Much more than an idea

February 11^th, 2024 (Week 56)

2 Samuel 22: 1-4

In my writing life, and particularly when I was working as a freelance journalist, I needed a constant supply of good subjects about which to write. Ideas were my lifeblood, especially when writing articles for the mainstream media where the competition was severe, and producing an article every week for a government organisation and local evening newspaper, whilst also finding ideas for the various Creative Writing groups I taught. It’s no different now when it comes to writing these notes each week. I need the idea. It would be easy to wonder where they all came from.

A few years ago, I was fortunate to meet with one of the country’s most successful and celebrated authors Ian Rankin, writer of the now televised Rebus novels. We met in the Oxford Bar in Edinburgh where Rebus frequently drinks to discuss our writing. Ian had also been the subject of a BBC “Imagine” documentary that followed him through one year and the writing of one novel. During the programme titled, Ian Rankin and the Case of the Disappearing Detective (available on Youtube) and in response to being asked about his writing process he said, “If you were a spiritual person you’d say there’s something up there that’s connecting all these things and bringing the stories to you. It’s as though the stories are up there just waiting to be channelled to you.”

I have never missed a writing deadline because God is faithful and the ideas have been channelled to me just when I have needed them. But God is faithful in much more than the simple provision of ideas. I have seen his faithfulness in so many different aspects of my life, like when an anonymous cheque dropped through our letterbox at a point of real need many years ago. I have seen His protection against physical harm from others, His grace in accepting me, a sinner, and granting me mercy rather than the guilty judgment I deserve. I have seen his hand at work in my marriage of nearly fifty years which should have failed a long time ago as a result of the havoc I wreaked upon it. Ultimately, I have witnessed the powerful presence of His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit in my Damascus Road conversion.

Kind David, once a mere shepherd boy, also claimed the Lord was his protector and saviour after running from various enemies. His recognition of God’s work in his life resulted in an outpouring of gratitude and love expressed in today’s reading and many of the Psalms.

God is interested in every aspect of our lives, however large or small. His love for us is so great that he gave His one and only son, Jesus to die a painfully excruciating and lonely death. If He is prepared to do that, how much more do you think He wants to give to you in your life right now.

I need to ask myself what my outpouring of love and gratitude looks like. How about you?

Prayer: Father, thank you for everything you give to us, and help us to show our love for you in a daily outpouring of love, faithful service, and worship.

Neil Bromage, 11/02/2024

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.