A Mix of Celebrations and Bittersweet News // M-Note 1.17.2026

We are only a few weeks into the new year but there is much to celebrate. Last weekend, we celebrated the launch of The Gathering Metro East Site! It was an incredible day of worship and celebration with over 150 people. If you live in the metro east, I hope you will check it out and invite those you know that may be looking for something new this year. Worship is now weekly at 10am, at Dogwood Social in O’Fallon, IL. There is kid’s ministry, small groups, and lots of ways to serve. The launch of the new site is only the beginning, so continue to pray for our newest site, and support it one Sunday by checking it out.  
 
Last Sunday, I not only started a new series, Shift Happens: When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned, I also celebrated Christmas Eve at The Gathering. Along with record-setting attendance for in-person and online worship, our Christmas Eve offering totaled $384,283.66! The entire offering will go to funding a new Mother and Infant Health Center in Mozambique. The groundbreaking should happen this month. I want to thank all of you for making The Gathering part of your Christmas and for giving so generously to the offering. This is a gift that will truly make a difference.
 
Along with celebrations, there is some bittersweet news. Pastor Adam Baker and his family will be moving to a new appointment in June. Adam wants all of you to know that he dearly loves being a Site Pastor at The Gathering, but a new opportunity for ministry has been offered to him that will benefit his family. Beginning in June of 2026, Adam will serve as a Methodist pastor in Dunedin, an artistic, LGBTQ+-friendly city on the South Island of New Zealand.

Pastor Adam has led our Webster site since 2020 and has overseen a transformative time of growth for the congregation. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Adam and after talking with him, it is clear this is a move that makes the most sense for him and the needs of his family. Adam will be leading our Webster site until May, and as we get closer to his last Sunday, we will have a time to celebrate and thank him for his leadership and impact on our church. The Gathering will begin a search for a new Webster site pastor, and we will update the congregation as we begin that process. We hope to have someone in place by this summer. I hope you will join me in praying for Adam and his family during this season of transition.
 
This weekend, I will continue our series Shift Happens and talk about how we recover from mistakes that take our life off track. It is an important message, especially if you have people in your life living with regret. Have a great weekend, and I will see you Sunday.

Peace,
Matt

P.S. Please invite all of your friends and family who live in West County to check out our preview services currently happening -- last Sunday 127 people worshipped together at The Reverie, which is amazing, and we’re doing it again on February 8! And, finally, it’s group season here at The Gathering, so now is a great to time to look for a CoreGroup or check out one of our Wellness Groups.