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St. Louis Based Church Announces Expanded Easter Worship Locations
St. Louis, MO (March 8, 2013) - For six years, The Gathering United Methodist Church has been growing in unlikely places. As the congregation prepares for a new round of growth, the venues may again be unexpected.
“Six years ago we began in a church that has closed its doors,” explains Rev. Matt Miofsky. “There were a lot of people who said we couldn’t expect to thrive in that setting. It was inside the city limits, the building was old, and churches throughout our region were closing.” About a year ago, the church merged with a congregation that was declining and launched a second site in Clayton. “There were doubts about the wisdom of that move as well, “ says Miofsky. “On the last weekend in February,” he continues, “We set another attendance record for our congregation.”
“We know we are taking some risks with our plans for Easter, but we believe Jesus was always encouraging his followers to try new things.” In recent years, the church has chosen venues that allowed large groups to gather for worship. “We went to Forest Park for two years. And for two years, it snowed on Easter.” The congregation then moved to The Pageant. “It was a cool setting and we loved Easter at The Pageant.” Miofsky says about new Easter plans, “Last year we gathered. This year we will scatter.”
The Gathering will worship in four locations on Easter weekend. “We will have a total of seven worship services as we spread out to other neighborhoods.” Additional worship sites for Easter include the chapel at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, as well as Kingdom House, close to the Lafayette and Soulard neighborhoods.
Miofsky is excited about the opportunity to offer worship in a variety of locations. “We want to grow as a multi-site church. On Easter, this year, we will offer the same great worship experience across a variety of locations. Same worship—same kids' ministry—same sermon.”
For details on times and locations, visit the church’s website, www.gatheringnow.org/easter.
The Gathering has been creating a Christian community that is compelling for new generations of people in St. Louis since 2006 and is the only church in the St. Louis area to offer a multi-site church experience. Visit us at www.gatheringnow.org.
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