Connect Gathering
Let us know if you will be joining us for our next event on June 7th at 6:30 PM, 805 South 36th ST,
St. Joseph, MO
What Is a Connect Gathering?
Connect Gatherings are an experience. The moment you step into the room, you'll feel an unmistakable sense of welcome that sets the tone for an unforgettable time together. The most noteworthy part of a Connect Gathering is the people who attend.
Connect Gatherings are monthly events held on the First Friday in various venues, with weekly online expanded content from the team. Connect Gathering contains a Jesus-focused message, uplifting music, engaging conversations, and abundant laughter.
We invite you to join us at the next First Friday Connect Gathering.
We hope to see you at the Connect Gathering,
Jimmie, Sherri, Eric & Cami
between gatherings
our team
Jimmie & Sherri Bratcher
Driven by a deep passion to connect people with Jesus and one another, founded Connect Gatherings. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, they've served in many diverse settings, including churches, prisons, and unconventional venues like "The Buffalo Chip" at The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or beneath the bridge at 1st & Grand ST in downtown Kansas City, reaching out to the homeless. When asked about their ministry, they simply state, "We have the Ministry of Showin’ Up!"
Jimmie is an accomplished blues-rock guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. His 13th album, "Far Enough," soared to #2 on "The Roots Music Reports Blues Rock Album Chart" in 2023, earning the 20th spot on the year-end chart rankings.
Celebrating 50 years of marriage in 2023, the Bratchers are also published authors and proud parents of two married daughters – Jessica and Amanda, and a son, Jason – as well as grandparents to nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Eric & Cami Stark
Eric is a soulful vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer-songwriter known for his diverse original compositions that span symphony, gospel, roots, rock, and choral arrangements. Cami is also an accomplished vocalist and musician who imparts her expertise by teaching vocal and piano, directing choirs, and crafting choral arrangements.
With decades of ministry experience, Eric and Cami led the music department of a large church, performing and overseeing weekly praise and worship services, which involved managing a large team of musicians and choir members.
Residing in St. Joseph, MO, for their entire lives, they are proud parents to two married daughters, Hillary and Emily, and doting grandparents to two granddaughters.
our message
Jimmie has a clear and unwavering goal as a communicator, and he draws inspiration from Mark 12:37, which speaks of how "the common people heard Him gladly," referring to Jesus. Jimmie aims to keep his message simple, authentic and centered on Jesus. He believes in the power of making spiritual truths accessible and relatable to everyone.
The feedback from individuals who have attended The Connect Gatherings is consistently positive and reflects the team's commitment to its mission. Attendees often describe Jimmie’s messages as genuine, deeply inspirational, and truly encouraging. Jimmie's ability to connect with people on a personal and spiritual level is a testament to his dedication to bringing the message of hope, faith, and love to those he serves.
the music
It's a fundamental aspect of our team identity. Eric, Cami, and Jimmie, each with their remarkable careers in music, bring their own unique style and essence to music. Whether it's praise and worship, straight-ahead blues-rock, or R&B, the music at The Connect Gathering has a quality of being both comfortably familiar and refreshingly different. Regardless of the style, most agree that it stirs a deep resonance within your soul.