New pastors to take on The Gate Church in Prudhoe

There are hellos and goodbyes taking place at the Pentecostal The Gate Church in Prudhoe this autumn, as lead Pastors Bert and Margaret Boonstra make way for the church's current assistant lead Pastors Matt and Judith Lewis.

The 'lovely' Matt and Judith, who have lived in Prudhoe for over 10 years, will take over as lead pastors at the church when they're ordained by Reverend Grayson Jones, the regional overseer for the North, on Sunday, November 9, after the Remembrance service.

Matt and Judith's ordination is being carried out by Pastors Grayson and Del Jones (right) (Image: Supplied)

"Together with a team of core leaders and trustees, they will guide the church family into a new dimension of community that loves God, loves people, and loves life," said Bert.

"When Pastors Matt and Judith joined, they established a worship team, helping the congregation sing the latest Christian songs. With keyboard, drums, bass, and several excellent singers, the music has been praised by neighbours for being both lovely and up-to-date.

"They immediately connected with and loved the church family. They previously served in a larger church in Newcastle for many years, and Matt has assisted with a pioneer work in Guildford."

After nine years, Bert and Margaret are now ready to pass on the baton of leadership. They will be stepping down from their roles and moving to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, anticipating a new assignment, hopefully at a 'calmer pace'. They have already found a community church to support, although not as leaders.

A spokesperson for The Gate Church said, "Bert and Margaret came from London in September 2016, where they had pastored a community church.

"Together with the Prudhoe church family, they reached out to the local community through youth clubs, lunches, and focus groups such as Alpha and the Grace Course. They also collaborated with other churches in Prudhoe on events like Holiday Club, Christmas Journey, and the Easter March.

Bert and Margaret are stepping down after nearly 10 years at the church (Image: Supplied)

"During COVID, the church stayed connected and welcomed new members. The Global Mission program continued, with many guest speakers sharing their vision - strengthening the church’s outlook for the future.

"Over the past three years, the church has seen steady growth, especially in its children and youth programs, worship team, and small groups.

"Margaret assisted in setting up "Open the Book," an outreach to schools. Besides being an excellent teacher of the bible, she was also instrumental in developing ReNew at the Parish Hall, where she helped to put all governance arrangements in place.

"Although it is sad to see Bert and Margaret leave, there is anticipation of bigger things ahead for the church family. Everyone is excited to welcome a younger, experienced couple to lead the church."

All friends of the Gate Church are invited to a farewell party for Bert and Margaret, on Saturday, November 15, at 4pm at The Gate Church. Email hello@thegatechurch.uk for more details.