January 19th, 2024
by Matt Miofsky
by Matt Miofsky
Changing requires new routines. But it is tough to start and maintain a new habit. One way to make it easier is doing it with someone else. This makes a new habit more enjoyable, more social, and builds in some accountability. Most of us find greater motivation for a new habit if we do it with someone else.
The American Society of Training and Development found people are 65 percent more likely to meet a goal after making a commitment to someone else. Even more incredible, the chance of achieving a goal increases by 95 percent when you set a deadline and share regular progress with the people you’ve asked to hold you accountable. And it is no different when it comes to our faith.
God did not intend for us to do life alone, even when, maybe especially when, it comes to working on significant personal change.
That’s why learning in small groups is one of our five practices here at The Gathering. Core Groups are starting back up this week after a brief holiday break. If you aren’t yet in a group or have been on the fence, this is the perfect time to try one out. If you previously tried a group, but it didn’t stick, I encourage you to try again. You can check out and sign up for a CoreGroup here. If you need help finding the right group for you, just reach out to your site pastor and they can help you.
Another great place to find community and accountability is through our Wellness Ministry. Winter Wellness Groups begin the week of February 4, and run for six weeks. And, Saturday, February 3, the Wellness team is hosting a one day workshop on navigating life’s transitions called SHIFT HAPPENS. It will be led by Sharon Felts, who is a Change Cycle Master Trainer and Facilitator.
This weekend, we will continue our series Clean Slate: New Habits for a New Year with tips on building the habits and routines necessary to create lasting personal change. Thanks to all of you for being in worship and starting the year off strong. I hope you will join us in person, or you can worship online on our YouTube channel anytime on Sunday. Please, think about who needs to hear the last few weeks of this series, and personally invite them. See you soon.
Peace,
Matt
P.S. On Thursday, February 1, at 7pm, an EXPLORE group will begin at our Clayton site. If you’re trying to figure out what’s next for you at The Gathering, EXPLORE is a great place to do it. It’s just four weeks, and you’ll have the chance to ask questions, get to know The Gathering a little better, and learn what we believe about Jesus, the Bible, and church in general. Plus, childcare and snacks will be provided! At the end, you’ll have a chance to become a member of the church. February’s group will be led by Pastor Sarah Rugenstone. You can learn more and sign up here.
The American Society of Training and Development found people are 65 percent more likely to meet a goal after making a commitment to someone else. Even more incredible, the chance of achieving a goal increases by 95 percent when you set a deadline and share regular progress with the people you’ve asked to hold you accountable. And it is no different when it comes to our faith.
God did not intend for us to do life alone, even when, maybe especially when, it comes to working on significant personal change.
That’s why learning in small groups is one of our five practices here at The Gathering. Core Groups are starting back up this week after a brief holiday break. If you aren’t yet in a group or have been on the fence, this is the perfect time to try one out. If you previously tried a group, but it didn’t stick, I encourage you to try again. You can check out and sign up for a CoreGroup here. If you need help finding the right group for you, just reach out to your site pastor and they can help you.
Another great place to find community and accountability is through our Wellness Ministry. Winter Wellness Groups begin the week of February 4, and run for six weeks. And, Saturday, February 3, the Wellness team is hosting a one day workshop on navigating life’s transitions called SHIFT HAPPENS. It will be led by Sharon Felts, who is a Change Cycle Master Trainer and Facilitator.
This weekend, we will continue our series Clean Slate: New Habits for a New Year with tips on building the habits and routines necessary to create lasting personal change. Thanks to all of you for being in worship and starting the year off strong. I hope you will join us in person, or you can worship online on our YouTube channel anytime on Sunday. Please, think about who needs to hear the last few weeks of this series, and personally invite them. See you soon.
Peace,
Matt
P.S. On Thursday, February 1, at 7pm, an EXPLORE group will begin at our Clayton site. If you’re trying to figure out what’s next for you at The Gathering, EXPLORE is a great place to do it. It’s just four weeks, and you’ll have the chance to ask questions, get to know The Gathering a little better, and learn what we believe about Jesus, the Bible, and church in general. Plus, childcare and snacks will be provided! At the end, you’ll have a chance to become a member of the church. February’s group will be led by Pastor Sarah Rugenstone. You can learn more and sign up here.
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Recent
Archive
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One
March
Entourage Discussion Guide - Week TwoUpdates from Clayton and Easter Invitation // M-Note 3.2.24Twenty Students Confirmed Last Sunday // M-Note 3.9.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 3How serving at Easter can really make a difference // M-Note 3.16.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 4Can You Know Joy Without Pain? // M-Note 3.23.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 5It's time for EasterSTL at The Factory // M-Note 3.28.24
April
Easter Discussion GuideScreen Time: Troubleshooting our Relationship with Technology // M-Note 4.6.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 1Springtime Reminders: Joy Comes with the Morning // M-Note 4.13.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 2Shaping the Future at the UMC General Conference // M-Note 4.20.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 3 General Conference Halftime Report// M-Note 4.27.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 4
May
Very Good News at the End of General Conference//M-Note 5.4.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Announcing The Gathering’s Church Planters Lab//M-Note 5.11.24My (Hypothetical) Commencement Address // M-Note 5.18.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 4
June
July
September
Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 1Transitioning...to 47 // M-Note 9.7.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 2Invitations Work in Mysterious Ways // M-Note 9.14.24Students Stepping Up: Getting Involved in Ministry // M-Note 9.21.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 3A Stressful Season // M-Note 9.28.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 4
October
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way // M-Note 10.5.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Love Thy Political Neighbor // M-Note 10.11.2024Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Fear is a Powerful Motivator // M-Note 10.19.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Why Do Bad Things Happen? // M-Note 10.26.24Why? Discussion Guide - Week 1
2023
January
February
Explore - Week 1Explore - Week 2Explore - Week 4Explore - Week 3God is Leading Us Forward // M-Note 2.3.23SENT: Week 1 Discussion GuideSomething To Try This Weekend // M-Note 2.10.23SENT: Week 2 Discussion GuideSENT: Week 3 Discussion GuideWe're Doing Something Big! // M-Note 2.17.23Lent Devotional Day 1Lent Devotional Day 2Lent Devotional Day 3SENT: Week 4 Discussion GuideLent Devotional Day 4Lent Devotional Day 5Lent Devotional Day 6Lent Devotional Day 7
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