City Gates is a vibrant church situated in the heart of Ilford. As a church we are passionate about our local community and to see people’s lives transformed and empowered. City Gates is always buzzing with various activities and outreach programmes such as Metro Kids Club; that are aimed to build relationships and engage people, regardless of their beliefs and backgrounds. City Gates Church also works in partnership with Teen Challenge, a rehabilitation programme for those with addictions. In September 2016, City Gates plans to open a through school to meet the demand in Redbridge for a school with a Christian ethos and the demand for school places throughout the borough.
Although buildings in themselves don’t change lives, we believe that what goes on inside the building does. At City Gates Church, we are undertaking a major church building project calledTime to Build.
We’re building a multipurpose facility which will be used for generations to come. The building is due to be completed by December 2015. The construction of the new City Gates premises re-commenced late in 2014; nearly three years after the sudden collapse of the building part way through construction.
Earlier this year, our senior pastor Stephen Derbyshire made an appeal to the congregation to raise extra funds amounting to £300,000 to equip the building with the necessary fixtures and fittings. The goal of this appeal is to have the building fully furnished and ready for use when the keys are handed over in December 2015.
This crowdfunding campaign is being launched to raise £50,000 to equip and furnish the foyer area, as part of our efforts to have the building fully equipped upon its completion. Although the foyer area is only a small part of the building, it is equally important and plays a vital role as the place where anyone walking into the building will be welcomed. The building itself will serve as the administration centre for all the day to day activities of City Gates Church.
We believe there is strength in numbers. As such we seek to maximise on the power of crowdfunding by asking a large number of people each to donate a small amount of money. As a church we have come a long way, but we have certainly not arrived at our destination yet. The people of City Gates have responded to this appeal through various forms of fundraising initiatives. This crowdfunding campaign is another one of such initiatives, and we need your help.
As a church throughout our Time to Build campaign, we have held on to our moto, “Equal Sacrifice, Not Equal Giving” – because we recognise that not everyone can pledge the same amount; nonetheless, we are hopeful that most can give in some way. Please help us to make a difference with your money; to do something that will outlast your life cycle. Help us to leave a legacy for our children and future generation.
City Gates is building a church for three generations. Every single day ordinary people from all walks of life are passing down inspirational legacies. Similarly, throughout the foyer campaign we will be writing a journal so that one day the story of our sacrifices and the sacrifices of those who have partnered with us on this journey and what we believed; will be felt and will live on.