Dead Ringers

April 7^th 2024 (Week 64)

Matthew 10: 29-31 & Psalm 139: 13-16

Our eldest grandson, Zac, is thirteen. He lives close by, and we see him often. Now that he is old enough to make his way to different places on the “stunt” scooter that appears glued to his feet he frequently turns up at our house unannounced. I obviously know him very well. So imagine my surprise when, as I`m stuck in traffic at a local roundabout I spot him at the side of the road, helmeted and with his scooter, alongside another boy with a bicycle. That`s Zac, I say to myself whilst pressing the horn of the car to attract his attention. He looks directly at me and turns away as the traffic begins to move off and I have to follow suit. I immediately call his dad to ask where Zac is only to be told he is six or seven miles away in Cleveleys and that it was a case of mistaken identity!

It is often said that we all have a double, that there is someone out there who looks exactly like we do. A dead ringer. We have all probably seen someone, somewhere and thought they looked like someone we know but couldn`t quite place them.

In my younger days I was often mistaken for the (then) high profile entertainer Jimmy Tarbuck. Strangers would often stop me in the street thinking I was the famous comedian. I was also fortunate to be on stage with the star at the ABC Theatre in Blackpool in 1970/71. I was about fourteen at the time and won a competition that he led in front of a packed house. Along with a prize, the nature of which I don`t recall, and with my mum and dad watching in the audience, “Tarby” promised to buy me a pint after the show.

None of us are identical. Not even identical twins are fully alike. We are all unique because that`s the way God made us and wants us because He has a unique plan for each of our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God (alone) knows the plans He has for us and being the planner God is, that’s a specific, unique plan for each one of us.

God created every part of us and has allotted the number of our days (Ps 139). Isaiah tells us (64:8) that God moulded us like a potter gently moulding clay, His hands forming us into what He wanted us to be. Unique, as every pot that comes off the potter’s wheel is unique.

There is no-one else like you or me. There may be those with some resemblance but there are no dead ringers. As the Psalmist said, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful….”. In other words, you are perfect and uniquely made for a specific plan that God has already written for you. No-one can copy it and only you have been created and gifted to accomplish it.

What are you waiting for?

And btw, Tarby still owes me that pint!

Prayer: Father, thank you for making each one of us unique. Thank you that have already have a unique plan for each of our lives. Please help us to follow you into that good, perfect, pleasing plan that you have for use and help us to remember that you have already given us a certain number of days in which to complete it.

Neil Bromage, 07/04/2024

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.
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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.