'2014january

Aldersgate Experience 1

Experience

Connecting

Knowing

Loving Growing

January 2014

Every year I make New Year’s resolutions and every year I

fail by February. Fortunately, Lent comes along and I can

take them up anew as a Lenten promise! But I think one of

the reasons why I don’t stick with them is because I need a

community of people to support me and hold me accountable.

So, what if we made group resolutions? Who is with me? Here

are some ideas. Let me know what you think…Twelve seemed

like a good Biblical number, but there’s certainly room to add a

few more.

Be it resolved, that in 2014, we the people of Aldersgate United Methodist Church will…

1) Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

2) We will love our neighbors as ourselves.

3) We will pray every day.

4) We will consistently worship the Lord, study his word, and serve him in the world.

5) We will act like the church we want to be by extending grace and forgiveness instead of judgment and

condemnation.

6) We will find brand new ways to give back to God a portion of our time, talent, and treasure.

7) We will trust God when we feel anxious or afraid of what tomorrow might bring.

8) We will continue to walk the same path with those with whom we disagree and recognize that we might

grow as Christians from engaging someone or something that is new, uncomfortable, different or

challenging.

9) We will talk to someone we know who doesn’t go to church and say something inviting and encouraging

to them about our faith.

10) Behind people’s backs and in front of their faces we will respect others and build them up instead of

tearing them down.

11) We will ask for forgiveness and forgive one another just as Christ forgives us.

12) We will create space for Sabbath in our lives each and every week.

Who’s with me?

May you be blessed in the year of our Lord 2014.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Doug


Birthdays

Wednesday Night Live Winter Series, Page 3

Fellowship Meals & Prayer Service Page 4

DivorceCare & Thank You Page 5

James Bear & Weekday School Page 6

Music Ministry Page 7-8

Community Connections/Drive Thru Page 9

Reindeer Store Thank you Page 9

Acolytes/Nursery/Trustees Page 10

Handbell Concert Invitation Page 11

On-Line Giving by Credit Cards Page 12

Financials - December 18th Page 12

January Lay Assistants Schedule Page 13

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Barbara Atkinson 01/01

Jill Bosecker 01/02

Mackenzie Hale 01/03

Andrew Honeycutt 01/03

Rick Kreiselman 01/03

Sue Allison 01/04

Vanessa Gordon 01/04

Morgan Ray 01/04

Holly Fishback 01/05

Marilyn Shipman 01/05

Grace Herbstreith 01/06

Lynn Wilfong 01/06

Peter Lundquist 01/07

Jennifer Reeves 01/07

Jeffrey Caudill 01/09

Nancy Moore 01/09

Jeff Artley 01/10

Jason McDonald 01/10

Jo'an Paine 01/10

Jan Howe 01/11

Steven Wilfong 01/11

Jane Rosemond 01/12

Jonathan Thomas 01/12

Lisa Williams 01/12

Louis F. Berini 01/14

Jill Hanson 01/14

Patrick Stephen Miller 01/14

Richard Riggsbee 01/14

Jody Slater 01/14

Audrey Turley 01/14

Candy West 01/14

Joyce Pendergrass 01/15

Cameron Burleson 01/16

Debbie Hunt 01/16

Stephanie Nolte 01/16

Elijah McCall 01/17

Ruth Kay 01/18

Jim Hanson 01/19

Michele Jones 01/19

Ed Osteen Sr. 01/19

McKenna Colgan 01/20

Ron Pendergrass 01/20

Jack Anderson 01/21

Sandra Reynolds

01/21

June Gunter 01/22

Christopher Hall 01/22

Mitch Moser 01/22

Lynn Andrews 01/23

Max Bingen 01/23

Annie King 01/23

Jason Newman 01/24

Jack Upchurch 01/24

Sam Edwards 01/25

Lisa Johnson 01/25

Carol Brese 01/26

Rosalin Robinson 01/26

Marie Currin 01/27

Gary Edge 01/27

Jan Hagerty 01/27

Brink Hunt Jr 01/27

Allen Harrell 01/28

Kirk Brown 01/29

Linda Jones 01/30

Jimmy Sykes 01/30

CONNECTING (Connect with God and one another)


Wednesday Night Live - Returns - January 8th

Are you ready to invest in your family ? ALPHA presents: “The Parenting

Teenagers Course" for parents with children ages 11 to 18.

The most precious gift and possession that God will ever entrust to us are our

children.

*Parenting teenagers is harder than ever for most parents today

*No role we undertake in life is more important

*We are the main influence on our teenager's future

*Discovering we are not alone in the challenges we face and exchanging ideas from other parents can make a

huge difference

*Meeting our teenager's deepest needs, setting healthy boundaries, helping to develop their emotional health,

and teaching them how to make good choices, takes skill and dedication

*Taking time to reflect on our end goal can help us to build our relationships with our teenagers now

SPACE IS LIMITED TO TEN FAMILIES. Please join us as we take this journey together, Walter and Maryellen

Finnigan

*For those of you who have younger children... Birth to age 10 parenting course coming soon!!!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE METHODIST ?

Have you ever wondered why we are called Methodists? What’s so great about being

Methodist ? What exactly does the district superintendent do? Come join the WNL class

in January as we look at what it’s like to be a United Methodist in 2014.

Leaders will be John Hall and Tara Lain.

LOVING GOD

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to get closer to God? Come join us as we learn ways

to love God and others more deeply. Loving God is part of the Journey 101 series that looks

at the essentials of the Christian life. The other two courses will be offered on understanding

scripture and discovering spiritual gifts will be offered during future WNL sessions.

Winter Classes - January 8th - February 6th - 6:30 - 7:30 pm

“THE PARENTING TEENAGERS COURSE"


Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal- 5:30 pm Family Life Center January 1st - No WNL

January 8th - Breakfast for Dinner Sausage & Egg Casserole, Grits, Fruit Cup,

Biscuits by The Haiti Mission Team

January 15th - Pork Lion, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Desserts - The Van

Deventer Family

January 22nd - Mac and cheese with ham, salad and dessert by Agape Circle

January 29th - Hamburgers and hot dogs w/ fixin's,Veggie tray, Chips, desserts ,

Beverage - Donations will go to support the Methodist children's home.

By Serendipity Sunday School Class

Wednesday Evening Prayer Service - Each Wednesday - 5:00 pm - Sanctuary

New Series coming soon !!


KNOWING (Know more about God, each other, and the needs of our world. )

THANK YOU !

Unless you’ve been there, it’s hard to understand the hurt that comes

from separation and divorce. Even your friends and family don't know

how to help.

DivorceCare is a support group that meets weekly. It is led by people

who have been through divorce/separations. DivorceCare will be offered

at Aldersgate UMC - January 6th-March 31st - 6:30 - 8:30 pm in room

207 in the Family Life Center. You are welcomed at any point. Each

session is “self-contained” and led by Jack Snyder and Kathy Reeves.

Aldersgate UMC hosted the Interfaith Hospitality Network families the week

of December 1st. “Thank you” seems inadequate to express my appreciation

for all those who helped with driving, preparing and serving meals, staying

overnight, moving the cots, making beds, etc.

Probably the highlight of the week came on Friday, when several of the girls from G.I.G.G.L.E.S. and their

adult leaders came to spend the evening and stay overnight with the families. In no time at all, the kids were

playing together like old friends, the moms were happy to see their children in such loving company, and we

all felt the true meaning and spirit of hospitality.

We go into IHN thinking we’ll do something to make a difference and we end up the ones getting to see the

face of Jesus.

This note is from Lisa Clark, one of the G.I.G.G.L.E.S. leaders:

“I just wanted to tell you about the comments the girls made last night

regarding their time and stay with the IHN families. They were so

excited to tell the others of the fun they had. The others were in awe

and can't wait to have their chance to participate. They want to do it

every month! Well, Paula told them the next one is in March and they

all shouted, "Let's do it, let's do it!" Thank you for giving these girls

the opportunity to share of themselves and to see how those less

fortunate sometimes live. They talked about not having a home and

a place to call their own. It was a special time. Thank you! Lisa”

Again, thank you so much for caring about IHN.

Susan Gay


JAMES BEAR, THE “DOER" BEAR !

This is James Bear, the Doer Bear. James is going to travel around with all and help you

“do” good things for others!

Your challenge when you have the James Bear passed to you is to be a doer of the

Word! This could be by feeding the hungry, visiting elderly or sick people, helping

someone with yard work, simply taking time to read the Bible and pray, or whatever

form of ministry you feel called to do.

We don't want to be deceiving ourselves. When James is with you doing things for oth-

ers be sure to document the activity by taking pictures. Then, e-mail what you did,

your pictures, and who you are going to hand James Bear over to next to: [email protected]. James

will post the pictures and the information on his facebook page and will looking forward to the next “doer"

project.

Here is what James has been doing during December :

Here is James waiting to pray with a neighbor at the monthly 'Drive Thru Prayer'

session. He is accompanied by Pat Porter, Carol & Dave Brese and Jane Bahor.

James Bear spent Sunday Morning, December 1st collecting

items for The Reindeer Store at Central Regional Hospital!

Lots of folks are going to have a Merry Christmas ! —

with Aldersgate Umc Durham NC.

James is taking a moment out to read about the clean water project that Luke's mission

is doing in Haiti. He was very excited about the filter, reading that it takes bacteria and

protozoans out of the water. He was very impressed that each filter can clean up to a

million gallons of water and all of this for $50. Less than 38% of patients have access to

clean save water. He was very pleased with this gift of water. Shelia-his helper — at Alternative Gift Fair

ALDERSGATE WEEKDAY SCHOOL

Aldersgate Weekday School’s return registration for current students and Aldersgate UMC Members begins

January 13, 2014.

The 2014 school year will begin in September, and we will have openings in

our Toddler, 2 year-old, 3 year-old and 4 year-old classes.

Registration forms are available in the school office or click

www.aldersgatewds.org. Fall registration opens to the community on Feb. 4,

2014. All church member forms must be turned in by Friday, Jan. 24, 2014.

Please call (919) 479-8686 if you have any questions.

Thanks so much,

Evelyn Johnson, Director

mailto:[email protected]


MUSIC MINISTRY NOTES

Please contact Nan de Andrade ([email protected]) for a

more complete description of our varied musical groups. You

are welcome and needed in our ministry!

“You don’t want me in the choir...I can’t sing/ can’t read/ can’t

be there every week.” If you’ve been invited to join the choir

and haven’t, chances are this is the response we heard you claim.

Oh, please think again! YES. WE. DO. WANT. YOU!

If you can’t sing, we can help you with that! Actually, only >1% of people truly can’t carry a tune; the rest of

us have just not used our voices enough to feel confident “carrying their tune in a bucket!” I’ve seen, time and

again, that with time and regular practice, the ability to sing, produce a beautiful

tone, hold harmonies, etc. improves, especially as they sit next to others with

more experience.

If you can’t read music, you will be joining with the majority of our choir, who

are also not trained to read notes. The ones who do, help the ones who don’t,

and since we rehearse for about 6 weeks before we sing an anthem, you’ll have

plenty of time to learn your part.

And, finally, if you can’t be there every week, understand that, with the number

of singers our choir enjoys, it’s fine (and normal) to come when you can. We’re

just glad to see you then!

“All God’s Children Have a Place in the Choir” You are most sincerely welcome to join any of our music

ministry groups. We do a variety of music; I guarantee that some of it will put a Jesus song in your heart!!

Contact Nan de Andrade, Music Minister, to learn more ([email protected])

CHOIR REHEARSAL TIMES

Adult Choir: Rehearses Wednesday at 7:30 pm. Join us!

Praise Team: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:30 pm. New members always welcomed

Children’s Choirs (Sundays at 4:45-5:30 pm) Arts in the Afternoon will resume on Sunday, Jan. 12th.

Sweet Sounds Dulcimer Group, Thursdays at 10:00 am. Interested in learning?

Handbells: Joyful Noise Ringers (advanced) – Tuesdays 7:30 pm. Epiphany Ring: rehearse 3:00 pm, concert

at 7:00 pm

Praise Ringers (adult and youth J-V bells) – Mondays at 7:00 pm, resumes Jan. 6th.

Young Ringers (2nd-5th graders)– Sundays at 5:30 pm, resumes Jan. 12th

The SIXth Annual Epiphany Ring

Handbell Festival - Concert - Sunday, Jan. 5th at 7:00 pm

Hosted by Aldersgate and featuring 11 handbell ensembles from around the Triangle sharing massed-ringing

and individual selections, this festival celebrates the music of the season. Guest conductor is composer and

handbell teacher Nick Hanson of Falls Church, Virginia. The concert is free; please invite your friends and

neighbors to come and enjoy.




THANKS

A WINTER ROSE, INDEED

Our Worship team and many others, through singing and handbell choirs, praise team, soloists, instrumental-

ists, youth ministry, and altar guild presented a Winter Garden of Delight, through beautiful music and inspir-

ing leadership over the holydays. Join me as we “stop and smell the roses,” praising God for each of our music

ministers!

First, remember back to our sweet Chrismon service? That bouquet of talent and creativity helped us to come

together as a family to “deck the halls” with joy and meaning. Thanks to Paula Alford (designer and recruiter),

the JMT team (decorating), our Youth (leadership), Bob Wallace and the Fogle Family (drama and story), and

the breathtaking return of our Sacred Dancers (Kathy Reeves and Anna Van

Deventer, leaders). Many servants tilled and planted to enhance our experience

through the month: we thank our Worship Committee (organized the weekly

Advent candle lighting families), the Altar Guild (decorating, poinsettias), Gary

James (facilities), John Hall and the A-V ministry team, the UMM (Set-up team).

Of course, our Clergy team gifted us with many excellent sermons and lessons:

we must bless God for them! Forget-them-not, these memorable winter blossoms:

Chimes in the Night, our children’s choir musical (Heidi Miller, director); our

lovely Christmas “silver bells,” the Joyful Noise and Praise Ringers Handbell

Ensembles, our “Sweet Sounds” dulcimer group; the Chancel Choir and soloists’

cantata, The Winter Rose; and Mila Karamushka (organist/accompanist); thanks

to Cathy Cozart and Randy Gordon who organized our traditional Love Feast,

as well as all of our many servers and musicians who delighted us that evening;

thanks also to all who shared in a sweet night of Hope and Comfort on Wednes-

day, Dec. 18th. Our afternoon of caroling was a delight for all who offered their

love and welcome. Finally, as we reached the center of the garden, we were well-

prepared to delight in the “good news of great joy.” It was a holy night, thanks be to God! We thank all the

youth who led, the children who sang and participated enthusiastically, and our sweet “Holy Family,” Sarah,

Brent and Madalyn Walker, who each participated in our 4 pm “Impromptu Christmas pageant” (organized

by Tara Lain), as well as the soloists and Hank Van Deventer’s festive trumpet at the 7:00 and 11:00 pm

candlelight and communion services .

This year’s Garden of Christmas Praise is one whose fragrance can take us into the new year with a renewed

and deeper appreciation for the Rose of Sharon, Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift. So we bless God and

give thanks to ALL who shared their time and talents to help us experience and embrace this joyous 2013

Christmas.


DRIVE-THRU PRAYER is the 1st Tuesday of each month from

4:00-6:00 pm. It’s simple, you’ll feel great afterwards AND, it’s the

ONLY ONE IN DURHAM ! Just drive “thru.” Someone will meet

you at your car and pray with you. OR

If you are interested in helping (but not necessarily praying) you can help

set up signs, take down the tent , or hand out bottled water. Feel like

you want to check out the prayer part? You can start by observing with a

partner. We have heard from many in the community what a blessing this

is to them and you could be part of it! If you have any questions, contact

Carol Brese at 919-471-2269 [email protected]

NEXT DRIVE THRU PRAYER

JANUARY 7TH - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

JANUARY 7TH

4:00 - 6:00 PM

THANK YOU SO MUCH FROM THE REINDEER STORE - 2013

We want to thank everybody who donated gifts for the Reindeer Store at

Central Regional Hospital (former John Umstead Hospital). We took over 70 toys, 35 clothing and house-

hold items, 30 books and movies, and 11 items of jewelry to the hospital. They were thrilled to receive

so many nice gifts for the store. On the day of the store Colleen Anna, Jane Bahor, Anne Finch, and Mary

Taylor volunteered at the hospital. Jane sang with the Christmas carolers, Anne and Mary helped in the

women's clothing store, and Colleen floated between the clothing store, singing a few carols and visiting

with the patients. The music, decorations, and the mini department stores gave a festive atmosphere for the

patients and us too. We had fun helping out for the day and seeing the smiles on the patients’ faces and

listening to them tell us all about who they were getting gifts for gave a real feeling of the Christmas spirit.

Again thank you for helping make this event possible for the patients at Central Regional Hospital.

Colleen Anna, Jane Bahor, Anne Finch, and Mary Taylor



JANUARY ALTAR GUILD

ALICE OSTEEN

AND

SHARON MCLAURIN

January Acolyte Schedule

8:15am Service 11:00am Service

January 5th: Jacob Bosecker Katie Leonard

Grace Herbstreith Kaylee Eckhoff

January 12th: Emma Freeman Olivia Lain

January 19th: Margaret Ann Healy Cameron Nye

January 26th: Emily Lain Tanner Reo

An acolyte is a person

who assists the presid-

ing minister/pastor in

worship and carries out

certain duties, including

candle lighting; carry-

ing 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.

The Trustees supervise and

maintain all property belonging

to the congregation so that the

ministries of the congregation

can be effective.

NURSERY MINISTRY Each Sunday Morning: 8:15am, 9:30am and 11:00am

Ashley Skinner, Jamie Lewis and Ellen Whisnant

Tuesday Music Practices: Ellen Whisnant and Lynn Wilfong

GROWING (Grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and as a faithful community called

the church.)

Altar Guild assures the worship

space and supporting materials are

prepared for worship.

TRUSTEE FOR JANUARY: PHIL STANCIL


Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas,

On on they send ,

On without end,

Their joyful tone to every home

Dong Ding dong ding, dong Bong

You’re Invited to the

SIXth Annual Epiphany Ring Handbell Festival Concert

Sunday, January 5th 7:00 pm

Hosted by Aldersgate and featuring 11 handbell ensembles from

around the Triangle sharing massed-ringing and individual selec-

tions, this festival celebrates the music of the season. Guest con-

ductor is composer and handbell teacher Nick Hanson of Falls

Church, Virginia. The concert is free; please invite your friends

and neighbors to come and enjoy.


ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH INCOME SNAPSHOTS THROUGH 12/18/2013

Operating Income Versus Budget

YTD Budgeted Pledged Received Unpledged Contri-

butions

Total YTD Contri-

butions

YTD Collections -

Budget

YTD Budgeted $ 799,931 $ 580,334 $ 101,146 $ 681,480 $ (118,451)

Operating Income Versus Spending

YTD Spent Pledges Received Unpledged Contri-

butions

Total YTD Contri-

butions

YTD Collections -

Spent

YTD Spending $ 737,580 $ 580,334 $ 101,146 $ 681,480 $ (56,100)

Capital Fund Snapshot

2011 - 2014

Pledged Pledges Received

Unpledged Contri-

butions

Total Contribu-

tions

Received Versus

Pledged

YTD Capital $1,349,433 $ 537,244 $ 194,937 $ 732,181 $ (617,252)

It’s just a click away !! A new way to GIVE !

The Aldersgate Finance Committee is happy to announce a new way to make

donations to Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

On Line Giving ! - Just click the blue “on-line giving” button on the Aldersgate

Web Site (www.aldersgate.org) We are accepting online donations by debit / credit cards as well as electronic

fund transfer (checking & savings).

It’s convenient – just access our website and you are set! It’s timely – available 24 hours / day, 7 days / week

It’s confidential and secure – hosted by Vanco Services, LLC

Currently our fund options are: operating fund, capital fund, mission teams, JMT – Other areas of Missions or

fundraising can be added. Please contact Cathy Sheffield to see how your Aldersgate group can take advantage

of online giving. Great for fundraisers! Contact Cathy at [email protected] or 919-477-0509, ext. 100.



January Lay Assistants Schedule

Date Greeter Usher Lay Reader 8:15 Worship

1/5 Main Carl Chmielewski Carole Morris/Doug Morris Anna van Deventer

Office Richard Riggsbee Chick Hinton/

Welcome Center: Barbara Andrews

1/12 Main Anna van Deventer Charles & Barbara Andrews Barbara Atkinson

Office Paul Jones Carl Chmielewski/Jeff Sturkey

Welcome Center: Charlotte O’Brien

1/19 Main Barbara Andrews Ed Osteen/Carl Chmielewski Burton King

Office Pattie Porter Jackie Roberts/Jim Willis

Welcome Center: Charles Andrews

1/26 Main Carol Brese Dawn Eckhoff/Rick Kreiselman Charlotte O’Brien

Office Pat Stancil Doug Morris/Chick Hinton Welcome Station Mitch Adkins 9:30 Worship

1/5 Main Cheryl Turner Cynthia Bell / Cathy Sheffield Betty Wickham

Welcome Station: Amanda Sublett

1/12 Main David Shaffer Betty Wickham/Cheryl Turner Amanda Sublett

Welcome Station: Lara Rowland

1/19 Main Amanda Sublett Gene Bell/Betty Wickham Cathy Sheffield

Welcome Station Mary Taylor

1/26 Main Betty Wickham Cynthia Bell/Margie Muir Charlotte O’Brien Welcome Center Amanda Sublett 11:00 Worship

1/5 Main Anabella Mendes Dawn Eckhoff/Kelly Freeman Alice Hagaman

Office Rusty Grimm Kay Edwards/Nancy Grinstead

Welcome Center Amelia Oakley

1/12 Main Betty Baird Ed Osteen/Ashley Bahor Steve Wilfong

Office Ginger Hawkins Pam Boatright/Kelly Freeman

Welcome Center Anabela Mendes

1/19 Main Amelia Oakley Jan Howe/Paula Alford Anabela Mendes

Office Stacey McCorison Nancy Smith/Joyce Mackin

Welcome Station: Mary Taylor

1/26 Main Betty Jane Upchurch Paula Veasey/Anabela Mendes Steve Wilfong

Office Sam Edwards Kay Edwards/Nancy Grinstead

Welcome Center Jan Howe


[email protected]

www.aldersgate.org

Aldersgate United Methodist Church 1320 Umstead Road Durham, NC 27712 (919) 477-0509

Address Service Requested

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