Great Malvern Priory -

Come and join us at the Gathering on the 1st Sunday of the month at 6.30pm in the Priory for..

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**What happens at The Gathering?**

**An example of a recent gathering is given below:**

**Refreshments**. The refreshments table opened around 6.20pm - we took our drinks to the tables - and returned for recharging as necessary!

**Worship.** After a brief welcome and prayer we spent time focusing on the Lord by singing a number of songs led by the Worship Band. We sang: ***How Great is Our God*** (Chris Tomlin); **I believe in Jesus** (Marc Nelson, Vineyard); **Once Again** (Mat Redman); and **I Sing Praises to Your Name** (Terry MacAlmon).

**Word, theme, discussion**. We read the Word selected from the Lectionary and the Lay Leader introduced the theme for the evening. In this instance we chose Psalm 23 and the Theme was **What if we don't have still waters or green pastures?** We considered that whilst some find the words of **Psalm 23** very comforting, others may experience a more challenging time in our 'valleys' and may feel abandoned by God - a bit more like Job's experience. This was then discussed at the tables and along with the question - What sustains us at these difficult times? After a while we had 'open mic' time for individuals/tables to share reflections and testimonies - before matters were brought to a close with final thoughts.

**Prayer.** We had a time of prayer at the tables. Some took the opportunity to pray for each other and for specific issues raised during discussion.

***Come and join us next time!***

**The Gathering - Readings & Themes**

The table below lists the readings and themes from recent meetings of The Gathering.
Sunday	Reading	Theme
5 February	Haggai 2:1-9	*How well do YOU cope with change?*
5 March	Galations 4:8-20	*I'm not superstitious...am I?*
2 April	No Gathering	4Front Theatre Production in the Priory
7 May	Psalm 23	What if we don't have still waters or green pastures?
4 June	Acts 2:1-4	How can the Holy Spirit transform our lives?
2 July	Matthew 10:40	What is our welcome like?
6 August	Is. 55:1-5 & Rom. 9:1-5	It's a Gift! Have you opened yours?
3 September	Mat 16:21-26	I don't want to hear it! Dealing with the hard teachings of Christ
1 October	Exodus 17:1-7	How do life's trials and challenges impact my relationship with God?
5 November	1 John 3:1-3	A child of God...how does that work?
3 December		The Advent Carol Service is held on the first Sunday in December. The next Gathering will be on Sunday 7 January.
7 Jan	Mat 2:1-12	*Following the Star: what can we learn from the Magi?*
4 Feb	John 1:1-14	The vastness of Christ our Lord
4 Mar	Ex 20:1-17	Your starter for 10: Do we really need commandments?
8 April	Acts 4:32-35	How can we change the world?
6 May	John 21:1-14	*Finding the sweet spot of faith.*
3 June	2 Cor 4:8-9	*How can we face difficult times?*
1 July	Romans 13:1-7	*Submission to authorities - really?*