Gateway Fellowship has new home

Walter Sprague
Art and Culture Reporter
 
“There were so many details that had to be worked out,” Pastor Jon Anderson said, “But it just fell together.” He was speaking of the new building acquisition for Gateway Fellowship.
Gateway has been seeking an answer to prayers concerning their location for a couple of years. Their meetings in the large hall at the Weston County Senior Center were good, Anderson said. As long as they needed the facility, the senior center was willing to let them stay. Even their offices operated at that facility. But Anderson, along with many others, felt that it was a temporary solution. The search for a new location has been underway for some time.
“We didn’t want to force anything,” Anderson said, “We wanted it to be God’s timing, even if His answer was to
stay put.”
Prayers about it happened in their weekly prayer meetings. And it felt to many that a move was coming. But the church also wanted to wait for God’s timing. And then it happened.
Andersen Plumbing, on Old Highway 85, came up for sale. And Jon said that the people in his congregation knew this was what God wanted to happen.
“We didn’t even know about the sale on July 12,” he said, “And by Aug. 13, we closed on the property.” He said that Clay Andersen, the old owner of the building, called and said that he understood they were looking for a property.
“We didn’t push for the obstacles to be removed.” Jon said, “An attorney from Gillette, Frank Stevens, did all the work for us, pro bono.” He was almost laughing when he said, “He never charged us a thing. It was obvious; the Lord was saying that He wanted us in this building and wanted it right now.”
Clay was also very accommodating. Jon said that he was determined to quickly get them in the building and at a reasonable price.
Jon said that they are using this opportunity to rethink and to reshape what and how they conduct a church, as the Lord urges them. One of those changes will be the worship time, at least for right now.
“People were not happy when we were going until 12:30 with our services,” he said, “So we are moving that up earlier.”
The previous service time of 11 a.m. has been moved to 10 a.m. Remodeling is happening in just about every area. But the church will be starting services on Sunday, Sept. 6, at the new location. For September, Gateway is canceling Sunday school classes until it has had time to discuss times and other aspects of the new ministry with church members.
“All our equipment and furniture — everything — is already moved over from the senior center.” Jon said, “Last Sunday was our last
Sunday there.”
The new address for Gateway Fellowship is 12 Old Highway 85. Even though it may be rough with construction and other issues while the renovation is underway, Jon feels that it will be okay. They had started to move the church equipment and furniture over on Friday, Aug. 28. The move was complete by Monday. The whole process, so far, has been easily handled, with plenty of help. Jon said he believes this has been a great answer to effective and fervent prayers.