Dear Gateway Family,
This past Sunday I made an exciting announcement about a new season we are entering at Gateway. Starting Sunday March 6th we will be shifting to 2 Sunday morning services at 9 and 11am. The elders and council have decided that this is one way we can respond to the call to ‘make room’. This change, like any significant change, will require each of us to make some shifts and changes but the opportunities that it affords are significant. There are two primary reasons we are implementing this change to our Sunday morning schedule:
Firstly, we have a logistical challenge of accommodating our guests and family on Sunday mornings. With the sanctuary being so full it becomes uncomfortable to find a seat; this can especially become a hurdle for guests. Over the past few years we have seen consistent growth
and we believe God is not done building His church which means we must make room for more. In adding another service we literally double our capacity.
Secondly, and more importantly, this is in line with our mission as a church to make more disciples. By trying new things and continually keeping our eyes on the mission of God to reach our city we are responding to the call of Jesus. As we make room in our hearts and in our church I am confident that the Lord will continue to allow us to see people discover the life, healing, empowerment and hope found in Christ.
In trying something new we will also be evaluating the impact of additional services regularly and will work to ensure it is meeting the needs we are responding to. We are also sensitive to the impacts it will have on our volunteers. The biggest ‘cost’ to adding a service is on our volunteers who serve with excellence and love each week.
I ask you to consider partnering with us in 2 ways:
- Pray. Would you set aside a day for the next 4 weeks to spend focused time in prayer for our church family? Our prayers are powerful and we need to seek the Lord for continued direction and covering.
- Serve. To help share the load we are looking to build our Sunday morning teams to ensure a healthy and sustainable schedule. This includes our Kidz Church team (Check-In, Toddler, Pre-School and Elementary Classes), Hospitality team (Greeters, Hosts and Coffee), and Tech Team (Computer Operator and Sound). Contact the office if you are interested in more details and/or are willing to serve in these capacities.
This year we are being Equipped to Shine more brightly than ever before. Let’s respond with our Yes as we partner with God in new ways and see Him do incredible things.
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Matt
