Come to Egypt with Me // M-Note 5.3.25

The Exodus is the central story of the Old Testament. It is the story of God using Moses to lead the chosen people out of slavery in Egypt, through the uncertainty of the wilderness, and into a new land of freedom and possibility. Over the centuries, it has shaped the faith and offered hope to billions of people and was central to Jesus’ own story.
 
A few years ago, I wrote a book called Let Go: Leaning into the Future without Fear. Based on the exodus story, the book is all about how we manage change in our lives, leaving behind something old, navigating the uncertainty of the wilderness, and finally stepping into something new. Since writing the book, I have dreamed of taking a trip to Egypt to retrace the steps of Moses and the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land.
 
I am excited to announce that I am finally going to do that trip, and The Gathering is invited to do it with me! In February of 2026 I will be leading a 10-day trip retracing the steps of Moses and the Exodus story. We will be working with Educational Opportunities Tours (EO), a travel ministry that leads Christian journeys that help people of faith learn and grow. I have traveled with EO to retrace the steps of Jesus in the Holy Land, and to England to learn about John Wesley (the founder of Methodism). But this Egypt trip is the one I have really been looking forward to doing.
 
The trip will start in Cairo, include time at the Great Pyramids as well as the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, a cruise down the Nile River (not in a basket but a boat), time on the beach, and a sunrise journey to the top of Mt. Sinai (where Moses received the 10 commandments). Along the trip I will be offering teachings and devotionals that deepen our own life and faith in light of what we see. We will be led by professional guides who will teach us about the history and culture of the country.
 
My goal is that this trip is a pilgrimage - a journey that helps you see your own life in a new light, connect with God in a fresh way, and renew your faith. It is going to be incredible, so I hope you will consider joining me. If you are feeling a nudge for an adventure, need something to refresh your faith, are eager to learn, or just curious about the trip, join me for an info session May 29, at 7pm at The Gathering Webster Site. We will be joined by James Ridgeway Jr., the President of EO, who will talk about the trip details and answer questions. Everyone is welcome on the trip, and I hope you will consider it.
 
If you are interested, please drop me an email and let me know or just show up on the 29th. You can find out more about the trip here. I think this will be a life changing adventure, so I hope you will consider joining me.
 
This weekend, I will continue our series We Just Click: God’s Design for Meaningful Relationships. I will be talking about marriage, and the message is an important one whether you are single, dating, married, or even a teenager/young adult trying to figure out relationships in your own life. Invite someone to join you as the message will be relevant for so many people who don’t go to church.
 
Have a great weekend, and I can’t wait to see you Sunday.
 
Peace,
Matt

P.S. CoreGroups are the biggest ministry at our church—but it’s hard to comprehend just how many people participate since we’re all in small groups spread out over space and time. Well, you’ll have the chance to see the collective power of CoreGroups on Tuesday when everyone comes together at One CoreGroup One Day (you can still register here). There will be a powerful message from Pastor Charity, live worship, and dinner from Steve’s Hot Dogs. What else can you ask for? I hope you’ll come. Whether you’re in a CoreGroup or just curious about where the ministry is headed, all are welcome.