October 2015
A LDERSGATE U NITED M ETHODIST C HURCH
Inside this issue: Birthdays 2 Did You Know ? 3 Our Laity 3 Sunday School (children) 4 Trick or Treat UNICEF 4 Third Grade Bibles 4 WNL 5 GriefShare 6 UMM BBQ/Stew 6 Missions Yard Sale 6 Quiet Days 7 DivorceCare 7 Family Fall Festival 8 Sunday Morning Worship 9 Specials Sundays 9 Talents and Services 10 Survey Thank You’s 10 Drive-Thru Prayer 11 Angels Basketball 11 Help Feed Urban Ministry 12 Conduit Tutoring 12 C4C 13 Stop Hunger Now Update 14 Agape4Kids Update 14 Music Notes 15 Worship Wonderings 16 You’re Invited 16 Acolytes/Altar Guild/ 17 Trusteed/Nursery Multiplying Our Gifts 18 Ways to Give 18 October Lay Assistants 19
Experience
How can we find real peace? We need to steal time from our daily schedules to talk with our heavenly Father. If we insist on going at full speed, we rush blindly ahead without God's help and guidance. I have gained strength and encouragement from the words in Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." It is only as we keep our minds centered in God and the Bible that we are able to summon peace for every situation. We can begin on a small scale. Maybe we need to take five minutes every lunch hour for a time of prayer. After we have managed five minutes, increase it to ten minutes of prayer and ten minutes of reading from the Bible. Don't expect to become a spiritually sensitive person in an instant, but take steps each day to grow in your spiritual connection and knowledge of God. Seek to create a consistent awareness of God's presence in your life. We need to focus on God's voice and His Word, the Bible.
How can we find the strength to walk in purity? Draw from the source. The natural reaction is not to turn to the Bible as the absolute means of truth and guidance. In our pride we think, there must be another way. Often we turn inward to ourselves. We feel we must have the inner strength to handle our thought lives. Yet when we try, we fail. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 promises, "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today … all these blessings will come upon you and accompany you." Obedience is the key to experiencing God's direction and blessing. The path to purity is an everyday process and a growing experience as we walk in obedience.
Homer E. Morris, Senior Pastor
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CONNECTING COPLEY, Thomas JOHNSON, Evelyn MCALLISTER, John PETROSKY, Tom ROBERTS, Virginia CARVER, Emma PANZA, Rob ALFORD, Kim DERNOSEK, Aaron STRUPE, Lincoln MORGAN, Trentin CARVER, George TURLEY, Ryan NYE, Cameron TEUNIS, John UPCHURCH, Julian ANDREWS, Jacqueline (Jackie) HURLEY, Elizabeth MCCLINTOCK, Emma CLARK, Jennifer SMITH, Rose KOREST, Phil ROBERTS, Justice CLARK, Lisa COPLEY, Laney CASEY, Drew CASEY, Kayla ECKHOFF, Dawn OSTEEN, Beth
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( C O N NE CT W I T H G O D A ND O N E AN OT HER ) 10/01 10/01 10/01 10/01 10/01 10/02 10/04 10/05 10/05 10/05 10/06 10/07 10/07 10/08 10/09 10/09 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/11 10/11 10/12 10/12 10/13 10/15 10/16 10/16 10/16 10/16
BELL, Gene HEALY, Baylis VERBLE II, Ted STEWART, Travis STURKEY, Beth GAY, Curtis GAINES, Alexandra Rose MENCHINI, Beth UPCHURCH, Betty Jane CLARK, Joe LOWANS, Abi MONTGOMERY, Michelle KINCAID, Margy STURKEY, Jeff THOMAS, Ella WEST, Courtney BERINI, Linda FOGLE, Laura MCLAMB, Sarah BERINI, Leigh Anne HOFMANN, William ANDREWS, Regan MORGAN, Dylan STEWART, Andrea WALKER, Sarah EDGE, Debbie PETRY, Andrew DRAKE, Justin
10/18 10/18 10/18 10/19 10/19 10/20 10/21 10/21 10/21 10/22 10/22 10/22 10/23 10/23 10/23 10/23 10/25 10/25 10/25 10/26 10/26 10/27 10/27 10/27 10/27 10/29 10/30 10/31
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IT’S MORE THAN A BUILDING...DID YOU KNOW ? Below is information related to the building of the current sanctuary. By Rev. Bob Wallace PILLARS …..that the pillars which define the side aisles were almost eliminated. They cost $4,000 each, and in the process of cost-cutting, the Building Committee was faced with the decision of whether to leave the pillars in or take them out. Considerable discussion ensued with pros and cons discussed by the fifteen members present. The vote was eight to leave them in and seven to remove them. CEILING …. that the ceiling between the large I-beams holding up the roof was originally designed to be a vault of wooden flooring mimicking the arch of the windows from front to back? That was estimated to cost $10,000, and had to be deleted for lack of funds. Many were sad about this. WHITE MORTAR …. that the white mortar joints between the blocks at the front and rear of the sanctuary are painted on with white shoe polish? We ordered and paid ($4,000?) for white sand to make the mortar, but it was not white, so we complained. Workers went to Jimmie’s Grill (now closed) and bought several bottles of white shoe polish and meticulously painted the mortar joints while the scaffolding was still up. Actually the shoe polish has held up pretty well.
THE 2014 LAITY AWARD THE SECOND MILE AWARD - RAYE AND JOE LYNDON
THE SAINT AMONGST US - REGINA WHITAKER
THE LAY PERSON OF THE YEAR - LARA ROWLAND
THE GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD - APRIL TWINE
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KNOWING
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(KNOW MORE ABOUT GOD, EACH OTHER, AND THE NEEDS OF
OUR WORLD.)
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR THIS FALL Oct. 4th Oct. 11th Oct. 18th Oct. 25th Nov. 1st Nov. 8th Nov. 15th Nov. 22nd Nov. 27th
Gen. 12:1-9; 15:1-6 Gen. 13:1-12 Gen. 18:1-15; 21:1-7 Gen. 24:1-67 Gen. 25:19-28 Gen. 25:29-34 Gen. 27:1-46 Gen. 28:10-22 Luke 1:5-25
Abraham and Sarah Abraham and Lot Birth of Issac Issac and Rebekah Jacob and Esau The Birthright The Blessing Jacob’s Ladder Elizabeth and Zechariah
GET OUT YOUR CANDY AND YOUR COINS!! OUR ANNUAL FALL MISSION PROJECT KICKS OFF ON OCTOBER 18TH. The Aldersgate children will be raising money for Trick or Treat for UNICEF beginning October 18th. Please support the children by bringing your extra coins and cash to drop into their UNICEF boxes and cans. Donations bring clean water, medicine, and school supplies to needy children worldwide.
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 8th 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 you child’s Bible may be included in the order.
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MID WEEK AT ALDERSGATE
5:00 - 5:30 pm 5:30 - 6:15 pm 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Each Wednesday Evening
Wednesday Evening Prayer and Praise Service Fellowship Meal in the Family Life Center Bible Classes for Adults “Reason for God” by Timothy Keller Led by Rev. Homer Morris and John Hall “ Namesake” by Jessica LaGrone Led by Lara Rowlands and Kimberly Riggs
6:30 - 7:30 pm Wednesday Night Live for Kids The WNL Kids will enjoy a variety of activities this year. Kids kindergarten-5th grade will rotate experiences through the month. 1st Wednesday of the month: Bible experience 2nd Wednesday: Science, art or music 3rd Wednesday: Fellowship Games 4th Wednesday: Mission project 5th Wednesday: Surprise! The preschoolers will participate in a Bible lesson and activity just for them. WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE MENU FOR OCTOBER Oct. 7th
Pulled Pork
Sponsored by The Agape Circle
Oct. 14th
Chicken Divan, Rice, Sunshine Salad, Dessert
Sponsored by The Haiti Mission Team
Oct. 21st
Rotisserie Chicken, Green Beans, Garlic/Dill Potatoes, Brownies
Sponsored by The Habitat Team
Oct. 28th
Sponsored by The Chancel Choir
If you have a favorite menu your group likes to do, or to get the best selection of dates, please contact Barbara Atkinson as soon as possible. If you need help with menu ideas she can help you with that, too. You may reach Barbara at habnc@hotmail.com or 919-765-9784.
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This program meets every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm in Room 202. It 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 followup 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 instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. 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 chained to certain emotions. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future. This support group is open to church members as well as the community at-large. For more information, call the church office at 919-477-0509.
UNITED METHODIST MEN ANNUAL STEW AND BBQ SALE United Methodist Men Annual Brunswick Stew & Chopped BBQ Sale! Pre-Order NOW on line at www.aldersgate.org, click on the pig, or fill out an order form at the Welcome Center outside the sanctuary. Look for the pig ! All orders should be picked up on October 10th in the Family Life Center after 1:00 pm. (space is very limited in the kitchen freezer)
The Church Yard Sale for Missions - Drop off your items: Friday, October 23th - 3:00 pm ‘til 7:30 pm Yard Sale Begins: Saturday, October 24th - 8:00 am until Noon Help set up and get first dibs on treasures! Help on the day of the sale and get a special thanks ! All proceeds go to Aldersgate supported missions. NO LARGE FURNITURE, NO COMPUTERS OR NON WORKING ELECTRONICS, NO CHEMICALS OR OPENED CONTAINERS. Contacts: Mary Artley 919-906-2784, Jane Bahor 919-698-6634, Anne Finch 919-8188376 or Mary Taylor 919-479-9669.
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QUIET DAYS QUIET DAYS Quiet Days are offered as time set apart within a supportive community for prayer, meditation, reading, reflection, silence and time alone with God. The Greek word for church, ekklesia, means “called out of the world” and refers to the calling of people from their ordinary life to gather together in sacred time and space. It’s where we listen for God as our souls are shaped. Quiet Days provide an opportunity for that holy listening. Get your calendar out now and block out some time for spiritual refreshment. Quiet Days are scheduled for Saturday, November 21st and January 16th from 8:30 a.m. until noon in the Wesley Room. Lunch will be provided. To assist with planning, please sign up at the Welcome Station. Plan on bringing your Bible and a notebook. habnc@hotmail.com or 919 765-9784.
For more information contact Barbara Atkinson at
“Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee, O Lord.” ~ St. Augustine
Healing from divorce is not easy. In DivorceCare groups, people in separation and divorce find tools, teaching and support to help them deal with their pain and give them hope for the future. Most people will say separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences they’ve ever had. If you are facing this, you know it’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never encountered before. DivorceCare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. This 13week Christ-centered program includes three main parts—video, group discussion and personal Bible study. The videos feature teaching from over 50 leading Christian counselors, teachers and pastors who speak on topics important to people in separation or divorce. The videos also contain real-life stories of people who’ve been through a marital breakup, as they share their pain, challenges and path to healing. During the discussion time, the group will discuss the concepts presented in the videos and share what is going on in everyone’s lives. Each participant will receive a workbook that contains a daily Bible study for personal reflection and application throughout the following week. The DivorceCare sessions address divorce-related concerns, such as how long is this pain going to last? Will I survive? Are these feelings I’m having normal? Where is God in all this? You’ll gain insights on how to handle tough emotions, such as anger, depression and loneliness. This support group meets every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm in Room 205 of the Family Life Center. All AUMC members as well as members of the community at-large are welcome to attend. For more information, call the church office at 919-477-0509.
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THIS FALL AT ALDERSGATE
Family Fall Festival It’s that time of year again! As the weather gets cooler and leaves start to cover the ground, we look forward to hosting our Fall Festival! Once again, Aldersgate is inviting the community to join us on Halloween Night, October 31, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. We have games ready to be led by both youth and adults. WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH DONATIONS OF CANDY, CUPCAKES, AND DECORATED CAR TRUNKS FOR TRUNK OR TREAT IN OUR PARKING LOT. During the afternoon, we will offer a bounce house, cupcake walk, and hot dogs and
popcorn in addition to trunk or treat and fun games! YOU CAN SIGN UP AT THE WELCOME STATION OUTSIDE THE SANCTUARY. All donations can be turned in to Jane’s office or in boxes available outside the church office and outside the gym entryway. “What is Trunk or Treat?” some of you may ask! Trunk or Treat is a fun way of sharing candy and treats with church friends and neighbors without going door-to-door. We invite families to bring their cars to church, open the trunk and decorate with a theme of their choice. In the past we have had some great scary-themed trunks, princess-themed trunks, game trunks, harvest trunks – almost anything you or your family likes! Simply come early, decorate your trunk, and share candy or goodies with trick or treaters like you would at home from the front door. REMEMBER TO SIGN UP so we can keep track of how many trunks we have!
October 31st 230 pm til 500 pm The Family Life Center & back Parking Lot
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LOVING (LOVE GOD THROUGH WORSHIP, AND LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR THROUGH SERVICE)
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP FOR OCTOBER SERMONS BY REV. HOMER E. MORRIS THE GREATEST WORDS IN THE BIBLE October 4th October 11th October 18th October 25th
“The Most Dangerous Word in the Bible” James 4:13-17 & Proverbs 27:1 “The Most Beautiful Word in the Bible” Luke 7:26-39, 44-48 “The Weakest Word in the Bible” II Samuel 18:33; 19:5-8 “The Strongest Word in the Bible” 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9, Mark 9:23, John 7:37; 8:36
Sunday Morning Worship Services: 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 am Nursery for all three services Kids Own Worship is offered at the 11:00 am worship service. SPECIAL UPCOMING SUNDAYS October 2nd – World Communion Sunday October 4th – Stewardship Campaign Begins November 1st – All Saints Sunday November 8th - 3rd Grade Bible Presentation Sunday (11:00 am) November 8th - Corridor District Charge Conference at AUMC 3:00 pm November 15th - Laity Sunday November 22nd – Community Thanksgiving Service at 6:00 pm November 29th – 5th Sunday, Advent begins; Chrismon/Hanging of the Greens at 6:00 pm “COMING SOONER THAN YOU THINK” December 6th - Children’s Christmas Musical - 6:00 pm December 13th Chancel Choir Presents “I Wish You Christmas” December 20th – Love Feast (6:30 pm) December 24th – Christmas Eve services (4:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm) January 10th - Epiphany Ring - 7:00pm
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HOW DO YOU SERVE ? EVERY MEMBER COUNTS! Have you completed your 2016 AUMC Talents and Services survey ? It only takes 3 minutes. This survey is your opportunity to volunteer for one of the many ministries at Aldersgate. Each year we can grow in Christ as we serve those we love in our church, community, and world. By simply completing the survey, the Lay Leadership committee is able to place you in one of the many areas that need your help: Greeters, Ushers, New Baby Ministry, Youth, Missions, small group activities—the list goes on and on. We hope you will prayerfully consider the areas in which you would like to help. To complete the survey, go to www.aldersgate.org and click on the Time and Services survey. Paper copies are also available at the Welcome Centers. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. holly@aldersgate.org or (919) 477-0509.
Thank you to all the Aldersgate church family for the many expressions of love and sympathy you have shown me over the past two months during the passing of my uncle and my mother. I am so blessed to be serving such a loving community of faith. I love and appreciate each of you! Love, Jane Dear Church Family, Thank you for your cards, calls, visits, meals, and especially your prayers before, during and after my surgery. I would be lying if I said I was not afraid or anxious in the days leading up to my surgery. My family and I found comfort in knowing that so many people were praying for a positive outcome and the fact that God does not want us to go a single day without hearing his words of comfort, “Fear Not!” Joe Clark Words cannot express my sincere thanks for all the love and support I received during my knee surgery and healing process. Again, our Aldersgate family lifted me up in many, many prayers for which I am most grateful. Many thanks to Jack Snyder and Homer Morris for their visits. I barely knew Jack & he is now my friend. He does his job with such compassion and you know the love of Christ is there when Jack is with you. I will never forget his show of Christian love. I truly appreciate all my cards, calls, facebook messages, flowers, etc. I have said it before and I will say it again, we are blessed beyond measure to have such a wonderful church family to be with us during the good and not-so-good times in our lives. In Christian love to each of you, Ginger Hawkins We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, cards and other expressions of love, not only at my Mother’s passing, but also over the past seven years of her journey. Thanks, Sandra Reynolds and family
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OUTREACH
DRIVE -THRU PRAYER - 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH THE NEXT DRIVE-THRU PRAYER: OCTOBER 6TH - 4:00-6:00 PM ALDERSGATE UMC PARKING LOT.
THE ANGELS BASKETBALL TEAMS “The Angels Basketball Teams” that practiced at Aldersgate FLC in past years is gearing back up this year. These teams are for elementary and middle school boys and girls. Most of them live in the Oxford Manor Housing Community. Mt. Level Missionary Baptist Church, a CONDUIT church, runs the program and transports the kids to their practices and games. The number of coaches will determine the number of children who can take advantage of this marvelous program to enhance the skills and character development of these boys and girls who live in poverty. Based on the past, the practices will take place after work hours. Please contact Gaston Patterson from Mt. Level Baptist Church if there is any possibility that you might help with the coaching. His phone number is 919-215-9021; email is gpatterson11@nc.rr.com.
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MISSIONS CHICKEN PIE POTS NEEDED FOR URBAN MINISTRIES Help us Provide a meal at the Community Café for Urban Ministries. On Sunday October 11th, Aldersgate is providing a Chicken Pot Pie dinner for about 250 guests. We need 25 Chicken Pot Pie Casseroles in disposable aluminum trays and desserts for 250 people. We also need at least 10 folks to go with us to serve the meal. Wear a baseball hat to serve or we will provide a hair net for you. All food should be at the church hot and ready to serve no later than 4:30 pm. Our volunteers will take it to the Community Café and serve our guests. The menu is salad, chicken pot pie, dessert and drinks. The chicken pot pie recipe serves about 10 people. You can pick up copies of the recipe at the Welcome Center located outside the Sanctuary. If you would like to volunteer to cook or serve sign up at the Welcome Center or email Mary Taylor at mary@aldersgate.org or call her at 919-225-0528 cell, or 919-479-9669 at home. Please indicate casserole, salad, salad dressing, dessert or volunteer.
UPDATED INFORMATION FROM CONDUIT The schedule for the afterschool tutoring at Oxford Manor Community Center has been changed for the coming school year. It will take place only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm beginning on October 20th. The YMCA provides the director and several counselors to run the program, making it easy for volunteers to work one-on-one with the elementary-aged students. The goal is to help them complete their homework--to make progress in being able to read and understand the material involved. You may choose the grade level of the student, if you wish. It is helpful, but not essential, if a volunteer can be there every week on the same day. Please contact Lee King for further information at 919-477-5245 or at leebbtexking@frontier.com. CONDUIT is also calling for one or two persons to represent Aldersgate at the monthly CONDUIT meetings. We miss Colleen Anna terribly. Won’t you step in and attend the meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month? Plans are made by the six churches that make up CONDUIT and then the word needs to be spread among the various congregations about the decisions made and what is needed to accomplish them. I would love to hear from you. Lee King
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MISSIONS CONGREGATIONS FOR CHILDREN (C4C)
is a state wide initiative of The United Methodist Church focused on reflecting the love of Christ in the community by helping children in public schools who are living in poverty. C4C’s areas of focus include: 1. Helping to improve K-3 Literacy rates (volunteer tutors, collecting/donating books, summer reading programs etc.) 2. Helping to meet the Basic Needs of students (food, clothing, supplies etc.) 3. Helping to increase Parental Involvement (and interactions with positive adult role models) 4. Increasing awareness of child poverty.
In late July, a group from Aldersgate attended the C4C Summit held at Garner United Methodist Church. We were presented with a great deal of information about the affects of poverty on a child’s ability to learn. We were also presented with very simple ways that congregations can make an impact on children, and Aldersgate is already engaged in several. Aldersgate is a member of CONDUIT, which stands for Congregations Of Northern Durham United In Tension. CONDUIT is a coalition of seven churches that provide support to residents of Oxford Manor public housing. Their onsite Learning Center, operated by the YMCA, provides afterschool tutoring, homework help and enrichment. Reading to a child and letting a child read to you are very important ways to promote literacy skills. This ministry helps address the C4C objectives of literacy improvement and positive adult role models. Everyone with a love for children is welcome and encouraged to participate, whether for one visit or many. Contact Lee King and she will gladly give more information. Aldersgate has been a long time supporter of Urban Ministries’ Food and Clothing pantries and Durham Food Pantry Network, which help provide basic needs to indigent and/or homeless families. In order to specifically address hunger within our schools, we have embarked on the Community Backpack Ministry, where weekend meals are sent home with food-insecure students at Riverside High School. Improved nutrition may aid in a student’s ability to focus and learn in school. By helping meet their basic needs, we hope that children, students, and families will develop good relationships with others. Food donations are regularly collected outside the Wesley Room in large bins. Monetary donations to either Urban Ministries or Community Backpack Ministry may be made payable to AUMC with the appropriate notation in the memo line. If you would like to assist in distributing food at Urban Ministries, contact April Twine. If you would like to assist in packaging meals for students, contact Kay Edwards. June Atkinson, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction, has said “The schools and teachers across our state need people to step up and partner with them for the well being of all children.” What better way to be Christ’s hands and feet and give His unconditional love, than to support the most vulnerable victims of poverty? Every prayer and every effort can make a difference. This is what Congregations For Children is all about.
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MISSIONS STOP HUNGER NOW UPDATE “We are delighted to announce that the meals from your meal packaging event on May 31, 2015 have been shipped in a container totaling 270,864 meals from our Raleigh, NC warehouse. The meals will be received by our in-country partner Citihope International in Dominican Republic. This shipment also included more than 2500 pounds of medicine donated by MAP International, including broad spectrum antibiotics, medicine to treat epileptic seizures, and medicine for arthritis/inflammation. With 42% of the population living below the poverty line, food shortage is prevalent throughout the Dominican Republic. CitiHope provides food and other resources to schools, orphanages and other community organizations and takes an active role in distribution and monitoring. CitiHope supports sustainable educational and development programs that empower locals to create strong, self-sufficient communities. CitiHope's country director in the Dominican Republic says, "We consider this not to be 'charity' but a real investment in humanity. The school and orphanage programs help our country so much by creating a future of responsible citizens that contribute to the improvement of our society. These children come from families that cannot supply even one meal a day for their children and don't understand the purpose of education. So the motivation comes from the food. These SHN donations are a defining component that heals a nation, multi-dimensionally." Thank you for volunteering with Stop Hunger Now. We truly appreciate your dedication and commitment to the vision of a world without hunger.” Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen. We came together as a church family to share God’s blessings to others. We are tentatively planning our next event in OCTOBER 2016. Together, we can STOP HUNGER NOW!
AGAPE4KIDS UPDATE During the weekend of August 14-16, the Family Life Center gym was transformed in to a children’s clothing consignment boutique. We had wonderful community involvement, with overall sales of $3459.50. The participating sellers received two-thirds of this amount, and our Agape Circle had net proceeds of $1146.61. We have already earmarked these proceeds to benefit the Guatemala Sewing Machine Project, water-purifying filters for Haitian families, the Community Backpack Ministry, and the Diaper Bank of North Carolina. In addition, we had an SUV filled to capacity of good quality children’s clothing that remained unsold. This clothing was delivered to Urban Ministries, where deserving participants may select appropriate clothing for their children free of charge. Another SUV contained maternity and infant supplies which was delivered to Welcome Baby, an organization set up for new mothers. A large box of children’s books was donated to Eno Valley School. Thank you for allowing us to hold this event. It allows families to exchange unused clothing for cash, and allows them access to very good quality clothing at incredible bargain prices. With this widespread community involvement, we are able to impact the lives of women and children locally and globally. Thanks be to God!
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Experience
MUSIC NOTES MUSIC NOTES Please contact Nan de Andrade, Music Minister, to 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 are excited about attending “Choir Music Weekend” at our Lake Junaluska in beautiful Maggie Valley on Oct. 16th-18th! During this weekend (right at the height of fall colors in the mountains), we’ll get to rehearse with singers from all over the Jurisdiction, attend a Junaluska singers concert, and culminate with inspiring worship! Thank you for your support!
PRAISE TEAM Tuesdays, 6:15-7:30 pm New members (singers or players) always welcomed! HAMMERED DULCIMER GROUP Tuesdays at 11:00 am. (call Nan for more details) HANDBELLS TWO GROUPS LOOKING FOR RINGERS If you’d just like to learn to play and have limited reading skills, we would love to launch a Beginner’s Handbell Choir (adults and youth). It’s not as hard as it looks, and it’s a great way to exercise your brain and praise God! We’d also LOVE to have a children’s handbell group (likely meeting time after school on Wednesdays). We’ll start a group when we reach the magic number of 7 (what’s needed to fill out a 2-octave choir).
TO AUMC’s SECRET DANCE LOVERS We just know there are some members of our congregation who spent their youth dancing, or who simply want to support our dance ministry with their presence and background support. As dedicated youth who will lead this with everything they’ve got, Anna and McKenna really need some adult support (chaperone help, backing, encouragement, advice, care, parent liason) for their two dance ensembles. Both practice on Sundays YOUNG DANCERS, which meets 3:454:45 and SACRED DANCERS, which meets 7:00-8:15. Please make yourself known! Please dust off your slippers and give Nan/Anna a call to see how you can help!
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 resume (back from Fall break) on October 22nd - There’s still time to join in! Practices are Thursday afternoons from 4:15 – 5:15 Oct. 22- Nov. 19 + Dec. 3 Dress rehearsal Saturday, Dec. 5 Performance Sunday, Dec. 6 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
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!
THIS MONTH: THE DOXOLOGY AND GLORIA PATRI The word doxology comes from two Greek words, doxa, which means glory, and logos, which means word. So, a doxology is a glory word – a song of praise. The Book of Psalms is filled with doxologies! The angels sang a famous Doxology when they announced the birth of Christ: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth." Christians usually refer to Doxologies as a praise text that mentions God in Three Persons, the Trinity. The song we sing as the Offering is brought to the altar is most commonly known as The Doxology. The traditional one, sung to the tune of the “Old 100th” is probably the most-sung hymn in the world! (Praise God from Whom all blessings flow…) This hymn was written almost 350 years ago, by Thomas Ken, an Anglican Bishop, in 1674. Originally, the text was the final verse of several of Ken’s hymns. Some times of the year, we sing an alternative Doxology, to the tune “Lasst Uns Ehrfruen,” which includes extra wording that fits the purpose of Offering our gifts, namely “Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!” and some joyful Alleluias for good measure. When and why do we sing one or the other? Only Nan knows. Another familiar doxology, the Gloria Patri, begins Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The Latin name Gloria Patri translates “Glory be to the Father.” We traditionally sing this chorus to seal our Affirmation of Faith with a word of praise. P.S. Have you ever wondered about that phrase “world without end”? I have! It is referring to the Trinity, which will never end – it’s another way of saying “forever and ever.” These two songs are foundational to our worship so they are great ones to teach our children early. During the week, they are useful as a way to begin or end your day, or for grace as well.
You’re Invited CANTARI CONCERT INVITATION Nan de Andrade would like to invite everyone to “With Flowery Garlands Crowned,” a beautiful concert of Madrigals and Henry Purcell’s Music for the Coronation of King James II performed by Cantari and instrumental consort. It will be held Nov. 6 at 7:15 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chapel Hill. Nan is delighted to sing with this wonderful, select vocal ensemble of Voices (formerly Chapel Hill Community Chorus).
“With Flowering Garlands Crowned ” Friday, November 6 at 7:30 pm | Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 300 East Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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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
OCT. 4TH OCT. 11TH OCT. 18TH OCT. 25TH
DANIELLE NIXON AND ABBIE ROBINSON JOSHUA BOSECKER AND EDEN CODY TANNER REO AND MEADOW SNYDER JOANNA DE ANDRADE 11:00 AM SERVICE
OCT. 4TH OCT. 11TH OCT. 18TH OCT. 25TH
An acolyte is a person who assists the presiding minister/pastor in worship and carries out certain duties, including candle lightCAMERON NYE/MCKAYLE NYE ing; carrying the processional cross; holding or getting items MARGARET ANN & MADELEINE HUGHES the pastor needs at baptisms, Holy Communion, and other worJOSHUA BOSECKER AND SAMMY TURLEY ship acts. Acolytes may be children, youth, and adults.
MARGARET ANN HEALY AND ELIZABETH HEALY
Altar Guild For this Month STACEY MCCORISON LIZ CROSE
Trustee for this Month SUSAN DERNOSEK
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 Prayer Shawl Ministry celebrated ten years of ministry! Approximately 2,000 Prayer Shawls have been hand knitted, prayed over, and distributed during this time.
Our Congregation provided a meal at the Community Café for Urban Ministries for 250 guests.
AgapeShop4Kids raised $1,200.00 for local women’s, children’s and baby ministry from a consignment sale. All left over clothing went to children served by Urban Ministries.
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.
October Lay Assistants 8:15 Service
USHERS
10/4
GREETER
WELCOME STATION
LAY READER
Chick Hinton* Mitch Adkins (m) Richard Riggsbee Judy Alford (o) Jeff Sturkey/Kirk Brown
Mitch Adkins
Debbie Edge
10/11
Andy McCorison* Pat Stancil (m) Mitch Adkins Kaye Harris (o) Beverly Jackson/Katherine Siler
Judy Alford
Dave Brese
10/18
Paul Jones* Beverly Jackson (m) Linda Jones Mitch Adkins (o) Chick Hinton/Mitch Adkins
Beverly Jackson
Shelia Rittgers
10/25
Mary Tom Roberts* Katherine Siler Andy McCorison Beverly Jackson
Mitch Adkins (m) Richard Riggsbee (o)
Mitch Adkins
Ruth Kay
10/4
Michael Crutchfield* Wanda Crutchfield
Nancy Wykle
Anne Finch
Jim Hanson
10/11
Steven Fishback* Margaret Muir
Shaunesy Story
Mary Taylor
Lisa Dye Janes
10/18
Nancy Wykle* Matt Buckner
Mary Taylor
Jim Hanson
10/25
Doug Taylor* Mary Taylor
Matt Buckner
Beth Menchini
10/4
Sarah Walker* Brent Walker Ginger Hawkins
Rusty Grimm-M Robin Thomas-O
Amelia Oakley
Ronnie Oakley
10/11
Tammy Closs* Paula Veasey Pam Boatright Debbie Fletcher
Amelia Oakley-M Ronnie Oakley-O
Sarah Walker
Judy Schlegel
10/18
Ronnie Oakley* Kimberly Riggs Ron West Jim Willis
Debbie Fletcher-M Janie Howell-O
Amelia Oakley
Suzi Caudill
10/25
Ronnie Oakley* Ginger Hawkins Michele Tucker Kirk Brown
Tammy Closs-M Lindsay Brown-O
Paula Veasey
Steve Wilfong
9:30 Service
11:00 Service
Aldersgate United Methodist Church 1320 Umstead Road Durham, NC 27712 (919) 477-0509
Address Service Requested
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