aldersgate alive autumn 2014
DESCRIPTION
Our church magazine, "Aldersgate Alive", is the seasonal information resource for key activities at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.TRANSCRIPT
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434.973.5806434.973.5806434.973.5806
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10:00 am10:00 am10:00 am Traditional Worship Traditional Worship Traditional Worship 11:30 am11:30 am11:30 am Contemporary WorshipContemporary WorshipContemporary Worship
Resident Bishop ….......................…................... Young Jin Cho, Richmond Episcopal AreaResident Bishop ….......................…................... Young Jin Cho, Richmond Episcopal AreaResident Bishop ….......................…................... Young Jin Cho, Richmond Episcopal Area Superintendent... ……..………................................Danny Kesner, Charlottesville DistrictSuperintendent... ……..………................................Danny Kesner, Charlottesville DistrictSuperintendent... ……..………................................Danny Kesner, Charlottesville District
Lead Pastor .…….....................……...………….… Scott Davis, Lead Pastor .…….....................……...………….… Scott Davis, Lead Pastor .…….....................……...………….… Scott Davis, [email protected]@[email protected] Associate Pastor ……...….…….........................……. Chris Fuss, Associate Pastor ……...….…….........................……. Chris Fuss, Associate Pastor ……...….…….........................……. Chris Fuss, [email protected]@[email protected] Church Administrator .......................………...…Amy O’Brien, Church Administrator .......................………...…Amy O’Brien, Church Administrator .......................………...…Amy O’Brien, [email protected]@[email protected] Music Director / Organist……...……..Rafael Scarfullery, Music Director / Organist……...……..Rafael Scarfullery, Music Director / Organist……...……..Rafael Scarfullery, [email protected]@[email protected] Handbell Director………….........………… Melody Day, Handbell Director………….........………… Melody Day, Handbell Director………….........………… Melody Day, [email protected]@[email protected] Worship Leader.….......................................................... Chelsea Morse, Worship Leader.….......................................................... Chelsea Morse, Worship Leader.….......................................................... Chelsea Morse, [email protected]@[email protected] Director of Ministries with Young People .......Rachel Miller, Director of Ministries with Young People .......Rachel Miller, Director of Ministries with Young People .......Rachel Miller, [email protected]@[email protected] Nursery Coordinator …......................................……Cassie Cooley, Nursery Coordinator …......................................……Cassie Cooley, Nursery Coordinator …......................................……Cassie Cooley, [email protected]@[email protected] Nursery Assistant............…............................................................................................…… Nursery Assistant............…............................................................................................…… Nursery Assistant............…............................................................................................…… TBATBATBA Our MissionariesOur MissionariesOur Missionaries Clara Biswas (Cambodia)Clara Biswas (Cambodia)Clara Biswas (Cambodia) Fred & Ruby AmoahFred & Ruby AmoahFred & Ruby Amoah---Darko (Africa)Darko (Africa)Darko (Africa) MinistersMinistersMinisters Every Member of Aldersgate ChurchEvery Member of Aldersgate ChurchEvery Member of Aldersgate Church
Autumn 2014
AAALDERSGATELDERSGATELDERSGATE AAALIVELIVELIVE
WWWHEREHEREHERE SSSTRANGERSTRANGERSTRANGERS BBBECOMEECOMEECOME FFFRIENDSRIENDSRIENDS AAANDNDND FFFRIENDSRIENDSRIENDS BBBECOMEECOMEECOME FFFAMILYAMILYAMILY
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Table of Contents Page 3 A Note from Rev. Davis
Page 4 Christmas in Cambodia
Page 5 AUMC to Host Women’s PACEM
Page 6 Baked Potato and Salad Lunch
Page 7 Treasure: A Stewardship Program on Faith and Money
Page 8 Member Care / Hospitality Team
Page 9 Honduras Medical Mission Trip
Page 10 Ring-a-Ling!
Page 11 Hakuna Matata Tembea
Page 12 Trunk or Treat
Page 13 Children’s Ministry
Page 14 Youth Ministry
Page 16 United Methodist Women
Page 17 AUMC and Habitat For Humanity
Page 18 Thanks from the cast of “Godspell”
Page 19 Ways to Give
Page 20 Action In Reading
Page 21 Bits ‘n Pieces
Page 22 Praise Expo II
Page 23 Consignment Sales
Page 24 Staff Listing On our cover:
Aldersgate members and friends gather around Wayne and Jeanne Hamlin following the mass ALS Ice bucket Challenge held at Aldersgate on Sunday, August 24. Wayne who has been diagnosed with ALS, also participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge.
It’s consignment time at Aldersgate! Here WEE Grow Again and Divine Consign are fast approaching! These consignment sales are in incredible outreach into the community. If you’d like to be involved by volunteering, please visit the websites and follow the instructions. Here WEE Grow Again will open to the public on September 13th with a Charity event being held on September 10th from 11am-7pm The sale will run through the 20th of September. The sale times are: Saturday, September 13th 9am to 5pm (Full Price) Monday, September 15th 10am to 6pm (Full Price) Tuesday, September 16th 10am to 6pm (Full Price) Wednesday, September 17th 10am to 6pm (25% off most items) Thursday, September 18th 10am to 6pm (50% off most items) Friday, September 19th 10am to 6pm (50% off most items) Saturday, September 20th 9am to 5pm (75% off most items)
DIVINE CONSIGN IS CHANGING! The clothing, although a good outreach for the church, has proven to be a lot of work for not a lot of return. We have currently decided to do away with the clothing and to move toward more of a home décor sale while continuing to include shoes, jewelry, handbags and accessories. We are excited about the new format but need your help in spreading the word. The sale will open with a charity event on October 30th from 11am-7pm and open to the general public on Friday, October 31st and run through the 4th. We could use many hands to help bring in the inventory and to manage the sales floor during the sales. (We will especially need some good strong hands to help with moving furniture!) It is a great time for fellowship and a wonderful opportunity to meet those from outside the Aldersgate Family. If you are unable to sign up online, see Karen between the services during sip-n-chat and sign up for times that work into your schedule. www.hereweegrowagain.com www.cvilledivineconsign.com
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Worship NotesWorship NotesWorship Notes
The worship team is currently busy planning for the up-coming Praise Expo on September 27th here at Aldersgate and we are also looking toward and planning for Christmas events and services. We are a vital team that includes these ministries: greeters, ushers, musicians and choirs, acolytes, altar guild (responsible for making the altar look beautiful and praise-worthy every Sunday!), lay readers and communion preparers and servers. Also serving on our team is Pastor Scott, co-lay leader, Susan Painter, 11:30 worship leader, Chelsea Morse, and member-at-large, Rebecca Wagner.
The worship team is currently in need of a Greeter Coordinator, as well as more greeters. If you are interested in this position or for more information regarding this position, please contact Laura Nelson, either by phone at 434-227-0340, or by email at [email protected]. Also, if you have an interest in serving in any of these ministries, please feel free to contact the Worship Team leader, Laura Nelson, or any member of the team. Here is the list of coordinators for each part of the team: Acolytes: Kathryn Reid Altar Guild: Pam Ohlendorf Communion Preparers: Joan Forest Communion Servers: Bob Miller Greeters: Open Position Lay Readers: Melissa King Music Program: 10am - Rafael Scarfullery 11:30 am - Chelsea Morse Ushers - Anita Ratliff
Worship services here at Aldersgate provide awesome opportunities to praise our loving God. Please consider joining our team in any capacity that you feel called to!
Aldersgate's PRAISE EXPO II is set for Saturday, September 27 from 4 PM until the music stops.
Contemporary Christian musical groups are again providing a free concert for anyone interested in an evening of fun and music. The mission of the PRAISE EXPO II is to celebrate Christ and raise awareness of the many Christian establishments and resources in the Charlottesville/Albemarle region. We are calling for charitable organizations wishing to reach our community to set up informational displays during the event. Current registered bands are The Men of Evergreen, Instruments of Praise, Cherry Avenue Christian Church Band, Julie Bernstein, and Aldersgate's own AMP Band. Food vending on premises from 4-6, and free light refreshments provided throughout the night. Please mark the date, and invite friends and family to come out for a festive time of love, fellowship, and music at Aldersgate's PRAISE EXPO II.
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Dear Aldersgate Friends, This past June at the Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church's session in Hampton, Virginia, I was so pleased to be reappointed to continue serving Aldersgate United Methodist Church for a fifth year! I am blessed to partner with gifted and committed lay leaders, staff, and members as we seek to follow God's leading by taking our next steps in ministry together. Every day I see signs of God's grace at work within and beyond our congregation and I sense that we are coming closer to focusing on how we are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ in our particular setting and at this particular time. I look forward to the journey ahead with you! A few months ago as summer approached we talked about how while this is a time for rest, we wanted to be sure and not scale our ministry offerings back since summer is a time when many guests visit our congregation during the summer months. We want to be sure and have 52 equal Sundays, always offering our very best to God no matter what time of year it is. With that in mind this summer has been a fruitful time in many ways including: Offering the theatrical production Godspell, in partnership with the Blackbox Players. We are so grateful to Mike and MaryAnne Thornton, and the cast and crew of Blackbox Players for their ministry of sharing the Gospel through this creative, engaging, and powerful presentation of God's grace in Jesus Christ. We were also blessed to have a member step forward to fund the production, allowing us to offer it free of charge to the more than 1,260 who came. The accompanying sermon and worship series focusing on the parables found in the play created an ongoing conversation about scripture several weeks this summer. We hope to offer many more intentional outreach events to invite our surrounding community to our congregation. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, in partnership with our beloved member Wayne Hamlin who has been diagnosed with ALS, saw 60 people happily drenched in ice cold water to raise over $2,000 for ALS research. This was truly an experience we will never forget as all ages gathered as God's love was poured upon us all. The Parking Lot Campaign, fueled by a $25,000 matching gift, gave us the opportunity to better offer hospitality to the thousands of guests who come to Aldersgate throughout the year. You responded generously, enabling the first phase of the project to be completed and creating a pot hole free driving and parking experience. Additional funds will also go to paving half of the south lot as plans move forward. You also helped stock the kitchen through the Pampered Chef paving project while raising additional funds for the parking lot. Thanks for your generosity which is enabling us to better welcome our guests. Moving on Up Thanks to the work of the Trustees and several assistants, the offices of Chris Fuss, our Associate Pastor; and Rachel Miller, our Director of Ministries with Young People; were moved to the second level of our building, consolidating our staff offices. This has been a dream for quite some time and thanks to all who helped make it happen. Youth Room Work Begins The Aldersgate Youth will soon have a spacious and attractive space to call home! Plans were made this spring and are being implemented now to create a designated space for our youth on the lower level. We're also continuing to explore options regarding the nursery as well as more children and young families come to us. HVAC Unit Appears During one of our Godspell performances, an HVAC unit decided the time had come to shut down, leaving an hot, stuffy environment behind. As it turned out, Sybil Robertson and Robertson's Electric discovered that they had the specific unit Aldersgate needed and promptly donated both the unit and the installation. Thanks for the gift and the air conditioned comfort it is bringing to us! (cont.)
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Praying for Everyone With a One-Mile Radius of Aldersgate This summer we have been intentionally praying for the renewal of our congregation, as Bishop Cho has invited us to do, and are also praying for everyone within a one-mile radius of us. We'll continue to pray for the schools, neighborhoods, businesses, retirement homes, and various groups within this area as we seek God's direction in how we may best reach out in love and concern to those around us. Website Upgrades Thanks to Kearby Chen and Ashley Thornton, Aldersgate's website received a new look this summer. Be sure and visit www.cvaumc.org and watch for new features being added in the coming weeks! This Fall promises to be an active, engaging season for our church family and guests. Throughout September we'll continue the Frequently Asked Questions of Faith sermon series before moving to the Treasure sermon series and small group experience later in October. Outreach events include the Praise Expo, Saturday, September 27, Trunk or Treat, Sunday, October 26, as well as a number of special focus Sundays. Be sure to invite friends and neighbors to any of our special events and to our 10:00 or 11:30 worship service. And, as always, continue to pray for our ministry as we seek to grow in prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Grace and peace, Scott Rev. Scott Davis, Lead Pastor
It's Christmas in Cambodia Clara Biswas, our missionary in Cambodia is in the planning stages of obtaining funds and materials
for her children's annual Christmas program. Clara works with the ‘poorest of the poor, especially children in slum areas and garbage dumps. Her program in Cambodia supports 620 students in public schools by providing classes in such areas as music, computer science, and art. It offers Sunday school and conducts Christmas and Easter programs each year. This year, for the first time, Aldersgate would like to provide funding to help the Christmas Program for the children continue. Monetary donations will be accepted through Sunday, October 26th. Please help support Clara and her efforts to bring the loving spirit of Christmas to the children living in the slums and garbage dumps of Cambodia. Our teachings tell us "To bring hope to the hopeless, bring light to those who are in the dark, bring Christ to the poor, and share the love of God,” (Luke 4:18-19) Please make checks payable to “AUMC” with “Christmas in Cambodia” in the memo line.
Please contact Deb Reynolds [email protected] if you have any questions.
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Saturday Morning Men’s Group
The Saturday Morning Men’s Group meets each Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. in Room 208 for fellowship,
coffee and donuts and a short devotional. Each meeting is different, so feel free to come one Saturday or
every Saturday or whenever you could use a little emotional boost because the regular attendees are a great
bunch of guys. All Aldersgate men and friends of Aldersgate are invited to attend. For more information
contact Jonathan Peterson at 434.249.4050 or [email protected].
BBBiiitttsss aaannnddd PPPiiieeeccceeesss
The Friendship Luncheon is held on the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 pm at the DoubleTree Hotel on Rt. 29N. We eat a lunch catered by the DoubleTree chef, enjoy fellowship with each other, and listen to a variety of entertainment from singers to musicians to speakers. For more information or to sign up, please see Jean Ward (964-1178). You do not have to be a member of the Friendship Class. As long as you enjoy Christian fellowship, we invite you to please join us!
Cruise opportunity: The Journeys of Paul Don and Pat MacNicoll are still hoping to gather a group of family and friends from AUMC to take an October 2015 cruise to visit places in Turkey, Greece and Crete where the Apostle Paul worked in ministry. The cruise begins Oct 10, 2015, for 12 days, using a small passenger ship (646 people) of the Amazara Club Cruises Line. Don and Pat will host another information meeting this coming October to answer questions and provide brochures. Watch for the date. If you would like information sooner, contact Don at [email protected].
Calling All Sip-n-Chat Fans!!
Do you look forward to sip-n-chat? Do you enjoy grabbing a bite to eat and chatting with new and old friends?
If this sounds like you, please consider hosting or contributing food to this wonderful time of fellowship. All you need to do is sign up on the sign up chart located in the former sanctuary (same place where sip-n-chat is held each week). By signing your name you are letting Hospitality know that food will be provided on that Sunday. It would be wonderful if you could host sip-n-chat, but if you can’t just contributing some light food items would be greatly appreciated. More than one person can sign up on any given Sunday. You can make it a team effort. If you have any questions or need more information please contact Carolyn Fuss at 242-3069 or Robin Oliver at 978-3553 or [email protected]. Thank you!
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AIR (Action In Reading)
Begins 9th year September 17! AIR is our afterschool reading program for Pre-K through 3rd Graders living across Rio Road at Mallside Apartments. Our aim is to provide positive literacy experiences to promote an interest in reading and books. Each child receives 2 books a month to take home and add to their own “home” library. We begin our Wednesday afternoons by greeting the school bus, having the students check in at home, and then all joining together for a snack, a read-a-loud, and an activity at the Mallside Community Room. Our volunteer group consists of adults from the church and the community, UVA student volunteers from Madison House, and our “Junior Volunteer” (4th and 5th graders who have aged out of the program but still want to come!). One UVA volunteer wrote of her experience at the end of the year: “ Spending time with the kids was truly the highlight of every week for me. After every
Wednesday, I would come home and tell my friends something cute that LaQuisha said, or something funny that KaySean did, and we would all comment on how adorable they are. AIR
has done a great job to gather a fantastic group of kids in a well-established program to create a sense of community and family, which made the experience all the more enjoyable. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.”
Come join us Wednesdays 2:30-3:30 at Mallside!
All you need is a smile, some
patience, and a love of
children! The children
provide all the rest (and
more)!
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AUMC Hosting Women’s PACEM Aldersgate will once again be hosting the women’s homeless shelter beginning November 15th through November 22nd. If you are not familiar with this ministry, the program provides shelter and a pillow for every head during the cold winter months.
We will be collecting items for the week beginning Sunday, October 19th through Sunday, November 9th. Donation boxes will be located in the Welcome Center and Sip-n-Chat areas.
Personal items: Chapstick, heavy winter women’s gloves, lotion, ladies socks (athletic and dress), new or gently used bath towels and washcloths.
Food: Gum/mints/hard candy, snack bags of potato chips, pretzels, Cheetos, soft snack bars, tea bags, hot chocolate mix, lemonade mix, sugar and Splenda
We would also like to have a selection of recent women magazines.
Monetary contributions will be accepted through November 9th which will be used to buy food and paper goods during the week and help with other expenses related to hosting the program. Please make your check payable to AUMC with PACEM listed on the memo line. There will be many opportunities to help which will be posted in early October, including overnight staff, help with serving meals, helping setup or take down the cots, laundry and greeting. For more information contact Deb Reynolds (295-8217), Leatha Harlow (975-0633) or Nancy Berman (973-6555).
GREER BACKPACK PROGRAM
Got 30 minutes of time one Thursday evening a month? Interested in helping feed hungry families in the Albemarle County area? As we begin Aldersgate’s 8th year participating in the Greer Backpack program, we will be gearing up to begin packing bags of food in September. This program feeds hungry children and their families throughout the school year within the Greer Elementary School population. We meet at 6 PM every Thursday at Greer to pack approximately 135 bags of food, which are then given to children on Fridays to be taken home. This helps to supplement the nutrition of children and their families over the weekend. Also needed this year are volunteers to meet the food truck at the school on Wednesday mornings at 9am. If interested or for more information, contact Deb Reynolds 295-8217 or [email protected]. Your help is appreciated!!! Deb Reynolds
Aldersgate welcomed Fred & Ruby Amoah-Darko during our worship services on August 17th. Fred is the Regional Manager for AFCI (Ambassadors for Christ International) for Africa and the Middle East. His current focus is on church development and training of pastors and other church leaders throughout Africa. In 2014, he has led training sessions in Zambia, SouthAfrica, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ruby also participates in the training programs - her training is entitled "Focus on the Heart", which equips pastors' wives and other women to grow in faith and to minister in their churches, homes, and communities.
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Baked Potato and Salad Lunch September is Hunger Action Month and to raise awareness of the 50 million people in the United States who are hungry or food insecure, the Outreach and Missions Team is inviting you to join us for a Baked Potato and Salad Lunch on Sunday, September 21, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the old fellowship hall on the lower level. The cost is $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per family. Children aged 3 and under eat free. Proceeds will benefit the Society of St. Andrew.
Since 1983, the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) has salvaged fresh, nutritious produce from American farms – produce that otherwise would be left to rot – and delivered it to agencies across the nation that serve the poor. SoSA helps feed America’s hungry three ways: Gleaning Network, Potato & Produce Project and Harvest of Hope. To learn more, visit www.endhunger.org. Please come out on September 21 to enjoy a nutritious meal and to learn more about hunger in our community, the Society of St. Andrew and how we can make a difference.
For more information, please contact Susan Painter [email protected] or 434-973-9522.
Gleaning America's Fields ~ Feeding America's Hungry
SCHOOL SUPPLY UPDATE Thank you to the Aldersgate community for your generous monetary contributions and school supply donations for the underserved children of Greer Elementary. Because of your generosity, children will have smiles on their faces as they begin the school year with supplies needed for a successful year. Over 200 bags of school supplies were packed and delivered to Greer on Saturday, August 16th. Aldersgate continues to be a Mission orientated church reaching out to those in need. Blessings to each of you and our outreach ministries. The Mission Team
Black Box Players and the cast of Godspell would like to thank Aldersgate for the opportunity to rehearse and perform at Aldersgate. We were truly blessed by your hospitality and generosity. Thank you Pastor Scott, Sybil Robertson, Church Council, the anonymous donor, all members who attended the show and/or attended the dinner, and all who helped us in any way. The show blessed our summer in countless ways! Peace in Christ, Mike Thornton
WAYS TO GIVE
As our church grows and expands its reach, we are in continual need of your support. We here at Aldersgate encourage you to consider planned giving so that we can keep growing the church not only physically, but spiritually.
There are many ways to give, including current, deferred, and life income options. All of these ways to give are all included and explained in the “planned giving” chart on the next page. Your donations directly support the church, and its missions and goals.
We thank you for your support and for your membership in the church community which has thus far made 2014 an exceptional year. We hope to continue this trend and make 2015 an exceptional year as well.
For additional information contact: Greg Brown, Finance Committee Chair 434-327-8763 [email protected]
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TREASURE: A STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM ON FAITH AND MONEY OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 16
On Sunday, October 26, we will begin a church-wide study and worship emphasis called Treasure: A Stewardship Program on Faith and Money. The study will be based on Jesus’ words, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Over a period of four weeks, we will look at the many ways that our treasure (time, energy, money) affects our hearts. We will consider how financial challenges in our personal lives affect our relationships with people and with God. We will see how giving helps to determine the way we feel and act. If you have stress related to money or feel there may be more that God is calling you to do with your resources, this will be a helpful study. At the end of the four weeks, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of giving to Aldersgate United Methodist Church for the coming year. All of us will receive commitment cards in the mail, and the cards will also be available on Sunday mornings. We can fill out these cards and bring them to worship on Sunday, November 16. We look forward to an exciting month considering our treasure and God’s treasure.
Week 1: Where Is Your Treasure? (Matthew 6:19-21) Week 2: The Problem with Two Masters (Matthew 6:24) Week 3: Giving Your Treasure Back to God (Matthew 6:1-6) Week 4: Don’t Worry ’Bout a Thing (Matthew 6:25-34)
Member Care/Hospitality Team
An important responsibility of our team is Sip ‘n Chat. It is held each week immediately following the 10:00 worship service. This provides an opportunity for members and visitors to greet one another and share in fellowship in an informal atmosphere. Sip ‘n Chat has grown tremendously and it is wonderful to see all of the interaction. People are so grateful and complimentary each week for all the delicious food that is available. The comments are so sincere and always with a smile. To see the expressions of each individual, both adults and children, and to hear the laughter and enjoyment is priceless. It is a blessing to witness this each week.
Another important responsibility of Member Care are the receptions that follow funeral/memorial services. The receptions have become a wonderful part of our ministry because it allows the families to relax and be able to spend time with those that have come to celebrate the life of their loved one. We provide food and drink, and try to accommodate the families in any way we can. Aldersgate is a very caring congregation and always willing to help when needed. We recently had a Friday evening memorial service with a reception of light refreshments. A gentleman from the family approached Rev. Davis, Pastor Fuss, Carolyn Fuss, and myself, shook each of our hands and thanked us for being there on a Friday evening. He and the rest of the family were so appreciative and grateful. This kind of acknowledgment and praise is what makes Member Care so rewarding.
Sip ‘n Chat and the funeral/memorial service receptions are just a couple of the main responsibilities
of the Member Care/Hospitality Team. We also plan several potluck and church gatherings throughout the
year. If you would like to help with this vital ministry in the church, please contact Robin Oliver at
[email protected]. Extra hands are always welcome!
COLLEGE STUDENT CARE PACKAGES ... A LITTLE LOVE FROM HOME Can you believe another school year has already started?! With that in mind, please let me know any Aldersgate affiliated college student's address that you may have. We send out care packages during exam times twice a year and the kids really enjoy them and are glad to know that their church family is thinking about them. But we can't send out the packages if we don't have the name and address! Please get the information to either the church office or directly to Susan Reed (973-0766; you can leave message or [email protected]). Thanks!
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(l. to r.) Alice Schoon, Matt Schoon, Rev. Scott Davis, Tom Blalock, John Brauner, Tom Howard, Cheryl Peck, John Peck
ALDERSGATE HABITAT GROUP AT WORK On July 19th, the Aldersgate Habitat Group worked with Habitat for Humanity at the Belmont Cottages on Avon Street in Charlottesville. These homes are in the final stages of completion. The families will soon be ready to occupy their very own affordable homes for the first time. It was a great day of service and fellowship and good partnership with Habitat. The group painted all the interior doors, trim in one unit and began work on another. The participants were Scott Davis, John Brauner, Tom Howard, Matt and Alice Schoon, John and Cheryl Peck (Alice’s parents were visiting all the way from Iowa and came to join us!) and Tom Blalock. The group’s next work day is Thursday August 28. We’re looking forward to that one and other future dates. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact Tom Blalock at [email protected] or call 434-981-5521.
“Be ye strong therefore, and not let your hands be weak; for your work shall be rewarded.”
2 Chronicles 15:17
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
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UUUNITEDNITEDNITED MMMETHODISTETHODISTETHODIST WWWOMENOMENOMEN
All women are encouraged to participate in the Aldersgate UMW. We have unit wide activities and activities planned within each of our Circles.
Here is our Mission Statement along with the ways we are trying to accomplish its goals:
The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is:
Ÿ *To know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ During our monthly Circle meetings members take turns leading programs that help us grow in our faith. Our reading program includes books about spiritual growth, nurturing for community, education for mission, social action, and leadership development. Our books are kept at the UMW area in the Sip ‘n Chat Room and can be borrowed by anyone in our congregation. We also subscribe to the UMW’s Response Magazine that reports on mission work throughout the world. Copies of Response Magazine can be found with our books. Ÿ *To develop a creative supportive fellowship We have two active Circles that meet regularly in the Sip ‘n Chat Room and include a time for fellowship and refreshments. They both will resume meeting in September after a summer break. Although there are women who regularly Circle meetings, drop-ins are always welcome.
Sam Gibbs Circle meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm Mary E. Mills Circle meets on the third Thursday of the month at 10:00 am
*To expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church Here the mission programs that our Unit will be involved in this fall:
Project Linus Make a Blanket Day. Our Unit will host this event on October 18 from 9:00 to 2:00 in the Fellowship Hall.
Everyone is invited to participate in this great hands-on activity where we make quilts for children of various needs. All materials and instructions are provided and you DO NOT need to know how to sew! You are encouraged to bring a sewing machine if you have one. Lunch will be provided by the UMW.
PACEM. Our Unit will be preparing and serving dinner for PACEM guests on Tuesday, November 18. This is on the regular meeting night of the Sam Gibbs Circle.
Consignment Sales. Many of us help with Here We Grow Again and Divine Consign.
For more information about the UMW contact Lynn Bremer at 202-7868 or ltbn2books @comcast.net
HONDURAS MOUNTAIN MEDICAL MISSION El Amor de Jesus Christo en Accion (The love of Jesus Christ in action)…that’s the slogan for the Friends of Barnabas Foundation, an organization that sends thirteen medical teams a year to help people living in the small impoverished mountain communities of central Honduras. In June, Fay Painter, from Aldersgate, went with a team from the Lexington/Rockbridge County area. “I feel so blessed to have been able to go to Honduras for the second time”, Fay said. “The people are incredibly poor, but they are so happy and so grateful for the help provided to them”. The 16-member team set up a medical clinic, dental clinic, eye clinic, and stations for anti-parasite medicine and fluoride treatments. They visited 5 different communities treated a total of 1,249 medical patients. “I worked in the eye clinic. We had with us 1600 pairs of used eyeglasses from the Lions Club. We tested their eyes, and then the computer told us which eyeglasses were the closest matches.” Fay explained. “People were so happy to be able to read or thread a needle again.” Fay is returning in 2015, and will be the team’s co-leader.
The churches.
The people.
The eye clinic
The medical clinic. The dental clinic.
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RING-A-LING!
The Aldersgate UMC Adult Handbell Choir, known as the "Aldersgate Ringers” has been under the direction of Melody Z. Day since February of 2011. The choir consists of three octaves and currently has eleven regular ringers (and is always grateful for more and for faithful substitutes!).
The choir rehearses weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and provides their musical offerings about every six weeks generally for the Traditional Service, but has rung for the Contemporary Service.
We share our gifts with the community as we have rung for memorials, assisted living facilities, wedding anniversaries, The English Inn’s annual Christmas program and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Christmas Program. We also share ringers with Gordonsville Presbyterian Church, and have rung in worship with their services.
We have participated in the 2012 and 2013 Charlottesville Handbell Festival, hosted at Aldersgate UMC under the direction of Dorian Brown and founded by Carrie Pledger. This was a fundraiser for the Charlottesville PACEM (People And Churches Engaged in Ministry) for which the community raised approximately $6,000 to minister to the homeless in Charlottesville.
We are sisters and brothers who love one another deeply, and pray regularly for each other. We ring for the glory of God and in His strength, as we are called to be His hands and feet. We are appreciative of the fact that Aldersgate UMC sees the importance of Music as Ministry and allows us to share our gifts with a broken world that desperately needs the God we serve and love.
THE CHURCH LIBRARY HAS HAD A MAKEOVER!
It has been moved to the lower level close to the outer door in the vicinity of Chris Fuss's former office. Kudos are in order to the many people who have made possible the renovation. Sincere thanks to Bruce Draper, Ed Ansell, Tom Howard, and Mel Tyree who moved the heavy shelving and all the books, to Jenny Mathews who cleaned and purged the Sunday School supplies from the room and to Anita Ratliff who, along with the Fellowship of Friends Committee, continues to contribute to the ongoing improved use of the Church Library. Stop by to see the improvements as they develop. Schedule your meetings in the warm, quiet atmosphere of the Church Library or simply use it as a place to find personal peace.
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Sunday School Youth Sunday School begins on Sunday, September 7th is for those in grades 6th-12th and is held every Sunday at 9 am in the Library (room 111).
Credo Confirmation
Credo, an 18-session confirmation experience, helps equip youth in grades 6-12 to be life-long followers of Jesus Christ. Contact Rachel Miller at [email protected] to find out when our next Credo class will be held at AUMC.
Charlottesville District Youth Events
The United Methodist Church is a connectional body of Christ. The youth of Charlottesville District love to get together for retreats, fellowship, service and Worship! In the spring of 2013 the AUMC Youth joined youth from across the district at a retreat at Westview on the James. The AUMC Youth Praise Band led Worship for the first half of the retreat! The C’ville District Youth host a 5th Sunday Worship program that we attend and support! To find out more about the events the Charlottesville District Youth host please contact Rebecca Wagner at [email protected].
Youth Praise Band
The Youth Praise Band participates in our Contemporary Service during the year, and also participates in regional and state-wide spiritual events. They play Christian rock songs featuring drums, electric guitar, keyboards, and vocals. The group rehearses each Sunday afternoon. For more information please contact Mike Colley, Youth Praise Band Director, at [email protected].
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YOUTH MINISTRY
The mission of the AUMC Youth is to grow together through Christ by serving others, bonding with Christian friends, and discovering our faith.
AUMC Youth Group is for Middle School/Junior High (6th-8th grades) and High School/Senior High (9th-12th grades) and meets almost every Sunday during the school year from 5-7 pm. Dinner is provided by parent volunteers at 5 pm and lessons, programs, games and other activities follow. This year we have plans to go bowling, host fundraisers, attend service projects, enjoy weekly Youth Group, lead Worship on Youth Sunday, participate in the CROP Walk, raise funds for those in need, collect toilet paper for The Haven, host a trunk at Trunk-or-Treat, attend retreats, and so much more!
The United Methodist Church is a connectional church, which means we partner in fellowship, service, prayer and Worship with our sisters and brothers around the world for the Glory of God and to spread the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord! Not only do our Youth participate in church-wide events, but we are active on the Charlottesville District and Virginia Conference.
For AUMC Youth and their families (and anyone else wanting to stay up to date with our fabulous Youth Ministry!)
Please follow us on twitter: @AUMCYouthCville Please follow us on Instagram: AUMCYouthCville
Contact Rachel Miller, Director of Ministries with Young People, at [email protected] with any
questions regarding AUMC youth and/or to be added to the AUMC Youth e- mail list.
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Hakuna Matata Tembea (Swahili for “No Worries Walk”)
In September 2014, I will walk 160 miles along “El Caminio de Santiago” in Spain. Since Medieval times, Christians have walked this pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostelo … the site where it is believed that the remains of St. James the Apostle are buried. For most, the Camino provides a powerful reminder of the sacred in our lives.
I am walking to raise awareness and funds for a Charlottesville church of African refugees and immigrants. The Africa Lighthouse Baptist Temple provides a church home and a loving community for refugees, giving them the spiritual and practical support needed to succeed. Services are in the African style of worship and spoken in Swahili, with English translation.
The ministry needs a permanent home, and has found a church building to purchase near Stony Point in Albemarle County. My heart has been touched, as I have personally experienced the transformational work of Pastor Peter. The congregation does not have the financial resources to buy the building, and needs to look outside its membership.
The church needs $95,000 and, to date, $26,680 has been contributed to my walk! Please consider a donation. Visit my website at www.noworrieswalk.com or email me at [email protected]. Fay Painter
Pastor Peter Chege, Catherine Chege and church members
The church near Stony Point
Walking the Camino de Santiago
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Join us at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on
Sunday, October 26th from 4PM until 6PM for this fun and
safe event for children & families. We invite all children to dress up and
trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk! We ask that all children are
accompanied by an adult age 18+ and that no adult wears
a mask that completely covers her/his face.
As the event gets closer please feel free
to check out our
website for updates!
Trunk or Treat 2013 was so much fun!!
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Aldersgate UMC
1500 East Rio Rd.
Charlottesville, VA
www.cvaumc.org
Trunk or Treat Sunday, October 26th
Begins at 4PM
Our Children's Ministry Team will meet at 7:00 PM in the Library (room 111) on the following dates: September 9 and November 11, 2014 and January 13, March 10, and May 12, 2015. Join us for these exciting upcoming CMT sponsored events:
Trunk or Treat on October 26, 2014 in the Lower Parking Lot from 4-6 PM
Thanksgiving Tree in November
Nativity Play Practice on November 23, 30, & December 7 from 5:30-6:30 PM
Nativity Play Performance on December 14th at 5:30 PM
Look for more Nativity Play details coming in November.
Children and Worship We provide folders with crayons and coloring pages in our Narthex for any children who would like extra activities to keep their attention during Worship. Please ask an usher or greeter to show you where to find these. Each Sunday our Worship services include a special time dedicated to our children.
Children’s Church After Children’s Time in Worship all children are invited to join us for Children’s Church! We currently have two classes, one for children in Pre-K & K, and one for children in 1st-5th grades. Our classes have an adult leader and adult or youth assistant. Each week the children spend time hearing and reading exciting Bible stories, learning about Jesus’ love for all, playing games, and making crafts. On the first Sunday of each month the children return to Worship during Communion so that they may experience this wonderful Sacrament as a family. Children’s Church is currently not held on the fifth Sunday of the month so that children may participate in Worship with their families.
Parent Room
Near the back of the Sanctuary (right beside a family restroom with a changing table) we have a parent room. We encourage children and parents to stay in Worship, however, if you would feel more comfortable in the parent room (where you can hear and see Worship) with your child you’re welcome to access this room at anytime. You’ll find rocking chairs, a loveseat, and many toys for your smallest blessings. If you have trouble finding this room please ask an usher or greeter for assistance.
Sunday School
The Nursery is available for infants through age 3 during Sunday school and both Worship services. Sunday School classes for children ages 4/Pre-K through 5th grade meet each Sunday from 9:00 am – 9:50 am in room 106 and use the Grow, Proclaim, Serve curriculum where the children hear, see, and live their “Belief In God.” These Bible-based lessons are fun and exciting! Each week, the classes study the same Bible story with different age appropriate stories and crafts. Join us and watch the Bible come alive for your children!
Joyful Noise Singers The Joyful Noise Singers is for children in grades 1 – 5. The children rehearse and memorize music for worship. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings from 10:50 until 11:10 am in room 106 during the school year (following Children's church). For more information please contact Rafael Scarfullery, AUMC Music Director, at [email protected].
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