Areas of opportunity
There are many areas you can get involved in at Gateway Waterside.
Do you have a special need?
When Jesus was living here on earth He cared about people and often supernaturally or practically met their needs. We, as Gateway Church, want our lives to reflect Jesus and to care for those around us both spiritually and practically. PAL aims to ensure that practical acts of love are shown to those in need (and sometimes those not “in need” who we wish to bless or thank), both within Gateway Church and among the wider community.
Our PAL co-ordinator is Ann Hodder. If you want to know more about PAL please complete the form to contact her.
Into the community
We believe that we are called to partner with God to bring His kingdom to earth, that we are anointed to “preach good news to the poor, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…”
Gateway Church, in partnership with Christians Against Poverty, runs Marchwood CAP debt centre. This provides help for anybody in the community who is struggling with debt. This may well have happened because of unemployment, poor health, or relationship breakdown. When people seek help, they ring the national CAP number 0800 328 0006 and an appointment is made with the local centre. Visits usually take place in their home, where the journey out of debt is explained. Together with people from the church, appropriate support is given to help in this process.
We see this as an active expression of Jesus’ love and compassion and believe that this is the sort of thing He would be doing.
Waste Not Want Not is a non-profit organization that focuses on reducing food waste while feeding the needy. The organization collects excess food from grocery stores, restaurants, and other food establishments that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to local charities and shelters. With over 50 volunteers, Waste Not Want Not has been able to rescue and distribute over 26 million pounds of food since 1991. The organization has become a vital source of food for many families in need, reducing hunger and food insecurity in the community. Waste Not Want Not continues to innovate and expand its programs and partnerships, making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
The Crossings is a housing and homelessness charity founded by the local churches in 2019. Serving the Waterside area of the New Forest, it offers support in two complementary ways:
Drop in Centres – run weekly at centres across the Waterside. These offer a welcoming place to talk, access IT, and help address visitors’ housing issues – whether facing eviction, living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing or rough sleeping.
Drop in at Home – An initiative for those recently housed to adjust to their new circumstances & help them make a success of their next steps. Providing practical support & offering a listening ear with encouragement, they help those dealing with isolation and anxiety to integrate into the community as fits their situation best.
A part-time Project Leader is employed to facilitate these services with a team of trained volunteers.
Pause is a heartwarming and supportive group that meets twice a month to enjoy each other’s company, drink tea and indulge in some creative crafts. The gathering provides a safe space for individuals to take a break from their busy daily routines and unwind. Members can share their thoughts and experiences, and indulge in a relaxing and enjoyable activity. With the craft sessions, members can explore and express their creativity, while learning and practicing new skills. This group is a place where people can create new friendships, find comfort and support, and put aside life’s stresses for a moment.
The Christian worship group believes in expressing their worship through dance once a month. They come from varying backgrounds and ages, but share the same faith in Jesus. During their gatherings, they dance to songs that remind them of God’s love, grace, and goodness, pray for each other, and share testimonies. Dancing is seen as an avenue to connect on a deeper level with God, allowing Him to move in their lives.
Gateway supports the Ichthus Charity Shop which is located in Totton, a town in Hampshire, UK. The shop features a wide range of second-hand items, including clothing, books, household items, and accessories. It is run by volunteers, and all profits go to support the work of the Ichthus Christian Fellowship, which is involved in various charitable activities in the community and abroad. The shop is an excellent place to find affordable items while supporting a good cause. It is open from Monday to Saturday, and donations are welcome.
Messy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.
MAF ( Mission Aviation Fellowship) provides essential services to isolated communities in Papua New Guinea. These services include medical evacuations, transportation of goods and services, and improving access to education. As a result, the organization plays a critical role in supporting remote communities. MAF employs local staff, investing in the local economy, and works alongside other NGOs and mission organizations. With a strong track record of delivering essential services to the most remote and isolated areas of PNG, MAF contributes to improving the overall health, education, and wellbeing of the local population.
Salem Orphanage (Kenya)
Gateway Church waterside has members who support Salem Orphanage. This is a Kenyan non-profit that houses, educates, and provides medical care to over 100 orphans. Founded in 2012, it serves children affected by poverty, illness, and abuse. It also offers education to over 200 children in its school. Salem Orphanage relies on donations and volunteers to meet the needs of the children and strives to provide hope, dignity, and self-worth to its beneficiaries.
