The gift of gathering

Jesus says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matt. 18:20). Gathering together as the church is a vital way to stay connected to one another and to Jesus, our source of life and love. The way we gather as Christians is different from other groups. It is profoundly countercultural. We do not gather as a social club, drawn and kept together only by shared demographics and interests. We do not gather to cheer on our favorite team and feel good about a win while enjoying an escape from life. God calls us into community so that we can love and serve the world. 

In our gatherings we acknowledge the truth that life can be hard, that we are caught up in broken systems and that we make mistakes that hurt us and others. We then receive the powerful promise that God loves us, forgives us and can use us to change ourselves and the world. We hear the living word addressed to us. We share in a meal that points to a banquet where all are welcome and fully fed and reconciled to one another. We are sent out into our week ahead knowing we are not alone and we have gifts to share. Gather with us this weekend - God has something life-giving to share with you!