The Weatherfolk

Imagine an act of worship in which story, art, music, and the lives of people are knit together by God in beautiful ways; where creativity is encouraged and questions are more numerous than answers; where the worship is shaped and inspired by the community.

This is our vision for The Gathering. 

It is why we believe we were called to Edinburgh, and since its inception last month, we feel the energy of the Holy Spirit moving, connecting people, sparking something exciting. 

For now, The Gathering meets monthly. Near the end of the summer, we hope to meet every two weeks. Soon after, perhaps even weekly. And it’s more than just a service, more than a one-off, feel-good experience. The Gathering is meant to be a community of people who are eager to pour their passions, their gifts, and their stories into a great big pot, mix it up, and use the recipe to love Jesus and love our neighbors together.

Just a few weeks before we started The Gathering, we had the incredible opportunity to join our friend and co-conspirator Lou Davis (along with her fellow VentureFX pioneer ministers) in leading worship at a conference called ECG. We collaborated with some of the most creative people we’ve ever met and experienced some of the most deeply Spirit-led worship we’ve ever encountered. God sent us to ECG for many reasons, and one was for The Gathering. We were so inspired, so moved, so ready to take ideas home to Edinburgh. Here’s how Lou put it when she reflected on our week at ECG:

Wow! It’s been way too long since we’ve blogged. We must get better at this. So, do you want to know what we’ve been up to lately? We’re putting together a series of posts about our work in Edinburgh (because let’s face it, one post could get looooong). We want you to know what’s going on, and we want to ask for your prayers for everything God is doing in and through and around us in this unique and crazy season of our lives. 

Today, we start with The Open Door: a new worship gathering in East Lothian, serving an area of suburban villages just east of Edinburgh.

The idea began with Kerry and James Reilly, fellow Methodist friends who live in Longniddry. The Reillys saw a clear need in the community for a new expression of church - one that is informal, open, welcoming, and all about people. They saw new neighborhoods being built, young families moving in, and a thousand opportunities for outreach. When we arrived last year, we caught their vision and started planning. In January, we launched The Open Door.

The Vision of The Open Door: 

…To be a safe sanctuary of grace and welcome, where lives are transformed by the love of Jesus Christ.

…To be rooted in the communities of East Lothian and shaped organically by the people.

…To offer grace and love to all, no matter who you are or where you’ve been.

…To create an environment where all ages feel at home, from toddlers to grandmothers.

…To grow deep roots in Christ. To be challenged, inspired, and transformed in each gathering.

…To be generous followers of Jesus, working together to meet the needs of our community.

We meet every first and third Sundays in Cockenzie Methodist Church, where we gather around low cafe tables to fellowship, sing, pray for one another, and engage in conversations about God and life. It’s a wear-what-you-want, come-as-you-are kind of gathering. Chairs are never in rows. Coffee and tea is always on, and and it’s always help-yourself.

The environment is very kid-friendly. In fact, we even have a little activity area to the side where kids can draw, do puzzles, and play quietly. Or, they can plop on their parents’ lap and join in the fun. Kerry’s daughter Brónach has been a willing tester for the play area!

We do something different every time: a video, a craft, a speaker, a discussion. So far, we’ve watched NOOMA videos, made bread rolls with our crafty friend Lou Davis, heard a touching testimony, and used local news papers to spark discussion about we can reach out and serve the surrounding community. In April, we begin 5th Sunday Missions, a practice we’re borrowing from one of our former churches in the states. Instead of meeting for worship in the church building, we go out. We serve. We meet the needs of our neighbors. 

How can you pray for The Open Door? 

- Pray that God would reveal the specific needs of the community and guide us in meeting them. 

- Pray for God’s guidance in publicity and outreach. How do we let people know about The Open Door and invite them to be a part?

- Pray that God would bind together the people who are already involved, strengthening and unifying us in love.

- Pray for our upcoming event on June 3: a concert and photography exhibition as a part of the annual 3 Harbours Arts Festival.

- Pray that God would raise up leaders to carry the vision forward when we leave Edinburgh next year.

Tis the universal Day o’ Love, indeed. Since we love you (and each other) so very much, we’re sending you a Valentine. 

Today only, get a free download of our lovely little love song “By My Side.” Just click the Download button on the widget below, and Cupid’s arrow shall shoot from our music library (and our hearts) to yours. 

Now, do as St. Valentine would do, and share the love!