On January 7th, one hundred adults and thirty kids crowded into McMenamins Pub & Theatre for the first “Antioch Family Gathering.” The family gathering was a time to come together as a community and hear stories, worship together, talk about the vision of Antioch and share communion. 

It was a rich time of fellowship as we heard people share about there individual journeys and the many different ways in which they found Antioch Church.  There were also several who shared about Antioch’s dreams.  Shaun Kent talked about the need for authentic community and an authentic love for each other.  Ken Wytsma talked about community also as well as the need for being involved in each others lives through Antioch Groups.  He then shared the vision Antioch has for an art coffee house in Bend.  Brandon Groza helped us close the evening by leading us in communion – a time of reflection on God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ two thousand years ago. 

We were treated to a special video of Antioch’s first year, created by Kip Jones and Linda Janney, before being turned loose on the pizza, cookie and salad bar.  Yummmmmmmm!!

Most everyone stayed long into the night connecting with each other, eating, meeting new people and simply enjoying the atmosphere.