Just a few days ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ali Vincent, the first female to be the Biggest Loser.Just a few days ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ali Vincent, the first female to be the Biggest Loser. For those of you who don’t know, I have been a fan of this TV program, and two years ago, I watched as Ali completely turned her physical life around by losing 112 pounds, 48% of her body weight! While standing in line to meet her at Famous Footwear in Grossmont Center, I was able to talk with several people also waiting to see this former champion of weight loss. The one thing all of us found in common was that we are Christians. On reflection, I think part of the appeal of The Biggest Loser program is that transformation is possible. Someone’s daily decisions, however small, can make huge differences in their life. Of course, I don’t watch a single episode without thinking this is exactly what Christ wants to do in our hearts; and what we are about at Gateway. The transformations that we have seen are absolutely amazing. God wants to inspire us from being ineffective, and enable us to be His ambassadors. Come Sunday to hear Pastor Sam Williams preach. http://www.gatewaychurchonline.com/stories/movies/ Make this summer a summer of remarkable change for the good. I’ll see you at Gateway Church. In Christ,
Pastor Mark
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( 2.9 / 32 )Coach John Wooden just passed away. He was born October 14, 1910 in a little town called Hall, Indiana. He went on to become a three time all American basketball player at Purdue University, and then Player of the Year in 1932, leading Purdue to a national championship; however, none of his accomplishments as an athlete became the impact that his life would have on others. The shadow that John Wooden cast was never as competitor, but as a teacher, coach and leader of men. As a coach at UCLA, his teams went on to win ten national championships, four of those seasons being undefeated. Some have called him not only the greatest basketball coach but also the greatest coach of all time, and this man had a real influence on my own life. How can someone whom I have never met help change my life’s direction? Coach Wooden simply focused tenaciously on a few important key elements of life. In his book, They Call Me Coach, he states his “pyramid of success” which include “industriousness and enthusiasm as its cornerstones: faith, patience, loyalty and self control were the building blocks leading to competitive greatness.” [Beth Harris, AP] John Wooden clearly took his faith into the marketplace of ideas, and we as Christians should never be afraid to do the same. When asked what he hoped to hear when he gets to the other side of life, Coach Wooden would always respond, “I want to hear, ‘Well done,’” echoing the same phrase the Apostle Paul said when he finished his life as a preacher and a missionary. Truly whatever our vocation, we should pursue with excellence and wholeheartedness the life God has asked us to live. This Sunday I will continue preaching from the Proverbs in both services, so with the Holy Spirit living through us, we can be the best that we can be.
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
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( 2.8 / 92 )On Sunday, there will be a double feature at Gateway Church. When I was a child, I always liked going to the movies and especially when there was a double feature: two movies, two shows completely unrelated but doubling the fun. Tomorrow, Pastor Eric Mukwenda from Tanzania will be preaching at the 8:30 service, giving us a report on the work there. I will be speaking at 10:15, continuing the series Get Wisdom, Get Understanding, Get Smart, looking at advice from the Proverbs. My hope is that you are continuing to read a Proverb a day and that all of us can benefit from God’s wisdom. So whether you are an early bird that likes the blended style or a member that prefers the contemporary sound, my prayer is that this Memorial Day Weekend, you’ll come and celebrate with us at Gateway. Read further for two important announcements.
Beginning this Sunday for adults...Crown Financial Course, Discovering God’s Way of Handling Money, 9:00 AM in the Bistro. Join Associate Pastor of Women and Family Life, Linda Lilyquist, and Pastor Steve Tillman as they provide practical wisdom on how to manage your financial resources God's way. Want more information? Contact Linda at (619) 444-1612 or linda@gatewaychurchonline.com.
Welcome Team Opportunity for 8:30 Service If you are an early riser, have an easy smile, warm handshake, and a desire to make everyone feel welcome, Gateway Church needs YOU! Please contact Steve Tillman, (619) 328-6349 or stevetillman@cox.net for more information.
Have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend,
Pastor Mark
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( 2.9 / 63 )Often, the right picture frame makes a painting’s beauty really come to life. A well-chosen tie can draw out the colors of a suit to make it look infinitely better. The flattering dress accentuates the positive and eliminates the negative. Packaging can mean a lot. That’s why I have been thinking about and discussing with our leadership re-packaging the theme of our church. The purposes God has for us are eternal, never changing, but the manner in which we state and communicate them needs to flow and stay fresh in order to have the impact God desires. So here it is. We are to
1. Celebrate God’s presence [Psalm 149:1, Luke 15:32]
2. Educate God’s people [Ephesians 4:11,12]
3. Demonstrate God’s purpose [Matthew 25:35].
When we celebrate during our worship service, we draw closer to God. When we draw closer, we hunger to know Him more. When we know Him more, we long to demonstrate His love to a lost and hurting world, and then we’re back to celebrating God’s presence again! The suggested design for this three-fold theme, is the Celtic knot called a Triquetra, or the Trinity knot, which flows beautifully and endlessly, around and around. God is continuing to change and mold our fellowship. We’re staying bound to the core principles and yet always looking for that right package and ribbon that ties God’s great gift together anew.
I hope to see you on Sunday when I preach the message, Trust in the Lord, from Proverbs 3:5,6. We will be baptizing again, this time at the 8:30 service, and we will all take part in the Lord’s Table.
Thank you for your great response for our San Diego City Fest Food Drive. It is amazing what God has done through His people at Gateway.
God be with you,
Pastor Mark
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( 3 / 40 )Gateway Church is in a wonderful position right now. We have come so far in our fifteen-year history, that we have much for which to thank the Lord. And yet, God still has things for us to accomplish! That’s why from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day, we are going to focus on our children’s ministry with a new promotion and building project called “Lids 4 Kids.” During this time, we are going to highlight the challenge of taking our ministry to children to the next level and beyond. A factor in accomplishing this task is installing ceilings (or lids) in the classrooms, purchasing equipment, and age appropriate furniture. All of this requires resources. In the brochure “Lids 4 Kids” available at our church Welcome Counter, you’ll discover the reasons and the rationale for this next challenge. We don’t want anything to hinder the teaching time of God’s precious children here at Gateway.
On Friday, Grow Children’s Ministry fourth and fifth graders and FUEL Middle School students and their families are invited to GAME NITE / BUNCO Event, this Friday at the church from 6:30-8:00. Younger siblings are welcome and will have separate activities. Parents are encouraged to attend! It is FUN and FREE!
This Sunday morning, we will be having a child & infant dedication time during our 10:15am service right before Pastor Sam’s message, Repacking your “kid” baggage. Please contact Jolie Brent; gatewaygrow@gmail.com if you desire to have a child dedicated to the Lord. My last Master Class is this Sunday from 9:00-10:00am in the Bistro. We will discover how to have a healthy attitude towards our parents, using God’s perspective. Pastor Sam’s message, Repacking my “parent” baggage is now online if anyone would like to listen to last week’s sermon: http://gateway.db2services.net/gatewayc ... ervice.mp3
Always remember, the Scripture says, “Honor your father and mother” in Exodus 20:12. We hope to do that this weekend as we ask God to apply His eternal truth to our lives. Reach out and tell a mother that you’re thankful for all she’s done for her children, and be thankful for your own mother and everything she may have done for you. If you are here on Sunday, there will be a special gift for every mother, so we hope to see you at Gateway! In Christ, Pastor Mark
Please read the following announcement for a practical way to help our neighbors in San Diego County starting this Sunday!
FOOD DRIVE ~ San Diego CityFest Season of Service
Gateway Church Collection (Lobby, RED BARREL)

Now thru Sunday May 23

Most Needed Food Items:
Canned meat & tuna
Dry cereal
Canned soups
Rice
Canned fruits & vegetables
Mac & cheese
Canned beans
Spaghetti
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