Westside Gathering - Audio

Fasting has a way of catalyzing transformation in our lives when done in simple surrender to God's work in our lives. We continue learning about this spiritual practice and how it bears fruit in holiness (1 Cor. 6:12-20, 1 These. 5:23, Ps.139:23-24) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20231022_DavidM.pdf

Are you hungry for more of God? We explore why fasting is a helpful spiritual fasting to nurture devotion and deeper relationship with God. (Matthew 6:1-2, 16-18; 9:14-15) (part of our annual teaching on spiritual practices) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20231015_DavidM.pdf

As amazing as good news can be, unless someone receives it, it makes little impact. Jesus sends YOU as part of God's mission in the world, to alert people around us to his good news. (Romans 10:9-15, John 17:15-18, 20:19-22) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20231008_DavidM.pdf

Does you ever feel like a stranger or exile in our secular world? Do we need platforms or power to share good news? An early church leader called them to remember who they were in their own culture so they could then live a life before God, regardless if anyone was watching, and before others, that reflected his kingdom. (1 Peter 2:4-17) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe...

How do we share the good news of God's kngdom when it sounds strange to people in our secular culture. Paul's visit to Athens taught him how to share the gospel in cultures that were unlike his jewish or roman roots. Join us as we learn what this means for us today. (Acts 17:16-34) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230924_DavidM....

Is it still possible to share the good news of God's kingdom in our secular world? We start a new series listening to the first time 'good news' is highlighted by the gospels and by Jesus himself - as way to consider how we might share it today. (Mark 1:1-20) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230917_DavidM.pdf

As we press start on a new season we're considering how the early church embraced God's work in and around them by engaging not only in communal practices but ministry. Consider your next step in engaging in ministry as you listen. (Acts 2, 1 Cor. 12) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230910_DavidM.pdf

We're all searching for courage but often find it from different sources. This famous Bible story points us to a courage that shows the world a new way to live. (1 Samuel 17) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230827_DavidM.pdf

In the story of Cain and Abel we see a new character introduced, named sin, and discover the devastating implications of its control. Nevertheless, we also see the character of God, ceaselessly pursuing Cain in order protect him and save him from this enemy Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230820_KersaintSJ.pdf

While exploring this exciting story of God using Deborah to jump into their crisis, we learn what being faithfully present to God and dependent on his presence. (Judges 4-5) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230813_DavidM.pdf

How does God guide us through fear and doubt? In the OT story of Gideon, we discover a God who delivers despite our doubts and weaknesses Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230806_NathanW.pdf

The story of King David’s kindness to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 contains an important challenge about kindness for Christians today. Without a careful reading of the story, however, the meaning of the kindness David demonstrated to Mephibosheth might be lost. Moreover, we might miss an important lesson about humility drawn from Mephibosheth’s response. This message is an attempt to better underst...

As we explore King Jehoshaphat, we will explore what reliance in God means. Does it only happen when we are in times of need? Let's fill in the blank "God is glorified when..." As we go through 2 Chronicles 20:1-29. Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230716_KellyO.pdf

The story of King Solomon’s judgment reveals important characteristics for anyone wielding authority. This brief study of 1 Kings 3 will link three characteristics together and encourage us to pursue their development in our lives in the same manner as this ancient Israelite king. Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230709_JonW.pdf

How often does the summer season slip by us? What if we shape our summer with purpose. Not just activity or experiences, but meaningful practices that fuel our love for God, others, and even yourself. (Mark 12:28-34) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230625_DavidM.pdf

Guest, Lori Graham shares a significant story of the spiritual and human journey of her Dad’s last months of life alongside the search for peace that she and he found in something beyond themselves. (Phil 4:6-7) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230618_LoriG.pdf

Guest, Cody Matchett, walks us through images through the letter Revelation to help us see the power and importance of imagination so we can read it well and discern its application as we follow Jesus today. Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230611_CodyM.pdf

How can we allow the gospel and God's Spirit to influence our every day lives? An early church in an ancient city was on Paul's watch list for evidence of it. Today the church calendar shifts into a vague season called Ordinary Time. Why Ordinary? Or is something more infused into this season between Pentecost and Advent that can actually help us live every moment influenced by Jesus and his Spiri...

Is anyone ever really complete? Are you? What would change if we were able to see that everyone we live with or in relationship are still a work in progress? (Phil 1:6-11) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230528_DavidM.pdf

Have you ever caught yourself relating with people with expectations of perfection or idealism? Imagine they did that with you? Exactly. We explore a second lens to help us relate with others. This one has a dark side, because we call have a dark side. (Romans 12:3-8) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230521_DavidM.pdf

Is it possible that the way we see people shapes the way we relate to them? Friends, spouses, children, parents, co-workers, neighbours? We kick off a new series looking at how the scriptures shape our view of the people we're in relationship with. Maybe it'll also transform our relationships!! (Genesis 1:26-27) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/...

We celebrated 6 baptisms and got a chance to hear their personal stories and journeys. Listen for some inspiration and encouragement. Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230507_DavidM.pdf

Every journey of faith has unique features but they all include new life in Christ. (Romans 6:3-4, 1 Peter 3:21); David shares a short message after 6 people share their personal stories before getting baptized. Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230507A_DavidM.pdf

Living Hope isn't only for those who've already experienced it but meant to overflow to everyone around us. (1 Peter 2:4-17) Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg20230430_DavidM.pdf

Life sourced in Christ’s resurrection is always available but not automatic. God gave us a Word - a message and person in Jesus - to receive and respond to to enter into and grow in resurrection life. (1 Peter 1:22-2:3). Listen to explore what this means and the signs you’re experiencing it. Our message notes can be found here http://www.gatheringcafe.com/thewestsidegathering/podcasts/WSGmsg202304...