Missiongathering Bellevue: Recent Episodes
Devin Wright
Missiongathering is East Seattle's progressive, inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We want to be known for our love for others and we value questions more than answers. Join the movement with us as we strive to live the way of Jesus! You can join us for online services on Facebook or YouTube every Sunday at 10:30am PST. Check out the contact form on our website to get connected to our community or learn more!
kind of God who will keep showing up and keep teaching us even when we mess up. But can we do God a solid and meet God halfway?
Jesus, the Emmanuel - who was supposed to be God with us, seemed to be with us no more. Until that Easter morning ...
But what if there's another way to understand this story that is rooted in empowerment and justice? And what if Jesus isn't the only one capable of miracles?
Jesus claimed his identity at the time of his baptism. Then, in the wilderness, he had an opportunity to show what it meant to live his identity out loud. Instead of performing miracles or making a big show of his powers, Jesus shows us a different way modeled through careful discernment. God, help us to do likewise.
Hear this advent message, all those who are weary with longing and all those who are ready to welcome in Hope and Joy and Peace and Love ... now.
In the midst of the churning, to what do you testify? This Sunday, we explore Luke 21:12-19.
Times are tough - but we have strength and love woven into our being, brought to us by God and our ancestors. What could we do if we were grounded in those roots? What if healing is the holiest work there is?
How do we find alignment when we are both in this world and yet not entirely of it? All year, we've been exploring how to 𝘳𝘦-member in a culture that works so hard to 𝘥𝘪𝘴-member us and our communities. In this message, we explore how to exist in the world of "getting along" while also staying connected first to Divine Gifts given to us from the start.
What would happen if we start to un-church “THE CHURCH” (capital C) and get back to the roots of what it means to be “church” once more? This Sunday, we explored questions like, what does it mean to be church? What part of you gets filled in this place that doesn't get filled elsewhere? Are there places outside of "THE CHURCH" that feel more like church to you? We're building something beautiful here. Join alongside us as we dive in.
Many of us were handed an Easter story that begins with separation:You’re a sinner. God is angry. Blood must be spilled before you can be loved.But… what if that’s not the real story?What if resurrection isn’t about blood payment—but about re-membering what we’ve forgotten?That nothing can separate you from the love of God.That you’ve always belonged. You’ve always been beloved.Resurrection invites us to reconnect—to our God-created selves, to one another, to the earth, to the cosmos.To piece back together what’s been fragmented.To rise.
Kate - a seminary-trained mental health therapist - unpacks one of the Bible’s most mysterious and misunderstood stories—the Witch of Endor. For centuries, women labeled as “witches” have embodied resistance, resilience, and a power that defies control. What if this ancient tale isn’t about sorcery but survival, truth-telling, and divine defiance?
White Christian Nationalism is a movement of American Christians who are fighting for conservative Christians to hold power in family, religion, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, and government. Is this what Jesus taught in the gospels? How do we reconcile this movement with the teachings of Jesus? How do we respond when Christians use scripture to justify policies that harm and marginalize vulnerable communities?
Is it possible the church and America has whitewashed the complexities and realities of racism, the teachings of Jesus, and the fight for equity and liberation?
The only constant is change. Change is built into the universe and life on earth has survived by adapting to those changes. Yet, we are so afraid of change! Religions across the world, older than Christianity, have taught how to process change. How do we adapt to change in a way that makes our lives and the world more healed and whole?
The images of death and destruction in the conflict have been unbearable. How do we make sense of the horror? Did you know white American evangelicals support the Israeli leaders' response to Palestine more than any other group? Why? It has to do with the end of the world. Let's talk about some of the history of the conflict, its connections to American Christianity, and how to seek a compassionate response.
Fall and the Autumn Equinox has had a profound impact on human cultures for thousands of years. What we can learn about the spirituality of Autumn and how to find balance in our lives?
I grew up with a view of faith that was tied to believing in God, reading my Bible, and believing the correct theology about God and the Bible. What if Jesus' view of faith and belief are different?
In June we celebrated LGBTQ Pride. In July, Americans celebrate USA Pride. On the final day of Pride month in June, the Supreme Court ruled that businesses could discriminate against a person based on their sexuality in the defense of religious beliefs. What happens when we value our own religious freedom above the humanity of others?
Jesus placed people above theology and his actions were considered "sinful" by the religious elite.
We believe all trans people are beloved and that God is nonbinary! Hear Riley Aliamus share his journey toward discovering his true self along with practical ways to support the trans community.
Riley's GoFundMe Page: https://gofund.me/ac22a98e
Matthew 10:35 "I have a come to turn a son against his father." - Jesus. Happy Father's Day!
"Traditional family values" have long been a cry of Christianity in America, but what if Jesus' sayings about the family actually challenge traditional family values? Maybe that's a good thing.
Content Awareness: Discussion of suicide and eating disorders.
Missiongathering's Kevin Criswell shares his personal mental health journey that partly led him to a career in psychology, helping people develop the tools to cope with mental health challenges. Kevin's honesty and vulnerability in sharing his story is inspiring and hopeful for all of us who struggle with mental health.
*He was not able to share this during the talk, but Kevin wants listeners to know that he advocates for the use of medication to help with mental health problems as it was beneficial for him as a bridge out of depression. Medication is not a replacement for good social relationships and therapy/counseling, but it can make a difference for some.
The record breaking anti-LGBTQ legislation happening in the U.S. is partly the result of people's interpretation of the Bible and their view that God created and approved of only two genders - straight male and straight female. But, did you know the biblical tradition of Jesus and ancient Judaism recognized four genders beyond male and female? What if the larger story of the biblical tradition is one that points to love and inclusion?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! A recent Census Bureau report found that 1/3 of all adults and half of adults 18-24 struggle anxiety and depression, yet around half of U.S. churches rarely or have never talked about mental health. What can Jesus tell us about mental health? 15:30 Loving-Kindness Meditation
What if Easter points to something true in both science and spirituality? What if life, death, and transformation can help us live more meaningfully and bring hope to the world? Listen to our Easter message online from Sunday, Apr 9!
"As a therapist one of my tasks is to listen to the undercurrent of the story someone is telling. What’s being said and what isn’t? I’ve started to do that with the stories I grew up with. When I think back to how women in the Bible were presented to me as a kid, so many of the stories were told in a way to show off their quiet grace and servitude, thoroughly stripping them of the rage or other big emotions any other human would feel in their place. We’ll take a closer look at some of those stories and what it means to more fully express parts of who we are." - Kate Creech, MACP, LMHCA
Lent is a season of reflection, change, and growth, but guilt and fear have been used by Christianity to "change" people for over 1500 years. True, real change begins, not with guilt and fear, but with radical self-acceptance.
The birth of Jesus can feel like a cozy Christmas story, but 2,000 years ago the story was deeply political and provocative. What can this story tell us about creating peace, joy, hope, and love in our world? Our message is followed by a brief spiritual practice and guided meditation to help us cultivate joy.
What if the Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love of Advent only emerge out of gratitude? What can psychology teach us about the spirituality of gratitude as a way of Jesus?
What can Halloween and Dia de los Muertos teach us how to process the spirituality of death?
How do we have healthy conversations with people we disagree with around gender, sexuality, religion, or politics? What can Jesus teach us about how to influence others in ways that build trust and lead to growth?
At the end of the message, hear Creative Lead, Jake Haber, share how Missiongathering has led to his next journey in progressive Christian ministry.
Back to School!! We're in the season of learning, but even more important and more difficult is the practice of unlearning. How do we unlearn and become open to new ideas as a sacred practice? How do we overcome our own bias?
A Missiongathering member offers a path toward healing from fundamentalist Christianity by naming the challenge of biblical interpretation, our cultural lenses, and steps to reframe the harmful message we tell about ourselves.
For those who live in the suburbs, how do we address social justice? Kyle Reynolds pulls from his doctoral research on cross-cultural engagement and his experience managing a non-profit food bank to talk about how we can lovingly move from pity to compassion.
Heart Scan Meditation: 0:00 - 3:50 Message: 3:50-19:37
In the face of tragedy we so often hear "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims." The Bible has a harsh and uncomfortable message for those of us who offer prayers without stopping violence and oppression.
As we close out Mental Health Awareness month, how do we address our anxieties and fears in the face of injustice?
Mental Health Resources: nami.org
Hear the powerful story of a Missiongathering community member who is intersex. They share their experience of being Christian and intersex and offer hope and encouragement by helping us see how the life of Jesus honored and valued nonbinary experiences. Through the church has caused much harm to those who are nonbinary, this story shares this person's own personal journey of healing and hope.
NOTE: At the request of the speaker, the audio has been edited to respect the speaker's anonymity and privacy
Rev Kate Kilroy, is a church innovator, a foster child turned foster parent, a labor and delivery specialist, and a treky. She is queer, a parent to 5 kids, four of which are teenagers, a trauma survivor, and still doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up but is loving the journey. She joins us to share the work she does with Uniting Stories, a community wellness coalition with a focus on health & wellbeing. She offers encouragement by reminding us of the very real impact that hope has in our communities.
We are joined by founder of Missiongathering, Rev. Rich McCullen. Listen to his story of how overcoming abuse and exclusion as a child and as a gay man inspired the creation of an inclusive faith community. Our stories are part of God's larger story of creating wholeness in our fragmented world.
How can Halloween help us see the importance of everyday rituals in our lives? How can our everyday practices help us deal with grief and loss? Kate Creech, MACP, helps us reimagine how rituals can be deeply spiritual and meaningful for our lives.
What do we do after we deconstruct our faith? How do we process faith deconstruction in a healthy way? We're learning from Brian McLaren's new book as we learn ways doubt can be a doorway into a bigger, better, more loving spirituality and way of being.
In this Jesus story he talks to his disciples about tolerance, inclusion, hell, and salt. How do we become more open to people and ideas we don't understand?
The age-old argument about women's roles has largely been controlled by men who have misused and abused bible passages like Proverbs 31 to control women. Let's look at a better way to read the passage that honors and elevates women.
Labor day began, not as a fun day off of work, but as a demand for justice in the face of oppression and labor abuses. The story of labor day connects with a letter the brother of Jesus wrote to early followers of Jesus that reminds us that our faith must be expressed through caring for people, otherwise our faith is worthless.
There is a weird story of Jesus in Mark 6 where he tries to do miracles, but can't because the people weren't willing to see the sacred in the mundane. I thought Jesus could do anything? What does this story say about how God works in the world? What if faith is not about belief, but about being open to the divine in all things? Where do you find God, hope, beauty, love beyond the walls of a church? Where do you find community to share those experiences?
Kyle Reynolds, a doctoral student in multi-cultural engagement, discusses with honesty and vulnerability what it means to step forward on the path to wholeness.
How do we move forward when our spirit seems crushed? What are some contemplative practices to use to help us connect deeply with God, ourselves, and the world when we feel down and lost?
The biblical command to rule the Earth has been misused and abused by Christians leading to colonialism. What if we've misinterpreted scripture? What would the world be like if we loved the Earth as we loved ourselves?
The Palm Sunday Jesus story has been told for thousands of years with services of praise and waving palm branches, but the deeper meaning of this politically provocative act of Jesus has a lot to teach us. And, we can't understand Palm Sunday without Hanukkah!
Jesus says blessed are the peacemaker for they will be children of God. Peace is not the absence of conflict, nor is it avoiding conflict. Peacemaking requires a third way. A way of bringing wholeness and healing without using hate and violence.
The idea that a God would become a human was a ridiculous and offensive idea in the ancient Greco-Roman world, yet this is exactly what the followers of Jesus claimed. That God would want to become like us, to be with us, to love us, and to show us that humanity is good and loved.
God entered our world through vulnerable humanity and God is still entering our lives in the most vulnerable and difficult places. How do we live out of the Holy power of vulnerability? Speaker: Missiongathering Charlotte pastor Andrew Shipley
What if gratitude is not a response to a circumstance, but a grounded way of being in the world? Hear therapist Kate Creech discuss how to move toward a grounded gratitude!
In the midst of our chaotic lives and world, how can we look to the values of the early followers of Jesus to help us live more meaningful and engaged lives? This week we're looking at Rule #2 and the importance of living simply, resisting greed and consumerism, and living generous lives.
In the 5th century as Rome fell, St. Benedict fled to the countryside to discover a way of following Jesus that led to a more harmonious, peaceful life in the midst of chaos. What are these rules of life that can help guide us today?
If you could change anything about church or Christianity, what would it be? We're beginning a new series on the future of church and how to live the Way of Jesus today.
Dr. Frank Rogers Jr. is the co-director of the Center for Engaged Compassion, professor of Spiritual Formation at Claremont School of Theology, and author of Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus. Dr. Rogers shares with us a way to cultivate compassion in the midst of injustice.
Lisa van Leeuwen shares her story of growing up in a religious cult and how the views of God given to her impacted her self-image, leading to an eating disorder. She shares practical steps on how to recognize our true worth and how to cultivate compassion for yourself.
How do we move from pity to compassion? How can setting boundaries actually be compassionate for yourself and others?
Kyle Reynolds is a Doctorate of Cross-cultural Engagement, small business owner, and a former pastor and nonprofit worker.
During this time of political and racial unrest, how do we move forward with compassion for ourselves and those with whom we disagree? Jesus taught us to love our neighbors and enemies as ourselves, but what does it look like to have compassion for ourselves?
The word "progressive" carries a lot of connotations in our politically polarized world. Some Christians call "Progressive Christians" dangerous. What does it mean to be a "progressive" Christian and church?
Kyle is a former pastor, small business owner, and 3rd-year Doctorate student in Cross-Cultural Engagement. Kyle shares five things that make this church unique.
God and Christ were talked about with feminine metaphors for the first 1400 years of Christianity. In the last 500 years, we have referred to God almost solely as male and Father. What would it look to honor the tradition of the early Church and Hebrew scripture and recognize God as both Mother and Father who is also beyond gender?
Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey while palm branches are being waved is a strange story. What if this event was not a celebratory parade, but a political protest? What can this story teach us about what true power looks like?
Hear Kate Kilroy's powerful story of reclaiming faith in the aftermath of trauma, patriarchy, and a religious cult. How do we rebuild our faith when our beliefs have been turned upside down?
The story of David and Bathsheba is famously portrayed in art, pop culture, movies, and songs (Leonard Cohen's, "Hallelujah"). Is this a story of seduction and a love affair? Or is this a story of abusing power?
Deborah the prophetess, the "fiery woman," the judge, the ruler, the military leader, the poet. What can her story tell us about the God-given power, strength, wisdom, and worth of women? How do we carry her story into our lives and the world today?
The Bible was written in a patriarchal world and our world today still holds that patriarchy and oppression against women. How should we understand some of these passages in the Bible? The Bible holds patriarchal views, yet it also reveals the voices of women who speak out against the patriarchy. We, as the church, have much to repent of when it comes to the treatment of women.
What comes to mind when you hear the word, "Christian"? What if being a Christian has less to do with belief and more to do with following a way of life, the way of Jesus? What did this Way look like for early Christians and for Christ-followers today?
Part of the Missiongathering vision is to "seek justice for the good of our neighbors." What does justice mean? Fairness? Righting wrongs? Punishment? Many of us have been given a view of a God who is "just" and demands payment for sins. Jesus gives us a very different view of justice.
What does Groundhog Day have to do with Christians, Pagans, Candles, Christmas, Crepes, Tamales, and Faith?
Part of Missiongathering's vision is to be a community of Christ followers growing in faith. What does it mean to, "have faith"? What if faith is not the absence of doubt? What if faith is more than belief?
Missiongathering Issaquah shares a vision with five Missiongatherings across the country. Who are we and how did we begin? How do we build a church on the radical inclusiveness of Jesus?
Mindfulness is all the rage, but how do we actually live it out day to day? Psychologist Kevin Criswell gives us practical steps to help process our emotions and thoughts and live more in the present. When we are fully present, we are aware of what God is doing all around us and able to have more compassion on ourselves and others.
Today, in this special gathering of music and teachings, we light the 4th candle of Advent signifying Love. Christ is the embodiment of love and that love is in you. Christmas and the birth of Christ means God becomes what God loves. God in the flesh means God loves our humanness, our bodies, our emotions.
How do we find peace during the holidays when it's not the most wonderful time of the year? Today we learn the history of the famous carol, "I heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and what it can teach us about political division, personal tragedy, and finding peace in the chaos of life.
What is Advent and what does it mean for us? How do we live with hope in a world of violence and polarization?
The Thanksgiving table can be a little awkward with our differing political and religious views. Can gratefulness tear down the walls of religious and political division? What can a story of Jesus and the Lepers teach us about the power of gratitude to make us whole and heal our divisions?
Why has the Bible been used as a weapon against the LGBTQIA community and others? As early as the first church in Acts we see tension between religious people wanting to exclude and those who follow the call of Christ to include. Why haven't we continued that call?
The recent psychological research on power reveals similarities to Jesus' teachings on power. What does this mean for us? What can Harry Potter teach us about power and how to wield it?
We all carry scars, both physical and emotional. Our scars are reminders of deep pain and hurt, but they can also be symbols of healing, strength, and hope. What can Christ-followers learn from Harry Potter about trauma and scars?
Love and self-sacrifice is described as the most powerful and deepest form of magic in the world of Harry Potter. The person of Jesus shows us this is true in our own world. Love has the power to overcome injustice, oppression, and death itself.
Stories have the power to shape our view of ourselves and the world. Jesus didn't teach with lectures and theological sermons. He taught with stories. Many of the stories in our Bible were shaped and influenced by older stories. Join us in the coming weeks as we look at what the Harry Potter stories can teach us about love, suffering, and belonging.
What if the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man has nothing to do with asking Jesus in your heart, but everything to do with how we treat those whom society doesn't value? Wealth is often attributed to feelings of having more worth than others. Studies show people who feel in power are less able to show empathy and compassion. Is it possible society has a power problem, not a wealth problem? What would Jesus say about this?
Listen to Phillip Wright, pastor of The Venues church in Springfield, MO, tell about his journey from conservative Southern Baptist pastor to progressive, LGBT affirming pastor.
People are a source of meaning and happiness in our lives and a source of stress and conflict. How do we find happiness in our relationships with friends, family, or romantic partners? What does Jesus teach us about conflict?
Work takes up so much of our lives. In the midst of the stress, people, and deadlines, how do we find happiness on the job? What can Jesus teach us about happiness and work?
How do we move beyond Us vs Them? How do we break down the walls that separate us? Let's look at story from the early church about weird food dreams that teaches us how to move beyond the walls of religion to love all people.
Our nation is polarized. How do we move forward? What can Jesus and the Jewish hope of Shalom teach us about suffering? How do we respond to suffering in our lives and world?
Does our past define us? The conversion of Paul is the most famous conversion story in the Bible. What does it mean to become a follower of Jesus? How do we use our past, both the good and bad, to help others?
Christianity has a reputation for being exclusive and judgmental. A story about Philip and an Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8 paints a different picture of the early church. Is it possible followers of Jesus are called to widen the circle to invite everyone into God's family? Is it possible followers of Jesus are to be known, not for saying, "Go back where you came from," but as ones who say, "Welcome home. You belong here."
The early church had its share of conflict. How did they handle it and how should we handle conflict as Jesus followers? It's not as simple as "pray about it." Is it possible the question is not, "How do I avoid conflict," but "How do I respond when conflict happens?"
Jesus told his followers to heal people. What does that mean for us as a church today? What happens when our prayers aren't answered? Is there a difference between healing and curing? How do we carry out our mission to heal the brokenness in our lives and communities?
The early church had a reputation for generosity and sharing everything they had so no one in their community was in need. Is the church like that today? Generosity begins with gratitude. To be grateful is to be fully alive. How do we practice gratitude and generosity each day?
How did the movement of Christianity begin and what does that mean for followers of Jesus today? How do we go back to the inclusive Way of Jesus? Is it possible the Way of Jesus can move beyond any one religion?
Jesus' first recorded words in Matthew were "Follow me." What does it mean to follow Jesus? What would our world look like if Jesus followers lived like Jesus lived?
What labels do you wear? What labels do people call you? Are we more than our labels? What does Jesus say about the labels we give each other?
God as a male is not the only biblical description of God. God is also depicted in feminine imagery. Why do we label God as a male? Is it possible God is beyond gender?
What comes to mind when you think of the word, "church"? Why does religion value answers more than questions? Is it possible questions are the path to truth and a meaningful life?
Have you ever questioned your faith? Have you ever had questions about God? Have you ever experienced doubt? Then you aren't alone. We all experience these feelings, and so did Jesus' closest followers. Learn more about how doubt helps us build a stronger relationship with God!
Grief is something that all humans experience, as we struggle with pain and loss both as individuals and communities. What does that Bible tell us about how we can manage our grief and move forward in our lives?
We all have a story that influences and impacts us, and how we interpret it can change us for better or worse. Jesus calls us to interpret ours and others stories through the lens of compassion and grace. How will you re-write your narrative?
God often calls the unprepared, the unqualified, and the inadequate to speak truth into the world, and the prophet Amos is no different. How and why does God use the unprofessional to fight for justice, and how might God be calling you to be a prophet to our world?
How often do we think about Jesus resting? We often picture him healing, teaching, preaching, and loving - but rest was an important part of his ministry. And rest is at the core of scripture, starting with God resting on the 7th day of creation. How can we be challenged to rest more?
It is easy to allow the world to tell us who we are and who we should be - but this doesn't always allow us to be the people that God created us to be. Learn how to reconnect with your true self - the one that is good, capable, full of potential, and created in the image of God.
Learn about how Missiongathering Issaquah plans to live into our vision statement for the upcoming year, as we focus on growing in faith, living whole lives, and seeking justice for the good of our neighbors!
We are one of the most important pieces of the Christmas story. It is our responsibility and challenge to share the news of Jesus' birth, and live into the radical love and hospitality that his life exemplified - beginning with his birth.
Jesus wasn't born alone in a stable. It wasn't rich wise men who first visited him. Come learn the true story of Jesus' birth - one which centers on hospitality and welcome, and resonates with our own birth stories.
The first sermon in our "Unsung Heroes of Christmas" series for Advent. Pastor Brian looks at the role the Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, plays in the Christmas story, and how she becomes the first prophetic voice in the Gospel of Luke.