It was so exciting last Sunday to see so many of you wanting to commit to being rooted in Gateway Elim and becoming members. And it was so good to share fellowship with you all over lunch – what a feast! The AGM was a great success too. We overwhelmingly confirmed our Elders, David & Denise Nicholas, and Phil O’Brien for the next 4 years. I also spoke of how Liz and I have agreed to stick around to pastor you all until we retire in 3 years. In that time we hope to have someone in place ready to take the reins. We also want to train up more leaders – we’ll explain more about what that looks like in due course. We covered a lot of really important stuff in the AGM so if you missed it and want to know more, do come and have a conversation with me.

You all know Sue and she has been so helpful in keeping the office running smoothly but she has also been looking forward to finally retiring – something that she well deserves. We have been through an interview process and have appointed Trish Smith as her replacement. Trish is currently working alongside Sue, getting to know the ropes and learning the important parts of the role. We thank Sue for her many years of faithful service and ask you to pray for Trish as she steps into this really important role.

And finally, Advent starts this Sunday – 30th November which means it’s so very nearly Christmas. Our Christmas programme is out, and you’ll be able to get involved in everything from our Christmas Meal on the 7th Dec, to the Nativity on the 14th Dec, to our Candlelit Carol concert on the evening of the 21st Dec. I love Christmas. So let’s make this year special for all who are a part of the family here at Gateway as we celebrate together the giving of the greatest gift of all time – Jesus. It’s also a great time to invite your friends into the warmth of our family friendly celebrations, let them feel and know the love of the Saviour over this time.

May God bless you and all your families as you seek to serve him now and on into 2026.

Blessings

Pastor Dave Wellington & Liz