November 2015
A LDERSGATE U NITED M ETHODIST C HURCH
Inside this issue: Birthdays 2 Weekday School 3 Did You Know? 3 Children’s Sunday School 4 3rd Grade Bibles 4 Acolytes 4 Family Chrismon Workshop 4 Wednesday Night Live 5 Conquering the Christmas Crazies 5 Sunday Morning Worship 6 Special Seasonal Services 6 Music Notes 7 Children’s Christmas Musical Worship Wonderings 8 Shop UMC Market 9 Grief Share 9 Community Thanksgiving Service 10 Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch 10 Primetimers 10 Advent Quiet Days 11 Craft & Bake Sale 11 Share Your Christmas 12 Christmas Service of Comfort and Hope 12 Lovefeast 13 UMM Christmas Trees 14 The Reindeer Store 15 Alternative Gifts Fair 16 Habitat for Humanity 16 Different Mission 17 Nursery/Acolyte Altar Guild/Trustee 18 What Are Our Numbers ? 19 Three Ways to Give 19 November Lay Assistants 20
Experience
A university professor was asked to speak at a military base, and he was picked up at the airport by a young soldier whom he never forgot! This soldier met him, and they began walking toward the baggage claim area, down a long concourse. The professor noticed that his escort occasionally kept disappearing. Once he darted off to the side to help an older woman who’s suitcase had fallen open. Another time he ran over to lift two toddlers for a mother. Another time it was to give directions to someone who was lost. Finally after several delays, along the route to the baggage claim, the professor asked his new assistant, "Where did you learn to do that?" He responded, "Do what?" The professor said, "Where did you learn to live like that?" He then explained, "During the war in Vietnam, I guess ... It was my job to clear mine fields...I watched several of my friends get killed. I guess it made me realize how important it is to live between each step!" An unknown source wrote, “Seize the moment to demonstrate love in each step of life!” Blessings, Rev. Dr. Homer E. Morris Senior Pastor
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CONNECTING
CARVER, Jamie Ann MENCHINI, Aaron NICHOLS, Graham PARHAM, Brian WRITZ, Naomi DE ANDRADE, Bob WILLIS, James HARGIS, Nancy HUNT, Mary Anne HURLEY, Nicholas JONES, Zachary LASAM, Danielle SNYDER, Jack ABRAMS, Bonnie COLLIER, MB ROBERTS, Alan SUTTON, Tipton COPOLO, Thomas REVILL, Margie HOFMANN, Leigha KENT, Julie ANDREWS, Marge BINGEN, Jack BYERLY, Tracy SCHLEGEL, Judy VINCENT, Mark
Aldersgate
Experience
( C O N NE CT W I T H G O D A ND O N E AN OT HER )
11/02 11/02 11/02 11/02 11/02 11/04 11/04 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/07 11/07 11/08 11/08 11/09 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10
DRAKE, Samantha WOOTTON, Joanne STOVER, Karl JOHNSON, Tinsley CAUDILL, Claire HAWKINS, Ginger UPCHURCH, Julie PACK, Bryan PORTER, Pat ROWLAND, Katie ROWLAND, Kylie PARHAM, Ken TEUNIS, Kim HAMPSON, Bryan HEALY, Kevin MROSLA, Jean RAY, Ryan SZAFRAN, Alison JANES, Lisa KANE, Haley Michelle ALMOND, Anne SMITH, Nancy SPROUSE, Joyce ANDREWS, Megan SMITH, Luci STOVER, Dee MACLAURIN, James
11/11 11/11 11/12 11/14 11/17 11/18 11/18 11/19 11/20 11/20 11/20 11/21 11/23 11/24 11/24 11/24 11/25 11/25 11/26 11/26 11/28 11/28 11/28 11/29 11/29 11/29 11/30
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WEEKDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY November, a time to be thankful for all the blessings that God has given us. What a blessing all the Preschool and Afterschool children are to me - each hug or sweet “Hi, Ms. Evie” makes my day! I pray that this Thanksgiving each of you have a chance to reflect on the blessings in your life. November will be a busy month with 13 of the Preschool teachers traveling to Florida to attend the NAEYC National Convention. We are so excited to attend lots of inspirational and educational sessions on teaching young children. Thank you to everyone that supported us by attending all our fundraising events. Please join us for dinner at the Italian Pizzeria on November 16th for dinner. They will be donating a portion of their sales back to the school.
IT’S MORE THAN A BUILDING...DID YOU KNOW ? Below is information related to the building of the current sanctuary. By Rev. Bob Wallace BELL TOWER FOUNDATION (X2) The original foundation under the atrium in the narthex was designed to hold the weight of a bell tower. However, the building superintendent measured the ceiling I-beams ten feet too long, so the first bell tower foundation is under the steps of the front porch. Then another foundation was constructed under the atrium, so we have two bell tower foundations! DISTANCE FROM PULPIT TO PEW That the sanctuary was designed to be wide and short so that the farthest pew (where the AV operator sits) would only be 60’ from the pulpit? This enhanced a sense of community and required only a “voicereinforcement” sound system (note the small speakers in the ceiling between the lights). That system has since been replaced with larger speakers. CASKET DOOR Since there is no center located double doors at the sanctuary entrance, a question arose as to how caskets would be brought into the sanctuary for funerals. The architect designed a 4’ “casket door” at the back (on the choir side). Also the pew end near the choir was located to allow for a casket to be moved to the center of the sanctuary. STAINED GLASS WINDOWS That the two stained glass windows on each side of the chancel area were brought from the old building on Duke Street? The women of the church paid for those windows with proceeds from BBQ suppers.
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KNOWING
Experience
(KNOW MORE ABOUT GOD, EACH OTHER, AND THE NEEDS OF
OUR WORLD.)
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR THIS FALL Nov. 1st Nov. 8th Nov. 15th Nov. 22nd Nov. 27th
Gen. 25:19-28 Gen. 25:29-34 Gen. 27:1-46 Gen. 28:10-22 Luke 1:5-25
Jacob and Esau The Birthright The Blessing Jacob’s Ladder Elizabeth and Zechariah
3RD GRADE BIBLES
- Presenting each third grader an engraved Bible from the church is a longstanding tradition at Aldersgate. This year’s class will be honored on November 22nd during the 11:00 service. If you have a third grader and have not received an e-mail from Jane Brannock with further information, please contact her at jane@aldersgate.org so that your child’s Bible may be included in the order.
LOOKING FOR ALL 3RD GRADERS OR 7TH GRADERS ACOLYTES PAST AND PRESENT ! November 22nd, at the 11:00 am
Worship Service we will be commissioning our new acolytes. We will also be retiring and saying goodbye to our faithful ones that are now older. If you have a 3rd grader or a 7th grader, we would love for your child to be present so we can recognize these youth for their service to the church. Please contact: Maggie Healy (919)382-2920 maggie.healy@gmail.com
Family Chrismon Workshop Our big Chrismon Tree in the Family Life Center needs new ornaments! On November 15th from 12:30 pm -2:00 pm, families with children are invited to come to lunch in the Family Life Center gym and then make new ornaments for our tree. All the materials will be provided and instructions will be given. At the end of our time together, we will bless the ornaments we have made. For years to come, you can enjoy items your family made for the Aldersgate tree. This is sponsored by the Children’s Christian Formation Team. Children need to have at least one parent with them. Please e-mail Jane at jane@aldersgate.org to let her know if you are coming and how many in your family will attend.
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MID WEEK AT ALDERSGATE
Wednesday , November 18th
( Last Wednesday Night for the Fall)
Wednesday Evening Praise & Prayer service 5:00 pm
Come join us for a time of prayer and a short, inspirational message on Wednesday afternoon at 5:00 pm. “Conquering the Christmas Crazies: Putting Hope, Peace, Joy and Love into Your Celebration” will be a mini-workshop on creating the kind of holiday season you want. During our time together, we will reflect on what means the most to us during the season. We will leave with a plan to include a way we can offer hope, bring peace, experience joy, and spread love this year. Come join us on November 18th from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Wesley Room as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child. Our leader is Jane Brannock. WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE MENU FOR NOVEMBER 11/4
HELPING HANDS CIRCLE * VARITY OF CASSEROLES, SALAD, ROLLS AND DESSERT
11/11 HAITI MISSION TEAM * HAM, MAC AND CHEESE, VEGETABLE ROLLS, DESSERT 11/18 HABITAT * MEATLOAF, MASHED POTATOES, GREEN BEANS, DESSERT
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LOVING (LOVE GOD THROUGH WORSHIP, AND LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR THROUGH SERVICE)
Sunday Morning Worship for November Sermons by Rev. Homer E. Morris November 1st November 8th November 15th November 22nd November 29th
“God’s Favorite Word in the Bible” “The Most Difficult Word in the Bible” “Laity Sunday” “The Fellowship of the Thankless” A community Thanksgiving Service at Mt. Sylvan UMC Rev. Homer Morris speaking - 6:00 pm “What Do People See in Advent ?”
SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICES November 22nd * Community Thanksgiving Worship Service with Temple Baptist, Mt. Sylvan UMC, on Sunday, November 22nd at 6:30 pm at Mt. Sylvan UMC. Rev. Homer E. Morris will bring the message. November 29th * 5th Sunday, One worship service in the Family Life Center at 10:30. Advent begins with traditional advent-candle lighting and readings at morning worship. There will not be a covered dish luncheon during the holiday seasons. Decorations are added through the month to heighten our waiting and watching for Jesus’ coming. November 29th *Chrismon/Hanging of the Greens at 6:00 pm * We prepare the Sanctuary for Advent by singing Advent songs, drama and dance, the Hanging of the Greens and a Chrismon worship service. December 6th * Second Sunday of Advent, Communion, Children’s Christmas Musical * 6:00 pm December 13th * Third Sunday of Advent, AUMC Chancel Choir will present, “I Wish You Christmas” * Church-wide Caroling * 3:00 pm December 16th * Service of Comfort and Hope * 7:00 pm * A compassionate Christmas service for those who are experiencing a difficult season from loss or life challenges. December 20th * 4th Sunday of Advent * Love Feast - 6:30 pm in the Family Life Center. The Lovefeast service is a simple meal of a sweetened bun, coffee, music and the Good News! It is spared in a spirit of reverence and joy that Christ is present in our lives. December 24th * Christmas Eve Services * 4:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Worship Service, 7:00 pm & 11:00 pm , Carols, Candlelight and Communion Service. December 27th * 1st Sunday after Christmas Day * Lessons in Carols January 3rd * Epiphany Sunday * Communion * Covenant/Remember Your Baptism January 10th * Sunday, 7:00 pm - Epiphany Ring Handbell Festival * The annual Epiphany Ring Festival, hosted by Aldersgate, features different handbell ensembles from around the Triangle.
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MUSIC NOTES MUSIC NOTES Please contact Nan de Andrade, Music Minister, of learn more. (nan@aldersgate.org)
ADULT CHOIR: Join us on Wednesday evenings, from 7:30 – 9:00 pm in the sanctuary. The Chancel Choir is starting to rehearse their Christmas music now. You are welcome to join us, even if just for this season of joy! If you love the Lord and love to sing, we need you in our merry chorus!! We hope you will give us a try! CHOIR MUSIC WEEKEND at Lake Junaluska Fifteen members of Chancel Choir attended a “Choir Music Weekend” at Lake Junaluska in beautiful Maggie Valley on Oct. 16-18! During this weekend (right at the height of fall colors in the mountains), after rehearsing with singers from all over the Jurisdiction, we shared it all on Sunday morning in a musical praise service. We also enjoyed a Junaluska Singers’ concert! Thank you for your support! PRAISE TEAM: TUESDAYS, 6:15-7:30 New members (singers or players) always welcomed! ARTS IN THE AFTERNOON FOR CHILDREN - This fall we are preparing a great Christmas musical: “Breaking News: Baby Born in Bethlehem!” There’s lots of charming and fun songs, and drama parts for all kinds of characters, from TV reporters and advertisers, to the usual wise men and shepherds, and even camels and donkeys! All children are invited to participate, including children of our community or Afterschool program! If you’d like to help, please let Nan know. SCHEDULE We resumed (back from Fall break) on October 22nd. There’s still time to join in (but don’t wait)! Practices are Thursday afternoons from 4:15 – 5:15 Oct. 22nd - Nov. 19th + Dec. 3rd Dress rehearsal Saturday, Dec. 5th Performance Sunday, Dec. 6th at 6 pm! Led by Mrs. Emily Wike and Rev. Nan de Andrade (Meet in Choir Room/Sanctuary) Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss the fun!!
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Experience
MUSIC NOTES
WORSHIP WONDERINGS
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. Past articles are available on our website! LECTIONARY-BASED vs TOPICAL WORSHIP PLANNING You may have noticed that for Sunday morning worship, we’ve moved to more “topical” sermon series lately. This style of worship planning is a bit of a change from previous years. So (as Pastor Homer says), “What’s up with that?” For at least the last few years, we’ve mostly experienced Lectionary-based worship. Lectionary-based worship follows the Revised Common Lectionary, which offers a cycle of weekly readings from the Psalms, Old Testament, New Testament and the Gospels, rotating through A-B-and C- years, while at the same time, complementing the Christian year. Many churches and preachers follow this as a disciplined, balanced way to let the living Word speak into the life of the congregation. (We are still following the Lectionary for Wednesday night prayer service.) “Topical” sermons focus on a prayerfully-chosen topic of the day (such as “Why bad things happen to good people”), or for a series theme (such as our current “Most___ Word of the Bible,” or a narrative, such as the story of David). It is still very much Bible-based, but the scripture selections are lifted up to focus on the chosen topic, rather than the other way around. The Christian Year still often shapes the planned selection of scripture and topic. Many churches and preachers also practice this approach to worship. When led by the Spirit, it allows for responsiveness to a congregation’s unique needs/concerns, or may speak faith understanding into a current event. On a seminary campus, one might hear students debating about which approach is best, or maybe even “the Jesus way.” The fact is, Jesus preached both ways! When he stood in the temple to read the scripture from Isaiah at the beginning of his ministry, he read from the appointed scripture of the day, Isaiah 61:1,2. Then, he applied those verses to share how God had fulfilled that reading in Him. That is Lectionary preaching. But, Jesus also often would teach or answer questions by referring back to holy scripture and then commenting on the verses he shared, such as we see repeatedly in Matthew 5, when he preached, “You have heard it said (scripture law)… but I say to you (new teaching)…” That is “topical” preaching. Either approach to scripture and worship planning has its dangers and its strengths. The main secret to effective, powerful worship and preaching rests in three important steps: Prayer (Praying weekly for our preacher and worship leaders), Preparation (Studying scripture, taking care of our bodies and minds, and attending to spiritual disciplines), and Openness (Asking God to soften your heart, to be receptive to what the Holy Spirit has for you this week). Topical or Lectionary-based, it’s “The Word of God, for the People of God… Thanks be to God.”
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SHOP ON LINE AT THE UMC MARKET Make a difference when you shop on line this holiday season! As the holiday shopping season begins, please consider shopping through the UMC Market! Tons of your favorite stores will make a donation to our Aldersgate ministry when you shop through www.umcmarket.org. It’s easy, just log onto www.umcmarket.org and select Aldersgate Durham. It's a great way to donate to Aldersgate’s local ministry.
GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT GROUP This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to stuff their grief, or fill their lives with busy work, instead of allowing grief to do the God given work for which it is intended. Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. You will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member, or friend. No matter what the cause of your loved one’s death, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions such as fear of what others may think. You will also learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future. Our Grief Share Support Group meets each Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm. For more information, contact the church office at 919-477-0509 Ext. 102.
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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…….THANKSGIVING! SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND - MT. SYLVAN UMC - 6:30 PM Please come join us for a Community Thanksgiving Worship Service along with Temple Baptist Church, and Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church, on Sunday, November 22nd at 6:30 pm at Mt. Sylvan UMC, Roxboro Rd. Durham NC. Rev. Homer Morris will bring the message.
THANKSGIVING DAY POTLUCK LUNCH You’re Invited to Thanksgiving Lunch - Thank you is not enough to tell the Lord how grateful we are for all the blessings He has given. Come and celebrate the day of giving thanks. You are invited to a “potluck" Thanksgiving Day Luncheon, 11:45 am at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in the Wesley Room. Please bring a Thanksgiving dish to share with others. A ham and turkey and dressing will be provided. Please RSVP to: Judy Alford: im1angelmkr@aol.com or 919-210-4146. If you are planning to attend, please sign up at the Welcome Station, (outside the Sanctuary).
November-December 2014 - Everyone is invited ! November 19th - Fall Celebration Lunch at C & H Cafeteria (11:30 am) December 3rd - Covered dish Suzi Caudill talks about her trip to the Galapagos Islands. December 17th - Christmas buffet in the Wesley Room.
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QUIET DAYS ADVENT QUIET DAY - WAITING WITH HOPE NOVEMBER 21ST Quiet Days provide an opportunity to take specific time out from your busy schedule to find rest in the soothing and restorative presence of a loving God. Within a supportive community we will practice the contemplative disciplines of silence, reflection, scripture reading, meditation and opportunity for time alone with God. Join us on Saturday, November 21st from 8:30 until noon in the Wesley room . This Quiet Day is an opportunity to slow down and prepare your heart for the coming of the Advent season. Our theme for the morning is “Waiting with Hope.” Put on some comfortable clothes, grab your Bible, and come for a morning that will refresh and energize your spirit. Lunch will be provided. To assist with planning please sign up at the Welcome Center. For more information contact Barbara Atkinson at habnc@hotmail.com or 919 7659784.
CRAFT & BAKE SALE - SUSANNA WESLEY CIRCLE Plan ahead for Thanksgiving & Christmas: On November 22nd the Susanna Wesley Circle will host their annual Craft & Bake Sale in the Family Life Center from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. There will be many homemade baked goods perfect for your holiday table and a wide assortment of gift items to help you begin your holiday shopping. Visit our tables and help support such missions as the Urban Ministries food pantry and hygiene kits, national/international mission trips, Share the Warmth, Conduit, Christmas Outreach, and the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.
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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…….CHRISTMAS ! COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS OUTREACH Our Aldersgate Family has responded greatly with love and contributions to those less fortunate through various Community Missions Programs. During the Christmas Season these community needs are highlighted by two outreach programs that have become very familiar to each of us at Aldersgate: Share Your Christmas and the CONDUIT Angel Tree. This year these programs will be referred to as “Aldersgate’s Community Christmas Outreach Programs.” Your contributions through Christmas gifts and monetary gifts can be directed through the program of your choice. The Kick-Off for each of these programs will be November 22nd when information will be found on displays in the Narthex. Also, a link to a web-based sign up will be available from the aldersgate.org web site. Share Your Christmas is sponsored by the Durham County Department of Social Services, and provides needy families with gifts of NEW clothing, toys and needed household items. This year Aldersgate will sponsor approximately 25 families totaling about 90 individuals. Individuals or entire families can be sponsored by signing up on forms that will be posted on a board in the Narthex and online. Suggested spending limits are $60 per family member. In addition, contributions of $50 cash will supply each family with a Christmas Food Basket. Wrapped gifts should be delivered to the Church by Saturday, December 13th. Delivery by the Aldersgate United Methodist Men will be Sunday, December 14th. The CONDUIT ANGEL TREE provides Christmas gifts for the elementary school age children at the Oxford Manor Community Housing Complex who are participating in CONDUIT's after school learning center. Aldersgate will sponsor about ten “angels” and a contribution of $25 provides for the purchase of gifts for the children.
CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF HOPE AND COMFORT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH - 6:30 PM If you or someone you know is experiencing a difficult year of loss or some other traumatic event in your life, please join us for special service prayerfully designed to provide warmth, encouragement, and much-needed hope for the Christmas season. This Service of Hope and Comfort will be a peaceful and compassionate service, with scripture, prayers, and gentle music, emphasizing the Christmas message of hope and healing. Spread the word: “Christmas is for everyone, especially those who are in deep darkness, for on them the light has shined, too!”
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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…….CHRISTMAS !
INVITE YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO COME AND CELEBRATE THIS BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TRADITION ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 20TH AT 6:30 PM IN THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER.
What is a Lovefeast? A Lovefeast service is a service dedicated to Christian love, and is most famously practiced by the Moravians but has become an Aldersgate Christmas tradition over that past 36 years. The Moravian Lovefeast is based upon the Agape feast and the meals of the early churches described in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles, which were partaken in unity and love. Traditionally, American Lovefeasts consist of a sweetened bun and coffee (sweetened and milky) served to the congregation in the pews by dieners (from the German for servers); before partaking, a simple Moravian blessing is said. The Moravian Lovefeast also concentrates on the singing of hymns, and listening to music. Each member of the congregation receives a lighted candle at the end of the service. The Lovefeast at Aldersgate is based on the traditional Moravian Lovefeast first celebrated near Winston-Salem at Bethabara (1753) and Old Salem (1766). The buns are from the same baker that makes buns for Moravian churches in Winston-Salem. The candles are made by the women of Home Moravian Church. The coffee is based on the recipe used for many years by Immanuel Moravian Church.
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UMM CHRISTMAS TREE SALE - STARTS NOVEMBER 27TH November 22nd - Christmas Trees arrive Sunday afternoon - @1pm. Help needed to unload, count and sort the trees, drill each tree for a center spike and store them in the bins. November 27th (Friday after Thanksgiving) help is needed: setting up the lot and getting the trees on stands for sales to begin. Tree Sales also begin this day.
CHRISTMAS TREE SALES SUPPORTING MISSIONS IN DURHAM AND WORLDWIDE Aldersgate United Methodist Men have been hosting Christmas tree sales for many years as an annual tradition. All profits go directly to support missions and activities of the church. An annual project, the tree sale has proven itself a remarkable vehicle, not just to fund our missions and activities, but to strengthen outreach to the local community. For several years, all proceeds have gone to support missions to foreign countries (Jamaica, Haiti and Armenia), Uth missions, IHN, hurricane relief, scouts, facility needs of the church and FLC as well as individual requests in support of mission activities. Your tree purchase will definitely make a positive affect on the lives of others. We mail discount coupons to the local community as an outreach. When neighbors visit the tree lot, we invite them to worship with us. We provide a card listing all the regular and holiday worship times and activities. Several families have joined the church after initially encountering us through their tree purchase. We reach other new families through the tree sale by involving our church’s Boy Scout troop and their parents, many of whom are not church members. One profound benefit of the sale has been the camaraderie and fellowship that develops among church volunteers working together, hanging around the fire barrel, and forming new friendships during an afternoon or evening on the tree lot. All church members are encouraged to sign up each year, knowing they will meet new neighbors, develop new friendships, and support strong mission by pulling a shift or two at the Christmas tree stand. Help is always needed working the 'Tree Lot'. A sign up board is available in the Narthex. There will also be a “Sign Up Genius” on the Aldersgate web site (www.aldersgate.org). Please sign up ! We encourage all groups within Aldersgate UMC to sign up, as well as families. We need at least 4 people on any shift. All children may work the tree lot but they must be supervised by a parent or responsible adult. COME BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE ! Over 220 Christmas trees, various sizes and prices ! Coupons available at the Welcome Station !
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MISSIONS THE REINDEER STORE
is coming to Central Regional Hospital
December 2nd! The Reindeer Store is coming to Central Regional Hospital on December 2nd. Aldergate is one of the community organizations that donates gifts for the patients at Central Hospital in Butner NC. Please pick up a list of gifts needed at the Welcome Center. Unwrapped gifts should be placed outside the Wesley Room. We are accepting gift donations until November 30th. Toys for toddlers and teenagers are in the most demand. Contact Anne Finch (919) 818-8376, Jane Bahor (919) 698-6634, or Mary Taylor (919) 225-0528. What is the Reindeer Store ? The Reindeer Store is a one-day event for the patients at the Central Regional Hospital (former John Umstead Mental Hospital) to do Christmas shopping for their families. The hospital is transformed into a Christmas shopping mall with mock stores full of donated gifts. Aldersgate is one of the community organizations that donates gifts for the patients. The Store is a much anticipated event as it is a lot of fun, but even more it may be the only opportunity they have to get gifts for their families. Mental health care today is more intense with no time for outings for the patients. The Reindeer Store gives the patients a chance to step away from their illness for an afternoon and prepare for the Christmas holiday for their family back home. We will be accepting gift donations again this year throughout November, with November 30th as the final Sunday to drop off gifts. Toys for toddlers to teenagers are in the most demand. But adult gifts like you would give to a sister, brother, parent or grandparent are also needed. No glass or alcohol containing items please. You can pick up a gift list at the Welcome Stations outside the sanctuary.
Gift Suggestions Personal CD players & batteries & Handheld electronic Action figures ( WW wrestling figures, transformers, games
dino-figures)
Board games (Sorry, Monopoly, Connect 4, Jenga ) Remote controlled cars, trucks, 4-wheelers & Play cell Card games ( UNO, Phase 10, skip-bo, regular playing phones cards)
Stuffed Animals & Jigsaw puzzles with greater than
Art Sets, Markers, Crayons
100 pieces
Sports balls (basketball & hoop for over the door, soft Adult or Children’s Books ( must be new ) nerf type balls & toys)
Slippers or pajamas & Sweaters, vests, sweat suits
Dolls of all sizes and types & Dollhouse (no large Toboggan Hats, Baseball Caps, Gloves, ones) Play Tea Sets
Jewelry, Wallets, Coin Purses
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MISSIONS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29TH - ALTERNATIVE GIFTS FAIR 8:00 am– 12:30 pm in the Family Life Center Gym - This year find the true joy of living and giving like Jesus. Celebrate the Christmas season a different type of Christmas gift. Help someone else through special mission gifting opportunities. Do you want a table at the Alternative Giving Fair ? Tables will be set up for groups interested in participating in the "Alternative Giving Fair" on 5th Sunday, November 29th from 8:20 - 12:30. This is a great time to show Alternative Gifts" for Christmas and help a great mission. There will be one service at 10:30 am on November 29th in the FLC gym. If you are interested in a table, please sign up at the Welcome Center, located outsider the Sanctuary.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Beginning in spring of 2016, AUMC will be partnering with 10 Corridor District United Methodist churches and Habitat for Humanity of Durham to build a new home for a Durham family. If you would like to be a part of this mission and volunteer for the AUMC Habitat team or if you do not what to join our team but still want to support our cause and work one of our fundraiser, please contact Carl Chmielewski either by email or phone at clchmie@gmail.com or 919-4756685 by Nov 16th As with all missions, there is a financial obligation for each church. In order for us to meet our $2,000 commitment, we will be doing 6 WNL dinners and working 3 Duke Basketball games selling T-shirts only. All members of our AUMC team will be asked to work at least two events. Team members are welcome to work more if you desire. Fundraiser for AUMC Habitat Team - WNL dinner schedule : 2015 Oct 21, Nov 18, 2016 Jan 20, Feb 17, March 16, April 20 Basketball schedule Dec 2-5 and 15 Please consider how wonderful it is to own your home and how great it would be to help a Durham family build and own their first home. Carl Chmielewski AUMC HABITAT COORDINATOR
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Aldersgate
Experience
MISSIONS JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE There are many people in Durham that are food-insecure (they don’t have access to food or the funds to purchase the food that they need for themselves or their families). Here at Aldersgate we help provide the bread of life to many in FIVE amazing ways. You can contribute to any and all of these ministries by donating funds in their name at Aldersgate or contacting the individuals listed below to volunteer your time and talents. COMMUNITY BACKPACK MINISTRY – This is a new ministry that was created earlier this year with concerned community members from Aldersgate, Bethany United Methodist Church, and Greystone. There are currently 99 students at Riverside HS that are food insecure. The Backpack ministry is working to provide weekend meals to 30 of those students. Some of the items needed are peanut butter, canned fruit and canned meat. It cost $ 35 per month to provide weekend meals for each student. Contact Kay Edwards samkayedwards@yahoo.com or 919-383-5032 if you would like to learn more about this ministry. URBAN MINISTRIES – This is a local downtown Community Café that provides three meals a day to homeless individuals and families. They also provide overnight shelter. One recent Sunday night we cooked and served dinner to 250 individuals. They have a food pantry where people may come once a month to get a bag of food for their family. Contact April Twine april.twine@frontier.com or 919-475-4014. FEED MY FLOCK – This is a group of AUMC members who provide food to families within our church community who are experiencing illness, death or the birth of a new baby in their family. Judy Alford coordinates this ministry and she is always looking for volunteers who would like to prepare food. Contact Judy Alford, im1angelmkr@aol.com or 919-210-4146. INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK – A local agency that provides short term support to homeless families so that they can get a job and housing , enabling them to care for themselves. Every twelve weeks we host 3 families for one week by providing overnight housing, food and transportation. You may volunteer to prepare dinner, spend a night at AUMC, or drive our guests. Contact Susan Gay susgy@aol.com or 919-451-1497. DUKE 5200 – Once a month we provide dinner to the parents of the pediatric bone marrow transplant patients at Duke. On the 3rd Thursday of each month Judy Alford coordinates taking four meats, four salads, four vegetables and four desserts to these parents. They really enjoy a home-cooked meal instead of cafeteria food. Contact Judy Alford, im1angelmkr@aol.com or 919-210-4146.
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Aldersgate
Experience
GROWING ( G R O W
A S DI S CI P L ES O F J ES US C H RI S T , A ND A S A FAI T H F UL C OM M U NI T Y CA LL ED T HE C HU RCH . )
Nursery Ministry Each Sunday Morning: 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 am
NURSERY TEACHERS ARE: LYNN WILFONG, ELLEN WHISNANT AND DAWN ECKHOFF.
Acolyte Schedule For This Month 8:15 AM SERVICE
11/1 11/8 11/15 11/22 11/29
JOANNA DE ANDRADE DANIELLE NIXON KAYLEE ECKHOFF MCKAYLE NYE ELAYNA BOUCH - 5TH SUNDAY 11:00 AM SERVICE
11/1 11/8 11/15 11/22
ALLIE RAMIREX/MADELEINE HUGHES MARGARET ANN HEALY MEADOW SNYDER ELIZABETH HEALY
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.
Altar Guild For this Month BEVERLY JACKSON, DEBBIE SYKES, SUE ALLISON
Trustee for this Month LISA CLARK
Altar Guild assures the worship space and supporting materials are prepared for worship.
Trustees are Christian stewards of the property God has entrusted to the congregation. Effective trustees supervise and maintain the property of the congregation to ensure that disciple-making ministries of the congregation are effective and that local legal requirements related to the property are satisfied.
WHAT ARE OUR NUMBERS? When you think about AUMC’s finances, more than likely numbers, commas, and decimals come to mind. Some may think of the annual budget. Others may think about monthly giving or the church’s capital debt. While these are important aspects of the church’s finances, they are not our most important numbers. The real story is what your generous and faithful financial support of the church makes possible – creating disciples of Christ. It is the lives touched, needs met, and relationships deepened with our Lord and Savior. Throughout the remainder of the year in addition to being transparent with how the church is operating financially, the finance committee wants to highlight a few of the numbers you make possible each month. Like…..
The Mission Yard Sale raised $ 1,300 to the various Aldersgate Missions.
Over 400 folks attended the Aldersgate Family Fall Festival. Many families from our Weekday School and the surrounding community. Lots of fun for everyone and a great outreach ministry.
“Arts in the Afternoon” is providing a wonderful way for children from Aldersgate and the Weekday School Afterschool program to learn about Jesus and how to worship him through music and drama. Look for the Christmas Program in December !
MANY WAYS TO GIVE One convenient way to give is to set up an EFT or electronic funds transfer. You can give a one-time gift or set up weekly, or monthly donations. You can set it up yourself by going to our Aldersgate.org web site and then selecting Mission & Giving and then On-line giving or by contacting our church treasurer. You can make donations to the operating budget, the capital campaign or to special ministries such as the community backpack ministry or urban ministries, or make a special memorial gift. Another way to give is by donating shares of stock. We use the United Methodist Foundation and Morgan Stanley to assist us with gifts of stock. If you are interested in this option just contact Mary Taylor by email at mary@aldersgate.org and she will give you or your stock broker the necessary paperwork to transfer the stock. Thanks for all that you do to support the many missions and ministries of Aldersgate.
November Lay Assistants 8:15 Service
USHERS
GREETER
WELCOME STATION
LAY READER
11/1
Chick Hinton/Richard Riggsbee Jeff Sturkey/Kirk Brown
Mary Tom Roberts (m) Beverly Jackson (o)
Judy Alford
Burton King
11/8
Doug and Carole Morris Mitch Adkins/Katherine Siler
Jeff Sturkey (m) Chick Hinton (o)
Beverly Jackson
Judy Alford
11/15
Beverly Jackson*Andy McCorison Pat Stancil (m) Kathy and Carl Chmielewski Kaye Harris (o)
Mitch Adkins
Susan Gay
11/22
Paul and Linda Jones Mary Tom Roberts Beverly Jackson
Judy Alford
Curtis Gay
5th Sunday 11/29 Jeff Sturkey* Steven Fishback Ronnie Oakley/Kirk Brown
Dave Brese (m) Carol Brese (o)
Mitch Adkins Beverly Jackson
Jim Hanson
9:30 Service 11/1
Michael* and Wanda Crutchfield
Beth Menchini
11/8
Margaret Muir* Steven Fishback
Suzanne Elliott
11/15
Nancy Wykle* Matt Buckner
Shaunesy Story
11/22
Doug and Mary Taylor
Margaret Muir
Anne Finch
Mary Taylor Nancy Wykle
Mary Taylor
Ronnie Oakley Lisa Dye Janes
11:00 Service 11/1
Sarah and Brent Walker* Bill Smith/Tammy Closs
Michele Tucker (m) Amelia Oakley (o)
John Howe
Robin Thomas
11/8
Paula Veasey*Pam Boatright Ronnie Oakley/Jim Willis
Paula James (m) Gary James ((o)
Debbie Fletcher
Lee King
11/15
Kimberly Riggs* Ron West/Ronnie Oakley Michele Tucker
Ginger Hawkins (m) Maryellen Finnigan (o)
Amelia Oakley
Debbie Fletcher
11/22
Debbie Fletcher/Ginger Hawkins Maryellen Finnigan Ronnie Oakley
Lindsay Brown (m) Lynn Baird (o)
Lindsay Brown
Cathy Cozart
Aldersgate United Methodist Church 1320 Umstead Road Durham, NC 27712 (919) 477-0509
Address Service Requested
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