Yes, the location doesn't seem particularly "churchy."  But, we have gone to great lengths to best use the YMCA facilities for our services.  The main service meets in the freeweight area in the fitness center, which is immediately to the right of the security doors off the information desk. 

 

It's not as strange as it sounds.  All over America, new churches are started in places as diverse as storefronts, hotels, old warehouses, personal homes, and schools.  One very successful church in South Carolina held its first services in a junkyard.  Everyone has to start somewhere.  So, yes, we do admit that it seems a little strange at first to have church in a Y, but at least it's not the junkyard.

 

If you are in the parking lot on a Sunday morning, then, yes, we are sure we are having church at the Y.  If that ever changes, it will be posted here on the Saturday evening prior to the change.  We don't switch locations very often; in fact, we've only changed locations from the Y three times.  Just come on in.  We promise we will be there.

 

When you arrive, one of the burgundy-coated men on our hospitality team will greet you and help direct you and your family to the right place.  Likely, Pastor and Mrs. Carpenter as well as several other members will also be there to welcome you to our services.  If you have an infant or toddler with you, one of our ladies will take you to our well-equipped nursery facilities. 

 

From 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., adults enjoy an informal fellowship in the lobby immediately to the left of the front door.  Gourmet coffee and light refreshments are served.  A small offering is collected to help keep the flow of coffee and treats coming.  During this time, kids and teens get acquainted with the other kids and teens already there, as well as their Sunday school teachers.

 

At 9:30 a.m., kids and teens will go with their teachers to their class areas.  Classes are held all over the YMCA facility; the locations are listed in the church bulletin you received when you entered the building.  Our two adult classes also dismiss to their meeting areas.

 

If you are a new believer in Christ, or do not know much about the basics of Christianity and would like to learn more, attend the New Christians Class.  This class is held in the main service area.  If you already know the basics, attend the New Life Bible Class, which is held in the lobby. 

 

Services at Gateway are well-organized but informal at the same time.  Our musical style as well as the style of our service is traditional, but not without vigor and life.  "Traditional" does not mean "dull and boring" at Gateway.  During the announcements, you will receive a guest registration card.  We ask that you fill out the card and deposit it in the offering plate later in the service.   The preaching from the pulpit is Bible-based, dynamic, and powerful.  Our pastors all very clearly preach the Word of God.  Near the end of the service, we have an old-fashioned altar call for those who need to make decisions for God.  We ask that unless absolutely necessary, no one leave the services during these final minutes.

 

Elementary-age students attend our children's service during the adult service.

 

Following the dismissal, a team of members take down the main service area and return the chairs, tables, and podiums to their storage areas.  Others mingle and fellowship as they make their way to the parking lot.  Don't be surprised if several people make a point to greet you.  Children are dismissed from their services to the lobby.  Don't forget to pick up any children from the nursery.  And, thank you again for coming.