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Dear Friends,

Superman, Super Tuesday, and Super Bowl all carry the meaning of something excellent and very great. The fictional comic book hero Superman, of course, could fly, see through walls and leap tall buildings with a single bound.
“Super Tuesday,” in the year of a presidential election refers to a day some time in February or March when the greatest number of states hold primary elections to select delegates for a national convention where a party selects a candidate to run for president. This year it happens to be on March 6, and after Super Tuesday, the nomination is usually secured. The Super Bowl is when the winner of the AFC [American Football Conference] will play the winner of the NFC [National Football Conference] to win the Lombardi trophy for their team’s city and become known in pro-football as champions for that season. This year the New England Patriots [AFC] will face the New York Giants [NFC] at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. I have never known how this feels since a Charger has never lifted the Lombardi trophy, and we in San Diego are again left with “what if,” “what could have been” and “maybe next year.”

During my preaching break as Pastor Sam so skillfully has been taking us through his series Growing Strong, I’ve been reading Let the Nations Be Glad, The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper. He lifts my soul to see the glory and majesty of God and makes the challenge to get serious about exalting the Only Being that is truly super. The Bible says, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord;” different, different, different or super, super, super. See, if the truth were known, Superman is a figment of someone’s imagination; no one is faster than a speeding bullet. Super Tuesday is really just a cluster of ordinary primaries put on one day, and the Super Bowl is just another game that modern gladiators play for the fan’s entertainment. But Jesus, on the other hand, He really did accomplish something super on the cross. He forgives us of our sins, gives us a new start and secures our future with hope. That’s great news to celebrate! To help us do that our Men’s Ministry is providing a Super Bowl Breakfast Bar this Sunday between the 8:30AM and 10:00AM worship services. Thanks to Rick and June Buxton, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast after the first service or before the second service. Since there is really nothing else going on in our society and culture until later in the afternoon, attendance should be up; after all, guacamole simply doesn't take that long to make. I hope to see you at Gateway Sunday morning. It will be a great time to praise the Lord and give Him glory for being extra-ordinary in our lives! Make it a Super Sunday for you and yours.

In Christ,
Pastor Mark]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120203-181832 Mark Jappe Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:18:32 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=02&entry=entry120203-181832 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120127-145234 Dear Friends,

“Mukala” is the word for “open” in Hindi, the predominant language in India. This word was repeated often during our recent mission trip. Dr. Paul Velton of Tower Dentistry in El Cajon, CA was part of our team, and he had opportunity to provide a dental clinic for pastors and orphans in Agra in the shadows of the Taj Mahal. Most dentistry for the poor in India is done without antiseptic and anesthesia. It is rudimentary at best, as people simply wait until their teeth are in such bad shape, they stand in a line to see the local person with pliers who pulls out the tooth for a few rupees and then moves on to the next patient.
On this visit, we scrubbed up, used gloves and gave first-rate dentistry to over 70 patients, including sets of dentures to over twenty. None of the work was easy, and it was rarely simple. One patient I remember well. She was a lovely 20 year-old girl, and she knew something was really wrong with one of her back molars, tooth #2 if you’re counting as dentists do. After numbing the area, Paul started to pull, but the tooth was mush and breaking apart. You could cut the tension with a knife; the tooth had to be removed. Ten minutes, fifteen minutes, and the sweat was pouring down. Dr. Velton decides to remove the wisdom tooth directly behind it. After extracting that, he'll be able to get enough leverage to push the infected molar. The young lady did not feel the pain, but she could sense the pressure. She was very brave. 20 to 25 minutes go by, and he is now working on the molar again. Using all of his strength, the 6’4”, 225 pound, good dentist removes the tooth, and we are all so full of relief and joy, it is palpable! Paul showed us why it was so difficult to extract; the roots had grown around the bone, making it more of a challenge. Now I know why the idiom “just like pulling teeth” is synonymous with difficulty. In the USA, there would have been sedation and a drill, but here on the mission field, there was strength, courage and endurance.
What a metaphor for life! An abscessed tooth or one filled with decay will cause pain and illness. The difficult challenges we have: bad habits, sin, and destructive behaviors that latch on to our lives, are like the roots of an decayed tooth. They are hard to remove, but the rottenness must come out. It takes an Expert [Jesus], counseling, group work, and accountability, but it is all worth it. Here is what God’s Word tells us to do about dealing with sin,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” [Hebrews 12:1,2] So turn your attention on Jesus, and let Him help you throw off that sin, destructive behavior or bad habit, like the root of a rotten tooth, and run the victorious race He has marked out for you!

Click here to see a YouTube presentation of our mission trip in India. See the patients, Dr. Velton and his assistants and come away with an idea of what our time there was all about. To God be the glory, great things He has done! I hope to see you at Gateway Church this Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Mark]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120127-145234 Mark Jappe Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:52:34 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=01&entry=entry120127-145234 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry111209-115234
In his children’s book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis paints a tragic tail of another world unknown to the rest of us, for it grew out of his imagination. The tragedy of this land was that it was always winter, but never Christmas. Now I know of another land that I have traveled to, I have seen, I have been with the people, and even worshiped in their churches and shared fellowship over meals together. For over fifty years, this country has experienced only winter, without outward signs of Christmas. You may ask of what am I speaking? Is this country in my own imagination? Don’t I wish! For I am telling you of very real place indeed and it lies just a few miles off the Florida Keys, the island called Cuba. In 1959, Fidel and Raul Castro led a takeover of this beautiful Caribbean jewel of a country. Being obsessed with their godless, communist ideology, they outlawed Christmas and any of its celebrations, banning Christmas trees and lights, and imprisoning the preachers of the Gospel. Now, however, with the transfer of power from Fidel to Raul, those restrictions are beginning to wane. It was international news when the regime recently decided to allow people to own property again.
This weekend, in our Sunday 9AM Missions Class at the McAlister Center, Pastor Manuel Morales of Cuba, a Baptist preacher of the Gospel whom Gateway supports, will be bringing a message of encouragement to all who would like to stay informed of our partnerships around the world. Manuel and his wife Ana Esther have a wonderful testimony and true-life stories of how God is working in the lives of Christians there, even through persecution and pain. They will help us know how to best pray for our brothers and sisters who are not able to freely worship, a privilege we so often take for granted. The irony of life can be interesting. For Christians in Cuba, their hearts are free because of Jesus Christ. But for some in the United States who have liberty to worship freely, their hearts are still frozen in winter for they have not yet received the warming love of the Christ of Christmas. What a beautiful time of year to share the most wonderful news of salvation, so invite your friends and family to Gateway!
My message this Sunday will be The Best Mother in the series, The Best Christmas Ever. Click here for our website and view more information.

I hope to see you and your friends and family at Gateway this Christmas Season!
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry111209-115234 Mark Jappe Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:52:34 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=11&m=12&entry=entry111209-115234 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry111130-164807 I was thinking of my father’s story this past summer and early fall when a family of skunks around the area of our industrial park sprayed their scent near the church’s front door. As many of you know, their pungent smell was pretty bad. The skunks, most of which have been captured or killed on the roadside, are no longer a problem. Instead, my hope is that Gateway Church has a reputation for the love that permeates our building, from the different weddings and memorial services to our weekends of celebration. John, the Beloved disciple of Jesus, says it this way in 1 John 4:7 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” A friendly smile, a warm embrace and the words of encouragement shared and received continue to make Gateway a place of love and grace. I hope you plan to fill up on both!

In Christ,
Pastor Mark

What’s happening at Gateway Church

The Holiday Season is here – Gateway is so thankful for you and this time of year!
We’re celebrating this special season with a “Continental Breakfast” offered to you each Sunday morning available starting at 8:00AM and served up to the 10:00AM worship service. There’ll be a variety of goodies for you with love from Gateway: juices, cheese and crackers, quiche, fresh fruit, and bagels and cream cheese! Enjoy! My message series for the season is The Best Christmas Ever, and on Sunday I will share the Christmas story of The Best Man, the cousin of Christ, John the Baptist. Come for the food, stay for the message!

The Angel Tree Party is this Saturday. Please pray that the families that come will sense the love of God and will leave knowing more about the gift of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am pleased to announce that on Sunday Dr. David Bray, President of Global Outreach International, will begin teaching a Missions Bible Class for the Master Class: Mixed Adults at 9:00AM in the McAlister Center. The Mission Adult Bible Class is to gain a biblical perspective on missions, discuss current affairs and how they are related to missions, and to pray for the teams that Gateway sends out. He will also introduce his friend, Pastor David Courson who recently returned from Nepal, where he summited one of the highest mountains in the Himalayas. If you like hearing about the Gospel and adventure, you will not want to miss this opportunity.

Also, let me remind you that we are still selling tickets for The Best Christmas Party Ever, truly a “can’t miss event” of the season. Make ticket reservations by calling Janet at (619) 440-1136 or purchase tickets in Gateway Lobby on Sundays. I hope to see you there with your friends and family as we celebrate in song and story the Lord’s birth.
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry111130-164807 Mark Jappe Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:48:07 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=11&m=11&entry=entry111130-164807 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry111117-122554
For the last few months, our staff and trustees have been working on the lease agreement at 1280 N. Johnson Avenue here in El Cajon. The industrial park where Gateway is located was recently sold; and the new owners were eager to have us extend our lease because we are good tenants and they want as much security for their business as they can get. They also let us know that by signing an extension, we would receive $35,000 in tenant improvements. We did not expect anything! So after offers and counter-offers, we now have a deal. Because the weather in our area is nice almost all the time of the year, we will use a portion of these funds to add a concrete slab in front of our facility. This will extend our Sunday morning fellowship area and give us the space to add a coffee cart, a welcome addition! Also, the Gateway Church sign on our building will be replaced and new indoor carpet will be installed.

As much as these improvements will be appreciated, the ongoing challenge is not just to have a facility that looks nice, but also to provide a place where God can do His work in the lives of people. Gateway, like a hospital for the heart, mind and soul, is a place where His grace through us can touch lives across the street and around the world. Let me highlight just a few. This Thursday, I am leading a team to minister to the people of San Felipe, Mexico. We will be partnering with the Baptist church there and reaching out to the surrounding community.

Randy Ford and the Tanzania team will be leaving for Africa on Friday. You will be glad to hear of the generous $2,600 offering collected last Sunday for the mosquito nets! Thank you, Gateway family and friends; what a difference this will make in the lives of others living in and around Arusha. Click here to see the people and places where are team will be going!

This Sunday - November 20 Pastor Sam Williams finishes his series,
The Keys to Contentment, and his message is The Key To Winning Over Greed - Enjoying What I Have. Don’t miss it; bring a friend!

On Sunday afternoon from 1:00PM-3:00PM at Gateway, Jake Simpson will be sharing about “Restore the Family Ministry.” If you want to know about God’s vision for the family, plan on attending this important get-together.

Whether in Mexico, Africa, around the globe, or right here in the USA, God can use the people of Gateway to reach many for Him; may He receive the glory! This is how Paul encouraged the people in Corinth….”you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:11

At this blessed Season of Thanksgiving, I will be expressing my thanks to God, not only for my family, but also for the family of believers here at Gateway Church. What a blessing it is to serve alongside you as we minister in the name of Jesus as part of His eternal family!

Grateful for you,
Pastor Mark

Read about other Gateway happenings….

WOMEN… Join us this Saturday, November 19 Gateway’s Bistro …have a yummy muffin & a warm cup of something! We’ll chat and have a great tine together wrapping the Angel Tree Caregiver Baskets! Muffins & Beverages provided…bring your own favorite mug! See you there! Questions? Contact Larau Avilez at 619.884.4627 or Linda Lilyquist, linda@gatewaychurchonline.com.

Thanksgiving is next Thursday, and Christmas is around the corner. Make your plans to attend Gateway’s Best Christmas Party Ever. Read all about it here.
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry111117-122554 Mark Jappe Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:25:54 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=11&m=11&entry=entry111117-122554 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry111013-221653
Dear Friends,

Movies have always fascinated me. Done well, they capture your emotions, as you experience great sadness and heartache. They take you to a different time and place. You experience the thrill of victory as in the movie Rocky where he perseveres and goes the distance with Apollo Creed. Movies can also scare you, like the trembling tin man when he first hears the voice of the Wizard of Oz. Film also sends a message, challenging us to be more noble, as in the movie Braveheart depicting William Wallace standing up to the tyrant of his day. Now I dare say that all of these aspects of a good movie are captured in Courageous, a film in theaters now. This is the latest in a series of movies from Provident Films that include FIREPROOF and Facing the Giants. Click here for a list of all their productions. In Courageous, there is sadness and loss, heroic altruism, and a great, clear moral, Christian message. I laughed, I cried, I listened, I applied, and I am a better person for investing my time in this overtly Christian film. If we as Christians support good, moral movies, there will be more of them made. A Dolphin’s Tale, in theatres right now, and Soul Surfer on video are two other examples of family friendly entertainment. There is a lot wrong with Hollywood; often they cross the line in what is moral and decent, but when a movie gets it right, it can be a powerful medium for communicating truth with an emotional impact. Hopefully you will enjoy these films. So get your popcorn and milk-duds and take in a good movie in the theater or in your home.

Read about other Gateway happenings…

This Saturday night [October 15] at Gateway Church, there will be a 5PM dinner and entertainment fundraiser for the Christian school in Ghana, Africa. Tickets are $10 / person. If you would like to know more about the children and their school, click here.

MINUTE to WIN IT message series continues:
What a suspenseful television game show! Thousands of dollars on the line, people asked to perform the silliest of tasks with ping-pong balls, Christmas ornaments or other items, and only a minute to win up to a million dollars or lose it all!
Life can be just like this intriguing game show. Often there are times when we’re not at our best that we make crucial lifetime decisions. Perhaps we are tired, or afraid, or angry, and our choices end up defining our lives. This Sunday I [Pastor Mark] will lead us to look at a victory by Peter and the Apostles. Their lives where changed forever by the choice they made in just a moment of time. We need to be prepared when our “minute” comes so we make a right choice for Jesus.

“The 5 Love Languages” a study by Dr. Gary Chapman will be a new topic of discussion for Growing Families at Gateway 9-9:50AM in the Bistro (Sunday School provided for children), or Young Marrieds, Sunday Nights, 7:00PM at the home of Daniel & Sarah Reed. Call the Reeds, (619) 303.2873 or email dan3_1718@hotmail.com for more info.

Church Chat, 4pm, this Sunday, October 16. If you are new to our congregation, Pastor Mark and Janet invite you to come to their home, 109 Willow Pond Road, Santee, CA 92071 for an informal time of fellowship and light refreshments. Join them and others for an opportunity to get acquainted with one another. Maps are available at the Welcome Counter on Sunday mornings or call the Jappe’s for more information. (619) 596-1782.

I hope to see you at Gateway!
In Christ,
Pastor Mark Jappe]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry111013-221653 Mark Jappe Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:16:53 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=11&m=10&entry=entry111013-221653 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry110928-210603 Pine Valley Bible Conference Center has been a place of spiritual communion with God and others. Last weekend during Gateway Men’s Retreat, it was a significant and meaningful time of connection. I don’t mean the disc golf, recreation and competition. Competing and winning means so little in the BIG picture. Nor was it about the food, which seems to improve with every year. But somehow being away in a single gender environment without any children provides an atmosphere for a time of honesty and vulnerability that you just don’t get in your normal workweek. As an extension of this, our men committed to pray for one another and many have decided to be a part of Men’s Fraternity starting this Thursday night, September 29, 6:45pm – 8:00pm at Gateway Church. Jake Simpson has been the leader and facilitator of this ministry to men. He will be in the lobby tomorrow night to meet those who are new and greet the ones returning. Men’s Fraternity applies more to married men, but there is no age or marriage requirement. Single guys and dads are still welcomed to glean from the interaction and material. The special, single gender, vulnerability and accountability is available to us if we will only take it, and then give it away as men who encounter and do business with God. This will deepen our relationship with each other and strengthen our church fellowship, as men lead out at home and in church. Men, my challenge to you is to come and be a part. Forget life’s stress and family challenges for one evening a week, and get closer to the God who created us all.
I will leave you with a brief testimony from Darrell Gish, a member of Gateway who has been attending Men’s Fraternity for the last three years. Here is what Darrell has to say:

"Many demands are placed on men to "be a man", yet when asked to define manhood, most are at a loss for words. Men's Fraternity provides a means for men to develop a clear understanding of what defines manhood by communicating a compelling vision of biblical masculinity. Robert Lewis, the speaker in the videos, urges men to reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and expect God's greater reward for noble pursuits. For me, this has provided significant motivation to put down the remote control and get off the couch. It has presented me with great ideas and useful tools to help me invest productive time in my marriage and my children. The contrast is between the first Adam - who was passive and followed his wife into sin, which brought death to the human race - and the Second Adam: Jesus Christ - who took the initiative and by His courage brought LIFE to the human race. Likewise, we men can bring life to our marriage, family, work, and community by taking the initiative and live life with direction and purpose. I am more excited about the adventure of living the remainder of the years God gives me because of the biblical vision imparted by my experience with Men's Fraternity."

Read about other Gateway happenings…

Jack D. Eggar, President and CEO of AWANA will be our guest speaker this weekend, and his message is on reconciliation. I will be there to introduce him, so don’t miss this opportunity to hear what God is doing through AWANA in the USA and around the globe!

Would you like to be a part of our Greeting / Usher Team at Gateway? Join us for an informative meeting in the auditorium following the 2ND worship service this Sunday, October 2nd.

AWANA (2yr – High School) Tuesday nights @ 6PM,
Fun with a purpose that includes games, Bible lessons and Bible memory.

WOW, “Women of the Word” for women of all ages, Tuesday mornings @ 9AM or Wednesday evenings @ 6:30PM, their topic of study this semester, The Book of Mark.

Come and worship with us this week at Gateway Church! I will be looking for you!
In Christ,
Pastor Mark

]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry110928-210603 Mark Jappe Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:06:03 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=11&m=09&entry=entry110928-210603 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry110922-183059
Dear Friends,
Almost 25 years ago now I took my first trip to San Felipe, Mexico with Mike Hull, a missionary with what is now called the North American Mission Board. He asked me to go with him to the sleepy little fishing village at the top of the Sea of Cortez. We travelled there and had a delightful time dreaming about what could be. I cast the vision to Bryant Street Baptist Church of Yucaipa, and we were the first to arrive on the newly acquired church property. The first few days we spent cleaning an incredible amount of junk off of the near acre of land. Then with the heel of our shoes drawing in the dirt we marked the outline of what was to become the new sanctuary and we started to dig the foundation. God was blessing this trip and our effort. One of the ways that He used us was with a relationship with one of the local characters of San Felipe who lived right across the street from the property. He called himself the “Clam Man,” a notorious character who had even been featured in publications. He had a full beard and long hair and his sign in front of his eating establishment suggested that his clams had incredible powers; it was advertisement with the kind of humor one would find on a bathroom wall, edgy and exaggerating.
After several days of walking by his business, we built a rapport with him, and finally he asked, “Why have you guys come? How much are you getting paid?” One of our church members explained that it was all because of Jesus, and after sharing the Gospel with him, Mr. Clam Man prayed to receive Christ into his heart. When I went over to talk with him and follow up, he was taking down the pictures from the side of his home. The Clam Man then mentioned he was going to have to change his front sign because he was under conviction. One could see he was being transformed from the inside out, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Since that time in the late 80s, we have seen the construction of the sanctuary, educational facility, storage unit, parsonage, and now another building for worship as God has blessed this church fellowship. Now we at Gateway Church have kept this partnership going, and have had many trips over the years to see Pastor Idelfonso and his fellowship grow. We have an opportunity to go again. This November 17-20 (Thursday-Sunday), we will be staying right on the beach having great fellowship with delicious meals provided by Dan & Jenna Erpelding. Nothing could be better than that! We are also going with members of the new church in Southeast San Diego, The Body Church as well as students from Challenge College Ministry. The brochure, which includes an application, can be found here on our website or in the lobby by the Mission’s Board map of the world. Please consider this short-term opportunity and allow God to help build His kingdom in this beautiful, safe Baja Mexico town where so many need to hear face to face that God loves them and to say that just like the Clam Man, God can change people from the inside out!

Read about other Gateway happenings…

Pastor Sam Williams wraps up his message series Famous American Myths, and this Sunday he will talk about the myth, “If I Don’t Take Care of Myself, Nobody Else Will.” Pastor Sam is going to take a serious look at what’s right and what’s wrong about this statement. Let’s explore what believing a myth really means. After all, it’s your life they’re talking about.

In case you missed Pastor Sam’s last message, “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”, you can download an audio version here. If you’re not connected in a Gateway Group, consider joining one; you can find a complete list of groups at our Welcome Counter.

It is not too late to join our guest teacher for the Sunday morning 9AM Adult Master Class. Dr. Senyo Adjibolosoo, originally from Ghana, Africa and Professor of Economics at Fermanian School of Business & Point Loma Nazarene University is beginning an 8-week course on from his book, Spiritual Intimacy: the Essence of Closeness to God. He will touch on how to: live out the qualities of Christ, make smart lifestyle choices and interact with “outsiders.” I hope you consider coming! There are Sunday school classes for children and youth during this hour.

AWANA (2yr – High School) starts Tuesday night (9-13) @ 6PM,
Fun with a purpose that includes games, Bible lessons and Bible memory.

WOW, “Women of the Word” for women of all ages, Tuesday mornings @ 9AM or Wednesday evenings @ 6:30PM, their topic of study this semester, The Book of Mark.

Gateway Men’s Ministry will gather for their annual Fall Retreat at Pine Valley this weekend. Pray that it will be a significant time of bonding and Bible study for men of all ages.

Pray for our Gateway Team involved in SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO 2011 this weekend, sponsored by San Diego Rescue Mission. This significant, but fun time will help raise awareness of and support for San Diego’s 10,000 homeless men, women & children.

Would you like to be a part of our Greeting / Usher Team at Gateway? Mark you
calendar for an informative meeting in the auditorium following the 2ND worship service on Sunday, October 2nd.

Come and worship with us this week at Gateway Church! I will be looking for you!
In Christ,
Pastor Mark]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry110922-183059 Mark Jappe Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:30:59 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=11&m=09&entry=entry110922-183059 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry110915-202129
We’ve all seen the commercials, the nifty hand towel that soaks up everything: a must for your home or RV, promoted by the manic man with a cool wrap around microphone. It’s even fun to say the name, “SHAM-WOW!”
But at Gateway Church we have a WOW that’s even better, and it’s no sham! It stands for Women of the Word, and this ministry is one of the fastest growing in our church. The move of God’s Spirit is really that remarkable. After spending time at home reflecting on biblical passages, women of all ages gather on Tuesday mornings or Wednesday evenings to meet for small group discussion and then hear a well prepared and inspiring message by either Linda Lilyquist or Nancy Williams. You may ask me how I know? I’ve seen the results, and I trust those who have told me this women’s ministry is something special. By the way, I don’t have a sham-wow, but a good friend of mine, Vennie Henderson does. We were washing cars together, and he mentioned that the sham-wow really works. Now I can’t wait to get one. Parenthetically, the best advertisement possible that really makes a difference in someone’s life comes from the satisfied customer, not the professional salesmen, no matter how manic he behaves or how cool his microphone. There are a lot of people that came to Jesus because of a “satisfied customer,” like Andrew telling Peter about Jesus. So if you’re one of Jesus’ satisfied customers, whom are you going to tell?

Read about other Gateway happenings…

Pastor Sam Williams continues his new message series Famous American Myths, and this Sunday he will talk about the myth, “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.” Pastor Sam is going to take a serious look at what’s right and what’s wrong about this statement. Let’s explore what believing a myth really means. After all, it’s your life they’re talking about.

Many of you have commented on Pastor Sam’s excellent message, “It Doesn’t Matter What You Believe As Long As It Works For You” from last Sunday. In case you missed it, you can download an audio version here. If you’re not connected in a Gateway Growth Group, consider joining one. To see the Growth Group Homework questions, http://gatewaychurchonline.com/media.php?pageID=5
]click here to download your copy[/url], or look for the convenient half sheet in your bulletin on Sunday for next week’s topic of study.

It is not too late to join our guest teacher for the Sunday morning 9AM Adult Master Class. Dr. Senyo Adjibolosoo, originally from Ghana, Africa and Professor of Economics at Fermanian School of Business & Point Loma Nazarene University is beginning an 8-week course on from his book, Spiritual Intimacy: the Essence of Closeness to God. He will touch on how to: live out the qualities of Christ, make smart lifestyle choices and interact with “outsiders.” I hope you consider coming! There are Sunday school classes for children and youth during this hour.

MEMBERSHIP 101 is this Sunday, new time 5P-7PM. Interested in exploring the core beliefs and practices of our fellowship? Come learn what Christians believe, what we emphasize, and how to become a member of Gateway. Adults and young people are welcome. Childcare is provided; please contact Beth Selbe at (619) 322-2437 if you plan to bring your children. A light dinner will be served during class.

AWANA (2yr – High School) starts Tuesday night (9-13) @ 6PM,
Fun with a purpose that includes games, Bible lessons and Bible memory.

WOW, “Women of the Word” for women of all ages, Tuesday mornings @ 9AM or Wednesday evenings @ 6:30PM, their topic of study this semester, The Book of Mark.

Gateway Men’s Ministry is gearing up for their annual Fall Retreat at Pine Valley, the weekend of September 23-25. I will be going, and I hope you plan to join me. Contact Dennis Smith dgsmith1977@gmail.com to find out more. It will be a significant time of bonding and Bible study for men of all ages.

Would you like to be a part of our Greeting / Usher Team at Gateway? Mark you
calendar for an informative meeting in the auditorium following the 2ND worship service on Sunday, October 2nd.

Come and worship with us this week at Gateway Church! I will be looking for you!
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry110915-202129 Mark Jappe Fri, 16 Sep 2011 03:21:29 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=11&m=09&entry=entry110915-202129 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry110908-091728 That historic day is now ten years in the past, and literally all parts of our society are going to pause, stop and remember 9/11, and this is important. One point of sadness and concern is that in the New York remembrance at Ground Zero, government officials along with Mayor Bloomberg have decided that no religious activities will occur, and this grieves me. Our United States Constitution promised freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. To begin healing from the effects of 9/11, our nation had to reduce Al-Qaeda’s capability to attack us again; our security would never be the same if those trying to kill us were just left to plot and plan further attacks. Also, our financial recovery needs to continue, and the World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) must be completed so our country can move forward. But more than all of this, our souls must be healed and restored. Jesus has the most profound words that heal the broken-hearted. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30] He gives us peace, not as the world gives, but everlasting peace, and even though all things now are not right, all will be made right when He reigns forever.
This Sunday at Gateway Church we will hear from God’s Word. I want to share not only a moment of silence, but a prayer in Jesus’ name for our country, that we would move forward together and be all that we can be as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. So let me compel you to remember September 11, 2001 by coming to our church as we intercede for those who put their lives on the line to protect us. And let us pray that we as a nation will be that country God loves to bless and may He use us to make a difference in the world.

Read about other Gateway happenings…

Pastor Sam Williams begins his new message series this Sunday, Famous American Myths: “It Doesn’t Matter What You Believe, As Long As It Works for You” …. “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”….. “If I Don’t Take Care of Myself, Nobody Else Will.” Pastor Sam is going to take a serious look at what’s right and what’s wrong about these statements. Let’s explore what believing these myths really means. After all, it’s your life they’re talking about.

We have a guest teacher for the Sunday morning 9AM Adult Master Class. Dr. Senyo Adjibolosoo, originally from Ghana, Africa and Professor of Economics at Fermanian School of Business & Point Loma Nazarene University is beginning an 8-week course on from his book, Spiritual Intimacy: the Essence of Closeness to God. He will touch on how to: live out the qualities of Christ, make smart lifestyle choices and interact with “outsiders.” I hope you consider coming! There are Sunday school classes for children and youth during this hour.

AWANA (2yr – High School) starts Tuesday night (9-13) @ 6PM,
Fun with a purpose that includes games, Bible lessons and Bible memory.

WOW, “Women of the Word” for women of all ages, begins Tuesday morning (9-13) @ 9AM or Wednesday evening (9-14) @ 6:30PM, their topic of study this fall, The Book of Mark.
Questions? Contact Linda Lilyquist, linda@gatewaychurchonline.com for more details.

Gateway Men’s Ministry is gearing up for their annual Fall Retreat at Pine Valley, the weekend of September 23-25. I will be going, and I hope you plan to join me. Contact Dennis Smith dgsmith1977@gmail.com to find out more. It will be a significant time of bonding and Bible study for men of all ages.

Come and worship with us this week at Gateway Church! I will be looking for you!
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry110908-091728 Mark Jappe Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:17:28 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=11&m=09&entry=entry110908-091728