Like other parts of our state and throughout New England, it’s clear that greater Springfield and western Massachusetts as a whole deal with its share of problems. Crime, drugs, poverty, hunger, and homelessness are just a sample of the things you’ll find in area code (413). As a result, it’s a challenge to take any sort of collective pride in our home, or even to know where to begin in combating the issues that the (413) faces.
413 DAY
THANK YOU!!!
God moved powerfully in our first 413 Day experience!
Nothing quite prepared us for the awesome things we witnessed on April 13, 2024.
Together with people from 4 other churches, The Gathering joined with End Hunger New England to make 10,000 meals that were then delivered to area food banks. In just under 2 hours, these people (many whom had had just met each other) came together for the purpose of feeding the hungry of the (413).
The power behind it all? The heart of King Jesus, who himself felt compassion on many and fed them, too.
If you prayed, participated, or donated, we want to say "THANK YOU".
WHAT IS 413 DAY?
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In the book of Jeremiah in the Bible, God says something stunning to the Jewish people living in captivity in Babylon:
“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile.
Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
JEREMIAH 29:7 (New Living Translation)
Dr. David Kim, former pastor and Director of the Center for Faith and Work at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, has said that this statement by God to the Israelite people is the equivalent of telling the Jews of Berlin in Nazi Germany during WWII to seek the welfare of Berlin. To understand the context of the statement is to comprehend how stunning God’s words are.
As Christians, we are called to love the place where God has placed us. Like the Jews in exile in Babylon more than 2500 years ago, we are bound today to the words God gave them then. However, ask many of the people to claim to follow Jesus how they’re taking a personal initiative to better their city, and you’ll likely find the answer lacking. Sadly, we’ve neglected to love our cities and towns well, and many of these urban centers show the result of that neglect.
413 Day is the starting point in turning that story. In 2024, we’re launching what we hope and pray becomes a grassroots effort to see people across the (413) love on the place we call home. What’s more, we believe this effort should start with the Church.
On SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024, we are working to bring the Church together to serve the greater Springfield area for the day. Whether you can give just some time that day or the whole day, we’re asking you to join in our partnerships with some area non-profits as we seek to love on the (413) on 4/13.
WHAT'S HAPPENING ON 413 DAY, 2024?
HELP US MAKE 10,000 MEALS!
On Saturday, April 13, we're partnering with End Hunger New England, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating hunger in the six New England states. That day, we'll work to pack 10,000 meals that will be taken to area food pantries in the greater Springfield area.
SCHEDULE
8:30am - Meet at LaQuinta Inn & Suites (100 Congress Street, Springfield, MA)
9:00am - pack meals for End Hunger New England
Noon - Complete packing, clean up
LUNCH - Provided by Chick-fil-A of Enfield, CT
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CHURCH IS LET LOOSE ON A CITY FOR JUST A DAY?
Have you ever wondered what would happen to a city if the Church in that city decided they were going to work together to love on that city, even for just a day? This is the question we're asking for 4.13.2025, when we're asking the Church here in Springfield to remember that we're not a building, but a people.
Right now, we're taking suggestions for things we can do on April 13, 2025 that would cause the greatest impact and show the love of Jesus in the most amazing ways on Springfield and throughout the (413). Have an idea? Drop us a line below ...