Written in the Stars

February 4^th, 2024 (Week 55 - originally written in December 2022)

Gen 1: 1-16 “……..He also made the stars”

I have a confession to make. Before I became a Christian more than twenty-eight years ago, I had what I would now call an unhealthy interest in horoscopes. I even went as far as having a very personal one written for me by a “local expert”. I’m pretty sure I’ve disposed of it now, but I can recall trying very hard to use it as a guide for my life! Millions of others are still being fooled into doing the same thing every day of their lives as horoscopes are held up by the media and others as providing the answers to all life’s problems.

Similarly, the technique (if that’s the right phrase) of graphology has become widely used, particularly in commerce and industry where it’s believed that insight can be gained into a person’s character and whether they are likely to be good employees, simply by looking at their handwriting. This is interesting because since becoming a Christian I have changed (believe me, please). Maybe not in all the ways I need to change but most certainly in the fundamentals, e.g. God is in charge now, not me!

You see, I have amongst other things, realised the extent of my sinful nature; my capacity to “do a Jonah” and run away from what God is telling me to do; the thoughts that I allow to enter into my mind and linger for just a moment longer than they should; and my reluctance to love people I find difficult. If I look at all the really bad things I used to do (and no, I will not mention them all here, ever) I know just how much I’ve changed. Thank you, Lord.

And there’s the problem with stars and graphology, I have changed, but my handwriting hasn’t. My personal signature is just as illegible as it’s always been, but it’s still used on cheques, my passport and driving licence. It’s still used to identify me. Presumably, that would mean that my character is still the same. But it’s not, because somewhere, deep down inside of me I know that Jesus lives in me, and I want more than anything to live my life according to His will and expectations.

If the stars tell us anything it should be that God created them, us, and everything. The Constellations are all there in the same place they’ve always been. That reminds us that God is still in control and doesn’t change. His character and His love for each one of us is and will remain the same, forever – whatever the state of our handwriting. Anything that tries to convince us otherwise is clearly not of God but of the one who seeks to drag us away from him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to recognise that some things which are bad for us are often wrapped up in appealing parcels. Please give us wisdom to know instinctively when something is not what it seems.

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and when

We meet at the Church Building (details here) for our Sunday Service starting at 10:30am. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets in the main foyer.

Our service

The main service begins at 10.30am with a warm welcome from one of our team members. Then follows a time of sung worship, led by our worship leader. We typically have two songs followed by a children's slot. The children and youth will then normally go off to their respective groups. If you have children you will be able to spot and speak to one of the leaders - they will be wearing a bright yellow t-shirt! There will usually be a time of prayer and communion. We normally have another time of sung worship followed by a sermon that is bible based and that we can apply to our everyday life. We then finish with a final worship song. Sometimes there is an opportunity to receive prayer at the end of the service.

When our team is available we serve tea, coffee and biscuits from 12pm, after the service. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

sunday services

What about my kids?

We have a great programme lined up for kids/teens:

Creche - from approx. 6 months to 5 years (decided on a child by child basis)
Limitless Kids (4/5 - 11/12 years)
Limitless Youth (school years 7-11)

Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service for two worship songs and the “Kids slot” and then go to creche or Limitless Kids. Limitless Youth may go out at the same time as the children but sometimes stay in the service to take communion before going to their class. Children can be picked up by parents after the service ends (but not before 12pm).

The kids group activities vary depending on the age but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games and free play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.

Getting Connected

Small Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a couple of groups that meet every week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to Join a team.

Other Ministries

We also run the following ministries and regularly support various missionaries who are part of the Elim Missions work:

Toddlers & Co weekly group
Foodbag provision
Open Doors Team
Church in the Cafe
Youth Community Outreach

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at the church.

Best Wishes
The Gatehouse Church Team

About us

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you. (*Mandatory Fields)

*Name:

Telephone:

*Email Address:
*Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.