward. If you have never been baptized, I hope you will make that decision to receive Christ’s love and respond to that love by committing to follow him. For all of the rest of you, there will be an opportunity for you to come forward as well. If you were baptized a long time ago, don’t remember it, have drifted away from the church, or just want to recommit to following Jesus, you can remember and recommit to your baptism. We will have the baptism pools for those wanting to be immersed as well as the bowl for those who want water over their head. And, if you want to become a member of The Gathering, there will be an opportunity to do that as well. If you are interested in baptism or membership, let us know here or you can just respond in the moment. I hope all of you will plan to be in worship ready to get in the water!
3. People come to our church because someone invites them. They come back to our church because they enjoyed worship. But people stay at our church because they form relationships and get into a group. Many of you have experienced the significance of a CoreGroup or Wellness Group here at The Gathering. And the very best thing about our 100+ groups is that they are all led by people just like you. If you are trying to find a group, feeling the nudge to start a group, or want to learn more about leading a group, please plan to come this Sunday to the Start a New Group Lunch & Learn. It is happening this Sunday after the (second) worship service at the McCausland, Metro East, and West County sites. You will get a chance to learn how easy it is lead a group, and explore opportunities to start new groups. Learn more or let us know you are coming here.

This weekend I am continuing our series Heaven on Earth: A Study of the Sermon on the Mount. I appreciate the feedback and response to last week’s message. If you missed week one on the Beatitudes, check it out or share it here.

Someone last week casually said to me, “Matt, let me know if there is anything I can do for the church.” In addition to the above, I always say, the very first way you can bless the church and make a difference is by showing up in worship for one another. Have a great weekend, and I hope to see you this Sunday.

Peace,

Matt

What if I told you there is a sermon online that has over 10 billion views since being posted? This sermon, only a little over 20 minutes long, has been used as the basis for laws and governments, influencing world leaders. The sermon has been debated and studied by ethicists, philosophers, lawyers, and theologians. The sermon has been quoted at least a trillion times, the most viral words in the history of the world. Now if I told you all of that, wouldn’t you be at least a little interested in what this sermon says, and who preached it?

Well, you are in luck, because this weekend, I will start a new series, Heaven on Earth: A Study of The Sermon on the Mount, where together we will see what all the buzz is about! This sermon is everything that I said above, and more. It is the longest and most complete sermon from Jesus that we have. It contains most of his most well known teachings, things like the beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, turn the other cheek, the golden rule, and love your enemy. It is easily the most influential sermon ever preached, listened to and quoted by Christians and non-Christians alike. I will spend the next three weeks teaching about it and how it speaks to our lives today. I encourage you to actually read it before Sunday. It can be found in Matthew 5-7 and will take even the slow readers among us less than 15 minutes to read. You can also find the text on The Gathering app.

In addition to the new series, there is another big reason to be in worship on Sunday. If you go to our Webster site, I will be introducing our new site pastor Steve Lefebvre and his family. He will be leading worship and I will be preaching. Welcoming a new pastor is a rare special occasion and I can tell you first hand how meaningful it is when a lot of people show up to welcome you. Webster folks, I hope you all come at 9:30 or 11am to welcome Steve and his family to Webster!

Before I let you go, I have one more challenge for you. Through the years, The Gathering has grown because many of you have been willing to mention it to a friend and invite them to come with you. Sometimes, the longer we attend, the less we remember the power of our invitation. This weekend is a great time to invite someone new to come with you. A new series, new leadership at sites, the beginning of a new and exciting season in the church - these are all reasons I hope you will invite someone to join you this weekend in worship. I can’t wait to see you there.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. Next Sunday, July 19, there will be a Start a New Group Lunch & Learn after the last services at McCausland (Clayton & Webster folks, you can head here!), Metro East, & West County! If you've ever had even the smallest nudge to lead a CoreGroup or a Wellness Group, this is a great opportunity to explore those ideas with no pressure to commit. You can register here, just to let us know you're coming.

There are TWO big things happening this weekend.

First, today is obviously an important one for our country. On its 250th anniversary, I am reminded of both the power and promise of the United States. Living here is a blessing and an ongoing mission, something we ought to be grateful for even as we accept the work of ensuring this country’s blessings for all people. Today, I hope each of us can give thanks for living in this place, and accept the challenge of continuing to make it a place of freedom and flourishing for all people.

Second, another reason to celebrate is specific to our church. The Gathering officially has two new site pastors who joined our team this past week. Our new Webster Site Pastor Steve Lefebvre, his wife Heather and their three kids are now officially residents of Shrewsbury! He is even marching today in the Webster Groves parade along with our Webster site. Our new West County Site Pastor Roxy Delong, her husband Luke, and their two kids have just moved in to Manchester and she has already met with the West Country launch team.

Both of them are highly gifted pastors and eager to meet as many of you as possible. Now, it is our turn to welcome them. Here is what I need most from you. Plan to be in worship in the month of July. Webster site folks, Steve will have his first Sunday at the Webster site on July 12. I will be preaching live that day as well as introducing him to the congregation. Please plan to be at either the 9:30 or 11am service. Whether you come every week or it has been a while, the greatest gift you can give him and his family is showing up to welcome him and support the new chapter that is beginning at Webster.

West Country folks, Roxy will be reaching out to try to meet as many of you as possible. Whether you’ve been engaged in the new site, or have been waiting, now is the time to support her and this new effort from our church. I hope you accept her invitation to meet and get to know her as she begins her time here at The Gathering.

I hope you all have fun celebrating today and remember, tomorrow is Sunday. Please plan to be in worship, and I can’t wait to see you.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. On July 12, I will be starting a new series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount called Heaven on Earth. I can’t wait to dive into the most famous sermon ever preached and talk about Jesus’ vision for how we should be living. It is especially applicable given everything that we are facing as individuals and as a country. If you want to get a head start, read the sermon in Matthew 5-7. You can find a link to it here.

I am going to confess something. Taking time off is hard for me. I know some of you think that sounds wild, but I suspect a few of you understand. First, I love my work and so it is not something I want to escape. Secondly, I like my days to have structure, a plan, and activity. I like to feel like I have accomplished something. Finally, and this one is the most difficult to admit, I have a lot of nervous energy, and work is one way I funnel that energy towards something meaningful. Without work, I tend to drive the people around me, including myself, a little crazy. And what I have learned over the years is that unless I have a reason to take time off, I won’t do it. If I don’t plan something else to do or somewhere else to go, then I don’t miss a weekend. In my 1352 Sundays of ministry, I have missed exactly one because I was sick!

So it was with great fear and trepidation that I took some time off this past week, not because I had anywhere to go, or anything to do, but just because I knew that I needed it. I needed the mental break, I needed to tend to some things in our family and at home, and the church (and especially staff) needed a little time to do things without me! I am going to be honest, this past week was hard. Without work, I had to deal with some things I had been procrastinating on, find ways to connect with myself and others that didn’t focus on work, and deal with all that nervous energy. And it was hard! It actually wasn’t that enjoyable. But I do feel as if God was teaching me something.

God is continuing to teach me a few things. There is spiritual value to being alone with your thoughts. With ubiquitous technology and neverending content, we have too many ways to avoid ourselves, and that isn’t healthy. God is reminding me that a rhythm of work and rest actually helps me to serve the church better and longer. Time off teaches me that relationships are easy to neglect and making time to invest in them has to be intentional. God is teaching me that I have some issues with relaxing that I need to figure out! Time off always reminds us that we are never as important as we think we are.

I suppose God knew what God was doing when God instructed us to honor the sabbath, and keep it holy. In this commandment, God teaches us that life is better when there is a regular rhythm of work and rest, time of productivity and time of recreation, time for doing and time for being, a time to focus on activity and a time for relationships.

Maybe taking time off is easy for you. If so, then I am envious, and I hope you continue to enjoy it unapologetically. But if you are weird like me, then maybe you have to be more intentional. Maybe you have to force yourself to stop, and take a little time. And if and when you do that, pay attention to what God is trying to teach you.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and lets worship together this Sunday.

Peace,


Matt

P.S. This Sunday we will end our series Make it Make Cents. Some of you want to get a better handle on how to faithfully deal with finances in your life. Whether you are struggling financially, want to make wise decisions with money you are earning, or want to rethink what you are doing with what you have, there is an opportunity for you. Beginning September 1, The Gathering will have a Faith & Finances class. Led by trained facilitators with experience in both financial and faith settings, this class will help you get your financial house in order, teach you strategies for being more faithful with your money, and help you make intentional and faithful decisions with your finances. You can learn more or sign up here.

On June 19th, 1865 in Galveston Texas the last slaves in the United States received news of their freedom. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was written and released some two and a half years earlier, it took all that time to reach them. The day was obviously significant for them but it soon began to be celebrated throughout the south as a day when freedom formally was enacted for all.

More recently, the day became more widely recognized and celebrated and became an official federal holiday in 2021. It's now an important day for all Americans as it calls us to both remember the injustices of our past and present as well as the significant strides towards freedom for all people. Freedom is not only central to the promise of America, it is foundational to the gospel of Jesus. Freedom has two parts. There is the freedom from the forces which hold humanity back from being all that it can be. There is also freedom for life, joy, and flourishing for all people.

When we think about sin, and all that holds us back from life as God intended it, that sin is both individual, communal, and institutional. Individual sin is obvious and familiar to most of us. We all make mistakes that hurt people we love and distance us from God. Communal sin is those patterns and habits in a community that separate people from one another and keep them from being fully human. Institutional sin is perhaps the hardest to see. It is the way that generations of injustice, greed, and fear become woven into every aspect of life. We’re born into it, so it's sometimes hard to even notice it. Misogyny, extreme income disparity, elitism, homophobia, xenophobia, and racism are all more than mere political talking points, they are sinful distortions of God’s creation. Resisting these forces in all their forms is essential to the church’s mission and part of the call of all Christians.

While this work is never done and the Gathering has a long way to go, we are a church that is committed to creating a community that reflects God’s kingdom. It is our responsibility as followers of Christ to participate in this effort, not only individually, but together as a Church. Thank you to all of you that help make the Gathering more welcoming, more hospitable, and more just for all people.

Sincerely,
Matt Miofsky

P.S
This weekend is Father’s Day and we’ll be celebrating the men in our lives who have cared for and invested in us. I’ll be continuing our series, “Make It Make Cents,” as we continue to talk about God’s vision for how we spend and save money. I can’t wait to see you there and have a great weekend.

This Sunday is going to be a special one at The Gathering for two reasons. 

First, we will be welcoming Ezequiel Nhantumbo and his wife Celia all the way from Mozambique! Ezy has been our Mozambique Initiative Representative since the inception of our partnership. He has hosted many teams from The Gathering (and all over Missouri) over his over 20 year span in this role. He is the main link between our church and the United Methodist Church in Mozambique. Ezy oversees much of the work that we do together to dig wells for clean water and the building of the new Women’s Health Clinic.

Just as he so often welcomes our teams to Mozambique, we want to welcome him and his wife to The Gathering. This weekend, Ezy and Celia will share words of greeting at our McCausland site and it will be live streamed to all of our sites. I hope you will be at worship to hear Ezy and support our partnership with Mozambique. 

Secondly, this Sunday will be special because we are having a preview worship service for our West County site. We will be saying thank you and celebrating Pastor Ryan Hebel as well as welcoming and meeting our new West County Site Pastor Roxy DeLong. Worship will be at 10am at The Reverie in Chesterfield. If you are curious about the West County Site, know someone in the area, or have been wanting to check it out, this is the perfect Sunday to come and invite someone else to come with you. Roxy is looking forward to connecting with those that are excited for The Gathering’s presence out west.

This weekend we will continue our series Make it Make Cents as we reframe common money myths through the lens of faith. In September, we will be launching a new Faith and Finances class. This group is designed for those that are struggling with finances all the way to those who want to be more intentional about financial planning in their life. Professionals from the congregation will be leading the class and it is an incredible opportunity to look more deliberately at your finances through the lens of your faith. The details as well as the sign up can be found here.

The momentum and energy has been incredible at our church this spring. Let’s continue that energy into the summer. I can’t wait to see you in worship this Sunday!

Peace,

Matt

P.S. -  Many of you responded to my call for volunteers for Respite Night, an evening for kids with disabilities in our church. The last respite night was an overwhelming success with nearly 50 kids and 100 volunteers. Word spreads fast and we are hosting another Respite Night on July 10th at 5:30pm. In order to serve the most families we can, we need at least 50 more volunteers. Whether you served last time, or were unable, THIS is your chance. Trust me, it is a couple hours that will change your life and impact the life of a family in our church. You can learn more and sign up here to volunteer.

I remember as a teenager, someone described life to me as a mountain. The best way to climb it is with someone ahead of you and someone behind you. The person ahead of you is a little further along the path that you are traveling. They have seen things up ahead that you have not seen and accumulated experience that you have yet to accumulate. Most importantly, these are folks who can reach back and give you a hand during the toughest part of the climb. We should all climb the mountain with someone ahead of us. Similarly, we should all have someone behind us – a person that we reach back and help through the tough parts of the trail. We can share with this person any knowledge or experience that we have learned from our journey up the mountain. Rather than trying to climb the mountain alone, it is better to have someone ahead of you and someone behind you.

This week I was reminded of how true that metaphor of the mountain really is. Yesterday I was in Lakeland, FL speaking to roughly 1000 United Methodists at the Florida Annual Conference. In the morning, I talked about a vision for the future of the United Methodist Church and why I think our denomination has an important role to play in our increasingly polarized country. In the afternoon, I talked about practices that help churches grow and reach new people. It is always an honor to get asked to speak and I say yes to this work because I want to invest in other pastors, and offer whatever help I can in teaching and encouraging them.

As I was talking, two of my mentors were sitting there listening. These two pastors (one of them now a bishop), befriended me when I was a young pastor. They invested in me, allowed me to ask them questions, called and checked in on me during the early days of The Gathering. One of them even hopped on a plane to visit me in St. Louis when I needed it most. These were two incredible pastors that did not need to pay attention to a pastor like me, but they did. Yesterday I had the chance to eat lunch with one of them, and have coffee with the other. I shared with both of them how grateful I am for their investment in me.

It felt like a full circle moment. Right there in the same room, I got to see two people who were ahead of me on the mountain, and who played a role in helping me up during some really tough parts of the journey. In being there, I was trying to do the same for other clergy and lay leaders. Rather than trying to climb the mountain alone, I try to regularly remember that I need both - people ahead of me who help me up, and people a little further back, to whom I offer whatever help I can.

Over the course of your life, you will regularly be tempted to go it alone. You will try to climb the mountain of life without ever asking for help, and without ever investing yourself in the journey of others. I urge you to resist that temptation. Instead, identify people a little further along the tail that you are seeking to walk. Meet them, ask them questions, learn whatever you can from their experience. Similarly, find people a little further back on the trail. Even though you are busy and focused on your own work, make time to invest in those other people. Make time to offer a hand to others to help them along. It is a better way to live.

I got home late last night. I can’t wait to see you all in worship tomorrow where I will begin a new series called Make it Make Cents: Reframing Common Money Myths. I hope you enjoy your weekend and I can’t wait to see you Sunday.

Peace,

Matt

PS: The first Pride event of the season is coming up on June 27-28 at PrideFest. Pride is an important event on the Gathering’s calendar, and you can join us no matter how you identify. It’s a fun, meaningful way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ people in our community. Sign up to volunteer here: https://subspla.sh/tc4sp2y.

CoreGroup Guide | The Christian Parent’s Field Guide - Part 4
Written by Denee Bowers and Melissa Ross

Welcome

As we come to the end of this sermon series, we also come to the end of our CoreGroup year. We hope you have a rich conversation about this week’s scripture, and the idea of parents as consultants. When our kids reach adulthood the dynamics of the relationship shift in ways that could apply to many relationships in our lives. This is a natural time to reflect on the ways this group has shaped your faith and how you can continue to support one another moving forward.

Opening Prayer

God, you are our heavenly parent and you are good. Thank you for the people you have gathered in this CoreGroup and this time to grow in faith. What a blessing to get to know you and each other better through our discussions. Help us to focus on our parenting as followers of Christ. Amen.

Ice Breaker

Who is your favorite pop culture parent? Is there a character from movies or TV that you want to adopt as your own, or model your parenting style after?

The Head

The book of Genesis contains the original family drama, eventually leading to a man named Jacob. Jacob’s 12 sons go on to form the 12 tribes of Israel whose story unfolds throughout the rest of the Old Testament. Our first scripture is the beginning and end of Jacob’s final blessing for his sons before he dies (you can read the full story here).

• Imagine yourself in Jacob’s place. What might this experience have been like for him? 
• Why do you think it was important to Jacob to give each of his sons a unique blessing? 
• If you have a chance to read the full chapter, you’ll see that not all of Jacob’s prophecies were positive. In fact, some were quite intense! How do you think he felt sharing the good and the bad with his sons?

Perhaps the most famous parent in the Bible is Mary, Jesus’ mother. Her experience of parenting is both extraordinarily unique, and at the same time, deeply relatable. If you have ever watched a beloved child suffer you might be able to find a companion in your heartbreak of Mary at the foot of the cross.

• What traits did Mary have to possess as a parent to be able to simply be present with Jesus in his darkest moment?
• If you were Mary in this situation, how might you have responded to Jesus in this time of deep despair?
• How do you think Mary experienced the role reversal of Jesus caring for her in this time by connecting her with his disciple?

The Heart

We all have a baseline for how parents ought to relate to their adult children from our own parents. Are they present or absent? Do they communicate openly or are they closed off? Can you rely on them or are they a relationship you have to manage? No matter how old we are, we still carry the legacy of our parents with us. Reflecting on how we feel about that legacy can help us determine how we want to try to pass faith onto the next generation.

• What legacy have your parents left with you as an adult? 
• In what ways have you experienced the blessing of a parent in your adulthood? 
• What are your hopes for the children in your life in their young adult years? 

The Hands

This stage of parenting can easily be mistaken for the easy part. It is tricky, though, to transition from the previous roles we have discussed to that of a consultant. If the work of parenting is never done, now is the time to develop a relationship where our children can experience our love and support in new ways.

• In what practical ways can you bless your adult children? 
• How do you balance being available for your children without overstepping their boundaries? 
• What habits can help keep lines of communication open between parents and adult children? 
• How can you use prayer to accomplish the goals of the prior three questions?
• How can you lean into your CoreGroup (or another group) to accomplish the goals of these questions?

Closing Prayer

Dear God, you adopt us as your children. What a gift! Use these lessons from your word, the people you put in our lives, and our own parental relationships to guide us as we support and love our children – whatever stage of life that they are in. And remind us that our main responsibility is always to love you and to love others as we love ourselves. Amen.

Going Deeper

The memory verse for this series was Proverbs 22:6 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?

Additional Resources

Looking for a fun Summer read filled with plenty of drama and intrigue? 
Start with the Genesis family tree!

Genesis 11:26 – Genesis 25:11
Abraham and Sarah (originally named Abram and Sarai)

Genesis 21 – Genesis 35
Isaac and Rebekah

Genesis 25:19 - Genesis 36
Esau and Jacob (twins)

Genesis 25 - Genesis 50
Jacob and Leah => Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah (daughter)
Jacob and Zilpah (Leah’s servant) => Gad, Asher
Jacob and Rachel => Joseph, Benjamin
Jacob and Bilhah (Rachel’s servant) => Dan, Naphtali

From Pastor Charity

Here are a few things you can do to keep the group love going this Summer:

• Join a Summer Hang or consider hosting your own in July. There’s still time!
• If you know anybody interested in starting a new CoreGroup or a new Wellness Group, invite them to the Lunch & learn on July 19.
• Plan on being there for Leader training on August 15.

Have a great Summer!

After a busy season of ministry, I spent some time yesterday doing something I haven’t done enough of recently. I rested. I didn’t sleep or lay around but instead I did a few things that bring me joy. They were pretty simple things. A morning run, reading with a cup of coffee, a conversation with an old friend that was planned, an impromptu visit with another friend that was not, and time in the kitchen cooking a meal (I love to cook). It was a reminder that God’s first commandment to humans was to rest, to keep a day set apart that isn’t focused on doing, but focused on being.
 
Years ago, I preached a sermon series about this called Rest. Even though I KNOW this stuff in my head, I slip from practicing it in my life. I love my work, being available to people, checking tasks off a to-do list. My family teases me about my inability to sit still. And yet I know that I need time set apart for rest, for activities that being me joy, for moments that draw me closer to God, and time for the relationships that matter most in my life. Rest is one of the first activities God practices, and it is one of the first commandments he gives us to practice. It is also the easiest one to break.
 
So as we head into this holiday weekend, I hope that you find time to rest. Practice Sabbath. If you need to know how – what exactly to DO when you aren’t supposed to do anything? I will give you some quick tips. Choose at least some activity that draws you closer to God. Do things that emphasize relationships over responsibilities, down-time over busyness, and enjoyment over productivity. Try to be truly present wherever you are, instead of anxious about the future. If this is hard for you, or you feel guilty about it, remember, God told you to do it!
 
As you head into this weekend, I hope that at least one of those Sabbath activities is worship on Sunday. I will be there and continuing to preach about parenting kids in faith. I will talk about the stage of life I am in right now, parenting older teenagers and young adults. It is a tough stage, and I bet you know someone who might really appreciate this message. I hope to see you in church. If you are out of town, take a little time to worship online, to be part of a community, to connect to God.
 
Enjoy your day, rest, and I will see you in church.
 
Peace,
 
Matt
 
PS: We have over 50 Summer Hangs lined up for this summer, and I’m betting at least one of them is an activity that feels restful for you. There really is a Summer Hang for everyone! Check out the full list at https://gatheringnow.org/summer. 

CoreGroup Guide | The Christian Parent’s Field Guide - Part 3
Written by Melissa Ross and Denee Bowers

Welcome

Parenting! In some ways it feels easier to focus on the early years when children’s needs are immediate and demand active responses from parents. But these “hands on” duties shift as children grow older and become more independent. So far in this sermon series we have explored the role of parents in a child’s earliest years as Captain and the next stage as Coach.  As teens mature and leave home, parents face new challenges of “letting go” so older children can navigate their own faith journey. Today we consider parents as Counselors.

Opening Prayer

Dear God, help us to recall the emotions and desires to separate from our own parents that we experienced in our late teens. Use our time together as a group to reflect on our different perspectives and mindsets. Remind us that you guide our maturing children as they become more independent in faith and life. Bless our time and our conversation together. Amen.  

Ice Breaker

What was an “out of the box” experience you had as an older teen that you did not tell your parents about?  

The Head

Luke’s gospel includes the powerful story Jesus told about a son who brashly asked for his inheritance early, left home, squandered his fortune, and later returned when times got hard.  Read this recognizable text carefully aloud together as a group. Notice the circumstances, attitudes, and motivations of the three family members.

• Describe the initial attitude of the younger son who asks for his inheritance early.
• How does the younger son’s attitude change with his circumstances?
• Sum up how the father receives his younger son when he returns home. 
• How does the older son react to the welcome his younger brother receives from their father? Why do you think he has this reaction?
• Who is Jesus talking to when he originally shares this parable (see Luke 15:1-2). What lesson or wisdom was he trying to communicate to them?

The Heart

In the later teen years, most children are trying to navigate life more independently. Whether it’s driving on their own or leaving home for higher education/work, these young adults rely less and less on parental assistance. But that does not mean they do not need (or want) support from the trusted adults in their life! This season may seem far away for some, or very “in the moment” for others, but the perspectives of all group members are helpful here.

• How do you feel about the father’s decision to give his younger son an early inheritance? 
• The son’s unexpected return home brings up a lot of emotions in the family. Based on this text, which family member do you resonate with the most?
• Think about the young adults in your life. How might their reaction differ from your own? 
• How has your understanding of this story shifted as you’ve aged and matured yourself?
• Do you think the story of the Prodigal Son is more about parenting or about God’s grace? In what ways does our understanding of one inform the other?

The Hands

We heard in this week’s sermon how parents can serve as Counselors for older teens who are asserting their independence. As we consider the Luke text and our lives today, we can reflect on this lesson and evaluate its applicability to parenting older teens.  

• How would you describe the role of “counselor” for an older child who is preparing to leave home or who has already left the nest?
• What challenges do you envision in shifting your role from being a Coach on the sidelines to becoming a Counselor, on call as needed, but not observing every play in the game?
• Do you think the father made the right parenting choices along the way? How does your response to this question influence how you relate to God in this season?
• All children (and adults!) have different strengths, challenges, and support needs. How might families navigate this stage of parenting differently based on the unique abilities of their young adults?

Closing Prayer

Lord God, only you are able to parent children perfectly. Allow us to recognize the personal challenges we face in allowing our children to pursue their faith apart from us. Help us to trust you, God, as we step aside and watch them navigate their faith path independently. We love you and rely on you. Amen.  

Going Deeper

The memory verse for this series is Proverbs 22:6 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).

Additional Resources

Intrigued by this Bible story?  Consider reading: Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

From Pastor Charity

Here are a few things you can do to keep the group love going this Summer:

• Join a Summer Hang or consider hosting your own in July. There’s still time!
• If you know anybody interested in starting a new CoreGroup or a new Wellness Group, invite them to the Lunch & learn on July 19.
• Plan on being there for Leader training on August 15.

Have a great Summer!

CoreGroup Guide | The Christian Parent’s Field Guide - Part 2
Written by Denee Bowers and Melissa Ross

From Pastor Charity

ICYMI, catch the recording of the One CoreGroup One Day event. And yes, we sang Proud Mary. 240 people showed up!

Keep the CoreGroup feelin’ by hosting a Summer Hang to meet new people just for the heck of it, or you might consider inviting them to your group this fall after hanging this summer.

Welcome

Kids grow fast, and as they get older they need a whole new set of things from the adults in their lives. This week we will explore the role of parents as a coach in their child’s spiritual development. We will talk about how to balance teaching and supporting kids while also giving them space to grow and make decisions for themselves.

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, you are our perfect parent. Your love is the model for how we want to love our own children. Help us to grow in our understanding of you so that we can pass that on to the next generation. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What superlative did you get in high school (most likely to succeed, class clown, most athletic, etc.)? What superlative would you give yourself today (and feel free to get creative!)?

The Head

In the Bible we have very few stories about Jesus as a kid or teenager, so it would make sense that we are to pay close attention to the few that we do have. This glimpse into Jesus’ family life might feel surprisingly relatable to the parents reading it. It also gives us a picture of a young person engaging with faith for themselves.

• How do you think Mary and Joseph felt during the search for their missing child?
• What do you notice about where Jesus was found and what he was up to?

Another great example for raising up the next generation in the Bible is Paul. Part of his ministry was guiding and teaching younger leaders. Some of Paul’s most famous words to one of his mentees, Timothy, can remind us of the power of a young person’s faith.

• Why do you think people sometimes look down on the young, especially in churches?
• In what ways can we affirm and follow the example of the young people around us?

The Heart

Coaches are a great representation of the way parenting changes as our kids grow. We all know how many adults it takes to manage the chaos of a tee ball game. But with time our kids begin to need less from us as adults, and take on more responsibility for themselves. This doesn’t mean we leave our kids all alone to figure out their faith, but it does mean we practice taking small steps back so our kids can make their own decisions around faith.

• Why do you think it is difficult to give kids space to explore their faith on their own?
• When you consider what you want to pass on to the children in your life, what aspect of faith are the most meaningful to you?
• What benefits can be gained by young adults who experience faith with adults outside of their immediate/extended family (like Jesus had when he was in the temple)? 
• While coaches don’t take the field with their players, they are always present. How can you demonstrate presence for the young people in your life?

The Hands

A theme we will continue to circle back to during this series is the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. This is a great time as adults to think about how we can share the load of raising up the next generation of our church.

• Coaches are known for helping their players develop fundamental skills. What fundamentals of faith can you pass down to the kids in your life? 
• What are some visible signs that a kid is taking ownership of their faith?
• Coaches share their insights from the sidelines. Share a scenario where you stepped back and allowed a child to act independently.
• One way to give your child space to explore faith is to introduce them to other adults who can be a part of their journey. 

• Who do you know who could play this role for you kids?
• Are there young people who are not your children, who you could help coach up in the faith? 

Closing Prayer

Holy God, we are mindful of what precious gifts you have given us in our children. We thank you for your presence with us, and ask you for guidance when we feel overwhelmed by the task of raising them to love you. Help us to trust you with our kids as they ask questions, try new things, and explore their faith. Amen.

Going Deeper

The memory verse for this series is Proverbs 22:6 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).

Additional Resources

The Jesus Storybook Bible: this book ties each Bible story directly to Jesus!

VeggieTales is a resource with meaningful videos (and songs) that relate to particular Bible stories (Jonah and the Whale, and Daniel and the Lion's Den) and behaviors/habits (Madame Blueberry, Larry Boy and the Rumor Weed ). These are just examples but many other resources exist!

Parenting Books by:

• Meredith Miller  (also https://www.instagram.com/meredithannemiller/)
• Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears on Christian Parenting 

The Gathering is a United Methodist Church and that matters. We are part of a global network of churches doing meaningful work around the world. Part of that connection means that The Gathering gets to send out pastors that have been shaped here to serve in other places. Rev. Adam Baker and Rev. Ryan Hebel are being sent out to serve as lead pastors in other churches this June. And grieving the loss of pastors that we love is hard.
 
But, being United Methodist means that we also get new pastors who will shape, and be shaped by, our church. I am excited to announce that on July 1, The Gathering will welcome two new pastors to our team!
 
Rev. Steve Lefebvre will be our new Webster Site Pastor. Steve is currently serving as the senior pastor of First UMC in Dyersburg, TN. Steve is married to Heather, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice. They are moving here with their three sons Thomlin (11), Lou (9), and Dixon (4).

Rev. Roxy DeLong will be our new West County Site Pastor. She is a pastor in Bloomington-Normal, IL, where, for the past 9 years, she has led MERGE, the campus ministry at Illinois State University. Roxy is married to Luke and they are moving here with their two children, Frankie (4) and Dominic (1).

It is hard searching for new pastors that are highly gifted, passionate about our ministry, and that we believe will fit the unique nature of our community. I am thrilled that Steve and Roxy will be joining us and confident that they will each bring incredible gifts to our church. I can’t wait for you to meet and welcome them.
 
I will share more about, and from, them in the near future and both of them will start in July. Until then, please join me in praying for each of them and their families as they prepare to join our church.
 
Peace,
 
Matt
 
P.S. If you missed it, last week I launched a new series AND interviewed my own mom for Mother’s Day. You can check it out here. This week I will continue our series A Christian Parent’s Field Guide by talking about how we parent and influence older kids and teenagers, especially when they begin to question and resist the faith that we have tried to share with them. I know that many of you are in this stage of life or know someone who is. Please invite them as this will be a relevant and practical message for so many.

When we started The Gathering 20 years ago, I knew that I wanted to be part of a community that not only helped me to grow spiritually, but that also shaped faith in new generations of people. Any of us that are parents know that it is hard raising kids and guiding them towards a meaningful and healthy relationship with God. Weekly, parents of young or adult children alike come to me seeking wisdom for shaping faith in their kids. If you have ever wrestled with this, then this weekend we are beginning a series for you.
 
Sunday, I will start a new series called The Christian Parent’s Field Guide. Mother’s Day is a fitting day to begin a series on parenting! But, this isn’t a typical parenting series. Instead, I will talk specifically about how we shape faith in our children, whether they are little, teenagers, or adults. I know some of you are immediately wondering, “What about me? I don’t have kids!”. Don’t check out because this series is important for you as well. Why?
 
First, many of you are aunts, uncles, godparents, or close friends to those with kids. Some of you work in our kid’s ministry or serve throughout student ministry. All of us are in a position to impact the faith of others. Every time we baptize someone into the church, we all collectively take responsibility for helping to shape faith in other people. Secondly, all of us are kids of one age or another! As we talk about shaping faith in younger generations, we will learn more about how we grow closer to Jesus in each stage of life.  
 
All of us know parents that want to help their kids grow in faith (whether they are little or grown up). This is the perfect series to invite them to. Plus, I am going to end the sermon with something I have never done before - an interview with my mom! It is going to be a fun weekend so I hope to see you Sunday!
 
Peace,
 
Matt
 
P.S. Last week, I announced some important staff transitions. Pastor Adam Baker is preparing to move to New Zealand where he will begin serving a Methodist church in that country. Also, Ryan Hebel has accepted an appointment from the Bishop to serve as the new senior pastor of Cornerstone UMC in O’Fallon, MO. This was unexpected but an incredible opportunity for Ryan to lead a congregation. Ryan has served our church for over 14 years and impacted our ministry in countless ways. He will continue to lead the West County launch team through the end of June, and there will be a time at McCausland in June to celebrate Ryan’s ministry. Our West Country Site is continuing to meet, and we are working to launch weekly worship at the end of the summer. We will be announcing new pastors for both our Webster and West County sites next week and welcome those new pastors this July. It is a time of transition but also a time of excitement and growth as we send pastors out to bless other churches and welcome new ones in to The Gathering.  

CoreGroup Guide | The Christian Parent’s Field Guide - Part 1
Written by Melissa Ross and Denee Bowers

From Pastor Charity

This week we begin a new sermon series, The Christian Parent’s Field Guide. Our shared practice for this series is Grow in Groups. Take a minute to look at the Start / Grow / Stretch on the Shared Practices page. Reflect on where you are now and where you hope to go during this series. Much like parenting, the journey of faith can be wild, but we don’t have to walk alone.

The memory verse for this series is Proverbs 22:6 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).

Welcome

Hello! Today we are diving into an exciting series on faith development, particularly in the context of parents nurturing faith in their children. The process of loving and raising children can give us insights into God’s love and care for God’s own children – us! Parents can model faith and establish patterns that expose children to faith practices, remembering that we all embrace faith in our own way and in our own time.  

Even for those of us without kids, we have nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and younger generations we can influence. We will talk about how we share our faith with the younger people in our lives, and model our faith to others who are observing us. Whether we overtly speak about our faith or not, children and youth are noting our words, actions and behaviors. Whether we are acting with this intention in mind or not, we are creating faith blueprints for others.  

Opening Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity to contemplate faith formation. May your Spirit inspire us to help children grow in their faith. While a parent’s impact on their children may feel like the main focus, help us to recognize how these lessons impact our interactions with all of the many people in our lives. Inspire us to deepen our own faith during this season as well. Amen.

Ice Breaker

When you think about a captain, describe the kind of “captain” that first pops into your mind.

The Head

This week we are considering the role of “captain” and focusing on how a parent works to create habits for faith formation. At an early stage in life (and in faith), a parent can help establish practices that mold the child’s future development. 

• This verse suggests that parents are training children in faith. What are your first impressions of this instruction? What feels challenging to you about this guidance? 
• How did the faith practices in your family of origin impact your own faith development?
• Why do you think the lessons we learn in childhood have such a strong influence on us as we grow?

• This scripture encourages families to talk about faith issues as part of daily life. What does this look like in your home or other spaces in your life?
• What stands out to you about the words the Israelites are instructed to teach their children? In what ways are these words still relevant to us, thousands of years later?
• Share a scripture verse that is important to you or your household. How do you keep these words central in your life?

The Heart

We have these “blueprint” texts from the Old Testament about integrating faith into daily life, and this can be really helpful for families! But sometimes we can focus too much on the mechanics of the faith practices, on the To-Dos and the checklists, and we lose sight of how our hearts react to this guidance. Afterall, we are all still growing in faith, regardless of our age.

• Name a regular faith practice in your life that you would encourage for a child.
• How does that faith practice help you to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength” as we just read in Deuteronomy? 
• If you are a parent, or have other regular interactions with children, share about a success or challenge you’ve had “training” the young people in your life.
• How have these successes and challenges impacted your own relationship with God?

The Hands

Ready to get to work? You may be wondering: where do I start? Here are a few faith practices to work on with your children when they are young:

• Learn a Bible verse (your child may memorize it more quickly than you do!)
• Pray (before meals, before bed, before school, before a doctor’s appointment, etc.)
• Have a quiet time to talk with God
• Read a Bible story together (see resources below)
• Go on a nature walk and thank God for creation
• Spend Sunday mornings at church!
• Visit the zoo, art museum, or science center and talk about how you see God there
• Sing songs to praise God

• What is one action you can take with a child to help them connect with God?
• As you think about the children in your life, what are some examples of ways you can make loving God a central part of your home and family?
• How have you been successful launching faith conversations with a child? Was there a certain question, location, or circumstance that prompted this opportunity? 
• How can your CoreGroup support you to grow in your role as a “captain” this week?

Closing Prayer

God, this task feels daunting! Sometimes faith feels so very personal and it is hard to be vulnerable to talk with someone about our conversations with you, and our reliance on you. But we care so much for these little ones in our midst. Help us to shower them with love from our hearts and from yours. Prompt us to acknowledge: You are our source of life and wisdom. You are our creator and we want to say “thank you” all the time! We love you God; use us to reflect your love to the children in our lives. Amen.

Affirmation

As parents/guardians/caregivers/extended family, we may not receive a “thank you” from a child.  Read this note of affirmation as though it was written personally to you!

Dear [name],

So often I’m reminded of your parenting skills. God makes you wise, patient, quiet, strong and discerning as you follow your heart with your dear child [children].

They are greatly blessed. They cannot realize it yet so I am telling you. “Never tire of doing what is right” Paul said. He knew we’d be tired, doubtful, worried and angry sometimes. The courage we need comes when we trust God’s perfect faithfulness.  

You are doing the hard work of loving your child [children] very well. Enjoy them and the time you have with them.

With so much love-
Your church family

Going Deeper

Ask someone who knows you well to write a brief note about your strengths as a parent. Focus on those qualities!  

From Pastor Charity

ICYMI, catch the recording of the One CoreGroup One Day event. And yes, we sang Proud Mary. 240 people showed up!

Keep the CoreGroup feelin’ by hosting a Summer Hang to meet new people just for the heck of it, or you might consider inviting them to your group this fall after hanging this summer.

Additional Resources

The Jesus Storybook Bible: this book ties each Bible story directly to Jesus!

VeggieTales is a resource with meaningful videos (and songs) that relate to particular Bible stories (Jonah and the Whale, and Daniel and the Lion's Den) and behaviors/habits (Madame Blueberry, Larry Boy and the Rumor Weed ). These are just examples but many other resources exist!

Parenting Books by:

• Meredith Miller  (also https://www.instagram.com/meredithannemiller/)
• Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears on Christian Parenting