THIS IS US, Part 2 - WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE

"The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat." Lily Tomlin.  

So, how do we avoid that...personally and professionally?  How do we make sure it doesn't happen with Storyline? Well, every once in a while we have to take a minute to figure out where we're at, where we're going - and why.   Last week Mike Gathright began a series of talks addressing the basics of Storyline, and this Sunday he continued by considering our historical context; where are we and more importantly, when are we?

THIS IS US, Part 1 - COME & SEE

"I don't get it...what is it?  What is Storyline?"

You've probably heard that before.  And then had NO idea how to answer. 

Last Sunday, Mike Gathright began a series exploring why Storyline looks like it does, what we do (and don't do) - and why.

STORY SUNDAY

Last Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright wrapped up our discussion about community. This Sunday, we had the opportunity to hear from some Storyline friends as they shared their personal stories about community and the way they've been impacted by the people in their lives.
It's was a special morning! 

SEPTEMBER 10th PEOPLE

It is not good for us to be alone. Life is a team sport.  We need a small boat. We've said it a number of different ways the last month - why it is that we need one another.  

This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright wrapped up our discussion about community with one last image - one that helps us to deal realistically with the struggle that life can be, yet remain not only hopeful, but optimistic about our future.

A SMALL BOAT

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said, "the most deadly disease in American today is isolation."  We have never been more connected - and never been more alone.  

This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright explored this issue and the way Jesus and his first followers moved beyond loneliness into true community.

IT ALL TURNS ON AFFECTION

Life can be complicated and painful. You'd think that would keep us from doing difficult, challenging things.  But it doesn't.  Most of us take on and find great meaning in life through challenges.  Why?  This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Wes Rieth explored what we can learn about ourselves, life and God by reflecting on why we do difficult things.

TEAM SPORT

"I'm spiritual but not religious."  This is a very common way for people to describe themselves and Storyline is a community that resonates with this in many ways.  Yet, Jesus invites to be together, to live together, to be a team.  Is there a way to do that?  To live that way, somehow avoid being religious and maintain our spirituality?

These are a few of the questions Mike Gathright explored Sunday at Storyline's Gathering. 

ROOT OF REALITY, ENGINE OF EXISTENCE

Of all the things we struggle with - the difficulties, the complexities of life - there is only one that is a result of us being made in the image of God...this Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright considered the one incredible way God has provided for us to remedy it.

SOMEONE IN THE WATER

From Verizon's, "Can you hear me now?" to Nike's "Just Do It," it seems that every product, organization, and even schools have a tagline nowadays.  But this isn't a recent development.  The early followers of Jesus had a tagline too; "Repent, Believe and Baptized."  Unfortunately, today all three words seem, out of place, overly religious and unnecessary.

This Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright explored the historical meaning behind this original tagline and how it just might be the opposite of outdated and religious - maybe it isn't about the past as much as it is the present and the future.  

GET IN THE WATER

Idolatry... Repentance... now what?
The last two weeks Mike Gathright with the help of our friends, Abby Austin and Rebecca Bard, helped us put language to some of the deepest questions about life, grace, and the Gospel. They discussed what it might look like to be free and what is holding us back.
This week at the Gathering, Paul Knapp explored what it might look like to take the next step into the life of faith. What does it look like to truly let go of our idols and step into the "water." 

DIRT ON THE SURFACE

Last weekend we were reminded that for America it is freedom.  For you it might be peace, for someone else joy, still, others might describe it as happiness.  Whatever we may call it, we are all after something, some "highest good" - and we all have faith in something to get us there.  

This Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright looked at how Jesus turned the world upside down by introducing a new way of experiencing our highest good...and the religious establishment hated him for it.  

GOING THE DISTANCE

We've all heard it before and we can't be reminded of it enough - freedom isn't free.  The fourth of July weekend is always a fun time with friends and family to relax and enjoy the summer weather as well as time to reflect on what freedom is.

This Sunday at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright explored God's view of freedom and how we might experience and enjoy it.

FATHER'S DAY

For all of the attention mothers get (and deservedly so!), being a dad is tough and important too!  We may not think about it as much but there is a lot to learn about life from fatherhood.

This Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering Cliff Reppart will reflect on how becoming and being a father has changed him in every way and how it has impacted his life of faith. 

BEAUTY WILL SAVE THE WORLD

There are many things changing very quickly about modern life, but there may be nothing more disturbing than the credibility crisis.  We live in a time of fake news and alternative facts - it is confusing and so frustrating.  Common questions, like, 'who is telling the truth?' are becoming much deeper - What is truth? Does it even exist?

This Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering, Mike Gathright looked at how Jesus faced this same dilemma and then changed the world forever with his response.

GRADUATING FROM GRIT TO GRACE

It is that time of year when we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of graduating students.  It is a good and right thing to do.  

But, how much of what we achieve is about us?  How much of it isn't?  This Sunday morning at Storyline's Gathering Mike Gathright looked at these questions and considered the place of grace, gratitude and faith in what we accomplish in life - and what we attempt