Aldersgate Experience 1
Connecting Knowing Loving Growing
I’ve just returned from the North Carolina Annual Conference. It is always great to see fellow clergy from around the conference and meet the different lay delegates who love their churches so much. Each year we hear reports of how the people of the North Carolina Annual Conference are making a difference in the world around them. We also spend time debating how much money we will spend to support the people and programs that will make up the ministries of the conference in the years to come. And, of course, we worship together. What a blessing it is to praise God with so many deeply caring and concerned United Methodists! The conference concluded with the ordination and commissioning service of new deacons and elders. Our former youth director, Nathan Arledge, was one of those who was ordained as an Elder this year. But if Nathan’s ordination was a highlight; then one of the lowlights for me was the tabling of a resolution that dealt with the issue of homosexuality. Our brothers and sisters at Epworth UMC here in Durham brought forth a resolution to change the language of the Discipline on this issue. Our conference voted to table it until next year rather than talk about it. What bothered me was not that people would have been for or against the resolution. I know full well that people would have had a different opinion from mine. What bothered me was that we simply decided that the best course of action was not to talk about it at all. Earlier in the conference we adopted a Unity Statement that said we can agree to disagree on this issue, but still remain United Methodists. So, why would we then refuse to address the issue any
July 2014
Experience further? It has obviously been an important issue worthy of discussion for a long time. Many other denominations have wrestled with this issue as well, and they have reached different conclusions. Currently, there are several competing ideas being discussed within the denomination. One group of pastors from several different conferences has suggested that the United Methodist Church simply split and let the Traditionalists go one way and the Progressives go another. Another group has suggested that the denomination stay together, but we let local churches and conferences decide for themselves whether they will support gay marriage or the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals. This is sometimes referred to as the “local option”. The issue has been talked about for years, but it feels like the debate is reaching a crescendo toward the General Conference set for 2016. It is possible that some structural changes within our denomination may come forth from that conference. I don’t mean that the theological language in the Discipline might change, I mean that the way we structure and govern ourselves may change (or not) based on our response to the debate on this issue. I honestly don’t know what will happen. It is still two years out. I just pray that we will follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and not just our own hearts. And at the end of the day we might find ways to love the people with which we disagree. May the peace of Christ be with you, Pastor Doug
Aldersgate Experience 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Birthdays Financials Monthly 2014 Budget Highlight Summer Camps /Music and Arts Vacation Bible School Primetimers/BrownBaggers Drive Thru Prayer Project AgapeShoeboxes Lake Junealuska
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7
Sunday Worship/Sunday School Missions Agapeshop4kids Music Notes Worship Wonderings Acolytes/Altar Guild/Trustee/ July Lay Assistants July Calendar
Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15
CONNECTING (Connect with God and one another)
Shirley Bullock Anabela Mendes Margaret Ann Healy Wyatt Kimbrough Shannon Petry Debbie Fletcher Carol Lowans Rochelle Nye Randy Sheffield Lowry Caudill Thomas Harrell Carol Ray Ken Strupe Bette Baird Cathy Sheffield Cathy Moser Sharon Collier Georgia Fishback Holly Hall Heidi Miller James Shipman Mark Haskell Ray Hilton Nora Revill
07/01 07/01 07/02 07/03 07/03 07/04 07/04 07/05 07/05 07/06 07/06 07/07 07/07 07/08 07/08 07/09 07/10 07/10 07/10 07/10 07/10 07/11 07/11 07/11
Linda Shaffer Sammy Turley Barbara Yarbrough Bob Wallace Van Anderson Robert Cox Nicholas Falise David Korest Eloise Riggs Mason Riggs Jonathan Shaver Jason Bouck Suzanne Elliott Alessandra Gauger Janie Howell Matthew Leeson Jacquelyn Andrews Matthew Jones Andy Parham Kaya Susak Chance Bingen Jonas Daugherty Joe Newman Alex Teunis
07/12 07/12 07/12 07/13 07/14 07/14 07/14 07/14 07/14 07/14 07/15 07/16 07/16 07/16 07/16 07/16 07/18 07/18 07/18 07/18 07/19 07/19 07/19 07/19
Joyce Mackin Cyndie Smith Doug Taylor Patrick Tomasic Christine Bouck Joanna de Andrade Garry Bowman Lane Cody Joey Honeycutt Whitney Hunt Grace Yueh Pam Boatright Evan Deck Madeline Hurley Colton Stanley Marilyn Tomasic Judy Alford Kay Shaver Mike Williams Paul Jones Barbara Snyder Mary King Carol Newman Lawson Osteen
07/20 07/21 07/21 07/21 07/22 07/22 07/23 07/23 07/23 07/23 07/23 07/24 07/25 07/26 07/26 07/26 07/27 07/28 07/28 07/29 07/29 07/30 07/30 07/31
Aldersgate Experience 3
ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FINANCIAL SNAPSHOTS THROUGH 6/17/2014 Contributions Versus Expenses YTD Expenses YTD Spending
$ 342,797
Pledges Received $
249,140
Unpledged Con- Total YTD Contributions tributions $
92,703
$
341,843
YTD Contributions Less Expenses $
(954)
Capital Fund Snapshot 2011 - 2014 Pledged YTD
Capital
$1,343,813
Pledges Received $
904,108
Unpledged Con- Total Contribu- Received Versus tributions tions Pledged $
103,223
$ 1,007,331
$
(336,482)
It’s just a click away !! On Line Giving ! - Just click the blue “on line giving” button on the Aldersgate Web Site (www.aldersgate.org) We are accepting on-line donations by debit / credit cards as well as electronic fund transfer (checking & savings). ALL CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE BY EMAIL - CONTACT CATHY SHEFFIELD - CATHY@ALDERSGATE.ORG 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. 117.
Aldersgate Experience 4
UNDERSTANDING THE CHURCH OPERATING BUDGET Each month we are taking a closer look at a different piece of the budget pie chart. This month we are looking at money allocated for “Youth”. This section doesn’t include money used to support building and room usage or administrative assistance from staff members. It also doesn’t reflect monies raised from fund-raisers. It only reflects the salary for our Youth Pastor and Youth Programming, which is raised by our weekly offerings. That makes up roughly 8% of our budget. Coincidentally, a check of our membership rolls shows that approximately 8% of our members are in middle school or high school. But, as we all know, these are critical years. We are trying to instill the faith and character of a Christian disciple in our youth while the world is trying to tempt them with ideas and choices that don’t always match our values. We are blessed with a great group of teenagers and pre-teens, an intelligent and passionate staff member in Rob Tucker, and highly committed adult volunteers that work with our youth group. Your support makes a big difference. I hope you will join me in praying for our youth at Aldersgate and supporting them through your gifts of time, talent, and treasure in the coming year. Pastor Doug
Not included in this chart is the significant and generous financial support Aldersgate members extend to an extensive list of local and international mission programs through numerous program-specific fundraising activities. Please also note that these figures do not include any capital campaign debt reduction funds.
Aldersgate Experience 5
SUMMER DAY CAMPS AT ALDERSGATE
SUMMER CAMPS 1) SUMMER DAY CAMP FOR KINDERGARTEN-6TH GRADE Week 4: July 7th-11th - Music & Drama Week - “The Land of the Lost & Found" “This years musical is a story with humor, music with heart, and every child has a special part!” M & A Camp Directors Heidi Miller and Nan de Andrade. 2) PRESCHOOL 1/2 DAY SUMMER CAMP - 2-5 years old (2 years olds must be enrolled for the fall) June 16th - Aug 15th - $100.00 per week. Each week is a new adventure: Summertime Fun, Pirates and Princesses; Wild, Wild West and Dinosaurs. Contact: Evelyn Johnson: Evie@aldersgate.org for more information (919) 479-8686. 3) MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP - ONE WEEK - July 7th- July 11th - age: 6-13. If you are attending Aldersgate’s full day camp, you have already paid the $170.00 weekly rate which will cover this camp (Music & Arts) otherwise, $55.00 is the charge for Music and Arts for the week. Your child will learn the musical “Land of the Lost & Found” by Kimberly Ingram, Joe Milton and Heather Olson. This is a musical encounter with the Parables that every child will want to be a part of ! Plus on Friday, July 12th at 3:00 pm, everyone is invited to see the show ! For more information contact: Nan de Andrade: nan@aldersgate.org.
MUSIC AND ART CAMP - DATE: JULY 7-11TH, 2014 TIME: 9:00-1:00 PM Cost: $55. (You may also enroll in full-day camp though the Aldersgate Weekday ministry.) Ages: 6-13 Musical: “Land of the Lost and Found (A Musical Encounter with the Parables)” A Story with humor, music with heart, and every child has a special part! Please register now! You’ll get a listening CD upon registration, and your t-shirt order will be secured. Registration brochures are available at the Welcome Center, or the music office! Camp is open to anyone and is a great way to introduce what AUMC can be for children! Invite a friend!
Aldersgate Experience 6
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: WORKSHOP OF WONDERS: IMAGINE AND BUILD WITH GOD!
A “BIG Heartfelt Thank You" goes to the many volunteers that helped Vacation Bible School be a HUGH success this year ! You have impacted the lives of more than 450 children and their families (over 5 days) with the love of Jesus ! Good Work !
Come Celebrate the 4th on the 3rd ….with the Primetimers, Thursday, July 3rd 11:45 am in the Wesley Room - Hot dogs and all the fixings for lunch. Patriotic music provided by Baz Cunningham following the meal. If you are a guest, please rsvp to Susan Gay - susgy@aol.com
Wednesday, July 9th - Brownbaggers - Beginning Wednesday, July 9th, bring your dinner in a bag, meet in the Wesley Room at 6:00pm. Join us for fellowship and a short informal Bible study (Led by Curtis Gay). This will continue each Wednesday until Wednesday Night Lives resumes. (Labor Day) July 9th our special guest will be Joe Lyndon. Joe will share his recent trip to Normandy and other sites in France and Germany He was part of a group that travelled to these countries to recognize the D-Day Invasion of WWII on its 70th Anniversary.
WHAT IF CHURCH WASN’T JUST A PLACE TO GO, BUT SOMETHING WE DO… LIKE, IN A PARKING LOT ?
DRIVE -THRU PRAYER - 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH THE NEXT DRIVE THRU PRAYER IS: JULY 1ST - 4:00-6:00 PM ALDERSGATE UMC PARKING LOT.
Aldersgate Experience 7
KNOWING (Know more about God, each other, and the needs of our world. ) PROJECT AGAPE CHRISTMAS BOXES - Project AGAPE, the unique mission of the NC Conference of the United Methodists with Christians in Armenia, provides Christmas shoeboxes for children. Armenia is the oldest Christian nation in the world. For many children in refugee communities located in the Kashatagh District, this is the only Christmas gift they will receive. These boxes are a small gift containing a mighty message - the priceless love of Christ. Each year this mission has grown as more and more children participate. Each year the need for boxes exceeds the number of boxes available. We have been asked to help fill the need. Because of strict customs and import laws, our shoeboxes must be filled only with items from a specific list, no substitutions, no additions. A copy of this list will be available in each plastic box and at the information tables. If an item is not placed in the box, do not check the line item. Please carefully read the instructions at the top of the sheet in the plastic shoebox and follow them. Shoeboxes are located outside the sanctuary. Pick yours up TODAY! Do not wrap the shoeboxes or use cardboard boxes. Simply secure with a rubber band around the box. We will collect the boxes, store them and take them to the collection point in September. Our official dedication Sunday will be July 27th. Please contact Sandra and Glenn Reynolds (se.reynolds@yahoo.com) (919-614-2154) with questions or concerns. The annual 2014 Festival of Wisdom and Grace Conference is sponsored by the Southeastern Jurisdictional Association of Older Adults and will be held at Lake Junaluska (near Asheville) from Monday July 28th – Thursday, July 31st. This fun and inspirational event offers fellowship with Methodist lay people over 55 years old and from many states in the southeast. This year the theme will be "Living Ordinary Time with EEEE's...Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Engagement, Empowerment." It is an experience that will renew your life! We are going to celebrate the Kingdom of God! The event includes worship, Bible study, workshops, and lots of good fellowship and the outstanding Junaluska Singers. It is designed for older adults, as well as for persons working with older adults in their congregations. For more information, contact Burton and Lee King at 919-477-5245 or leebbtexking@frontier.com.
Aldersgate Experience 8
LOVING (Love God through worship, and love our neighbor through service)
July 6th
Message by Tara Lain OT: Psalm 72 & Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
July 13th
Sermon: “But Wait, There’s More!” message by Doug Lain NT: Romans 8:1-11 & OT: Genesis 25: 19-34 Story of Jacob and Esau
July 20th
Sermon: “In Living Color” message by Doug Lain NT: Romans 8:12-25 & OT: Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob’s Ladder
July 27th
Sermon: “Wait! That’s Not Fair!” message by Doug Lain NT: Romans 8:26-39 & OT Genesis 29:15-28 The Story of Jacob marrying Leah and Rachel
NEW HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS. Sundays in the Youth Room 9:45am "Theology 101" led by Sarah and Andrew Fletcher. Come and explore basic theological concepts, What do we believe about God ? How are we saved ? What does this mean to me ? Each Sunday for all high school ages.
Aldersgate Experience 9
WE DID IT! Another Habitat house is finished and we are ready to celebrate this milestone with Maria and her son. We dedicated the Habitat House on Saturday, June 28th with a covered dish luncheon ! Thank you so much for everything you have done to make building Maria's house such a good experience.
Aldersgate Experience 10
“ON A MISSION”
Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s Agape Circle’s Semi-Annual
AGAPESHOP4KIDS A CHILDREN’S CHARITY
CONSIGNMENT
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23RD 8 AM -2: PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH 1 PM-3 PM* *half-price sale!!!
ITEMS FOR SALE INCLUDE: baby clothes, children’s clothes, maternity clothes, shoes, toys, books, movies, baby gear, bedding, furniture, and much more! COME TO:
ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, FAMILY LIFE CENTER * 1320 UMSTEAD RD. CALL OR EMAIL FOR INFORMATION: 919-818-0454 (BARBARA SNYDER) OR EMAIL: AGAPESHOP4KIDS@GMAIL.COM
Aldersgate Experience 11
MUSIC MINISTRY NOTES Please contact Nan de Andrade (nan@aldersgate.org) for a more complete description of our varied musical groups. You are most sincerely welcome to join any of our music ministry groups. Give us a try! Contact Nan de Andrade, Music Minister, to learn more (nan@aldersgate.org) CHOIR REHEARSAL NOTES AND TIMES: Adult Choir: Youth and Adults - join us! (Wed. night rehearsal: July 9th, 7:30 pm only. We’ll be resuming Wednesday night rehearsals in August.) OUR CHILDREN’S CHOIR, YOUNG DANCERS AND ALL HANDBELL GROUPS: are on their summer break. See Nan for info on joining a group in September; all ages and abilities welcome. PRAISE TEAM: Praise Team (for the 9:30 am service): Tuesdays, 6:15 pm -7:30 pm. Singers and instrumentalists welcome! SWEET SOUNDS DULCIMER GROUP, Thursdays at 10:00 am. We have one dulcimer waiting for an interested player. TECHNOLOGY TEAM: If you’d like to train and volunteer to run the sound board (esp. for 9:30 am praise team) and /or prepare and operate our screen projection, please contact John Hall - jahall@nc.rr.com. SUMMER SINGERS WANTED: The Chancel Choir invites you to join them in the Chancel as they serve through this month. Our rehearsal time on Sunday morning is quick and effective! We meet at 7:45 am for the 8:15 am service, and at 10:35 am for the 11:00 am service to rehearse that day’s anthem and calls. The music is simple enough that this brief review will yield a happy result. We would love to encourage any - and everyone to join us making a joyful noise! All that is required is a heart for singing praise to God. Please come and join us at our rehearsal in the choir room before services, whenever you can, this summer.
NEED SOME “MI-MI-MI” TIME? Love to sing, but only in the shower? Maybe a little bit of vocal instruction will give you the confidence you need to share your love of music with Aldersgate’s choir. Now is a great time for Nan to spend some time with you to help you identify and grow your skills either as a singer or as a music reader! She can listen to your voice, give you some help on how to sound your best, and teach some healthy singing habits. Or, if you always wanted to learn how to read music, you can spend some time learning the basics to get started. Lessons are “free” – it surely will benefit AUMC’s music ministry for you to take some Mi-Mi-Mi time. So contact Nan for some one-on-one time nan@aldersgate.org or 477-0509 x 116
Aldersgate Experience 12
WORSHIP WONDERINGS - a series on worship practices by Nan de Andrade
Why do we do what we do in corporate worship? Each act in our service has a purpose and a tradition that carries deep meaning and intention. Many are centuries-old and some have even evolved into new meanings. This series will take a moment to look into some of our practices at Aldersgate so that we can all enjoy a richer experience of worship of God on Sunday mornings. THIS MONTH: THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION We all do it, but what is it really about? Lots of meaning can be drawn from this gift of God. That’s probably why there are several common names for the sacrament. When we call it the “Lord’s Supper,” we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the host and commanded us to continue this celebration. (“Do this in remembrance of me.”) “Holy Communion” highlights the communal aspect of the meal - that we are joined together in one body, as we share in the one bread and cup. “Feast” emphasizes celebratory nature of the meal – a foretaste of the heavenly banquet table. “Eucharist” (Greek, for thanksgiving) focuses on the sacramental and sacrificial (God’s self-giving) nature of the meal, for which all we can say is “thanks.” At different times in your own spiritual journey, you will recognize that this sacrament is all of this, and more - an act of obedience, a remembrance, and a celebration. Why do we celebrate the first Sunday of each month? Holy Communion is appropriate at any worship service, as often as daily! But in early Methodism, the ordained pastor rode a circuit of many churches, and often could only be at a given church once a month. So, churches got in the habit of celebrating once a month when the elder was present. Who is welcome to receive at the table? United Methodists practice an “open table,” which means anyone, regardless of age or creed (as our ritual Invitation says, “Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him…”). Our founder, John Wesley, believed that you could even come unbelieving, and find faith through the mystery and gift of the sacrament. Another inspiring thought: our table actually stretches around the world and across all time! (“And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn…”) What’s up with the long prayer we say every time? The Prayer of Great Thanksgiving is one of Christianity’s oldest practices. It even has connections to Jewish table prayers. Much of the prayer is the same across denominational lines, as an ecumenical effort to return to very early (3rd century) church records of communion liturgy brings us all back to our common roots. Though some parts of the prayer may change by season or theme, certain things remain. One important aspect is the fact that we ALL say certain parts of the prayer together, affirming that we are all active participants in the sacrament. The prayer begins with praise of God, remembers our salvation through Jesus Christ (including the Biblical words of institution from 1 Cor. 23-29) and then invokes the work of the Holy Spirit; concluding with praise to the Trinity. There is SO MUCH that God is doing in Holy Communion. Be sure to open your heart wide, to experience the fullness of the gift!
Aldersgate Experience 13
GROWING (Grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and as a faithful community called the church.) Acolyte Schedule July 6 July 13 July 20 July 27
8:15am Service
11:00am Service
Emily Lain Katie Leonard Joanna De Andrade Margaret Ann Healy Grace Herbstreith
Jacob Bosecker Cameron Nye Olivia Lain Kaylee Eckhoff Gracie Lowans
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.
NURSERY MINISTRY Each Sunday Morning: 8:15am, 9:30am and 11:00am Ruth Kay, Lynn Wilfong, Ellen Whisnant and Alice Osteen Tuesday Music Practices: Ellen Whisnant and Lynn Wilfong
ALTAR GUILD
JAN HOWE SARAH UPCHURCH ANNIE KING Altar Guild assures the worship space and supporting materials are prepared for worship.
TRUSTEE THIS MONTH : RON PENDERGRASS
JULY 6: JULY 13: JULY 20TH: JULY 27TH:
JULY
RONNIE OAKLEY PAT AND KEITH PORTER JC AND RACHEL WHITT DONNA DECK
The Trustees supervise and maintain all property belonging to the congregation so that the ministries of the congregation can be effective.
Aldersgate Experience 14
JULY LAY ASSISTANTS SCHEDULE USHERS
GREETERS
WELCOME CENTER
LAY READER
8:15 WORSHIP 7/6
Richard Riggsbee Kirk Brown Jeff Sturkey/Chick Hinton
Carol Brese (m) Dave Brese (o)
Keith Porter
Susan Gay
7/13
Doug & Carole Morris Mary Tom Roberts Chick Hinton
Judy Alford (m) Kaye Harris (o)
Pat Porter
Dave Brese
7/20
Chick Hinton/Mitch Adkins Henry Atkinson Andy McCorison
Charles Andrews (m) Barbara Andrews (o)
Charlotte O’Brien
Kathy Chmielewski
7/27
Keith & Pat Porter Paul & Linda Jones
Charlotte O’Brien (m) Richard Riggsbee (o)
Mitch Adkins
Ruth Kay
Cynthia Bell (m) Cheryl Turner (m)
Holly Hall Mary Taylor
Terri Ray Linda Shaffer
David & Linda Shaffer (m) Margie & Marie Muir (m)
Lara Rowland Holly Hall
Gene Bell Doug Taylor
9:30 Worship 7/6 7/13 7/20 7/27
Cathy & Randy Sheffield Dawn Eckoff Lara Rowland Marie & Margie Muir Wanda and Michael Crutchfield
11:00 Worship 7/6
Kim & Wayne Aiken Susan Dernosek
Susan Parham (m) Pam Boatright (o)
Kim Riggs
Alice Hagaman
7/13
Ron West/Paula Alford Anabella Mendes Michele Tucker
Nancy Grinstead (m) Stacey McCorison(o)
Susan Dernosek
Ashley Bahor
7/20
Sam & Kay Edwards Ronnie Oakley/Bill Smith
Amelia Oakley (m) Jan Howe (o)
Susan Leonard
Lynn Baird
7/27
Jim Willis/Paula Veasey Ron & Joyce Pendergrass
Michele Tucker (m) Ginger Hawkins (o)
Nancy Grinstead
Paula Alford
If you are not available, please email your replacement to: Holly@aldersgate.org
Aldersgate Experience 15 Aldersgate United Methodist Church 1320 Umstead Road Durham, NC 27712 (919) 477-0509
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