What A Week // M-Note 10.25.2025

It is easy for me to get so busy with what I have coming up, that I don’t spend time celebrating what is happening around me. This past week is one worth celebrating here at The Gathering.

Last Sunday afternoon, The Gathering West County had its first preview worship service ever. The anticipation for something brand new is high, and when I arrived, it was amazing to see so many people helping to set up the kids space, preparing the lobby, and rehearsing for worship. The launch team is incredibly committed to creating a community that welcomes new people. The best part was watching people coming in. Many of them were new, some I hadn’t seen in a long time, and others came from existing sites to support the team. Worship was incredible, the energy was palpable, and I left so encouraged by what is happening in our church.

Wednesday night, The Gathering Underground Recovery ministry launched its first worship service. This idea was conceived by a group of lay people and under the leadership of Pastor Charity and a lay person in our church, Chris Pondoff, the ministry took off completely with volunteers serving. People in recovery often feel overlooked or not particularly welcome in churches. Not so on Wednesday. People came, worship was powerful, and the sharing that happened during the service was inspiring. This ministry is going to welcome many people to experience the hope of Jesus and the beauty of being part of a community— and it is all just beginning. 

Finally, on Tuesday night, a group of leaders got together to make an advanced commitment for our Much Given, Much Expected generosity initiative. The night was encouraging, especially as I heard the excitement of so many about the future of The Gathering. On Sunday November 2, I will invite everyone in our church to make a 2-year commitment to give here at The Gathering. I hope that all of you that love the Gathering will plan to be in worship this weekend as I prepare us for this commitment. 

Friends, any one of the above would be a big deal for a church. We got to experience all three in one week. I encourage all of you to check out these experiences. Go check out a preview worship service for our new Metro East site or our West County site. Come experience Gathering Underground at 6pm at McCausland each Wednesday. And make sure to be in worship this week and next. If you haven’t read about our Much Given, Much Expected Initiative, you can check it out here.

God is doing a unique thing right now in our church. Come be a part of it, and remember, this is the BEST time to invite someone new to check out all that is happening. Have a great weekend, and I will see you in church!

Peace,

Matt

P.S. This Saturday, November 1 The Gathering will have an All-Saints worship service to remember those in our lives and our church that have died in the last year. The service will be at our Clayton Site at 5pm. You can find more details here.