We dream of being an outwardly focused church. A church that brings the presence of Jesus into our community, rather then just inviting people into the church to experience God. To be a GOOD church: a ‘G’et ‘O’ut ‘O’f ‘D’oors church. We want to integrate our church into the community. Jesus said that we now have God’s presence living in us, and we are to take His presence into the world around us in expanding circles of influence (Acts 1:8). We want what the Canadian $5 bill says in the fine print to change from real life only occurs on the hockey rink (not the church or classroom) to real life occurs wherever two or more are Gathered together in His name (Matthew 18:20).
Nominate someone in our community for a Barnabas (encouragement) Award for the difference they are making.
How We Will Strive To Build Authentic Relationships With Our Community …
People from our church serve our community in all kinds of groups that make our area a better place to live: we are on the community association board and serve in the background in any way we can, we are organizers of local blood donour clinics, High School all-star games, coaches of community teams, doulas, car seat safety instructers, music instructers, members of environmental groups, and many other organizations (see our Serve City-Wide to the poor or widow or our Serve Globally to the orphan and missions sections to see what we are doing beyond our own community). As a church community we are committed to running a community softball league for adults on Friday nights, a kids soccer camp, and an annual volunteer appreciation celebration, and regular social events in the area for the community (see our events calendar for more details). On Sundays we have greeters to welcome people as they come in; a coffee time before service to connect with people; bi-monthly potlucks and BBQ's in the summer; an annual celebration of volunteers in our community; and a a view that real church occurs each week in our homes as we discuss the Sunday message and care for one another face to face beyond the Sunday experience (see Home church for more information).
Our 5 Core Values
If you are headed to MACS and I am going to 7-11 we are not going to arrive at the same place. We at The Gathering are clear about where we're headed, so we'll arrive together.
1. Genuine Relationships With Christ
2. Authentic Relationships
With Our Community
3. Spiritual Relationships
in Our Families
4. Home Church
5. Simplifying Life aka: The Big Idea