Have You Heard About The New Things We're Doing? // M-Note 10.18.25

Look! I’m doing a new thing;
     now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? -Isaiah 43.19
 
God’s nature is newness -- in our lives and in the church. And right now a lot of new things are happening at The Gathering, and I have three ways for you to be a part of it all.
 
Sunday afternoon (Oct 19), The Gathering’s West County site will have its first preview worship service at 4pm at The Reverie in Chesterfield. I would really appreciate all of you coming out to support this new site on its first service. If you live in west county or St. Charles, please come check it out and invite some others to join you. This is a great chance to be a part of something new and to stretch your own faith by creating something that serves others. I will be there preaching a message (different from Sunday morning), so I hope to see you.
 
Wednesday evening (Oct 22), The Gathering is launching Gathering Underground--a service for addicts, loved ones, and spiritual rebels. Our church has groups for people in recovery, but this is the first time that we will ever have a worship service crafted by and for people in recovery. All are welcome to join, especially if addiction has touched your life or someone you love. This is going to be a powerful evening, and I would love for you to join me in being a part of it. Gathering Underground will start at 6pm at our McCausland Site.
 
Finally, I am continuing our sermon series Much Given, Much Expected this weekend. All of you should have gotten a booklet by now explaining this initiative and the vision behind it. This weekend in worship, I will talk more specifically about what our church hopes to do over the next two years and how you can be a part of it. For all of you that love The Gathering and call it your church, I ask that you be in worship or listen online.
 
So often churches are seen as boring and stale. But, there is newness all around our church, and I love it. We are in a season of growth, momentum, and possibility. Don't take it for granted and take a step to participate in it. As you do, God will begin to do new things in your own life, as well. Have a great weekend, and I will see you Sunday.
 
Peace,
Matt
 
P.S.  As some of you know, my new updated and expanded version of The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer is officially out. In addition to the deluxe edition with a leather cover and a ribbon bookmark, I also added over 100 new devotionals (a 6th day) and other content. I hope that you will pick up a copy, give a copy to someone else, and leave a review. You can find it online or at your favorite local bookstore. Thank you to all of you who have supported me and this new resource.