Christ UMC - A Ministry Update

“The Gathering Place”…the name really sums it up.  Last year, Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) in Westfield, Ind. had Aspen Group convert their former sanctuary into “The Gathering Place”, a commons area for fellowship.  It was another step in several facility changes that have been made that will eventually lead to the addition of a new sanctuary.  But The Gathering Place wasn’t just about making changes to the facility; it was about changing the dynamic of relationship building within the church walls.

In the year prior to opening The Gathering Place, the church moved its services into the multi-purpose Family Life Center that Aspen Group built several years before.  That was the catalyst for many changes within the congregation.  With church services now held in a bright, open facility that isn’t a traditional sanctuary, a more relational personality is seen within the church and attendance has grown. 

The Gathering Place is now the main entry and focal point of connection space at CUMC.  As attendees gather on Sunday mornings, they find this space packed full of people of all ages engaged in vibrant conversations and refreshments that add just the perfect touch.  In the past, there wasn’t a place in the church where people could gather and fellowship outside of the worship area itself.  Now it isn’t uncommon for some people to be late for worship because they enjoy that connection time in The Gathering Place.    

In addition to providing a great venue for relationships to grow and be nurtured, The Gathering Place is also used throughout the week.  It provides a more intimate setting for small worship services, funerals and memorial services.  Several women’s groups also utilize the space for meetings, activities and various gatherings.

“Our entire church sings the praises of The Gathering Place,” shared Pastor Mark Wesler.  “It has become even more than we thought it would be.”