Food Ministry

Food plays a prominent role in the Bible. The Jewish people remember their escape from Egypt with the Passover meal, and God repeatedly promises that they will enter a land "flowing with milk and honey".

In the New Testament, Jesus often uses food as a metaphor and tells stories of banquets and feasts. He feeds multitudes of people al fresco and eats with those on the margins of society. John tells us that Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at Cana, and - within the early church - mealtimes were a potent symbol of community and shared life.

At City Gates, food is also pivotal to much of our life together – not because we are greedy, but because the meal table is a natural focal point for believers. It provides a place of fellowship, and a forum for debate. It's a space where we can celebrate being family, and it's an opportunity for hospitality.

Our food ministry exists to support this key aspect of church life, and operates in three distinct capacities:

From budgeting to tableware, the food ministry team are available to give guidance, hints and tips to those planning catered events. Advice is available for simple home group suppers, right through to substantial wedding feasts.

For those less confident in the kitchen, we offer occasional classes which aim to teach basic recipes and a range of related techniques. Hands-on experience and practical instruction are the name of the game here.

The Foodie Forum is a safe haven for confident (read "slightly obsessive") cooks to enthuse about their silicone bakeware. If you can extol the virtues of your hollandaise technique for two hours, this is the place for you! Every couple of months, the group gathers to share recipes, tips and techniques around a specific genre, theme or ingredient.