JOIN US!

Sundays at 11:30 AM in the CLC


A unique modern worship that is biblically based, Spirit-filled, and liturgical. Something the whole family will enjoy! 

Connect with Us


JOIN A SMALL GROUP!

Click the button below and then on the finder list, click the campus drop down menu and select "The Gathering."

Join a Small Group

 


Why the Gathering?

There are an increasing number of people who desire to reconnect with the liturgical traditions of the Christian faith but in a modern way. The original vision for The Gathering combines three prominant expressions of worship: traditional, evangelical, and charismatic. In essence, we desire to create a worship that is biblically based, Spirit-filled, and actively paticipatory. This is what makes The Gathering unique.

 


 

Our Purpose

To gather in worship, to gather in groups, and to gather in service. That's the core of life together. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19, to make disciples of all nations and to baptize them is what guides us. We seek to make new disciples of Jesus and disciple them in the faith. We believe faithfulness and obedience to Christ is of utmost importance, so we'll let the Word of God speak and the Holy Spirit transform us.

 

Who Is the Gathering?

We are a gathering of people from all walks of life who desire an encounter with the living God. We are not perfect, but we believe that God is perfecting us by His grace. We are a family friendly, lost seeking, non-judging, welcoming place for those whom Christ is gathering to make disciples, who then go out to make more disciples. We are a part of the FirstGilmer family of Methodists, but invite all, regardless of religious affiliation, to join us on this faith journey. Our worship is quite contemporary, with songs you hear on the radio. We also love the traditions of the faith such as communion, creeds, responsive readings, and prayers.

 

Q & A

I've Never Been to Church, What Do I Expect?

If you've never been to church before or maybe you've tried but didn't fit in, then The Gathering is a place for you. From the moment you walk on campus you'll be greeted and made to feel at home. You also don't need to know everything about the Christian faith or the Bible. We'll learn it together.

I've Got Kids, Do you Have a Nursery? Can they Worship with Me?

We've designed The Gathering to be a family friendly place. We do offer loving nursery care during the service for the young ones, but we also believe kids learn by observation and participation, so we'd love to have your kids worship with us.

Where Do I Park and Where is the Service?

You can park in the big parking lot located off Buffalo St. right by the railroad tracks. The Gathering meets in the Christian Life Center (CLC) at First Methodist Church. Also, get there a little early and enjoy some coffee from our coffee bar.

Do You Have to Be Methodist?

Absolutely not. Even though we are a part of the First Gilmer family of Methodists we've designed The Gathering to be a place for people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds.

What Do I Wear?

Come as you are. If that's blue jeans and a shirt, great. If that's slacks and a polo shirt or a dress, great. We're more concerned about you being here.

How Long is the Service?

The Gathering is a family friendly service and so it will range from 45 minutes to an hour at most. We know how long kids last, or adults for that matter.

What Will the Service Be Like?

Our music is quite contemporary and led by a worship leader with members of a band. Preaching will be biblically based and relevant to life today. We'll also celebrate communion every Sunday because that was the primary reason the early church gathered every week. We'll also have responsive readings and prayers. We believe that reconnecting with some of the historical elements of the faith actually strengthens us spiritually.