gateway magazine
DESCRIPTION
The Winter 2013 edition of the Gateway Alliance Church magazine.TRANSCRIPT
In this season's message series, find out what the Bible reveals about God, Jesus, and you. Who they really are, and who I AM
winter 2013
i a m / / WA T O T O / / l i s t e n i n g p r ay e r / / e a s t e r / / r e l e a s e
G A T E W A YM A G A Z I N E
MUSICAL GUEST
JOHN BAUERAND COMPASSION CANADA
FIND YOUR
PERFECT FITIN ONE OF GATEWAY'S COMMUNITY GROUPS
DIG DEEPER WITH
THE ACADEMYLED BY MARTIN TRENCH
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Socialize with us // JOIN THE CONVERSATION
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Welcome to the winter edition of the Gateway magazine. Use it as your guide to what’s going on at Gateway and make sure you check out the calendar of events at the back of the magazine to get connected!church is not really the building where services are held — it is the community of people who meet there to worship, hear God’s word, and serve one another — and who then go out into their world to truly live as followers of Jesus.
We would love to see you connect in a much deeper way with our church community. We feel that the best way to do that can be summed up in three words - Connect - Grow - Serve
Connect on Sunday at our main service of the week [see next page], where we come together to Connect with God (through worship), with Scripture (through the message), and with each other (as we fellowship before & after the service) .
Grow midweek at our various community groups and our Community Nights once a month with opportunities for all the groups to come together for prayer, communion, and inter-active worship [see page 7].
Serve on a Team and really, if you regard Gateway as your spiritual home, then please consider serving once a month on one of our volunteer teams [gatewayalliancechurch.com/volunteer-opportunities/].
This season’s issue is also your go-to source for information on Gateway, who we are and what we do as well as info on all our upcoming big events and special Sundays!
If you are new here, head over to the info desk in the foyer and make sure you ask for a Welcome Pack. It contains a message CD and a coupon for a free drink in our cafe — we are looking forward to meeting you!
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The phrase “I AM” is used a lot in the Bible. � In the Old Testament, God revealed that His name
is “I AM”
� (“I AM WHAT I AM, that will be my name forever”)
� In the Gospels, Jesus called himself by the title “I AM”
� (“I AM the good shepherd, the way the truth and the life, the bread of life”)
� In the Epistles, I can read about who “I AM in Christ”.
� (“I AM a new creation in Christ, by the grace of God I AM what I AM”)
Over six messages in January and February we will be looking at what the Bible reveals about God, Jesus, and me — who they really are, and who I AM.
SUNDAY MORNINGS at 10am
let the weak person declare ‘I AM STRONG’ (Joel 3:10)
FORGIVENHEALEDLOVEDBLESSEDCREATIVEGIFTED
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At Gateway, kids matter! They are respected for the way God created them. He made them so that they love to play, discover, question and have fun! So we at GatewayKids are all about helping kids BELONG, BELIEVE and BECOME what God made them to be. We believe in kids and have a passion for kids and all that God has for them. Every experience here at GatewayKids has an eternal purpose behind it.
We provide a place for kids from 0 to grade 6. With nursery, a preschool program, an elementary program and a preteen program. Check out the KidCheck center and talk to one of our GatewayKids team members for more information or contact Drake or Jen here at the office.
Emails: [email protected] // [email protected]
gatewaykidsbelong. believe. become
SPECIAL SUNDAYS at Gateway
JANUARY 27th // 10AMCOMPASSION SUNDAY
Compassion Artist and multiple Gospel Music Association winner Jon Bauer will be joining us for this unique Sunday with the entire service dedicated to helping us grow in our understanding of God’s compassion for the poor. It will also be an opportunity for us to intervene in the lives of many children in poverty.
FEBRUARY 24th // 10AMVISION SUNDAY
Come and hear the exciting updates and new ministries beginning at Gateway, as we continue to focus on “Make this place your home”. This service will also double as our AGM (although only members can cast votes) and we will be creatively using social media and video to create a seamless experience.
MARCH 3RD // 10AMWATOTO CHILDREN'S CHOIR
This is the fourth time that Gateway has hosted Watoto, and as well as performing their “Beautiful Africa” production on this evening, (see page 12) they will also be with us at our 10am service to lead us in worship—African style!
MARCH 10TH // 10AMBRAD JERSAK
Brad is an author and teacher based in Abbotsford, BC. His heart is to share the good news that God is Love and that love was shown to us perfectly in Jesus. He will also be with us on the Saturday for a Masterclass (see page opposite).
At Gateway we take our kids' safety seriously.
All workers are screened and trained in Plan to Protect Policies.
Parents, please create a KidCheck Profile at:
http://www.kidcheck.com/signup.aspx
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M A S T E R C L A S S
with Brad Jersak
We are excited and delighted to have Canadian author & teacher, Brad Jersak with us this season.
Through his books and seminars, Brad teaches that anyone can learn to hear God’s voice through the simple practice of "listening prayer". Those who practice listening prayer find that God’s love heals wounded hearts and empowers them to heal this broken world.
� Learn the simplicity of listening prayer and connect with God deeply and personally.
� Experience personal meeting places in different rooms of your heart, in God’s Word, and in your world, that you can access freely whenever you need to meet with Jesus.
� Identify and overcome blocks to connecting intimately with God. Stop the silence!
� Apply listening prayer in decision-making, parenting, in your local church, and for inner healing. Jesus alone is the wonderful counselor who delights to answer your questions.
� Test and Distinguish between God’s voice and all those competing voices.
This Masterclass also includes sessions on discernment, prophetic ministry, and inner healing, with opportunities to learn how to minister in these areas, or receive ministry.
S at u r d ay M a r c h 9 t h , 2 0 1 3 / / 1 0 a m - 4 p m
Cost - $50 includes lunch and coffee, drinks & snacks throughout day. Book at our Info Desk or online at gatewayalliancechurch.com starting January 6th, 2013.
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What is ?
XLR8 is a place where any student can BELONG and feel safe and accepted, where they can explore and wrestle with what they BELIEVE and BECOME all that God made them to be.
We at XLR8 believe in students and have a passion to see them thrive for a full and fulfilled life and to know the power God in their lives.
Make sure to "Like" our Facebook page to stay in the know!
facebook.com/YouthXLR8
email for info:[email protected]
DATE TIME WHAT WHEREJan 4th NO YOUTHJan 11th-13th TBA Jr. High Retreat Camp Nakamun
Jan 18thBus Leaves 6:30pm
"New Year Kick Off: Tobogganing, Snowball Fights, Bonfire and other trouble we will get into"
Meet atthe Church
Jan 25th 7:00pm SEARCH Church
Feb 1st 7:00pm Mall Man Hunt Meet atKingsway Mall
Feb 8th 7:00pm CHAOS Church
Feb 15th-17th TBA Youth Quake (Sr. High)
Briercrest College
Feb 22nd 7:00pm Worship Night ChurchMar 1st 7:00pm Girls & Guys Night Church
Mar 8thBus Leaves 6:30pm
Galaxyland Meet atthe Church
Mar 15th 7:00pm CHAOS ChurchMar 22nd 7:00pm SEARCH Church
Mar 29th NO YOUTH See you at our Good Friday Service :)
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COMMUNITY GROUPSIt's great to be a part of a growing church, but it is also important to build relationships and really become part of the community here at Gateway. To help facilitate that, we have a variety of different Community Groups, each with a different purpose, flavour or emphasis - because everyone is unique, and there is no one group which meets every need.
Watch our Bulletin Board at the church building, or our website for an updated list of all the groups we currently have available.
If you are someone who is searching for a group or you have a desire to lead or host such a group, get more details at the info desk or contact Pastor Drake at [email protected]
COMMUNITY NIGHTSJan 1 6 t h / / F e b 6 t h / / Mar 1 3 t h
Community Nights are a place for you to experience and explore the deeper things of the Christian Faith. This is where you can come and grow in community and is where our various community groups meet together in a larger group setting. From 6.30pm until 8.30pm.
RELAX with good friends and meet new people with our café open and we have a meal together (potluck).
ACOUSTIC STYLE wORSHIP, expressions of adoration, communion, healing, prayer and spiritual gifts
DIG DEEPER into God’s word and how it speaks to your life today.
Women ofWorship Sports &
Social Groups
Render
Mom'sGroupHouseParties
CelebrateRecovery
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SEARCHERS
HOSTILE OPEN SEEKIING FAITHCOMMITMENT
J ESUS ONCE TOLD A STORY TO ILLUSTRATE WHAT GOD IS LIKE, AND WHAT WE ARE VERY OFTEN LIKE. THE STORY GOES LIKE THIS: A father had two sons. The younger son wanted his inheritance now — while the father was still alive. The father gave him his inheritance and his freedom, but unfortunately the son left home, got in with bad company, squandered his wealth on wild living and ended up a pauper. He eventually
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FAITHCOMMITMENT
CONNECTING GROWING SERVING
FOLLOWERS
decided to return to his fathers house — repentant and remorseful — and asked his father for a job. Before he could even apologise, the father threw his arms around him, welcomed him home, and threw a party for him, forgiving and forgetting about all the son's mistakes. The older son was very angry that the father had forgiven the younger son and refused to join the party. The father explained to him that it is right to celebrate when a lost child comes home.
more
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We are like the sons in that story. Either we have rebelled against God and strayed away and squandered the gift of life we have been given, and so we need to return back to our Father's house; or we are so self-righteous that we judge those who make mistakes and don’t even see our own pride and hypocrisy. God is like the Father who gives, loves, forgives, accepts, and reasons with us — all the while longing for us to be part of His family. Wherever we see ourselves in this story, here is a prayer to help you connect with God and take the next step in your journey of faith:
Father God,
I come to you today to seek your forgiveness, blessing, and power.I acknowledge that I have sinned and fallen short of the life you created me for. I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross in my place and for my sins, so that I may receive new life and a new relationship with you; and I believe that he rose from the dead and is alive for evermore. I open up my life fully to the presence of your Spirit, to change me, lead me, and empower me to take the next step in my journey of faith. By your grace, may I become the person you always intended me to be — a fully-forgiven, fully-alive child of the living God.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
WELCOME TO GOD’S PARTY!
“The Kingdom of God is like a man who threw a partyand invited everyone to come!”
JESUSSAID
more
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MILEST
ONES As we journey through life, we occasionally meet with major
milestones in our life - the birth of a child, the beginning of a new relationship, the decision to join a faith community, the
need for support during an illness or crisis. Our Community Pastor, Drake Farmer, together with our Elders Team are happy to help you with the following Milestones:
Becoming a ChristianWater BaptismChild Dedication
Church Membership
Healing PrayerCrisis Counseling
WeddingsFunerals
Enquire at the Info Desk or contact Pastor Drake at the church office.
W orship & Creative Arts is the place for anyone who wants to use their artistic and creative gifts at Gateway.
Right now our main groups are Music, Tech and Scenic Design, but this year, we are building up groups of all kinds of different creative interests—video, media, scenic construction, painting, dance, etc.
If you have any experience—or are willing to learn new skills —in any of the areas mentioned then please get in touch and join with other creative individuals who share your passions!
ContactBrad
[email protected] you're interested in music, scenic construction,
dance, painting etc.
if you're interested in the technical arts e.g. video filming & editing, photography,
print & web design etc.
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MARCH 3 2013AT 7PMadmission is free!(An offering will be received for Watoto)
We are looking for homes to billet the kids and their leaders, please contact the Gateway office if you can help.
tickets are requiredGet your free tickets at the info desk in the Gateway foyer or at the Gateway office starting January 6th, 2013.
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Release is a new ministry department that has been set up for people who are interested in social
justice issues in edmonton and further afield.
Release is all about love in action. We want to be a practical example of God’s love for our
community and beyond. We have already been partnering with groups in the city; raising funds
for Cease (Centre To end all sexual exploitation) and donating bags of much needed winter clothing
to edmonton’s homeless population through The Mustard seed. These partnerships will continue in the New Year and we will work at developing new
relationships too.
Release will be hosting an information event in 2013 to share what’s going on and how you can
get involved. like our Facebook page to see what’s coming up or for more info contact Jac Clayton.
facebook.com/[email protected]
HOSPITALITYoming to church for the first time can be a nerve wracking experience. That’s why we have a fantastic Hospitality Team here at Gateway. Our cafe, info desk, ushering and greeting teams make sure everyone feels at home in our house.
If you are sociable and enjoy helping others feel welcome, please consider getting involved. There’s no pressure to commit yourself forever – you can sign up to help at a one-time event, or just to try a team to see how it fits.
Talk to someone at the info desk in the Gateway foyer for information on how to get involved or email Jac Clayton at [email protected]
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Palm SundayMarch 24th at 10am
An uplifting worship service with great music, media, and message... with a few surprises thrown in! Come and celebrate the coming King with us!
Good FridayMarch 29th at 5:30pm & 7pm
A time of reflection, meditation, worship and prayer as we remember the death of Christ, and celebrate holy communion together in remembrance of the Last Supper. Two service times to choose from.
Easter SundayMarch 31st at 9:15am & 11am
One of our biggest services of the year! The perfect service to invite those who need to hear the good news that sin is forgiven, heaven is open and HE IS RISEN!
This service will feature uplifting/energizing worship music, powerful performances and media, and evangelistic message, and a mass baptism.
If you would like to be baptized at one of our Easter Sunday services, please contact Pastor Drake ([email protected]) to put your name on the list.
a t g a t e w a y
Join us for Holy Week, as we celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come
again
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DATE DAY TIME EVENTJA
N
6th Sunday 10am I AM part 1
13th Sunday 10am I AM part 2
16th Wednesday 7pm Community Night
20th Sunday Service: 10amAcademy: 12.45pm I AM part 3 // The Academy - Part 1
27th Sunday 10am Compassion Sunday
FEB
3rd Sunday Service: 10amAcademy: 12.45pm I AM part 4 // The Academy - Part 2
6th Wednesday 7pm Community Night
10th Sunday 10am I AM part 5
17th Sunday Service: 10amAcademy: 12.45pm I AM part 6 // The Academy - Part 3
24th Sunday 10am Vision Sunday // AGM
MA
R
3rd Sunday 10am & 7pm Watoto Children's Choir
9th Saturday 10am - 4pm Listening Prayer Masterclass with Brad Jersak
10th Sunday 10am Brad Jersak Speaking
13th Wednesday 7pm Community Night
17th Sunday 10am Healing & Communion Service
24th Sunday 10am Palm Sunday Service
29th Friday 5.30pm & 7pm Good Friday Service
31st Sunday 9.15am & 11am Easter Service
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Session 1Date: Sunday January 20th Time: 12:45pm-4:30pm
Session 2Date: Sunday February 3rdTime: 12:45pm-4:30pm
Session 3Date: Sunday February 17th Time: 12:45pm-4:30pm
Registration costs $30 per person for all three sessions.
Please register at the Info Desk or online at gatewayalliancechurch.com starting Jan 6th, 2013
Spaces are limited.
Theology, Leadership & Spiritual Growth with Martin Trench
This season, we will be looking at two subjects:
The Kingdom of GodJesus talked almost exclusively about “The Kingdom of God” - what does that mean, and how can we experience it in our lives. We will look at Kingdom Come (the kingdom “parables of growth”), Kingdom Community (how the church and people of God should reflect the kingdom); Kingdom Consummation (God’s ultimate plan: “Your will be done, Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven”)
Bible MysteriesThe Lost Years of Jesus. The Bible is (almost) silent on where Jesus was and what he did between the ages of 12 and 30. There are legends, historical evidences, and even Biblical clues. We will look at the three strongest ideas: Jesus in the Far East, Jesus in Britain, Jesus of Nazareth.