Repentance and Renewal #1: Why Lent? Why Bother?

Who doesn't want to be strong... to the core? The guts of Paul's prayer for this early church is in God's interior work in them - the very presence and power of Jesus. (Ephesians 3:16-17) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20220918_DavidM.pdf

Navigating the media and culture through the lens of faith. Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20220925_BrettU.pdf

Who doesn't want to enter the day, relationship, or challenge filled rather than empty. There's this incredible promise the early Christians experienced. God wants to fill you with his own fullness. Explore with us what this means and steps to make room for it. (Ephesians 3:18-19) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20220911_DavidM.pdf

Paul wrote to a first century church who’s faith and love was commendable. Yet he anticipated God was still up to more in them. (Eph. 3:14-21) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20220904_DavidM.pdf

Sometimes it feels like we’re assaulted with temptations to detour away from God’s will and way. Jesus knows what that feels like. His 40 days in the wilderness encourages us: it reminds us that we’re not alone in the struggle and equips us to overcome.(Matthew 4:1-11) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20260308_DavidM.pdf

What do you do when you have sinned - when your actions have hurt yourself or others? How does someone repent and hope for renewal? We explore the power of confession in a famous prayer from an ancient King for clues. (Psalm 51:1-12) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20260301_DavidM.pdf

One of the earliest calls to repentance helps understand why someone would change their mind and their life in response to something bigger than themselves. (Matthew 3:1-12) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20260222_DavidM.pdf

Being a Christian includes a life of repentance. Lent is a season that intensifies the posture of repentance as we journey towards Easter. Do you need to turn, return or be renewed? (Joel 2:12-17, Ps. 51:10-12) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20260215_DavidM.pdf

Spiritual community is more than just getting together. Repeated phrases in the New Testament point us to community, practices and tradition - the very things Christians also believe some myths about. (Eph. 5:18-20) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20260208_DavidM.pdf

We so long to fully experience the light and life of Jesus but we often don't consider it's a life we are formed into by being part of a community of the Spirit (church) - with some singing along the way. (Eph. 15:14-20) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20260201_DavidM.pdf