December 29, 2025
Hello, Beloved.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
Yesterday, we gathered as a church family to participate in a hopeful, transformative, and straightforward practice of the Father’s presence. We intentionally released our burdens and received God’s love, healing, and forgiveness through deliberate prayer. Thank you for leaning in and genuinely following the Spirit’s leadership, as best as we know how.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends a necessary invitation. He calls the tired, weary, and burdened to come, to lay down what’s too heavy, and to exchange it for something lighter and life-giving. This invitational promise is the heart of “Palms Up, Palms Down.”
Together, we walked through nine areas where burdens accumulate: lost family/friends, diminished health, financial stress, missed opportunities, sinful habits and patterns, fears and worries, desires to control, emotional and relational health, and lastly, lack of purpose and direction. These aren’t abstract ideas; they’re the real weights we carry into each day, the things that can steal our joy and drain our strength. But here’s the beautiful truth: we don’t have to take them into the new year.
As we placed each burden into our open hands and lifted them to the Father, we enacted a physical prayer that our souls desperately need. We acknowledged what we cannot fix, control, or carry alone. And in that vulnerable moment of release, we created space to receive what God wants to give us: peace, purpose, healing, hope, provision, and a reminder that we can abide in Him and He in us.
Whatever 2026 brings, we won’t face it alone or empty-handed. The Father is with us and for us. When we release our grip on what we cannot and should not carry and receive what He freely offers, we position ourselves to overcome together.
Take time this week to practice palms-up, palms-down again. Jot down the categories that matter most to your life, family, friends, and social circle. Welcome the Holy Spirit’s searching of your heart. Release what burdens you. Receive what He gives. Rejoice in His faithfulness.
Darlene and I, along with our entire staff, love you and are here to help you mature in your God-given identity, develop healthy relationships, and regularly share God’s love.
The Lord Jesus and His peace be upon you and your family!
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others)
We have two new groups beginning next month. One group will be a Men’s group with limited space, in Milford, meeting on the 2nd / 4th Mondays at 7 pm. The second group will be an open group in Newtown. More information coming soon!
SUNDAY SERVICE:
Christmas Eve: The Needed Nearness of God - Entire Service or Teaching Only
Releasing and Rejoicing - Entire Service or Teaching Only
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed $22,500)
December 7: $24,036,35
December 14: $20,918.92
December 21: $40,373.12
December 28: $27,901.83
Greater Things YTD 2025: $70,569.58
Current Mortgage Balance: $387,448.89
Click here to learn more about Greater Things (our accelerated mortgage elimination commitment) and participate.
Stay hopeful and healthy. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com