Welcoming and Baptisms - a little update!

It's been another busy weekend for the Students & Twenties at Citygate, with a Saturday evening of posh nosh, and a Sunday of church, pub, baptisms and more pub. What can I say, we like to be social, and we like our friends.

Saturday night saw around 45 people dressed up and looking lovely in suits, dresses and heels (for the girls only of course...) and enjoying some fantastic food, courtesy of James Druce's culinary genius. From puff pastry tartlets with a pesto dressing and rocket salad, to roast lamb with redcurrant and balsamic jus and cranberry stuffing to seriously rich chocolate mousse with raspberries, everyone fine dined and ate themselves full. It was a great way to welcome in some of the many new faces we've seen through our doors over the last month or so, and if that's you - we're thrilled you've decided to stick around!

Sunday was another busy day, with John Hosier speaking at both morning services and the start of our gift week for our new building. Instead of a BBQ or Subway, everyone headed off to O'Neils for lunch and I understand we well and truly took over for the couple of hours we were there! Keep an eye out on future lunch plans - we'll have a noticeboard at the back of the hall and the student team will know what's going on so make sure to grab them :)

One of the most exciting things for me, was being able to see eight people baptised on Sunday evening. Charlotte Young and Tom Bettinson (two of our great students) as well as six others, ranging from youth, to internationals, to older couples, to younger couples were also dunked. It was an incredible example of the diversity of God, and the power of God at work in peoples lives. The testimonies behind people you think you know, were absolutely staggering. There was a room packed with people out to support their friends and family and I think it's safe to say that it was a night of great rejoicing. Chris Vessey presented the Gospel and explained how Jesus takes away our sin clothes once and for all, and allows us to have a relationship with God. It was great to see the church together out and celebrating, and wow do we have something to celebrate!

Celebrations continued at Reef Encounter in Boscombe, before people headed home to crash out after a long day and prepare for the week ahead. 

If you were there last night and didn't manage to write in the baptism cards at the back, or speak encouragement or prophecy to those that you wanted to, do make sure you email the church office at office@citygatechurch.net and they'll make sure any messages are passed on to the necessary people!

So, what's up and coming over the next week or so?

Well tonight we have PPP - prayer, praise and prophecy. Mondays at 7.45pm at the back of St Swithuns we gather as Students & Twenties to spend time with God, ask him to change our town, and to shape us to be better disciples. It's always exciting so make the time to join in and hear from God!

Cell groups will be running on Wednesday and Thursday, anyone who isn't part of a cell group should be. I (Vicki) can set you up with an adopted family who will also help you get settled into a cell group. Let me know if you'd like details. 

Friday night is LOST season 2. We'll be out in the forest, hopefully not getting lost, but finding some treasure and surviving until breakfast. Be sure to be prepared if you're coming and get to St Swithuns on time! If you haven't paid Charlotte will be onto you asking for money - you have been warned!

If you're not about this week we look forward to seeing you on Sunday for the second part of our gift week, a bring and share lunch in the Shaw Suite, and lots of laughter. 

With lots of love and blessings for the week ahead.

Citygate Students & Twenties Team.

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