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This Sunday 17th September, we celebrated Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) also known as Yom Terua (Feast of Blowing Trumpets).

We learnt about the history, traditions and prophetic significance of the Feast of Trumpets, around a feast table (of course). From the story of Abraham and Isaac, to Jesus as the sacrificail lamb we remembered, enacted, gave thanks, blew trumpets and feasted on apples and sweet honey!

Thank you Katrina Quinn for capturing ‘The Feast of Trumpets, Brighton Style!”.

It seems trumpets are only the icing on top
Of a day that runs deep and rich and sweet
Meanings layered like the apple slices on the table in the centre
Shana Tov! Happy (Jewish) New Year!
God said “set aside a day to remember that time I told you you were my own special treasure”
Five boys run to the front, volunteering to light four candles
The fourth is blown out to allow the smallest one a turn
This is a day to rest, reflect
Sing of the beauty of creation, the Creator
Becky tells a story with firewood and knife
of a sacrifice, atonement
A story – foreshadowing a world-changing tale
Look back, look forward
We remove shoes and walk silent through the waters, conscience cleansing
Ruben makes a dive for the gap in the blue sheets draped over tables
We don white paper robes in varying sizes, cut out by Jean
This is not a people who do things by halves
Love is our judge, we are covered
Hannah mutters that she’s way out of her comfort zone
Cackle and crackle as we take our seats again
Then, at last, a call to gather around the table
From which homemade treats have filled our nostrils and tempted our tongues all morning
Honey drizzled over warm cinnamon roll
Pomegranate sprinkled over golden cakes
Trumpet shaped biscuits – a “labour of love by Leanne and Carmella last night”
Taste and see that HE is good
The paper robes catch our crumbs
The kids’ handmade “trumpets” screech wild
Finn parades his trombone
Robbie pounds his familiar rhythm on the djembe next to me
Wake up and remember
Look back and look forward
We shout-sing hymns out of tune
Tears of laughter rolling down cheeks
At the madness and mayhem of our family
I’m aware of the people visiting for the first time
It’s not always like this…
We murmur prayers for the dear-ones we carry in aching chests
Tears of longing rolling down cheeks
Look back and look forward
The Feast of Trumpets
Waiting for final reconciliation call
Waiting for that day
When the waiting will end

NEWS UPDATE!

The last 3 weekends at Barcombe Nurseries have been a great success! £832.33 was raised for Fareshare and nearly all the cakes were sold, with a good run of visitors at Barcombe Nurseries.  Thank you to everyone who made cakes and gave generously – they were delicious and creative!

We’ve just come back from a fantastic Church weekend away at Dalesdown in the Sussex Downs. We were blessed with great weather and it was a wonderful time together with lots of fun, food, rest and play!

Whilst we missed those who couldn’t be there from City Gate this year, it was lovely to see many new faces.

Thank you everyone for making this weekend a special one. 

Looking forward to 2018 already!

This Sunday we got together to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Purim, with visiting speaker Richard Harvey from ‘Jews for Jesus’.  We enjoyed dressing up as FUN, joyful characters with a great turn out of weird and wacky costumes – with PRIZES going to Jean and Rueben!

Johnie and Becky led us in an impromptu performance of the play of Esther with great comedic effect from City Gate volunteers. There was much ‘booing’ of Haman and ‘cheering’ of Mordechai and Esther!

We celebrated with Purim songs and special foods, enjoying the taste of Hamentaschen – otherwise known as ‘Haman’s ears’ and feasting together!

At City Gate we would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and pray that 2017 will be a year of love, hope and blessing.

We started the New Year with our first service, 1st January at Hove Bandstand by the seafront. It was a time to reflect… to see out the old year and bring in the new!

We cast stones into the ocean, representing things that we no longer wanted to hold onto from 2016, followed by a time of communion together.

Last Sunday we wrote things that we wanted to remember from 2016 and take into 2017, with hope in our hearts and thankfulness for what is to come… finding rest as we move into a new season!

All age service with carols, readings, children’s activities and Christmas reflections.

Sunday 18th December

3.30-4.30pm

followed by refreshments

City Gate Church Brighthelm Community Centre, North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD

Wow what a day we had at our Christmas Oasis community event on Saturday 10th in the Brighthelm Gardens … gathering around the fire with hot chocolates in hand with a flash mob choice to sing Silent Night … Thank you to everyone who came and joined in with the drumming, singing of carols, dancing, wrapping of presents & hot chocolate drinking around the fire and blessing our city! Many people were touched by the love of God in our Spirit Dream tent and it was great to see the gardens buzzing with activity!  Hope to see you again in 2017!

This week we mourn the loss of our dear friend Libby Van Rooyen, who died suddenly and unexpectedly last week. We’ve been privileged to know and love Libby. She enriched our community through her quiet thoughtfulness. Over the years we have journeyed together it has been a joy to see her blossom in care, confidence and creativity. Libby had a faith in Jesus and we are comforted in knowing that she is at total peace with Him now.
We will miss her greatly.

What a great day we had at OASIS on Saturday! Many people came to enjoy the sounds, colours and rhythms released in the Brighthelm Gardens. There was a hive of activity in the Spirit Dream tent and the face painting and drum circle were a hit. Thanks to everyone who came and joined in.

We look forward to our next OASIS event on Saturday 9th July, 11am – 3pm.

See you there!