Aldersgate Experience 1
Connecting Knowing Loving Growing
January 2014
Experience
Every year I make New Year’s resolutions and every year I fail by February. Fortunately, Lent comes along and I can take them up anew as a Lenten promise! But I think one of the reasons why I don’t stick with them is because I need a community of people to support me and hold me accountable. So, what if we made group resolutions? Who is with me? Here are some ideas. Let me know what you think…Twelve seemed like a good Biblical number, but there’s certainly room to add a few more. Be it resolved, that in 2014, we the people of Aldersgate United Methodist Church will… 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We will love our neighbors as ourselves. We will pray every day. We will consistently worship the Lord, study his word, and serve him in the world. We will act like the church we want to be by extending grace and forgiveness instead of judgment and condemnation. 6) We will find brand new ways to give back to God a portion of our time, talent, and treasure. 7) We will trust God when we feel anxious or afraid of what tomorrow might bring. 8) We will continue to walk the same path with those with whom we disagree and recognize that we might grow as Christians from engaging someone or something that is new, uncomfortable, different or challenging. 9) We will talk to someone we know who doesn’t go to church and say something inviting and encouraging to them about our faith. 10) Behind people’s backs and in front of their faces we will respect others and build them up instead of tearing them down. 11) We will ask for forgiveness and forgive one another just as Christ forgives us. 12) We will create space for Sabbath in our lives each and every week. Who’s with me? May you be blessed in the year of our Lord 2014. Grace and Peace, Pastor Doug
Aldersgate Experience 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Birthdays Wednesday Night Live Winter Series, Fellowship Meals & Prayer Service DivorceCare & Thank You James Bear & Weekday School Music Ministry Community Connections/Drive Thru
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7-8 Page 9
Reindeer Store Thank you Acolytes/Nursery/Trustees Handbell Concert Invitation On-Line Giving by Credit Cards Financials - December 18th January Lay Assistants Schedule
Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 12 Page 13
CONNECTING (Connect with God and one another)
Barbara Atkinson Jill Bosecker Mackenzie Hale Andrew Honeycutt Rick Kreiselman Sue Allison Vanessa Gordon Morgan Ray Holly Fishback Marilyn Shipman Grace Herbstreith Lynn Wilfong Peter Lundquist Jennifer Reeves Jeffrey Caudill Nancy Moore Jeff Artley Jason McDonald Jo'an Paine Jan Howe Steven Wilfong Jane Rosemond
01/01 01/02 01/03 01/03 01/03 01/04 01/04 01/04 01/05 01/05 01/06 01/06 01/07 01/07 01/09 01/09 01/10 01/10 01/10 01/11 01/11 01/12
Jonathan Thomas Lisa Williams Louis F. Berini Jill Hanson Patrick Stephen Miller Richard Riggsbee Jody Slater Audrey Turley Candy West Joyce Pendergrass Cameron Burleson Debbie Hunt Stephanie Nolte Elijah McCall Ruth Kay Jim Hanson Michele Jones Ed Osteen Sr. McKenna Colgan Ron Pendergrass Jack Anderson Sandra Reynolds
01/12 01/12 01/14 01/14 01/14 01/14 01/14 01/14 01/14 01/15 01/16 01/16 01/16 01/17 01/18 01/19 01/19 01/19 01/20 01/20 01/21
01/21 June Gunter Christopher Hall Mitch Moser Lynn Andrews Max Bingen Annie King Jason Newman Jack Upchurch Sam Edwards Lisa Johnson Carol Brese Rosalin Robinson Marie Currin Gary Edge Jan Hagerty Brink Hunt Jr Allen Harrell Kirk Brown Linda Jones Jimmy Sykes
01/22 01/22 01/22 01/23 01/23 01/23 01/24 01/24 01/25 01/25 01/26 01/26 01/27 01/27 01/27 01/27 01/28 01/29 01/30 01/30
Aldersgate Experience 3
Wednesday Night Live - Returns - January 8th
Winter Classes - January 8th - February 6th - 6:30 - 7:30 pm “THE PARENTING TEENAGERS COURSE" Are you ready to invest in your family ? ALPHA presents: “The Parenting Teenagers Course" for parents with children ages 11 to 18. The most precious gift and possession that God will ever entrust to us are our children. *Parenting teenagers is harder than ever for most parents today *No role we undertake in life is more important *We are the main influence on our teenager's future *Discovering we are not alone in the challenges we face and exchanging ideas from other parents can make a huge difference *Meeting our teenager's deepest needs, setting healthy boundaries, helping to develop their emotional health, and teaching them how to make good choices, takes skill and dedication *Taking time to reflect on our end goal can help us to build our relationships with our teenagers now SPACE IS LIMITED TO TEN FAMILIES. Please join us as we take this journey together, Walter and Maryellen Finnigan *For those of you who have younger children... Birth to age 10 parenting course coming soon!!!
WHAT DOES IT
MEAN TO BE
METHODIST ?
Have you ever wondered why we are called Methodists? What’s so great about being Methodist ? What exactly does the district superintendent do? Come join the WNL class in January as we look at what it’s like to be a United Methodist in 2014. Leaders will be John Hall and Tara Lain.
LOVING GOD Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to get closer to God? Come join us as we learn ways to love God and others more deeply. Loving God is part of the Journey 101 series that looks at the essentials of the Christian life. The other two courses will be offered on understanding scripture and discovering spiritual gifts will be offered during future WNL sessions.
Aldersgate Experience 4
Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal- 5:30 pm Family Life Center January 1st - No WNL January 8th - Breakfast for Dinner Sausage & Egg Casserole, Grits, Fruit Cup, Biscuits by The Haiti Mission Team January 15th - Pork Lion, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Desserts - The Van Deventer Family January 22nd - Mac and cheese with ham, salad and dessert by Agape Circle January 29th - Hamburgers and hot dogs w/ fixin's,Veggie tray, Chips, desserts , Beverage - Donations will go to support the Methodist children's home. By Serendipity Sunday School Class
Wednesday Evening Prayer Service - Each Wednesday - 5:00 pm - Sanctuary
New Series coming soon !!
Aldersgate Experience 5
KNOWING (Know more about God, each other, and the needs of our world. ) Unless you’ve been there, it’s hard to understand the hurt that comes from separation and divorce. Even your friends and family don't know how to help. DivorceCare is a support group that meets weekly. It is led by people who have been through divorce/separations. DivorceCare will be offered at Aldersgate UMC - January 6th-March 31st - 6:30 - 8:30 pm in room 207 in the Family Life Center. You are welcomed at any point. Each session is “self-contained” and led by Jack Snyder and Kathy Reeves.
THANK YOU ! Aldersgate UMC hosted the Interfaith Hospitality Network families the week of December 1st. “Thank you” seems inadequate to express my appreciation for all those who helped with driving, preparing and serving meals, staying overnight, moving the cots, making beds, etc. Probably the highlight of the week came on Friday, when several of the girls from G.I.G.G.L.E.S. and their adult leaders came to spend the evening and stay overnight with the families. In no time at all, the kids were playing together like old friends, the moms were happy to see their children in such loving company, and we all felt the true meaning and spirit of hospitality. We go into IHN thinking we’ll do something to make a difference and we end up the ones getting to see the face of Jesus. This note is from Lisa Clark, one of the G.I.G.G.L.E.S. leaders: “I just wanted to tell you about the comments the girls made last night regarding their time and stay with the IHN families. They were so excited to tell the others of the fun they had. The others were in awe and can't wait to have their chance to participate. They want to do it every month! Well, Paula told them the next one is in March and they all shouted, "Let's do it, let's do it!" Thank you for giving these girls the opportunity to share of themselves and to see how those less fortunate sometimes live. They talked about not having a home and a place to call their own. It was a special time. Thank you! Lisa” Again, thank you so much for caring about IHN. Susan Gay
Aldersgate Experience 6
JAMES BEAR, THE “DOER" BEAR ! This is James Bear, the Doer Bear. James is going to travel around with all and help you “do” good things for others! Your challenge when you have the James Bear passed to you is to be a doer of the Word! This could be by feeding the hungry, visiting elderly or sick people, helping someone with yard work, simply taking time to read the Bible and pray, or whatever form of ministry you feel called to do. We don't want to be deceiving ourselves. When James is with you doing things for others be sure to document the activity by taking pictures. Then, e-mail what you did, your pictures, and who you are going to hand James Bear over to next to: james.bear@aldersgate.org. James will post the pictures and the information on his facebook page and will looking forward to the next “doer" project. Here is what James has been doing during December : Here is James waiting to pray with a neighbor at the monthly 'Drive Thru Prayer' session. He is accompanied by Pat Porter, Carol & Dave Brese and Jane Bahor. James Bear spent Sunday Morning, December 1st collecting items for The Reindeer Store at Central Regional Hospital! Lots of folks are going to have a Merry Christmas ! — with Aldersgate Umc Durham NC.
James is taking a moment out to read about the clean water project that Luke's mission is doing in Haiti. He was very excited about the filter, reading that it takes bacteria and protozoans out of the water. He was very impressed that each filter can clean up to a million gallons of water and all of this for $50. Less than 38% of patients have access to clean save water. He was very pleased with this gift of water. Shelia-his helper — at Alternative Gift Fair
ALDERSGATE WEEKDAY SCHOOL Aldersgate Weekday School’s return registration for current students and Aldersgate UMC Members begins January 13, 2014. The 2014 school year will begin in September, and we will have openings in our Toddler, 2 year-old, 3 year-old and 4 year-old classes. Registration forms are available in the school office or click www.aldersgatewds.org. Fall registration opens to the community on Feb. 4, 2014. All church member forms must be turned in by Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. Please call (919) 479-8686 if you have any questions. Thanks so much, Evelyn Johnson, Director
Aldersgate Experience 7
MUSIC MINISTRY NOTES Please contact Nan de Andrade (nan@aldersgate.org) for a more complete description of our varied musical groups. You are welcome and needed in our ministry! “You don’t want me in the choir...I can’t sing/ can’t read/ can’t be there every week.” If you’ve been invited to join the choir and haven’t, chances are this is the response we heard you claim. Oh, please think again! YES. WE. DO. WANT. YOU! If you can’t sing, we can help you with that! Actually, only >1% of people truly can’t carry a tune; the rest of us have just not used our voices enough to feel confident “carrying their tune in a bucket!” I’ve seen, time and again, that with time and regular practice, the ability to sing, produce a beautiful tone, hold harmonies, etc. improves, especially as they sit next to others with more experience. If you can’t read music, you will be joining with the majority of our choir, who are also not trained to read notes. The ones who do, help the ones who don’t, and since we rehearse for about 6 weeks before we sing an anthem, you’ll have plenty of time to learn your part. And, finally, if you can’t be there every week, understand that, with the number of singers our choir enjoys, it’s fine (and normal) to come when you can. We’re just glad to see you then! “All God’s Children Have a Place in the Choir” You are most sincerely welcome to join any of our music ministry groups. We do a variety of music; I guarantee that some of it will put a Jesus song in your heart!! Contact Nan de Andrade, Music Minister, to learn more (nan@aldersgate.org)
CHOIR REHEARSAL TIMES Adult Choir: Rehearses Wednesday at 7:30 pm. Join us! Praise Team: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:30 pm. New members always welcomed Children’s Choirs (Sundays at 4:45-5:30 pm) Arts in the Afternoon will resume on Sunday, Jan. 12th. Sweet Sounds Dulcimer Group, Thursdays at 10:00 am. Interested in learning? Handbells: Joyful Noise Ringers (advanced) – Tuesdays 7:30 pm. Epiphany Ring: rehearse 3:00 pm, concert at 7:00 pm Praise Ringers (adult and youth J-V bells) – Mondays at 7:00 pm, resumes Jan. 6th. Young Ringers (2nd-5th graders)– Sundays at 5:30 pm, resumes Jan. 12th
The SIXth Annual Epiphany Ring Handbell Festival - Concert - Sunday, Jan. 5th at 7:00 pm Hosted by Aldersgate and featuring 11 handbell ensembles from around the Triangle sharing massed-ringing and individual selections, this festival celebrates the music of the season. Guest conductor is composer and handbell teacher Nick Hanson of Falls Church, Virginia. The concert is free; please invite your friends and neighbors to come and enjoy.
Aldersgate Experience 8
THANKS A WINTER ROSE, INDEED Our Worship team and many others, through singing and handbell choirs, praise team, soloists, instrumentalists, youth ministry, and altar guild presented a Winter Garden of Delight, through beautiful music and inspiring leadership over the holydays. Join me as we “stop and smell the roses,” praising God for each of our music ministers! First, remember back to our sweet Chrismon service? That bouquet of talent and creativity helped us to come together as a family to “deck the halls” with joy and meaning. Thanks to Paula Alford (designer and recruiter), the JMT team (decorating), our Youth (leadership), Bob Wallace and the Fogle Family (drama and story), and the breathtaking return of our Sacred Dancers (Kathy Reeves and Anna Van Deventer, leaders). Many servants tilled and planted to enhance our experience through the month: we thank our Worship Committee (organized the weekly Advent candle lighting families), the Altar Guild (decorating, poinsettias), Gary James (facilities), John Hall and the A-V ministry team, the UMM (Set-up team). Of course, our Clergy team gifted us with many excellent sermons and lessons: we must bless God for them! Forget-them-not, these memorable winter blossoms: Chimes in the Night, our children’s choir musical (Heidi Miller, director); our lovely Christmas “silver bells,” the Joyful Noise and Praise Ringers Handbell Ensembles, our “Sweet Sounds” dulcimer group; the Chancel Choir and soloists’ cantata, The Winter Rose; and Mila Karamushka (organist/accompanist); thanks to Cathy Cozart and Randy Gordon who organized our traditional Love Feast, as well as all of our many servers and musicians who delighted us that evening; thanks also to all who shared in a sweet night of Hope and Comfort on Wednesday, Dec. 18th. Our afternoon of caroling was a delight for all who offered their love and welcome. Finally, as we reached the center of the garden, we were wellprepared to delight in the “good news of great joy.” It was a holy night, thanks be to God! We thank all the youth who led, the children who sang and participated enthusiastically, and our sweet “Holy Family,” Sarah, Brent and Madalyn Walker, who each participated in our 4 pm “Impromptu Christmas pageant” (organized by Tara Lain), as well as the soloists and Hank Van Deventer’s festive trumpet at the 7:00 and 11:00 pm candlelight and communion services . This year’s Garden of Christmas Praise is one whose fragrance can take us into the new year with a renewed and deeper appreciation for the Rose of Sharon, Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift. So we bless God and give thanks to ALL who shared their time and talents to help us experience and embrace this joyous 2013 Christmas.
Aldersgate Experience 9
DRIVE-THRU PRAYER is the 1st Tuesday of each month from 4:00-6:00 pm. It’s simple, you’ll feel great afterwards AND, it’s the ONLY ONE IN DURHAM ! Just drive “thru.” Someone will meet you at your car and pray with you. OR If you are interested in helping (but not necessarily praying) you can help set up signs, take down the tent , or hand out bottled water. Feel like you want to check out the prayer part? You can start by observing with a partner. We have heard from many in the community what a blessing this is to them and you could be part of it! If you have any questions, contact Carol Brese at 919-471-2269 carolloubrese@gmail.com
JANUARY 7TH 4:00 - 6:00 PM
NEXT DRIVE THRU PRAYER JANUARY 7TH - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
THANK YOU SO MUCH FROM THE REINDEER STORE - 2013 We want to thank everybody who donated gifts for the Reindeer Store at Central Regional Hospital (former John Umstead Hospital). We took over 70 toys, 35 clothing and household items, 30 books and movies, and 11 items of jewelry to the hospital. They were thrilled to receive so many nice gifts for the store. On the day of the store Colleen Anna, Jane Bahor, Anne Finch, and Mary Taylor volunteered at the hospital. Jane sang with the Christmas carolers, Anne and Mary helped in the women's clothing store, and Colleen floated between the clothing store, singing a few carols and visiting with the patients. The music, decorations, and the mini department stores gave a festive atmosphere for the patients and us too. We had fun helping out for the day and seeing the smiles on the patients’ faces and listening to them tell us all about who they were getting gifts for gave a real feeling of the Christmas spirit. Again thank you for helping make this event possible for the patients at Central Regional Hospital. Colleen Anna, Jane Bahor, Anne Finch, and Mary Taylor
Aldersgate Experience 10
GROWING (Grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and as a faithful community called the church.) January Acolyte Schedule 8:15am Service
January 5th: January 12th: January 19th: January 26th:
11:00am Service
Jacob Bosecker Grace Herbstreith Emma Freeman Margaret Ann Healy Emily Lain
NURSERY MINISTRY
Katie Leonard Kaylee Eckhoff Olivia Lain Cameron Nye Tanner Reo
An acolyte is a person who assists the presiding minister/pastor in worship and carries out certain duties, including candle lighting; carrying the processional cross; holding or getting items the pastor needs at baptisms, Holy Communion, and other worship acts. Acolytes may be children, youth, and adults.
Each Sunday Morning: 8:15am, 9:30am and 11:00am Ashley Skinner, Jamie Lewis and Ellen Whisnant Tuesday Music Practices: Ellen Whisnant and Lynn Wilfong
JANUARY ALTAR GUILD ALICE OSTEEN AND SHARON MCLAURIN
Altar Guild assures the worship space and supporting materials are prepared for worship.
TRUSTEE FOR JANUARY: PHIL STANCIL
The Trustees supervise and maintain all property belonging to the congregation so that the ministries of the congregation can be effective.
Aldersgate Experience 11
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas, On on they send , On without end, Their joyful tone to every home Dong Ding dong ding, dong Bong
You’re Invited to the
SIXth Annual Epiphany Ring Handbell Festival Concert Sunday, January 5th 7:00 pm Hosted by Aldersgate and featuring 11 handbell ensembles from around the Triangle sharing massed-ringing and individual selections, this festival celebrates the music of the season. Guest conductor is composer and handbell teacher Nick Hanson of Falls Church, Virginia. The concert is free; please invite your friends and neighbors to come and enjoy.
Aldersgate Experience 12
ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH INCOME SNAPSHOTS THROUGH 12/18/2013 Operating Income Versus Budget YTD Budgeted Pledged Received YTD Budgeted
$ 799,931
$
580,334
Unpledged Contri- Total YTD Contri- YTD Collections butions butions Budget $
101,146
$
681,480
$
(118,451)
Operating Income Versus Spending YTD Spent YTD Spending
$ 737,580
Pledges Received $
580,334
Unpledged Contri- Total YTD Contri- YTD Collections butions butions Spent $
101,146
$
681,480
$
(56,100)
Capital Fund Snapshot 2011 - 2014 Pledged YTD
Capital
$1,349,433
Pledges Received $
537,244
Unpledged Contributions $
194,937
Total Contributions $
732,181
Received Versus Pledged $
(617,252)
It’s just a click away !! A new way to GIVE ! The Aldersgate Finance Committee is happy to announce a new way to make donations to Aldersgate United Methodist Church. On Line Giving ! - Just click the blue “on-line giving” button on the Aldersgate Web Site (www.aldersgate.org) We are accepting online donations by debit / credit cards as well as electronic fund transfer (checking & savings). It’s convenient – just access our website and you are set! It’s timely – available 24 hours / day, 7 days / week It’s confidential and secure – hosted by Vanco Services, LLC Currently our fund options are: operating fund, capital fund, mission teams, JMT – Other areas of Missions or fundraising can be added. Please contact Cathy Sheffield to see how your Aldersgate group can take advantage of online giving. Great for fundraisers! Contact Cathy at cathy@aldersgate.org or 919-477-0509, ext. 100.
Aldersgate Experience 13
January Lay Assistants Schedule Date
Greeter
Usher
Lay Reader
8:15 Worship 1/5
Main Office Welcome Center:
Carl Chmielewski Richard Riggsbee Barbara Andrews
1/12
Main Office Welcome Center:
Anna van Deventer Charles & Barbara Andrews Paul Jones Carl Chmielewski/Jeff Sturkey Charlotte O’Brien
Barbara Atkinson
1/19
Main Office Welcome Center:
Barbara Andrews Pattie Porter Charles Andrews
Ed Osteen/Carl Chmielewski Jackie Roberts/Jim Willis
Burton King
1/26
Carol Brese Pat Stancil Mitch Adkins
Dawn Eckhoff/Rick Kreiselman Doug Morris/Chick Hinton
Charlotte O’Brien
Main Office Welcome Station
Carole Morris/Doug Morris Chick Hinton/
Anna van Deventer
9:30 Worship 1/5 Main Welcome Station:
Cheryl Turner Amanda Sublett
Cynthia Bell / Cathy Sheffield
Betty Wickham
1/12 Main Welcome Station:
David Shaffer Lara Rowland
Betty Wickham/Cheryl Turner
Amanda Sublett
1/19 Main Welcome Station
Amanda Sublett Mary Taylor
Gene Bell/Betty Wickham
Cathy Sheffield
1/26 Main Welcome Center
Betty Wickham Amanda Sublett
Cynthia Bell/Margie Muir
Charlotte O’Brien
11:00 Worship 1/5
Main Office Welcome Center
Anabella Mendes Rusty Grimm Amelia Oakley
Dawn Eckhoff/Kelly Freeman Kay Edwards/Nancy Grinstead
Alice Hagaman
1/12
Main Office Welcome Center
Betty Baird Ginger Hawkins Anabela Mendes
Ed Osteen/Ashley Bahor Pam Boatright/Kelly Freeman
Steve Wilfong
1/19
Main Office Welcome Station:
Amelia Oakley Stacey McCorison Mary Taylor
Jan Howe/Paula Alford Nancy Smith/Joyce Mackin
Anabela Mendes
1/26
Betty Jane Upchurch Paula Veasey/Anabela Mendes Sam Edwards Kay Edwards/Nancy Grinstead Jan Howe
Main Office Welcome Center
Steve Wilfong
Aldersgate Experience 14 Aldersgate United Methodist Church 1320 Umstead Road Durham, NC 27712 (919) 477-0509
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