I just wanted to say that I am a very blessed person to be involved in such a wonderful community. The community known as the Gathering. This is where my family attends church at and it is a wonderful community to be part of.
We were attending St. John's and unfortunately St. John's had to close its doors. It was a small congregation but we loved it none the less. We were hit very hard by it. Pastor Wally and the District Superintendent Nancy told everyone that there was very new up and coming church that you should check out. Their pastor Matt came and talked to us and told us about him and his church. I was hooked then. He even came one Sunday and did the sermon. Unfortunately we were out of town that week but we had already gone to The Gathering a couple times plus we were listening online.
We went to both churches for a few weeks due to services being at different times but that got to be a bit much so we stayed at St. John's to the end. Once St. John's had its last service and closed we started full time at the Gathering.
My wonderful wife jumped right in once we got there. She mentioned she would like to help with the children's ministry and they put her right to work. Shortly there after I like to joke about being ambushed to also join the team. It was not like they twisted my arm or anything though. So I also started working downstairs with the kids and I love it. Granted I feel that I am more of a helper than teacher and I pretty much let my wife do all the teaching when it is our Sunday to teach. :D I love interacting with the kids and seeing the wonderful things they can do and how much they learn from the lessons. Great group of kids that have done their share or service projects.
We started doing small groups when we could and we still do. We have met and gotten to know lots of people through the small groups and working with the kids downstairs.
We went through the commitment classes when they were first available. I was even baptized at the Gathering. We try to be as involved as we can be. Easier said that done though with our crazy schedules at times.
The people are awesome and it has been a blessing to get to know everyone. Matt and Nate are just the best. I miss Nate already but I am so happy for him at his new church. The staff past and present are wonderful too. Everyone has been so supportive of us as we have searched for and thought we had a house only to be back in limbo again. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts guys and gals. I am sure I have not said it enough. Special shout out to Becky for offering to babysit and do whatever she could to help.
As much I hated to see St. John's close I was so glad to see the door to the Gathering open and it has been a blessing. I don't think my words can really express how much I love this community that I am a part of and the wonderful things that this community does. It is special for sure and I just felt the need to share.
