Why We Practice Scattered Sundays
At Missio Dei Communities, we often say that we are being formed by God, together, for the sake of others. We believe that there are key parts of our formation that happen when we gather for a shared liturgy, but we are also convinced that formation also happens as we learn to receive our entire lives as a gift from God- and practice
That is part of why we practice Scattered Sundays each month.
On the final Sunday of each month, instead of gathering for our normal Sunday liturgy, we scatter throughout the East Valley. We intentionally make room in the rhythm of our church for rest and worship together, just not at the building.
We believe that rest is an act of trust and rebellion in a hustle culture.
When we stop producing and accomplishing long enough to remember that God is at work even when we are not- we discover a pace that is sustainable and enjoyable. When we slow down and receive the gifts of our lives, our relationships, our neighborhoods, and the world God has made- we find that His presence is with us in the everyday AND in times consecrated for worship.
Are you new to this rhythm? Let us help you out.
There is no prescribed way to spend a Scattered Sunday. Have a slow morning with your family. Get together with your MC. Host a DNA group. Share a long meal with friends or neighbors. Get outside. Plan a trip to the mountains. Visit another church’s gathering. Host a house church gathering. Take a prayer walk. Take a day of prayer. Linger over coffee. Take a nap. Gather friends for a time of singing and a feast. Help a neighbor with some yard work. Enjoy the presence of God without needing to accomplish something.
The invitation is simply to rest in different ways and in different places, and to let that rest turn our attention toward God.
Don’t get us wrong- we deeply value gathering together in downtown Mesa around Scripture, prayer, communion, worship, and one another. Scattered Sundays are not a move away from gathering. They help us remember that our life with God extends beyond the hours we spend together on Sunday and that God is waiting to spend time with us in other rhythms as well.
So receive the final Sunday of the month as a gift. Slow down. Pay attention. Enjoy God, enjoy one another, and enjoy the good world he has made.
Then we’ll gather again next week.