Danger: Building under repair

Sunday 21^st April 2024 (Week 66)

Ephesians 4: 17-31

Why is it that the homes we live in always seem to need something done to them? Twenty years ago, we moved into a house that’s quite old (and I’m sure that’s what we will be when everything in it is finally finished). There were windows that needed replacing and others that would last a while longer. The kitchen (my wife said) desperately needed to be disposed of, despite being a collectible war-time antique. The bathroom was of a colour that hadn’t been made since the fifties – the very early fifties! – and to top it all off there was no central heating and the whole place was like a draughty Siberian barn in mid-winter (and still is)! Then, of course, there’s the garden, garage, pointing of brickwork…the list went on.

So perhaps we should have bought a new house? Ask anyone who’s done that (and we have) and they will tell you that the repair and renewal list is equally long. In fact, the minute you move into a brand new house you’ll find there are still things to do. You were enticed by a show home where the décor and furnishings were perfect. Move in and the garden needs doing, the lounge needs decorating and there’s not quite enough space for the fridge freezer!

So, it seems that wherever we live there is always work to be done, and just as we finish one area another needs starting.

Our Christian lives are very much the same. If we are truly examining ourselves in the light of God’s Word there will always be areas in need of repair and restoration.

It’s interesting how the Bible can throw light on those parts of our lives that need mending if we’re prepared to put ourselves under His scrutiny. The Word of God is always alive and fresh and no matter how well we think we know the Bible or particular passages God’s Word can always come alive in new ways to highlight things we’ve not previously seen. It can help us to recognise our selfishness, pride, envy, or greed in any situation.

In this way, we are constantly being renewed by God’s Word, repaired, and rebuilt for use by Him. However, we can’t afford to be complacent, there will always be work to be done. But unlike our unfinished homes, God promises to complete in us the work He has started (Phil 1:6). And so, we can have confidence that whilst we will always, in this life, be buildings under repair, one day, in Heaven, we will be finished.

I don’t know about you but I’m really looking forward to being a beautiful thatched cottage with rambling roses around my doorways!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that we can rely upon you to complete the restoration you have begun within us. Help us to have that same commitment to you.

Neil Bromage, 21/04/2024

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.
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.