Thursday afternoon, I pulled up to The Gathering’s McCausland site expecting it to be empty, so I was surprised to find a group of people unpacking boxes and boxes of books! The books are being prepared for all the students that participate in The Gathering’s Literacy Project. This ministry pairs reading tutors from The Gathering with students in 3 different schools here in St. Louis. The tutors ...  Read More

OPEN Anniversary: Part 2 Core Group Discussion Guide Welcome!  We are so happy to gather in community and discipleship this week.  In this OPEN series we revisit a commitment many of us made last year to a vision of expansion for The Gathering.  This year new people get the opportunity to join in. Last week, Pastor Matt shared the ways in which that vision is being realized because of the financi...  Read More

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” -Matthew 5.16 Last weekend after worship, we asked each of you to stop and write a thank you note to first responders, ER staff at Children’s Hospital and Barnes, as well as the police officers of the 2nd District. These are the people who responded and served those involved in the sh...  Read More

OPEN AnniversaryPart 1 We have heard all of the phrases “walk the walk”, “talk the talk”, “fake it until you make it”, “go with the flow”- we could go on and on. All of these sayings give us an excuse to skim the surface and avoid digging deep into our faith. This week, we are Invited by Jesus’ words to Isaiah to pause and reflect on what it means to open up to God’s word. Opening Prayer: God, tha...  Read More

This week, I’ve been in Houston as a delegate at the Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church. This is a regional gathering that’s main purpose is to elect bishops. It is no secret that the UMC is navigating a tumultuous time. Traditionalist pastors and churches are beginning to leave the denomination, many forming a new one (the Global Methodist Church) that will uphold prohibitio...  Read More

They say it takes 17 muscles to smile (usually in comparison to the 43 it takes to frown). But still, 17 is more than you would expect.  It seems like smiling should qualify as an aerobic workout, yet it is one of the most effortless facial expressions we have as people.  So many times, a smile is uncontrollable, and it is most often a signal that we are happy.  Now happiness is truly a gift from ...  Read More