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Kids go back to schoolNew Beginnings 

Sunday September 8th 2024 (week 78)
 
2 Corinthians 5: 11-19
 
Over the last few days, I have watched and listened as our grandchildren returned to school for the start of a new academic year. For one, a new class and teacher. For another, a new school without his little brother in tow. For that younger brother, a sudden realisation that he’s on his own. And for the eldest of the four, the beginning of those all-important GCSE years. Thankfully, all appear to have managed the transition with a smile.
 
September might not feel like the beginning of anything in calendar terms, but lot’s of us are starting over again. Whether we are schoolteachers preparing a terms’ study, parents getting back into the swing of the twice daily school run, volunteers running groups, someone moving into a new home, or beginning to write devotionals after a summer break, we are all starting a new season.
 
We all need new starts at some point in life. It may be as simple as refreshment after a prolonged period of hard work, or that life has taken a heavy toll and we need a complete new beginning. I did. I remember it well despite being nearly thirty years ago. The Damascus Road for me was a prison cell when Jesus came and said He was running my life from that point on. What He did following that call has been amazing and my life has not been the same since. What He is doing now is just as exciting! And He wants to do the same for you.
 
Whatever your new beginning is right now you can be assured it will be better if Jesus is in it with you. Today’s reading tells us that “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old has gone, the new has come”. This is a promise repeated in Revelation 21:5 when Jesus said to the disciple John, “And now I make all things new!.........Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.”
 
Jesus also said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8: 31&32). Jesus wants to set you free to live the life He has already planned for you, (Ephesians 2:10) and God is the only one who knows what those plans are (Jeremiah 29:11).
 
A new beginning with Jesus is the best beginning of all. If you’ve never given your life to Jesus or need to return to Him you can start by praying the prayer below. Then follow Jesus closely to see where He wants to take you. You will not be disappointed!
 
 
 
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from all that is wrong in me and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.

Neil Bromage, 08/09/2024
Glenys
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.

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 team. We typically have two songs followed by a children's slot. The Limitless Kids and Limitless 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.

New to church

 

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.  The Limitless Youth group 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 Limitless 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 Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader.

Serving and volunteering

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

Other ministries

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

Toddlers & Co 

Food bag provision

Open Doors Team

Church in the Café

Youth Community Outreach

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at the church. You can connect with us using the form below.

Best Wishes
The Gatehouse Leadership Team

 

WATCH OUR CHURCH INTRODUCTION VIDEO

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