Pass it on!

March 24^th 2024 (Week 62)

John 15: 26-27

Isn’t it easy to pass on trivia; the current three-for-the-price-of-two offer in Morrison’s` or the nightmare being created by the new local one-way traffic system? In the past and in my work, I was often called on to pass on messages for local businesses which was quite easy because the media is hungry for those stories – “Local business expands”, or “Firm celebrates 25^th birthday” will always be well received.

Sadly, when it comes to passing on the really Good News about Jesus we can all (me included) sometimes find it much harder. But we are obligated to just that. The Bible also tells us that we should share all good things with each other. So with that in mind………..

God’s timing is brilliant isn’t it! Many years ago we were in the midst of watching our business being wound up. On the one hand, we had recognised it needed to happen, not least because it seemed God wanted me elsewhere, but it was creating a real sense of being lost, not knowing what lay down the road, and having to cope with some major financial difficulties.

Imagine then, my joy one morning back then when through my daily readings God said the following things:

Walking away: Exodus 33:14 “My presence will go with you and I will give you victory” (Good News) – The New Living Translation says, “I will personally go with you…..I will give you rest – everything will be fine for you”
Turning the corner: Ecclesiastes 9:1 – Everything is in God’s hands and nothing can get out of control!
Jeremiah 29: 11 “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for”. The New Living Translation adds this note to the verse, “In times of deep trouble it may appear as though God has forgotten you. But God may be preparing you, as he did the people of Judah, for a new beginning with him”………..

After reading each of those messages (they came naturally in the order I’ve written above) I couldn’t fail but to begin to praise God. He knew just how much I needed to hear all those things on that particular morning.

The next time you have a powerful quiet time like that, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pass it on to somebody else so that others can be encouraged too.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you know us so well and that despite our miserable failings you still love us. Thank you that you are in control of absolutely everything and that with that knowledge we can trust you whatever our circumstances.

Neil Bromage, 24/03/2024

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.

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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)

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