GatewayLife

March Lunch Bunch!

Tuesday, March 23

11:00am

In the Hospitality Area

Children are welcome

Contact Trish Butterfield for more info.

March Titus 2

Thursday, March 25, 6-8:30pm

Our Gateway ladies had such a wonderful time getting together in February and it’s time to put our March gathering on your calendar. It will be on Thurs., March 25 from 6-8:30pm at the home of Catheryn Collins, 116 Arrowhead Dr. Plan on being there and inviting a friend. These gatherings are a great way to connect with other ladies and make new friends.

Basketball Awards Celebration

On Sat., Feb. 20, coaches, players, Gateway family, and family members of the players gathered to celebrate the official end of the basketball season for 2010. There was a cookout with all the trimmings followed by awards presentations. A special thanks was given to all the coaches: Drew Burton, Eddie Chambers, Seth Rhodebeck, Daniel Ezzell, and Mike Brake as well as to Missy Crews, the official basketball team’s mom!

   

 
 
 
 

Basketball Season Scores Big

The four Gateway teams that went to the state basketball finals in early February all came home with place trophies! The JV teams finished first and third. The varsity teams won second and fourth place. There were nearly 40 players and coaches and a host of family and friends who made the trip to the tournament.

Thoughts from Drew Burton - "As we left the tournament and I reflected on the 36-hours or so that we had with our students over the weekend, the one thing that was so clear to me was the tremendous teaching opportunities that arose throughout the weekend. Our coaches and chaperones had countless conversations with the players, collectively and individually, to talk about God’s character and His plan for their lives. We also had several opportunities to challenge the guys about personal character issues they were struggling with. From the ride to and from the tournament, to our "living together" in the hotel and, without question, the times we shared in the locker room and on the court, the entire experience was such a blessing from start to finish. These young men will be forever impacted by this one experience and it will serve as a common ground that we will draw from in our ongoing ministry with the students."

Church Directory Portraits

Lifetouch will be here 1/28 - 1/30 to take portraits for the 2010 church directory.  There is no cost for this and each family will receive a free 8x10 print from the company.    Each family must register for a time to take pictures on one of these days.  The session should take no more than 30 minutes.  Register Here!

Additional prints and poses can be purchased at the time the pictures are taken.

Contact the church office at 272-9494 for more information.

A Time To Serve

Each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Gateway has a encouraged
service opportunities by members in our local community.  This year there is a wide
selection of options available again and they are being organized by the
various Life Groups and Sunday School classes in the church.  We need you to join with them in being the hands and feet of Jesus again this year!  Call the church office at 272-9494 for details and contact information about any of these...

Cakes for the Bullock Correctional Facility Prisoners
Provide money for or store-bought cakes for the graduation on December 4th of
prisoners that Lindy Waight (Gateway Church member) works with at the prison

Raising Awareness of the Christian Roots of Martin Luther King Day
Outreach to Montgomery youth focused on the Christian roots of the civil
rights movement. Involves interaction with youth and provision of snacks. A
power washer is also needed.

Salvation Army Bell Ringers (for the Youth)
Collect donations for the mission/work of the Salvation Army by manning the
Red Kettle/ringing the bell for a 1 hour time period at the Wal-Mart on
Atlanta Hwy

Collection of Used Toys / Warm Jackets to Refugee’s Children in Atlanta
(for the Youth)
Opportunity to provide used toys to the kids of recent refugee families (many
have not had toys before) and interact with them.

Collection of Toys and Clothing via Montgomery Area Ministries
Collection and provision of toys and clothing to people via ministries in the
Montgomery area

Adopting Needy Families for Christmas
Purchase and delivery of gifts and the Gospel to families in the Chisholm
community

Visit the Seniors at John Knox Nursing Home
Interacting with the seniors in Christmas activities

Visit the Seniors at Crown Nursuing Home
Interacting with the seniors in Christmas activities

Serve Food at the Salvation Army
Serving food to the patrons on that day as well as the provision of desserts
(pies, cakes, etc.) for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Providing Christmas Stockings for Children of Prisoners thru Angel Tree
Purchase, stuff and deliver 25 stockings and the Gospel to children in the
name of their prisoner-parent

24 Hour Fast with Prayer
Concentrated time to pray specifically for the poor, racial reconciliation
and social justice in Montgomery.

Message For Sunday, November 29th

No Neutral Parties

A survey reading of the Gospels does a lot of good in dispelling myths about who Jesus is and what he tells us to do. How often have we heard (or said) in the modern context: "God is Love and Jesus is all-loving" as an excuse to go on with whatever sin we are committing. 

In the modern context, we are content to let people believe what they believe so long as it is not actively atheistic or another religion. We are content in our own lives to view God as an addition instead of viewing him as Lord. As long as we go to church every now and then and say "God is Great" before dinner, then we think we can live our lives in any way we want and God will bless them.

Read Matthew 12:22-36. 

Read it again.

Wow. This all-loving God has some harsh words for those who practice empty religion. There is no such thing as middle-ground with Jesus. There are no neutral parties. We are either with him or we are against him. We either bear fruit that Christ brings forth in us or we do not and prove that we are not truly following him.

For those who do not know Christ, there will be judgment and there will come a point where the gift Christ will be offered no more. I wonder often if we truly live our lives with the understanding that God is a God of holiness and that judgment awaits those who do not follow him.

Do we live our lives completely committed to Christ? Or are we playing games? Do we add Jesus on to our lives to make sure we cover the "religion" aspect? Or are we following God?

Peace,

Jeff Moody

jeffmoody82@gmail.com

Brighton Estates Health Awareness Day

Brighton Estates Health Awareness Day

Saturday August 8, 2009 9:00 am

All ages are invited!

Fun Run / Jog / Walk through the neighborhood

Nutrition and Exercise Clinic

Lots of fruit and fluids provided

Suggested donation of $5
(towards our Building Fund)

Mission Trip to the Coast

Mission Trip to the Coast
(from a chaperone's perspective)

Missy Crews along with several other adults heped chaperone the recent youth m ission trip to the coast. Here are her thoughts:

The group we took on the mission trip this year was very cohesive. Everyone worked together to accomplish our common goal, loving others and representing Christ. In Louisianna, we participated in a Car Wash Fundraiser and a 2 day Kids' Camp. Even though we were not assigned duties and were just "helping", no one hesitated to jump right in and assist Northwood with their activities. In Mississippi, we knew our assignment and even though we hit a few bumps everyone did a fantastic job with VBS. The kids that participated had a great experience and wished that they "couild come to church their every day!" Big thank you to Drew and Erika for all their hard work.

   

Who is Jesus?

I love the Gospel of Matthew because it gives us constant glimpses into who Jesus is instead of just his actions. Look at Matthew 12:15-21.

Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 
 Here is my servant whom I have chosen, 
 the one I love, in whom I delight; 
 I will put my Spirit on him, 
 and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 
 He will not quarrel or cry out; 
 no one will hear his voice in the streets. 
 A bruised reed he will not break, 
 and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, 
 till he leads justice to victory. 
 In his name the nations will put their hope.

Jesus is not pretentious. He does not come in majesty humbled himself. He does not come screaming from the public square. (Those times are coming). He is God and shares truth with the masses. He has compassion on the broken and humbles the proud.

In our "add-on Jesus" culture where we throw his name in to whatever we are doing, do we stop long enough to see the real Jesus? Do we still take pride in our own actions? Why? We have nothing to boast about but Christ.

Our attitude should reflect Christ's (Philippians 2). I constantly see and struggle with my own desires to glorify myself. "Hey everyone, look at me! I'm so spiritual..." The real question is "Am I walking humbly with my God?" If so, then my life will look a lot more like Jesus.

Peace,

Jeff Moody

Titus 2 "Get-Acquainted" Fellowship, 6:30pm, Thursday, July 23

All ladies are invited to come out for an evening of games, fellowship, food, etc. and help us welcome new ladies coming into our community and church. Please feel free to invite your friends and neighbors. The gathering will take place at the home of Shannon Morris, 118 Arrowhead Drive.

New Building Going Up!!!

  If you've been by the church property on Bell Road, you'll see lots of activity going on! The new building is being put together with framing reaching to the sky! By all reports, it should be finished by late October. Keep praying and believing God to provide for us!

Celebrating 25 years of Ministry!

Our anniversary celebration on May 17 was a wonderful day of blessings and remembrances. Over 250 people were in attendance for this special day. Mitch & Christie Schumacher shared about their time at Gateway and their ministry now in KY. Charlie & Martie Elgin shared about how God led them to Gateway and then to the coast of Mississippi. Lisa Rose from the Montgomery Baptist Association presented a
plaque to Pastor Alan recognizing our 25 years of ministry. On behalf of the Senior adults, Ray Bozeman presented a memorial plaque to the church. Mitchell David (stage name) shared an original song as part of our worship. James (Cindy) Skipworth, former Children’s Minister, shared about the impact of Gateway on him and his family. A delicious catered meal was enjoyed by everyone!

Backyard Bible Club

 






















Summer is such a great time to be outdoors and what better reason to be outdoors than 
to have a Backyard Bible Club? That is exactly what one team from Gateway did this week!
on Sunday a group went out into the neighboorhood and passed out flyers meeting 
many neighbors of our church along the way. The children that have come out have been
so happy to be here. The kids have played games,learned about God's love and had a great
time. They are really enjoying Mr. Chris and Mr. Bruno leading games especially the team
skiing event! The watermelon and snacks are also a hit!
If you have a child in 1st or 3rd grade, bring them out for the fun!

Click on the photo to the left or the link below to view more photos. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50854335@N00/sets/72157621134698336/
Check back later for more photos!

Pac-Man Softball Team won the Championship!

Pac-Man Softball Team won the Championship!

They finally did it! The Gateway Baptist Church Pac-Man Softball Team won the Championship against Heritage Baptist Church ! Gateway had 3 softball teams that played this year incorporating guys from the Kid’s Club. It was a rainy season so a lot of the games got pushed back to June and it was hot and humid. Stretch Armstrong advanced to the second round of the tournament and had a very exciting final game. We thought two Gateway teams would be playing each other in the championship. Scoring 9 runs in the last inning only to lose by 2 points, it was still an exhilarating game! Many fans from Gateway came out to cheer Pac-Man on and “help” Drew coach. It was a fabulous win and we are so proud of our Pac-Man team!

   

 

Gateway 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

The Collins Life Group initiated “Always a Time to Serve” in July and August to piggy-back off of our “Time to Serve” events that we always plan in December. A few Saturdays ago, we had a 3-on-3 Black Top Basketball Tournament. God blessed this event in amazing ways. Many people from the church came out to volunteer and help. The Brighton Estates Homeowner’s Association donated two extra goals to our church because so many people form the neighborhood came out to play ball throughout the year. We had 8 or 10 teams sign up to play in the tournament. Volunteers helped with registration, setting up tents, music, cooking and serving food and it was a day of community celebration. The Montgomery Advertiser (local newspaper) was on hand and created a video (see below). It rained on Saturday so we continued the tournament on Sunday. It rained Sunday too, but about 4:00 pm the rain stopped and all of the teams came back including the old-timers (so they called themselves) who won all of their games. We set up tables and had hot dogs on the lawn Sunday and many expressed interested in growing closer in their walk with the Lord.

 

Read more:

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906140304

The Poor and Needy

I drove through one of Montgomery’s most impoverished sections of town this morning (Rosa Parks from Downtown to Fairview Avenue) and then I stayed on Rosa Parks all the way to the South Blvd.

Those not from Montgomery only need to know that this area of town is rough. Once beautiful homes are in disrepair. People are standing around with nothing to do and nowhere to go. I drove by a drug deal, I think. (Parked car, money exchanged, you tell me). There are several housing projects in this stretch.

The whole time I felt like God was moving me to make this drive. I did not have to go down Rosa Parks as it was not even the fastest route to my job from where I had a meeting downtown. The whole time I was moved to compassion for a destitute area with very little hope.

Except…

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has hope for these people and for this community. Ultimately, people are selfish and even the best among us will revert to selfishness but for the work of Jesus Christ in the hearts of people.

The Bible says:

For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. – Psalm 9:18.

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. – Proverbs 14:21.

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. - Proverbs 14:31.

These samples are just part of an overall picture in Scripture of a God who loves the poor and calls us to love them as well. Yet we who are privileged have a tendency to sit in our ivory towers and look down on the world. We say that they have done this to themselves.

We are probably right in some cases, but God has not called us to pass judgment on the poor. He has called us to help the poor and to love them as he loves them. He has called us to take his truth that changes the soul to these people.

The sins of pride and selfishness affect the wealthy as much as the poor. The Gospel changes our hearts and moves us to seek a higher goal, Jesus. He is the solution for poverty. We can trust government programs that may fill the belly temporarily, but true and lasting change only comes from Jesus.

Do we have a heart for this city, for Montgomery, Alabama? Do we understand what it means to love our neighbors?

I do not, but I pray that God will continue to turn my heart toward the poor. 

Thanks, 

Jeff Moody

Is it Lawful?

Jesus has an interesting episode with the Pharisees in Matthew 12:9-14. The issue is whether or not it is lawful for Jesus to heal on the Sabbath. The Pharisees interpreted Sabbath law to the point that it was unlawful to do ANY work on the Sabbath. 

Again, they see the law but miss the point. Jesus answers them practically and in doing so brings their heart into question: 

Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

Let's be honest. We are all guilty of being Pharisees. We do our best to bring God down to a list of do's and don'ts and we miss out on the whole point. We take good things, like following God's command on the Sabbath, and make an entire legal structure out of it that we end up using to exalt ourselves and put others down. 

When we read the Gospels, we run the risk of making the Pharisees the "other." You know what I mean: "I can't believe they acted like that!" The reason why these interactions are included in the Gospels is so that Jesus can challenge our hearts in the same way he challenged theirs. 

Of course it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. The Pharisees were so caught up in their own attempts at righteousness that they missed the point. 

Do we get the point? Do we do things hoping to earn favor with God or do we do things because we have favor with God and he has told us to do them as a part of the life he gives us? These distinctions are very important because we must look inside ourselves lest we fall into the same trap as the Pharisees. 

Peace, 

Jeff Moody

jeffmoody82@gmail.com

Empty Religion Means Nothing

Matthew 12:7

And if you had known what this means, "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice," you would not have condemned the guiltless. 

The Pharisees had everything figured out, so they thought. However, they missed the continual words of the Scriptures they supposedly loved so dearly, like Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness (mercy), and to walk humbly with your God. 

Contrast this statement with what Jesus said about the Pharisees in Matthew 23. 

For thety preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. 

You shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces.

You tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and merct and faithfulness. 

You also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 

We must ask ourselves: Is my Christianity based on Jesus or on me? Do I do what he says for his glory and his kingdom or to be seen by others? This is a heart issue. If we only work on the outside, the result will be empty religion and we will not know God. If we seek Jesus with all our hearts (Jer. 29:13), then we will follow his calling by his power. 

Let us not be distracted by empty deeds but seek to follow God with all our hearts. In doing so, he will give us a heart of mercy for others. 

Peace, 

Jeff Moody

jeffmoody82@gmail.com