The Gathering Place Update 9/2021
Many of you may not know it, but The Gathering Place has its roots in the Trick or Treat and Eat event that happened here at St. John’s three years ago this month. It was then that I met Sarah Porto and her family and we began to dream of a place to bring young families together with older adults for fun, education and sharing. This idea would soon develop into the reality of The Gathering Place.
Here’s what Sarah had to say about that time: “In my life, the Holy Spirit often works by just giving me a nudge to go do something. One such nudge was to attend St. John’s community Trick or Treat Lunch. The Holy Spirit led me to this opportunity and I think it was my longing for a welcoming place, a third place, that got me there. We were blessed to share a meal with their community. Our hearts were especially warmed by the love that was poured out onto our children by way of treats and Halloween gifts. But more so, a genuine interest in their lives and ours. I remarked to Mary Ann that the following year, I would have to tell all my friends about this great event. Little did I know that perhaps God had plans for us to partner with St. John’s in the community much sooner than next year!”
Please remember to mark your calendars for the HOLY HEARTBEAT (re)TREAT which will be held on Saturday, October 9th from 9am – 12pm. We are planning to dig into some spiritual practices that will help guide us in our work, church, and family lives. Anyone who would enjoy some conversation around faith, community service, and spiritual formation is invited. There will of course be good food too!
This event will be held at the large outdoor picnic shelter at the Transfiguration Center for Spiritual Renewal 3505 Calumet Road Ludlow Falls, Ohio. Please RSVP to Ashley Reed at areed1325@gmail.com or direct any questions to Sarah Porto at sarahporto.1@gmail.com We hope you can join us! Here’s to lots of good fun and deep conversations!
If you are interested in using the space for a small group or just some informal get together, let Mary Ann know (607-972- 6744) and we’ll get you on the calendar. Thanks to all who help keep the space beautiful and who use it with such love and care. If you have any questions or comments, please talk to one of our team members.
Bethel Adkins, Ginny Beamish, Mary Ann Crist, Keith Kropp, Glenn Lytle, Sarah Porto, Ashley Reed