Who We Are

“For where two or three  are gathered in my name, I am there among them. ” Matthew 18:20

We are a group of spiritual nomads who haven’t found a church that fits us.

  • Maybe we’ve been to churches that don’t feel authentic or compassionate, or perhaps we are new to the area and haven’t gotten up the nerve to show up when we don’t know anyone inside the church doors.
  • Maybe we’ve been hurt by the church and are just trying to find our way back or maybe we want a chance to be a part of a church that’s trying to help people live transformed lives.
  • Maybe we just want a place to belong, and we’ve found it at the Gathering.

Are you ready…to rethink church? If so, come and check us out!

We meet on Sundays @ 9:30 am (experiential service with Pastor Rachel), 10:45 am (experiential & casual service with Pastor Rachel), and 11 am (traditional with Pastor Vickie)

409 First Colonial Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Virginia Beach, VA 23454

And for those of you wanting to know a little more about our history:

The Gathering began in July of 2009 when the Bishop, Bishop’s cabinet and Rev. Fran Cooper of Courthouse Community UMC worked together to envision a new faith community in Virginia Beach.  The Virginia Conference has started an initiative called All Things New which is intentionally starting new faith communities like The Gathering throughout the state.  Rev. Rachel Gilmore was appointed to plant this church after she graduated from Duke Divinity School in May of 2009, working with 10 young adults from Courthouse Community UMC which served as the anchor church for an important season in The Gathering’s early life.  What began as one young adult small group quickly became four small groups by the fall of 2009.  The Gathering began monthly pre-launch worship services in November of 2009 and weekly pre-launch services in February of 2010.  On September 12, 2010 The Gathering launched our public worship service at The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Town Center. In October of 2012 we moved to two worship services to accommodate for our growth in worship.  In 2011 100% of our worship attendance had been to a small group and 130% of our worship attendance was involved in hands on ministry with the poor.  We are so grateful for God’s guidance and direction thus far and we pray for the continued wisdom to follow God’s vision at The Gathering.