Read Psalm 40
I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O Lord. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.—Psalm 40:8-10
The Christmas season is one of our favorite times of year, but it is also one our busiest times of year. We truly enjoy the season’s traditions, songs, smells and celebrations. However, we find that every year we rush through the season trying to find the perfect gifts and the perfect decorations, trying to wrap up another year of school and work and trying to make it to each of our family’s celebrations. We get so caught up in all of the activities and traditions of Christmas that we miss the opportunity to reflect on and share the true meaning of Christmas with others. When we first read today’s Scripture passage, we were truly humbled. We could definitely not honestly speak these words as true in our lives during the Christmas season. Then we asked ourselves if this passage was true in our lives throughout the year. This Scripture is a challenging one, but one that we should seek to be true of our lives during this Christmas season as well as throughout the year.
Pray: Lord, during this Christmas season and throughout the year, help me to desire Your will and to share Your love with my family, my friends, and my community. Amen.
Rob and Becca have lived in St. Louis for the past 2 and a half years and are expecting their first child in February 2009.
Friday, December 19, 2008
December 19, 2008
December 18, 2008
Read Matthew 3:1-12
When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: ‘Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It’s your life that must change, not your skin... [Jesus] is going to clean house – make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in is proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.—Matthew 3:7-8,12 (The Message)
Through today’s passage God calls on us to think about how we are living our lives. Are we going through the motions of following God, like the Pharisees and the Sadducees? Or are we truly allowing God to come into our lives and into our hearts? Keeping up an outward appearance of faith that is only skin-deep means nothing to God. This message from John the Baptist reminds us that Jesus does not want frivolous religious activity from us; he wants our hearts. God desires continual evidence that we want to change the way we live. What an overwhelming charge! It’s no wonder that Jesus is here to clean things up in our lives – to keep what is pleasing to God and to put the rest out with the trash to be burned.
Pray: Jesus, thank you for coming into my life and changing me from the inside out. Teach me to bear fruit that is satisfying and pleasing to you. Ignite a fire within me and give me courage as you make a clean sweep of my life. Amen.
Jenny Shult works as a social worker at a large non-profit that supports people with developmental disabilities and their families.
December 17, 2008
Read Mark 1:1-8
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"—Mark 1:2-3
A few weeks ago, Pastor Matt finished his sermon series, “Why Church?” A lot of what we talked about was the public perception of Church and how people viewed Christians. Although we don’t wear camel hair and eat locust drenched in honey as John the Baptist did, we can seem kind of weird to people who are not followers of Christ.
When trying to reach people, with the good news of Christ, the Advent and Christmas season is the perfect time to introduce your faith to them. I think what sometimes gives the church a wrongful perception is that too often the people try to do the “saving” themselves. John the Baptist teaches us to prepare the way of the Lord. Sometimes, all we need to do is plant the seed and let the Holy Spirit do the rest!
In this season of giving, think of someone who can use this good news and share it. Let us all be like John the Baptist in preparing the way of the Lord here on earth.
Pray: Lord, allow your spirit to move in me as I do my best to tell everyone I know about your amazing love. Help me in my own way, using the gifts you’ve given me, to prepare the way for others to feel the presence of your Holy Spirit.
Andy Waggoner leads our worship with music each Sunday at The Gathering.
December 16, 2008
Read Isaiah 9:1-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined.—Isaiah 9:2b
Advent season is a perfect time to exemplify this verse. There are many people in our world, smaller even, St. Louis, that walk in darkness. They watch the news and believe that everything is spiraling out of control; unemployment, sickness, poverty, intolerance, and violence. They don't see the light in every day or every moment. There is a light of goodness for those who chose to see it. It could be a simple smile or a perfect snowflake on the windshield. Once you see the small gifts of light that were always there, but unnoticed, they seem to multiply until there is only light. It is overwhelmed by the teamwork of individual tiny lights. Today be a steward. Be that first point of light that creates a cascade effect of beautiful light.
Pray: Dear God, please help me to be a bright light to show your love to the world everyday. Amen.
Rebecca Foster is the Director of Kid's Ministry at the Gathering United Methodist Church.
December 15, 2008
Read Luke 22: 39-53
When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.—Luke 22:45-46
As a child reading this passage, I used to get so angry at the apostles. Here they are with Jesus, the son of God, and they cannot even follow the simple instructions to “stay awake and pray.”
Now as an adult, I sympathize with the apostles. I, too, know Jesus is the son of God and my savior, yet I find myself asleep on Jesus many times without even realizing it. God’s requests are quite simple: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and “Love your neighbor.” Yet, I consistently put my own desires ahead of His, pushing God lower on the priority list, falling asleep on my promise to Him.
The encouraging thing about this passage is that Jesus does not give up the apostles. He gives them many chances, and He forgives us continually. As followers of Christ let us work together to stay awake and recognize His presence in our life always.
Pray: Lord, thank you for forgiving me when I fail to follow your commandments. Open my eyes and awaken my soul. Amen
Mac Bergson and his wife, Rebecca, recently moved to St. Louis from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. One of their favorite things about living in St. Louis is “waking up” on Sundays at The Gathering.
December 14, 2008
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.—1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
In Paul’s letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he is basically offering up examples of how they might keep up the “basics” of Christian living. In this passage, what resonated with me most, were the first 3 practices to work on, all of which require effort & discipline: To be joyful always, To pray continually, To give thanks in all circumstances. In today’s world, it is challenging to keep up with life’s fast pace. However, Paul reminds us that in order to survive the daily grind, we need to keep our spiritual life a priority and that we need to nurture it and strengthen it by applying these 3 practices.
It’s not easy to be joyful always! We all have bad days and worse, tragic events that may happen in our lives. How we react to these circumstances or events is a choice we make. Our reaction is a direct result of our belief about the situation. When we believe that God loves us, wants what is best for us, and that God will cause every situation in our lives to turn out for the best, then it is much easier to be joyful.
Pray continually. In the midst of our busy lives, many times we think that we don’t have time to pray. When you pray, you are forced to slow down. The focus of our thoughts become on God, rather than ourselves. When I pray during the day, it helps me to quit beating myself up for my own shortcomings, but rather to think about how powerful God is and to remember that he will help me through the situation, day or week.
Give thanks in all circumstances. We need to remember that no matter what the situation, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9)
Pray: Dear God, Thank you for being there for me in the chaotic world I live in. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me for focusing on my busy life, rather than putting the focus on you. Help me to remain disciplined so that I can continue to make my spiritual life a priority through rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. Amen
Renee Loomis is the leader of the Connections Team at The Gathering.
December 13, 2008
Read Psalm 30
God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out.—Psalm 30:2-3 (The Message)
Have you ever noticed that some Christians seem to be happy all the time? It seems as though nothing gets them down. But the truth is, no one is happy all of the time. Part of being in the world, a world of sin, is a life filled with sin, enemies, jealousies, retaliations, bitterness, and gossip.The difference for Christians is awareness amidst all of the difficulties we experience in life that God will always take care of us. Even though our life may be filled with all types of difficulties and burdens, we know that, The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.
The Psalm ends You did it: You changed lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.
Pray: God, give me joy in the middle of life’s troubles. Amen.
Steve Stack is interested in skiing, spending time with friends, God, St. Louis Cardinals, power tools, London, music, New York City, and Belgian beer.
December 12, 2008
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God even our Father,
who hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good wood and work.—2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Though there is a lot more to being a Human Resources professional than helping people, the most rewarding part of my job is being able to provide comfort and encouragement to the employees I support.
Despite Kia’s limited eye sight and handicap due to her autoimmune condition, she willingly relocated to St Louis, after her department had been eliminated in South Carolina. Far away from family and friends, she managed to settle in an apartment she loved, arrange rides to and from work with new found friends, in addition to making a name for herself on her new team.
On September 14th, Hurricane Ike washed away all of her personal belongings along with her hope for a happy life in her new city. Not only was Kia physically displaced to temporary housing, she felt a greater sense of isolation, without a place to call her own. Despite the fact that she loved her job and her new peers, she vacillated over resigning and moving back to South Carolina.
I had faith that Kia could continue to thrive in her position and would find happiness in St. Louis. After countless conversations and pros & cons lists, she decided to stay. She said our genuine commitment to her happiness and comfort was the reason she stayed.
Though empathy may be an expectation set in my job description, I truly believe my compassion and inspiration to go above and beyond is rooted in my Christian beliefs. I aspire to follow Christ’s path, in sharing the hope and comfort that he offers me in times of trouble.
Pray: Comforting God, remind us daily that you are always with us to help us.
Continue to show us how we can guide others to solace, as you have guided us.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Corey Elizabeth Stranghoener is a HR Supervisor at Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s St Louis Contact Center.
December 11, 2008
Read Psalm 37
Our steps are made firm by the Lord.—Psalm 37:23
I’ve been running regularly for the past two months. It’s not very far, and I certainly don’t move very fast. Before the Glendale Firehouse run a few weeks ago, a friend suggested her son could run with me. Thankfully, Jake decided he didn’t want to run, because I really didn’t want to lose to an 8 year-old.
Some mornings, the last thing I want to do it roll out of bed to go running. It’s cold. It’s dark. I’m tired. I’m sore. I have a busy day at work. The excuses are endless. Ultimately, I get up, lace up the shoes and head for a run.
The first few days were miserable. Ten minutes were enough to leave me stumbling home. And then it was fifteen minutes. Even running—well, jogging --- a few hills were put in for good measure. In the end, I like the exercise, the challenge, and time for reflection.
On a daily basis, life gives us a variety of challenges. Work, family, and health are but a few of the things that make us want to quit whatever we are doing. At times, we feel like quitting, going home and climbing into bed.
David’s words in Psalm 37 is just one source of reassurance that God not only loves us, but also strengthens our “steps,” holds us in time of need, and even carries us when times are more dire.
Pray: Lord, we all face challenges in our lives; big and small, self-imposed or otherwise. Remind us that our faith in you gives us the strength to face and meet those challenges. Amen.
When he isn’t running the streets in the dark, Jeff lives in Glendale with his wife, Jennifer, his son, Eric, and a baby who had yet to show up at the time of writing.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
December 10, 2008
Read Psalm 38
As for the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me.—Psalm 38:10
Today is the first of the twenty-three darkest days of the year. This year the winter solstice will occur at 6:04 am on December 21. As I do every year, I am performing a rather desperate personal calendar ritual, in which every morning I count the days until the solstice, add an equal number of days afterward, and tell myself: Okay, we’re in the twenty-three (or fifteen, or seven) darkest days of the year, and I’m still getting through, still getting out of bed, still doing what I need to do. After twenty-three more days, there will be more light than there is today. Things will get better. I can do this.
I have a hard time with the darkness. Like the psalmist, I feel like my eyes have gone dark along with the days, that the inner light has been dimmed along with the pale late-autumn sun. The fire of life has been banked; the embers are buried in ash; the warmth has retreated beyond my reach. The darkness has been increasing for so long that I am beginning to fear that the light will never return.
It is in this darkness that we somehow find the faith and the courage to light the candles of Advent. Make no mistake: it really is dark, and the candles really are very small. There is nothing in the world to reassure us, and no innate security in the tiny lights we tend each week. We tread the darkness by grace, carrying the gift of the Lord’s promises in one hand and our candle in the other. It is not until Christmastide that we discover that these are more than enough.
Pray: Blessed and Beloved Spirit, by your holy grace give me the faith and courage to carry our Advent candles through this present darkness, until the blazing star of Christmas warms our lives. Amen.
Becky Browne is a retired schoolteacher who takes art classes at the community college, sings Sacred Harp music, and loves her cats.
December 9, 2008
Read Psalm 26
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind – Psalm 26: 1-2
Test my heart and mind, indeed. Libby and I spent years trying to get pregnant before we had Justin. After much prayer and medical help, our wish came true. This was a trying time for us but I felt like our trust in the Lord is what gave us the greatest gift we can ask for, our son Justin.
After trying for a second child, with the benefit of knowing what challenges we faced the first time, we were again unsuccessful. This time, doctors told us it would not happen. Tested, you can say that. After giving up, feeling sorry for ourselves and questioning God, we decided to explore adoption. We waited a couple of years, which felt like forever, but we were blessed again with the greatest gift you can ask for, our daughter Maya.
Trust in the Lord without wavering is not easy, but some of the greatest gifts in life are not just handed to you.
Pray: Dear Lord, please be with me every step of the way, when things are easy and when things are difficult. I may ask tough questions but trust that your love for me will always be there. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
Mike Wilcox loves spending time with his kids and following Mizzou sports.
Monday, December 8, 2008
December 8, 2008
Read Isaiah 5:8-12, 18-23
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.—Luke 1:52
This evening as I was winding up a long day at the downtown church I serve, our cook came to me and told me that there were two women, both in tears, and their young son, Christian, in the dining room. I knew Christian and one of the women. She and the boy had been coming to the church’s drop-in center for the past few weeks, and she told me a bit of their story. Her partner was working at a local Wal-Mart, but they lost their apartment when she lost her job at a day-care center. I knew that they were struggling to find a shelter, but that no beds were available. Some nights, a friend who managed a pizza parlor would lock them in the restaurant and let them sleep in the booths after closing. Other nights, they slept on the docks. Each night they are on the streets, they risk losing their son, not to mention their lives. This cold night, the pain and stress were more than they could bear.
When I work with families like Christian and his parents - with individuals who have no resources, no support, no place to lay their heads - I come to a deeper understanding of why Jesus came into this world. He came to give hope to those in need, to lift up the lonely and the homeless and to call those of us with resources into solidarity with those less fortunate.
Pray: O gracious and merciful God, we so often fail to see the invisible living among us. Yet you sent your son to bring down the powerful and lift up the lowly. Open our eyes and hearts to the lost, the lonely and the forgotten, and grant that we may work together with them to raise each one up so that we may all share in the blessings of your creation.
Anne O’Donnell is a second year student at Eden Theological Seminary, and pursuing ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
December 7, 2008
Isaiah 40:1-11
You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"—Isaiah 40:9
In retrospect, I believe we all understand the fragile social boundaries that formed our high school existence. For the most part, we are trained to coexist in one large community, but are expected to understand our niche and are to contently live within its constraints. Well, sorry, things are never that simple with me. I was a band geek, a jock and an art weirdo all wrapped up in one and was “blessed” with a knack for openly voicing my opinion. Part of my responsibility as a band geek was to hang outside the band room doors and act like a dork. Mostly, I was content to oblige those expectations, but sometimes I was compelled to make myself heard. You see, the Special Education classroom was directly across the hall and, as you can imagine, there was often grossly inappropriate rhetoric cast in the direction of those students. I am not sure if it was my unique gift of verbal confrontation getting the best of me, a genuine expression of caring or a lot of both. Probably a lot of both. Either way, I felt it was my responsibility to call out these rude passers by and make sure that it was understood that their tasteless behavior would not be tolerated around that section of the hallway and that they best apologize and get on with their own business. I believe it is this type of small, not so random act of caring that makes God’s word powerful among mankind. A day full, decade full, life full of voicing God’s word is what makes it infinite.
Pray: God, give me the strength to spread Your word. No matter how insignificant, help it to bless those around me and live forever in Your eternal light. Amen.
Stephen Barr grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, was further educated in Kirksville, Missouri and has made a life as father, husband and advertising Creative in Webster Groves, Missouri. His family, his healthy apatite for music and his unhealthy obsession with proper football are the spices of his life.
Friday, December 5, 2008
December 6, 2008
Read Luke 21:5-19
"Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?—Luke 21:7
It is so easy get wrapped up in looking to the future, to wondering what it holds for ourselves, the ones we love, and the communities in which we live. The early church was no different. Christ taught about the time when he would come again, and the New Testament is full of references and anticipation of Christ’s return.
Each week before communion, we sing about the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died…we celebrate with joy the arrival of the Christ-child who will die because of our sin.
Christ has risen…we live in the hope and peace of the Risen Christ.
Christ will come again…The season of Advent is about waiting, yet it is waiting with a purpose. Christ calls us to look ahead to that time of his return with similar expectant waiting, not with trepidation or doubt, despite not knowing when or how the time will arrive.
How can we prepare our hearts and minds this season of waiting? Are we living now with celebration, joy, hope and peace as we look ahead to Christ’s second coming?
Pray: Lord, help me in this season of Advent to look expectantly to your return with the same joy, peace and hope with which I look to the child in the manger. Amen.
Meagan Sinn is a project accountant for a St. Louis based architectural firm, and spends her free time with family, friends, and obsessing about Cardinal baseball.
December 5, 2008
Read Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.—Psalm 16:1
In Psalm 16 David reveals his trust and reliance upon God in this life and in the life to come. Since God is always trustworthy, we can place our confidence in Him and depend on Him in every aspect of our life. God has already proven how much His love can be trusted by sending
Jesus…the ultimate gift and the ultimate sacrifice.
At Christmas we are reminded that this ultimate gift has already been prepared for us. We view a holiday or a birthday with great anticipation and we trust that something good is going to come our way. We are excited about the gifts…cards, hugs, telephone calls, wrapped presents, offerings of love and good will. Remembering these acknowledgements and knowing what we mean to others help us during those dark moments in our life. Placing our trust in God evokes the same feelings as receiving a gift.
We have received the best gift…the gift of the everlasting love of Jesus Christ and understanding the significance of that gift is life sustaining. This eternal gift which offers inner peace, forgiveness, strength, and redemption is ready for us every moment of the day…24/7, 365 days a year. As you see, we do not have to wait for a holiday, birthday, or special event to receive this gift. We simply have to ask and the gift is given.
Pray: Christ is reborn whenever we trust and open our hearts to love. Today I ask that the wonder and joy of the birth of Christ be renewed within me so that by my actions I give this gift of love to others. Amen
Michael Muren moved to St. Louis in November of 2007 and joined The Gathering in June.
December 4, 2008
Read Luke 20: 27-40
Because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection.—Luke 20:36
Just before we ran out of the door to the airport, I remembered my long overcoat for the evening of the reception. In the past I have always worn it for dressy occasions. The evening of the reception we got ready and I put on my coat. I felt very good about the outfit I had chosen for the reception and Jeff looked very nice as well. We had a wonderful time and all too soon the evening was over and we were back in our hotel room. As I walked into the room I noticed my reflection in the mirror and was surprised by what I saw, huge, I mean huge, shoulder pads in my coat!! I looked like a linebacker for the Rams! I quickly calculated how old my coat was. All the next day at the hotel and airport I was wondering what people were thinking of me, not just of my coat but of me. As we were waiting for our luggage to arrive, a realization came over me. This coat does not determine anything about me, nor does the coat the lady has next to me determine anything about her. How many times have I secretly judged someone either negatively or positively merely by their possessions?
Pray: Lord, please help me to always remember we are all your children and need to care for and love one another unconditionally. Amen.
Alice Davis is the Program Manager of Seniors & Company Adult Day Care and a Demonstrator for StampIn’ Up!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
December 4, 2008
Read: Luke 20: 27-40
Because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. —Luke 20:36
Just before we ran out of the door to the airport, I remembered my long overcoat for the evening of the reception. In the past I have always wore it for dressy occasions. The evening of the reception we got ready and I put on my coat. I felt very good about the outfit I had chosen for the reception and Jeff looked very nice as well. We had a wonderful time and all too soon the evening was over and we were back in our hotel room. As I walked into the room I noticed my reflection in the mirror and was surprised by what I saw, huge, I mean huge, shoulder pads in my coat!! I looked like a linebacker for the Rams! I quickly calculated how old my coat was. All the next day at the hotel and airport I was wondering what people were thinking of me, not just of my coat but of me. As we were waiting for our luggage to arrive, a realization came over me. This coat does not determine anything about me, nor does the coat the lady has next to me determine anything about her. How many times have I secretly judged someone either negatively or positively merely by their possessions?
Pray: Lord, please help me to always remember we are all your children and need to care for and love one another unconditionally. Amen.
Alice Davis is the Program Manager of Seniors & Company Adult Day Care and a Demonstrator for StampIn’ Up!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
December 3, 2008
Read Isaiah 2:1-11
Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.—Isaiah 2:8
In this scripture, the prophet Isaiah called the people to turn from lives of idol worship and sin and warned them of God’s judgment and punishment if they refused. Although we may not be carving and worshipping idols, we collect and worship possessions like cars, homes and money that symbolize power and attempt to give our lives meaning.
Several months ago, when the economy began taking some sharp turns and it was obvious we were headed for challenging times, I had a conversation with one of our clients at Kingdom House about how the economy will affect us. A woman in her sixties, the client shared that she scrapes by monthly with the minimum. She said, “I get some help for my senior housing, I wear my clothes until they’re worn out, I don’t consume a lot of food and I ride the bus when I need to get around.” She went on to say, “One of my few monthly purchases is toilet tissue, so I don’t think it will affect me so hard.” I remembered how each time I see this lady, she is smiling and peaceful. She says that she IS happy. I reflected on the belongings I feel I “need” to get by and how those things can become the idols we worship.
What freedom to not want things! And what a paradox that having the things you think you want does not answer those imagined needs. Look around and truly see those people who are free from want, in such simple circumstances.
Pray: Loving God, during this time of Advent, help me to put my hope and confidence in You and not in the possessions that separate me from Your love. It is in Your word that I find meaning and purpose for my life. In the days ahead help me to support and strengthen others through your love. Amen.
Jennifer March is part of the Hospitality Team at the Gathering and is the Director of Development at Kingdom House. Kingdom House is a social service agency created by the United Methodist Church.
December 2, 2008
Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
So we speak, not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts.—1 Thessalonians 2:4
Being the parent of two teenagers I am reminded every day how somehow they feel they must dress a certain way or do certain things so they’re not an “L 7” in teenage terminology. I often wonder if it really has any effect on who their friends are and what their friends think of them.
Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians was speaking not to please men, but to please God. He knew it was important to follow the leading of God rather than be influenced by what people might expect or want.
If our motive is to please Him, then we should proclaim His message boldly in word or in action without regard to the responses we receive from others.
I am excited the Gathering is focused on spreading the word of God in an area where churches had been closing. Rejoice; we have the opportunity to spread His word right outside our walls.
Pray: Dear God, help me to focus on God’s expectations for me not on the hopes of people in my life. Amen.
David Guess is the father of Katie and Alex.
December 1, 2008
Read Isaiah 1:10-20
What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt-offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.—Isaiah 1:11, 15-17
Especially at this time of year, we often feel that it is enough to simply go through the motions. Christmas is coming, so we prepare with the season of Advent. We go to worship, we light a candle, we read a scripture. But Isaiah warns us in the strongest language that just going through these motions is not enough! God does not want sacrifices, or burnt offerings, or rote worship attendance and mindless candle lighting. God wants us to transform ourselves! It is the transformation of ourselves, our attempt to be pure, to cease to do evil, to learn to do good, that brings meaning to our worship. Worship attendance, prayer, singing and candle lighting all have their place, but must be preceded by genuine transformation of our persons. As Isaiah says, we must wash ourselves and make ourselves clean. Remember that going through the motions will not be enough this Advent season!
Pray: O Lord, cleanse and purify me as I approach this Advent season. Guide me in learning to do good so that my heart is properly prepared for the worship and activities of this time. Amen.
David Parnell is a graduate student at Saint Louis University.
November 30, 2008
Read: Isaiah 64:1-9
When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.—Isaiah 64:3
Happy New Year! No, I’m not confused. Today is the first day of the Christian year. Our cycle of Scripture readings, the lectionary, and Christian holidays (i.e. Christmas, Easter, All Saints, etc.) start over today. We begin the season of Advent, a season of expectation, waiting, watching and hope for a sanctified and perfected creation. Advent, which literally means “coming” is the season in which we celebrate and await Christ’s coming into this world, both as a baby in 1st Century Bethlehem, and again in victory to set the world to right. At its core, Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas and Epiphany when we will explicitly celebrate Christ’s coming and his unveiling as God come into our world as a human being.
Maybe you’re thinking, “Boy, what does all that mean?” or, if you’re a little bit of a skeptic, “Do you really think God could be present in a world full of violence, greed, racism, hatred and poverty?” The Church itself has enough baggage to seem hypocritical when it claims that God is at work saving humanity and perfecting creation. As a Pastor and a person of faith, I have to be honest. There are days when I have my doubts about God’s presence and work in this world. Advent brings all of this out in the open. Nowhere in our cycle of Scripture readings are the claims about God’s presence in the world and Christ’s promise to return in victory more explicit. In the readings for today, the Psalmist, Isaiah and Mark all use powerful images from nature to describe God’s presence. When God enters creation, nature does more than simply take notice. It quakes, trembles and shakes. When God enters creation, no one can deny it. And I wouldn’t be a Christian, let alone a Pastor, if I hadn’t had life experiences in which I could not deny God’s presence. I have had serendipitous, emotional, clarifying and unexplainable experiences that I simply knew had to be God at work. But that doesn’t erase the long periods of time in which I desperately look for God to do something…anything.
I want to encourage you all to use this devotional and the season of Advent to do that. Use them to look for God’s work. You will no doubt look upon a world full of materialism, consumerism and idolatry as Christmas approaches, but you will also see exceptional moments of generosity and love. Throughout history, as Christmas approaches and we look to Christ’s coming into the world, wars have been put on hold, people have given more than they ever thought possible, poverty has been eased. It is a season when you cannot deny God’s presence. It is a season, when, as Isaiah puts it, “the nations…tremble” at God’s presence. I look forward to waiting and watching and expecting God’s advent with you. To end this devotion, pray not that God might come into creation, but that you might have the vision to see it happen.
Pray: Lord, I pray not only that God might come into creation, but that I might have the vision to see it happen. Amen.
Nate Berneking is our Pastor of Spiritual Formation and is in the process of reading all of the Pulitzer Prize winning fiction.
Monday, October 13, 2008
emotional jet lag
I am back and my blogs got progressively less consistent toward the end of my trip. Since Thursday night when I returned, I have been trying to sit down and write a blog entry but to no avail. It wasn’t time or energy I lacked. I simply was finding it hard to know where to start. I was back in church Sunday and preached 
about the way that anxiety and worry drains one of the joy and peace that can be found in the present moment. I had a preaching professor once that said you should never “work out your own ’stuff’ in the pulpit”. I kind of broke that rule this week because my sermon was in many ways a self-reflection. My trip was wonderful in many ways, but all the time alone with myself helped me see several things more clearly. One of them was just how much I let anxiety and worry dictate my life. It was serendipitous perhaps that the lectionary passage this week came from Paul’s letter to the Philippians in which he addressed their anxiety and worry.
When people return from a big trip, they often talk about jet lag, that extreme fatigue that comes from traveling great distances. But I think there is sort of an emotion jet lag that comes from any big trip also. It was as if the trip gave me so much to think about that my mental processor is backlogged with input that needs to be thought about. People have been asking me, “How was your trip?” I am grateful for their interest and yet don’t know how to begin answering the question. It was great, it was thought provoking, it changed my faith, it made me question myself, it was stressful, it was relaxing – it was all that and more. I even found it difficult to write a sermon because there was so much to wade through.
I suspect I am not alone in this feeling. There are times when I think all of us get emotional jet lag, where our emotional processing is a bit behind and needs to do some catching up. My hope is that I can use this blog over the next few weeks to share with you about my trip, what it made me think about, and what implications it will have for my ministry. I share this in the hopes that in my own reflection, you may find a new lens with which to think about your own journey in faith.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
the shadow of greatness
Sorry for the lack of pictures in my last few posts. I haven't been able to get them to upload but I will make up for it here. I arrived in Rome where I have been busy. The very first trip I made was to Vatican city where I toured the art galleries, the square, St. Peter's Basillica (including the Pieta) and of course, the Sistine Chapel. Like all famous places, there is a bit of the surreal when you enter. I have seen Michaelangelo's famous ceiling paintings and sculptures in books, I have read about the magnificence of his work. But there is something about actually being in the space that cannot be replicated, no matter how many pictures one studies or art books one reads.
I am going to keep my post short today. I reflected on so many things yesterday and I am
I suspose in my own humble way, I consider The Gathering part of my contribution. All of us who are a part of it have created something new and offered it to our city. It is something significant. But I think there is more left for me to do, more for us to do.
p.s. thanks to everyone who has posted. It has meant a lot to me to hear from you, but more so to hear your thoughts.
Monday, October 6, 2008
promises, promises
I apologize for my lack of blogging. It is harder, not to mention more expensive, to find an internet connection over here. I just arrived in Rome but I wanted to reflect on my time in Moscow. After visiting Voronezh, I spent two days in Moscow. It was a really important time. I had a chance to meet and speak briefly with the United Methodist bishop of Russia, along with a couple of pastors in the region. I visited the United Methodist seminary in Russia, visited a class, met ALL of the 7 students, and had time to sit and talk with the director of the seminary. I then visited several important Russian Orthodox churches in Moscow.
But it was one church that really made me think. Called the church of the Assumption, this beautiful Russian Orthodox sanctuary sits in the shadow of the old palaces of the tsars and emperors inside the Kremlin walls. It was here that each new ruler would be coronated. Walking in is an experience in and of itself. With no pews inhibiting movement (they worship standing up) one can walk all around. And you must. For all around the walls, columns, and ceilings are frescoes of icons that are hundreds of years old.
As you turn to leave, there is an enormous fresco above the door depicting Jesus at the last judgment. Below him is a serpent, on one side images depicting hell, on the other side heaven. Intrigued I ask my guide about the painting. She explained to me that when people come to church, they usually do two things. The first is people pray to God with thanksgivings and petitions. The second is they make promises to God, commitments of some sort. “God takes our promises seriously,” she explained. Therefore the fresco above the door reminds people that they ought to remember there promises, not just inside the church, but especially as they leave.
What powerful words. As I left, indeed for the rest of the day, I thought about the state of the promises I have made. Ones made to God, to my family, to my church, to myself. As you read I hope you reflect on the state of your promises. After all, God takes our promises seriously, and so should we.
Friday, October 3, 2008
connected
I finally arrived at a place with an internet connection. I have so much to say but want to share depth rather than breath. I visited today Resurrection United Methodist Church in Voronezh, Russia. Voronezh is a city of about 900,000. There are three United Methodist churches. Rev. Irina Mitina started a new congregation 12 years ago as a Bible study in rented space. They grew and were able to buy an old building in very bad condition. Through much hard work from the parishioners and from partner churches from the United States sending volunteers, Resurrection UMC converted an old building into a beautiful place for worship and small groups. I really was surprised to see what they have been able to accomplish.
But I was surprised by more than that. I was asked to preach at a Thursday night wo
rship service at Resurrection. I had about 20 minutes to tuck away with a pen and paper and write a sermon the old fashioned way. When I get home, I want to re-preach it and record it for the web. It was such an honor to be asked to preach (apparently last minute invitations are quite common)...and intimidating. It was the first time I preached with a translator, I couldn't great the people without help, I found that I had to use shorter phrases and avoid slang that doesn't interpret well. I had to preach to a people in a much different context, where life is different and unfamiliar to me. And I had to prepare it all in 20 minutes.
But I will tell you that preaching that worship service was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I understood in that moment, not how different we were, but how connected we are. The songs were many of the same ones we sing (only in Russian), scripture the same, foundational questions of meaning, pain and purpose, the same. As I shared conversation with Rev. Irina at Resurrection, we talked about our churches. Certainly there were things that are different. The Gathering has more money, more people, more freedom of expression, more openness in the city to our message. But more than our differences, we discovered how much we have in common. We both have people bombarded with advertisements (Mama Mia the Russian version and iphones were my 
favorites), people trying to make ends meet financially, people in pain looking for forgiveness, people looking for depth of purpose in life. Students, older adults, poor, wealthy - our churches share so much. We also share many of the same obstacles, crime in the city, meth and crack destroying lives of people in our cities, educational systems in need of help and people that are so busy that time with God is often an after thought. At the end of our time together, Rev. Irina pulled me aside and thanked me. She then said, "Matt if you take anything back, remember to tell your people that the world is more connected than they think, we are more connected than you think. The decisions that individuals make in America have a profound effect on what happens here. The decisions that Christians make, that churches make in America, have an impact on us and our ministry. We are more connected than you think."
After being here, I believe her. We are more connected than you think. And for that reason each of us needs to remember the power we possess. You, your decisions, your choices, your commitments, your words, your lives have a power that effects the world! During our baptism ritual, after the water I make the sign of the cross on the person's forehead and say, "Just as Christ was anointed priest , prophet and king, so I anoint you to remember the power of your faith to impact lives, the power of your voice to change reality, and the power of your decisions to transform the world." I know now, that those are not empty words.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
200 meter rule
Pastor Irina shared that the government is currently considering a law that would make it illegal for any church to "evangelize" or talk about religion further than 200 meters from their building. Can you think of what that would do to the church. I think of how many times we at The Gathering meet at coffee shops, have small groups in restaurants, or even the times I sit at Starbucks and talk with folks about the church. All such activity, under this new law, would be illegal. The camp would become even more important if this passes. It would be a safe place, outside of town,. where the church could invite those exploring Christianity to come and hear about these new kinds of religious communities.
Monday, September 29, 2008
here we go
Yesterday during church, I shared with the congregation that I was leaving for Russia. Several people asked me when I would be leading a team back and what kind of work we would be doing. I would like to lead a team back to Russia in late summer of 2009. I am not sure of the kind of work we will be doing. I don't want to assume that I know what kind of relationship they want. Part of the reason for this trip, the primary reason, is to simply meet the people, listen and learn. I want to see how God is already at work in their community and how we can collaborate with them. My hope is that our conversations and relationship might also include some of their leaders visiting us. As I go, I am reminded that I am not going to "help" anyone. Rather I am going to learn how God is already at work in the lives of people across the world and how I can be a part of that. It reminds me that when I approach anyone, even right "help" another, I miss the way God is already at work, and perhaps the ways I need that help.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Do Not Disturb!
Despite my best efforts, as my trip to Russia approaches there are some details that just aren't figured out yet. They won't be until I arrive where I am going. This always bothers me because I like to have my travel plans well thought out, especially when travelling to completely unfamiliar territory. Traveling to a place where the geography, culture, language, alphabet and customs are completely unknown is disorienting enough. Having my plans all laid out helps me orient myself, helps me to calm anxiety, helps me to feel like I have some control in the midst of what feels like a loss of it.
This upcoming trip reminds me of my dislike of being disturbed. In the midst of my obsessing over the details of my trip, worried about how disorienting it will be, I heard another pastor read a part of prayer. It was what I needed to hear. It is from the explorer Sir Francis Drake. He prays:
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
I worry sometimes that my dreams are too small, that I have lost my thirst, that I have stopped looking heavenward. As much as I don't like it, I know I need to be disturbed.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Preparing to be unprepared
As many of you know, I am preparing for a mission "scouting" trip to Russia. I will be meeting Russian pastors who are working to grow communities of faith, hear about their struggles and successes, and explore ways that The Gathering can collaborate with them in their work. My intention is to return in 2009 with a team of 12 people from The Gathering to be in mission to these emerging church communities in Russia. So I am taking up my infrequent habit of blogging, with the hopes that my friends, family and parishioners will share this experience with me.
As all of you know, a journey really begins long before you leave home. I get a bit anxious about traveling, so I like to be prepared. Having never traveled abroad, the unique considerations and preparations for this kind of trip are new to me. Being a product of the educational system for 20 years of my life, my first inclination was to read books and talk to others who have previously traveled to Russia. Books and conversations have been extremely helpful. I have studied maps of Moscow and Voronezh, read about the culture, learned some handy travel tips from international travel veterans, bought too much cool stuff at REI and even tried my luck at learning a bit of Cyrillic. But no matter how many people I talk with, or how many books I read, there are somethings you only learn by experience.
I think life with God is that way. Many of us think about God, ask others questions about God, study those "people of faith" like an anthropologist would study a remote tribe. We can be tempted to approach God as a subject to be studied instead of a reality to be experienced, a discipline to be practiced or a being to be loved. The truth is, as much as I prepare for my trip to Russia, I will still be unprepared. I just have to go and experience it. God is that way. You are never prepared for what life with God might be like, and you will not "understand" faith until you first go, and experience it.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
russia mission
Did you know that around the world, there are over 40,000 United Methodist congregations? Did you know that there are United Methodist churches in countries across Africa, Asia and Europe that serve over 4 million people and are growing? Did you know that when you participate in the ministries of The Gathering, you are also connected to a worldwide community of United Methodists?
This summer, I was invited by the leaders of United Methodist missions in Missouri to travel to Russia where there are several growing United Methodist churches. The purpose is to scout out possible mission relationships between churches in Missouri and churches in Russia. The United Methodist Church in Russia is a home church. Years of Soviet Rule and a state religion forced the United Methodists to meet in secret as a church. Since the fall of Communism the global church has worked with the Russian United Methodists to build much of the infrastructure that their growing ministry requires. Missionaries and volunteer teams have done this by working in orphanages, homes for the elderly, helping in the construction of new churches and camps for kids.
On September 29, I will be travelling to Voronezh (link to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voronezh) in southwest Russia, to meet several United Methodist pastors and hear about needs in their community as they seek to grow. The hope is that out of this trip will grow a relationship between our church and new United Methodist churches in Voronezh. I will be hearing about their ministries, seeing a camp that serves many kids in the community and meeting some of the people involved in United Methodist ministry in this part of the world.
Upon returning, part of my task will be to lead a team of people from The Gathering back to Voronezh within 18 months to participate in mission work. I am really excited about this opportunity, not only personally, but for our church. I hope you will pray for me as I prepare to leave. While there, I will be blogging here regularly, sharing what I am learning about ministry there. Upon returning I will be sharing what I learned with our community and asking you to think about whether or not you feel called to be part of a team that will return next year. It is powerful to think that our community can have an impact on the faith life of people, not only here in St. Louis, but around the world.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
developmental milestones
As a new parent, one is almost overwhelmed with the amount of information that is out there about raising children. Somewhere in that learning process, whether it is through books or because of a visit to the family doctor, parents will learn about developmental milestones. Developmental milestones normally refer to a set of skills that most children can do at a certain age. Pediatricians and other health professionals use milestones to see how a child is developing and maturing. But, of course, every child is unique. So while we cannot ever apply such milestones too rigidly, there are nonetheless still basic skills and tasks that indicate growth and development.
With this in mind, join us this Sunday, September 7, as I begin a sermon series on "Developmental Milestones" in the life of faith. Though our faith journeys are all unique, there are common characteristics or skills that indicate growth and development as followers of Christ. Sometimes as adults, we stop checking and making sure that we are developing and maturing in our professional, personal or spiritual lives. For four weeks, I will be preaching on milestones that point to a maturing faith. For anyone wondering what it means to grow in their faith or those feeling stuck in their faith development, join us this Sunday and every Sunday in September.
September is indeed a milestone month at The Gathering. In addition to the sermon series, throughout September we will celebrate several exciting milestones. September 14 is our two-year anniversary as a church and on September 20 we will be hosting a kids' concert in anticipation of our launch of a second kids' ministry September the 28! All of these events are signs that our community is developing. I hope all of you will make an effort to be a part of these celebrations and make sure to invite some one else you know to experience our community. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
connecting is hard
Over the past couple of months, I have been thinking a lot about how people in a church connect with one another. For some of us, that happens relatively easily and naturally. We grew up here, find significant relationships through work or in our neighborhoods, or have personalities that make it easy to meet others. But some of us have a more difficult time finding significant relationships. Maybe we are new to town, work alone, or struggle to find time to meet others. Given our individual differences, how can the church help all of us find a sense of belonging in a community?
After all, that is what every church claims to be; a community of people seeking to follow Christ together. As The Gathering grows, it is going to become increasingly important that we find intentional ways to foster relationships and a sense of belonging. Lately, I have had several conversations with people struggling to find significant relationships within the church. For some of you, that isn't a problem. For others, even after small group participation or serving in a ministry, you still feel as if you are missing the kind of relationship you want. I want you to know that this is a reality that I, and our leaders, are spending time talking about.
As we grow, that sense of belonging is almost certainly going to happen in smaller groups. Our hope is that in addition to small groups, we also provide more opportunities for people in the church to meet one another. As we do this, I want to ask for your help. If you have an easy time meeting others, make an effort on Sunday morning to meet at least one new person. If you are in a small group or serve in a ministry with others, consider scheduling time to hang out together socially. If you are interested in putting together a social event, please let me know. If you are struggling to feel a sense of belonging, I would like to be in conversation with you.
Through all of this, I hope that every person at The Gathering remembers the importance of not only reaching "up" toward God, but also reaching "out" to truly meet and get to know the others in our midst. After all, that is part of the commitment we all make when we want to follow Christ in community.
a word from andy
Thanks for the warm welcome! It's always difficult entering into a new community during a time of transition. Your handshakes, hugs and words of encouragement have meant a lot to me as I begin my time here with you.
It's amazing how God can transform our minds and hearts when we are open to His will. I wasn't looking to make a ministry change or for a new church. I called Pastor Matt to inquire about the position for a colleague of mine and in our conversations over the next few weeks, I began to discern my own ministry and call. After meeting with the staff, the band and a few members, I knew that this is where I was supposed to be serving.
I am still settling in and finding my place, but again I thank you and the staff for making me feel at home. I am passionate about creative worship planning and providing opportunities for you to experience God through the worship we present. I've got a lot of ideas to bring to The Gathering so you may see some changes over the next few weeks! I encourage all of you to stick around after worship and introduce yourself to me. Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday.
Blessings,
Andy
remembering your first time
Can you remember the first time you rode a bike, your first love, the first time you got behind the wheel of a car, your first job, your first time away from home, or first kiss? First times are memorable! But as time goes on, chances are that you think less and less about these things. As particular experiences become commonplace, we can begin to forget what it is like to experience something for the first time.
Now I want you to think about church! All of you can probably remember the first time you walked into The Gathering. Depending on your past experience of church, you perhaps walked through our doors excited, nervous, skeptical, intrigued, curious, or anxious. But as time goes on, we grow more comfortable with the community, and often times forget what it feels like to come to a strange place for the first time.
This is one reason why our Sunday morning hospitality ministry is so important. We only have one chance to welcome someone on Sunday morning. And sometimes the nature of our welcome is the primary memory a person will have of our church. For this reason, our hospitality and connections teams have a request. We want you to remember back to your first time at The Gathering. What was it like? What did you experience? What was missing? We have put together a short survey that we would like for you to take a few minutes to complete. Click here and let us know what your first time was like. This information will help us improve our ministry for other new people.
So please take a few minutes to give us your feedback so that we can do a better job welcoming people. And remember that hospitality is a task we all share. This Sunday when you walk into our sanctuary, remember that it is someone’s first time. Help us make The Gathering a welcoming place by introducing yourself to someone you don’t know. Sometimes, just being aware of the folks around us can make a world of difference. Let’s make sure when people walk through our doors for the first time, it is a positive memory they take away.
