The Gathering: Recent Episodes
Storyline
Experience the message of Jesus for what it really is—an unveiling of God’s amazing grace and relentless love.
This past Sunday was Father's Day, and whether you celebrate or mourn this day, it is always good to be together. We looked at a story that Jesus tells that demonstrates how well he knows and understands us.
The band performed songs by Crosby, Stills and Nash, Brandon Lake, Ellie Holcomb, Ben Riedel, and more.
We live in a world of credentials and qualifications, where everyone expects everyone else to have the right skills, abilities, and even perspectives.
Is that how God is?
At this past Gathering, we considered what Jesus thinks qualifies us for life.
The band performed songs by Radiohead, Coldplay, Tom Odell, and Will Reagan.
Big life events are a cause for celebration.
At this past Gathering, graduating seniors were celebrated while considering what Jesus has to say about living life abundantly.
The band performed songs by Kelly Clarkson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Miley Cyrus, and Hollow Coves.
So many of Jesus' stories are centered around agriculture. Maybe He is trying to tell us something about life, and how it comes to us and through us. At this past Sunday's Storyline's Gathering, another of Jesus' parables about growing, changing, and flourishing was considered.
The band performed songs by Kacey Musgraves, Fleetwood Mac, Alabama Shakes and more.
Sunday was Mother's Day; a special day to honor and celebrate the very special kind of love they give their children. At this past Storyline's Gathering, we explored the way God's grace and a mother's love can change who we are.
The band performed songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac, Rich Mullins, and Brandon Lake.
Did you know storytelling is considered the world's oldest art form? Jesus used them to invite his listeners into another way of seeing and living life.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, we considered the very first parable of Jesus.
The band performed songs by Death Cab for Cutie, Harry Styles, Kings of Leon, and Bethel Music.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, a new series about the stories Jesus told began. The exploration focused on why He told stories, what stories He shared, and what we could learn about God, life, and ourselves.
The band performed songs by Demi Lovato, Morgan Harper Nichols, Maverick City, and more.
Easter, regardless of what anyone personally believes about it, represented the most pivotal day in human history. Everything about the world changed that day. Could that also be true for us?
This past Sunday, we considered how Easter can change how we live our real, everyday lives.
Mike Koch and the band performed songs by Sting, Houndmouth, Jon Guerra, and Bethel Music.
We all want the best for ourselves and for each other. But what happens when reality doesn't match up with our expectations? What do we do then? In the recent Gathering, we explored expectations, hope, and what God has to say about the role each can have in our lives.
The band performed songs by Tracy Chapman, Lorde, Radiohead, and Saving Jane.
This past Sunday, we wrapped up our series on the Beattitudes (the beginning of the beginning of Jesus’ first sermon). How did Jesus wrap up this list? We looked at his most controversial statements about persecution and joy.
It seems obvious which one you should avoid and which we want more of. But, like so many of the Beatitudes... there is always a surprise!
The band performed songs by The Beatles, R E M, Noah Gunderson, and Drew & Ellie Holcomb.
There is a lot that our current world lacks, but peace may be at the top of that list. Jesus held it in such high regard that he actually said, peacemakers will be called children of God. This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, we wondered together what He meant by that.
The band performed songs by The Eagles, Bruce Hornsby, Rob Thomas, and Sara Bareilles.
We've been exploring the first public words of Jesus over the past few months to consider what He invites us into. Recently at Storyline's Gathering, we continued looking at the Beatitudes and what Jesus suggests about how we see God.
The band performed songs by U2, Michael Kiwanuka, Wilderado, and more.
What if what we need most will always somehow escape us if we are not willing to share it? This past Sunday, we explored the Beatitudes of Jesus, where He suggests just this.
The band performed songs by Shaboozey, The Avett Brothers, TAYA, and more.
We have spent the past few weeks diving deeper into Jesus's promise of hungering and thirsting for righteousness. This past Gathering, we wrapped up our series within a series on consumerism by looking at the temptation that advertising offers regarding our personal happiness.
The band performed songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Maggie Rogers, and The Turtles.
Do you ever get the feeling there is something bigger happening around you, but can’t quite figure out where you fit? Have you ever felt like somehow, someway we’re missing purpose or meaning? Have you ever wondered if there is something more you could do? This past week, we explored an old story about two brothers and wondered together about what role we play in the bigger story happening all around us.
Mike Koch and the band played songs by Coldplay, Ethel Cain, John Mayer, and more.
This past Sunday, 120 million people tuned in to watch The Big Game, with 51 million of them rooting for the commercials.
During our past Gathering, fellow Storyliners shared parts of their stories in conjunction with some of the most creative and inspiring commercials ever produced.
In the week prior at Storyline's Gathering, we looked at the fourth Beatitude in Jesus's Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." This past week, we dove deeper into that promise and explored how the things modern life tempts us with hungering and thirsting for can influence the life of faith.
The band performed songs by City & Colour, Jewel, Broken Bells, and Leanna Crawford.
Last week, we explored Jesus' first public address, The Beatitudes, and how they resonate with his first recorded private words.
The band performed songs by Adele, Alicia Keys, U2, Harry Styles, and more.
Most of the revolutionary leaders of history were counter-cultural. They fixed something most people knew was wrong. Jesus did something very different, and nothing illustrated that more than what was explored at Storyline's Gathering.
The band performed songs by Phil Collins, Carly Simon, Ben Rector, and May Erlewine.
Jesus said a lot of things that didn't seem to make sense. This week, we looked at one of the most confusing... that becomes an absolute beauty when we realize what He was inviting us into.
The band performed songs by Bruce Springsteen, Stephen Wilson Jr., David Ramirez, and more.
How we start something often determines our trajectory moving forward. Jesus seemed to be thinking about this as he began his public ministry. This past Sunday, we considered how Jesus started and what it means for us.
The band performed songs by Adele, Florence and The Machine, and more.
Christmas promises one thing over and above everything else. What is it? Why did we need it? What was it for? These are the questions we explored together at Storyline's Gathering.
The band performed songs by The Eagles, U2, Kacey Musgraves, Sia, Lauren Daigle, and more.
Many times receiving a gift is much more difficult than giving one. This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, they considered the gift of Christmas and how to receive it.
The children sang some Christmas carols, and the band performed songs by Leon Bridges, Joan Osborne, and Aundrey Assad.
It's officially the Christmas season!
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, they explored why Christmas is the season of hope and what that could mean for our everyday lives.
The band performed songs by Bob Dylan, Pink, James Bay, and more.
In the Sunday prior, we explored how Jesus' first public act speaks louder than words in revealing who God is and what He offers us. Now, we consider Jesus' second public act and what it signifies about who we are and what we need.
The band performed songs by Shania Twain, Adele, Lauren Daigle, and more.
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, a new series began about the actions of Jesus and what they "say" about who God is.
The band performed songs by Taylor Swift, Adele, Coldplay, John Legend, and more.
In a world full of questions, unmet expectations, and doubt, it's natural to seek answers. Many sought guidance toward a promised land where uncertainties fade away. However, if that desire is inherent, why did it often feel so elusive?
In this episode, the band plays songs by Matisyahu, The Avett Brothers, Tenille Townes, and Will Reagan.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we wrapped up our series on Jesus and politics.
The band performed songs by Joni Mitchell, Audrey Assad, Drew Holcomb and Mary Gauthier.
There have been many revolutions throughout history, but only one revolutionized revolutions. This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we continued our series on Jesus and Politics.
The band performed songs by The Beatles, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, The Cranberries and more.
Jesus has been called many things - even a revolutionary. But, that isn't altogether fair, especially when you consider all He could have done, but didn't. When it came to politics Jesus revolutionized what it meant to be a revolutionary.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we began a three part series on Jesus and politics.
The band performed songs by Marvin Gaye, Stealers Wheel, a Michael Koch original and more.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we explored the term Christian; what it means, what it meant. What it could mean?
The band performed songs by Coldplay, William Matthews, Bethel and more.
This past Sunday, we wanted to explore some of your favorite and least favorite things. We could have been fans of so many different ideas, people, flavors, teams, and music. If that was just the way the world worked, who were God’s favorites?
Who did he cheer for?
The band performed songs by Randy Newman, Echosmith, Drew Holcomb, and more.
We wrapped up our series on "Questions God Asks Us" by looking at questions from Storyliners (shared during that week and shared during the Gathering - live, and anonymously) about God, faith, church, and Storyline.
In addition, Mike Cook performed a couple songs for us.
Life generates a lot of questions. Mystery and complications abound. But, it is not as if we weren't a part of all of that. We too, were complicated and even mysterious. And every once in a while, it was a good idea for us to allow God to ask us some questions.
Last Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, we continued our series on the questions God asked us.
The band performed songs by Tom Petty, Maggie Rogers, Nikka Costa, and Will Reagan.
It is not unusual for each of us to have questions about God and even questions for God. But did you know that God has questions for us?
This past Sunday morning at Storyline’s Gathering, we began a new series about the questions God asks us.
The band performed songs by Post Malone and Lainey Wilson, Death Cab for Cutie, Fleetwood Mac, and more.
This Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we continued our tour through the Old Testament and the Grace of God.
The band performed songs by Miley Cyrus, Gotye, Andra Day, and more.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we considered the surprising relationship between God's Grace and our grit as we continued our series on finding the Grace of God in the Old Testament.
The band performed songs by Coldplay, Chris Stapleton, The Band Camino and The Pretenders.
It's easy to experience God's grace when life is good and everything is going as planned. But what about when things don't go how we want or expect them to? This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we took a look at how to find God in the midst of unexpected and unwelcome circumstances.
The band performed songs by Fleetwood Mac, Peter Bradley Adams, City and Colour, and more.
What is life for? There is no bigger question. And no easy answers. But what if there is a direction? A path to follow?
These are the questions we considered together, at Storyline's Gathering, this past Sunday.
The band performed songs by The Steve Miller Band, Needtobreathe, Will Reagan and more.
his past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we continued our search for the Grace of God in the hardest places by looking at Moses' farewell address to his people and the impact his legacy has had on history and our lives.
The band performed songs by John Legend, Lady Gaga, Michael Koch and more./
To say we live in a time of change is to put it mildly - everything is changing and faster than ever. Yet, there are episodes in the bible that recount settings very similar to ours; enormous upheaval, dislocation and unclear paths forward.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we continued our search for the Grace of God in the Old Testament in a book all about just such a time, whose title literally means, "The Wilderness." Sounds familiar.
The band performed songs by Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Joy Oladukan and more.
All summer, we have been looking at ways to find the Grace of God in the most difficult parts of the Bible.
This past Sunday, we continued to do the same by exploring how God's deliverance of the Israelite people could surprise us in ways we never expected.
The band performed songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cat Stevens, Michael Koch, and more.
Sometimes it is very difficult to see the good, the benefit, the grace in the rules. We don't like 'em! But God sees it another way. Why? The answer might surprise you.
This is what we considered, this past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering.
The band performed songs by Johnny Cash, Dawes, Don Henley and more.
Finding the Grace of God in the hardest chapters of our life is what our summer series is all about. This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we considered one of the darkest times in the history of the Jewish people as an inspiring example.
The band performed songs by Talking Heads, Lauren Daigle, Elton John, and more.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we kicked off our new series on Finding the Grace of God in the Bible, beginning with the beginning, the book of Genesis.
The band performed songs by Queen, Phil Collins, Bill Withers, and more.
The world is pretty crazy right now, and it can be hard to find the grace of God in it some days. Fortunately, the bible is a deep and rich source for finding the grace of God in the most unexpected places.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we began our new series for this summer, "Finding the Grace of God in the Bible."
The band performed songs by Katy Perry, Brandi Carlile and Lauren Daigle.
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024!!
Graduating from high school is no small task, and we are so proud of our 2024 graduates. The moment of graduation is full of excitement, but it is also a gateway into a very daunting unknown.
“What is going to happen next?”
This past week, at the Gathering, we contemplated this question together and wondered what might be coming for all of us.
The band performed songs by Gnarles Barkly, Leonard Cohen, John Mayer, and TAYA.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we wrapped up our series on the power of stories, by considering the story of God.
The band performed songs by Harry Styles, Fleetwood Mac, Zedd, Maverick City, and more.
Sunday was Mother's Day! Yay! Moms are the best for so many reasons.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we considered just one of the things our mom's know that we all need to remember!
The band performed songs by The Rolling Stones, Brandi Carlile, Sam Cooke and more.
Stories have the power to shape our lives in many ways, which is why it's so critical for us to choose our stories wisely.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we continued to look at one of the elements that make great stories, and the impact this has on our lives.
The band performed songs by Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Jackson Browne, and Aimee Mann.
Every great story starts with hope, but that won't get us through to the end -we have to have something else, something critical, something that will push us through each day and pull us into the future.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we continued to look at the power of stories and a crucial element we all need for our lives to be a great one!
The band performed songs by Jon Legend, Sara Bareilles, The Avett Brothers, and Jose Gonzalez.
Jesus told stories all the time, because he knows how much they can impact us. But are we aware of how many stories we are already living in? Part of the invitation of Jesus is to choose the story we want to live in and live out. This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we considered all of the stories that swirl around and God's story of Grace as an alternative.
The band performed songs by Brandi Carlile, Muna, Maverick City and more.
Everyone loves a great story. But why? This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we explored this question as we continued our series on the power of stories.
The band performed songs by Harry Styles, Rob Thomas, Natasha Bedingfield, and more.
In our Easter Sunday Gathering, we discovered that it is just the beginning of the story. This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we began a new series on the power of stories and what makes for a great one.
The band performed songs by Wilco, Brandi Carlile, Kodaline and more.
Have you ever thought about what happened on Good Friday, and how we can call it "good?" It is only because of what happened on Easter Sunday.
That changed how we think of good, for forever. And that is what we considered together, at Storyline's Gathering, this past Sunday.
The band performed songs by Adele, Lauren Daigle, Maren Morris, and Dawes.
They say first impressions can last a lifetime. Did you know that Jesus actually orchestrated his own first impression? And it was, well, mysterious to say the least.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we considered what impression Jesus was trying to give us on Palm Sunday.
The band performed songs by Radiohead, David Ramirez,
The War on Drugs, and Michael Kiwanuka.
This past week, at the Gathering, we celebrated those who have made a difference in our lives and our community. We are surrounded by so many inspiring stories of people extending love and grace into the world, often without even realizing it.
Mike Koch and the band shared songs by Bruce Coburn and others.
We've been in a season of Gatherings, all about how Love Matters Most. This past Sunday, we continued with that theme as we considered how God wants to unleash His love into the world.
The band performed songs by Billie Eilish, Khalid, Michael Kiwanuka, and more.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
It's a nice thought... beauty is a matter of perspective. But whose perspective are we meant to value? Our own? Our families? Our peers?
This past week, at the Gathering, we explored the concept of beauty and which beholder may offer the best perspective.
The band shared songs by Broken Bells, Tom Odell, The Beach Boys, and Death Cab for Cutie.
We all want to be good, virtuous, even heroic. But most of the time, we feel less like the hero of the story, and more like a victim... or villain.
This past week, at the Gathering, we explored why the Bible includes stories of real people who did both wonderful and terrible things, and why embracing the "true story" of our humanity is how we can find true belonging.
The band performed songs from The Head & The Heart, The Killers, and The Civil Wars.
What is the most valuable part of our life? Is it our family? Our faith? Our money? What is the one thing about this life that we can't live without?
We explored these questions, this past week, at the Gathering and wondered together what pieces of this life hold the highest value.
The band shared songs from Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Will Reagan, and more.
The best part and the hardest part of life is relationships. We all know this and yet it doesn't make it any easier.
The Bible introduces a revolutionary kind of relationship into the world and invites us to live it out. This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we once again considered covenant relationships and marriage in particular as a gift of grace from God.
The band performed songs by Adele, The Beatles, Bette Midler, and Susan Tedschehi.
Love, love, love. Is there a day that goes by when we don't hear about love? But what is it? Defining it is so difficult, understanding it is elusive, God actually invented something to show us what love looks like.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we began to explore God's invention and how we might grow more and more - in Love.
The band performed songs by John Legend, The Eagles, Damien Rice, Meghan Trainor, and more.
Have you ever woken up to a flat tire waiting for you in the driveway and asked,
“God, what did I do to deserve this?“
Yeah... me too.
This past week at the Gathering, we explored the kind of relationship God has with his creation and wondered together: “If love matters most, why doesn't it feel that way?”
Mike Koch and the band played songs by Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Joel Houston, and more.
It is a great question, an important one, a difficult one; what matters most in life? Jesus rarely answered questions, but this one - he did. This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we continued our new series, Love Matters Most.
The band performed songs by James Bay, Sara Bareilles, Wild Rivers, and more.
What is the bottom line? What does it all mean? What is this for?
We can ask the same question in many different ways, but at some point, we all want to know...what is life about?
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we began a new series considering what the ancient Greeks called the "highest good" and what the bible refers to as, "the aim of life."
The band performed songs by Tom Petty, Cher, The Eagles, and Stephen Stills.
Merry Christmas Storyline!
We get so busy shopping for, buying, giving, and opening presents that we may not give much thought to what kind of gift Christmas is. This past Sunday at Storyline's special Christmas Eve Gathering, we looked at what makes Christmas itself the real gift.
The band led us in Christmas Carols, and performed songs by Oleta Adams and Audrey Assad.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, our children sung Christmas carols! In addition, we continued our look at different aspects of the life of faith.
The band performed songs by Roxette, David Ramirez and Echo Smith.
The life of...a mother, teacher, accountant, American, doctor, student, etc., has certain aspects to it that make it unique. Some of these are cherished, some are challenging, but all are necessary to make that life work at the most fulfilling level.
The same is true of the life of...faith. This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we looked at one critical aspect of the life of faith that is often overlooked, and even ignored.
The band performed songs by The Beatles, Christian French, Rich Mullins, and more.
As we've discussed extensively over the past several months at the Gathering, Grace has the power to transform. When we resolve ourselves to respond to God's grace, that transformation occurs. However, how can we be sure that we've been transformed? How do we know the goal has been achieved?
This past week at the Gathering, we discussed the process of transformation and what it takes to live the life of faith that Grace is calling us toward.
Mike Koch and the band covered songs from Death Cab for Cutie, David Ramirez, Matthew Price, and more.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, our series, Resolved to Respond to the Grace of God concluded.
The band performed songs by Billie Eilish, Brandi Carlile, Jose Gonzalez and more.
Have you ever been stunned by a gift? Something so generous, amazing, thoughtful...perfect? If so, you know it creates a space in us that gives us great joy but also pause...what now? what next?
The Grace of God is like that. How do we respond to Grace? That is the question we continued to explore last Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering.
The band performed songs by Switchfoot, Bruce Cockburn, Waxahatchie, and Local Natives.
The holidays will be upon us soon, with all of the fun and chaos that come with them; but it is not exactly a great time to think deeply about what we'd like to change in the next year. And so, this past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, before life goes into overdrive, we began a new series on resolutions for 2024.
The band performed songs by Adele, NeedtoBreathe, Oasis and Allen Stone.
Your story matters!
Each journey is unique to the individual. But what is true for all of us is the power of grace to change and affect our lives.
This past week, at the Gathering, we got to hear from five fellow Storyliners as they share the stories of how grace changed their story.
The band performed songs by Matisyahu, Joy Williams, and more.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we brought to a close our series, Grace Changes Everything. We considered the very last and most important aspect of life that Grace changes - without this change, none of the others amount to anything.
The band performed songs by The Band Perry, News Radicals, Patrick Droney and more.
In 2022, the self-help industry generated over 13 billion dollars. It seems like we are very interested in how to change.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering, we explored the unique way Jesus invites us to grow, change and flourish.
The band performed songs by Tom Petty, Genesis, Neil Young and Pearl Jam.
The ability to change or grow is a fundamental aspect of what it means to be alive. This past Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering, we continued our series, Grace Changes Everything, by looking at how grace changes change, or the way we grow.
The band performed songs by David Ramirez, Taylor Swift, Brooke Ligertwood, and more.
The life of Jesus is full of wisdom and revelation, but there was one subject he addressed more than any other.
Money.
But... why?
As we continued our series on the transformative power of grace, we explored the subject of wealth and money and the value of grace in today's world.
The band brought us songs from Pink Floyd, Gillian Welch, Tash Sultana, and more!
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, we continued with our series, Grace Changes Everything, by considering how it even changes the nature and goal of faith itself.
The band performed songs by Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keys, Benjamin Hastings and more.
If Grace changes everything does that even include religion? How about faith? When we look at the life of Jesus the answer seems to be, yes.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, we explored how Jesus's Gospel of Grace reframes religion and transforms the nature of faith.
The band performed songs by Beyonce, The Rolling Stones, Waxahatchee and TARA.
Grace changes everything… but what about the very real things in life that are broken and seem like they’ll never be put back together?
This past week at the Gathering, we asked the question: does grace change our suffering?
The band played songs by The Killers, NEEDTOBREATHE, Chris Davenport, and more.
We live in a world of glitz, marketing, spin, and hype; from products and politicians to the latest styles and apps, it seems like everything is oversold and under-delivers. And all the while, underneath it all, the Grace of God that made us and continues to sustain us, holds out a promise.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, we took another look at how theGrace of God, accepted and embraced, can begin to changeeverything about life and our life.
The band performed songs by Harry Styles, Will Reagan, Needtobreathe and more.
The last few weeks we've been considering how the Grace of God changes everything about life and our lives.
This past Sunday, at Storyline's Gathering ,we explored the unique way the Grace of God creates our self-image.
The band performed songs by Billie Eilish, Ben Rector, Lauren Daigle, and more.
If Grace changes everything, does that mean it will change our friends? Co-workers? Our in-laws?
This past week at the Gathering, we wondered how Grace can transform our relationships and our community.
The band performed songs by The Beatles, Beck, U2, and Cory Asbury.
There are all kinds of religions, gurus, political parties and even products that make huge claims about what they can do for us. Is Jesus just another example of them?
This past Sunday at Storyline’s Gathering, we looked at what Jesus offers that is absolutely unique.
The band performed songs by Billie Eilish, The Indigo Girls, Brandi Carlile and more.
It seems like every job, role and club has qualifications. Even religions have qualifications - things you need to do, or have, or believe to get in.
Is that true for Jesus?
This past Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering, we had considered this question and explored the surprising qualifications required to follow Jesus.
The band performed songs by Coldplay, United Pursuit, and more.
Two weeks ago, at the Gathering we explored the desert path to freedom that the Hebrew people took from Egypt into the promised land. God Freed his people from slavery, but what did he free them for? Last week, we pondered exactly ***that.
What has God freed His people FOR?
Mike Koch and the band played music by Drew Holcomb, Tracy Chapman,
Lauren Daigle, and William Matthews.***
The 4th of July is the holiday dedicated to celebrating our country and freedom. But America didn't invent this idea or ideal, the bible has beentalking about freedom for thousands of years.This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, we had considered why we love freedom so much and why it is so difficult for us to enjoy. The band performed songs by Bruce Springsteen, Michael Kiwanuka,Iron and Wine, and NEEDTOBREATHE.
Last week, we discovered that the life of faith isn't about what we know, it's about who we trust. At this past week's Gathering, we had considered the importance of how a growing trust in each other helps us develop a growing trust in God.
The band performed songs by Van Morrison, Maggie Rogers, Three Dog Night, and Bruce Springsteen.
***Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to do the Gathering last week. So, let's try this again...
Two weeks ago we began to look at the impacts of living in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world. At this week's Gathering, we continued to dive into this topic, and consider how the life of faith offers us a way forward.
The band performed songs by Nikka Costa, Joni Mitchell, and an original song by Olivia Ring!
We hope to see you next Sunday at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.***
***Of all the ways to change the world, power is the most tempting and love is the most powerful. But there is another way that is both loving and powerful, and totally unexpected. This past week at Storyline's Gathering we will considered this in the most surprising way.
The band performed songs by Roy Orbison, Lana Del Rey, Lauren Daigle and Gary Jules.
We hope to see you next Sunday at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.***
***It is Graduation weekend and this past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering. We celebrated our graduates - and reflected on what they have taught us!
The band performed songs by One Direction, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper and more.
Please join us next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School.***
Happy Memorial Day weekend!
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we will consider how Jesus reframed the life of faith and how His followers have continued to do that ever since.
The band will perform songs by Tom Petty, Sara Bareilles, Cat Stevens and more.
Please join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
This week Mike Gathright begins the story of God and what it was like.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium
We live in a world of new devices, apps, and artificial intelligence. All this technology promises to make our lives more productive and more efficient, but to what end? Is it possible we sometimes miss the point in the endless pursuit of more, better, and faster?
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we consided the entirely different focus Jesus had and how He is inviting us into it.
The band will performed songs by Kacey Musgraves, Harry Styles, The Buggles, and more!
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium
We have all experienced turning points. Something happens and nothing is the same from that time forward. Easter was that for the first followers of Jesus. It changed everything for them because it fundamentally changed them - and the world has never been the same.
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we take one last look at Easter and how it became the hinge of history and how it could be our turning point as well.
The band will perform songs by Alessia Cara, The Traveling Wilburys,
Tommy Prine, and more.
Easter is not just a holiday, or even an event, it is at the very center of what Jesus is inviting us into. This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we continued to explore the ways Easter changes everything.
The band performed songs by Adele, Harry Styles, Don Henley, and more.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
Everyone knows what Easter celebrates, but did you know that the Resurrection of Jesus is only part of the story? This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we'll consider what happens after Easter morning - and keeps happening to this very day.
The band performed songs by Bruce Springsteen, Dawes, Brandi Carlile, Gungor, and Lauren Daigle.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
There is often a big difference between what we want and what we need. This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, we considered the surprising way Jesus addressed this tension on Palm Sunday.
The band performed songs by Chris Stapleton, Tears for Fears, The Rolling Stones, and Rich Mullins.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
There are ways to live that help us to get the most out of life, and ways that help us to give the most to it - the Way of Jesus does both, even as it changes us from the inside out!
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we will delve into another Way of Jesus, one that brings all of the others we've considered together.
The band performed songs by Adele, Lauren Daigle, Tobias Jesso and more.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
We've been looking at the Ways of Jesus the last month and so far it has been all about what that kind of life looks like .This Sunday we considered where that kind of life comes from.
The band performed songs by Needtobreathe, Dawes, Ryan Adams and Audrey Assad.
Please join us next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
This past week at the Gathering we continued to explore "The Way" of Jesus and what role the Word of God may play in understanding the life we were created to live.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at
St. Joe High School's auditorium.
This past week at the Gathering we will continue to explore "The Way" of Jesus and what role the Word of God may play in understanding the life we were created to live.
The band performed songs by Coldplay, Tori Kelly,
The War on Drugs, and Hillsong.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at
St. Joe High School's auditorium.
Last week we started a new series on The Way of Jesus. This Sunday we will look at one specific practice that can lead to the abundant life.
The band will perform songs by Fastball, Leona Lewis, Natalie Merchant,
and The Turtles
We hope to see you this Sunday morning at 10:30 at
St. Joe High School's auditorium.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we asked the question
What are you Waiting For
We hope to see you next Sunday at 10:30AM at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
This past Sunday, 100 million people will tune in to watch The Big Game!
43 million of them rooted for... the commercials.
This past week during the gathering our fellow Storyliners will be sharing part of their story in conjunction with some of the most creative, inspiring, and laughable commercials of the 21st century.
We hope you'll join us next week, Sunday, 10:30 am at St. Joseph High School's auditorium for Storyline's Commercial Sunday.
Do you ever wonder what you are waiting for? Even if all of our other questions in life are answered, this one always remains.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we wrapped up our series, Questions God Asks Us.
The band performed songs by Melissa Etheridge, Hillsong, Noah Gundersen, and Wilderado.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
Life brings up a lot of questions. But we probably don't often think about the questions God has for us. This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we considered a few of those questions.
The band performed songs by Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Fleetwood Mac,
and The Wallflowers.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
It is not unusual to have lots of questions about God and even for God. However, in the bible, there are a lot of questions God asks us.
This past Sunday we began a short series about the questions God asks us and what they reveal about the life of faith.
The band performed music by Adele, Tom Petty, Keith Urban, and more.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
The story is one everyone knows. The heroic tale of a young, frightened couple giving birth to the Son of God in an innkeeper's stable. But what's the story behind the story? What is happening beyond the shepherds and angels and frankincense? This past Sunday at the Gathering we set the stage for the divinely scandalous and subversive story of Christmas.
Mike Koch and the band played songs by Maggie Rogers, David Rameriez, and more.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, or at least it is supposed to be. Why is it "supposed to be" and why is it so often - not? This is the question Mike Gathright will consider as we begin a month of Gatherings all about Christmas.
Morgan and the band performed songs by Sara Bareilles, U2, Lady Gaga,
and The Kinks.
Please join us next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
Last Sunday morning we will wrapped up our six month read through the book of John, by considering what Jesus left us with and what He invited us to do.
Mike Koch performed songs by Fleetwood Mac, Sara Bareilles, Gungor and more.
We hope to see you next Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
Every great story has an unexpected twist, a surprise no one saw coming. In John's story of the life of Jesus, this comes in chapters 19 and 20.
In this episode Mike Gathright will consider how chapter 20 may not only be the most important part of his story but the most important part of ours.
Mike Koch and the band performed songs by Adele, Miley Cyrus, Foy Vance, and Plains.
We hope to see you Sunday mornings at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium!
Mike Gathright will explore the most famous event in the history of the world - the crucifixion of Jesus.
Lindsey, Morgan, and the band will perform songs by Ed Sheeran, Jackson Browne, Paul Carrack, and United Pursuit.
When you’re stuck in the middle of your own story, it can be hard to see the big picture - or trust that there’s a greater purpose at play. In this episode we' explored how Jesus managed to get through the worst part of his story, to help us get to the best part of ours.
Mike Koch and the band performed songs by U2, Avett Brothers, Keane, and more.
Why do bad things happen to good people?"
It's a question we've all asked at one point or another. However, aren't we really wondering "why do bad things happen to me?" To answer that, we first must wonder... "why do bad things happen at all?" At this Gathering, Paul Knapp wondered aloud how a God we are told is on our side could allow a world where suffering feels inevitable.
This week Mike Gathering talked about John 16. Join us next week at the Gathering, St. Joe High School at 10:30 AM.
What can happen when we really believe we belong? When the tryout is over, the team is posted and we made it!
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will explore the way belonging changes how we move through life.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by Adele, Maren Morris,
and Leon Bridges.
We hope to see you this Sunday morning at 10:30 at St. Joe
High School's auditorium.
Do you have a "must-have" list? We all do to some extent, right?
For the right house, car, partner, school?
We are all looking for some critical elements we must have!
Is that true for our spiritual life? Should it be? This is what Mike Gathright will be considering this Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering as we continue our read through the book of John.
Lindsay, Morgan, and the band will perform songs by Steve Winwood, Drew Holcomb, Bonnie Raitt, and Tommy Prine.
We hope to see you this Sunday at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
We all remember cramming for exams. Why do we remember how we studied but not what we studied? Well, Jesus did something to help his followers remember his bottom line point that was so amazing the world never forgot.
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, Mike Gathright will consider Jesus's last lesson and what it could mean for us.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by Bruce Springsteen, Dawes,
The Gin Blossoms and more.
We hope to see you this Sunday at 10:30 at St. Joe High School's auditorium.
From weathermen to oddsmakers, from political pundits to astrologers, we have no shortage in our culture of those trying to predict the future. It's a tough business.
Yet, near the end of Jesus's life, he didn't shy away from it. Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright explores several of Jesus's predictions and how they could change our lives.
Is there anything that could ruin a miracle? Make it less miraculous? This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will look at the miracle that made Jesus' most amazing miracle - miraculous.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by The Beatles, Alabama Shakes, Maggie Rogers, and Elevation.
We hope to see you this Sunday morning at 10:30 at
St. Joe High School's auditorium.
We all want a life that flourishes. Jesus had a particular name for that kind of life, and something he believed was a prerequisite to be able to live it.
At Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright considered this prereq for a flourishing life and how it brings us Life.
How do we cope with change? Do we adapt? Adopt? Or, do we Revolt? Give up? Everything is changing SO fast, it is very difficult to know.
Jesus changed things. He revolutionized religion. And lots of folks struggled with this. This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will explore one encounter where Jesus seems to purposely poke the bear to make a very important point about the nature of His revolution.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by Adele, Portugal. The Man,
Switchfoot and more.
At Storyline, we believe stories are a tool to guide us in our life of faith - to stir our hearts toward something we might have missed otherwise.
Jesus shared stories to help anyone listening - follower or not - see a new way. The talks at Storyline's Gathering incorporate stories every week, weaving in music and video clips to bring it all to life. And our community is a collection of people with stories, all worthy of being told.
This Sunday, we'll take time to honor the stories within our community as we continue the tradition of Story Sunday. Fellow Storyliners will share a piece of their story with all of us -
a reminder that God shows up in all sorts of ways for all sorts of people.
Last week we looked at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will look at what might be Jesus' most unusual encounter, powerful confrontation, and surprising invitation.
If the church had a slogan what would it be? What should it be? Jesus and his first followers did have one and this week at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright looked at what it was and how it could still make a difference in our lives today.
Polls are now showing most Americans think life is "back to normal."
The problem is - where does normal leave us?
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright continued our journey through the book of John and yet another sign Jesus offers us for what a new normal could look like.
This weekend we celebrated the Fourth of July: the day our founding fathers declared this country its own free and independent nation.
What an incredible moment in history.
This week at the gathering, Paul Knapp will continued our journey through
the book of John, exploring a story about a man trapped, stuck, and in need of his own Declaration of Independence.
What if most of our problems in life are just symptoms of how we are trying to treat our real Problem? This is what Jesus seems to be hinting at in John 4 and what Mike Gathright explored at Storyline's Gathering.
Storyline continues our summer series on the book of John. Mike Gathright celebrates Fathers and their contributions!
School is out for summer! And Storyline started our summer series on the book of John. Mike Gathright considers the first miracle of Jesus and...
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering we celebrated our graduating seniors and Mike Gathright kicked off our summer series on the book of John.
Simplicity - complexity - perplexity - harmony
This week at the Gathering, Paul Knapp continued exploring the stages of faith and considered their impact not just in our spiritual lives, but within our physical being, as well.
This week at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright considered what a mother's love has to show us about how the love of God comes to us and, through us...into the world.
For the past month, we have been exploring stage theory; how faith is often experienced and developed in stages.
In May, we will be considering several critical topics related to the life of faith and the perspectives different stages of faith have for each.
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We usually think of Easter as one day of the year, the celebration of an event - and certainly, it is. But historically, the aftermath of the first Easter went on for weeks.
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will explore one of the foundational realities of Jesus's first followers that was established in
the first few days of the Christian faith.
This Sunday is Easter. Does the claim that Jesus rose from the dead have anything to do with our real-life today? How could it?
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will consider the kind of faith Easter started, the kind of community it began,
and the kind of life it invites us to live.
Things are not always what they seem to be.
We've all noticed this about so much in life - is this true about the life of faith as well?
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright continues our new series on Stages of Faith by exploring the transition from Simplicity to Complexity.
So much of life happens in stages, from physical growth and academic progress to baseball...even grieving is often experienced in stages. But what about faith? Why is it so often described as all or nothing?
After an incredible six months, our "residency" at the solarium is coming to an end. We are so appreciative of Watermark's hospitality, as they have been a true partner to our community. We truly cannot thank them enough.
For our final Sunday at the Solarium, Paul Knapp will celebrate the incredible history of wandering together that Storyline has embodied. We hope you'll join us!
This Sunday, join us at Storyline for our annual Saints Among Us Gathering, where we celebrate the normal, everyday people who are made extraordinary by how they choose to live.
Four Storyliners are going to share the saints they've stumbled upon in their lives. Their stories will uplift you, make you laugh, tug on your heart, and most of all, remind you that we need each other.
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will conclude our series on Galatians, and the belonging, believing, and becoming of the Gospel of Grace.
Over the past three weeks, Mike Gathright has used the book of Galatians to describe a life of faith that leads us from rescue to transformation.
Last week, Mike made the claim that belief is the bridge that connects our belonging to our becoming. This leaves us with the question: "What exactly do I need to believe?"
This Sunday at the Gathering, Paul Knapp will continue to ask this question and explore what kind of believing leads us to our becoming.
Belong. Believe. Become.
Three very powerful concepts for us humans! Why? Where did this come from?
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will wonder about these ideas and how they connect us to our best life.
This Sunday for Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will continue our journey through the first document written in the New Testament - the letter of Galatians.
Did you know the first thing written in the New Testament was a letter to some churches in Turkey?! It's true. It is called, "Galatians" and for the next few weeks, Mike Gathright will be exploring the powerful message this ancient letter has for us.
The last couple of months we've seen how Jesus's invitation can reroute our life. This week Mike Gathright will wrap up our series on the Beatitudes, by wondering, what comes next? The conclusion to the Beatitudes points us in a very surprising and hopeful, meaningful, and exciting direction.
Over the past months, we have been considering the beatitudes as a rerouting of our lives towards the Grace and Love that God has already manifested in the world. But is the “cost” really worth the reward?
Paul Knapp will ask these questions and wrestle with the “why” behind Jesus’ commission to reroute our lives.
This Sunday for Storyline's first Gathering of 2022, Mike Gathright will continue our series on the Beatitudes. So much of what Jesus said can change the way we see life, what we look for in life, and who we'll serve with our life - and the Beatitude we will consider this week is perfectly placed to start the year off with a fresh, challenging, uplifting and hopeful perspective.
Mike Gathright reflects on what makes Christmas a unique holiday.
Please join us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 at Watermark's Solarium in downtown Stevensville.
These are the questions we've been considering together the last month.
This recent Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright looked at what may be the one sentence that best sums up both, how and why Jesus started it all, as well as, why and how Storyline started.
How could anyone dislike Jesus? Have you ever wondered that? Well, people did. A lot of people REALLY disliked him.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright explored one claim Jesus made that turned some people against him...and others toward a brand new way of living.
Great leaders, thinkers, and religious figures often carve a new path forward, they are counter-cultural; history is full of such people from Einstein to Washington, from King to Jobs. We see these icons buck the system and think, "Yes! I knew something was wrong there." But Jesus challenges us in an even more profound way, He was counterintuitive. And our response to that is usually, "No! That can't be."
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright considered one of Jesus'
most counterintuitive invitations.
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will consider one statement from Jesus - His first. One line that has changed world history, and could change how we see life, what we look for in life, and who we will serve with our life.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by Adele, Maggie Rogers,
Jess Glynn, and more.
DISCLAIMER: There is some wind from the outdoors that was captured during this gathering.
Jesus said a lot of controversial things - as we've discovered the last couple of weeks. This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will reflect on one of Jesus's most difficult parables and how it can actually give us a beautiful insight into what all of life is for.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by Santana, Johnny Cash, Lauren Daigle, and Rich Mullins.
Sometimes the best people can say things and do things that seem out of character; it takes us by surprise. Jesus did this all the time. Just when we think we know him, he surprises us - again.
This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will consider one of the most controversial and surprising sayings of Jesus.
Did you know Jesus had a favorite topic, one he spoke about more than any other? He did. And this Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will explore why.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by Sting, The Eagles,
Brandi Carlile, and more.
Polls show that there are more people who pray than there are people who believe in God. Huh? It seems as if almost everybody prays, in some way...the question is - How? Why? And for what?
Jesus actually had a lot to say about this topic and Sunday at Storyline's
Gathering Mike Gathright will explore what he taught about prayer and
how it connects to our real lives.
You've probably been to at least one of these this summer; every culture and society has them - rites of passage. Human beings have been commemorating big changes and new beginnings with these rites for millennia.
This past Sunday at Storyline's Gathering, Mike Gathright will look at one such rite that Jesus himself participated in and why he invites us to do the same.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by Talking Heads, Fleetwood Mac,
Chris Stapleton, and Rod Stewart.
Life is full of tough questions, and the life of faith is no different. What do we believe? What should we believe? Why do we believe what we do?
At this Sunday's Storyline Gathering, Jill McNabnay will explore some of these questions, and look at the example Jesus sets for us as he invites us into the kind of faith that doesn't back away from asking difficult questions.
t certainly feels like the deeper we dive into the book of Luke, the more unexpected the life of Jesus seems to become. Whether it be his methods, his words, or his community; Jesus continues to surprise us!
Last week, Mike called it the “Leap of Grace” and this Sunday at the Gathering Paul Knapp will explore just who that “Leap” was for.
At this week's Gathering, Paul Knapp will unravel this question and explore where God might provide a space just for us.
Mike Koch and the band will play songs by My Church, The Beatles, Kacey Musgraves, and more!
This Storyline's Gathering, Mike Gathright will wrap up our three part series from Luke chapter 5 on "right relationships."
We are relational beings. Full stop.
Solitary confinement is considered torture for a very good reason.
Yet, it isn't just the lack of relationships that harm us, it is also relationships that aren't working, that aren't healthy.
This week at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright will continue our journey through the book of Luke, moving from how Jesus rights our relationship with ourselves, to how He invites us to right our relationships with one another.
We are SO excited about the next three Gatherings as we consider together three amazing stories in Luke chapter 5. These three encounters with Jesus offer us incredible insight into how He wants to right our relationship with ourselves, others and God.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by U2, The Cranberries, Lake Street Drive, and more this week.
It is Graduation Sunday at Storyline's Gathering! Mike Gathright will continue our journey through the book of Luke and what faced Jesus after he "graduated".
Songs by Elton John, Alicia Keyes and Brandi Carlile,
Jessica Glynn and more.
Mike Gathright does a talk from chapter three of the book of Luke. It is part 2 of "Child of God" that we started last week and I hope you might find it helpful...but the music?!? It's gonna be amazing!
This Sunday Mike Gathright continues our series from the book of Luke about the life of Jesus.
Mike Koch and the band will perform songs by The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty,
John Mellencamp and Alphaville.
This Sunday morning for, what is hopefully, our last StoryONline
Mike Gathright will consider the power of knowing what we really want in life and how the life of faith enables that.
Mike Koch and the band will perform a song by Lauren Daigle.
This Sunday for our StoryOnline Mike Gathright will explore different ways different people see, celebrate and share the goodness of God.
We will also hear from several others about their unique connection
to living in and living out God's grace, as well as an original song written and performed by Michael Brooks.
Today is, Good Friday.
Good?
What would have to be true for the worst thing to become good?
This Sunday for our StoryONline Mike Gathright will consider how Easter makes the worst thing we can imagine, good.
Mike Koch and the band will perform a song by Lauren Diagle.
We’re not out of the woods yet, but for the first time it feels like there might be light at the end of this “tunnel.” But IF that’s true, what comes next?
In this Sunday's online gathering Paul Knapp will explore what a future
post-pandemic life could look like.
Human connection... We need it, we want it, we crave it. In this Sunday's online gathering Jill McNabnay will look at the reasons why this is, and how Jesus speaks to this most basic human need. Mike Koch and the band will perform a song by Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile.
Why do we love to update and upgrade our phones and our cars and pretty much everything - except what we think and believe?
This Sunday for StoryONline, Mike Gathright will look at this question and how it connects to Jesus's invitation.
This Sunday morning for our StoryONline Gathering, Mike Gathright will consider where change, growth and learning begins.
We may be running low on a lot of things right now, patience, tolerance, understanding, but one thing we have a lot of is conviction!
There is no shortage of that...This past Sunday morning StoryONline, Mike Gathright will explore how Jesus converted conviction into compassion when for us it so often leads to contempt.
Mike Koch and the Storyline band performs songs by
Maren Morris and Vince Gill.
As the first month of 2021 comes to a close and the temptation to long for 2022 dawns on the horizon, it's critical to pause and remember all the good gifts we have been given. Even when all we want to do is forget.
In this week's Story[ON]line gathering, Paul Knapp will take a moment to remind us of why it's so important to remember.
Mike Koch and the band will share songs by Gungor and Damian Rice.
Monday, January 18th was Martin Luther King Jr. Day and it could not have come at a better time. The message of Dr. King was lived out in his methods and we desperately need to remember and once again celebrate this man of enormous faith, incredible courage and amazing love. Mike Gathright reflected on the heart of Martin Luther King's message and where he drew his inspiration from.
This Sunday morning Mike Gathright considered the connection between how we got where we areas a nation and the mission God has called Storyline to live out.
At the close of a difficult and challenging year, we recognized how God continued to work in and through us as a community of faith in his Grace, which happens only as we cooperate and co-create with his Spirit.
Mike Gathright considered how a New Year can be a new and fresh start.
Mike Gathright explored how Christmas is an especially beautiful way for God to love and care for us.
Mike Gathright will consider an important distinction between isolation and another way to experience quarantine.
Different than years past, this season of "waiting" carries a little more weight as we wait for the world to change. Change how? Who knows! But we are all longing for some kind of new hope and optimism as 2020 turns to 2021.
Paul Knapp shared some of the feelings and emotions bubbling beneath the surface of this continued time of waiting for something new.
Sometimes God's consistent call to live with gratitude doesn't seem like it has much to do with real life. Mike Gathright explored the connection between gratitude and our ability to flourish even when times are hard.
Stories. They're on the news. They're on our Facebook and Instagram feeds as videos. Stories, stories, stories. Have you noticed how stories shared with us through technology platforms keep getting shorter and shorter? They're tiny snippets, crafted to consume. We can even tap through them quickly if we're short on time or bored by what we're seeing. During Story Sunday, we slowed down together to listen as three Storyline community members told their stories. These stories lasted more than 30 seconds. These stories were filled with courage and vulnerability. And these stories reminded all of us how uniquely wonderful - yet commonly connected - we are.
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Learn more During the election season of 2020 Mike Gathright considered two ways of seeing to help bring life into focus and provide hope and resilience.
Mike Gathright shared a short talk about the space between Reality and our Umwelt (what's that? You’ll have to listen and learn).
This Sunday morning Mike Gathright discussed the possibility of living with relentless joy.
We’ve all heard the verse before. In fact, Mike shared it with us just last week.
“For God loved the world, he gave his only son, and whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
It’s an incredible picture, right? But what does it actually mean? Is it truly as simple as Mike made it seem last week, or is there something else happening here. Paul Knapp will dove just a bit deeper into this verse and the “Good News” that comes with it.
Who has had it? If you just raised your hand and screamed, "Me!" you're not alone...even though you might be by yourself.
Mike Gathright considered this question: "Where do we find comfort, how do we have hope in the midst of all this?
Did you know that viruses have been on the planet for 1.5 billion years longer than humans?
What can the church learn from the way viruses spread and thrive? This is the question Jill McNabnay considered this Sunday in our StoryONline Gathering.
There is a lot going on right now; tensions are high, tempers are short. You can not turn on the TV without people yelling at each other. It seems like we are exasperated with, well everything, not to mention one another.
Mike Gathright explored how shifting what we're centered on might change that dynamic and open us up to new possibilities.
The bible can be mysterious and difficult to understand - sometimes - in other places, God makes things pretty clear.
Mike Gathright looked at a few passages in the bible that makes how God feels about a certain subject anything but mysterious.
Justice is a great good. It is also elusive. What if part of what makes this great good so difficult to establish is...we actually have to aim higher?
This Sunday, Mike Gathright looked at what is even better and more necessary than justice.
This Sunday we took a hard look at what is happening in our country, what the bible has to say about systemic good and evil and how God wants to work through us to see His will done on earth as it is in heaven.
What is something so readily available ANYone could have it, yet so absolutely necessary, EVERYone must have it?
This Sunday during Storyline's online Gathering Mike Gathright closed this month of unlikely heroes by considering this question and Jesus's really shocking answer.
What happens when things are going great? When our nets are full of fish? This Sunday, Mike Gathright explored how Jesus helped Peter navigate the next steps forward and his unlikely story.
Real-life, as we know all too well, is full of the unlikely...situations, events, obstacles, and opportunities we didn't see coming.
This Sunday Mike Gathright continued our survey of unlikely heroes, and at least one battle they all have to fight.
So... when we’ve watched all of the “Netflix,” what do we do next? Is there something else for us? Do we just move onto Hulu? Or is there more? Please tell me there is! Please tell me that somebody somewhere has another story worth telling…Maybe one that I could be a part of!
In this week’s online gathering, Paul Knapp took a deep dive into the stories that shape us and heroes that embody them.
"What are we supposed to do?" - there's a question that never seems to go away. Sometimes it just means, "what now?" but, other times it is a much bigger,
life-sized, question.
Mike Gathright looked at how Jesus figured out and then lived out what he was supposed to do.
Maybe the world needs that from us as much as we need it for ourselves?
Sunday is Easter - it is supposed to be about hope and new beginnings.
But, what if you don't feel like that right now?
Mike Gathright considered the surprising side of what Easter faith looks and feels like.