THE MESSENGER - Clover...

THE MESSENGER

December 2012

Share The Journey.

Disciplines 2013 ............................ 2

A Service Opportunity ................... 2

Bulbs are In .................................... 3

Youth Players Auditions ................ 4

Please Share .................................. 5

Student Ministry ............................ 7

Notes from the Music Guy ............ 8

Heart & Soul .................................. 9

Widening the Welcome ............... 10

Poinsettia Order Form ................. 11

Christmas Eve Service Schedule .. 12

The Miracle of Christmas

One of the most beloved motion pictures in the history of filmmaking is the movie Miracle on 34th Street. Originally released in 1947 as a Christmas movie, it features Maureen O’Hara as a no-nonsense special-events executive for Macy’s Department Store in New York, John Payne as a talented young lawyer, Natalie Wood as a bright and perceptive six-year-old girl, and Edmund Gwenn as a Macy’s Santa who called himself Kris Kringle and insisted that he was the real Santa.

From the very beginning Miracle on 34th Street was well received, and over the years it has become an annual favorite, carrying the tagline, “Capture the spirit of Christmas with this timeless classic.” It’s a sweet-spirited movie about the miracle of Christmas. For many of us, it may classify as one of our favorite movies, but one fact doesn’t change. We know the real miracle of Christmas! The most important Christmas miracle happened in a manger in Bethlehem long, long ago.

There, God came in the birth of Jesus to visit and redeem His people.

There, God entered into history to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves—to save us.

There, through a little baby born in a lowly stable, God’s will, God’s idea, God’s intention, God’s Word, God’s purpose, and God’s love became flesh and blood and lived among us, full of grace and truth.

There, through this lowly birth, God brought salvation to the world, inspiring the Gospel writer to later write these words:

For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16)

This is the real miracle of Christmas-the miracle of God’s seeking, saving love for each one of us.

From my family to yours, may the Lord bless you richly this Christmas with gifts beyond measure and may your heart be filled with joy!!

Merry Christmas!!

Pastor Chris, Christy, James Connor, Keila & Nicholas

Share the Journey 2 December 2012

Disciplines 2013

Find light for your daily walk with God through

The Upper Room Disciplines.

New in 2013: Each week opens with a Scripture overview,

followed by four questions or suggestions for reflection for

personal or small-group use.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY—$14.00. Send email to:

[email protected] or see Sarah Ogilby to order. Books

will be available for pick up in the auditorium following worship

service on December 16. Place your order by December 9 to ensure

your copy is available. Make checks payable to Aldersgate UMC with

“Disciplines” in the memo line.

A Service Opportunity for Aldersgaters & Friends Emmanuel Dining Room (EDR)

By Don & Linda Moore, EDR Coordinators

EDR, founded in 1979 with three locations in Wilmington, helps alleviate hunger by providing a nutritious meal for the needy. Approximately 100 churches, synagogues, businesses and civic groups contribute their time and money by purchasing, preparing and serving noon meals on a rotating basis. For over 26 years Aldersgate has been preparing the noon meal at EDR West, North Jackson Street on the 16th of every month! Every day of the year, about 200 guests of EDR are seated in a clean, cheerful dining room and served a nutritious meal in restaurant fashion. All who come are warmly welcomed.

Hundreds of Aldersgaters have participated. As one example, this year the Scott & Eliza Lugar family was responsible for the month of June and found it to be a rewarding experience for young folks as well as adults. Many of Aldersgate’s groups have hosted one or two months every year. Participation is very simple. The “team for the month” selects a dinner from several menus; meat, vegetable, fruit pre-ordered from a large market, like Shop Rite. On the 16th the team picks up food at 9 a.m. and takes it to EDR where their staff will unload into the kitchen. The team helps the chef prepare, cook and set up the kitchen for filling plates. Other organizations provide the servers and clean-up crew. At noon, just prior to opening the front door, all staff, servers, preparers and helpers form a large circle and a blessing is offered. The team fills about 200 plates between noon and 1 p.m. when the front door closes. At that time you may stay and eat a meal or depart. Each team participant enjoys the special feeling of helping people in need. If you and several friends or family would like to take the 16th of a month just call Don Moore at 610-558-6817 or email [email protected]. What a great way to introduce a potential new member to Aldersgate! It is a very rewarding four hours of your time and something you will want to do again!!! We need a team for January!

mailto:[email protected]


Aldersgate commits to providing lunch on the 16th of

each month for the hungry, needy people who drop in

to EDR. Thank you to the following groups and

individuals who have served or will soon serve as the

hands and feet of Jesus:

December—Denise Taylor & family with Janice

Klumpp

January (It’s a Wednesday! —Your Name Here!

If you would like to serve at EDR please contact Don or

Linda Moore to sign up for 2013.

[email protected] or 610-558-6817.

CALL FOR COOKIES…Even if you are not in the United Methodist Women and you enjoy baking, please help us by donating home baked cookies to the Cookie Walk. Cookies can be left at the church in the kitchen near the auditorium until 5 p.m. on Friday, December 7 or by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, December 8. Your donations will help support mission efforts for women and children, both locally and internationally. PECANS are HERE! Our annual Pecan Sale features pecans fresh from the Whaley pecan groves. The one pound bags of pieces or halves cost $9.50 each. They are available at the Cookie Walk, through Laura Parrish at (302) 477-1718, or by email to [email protected]. Also look for the pecans on sale after services. UMW General Meeting and Dessert – Monday, January 7 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. Note: the date has been changed from previous years from December to January. The program will be presented by News Journal food columnist Nancy Coale Zippe. Her topic will be Energy for the New Year.

Cookie Walk & More

Saturday, December 8 at 9 a.m.

in the Auditorium

Come and fill a box with cookies for

$10

Neighborhood House Executive Director, Veronica Oliver, admires the new garden!

Planting and Praying at the Aldersgate Garden in honor of Neighborhood House

Bulbs are in and Waiting

for Spring!

By Barbara Buckley,

UMW President

Many thanks to the

Aldersgate Family for your support of

the recent “Buy a Bulb” project in honor

of Neighborhood House’s 85th

Anniversary. Over 300 daffodils bulbs

were “sold” by Aldersgate United

Methodist Women and Youth and a

$1500 check was presented to

Neighborhood House.

During the sunny warm November days,

about 20 children, youth and adults

worked to plant a triangular garden on

the Concord Pike side of the Sanctuary.

Four UMW members planted a garden

at Neighborhood House and it will be a

joy to see the beautiful new gardens

next Spring!!

One service on Sunday,

December 30 at 10 a.m.

Join in the Carol sing-a-long

and share your Christmas Joy!

Christ Jesus is born!




Announcing the Aldersgate Youth Players March 2013 Production:

A Fairy Tale Life: The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen

(including The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, Princess and the Pea,

and the Emperor’s New Clothes)

Auditions in the Music Center

(2nd Grade and Older)

Saturday, December 1st from 1 to 4:30 p.m.*

There are MANY singing AND non-singing roles.

Sign up for an audition time on the sheet located on the

Bulletin Board outside of the Music Center.

*If you are unable to attend the auditions, but would like to be in the

show, please contact Mrs. Atwater to arrange an audition.

Scripts will be distributed before Christmas.

Rehearsals will be held on Sundays starting January 6, 2013, although some additional rehearsals

may be required.

For questions or more information, contact Janet Atwater, Director

(610) 388-2120 or [email protected]

Performances:

Friday, March 1,

Saturday, March 2

Sunday, March 3

Print Cartridge Recycling—Volunteer Opportunity

Recycling toner cartridges was a project that originated from Student Ministry. Staples issues “rewards” for each toner cartridge that is recycled, to a maximum of 10 per month. Right now, there is an abundance of toner cartridges in the DOV Office, in fact, there’s enough to take us through December, 2013 without collecting one more cartridge!

This is where one (or two) of you come in! Are you willing to take on this “green project” and find a location to recycle the cartridges? If so, please contact Candice Kilson by calling the church office 302-478-2575 or email [email protected]

Sadly, if no one volunteers, the recycle container that is locat-ed near the hallway copy ma-chine will be removed at the end of the month.

Congratulations Marion Stewart!

Submitted by Elyn Schmitz

Our own Marion C. Stewart was awarded the Public Service Achievement Award on Thursday, November 15 by the Governing Board of Common Cause Delaware. Marion has been a tireless advocate in New Castle County as well as state government for more than 50 years and deeply involved in numerous organizations and citizens groups pushing for reform on good government issue, land use and transparency.

Marion has been extensively active in the AAUW including federal and state policy chair as well as State Legislative Chairman. She’s also been an active member in other government watchdog groups and a constant observer in Dover including involvement through the Delaware Nature Society Advocacy Committee, the Council of Civic Organizations of Brandywine Hundred (CCOBH) and the Civic League for New Castle County.




Special Memorial Gift Opportunity

One of the best ways to remember and honor church family or loved ones who have gone home is to find a need at Aldersgate and give a memorial gift in memory of that special person.

You will soon see new benches at the Labyrinth. We have found sturdy benches that can be permanently attached to the ground

supports and are made of materials that will not rot or deteriorate. Trustees have purchased the first two benches which will replace the old ones at the labyrinth that have worn over the years and are broken. Several people have suggested using benches around the Church in other areas. If you would like to give such a memorial and have a loved one’s name engraved in the back of the bench or on a plaque on the top cross bar, let a trustee know. The cost per bench installed is $750. Please contact Bob Reis ([email protected]) or leave Bob a message by calling the church office 302-478-2575.

If you see something that needs attention or have questions for the Trustees, please feel free to contact any of them. The trustees are: Dave Dunbar, Carolyn Fleckenstein, Bob Reis, Jane Smith, Jay Doughty, Doug DeVoll, Don Moore, Rick Cross and Joanne Smeltz.

Please Share Your Computer Skills By Nancy Hough

Michael Luternau is seeking one, two or a few people to help him with simple computer tasks,

including assistance in writing and reading short email notes, help with lists of CD music for his DJ work, occasional flyers for Checkerboard or the Blue and Gold game, and the occasional computer search. Some of this can be done remotely.

Please consider providing help from an hour a week to an hour a month. Schedules are flexible depending on your availability and Michael's. To respond, see Michael at church or call him on 302-764-8858 or contact Nancy Hough at 302-762-5321. THANKS!

Attention all bakers....

By Heather Burket, Fellowship Coordinator

Winter is such a nice time to bake! The

smells are wonderful, but then there’s the New Year’s diet! If

you love to bake, but don’t want the temptations around the

house, please donate home baked goods for coffee hour.

Prepared baked goods can be made at your leisure and left in

the freezer in the small kitchen next to the auditorium. Please

leave donations in freezer ready bags or airtight Tupperware

and label items with the date and mark as "coffee hour

donations". If you are willing to bake as needed and would

like to be added to a list of "On-call Coffee Hour bakers",

please email Heather to share your willingness to support the

Coffee Hour Ministry in this way. If you don’t like to bake, but

want to help, there are lots of ways to support this ministry.

Contact Heather Burket at [email protected] or call

609-504-3112 to share your interest. Pick up may be

arranged.




Going Green

By Royal Lowthert

There are many ways that we recycle at Aldersgate and ways

that you can support the effort by making small changes.

1) Drop your used printer cartridges into the receptacle

located in the hallway near the HUB. The recycled

cartridges generate credit at Staples that can be used to

defray church office expenses.

2) Drop your “Paper Only” in the green and yellow Abitibi bins

located on the church property. Abitibi is a source of

income. Keep up the good work!

3) Recycle all other materials such as aluminum, plastic and

cardboard through our community trash company,

Brandywine Waste. Brandywine Waste charges $20

monthly to remove the other recyclable materials.

4) Sign up to receive the Messenger electronically via email.

You can do this in the HUB, at the Information Booth or on

the website (www.aldersgatede.org). Receiving the

Messenger via email costs nothing! The Messenger is also

available on the website on the home page as “News” and in

the information areas at church.

If you’re receiving the Messenger now and wish to be dropped

from the distribution, paper or electronic, please contact the

church office at 302-478-2575 or send an email to

[email protected].

Gifts of the Spirit: Are you using yours?

Galatians 5:22

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

generosity, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control

Aldersgate’s Mission:

With God’s Help and

Through Prayer,

we will:

Going Green with Abitibi–Remember to bring your paper recycling to church and place it in the green and yellow receptacles (one is located near the playground on the Panera side and one is located in the front parking lot near the auto repair.) Encourage your neighbors to help us in our Green effort. Each month we receive a check from Abitibi and we keep thousands of pounds of recyclable material from winding up in the landfill. It ALL helps!

Fairfax Valet

Gary Marshall, the new owner

of Fairfax Valet, has offered to

remit to us 10% of all sales

associated with Aldersgate

UMC. You only need to

mention that you are with

Aldersgate . Gary will track

sales and service associated

with folks from Aldersgate and

then at the end of the month

simply remit a check to us.

Talk about a win-win!

The Bible speaks of a

blessed hope that

Christians possess—a

hope that can function as

an anchor for our little

boat in the midst of a

stormy sea. It is the only

hope that will never

disappoint: hope in God

and in His Word.



Each month, milestone anniversaries are listed as well as all those over 50 years. While we can all benefit from knowing that marriages truly can exist for more than 5 decades, we want to recognize those milestone years (i.e. 5, 10 15, 20 ) for all. Congratulations to you all!

Jim & Dottie Titlow 59 years December 5

Mark & Emily Glading 15 years December 6

Tom & Barbara Lugg 45 years December 16

If you are not sure we have your anniversary and would like it to be included in the future, please contact Betty Moore (302-478-2575 ext. 117) or [email protected]. All additions or corrections are gratefully accepted to keep our records up to date.

December is a very exciting month for the student ministry at Aldersgate. We’re in the process of enjoying the season of Advent like the rest of the church, but we’re also planning some other opportunities.

One of our biggest programs of the year takes place in the month of December and that is Homeless for the Holidays. Our students will spend Saturday, December 8 simulating what a night is like for the homeless in our community. We are also collecting canned goods that night to help out those needing it in our community. By the end of the night our students come away with a bit of perspective to better understand how blessed they are. We then gather with the rest of the Aldersgate family for worship that Sunday morning.

December is also when we get ready to take part in the conferences Youth Rally in Ocean City, MD. This is a great opportunity for our students to worship with their peers from all over our conference and spend a weekend growing closer to Christ. Last year our students left the Rally deeply impacted and I’m looking forward to what God has in store for us this year.

Please consider being a part of our student ministry in December and January. We would love to have your prayers and support for Homeless for the Holidays and Youth Rally and thank you all for supporting the student ministry at Aldersgate.

Adam West

Student Ministry News

Adam West

Director of Student Ministry

[email protected]

302.478.2575 ext. 115

Dorothy Pierce November 8

Olive Cook November 9

Betty Foster November 19

ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Student Mini ry

Advent Wreath Symbolism

The circular wreath of greens represents enduring life and God’s eternity and unity.

Evergreen branches represent that eternal life of our soul. One candle is lit each week in advent, until the last Sunday before Christmas and each has special significance:

The first blue candle is called the Prophet’s candle, signifying the hope of Jesus’ coming.

The second blue one is known as the Bethlehem candle to signify the city of Christ’s birth.

The third pink candle is the Shepherd’s candle to remind us to rejoice.

The fourth candle is blue and is the Angel’s candle symbolizing the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ’s birth.

The fifth candle, the center white one is the “Christ Candle” reminding us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for His death; His death was for our birth!



Notes from The Music Guy

Jeffrey Manns

Director of Music Ministry

(302) 478-2575 ext. 120

[email protected]

CoroAllegro to perform at Aldersgate—Tuesday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Aldersgate

The Arts @ Aldersgate is pleased to announce that CoroAllegro, Wilmington's select vocal chamber ensemble, will present "Heaven

and Nature Sing!" This holiday concert is sure to be a wonderful evening with music ranging from the Renaissance to newly

composed works and from sacred to secular. Our Director of Music, Jeffrey Manns, was appointed Associate Director of

CoroAllegro this fall, and this will be his first concert with the ensemble. Come and celebrate the joy and wonder of the Christmas

season with CoroAllegro this year!. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and can be purchased online by visiting www.coroallegro.com, by

phone at (302) 652-3997, or day of the show at the door.

"The Incarnation", Aldersgate's Annual Christmas Concert—Sunday, December 9 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Mark your calendars now, and plan to attend the annual Christmas Concert presented by the Aldersgate Music Ministry! This year,

the concert will feature performances by the Junior Choir, Vocal Impact, the Aldersgate Brass, the Journey Band, the Gateway

Ringers, and the Chancel Choir. Come early to get a good seat as this concert fills the house. As you arrive, enjoy some beautiful

preconcert music in the Narthex by Alexander Ames, Harpist. Please join us afterward for our Christmas reception, where

the Auditorium will once again be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with refreshments and cookies, sure to bring you good

cheer. The concert is free and open to the public. The Music Ministry wishes our entire church family and community a blessed

Christmas!

A special note from Jeffrey Manns—The Crossing @ Christmas

I have been blessed in my musical career to be a member of several professional choirs across the country, and am currently a

member of The Santa Fe Desert Chorale (Santa Fe, NM), The Tucson Chamber Artists (Tucson, AZ), Vox Humana (Dallas, TX), Spire

(Kansas City, MO), and most recently The Crossing (Philadelphia, PA). In 2011, I was honored to be named a member of this

incredible choir. I personally invite you and your families to experience, first hand, this truly amazing ensemble in the upcoming

2012 Christmas concerts. The Crossing is Philadelphia's premiere vocal chamber ensemble and specializes in new music and

challenging repertoire. Conducted by Donald Nally, The Crossing has taken it's place among the best ensembles in the country, and

their holiday concert is quickly becoming a "must see performance".

The concert features works by Sir John Tavener, Bo Holten, Gabriel Jackson, Eriks Esenvalds, Einojuhani Rautavaara, Judith Bingham,

Thomas Jennefelt, and Philadelphia composer James Primosch. Guest organist, and Wilmington native, Scott Dettra will accompany

the concert. The Crossing @ Christmas 2011 was performed to a sold-out St. Paul’s Church and a tradition was born. The

Philadelphia Inquirer called it “mesmerizing” and noted the warmth of the candlelit atmosphere – singers and audience shared in a

uniquely beautiful holiday event. Join us this season for a program of the greatest contemporary music inspired by the Nativity.

For tickets and information, please visit our website at: http://www.crossingchoir.com/concerts.html

or on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/crossingchoir. Performance dates are:

Friday, December 21 at 8 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Chestnut Hills, Philadelphia, PA

Sunday, December 23 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

Aldersgate’s Music Ministry Rehearsals resume, Wednesday, January 9!

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0PDoX6BNTxNYVEAre6jzbkF/SIG=125fcijqt/EXP=1295877889/**http:/blog.emerson.edu/esperanza/music-notes.jpg


http://www.coroallegro.com

http://www.crossingchoir.com/concerts.html

http://www.facebook.com/crossingchoir


Heart & Soul with Lunch Tuesday, December 18 at noon

December program will feature “Heart and Soul” leading us in Christmas music. That’s right! The heart half of the duet is Dr.

Joseph C. Pennington, III, a cardiac electrophysiologist and the soul half of the duet is our own Pastor Chris. Dr. Pennington was just named one of the top doctors in his specialty in our state by his peers and by Delaware Today Magazine. He is a graduate of Brandywine High School, Lebanon Valley College and Thomas Jefferson Medical School. He is married to Terri and has two sons, Thomas (17) and Zach (15). He and his family are very active at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Foulk Road. Pastor Chris needs no introduction in our church family!

Mark your calendars! It’s the third Tuesday in December (the 18th….at 12 noon) Guests are welcome. If you are not on the “contact list” sign up in the HUB and indicate your choice of sub (turkey, roast beef, Italian or ham). Please come.

Are you thinking about the Rummage Sale yet? Do you realize the sale date is April 6th? We have already collected a few items in our garage storage area, but there’s plenty of room for more!

We are always looking for rare and interesting items to spark up our publicity like our Russian Lady (doll) last year and, the year before, the Persian Statue which we named "Rummage Sale Sally". This year we have an OLD Asian Princess sitting cross legged on a woven type footstool. We have not come up with a title for the princess but are hoping that you will create an appropriate name to jazz up our advertising. If you have an idea, please send your suggestions to Ken & Pam Wright at [email protected].

And by the way, please start collecting your donations plus those of your friends and neighbors who might be in the process of cleaning out or planning to move!!

Antiques and Collectibles: Remember to think twice before throwing out “old stuff”. Here are some items you may not have thought of saving but could be quite valuable:

Silver whether plate or sterling that neither you nor your children want. This includes flatware, hollow ware and trays, candle sticks, bowls, candy dishes, compotes, calling card trays, etc.

Post cards and especially from DE, PA, MD or NJ. All old holiday cards—Christmas, New Year's Day. Valentine's Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc. The older the better.

Coins -U.S. cents -wheat back Lincoln cents (1958 and older) and Indian Head cents. Nickels—war time Jefferson, Buffalo and older saved in folders or jars. All foreign coins, especially pre Euro European and pre decimal Great Britain, All Canada and Mexico. All U.S. and foreign silver coins.

Stamps and stamped envelopes with much lower 1st class values. Presidential series stamps and earlier, Airmails, registered letters. World War II v-mail, soldier franked envelopes. All stamp albums that were childhood collections. Duck Stamps, especially framed with prints or on a hunting license. Green stamp books and World War II ration books.

All World Fair souvenirs.

Telegrams.

Restaurant and Cruise ship Menu's especially famous ones; such as La Bec Fin, Maxims, 21, Windows on the World, etc.

WOW! Only 5 Months Till the 2013 Rummage Sale! By Ken Wright

Rummage Sale 2013 Begins Now!

Are you moving this year or cleaning out a house? We can provide you with an outlet for your unwanted / unneeded stuff and use it to generate much-needed funds for our church via the 2013 Rummage Sale.

Special Pickup Dates:

January 12

February 9

March 9

March 30

Move stored items to church

Donations can be dropped off at the church

If you are interested in getting more information or to arrange a pick up, please contact Chris Burket at (609-504-3107) or [email protected] or Don Moore at (610-558-6817) or [email protected].

Calling All Green Thumbs

Fall is a good time to separate garden plants that have gotten too large. Please think of us if you can’t find the perfect spot for excess garden plants. Likewise, if you have indoor plants that easily root, now is a great time to get some babies planted so they have a chance to become

established in new pots before April. Remember, the Rummage Sale has an expanding plant and garden area!





Widening the Welcome—Thanks for the privilege of Attending! By Fa Lane

The first weekend of November I was privileged to attend the Widening the Welcome conference in Ohio. This conference focused on how congregations can practice the ministry of inclusion for persons with disabilities and persons with mental illness/brain disorders and their families.

Churches usually have a welcome sign outside their building. Aldersgate is distinguished as a Welcoming Congregation and designated “A Caring Community” by the Global Board of Church and Society. What we want to demonstrate and encourage is the welcome that is experienced inside the church and to be that transformative power released into the world. The conference leaders talked about how to build up our churches to be welcoming and inclusive communities. This includes people who have been touched by or

have experienced a mental illness/brain disorder and/or a disability, whether apparent or unapparent. National statistics indicate that at least one out of four families is in some way affected by these experiences. There were excellent pastors, psychotherapists, editors of various publications focused on disabilities (or “differently-abled” persons) and lay members working in street ministry from all over the US. Three tracks of workshops featured experts who spoke about Pastoral Care and Counseling, Accessibility to All (A United Church of Christ program) and Mental Health Ministry and, a track for Consumers, Family, and Peers. Fortunately, there were four other students from my seminary attending and we spread out to listen to many of the workshops as we could. We have DVDs of those workshops and are sharing them with each other to gain more information and insight. I had the luck of sitting at the breakfast table with Craig Rennebohm, a UCC pastor who has worked for the last 23 years on the streets with individuals who are homeless and struggling with serious mental illness, substance abuse issues and PTSD. He is the author of Souls in the Hands of a Tender God. I told him a little about our church and he encouraged me to stay in touch with him as he would like to offer insight and help where he can. He was the opening plenary speaker and talked about four practices to use in ministry of inclusion: Practices of Hospitality; Practices of Neighboring; Practicing “Side by Side” relationships; and Practicing Listening. I would be happy to share more information if you’re interested in a Sunday afternoon workshop in January. Just send me a note and let me know [email protected]. The important thing to remember is that brain disorders, mental health issues and handicapping conditions effect whole families and congregations. It’s important to find ways to acknowledge what is happening to the individual and to the community around them and find ways to express God’s love and acceptance. I look forward to talking with you about how mental health issues have impacted your life and how the church can demonstrate God’s love and acceptance.

Thanks for the Hospitality! By Heather Burket, Fellowship Coordinator

Thank you to the following for their generous donation of their time in serving coffee hour during October!

Chancel Choir

Generation Go Adult Sunday School

United Methodist Women

Lost & Found Adult Sunday School

For November, the following will be graciously hosting the coffee hour:

Stephen Ministers

Generation Go Adult Sunday School

United Methodist Women

Looking forward into the New Year, please consider volunteering to host one or both service coffee hours on January 13 or February 10. Contact Heather Burket at [email protected] or call 609-504-3112 for more information or to volunteer.

Many thanks!




Christmas Caroling—Sunday, December 16 at 6 p.m. Everyone meet in the Music Center for song books, flashlights and to drop-off cookies to share later. We plan to walk around the neighborhood, weather permitting, and return together for fellowship, hot chocolate, cider and cookies.

Remember: Childcare is offered at no charge during each worship service!

Sharon Jennelly, Director of Children’s

Ministry & Aldersgate Preschool

302.478.2575 ext.118

[email protected]

You can place your order and check (payable to Aldersgate UMC) in the collection

plate, in the Treasurer’s Mailbox # 10, or mail them to:

Aldersgate UMC, Attn: Treasurer, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803

Christians have identified a

wealth of symbolism in the form

of holly.

The sharpness of the leaves help to recall the crown

of thorns worn by Jesus;

The red berries serve as a reminder of the drops of

blood that were shed for salvation,

And the shape of the leaves, which resemble

flames, can serve to reveal God’s burning love for

his people.

Combined with the fact that holly maintains its

bright colors during the Christmas season, it naturally

came to be associated with the Christian holiday.

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

598

Wilmington, DE

19850

Aldersgate United Methodist Church—Come as you are and be transformed by the love of Christ!

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Scenes from the Nativity: From Promised Coming to Prophecy Fulfilled

Have you ever wondered what some of the

characters that were present at Jesus's birth were

thinking? From Mary and Joseph to the innkeeper

and the shepherds, all had captivating experiences

and have a story to tell. We'll attempt to tell the

stories and to grapple with some of the questions

that each may have had. Come and enjoy this

unique way to think about our Lord's birth.

Advent Sermon Series begins

December 2

Christmas Concert

in the Sanctuary

Sunday, December 9 at 7 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services

in the Sanctuary:

4 p.m. Family Service

7 p.m. Contemporary Service

11 p.m. Candlelight Service

with special music

10 to 11 p.m. Communion

in the Chapel

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