When We Gather: What to Expect
When:
Be sure to find out day and time of weekly gathering!
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." — Hebrews 10:24-25
Christ-Centered:
Everything we do is focused on Jesus.
'Jesus, the image of the invisible God and firstborn over all creation, in whom all things were created and hold together, is the head of the church, and through Him, God reconciled all things by making peace through His blood on the cross.' Colossians 1:15-20 *
Atmosphere:
Relational, Relaxed, Participatory
Welcome:
You matter to the Lord and to us.
Bring Something to Eat:
We encourage everyone to bring or prepare something to eat, which will be added to what others bring to create a shared meal for all. If you can’t or don’t have time to bring food, no worries—I'm sure there will be plenty.
"All the believers were together and had everything in common." — Acts 2:44
Eat Together:
We call it mEATing 😊
This time together is an opportunity to reconnect, unwind, and cherish each other's company, often filled with laughter, stories from the week, and deepening relationships.
Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened…" — Luke 24:30-31
Pray Over Food:
Christ-centered prayer before the meal.
Gathering After Meal:
Transition from natural food to spiritual nourishment.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good." — Psalm 34:8
Open in Prayer:
Refocus and invite the Lord’s presence.
Acknowledge the Lord:
Share testimonies and praise reports from the week.
We glorify God, giving thanks to Him for what He has done in our lives that week.
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him…" — Romans 1:21-23
Worship:
We worship together.
"Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord…" — Ephesians 5:19
Announcements:
Updates on details, missions, and the upcoming schedule.
Watch Teaching:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." — Acts 2:42
Discussion:
Open discussion about the teaching. Topic: What stood out to you the most?
"For you can all speak inspiring words in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged." —Corinthians 14:31
"We gain deeper insights when we discuss what we’ve learned and explore the questions that arise, drawing us closer as a church family, for 'Part of knowing me is hearing me.'" Whether you choose to share or not is entirely up to you, and we will respect your decision.
Closing Prayer:
We end with prayer.
Clean Up Gathering Place:
Everyone has the opportunity to participate in cleanup on a rotating basis, though participation is voluntary.
Officially Over:
While our official time has ended and everyone is free to leave, all are welcome to continue fellowshipping, as many often do. Everything we do is relational and centered in Jesus Christ, and God often works in powerful ways both during and after the gathering as we continue to share in fellowship.
May the Lord bless you and keep you as you gather together with His family!
Brother Greg Lancaster
By the way, if you haven’t had a chance to fill out a Connection Card yet, we’d love for you to do so—we’d really like to get to know you better!
Gathering Pattern
"What you heard from me,
keep as the pattern of sound
teaching, with faith and
love in Christ Jesus."
2 Timothy 1:13
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Greg Lancaster Ministries
GregLancaster.org
Social Links: GregLancaster.org/MyLinks
Loving God, Loving Others, and Leading Others to do the Same
* paraphrase