The Old Gate

A Hearthside Gathering

On memory, inheritance, and the quiet invitations we leave behind.

A complete, ready-to-use printable Bible study gathering for women, combining an original story, Scripture, meaningful discussion, personal reflection, and simple host materials—all thoughtfully prepared so you can gather around the table and begin.

Memory can preserve a name.

Only Christ can answer the grave.

The Old Gate begins with a small family cemetery on a West Virginia hillside and the weathered iron gate that once marked its entrance. Years after the surrounding fence disappeared, the gate was found stored away in a basement.

Eventually, it was carried back outside and given a new purpose.

Today, the same gate that once marked the place of the dead stands beside a roadside honor stand, holding a sign that welcomes the living.

Its history has not been erased. But neither has it been asked to remain in the past.

Centered on John 11:25–26 and Hebrews 12:1–2, The Old Gate considers family memory, inherited faithfulness, grief, and the resurrection hope that turns our attention beyond remembrance toward Christ. Those who came before us may leave behind stories, convictions, sacrifices, habits, and examples that continue to shape our lives. Their witness matters—but our eyes ultimately remain fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Together, participants will consider what it means to inherit faithfulness rather than simply inherit a history; how to discern what should be preserved, adapted, or released; and how resurrection hope makes room for genuine grief without allowing grief to have the final word.

This Gathering also turns our attention toward the lives we are living now. What worthy inheritance have we received? How might its deeper purpose become present-tense faithfulness rather than mere preservation? And what quiet invitation are we leaving behind for someone who comes after us—not to control how we will be remembered, but to leave the way a little more open toward Christ, welcome, or service?

A Gathering Made Ready for You

The Hearthside Gatherings were created to make meaningful time around Scripture feel both substantial and approachable.

You do not need to write a lesson, develop discussion questions, or figure out how to turn a roomful of women into a Bible study.

It has already been gathered for you.

Inside The Old Gate, you’ll find a complete printable experience designed to move naturally from welcome and Scripture into story, conversation, and personal reflection.

Your download includes:

• The complete Participant Packet
• Original The Old Gate essay
• Primary and secondary Scripture readings
• Around the Table discussion questions
• Return to This Truth closing reflection
• Two-page Personal Reflection, At the Gate
• Complete Host Guide
• Invitation
• Table Card
• Scripture Card
• Printable candy bar wrapper
• Start Here Printing Guide
• Permission to Gather guide
• Printer-friendly materials where appropriate

Gather Around a Table—or Begin Right Where You Are

A Hearthside Gathering can be used with a church group, women’s ministry, small group, Sunday school class, book-club-style gathering, a few friends around a kitchen table, or simply on your own.

The Host Guide provides gentle direction without requiring you to become a teacher. The discussion questions are designed to encourage thoughtful conversation rather than search for a single “right” answer.

And if gathering a group isn’t practical right now, the Participant Packet can also be worked through individually as a personal study and reflection.

Simple to Prepare

Everything is delivered digitally so you can print what you need at home or through your preferred print service.

The included Start Here guide walks you through the pieces and printing recommendations, while the Permission to Gather guide explains how the materials may be printed and shared for your gathering.

Bring the packets.

Set the table.

Maybe make something good to eat.

And allow an old gate to begin a conversation about what we have received, what we are called to carry forward, and the resurrection hope that reminds us the grave was never meant to have the final word.