Stories Behind the Gathering Table

This blog is a place where story and table meet.

The Gathering Table was not created from a business plan alone, but from lived experience—seasons of gathering and seasons of letting go, moments of abundance and moments of limitation. The stories shared here come from real life: family, faith, work, hospitality, grief, joy, and the ongoing learning that happens when you try to make room for others while navigating change yourself.

Over time, these personal stories began to shape a deeper conviction—that presence matters more than perfection, that hospitality is about people more than presentation, and that meaningful connection often happens in the most ordinary, imperfect spaces. This blog exists to explore those convictions honestly.

Some posts are reflections on family and tradition. Others are rooted in faith, community, or the practical realities of building a place centered on welcome. Together, they tell the story of how The Gathering Table came to be—and what continues to guide it: authenticity, generosity, and the belief that shared space can become sacred ground.

Whether you are here because you love gatherings, are walking through a season of change, or are simply longing for a place that feels welcoming and real, you are invited to pull up a chair. There is room at the table.

Why Team Building Matters to Me
Laura Burger Laura Burger

Why Team Building Matters to Me

Teamwork has been at the center of my life for a long time — from campus ministry to classrooms, to watching my own kids on teams. I’ve seen over and over that real collaboration doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built on trust, understanding, and how we show up for one another under pressure. I shared more of that story on the blog today.

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🌿What the Ducks Know
Laura Burger Laura Burger

🌿What the Ducks Know

Watching our ducks make their way to the water has become a daily reminder that direction doesn’t always require sight. This reflection explores what it means to be guided—call by call, step by step—without knowing exactly where the path leads.

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When There Is No Room (and Why That Might Be Enough)
Laura Burger Laura Burger

When There Is No Room (and Why That Might Be Enough)

This is the fourth post in our blog series sharing the heart and vision behind The Gathering Table. This week, I’m writing about a quieter Christmas—one without all the decorations, but full of presence, acceptance, and grace. It turns out that what the manger teaches us is still true: not fancy can still be enough.

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Making Room for Christmas
Laura Burger Laura Burger

Making Room for Christmas

God has a way of nudging us to see the people right in front of us. This Christmas, I’m learning to listen — even when life feels full and overwhelming. Here’s my story.

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