Aldersgate United Methodist Church
A vibrant and inclusive Christian community 
growing in faith, love, health and service

www.Aldersgate-Church.org                                                                  January 14, 2016
Aldersgate UMC
14230 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA  98006
(425) 746-9800
News Links
Email Links
Lead Pastor

Church Office

Pastoral Care & Counseling
Rev. Laura Wall

Children & Family Ministry

Youth Ministry

Preschool Director

Choir Director

Core Leaders, Chair
Calendar
Calendar
 
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Jan 18
MLKJ Holiday
Seward Park Project
Office Closed
J an 20
Jesus Study Resumes
Jan 23-24
Youth Lock-In
Jan 25
February Calendar Due
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Feb 2
Young at Heart Potluck
Feb 6
Preschool Open House
Feb 8
Common Table
Feb 10
Ash Wednesday Service
Feb 15
Presidents' Day
Office Closed
Feb 17
Soup Supper
Lenten Study
Feb 19-21
Youth CONVO
Feb 22
March Calendar Due
Feb 24
Soup Supper
Lenten Study
Feb 26
Family Fun Night
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Mar 2
Soup Supper
Lenten Study
Mar 9
Soup Supper
Lenten Study
Mar 16
Soup Supper
Lenten Study
Mar 18-20
Youth SUMYT Retreat
Mar 21
April Calendar Due
Mar 24
Maundy Thurs Service
Mar 25
Good Friday Service
Preschool Closed
Mar 26
Easter Egg-stravaganza
Flashlight Egg Hunt
Mar 27
Easter Sunday
Egg Hunt
Coffee
Church Leadership 

Click these links to read the minutes of the Core Leadership Team and the monthly minutes of the Ministry Teams.

Core Leaders (Dec)

Finance (Dec)

Trustees (Dec)

Staff Relations (Dec)

Lay Leadership (Nov)

Preschool (Nov)

Worship (Oct)

Outreach (Oct)

  

To bring a project, program or fundraiser idea to the Aldersgate Common Table for consideration, please fill out the  ACT PROPOSAL FORM  

 

For an explanation of the Core Leadership Team and a description of the Aldersgate Common Table, CLICK HERE.

Feed Your Soul
See today's devotional from the Upper Room.   CLICK HERE
 

Series
"Jesus Throughout History"
 
Sermon
"The Basics-Part II"

Scripture
  Matthew 5:1-10






This Sunday we pick up where we left off last Sunday.  Last Sunday we heard about the five most significant elements of the life and ministry of Jesus.  They included: teaching, healing, praying in solicitude, community building and confronting.  This Sunday I'll explore in more detail the kind of attitude he had as he practiced each one.  If there's time, and given the Seahawks - Carolina game there may not be, I'll go into the words and challenges he gave as he moved from this world to the next.  Again, these are some of the basics that will ground us as we examine him throughout history.  Why this focus?  We live in a time in history that is desperate need of what Jesus offers and offered.  I believe that understanding these basics will continue to build a foundation for our responses.  To prepare let's go back and read the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1- 10) and then John 14.  
Pastor's Blog
Rev. Brad P. Beeman

One missed kick in the final minute and they're moving on.  The Seahawks have done it again.  Russell Wilson, if you missed it, did the miraculous again by creating something out of a play that could have been disastrous.  The snap whizzed by him and landed ten to fifteen yards behind him.  He rushed back, fell on the ball, got back up and lofted a pass to Tyler Lockett who then ran to the four yard line.  Wilson made something out of nothing.  It's why we love watching him play.  But this Seahawks team is more than Russell Wilson.  It's resilient, never giving up, always looking to the next play, always supporting each other, and always moving forward.  They make us believe that anything is possible.  So many of them are men of faith - not only in each other but in God.  Now I'm not saying it's why they win.  It does, however, unite them.   And it was amazing to watch them, as the Minnesota field goal attempt sailed wide left, turn almost in unison toward the heavens and point up.  It's just how they are.  At that moment I happened to be sitting at Robert Brawn's bedside in ICU.  When the kicker missed, the whole place, staff and every room erupted.  Sometimes a little football can unite us even in the most challenging of situations.  Now I understand that not all of us at Aldersgate are Seahawks fans or even football fans.  I get that we don't all follow the Seahawks with wrapt attention.  But many of us do.   It's why we're going to change things up slightly  this Sunday .  We're going to end the first service early - even earlier than last week.  We can worship together and then head for our local "watching" place to experience their game against Carolina.  And, while second service is going on, the game will be live-streaming in my office for anyone who would like to go check the score or watch a bit of the game.  Some will ask, "Why?"  I guess my response is, "Why not?"   Yup, we need worship and need it every week.  But we also need these kinds of events in our lives.  It certainly builds community.  So let's create the combination and see just how far Wilson and the Seahawks can take it this year.  Go Hawks!
Ministry News
 
Parent Discussion Group
Starts January 24th
We are forming a discussion group that will focus around all things parenting.  Parenthood is a journey with all kinds of surprises, twists, and turns and being able to come together and openly talk about all of it with other parents is so important.  We will be meeting in Smith Hall during Education Hour ( 10:00am-10:50amon Sunday mornings starting on the  24th of January.

Safety Officer Needed
Lay Leadership is seeking a volunteer to fill the position of Safety Officer for our church.  The main responsibility is to assure that all children and other vulnerable persons are protected.  This includes maintaining background checks on all people working with children in any capacity and being a resource for any concerns regarding a safe church.  Please check here for more information  about the position and to learn about webinar training for this position. If you are interested or require more information, please contact Rick Wilson.

Activity Display for Children and Youth
Parents!  What are your kid's up to?  Will they be in a school play? Is a big game coming up?  Are they having a music recital?  Did they earn an award?  We would like to highlight their activities and achievements in a new display.  It will only be displayed at church (not online) and dates and places will not be shared unless given permission.  If you have a flyer or picture you want to share, even better.  Send you child's information to Jen Hoerber via email or put it in her church mailbox.

Office Closed  on MLKJ Day
Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the church office will be closed on Monday, January 18.

Preschool Sunday
January 31
We are celebrating the preschool as an extension of the Christian education program here at Aldersgate during both worship services on January 31
.  We have invited all of the preschool staff and current preschool families to join us on this special celebration Sunday.  We will recognize the preschool teachers, staff, and board of directors, honor current and alumni families, have a special Children's Time with Pastor Brad, and the preschool Sunday school class will have a fun art project.  If you are a church member who attended or had children who attended preschool at ACP, please send Jen Hoerber the names and dates, if possible, as we are trying to compile a list.

2016-2017 Preschool Registration
Preschool Registration has begun.  There will be a  preschool open house on February 6th from 9:30-11:30am where families can visit the school and see what Aldersgate Christian Preschool is all about.  If you know of anyone who is looking for a preschool, please invite them.  Contact Dorothy Beeman if you would like additional information. 

Valentine Care Packages
Once again we will send Valentine care packages to our young adults who are away at school, jobs, or military service.  If you would like your child to receive a care package from the church, please send their name, current address and a small photograph to Patty Ferguson  by January 27.

Kitchen Remodel Progress
We have a start date for the Kitchen Remodel - Monday February 1! SO what does that mean for us all???  
  • We will need to empty out the kitchen and setup a temporary kitchen in Friendship Hall so we will be able to have Coffee Hour and prep things for our outreach programs. If you have any questions about what the temporary setup will look like, please feel free to talk with Patty Ferguson
  • We will need help packing up the kitchen Saturday January 30 from 9:00am-12:00pm and 12:00pm-3:00pm and then Sunday January 31 after second service. Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form to help or contact Patty
  • We need donations of cardboard boxes cardboard and plastic bins.
  • If you have a group that will need to use any of the kitchen equipment during the next 3 months please contact Patty  so that we can make sure it is left where it is accessible.
More Books Missing From the Resource Library
A dozen books are missing from the library.   Have you seen any of them?  Click here
for the list of missing books.  These have turned up missing in a recent inventory.  If found, place them in the basket located above the library laptop computer.  When you borrow an item from the library, please remember to fill out its checkout card and place it in the black mesh box located on the mobile cart. 

UMW Special Mission Award  
Consider nominating someone for the United Methodist Women Special Mission Award.  Any person in the church is eligible for this award based on service to the church and the community, but special attention is given to those who participate in or support the United Methodist Women and their mission projects. Nomination forms are found on the desk in the narthex.   If you would like to nominate someone please complete the form and return to Jean Harris in her church mailbox by February 7, 2016

Fun Events

Easter Egg Activities
I see an Easter Egg or two,  or hundreds in Aldersgate future!  We will have an Egg-stravaganza Community Easter Event, a Tween Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, and an Easter morning Easter Kid's Club followed with an Easter Egg Hunt.  If you would like to volunteer for these activities, please contact Jen Hoerber.  There will be a planning meeting within the next two weeks. Also, please consider donating plastic eggs and wrapped candy or small toys that will fit in Easter eggs and volunteer to help fill eggs. 

Vacation Bible School
Mark Your Calendars!!!  Aldersgate VBS 2016 will be held the week of July 25th!  Lots more information to come and opportunities to volunteer will be popping up soon!

Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)
Join us Sunday evenings for Youth Band (5:00-6:00pm) and Youth Group (6:00-8:00pm) in the Youth room, #24..  If you have any questions, please contact the Youth Directory   Nick Laasanen.  

Upcoming Youth Activities:
Jan. 17 - Youth Band and Youth Group
Jan. 23-24Youth Lock-In   Join us overnight from 5:30pm Saturday, January 23 to 10:00am Sunday, January 24.  We will worship together, and play games. Parents, if you are wanting to help out, please fill in as many areas as you are available in this  sign up http://doodle.com/poll/uk56psfyy495txv4  
Jan. 31 - Youth Band and Youth Group

Youth Camps & Retreats   There are a number of Youth camps and retreats coming up. If you are interested in attending winter camp, the Convo Retreat, or the SUMYT Retreat, you will find more information as well as registration forms at: 
Confirmation   Confirmation classes for youth will be offered in 2016.  If you are interested in having your child go through confirmation, please fill out this doodle survey   http://doodle.com/poll/tatwv273ics6thui  so we can have a better idea of who and how many people will be joining us.

Standing Together for Human Dignity - Justice - Compassion - Wisdom
Starts January 17
Standing Together is an interfaith study and dialogue program which, by means of an interfaith panel, scriptural reflection, and small group discussion, seeks to foster greater understanding, respect, and cooperative social action among citizens from different faith traditions.  Sponsored by the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and the Church Council of Greater Seattle, this program series begins January 17, from 4:00-6:00pm at Bear Creek Methodist Church in Woodinville and continues once a month through May.  For a complete description of the program series and to register go to

Outreach & Missions World
 
Christmas at Grace Boarding House
There were singing and dancing and gifts to celebrate Christmas at the
Grace Boarding House!  Click here to read more and see the
children we are helping in Thailand.

Crossroads Dinner Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to serve dinner this month, Jan. 26 from 5:30 - 7pm in the Crossroads area.  Groups, families, youth - all are welcome to volunteer. We ask that servers be at least 10 years of age but younger ones can still help. Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact Melinda Lilley.  Thanks for supporting this outreach ministry. 

UMW Bake Sale Results
We are pleased to announce that the bake, craft and quilt sale raised $2,016 for our UMW mission projects. The money was disbursed to the following agencies:
Youthcare (Seattle)
Sophia Way
Mary's Place
UMCOR
Congregations for Kids (Bellevue)
We also paid our apportionment to the District UMW whose charities include Deaconess, Tacoma House and Atlantic Street Center.   We thank the whole congregation's for their support, not only in providing bake goods and wonderful craft projects but also for your faithful support in buying all the items. 

Steward Park Project
Monday, January 18
Join the fun on the  Martin Luther King Day of Caring, Monday, January 18th , from 10:00am-2:00pm at the  Seward Park Audubon Center.   Come one, come all.    W e will plant native trees and shrubs in the meadow overlooking Lake Washington. Tools, gloves, training, snacks and coffee provided.  High school students are eligible for four service credit hours.   Carpools will leave Aldersgate at 9:30am to caravan to Seward Park. Sign up at Sign up at  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084ba4ae2babf85-seward.  Email Janice Zahn   if you have any questions.
 
Syrian Refugee Health Kits 
The children and youth are having a coin drive and collecting items for Syrian Refuge health kits through January. Please donate to the coin drive through one of the children or in one of the marked boxes in Friendship Hall and and the narthex.  If you would rather donate actual items, they can be dropped off in the bin located in Friendship Hall. Thank you in advance for your help and support of this project.  

Throughout January, the children and youth will be learning about this mission during Kids's Club and Youth Group.  The youth will be shopping for the items with the money collected with  the coin drive during their retreat and the children and youth will help pack them to be delivered t o  Medical Teams International in Redmond, WA.   Contact is   Jen Hoerber , 425-299-4996.
   * 4-pack of toilet paper
   * 3.1 ounce bar of soap
   * 22.5 ounce bottle of shampoo
   * 4 toothbrushes
   * 2 6.4 ounce tubes of toothpaste
   * 2-pack of bath towels
   * 36 count sanitary pads
   * 2.5 ounce hand sanitizing gel
   * 4- to 10- pack of shaving razors with travel size shaving cream
   * $4 for shipping costs
 
Pray
Prayer List   

People Who Mourn
*Steve Schultz's father, Richard, died in a bike accident. Please pray for Steve,
      Adrienne, their sons Garrett & Kiefer, and the rest of their family.
*Kathy Maybee's sister-in-law Hannelore passed away.  Please pray for her  
     brother Dave       and his family.
*Former member Martie Hoadley's sister Meg passed away.  Please pray for Martie
     and the rest of Meg's family
*The Olleman Family's niece Maggie passed away at the beginning of January.
      Please pray for the Ollemans and the rest of Maggie's family.
*Roland Schmidt, a former member of Aldersgate, passed away recently in
      December.  His wife Marinell died earlier this year.  Please pray for their family.

People with Health Concerns
*Robert Brawn
*Marvin & Norma Bush's son-in-law Greg
*Carol Cubilie's son Tim
*Colleen Flower's friend Terry and relative John
*Cindy Wheeler
*Betty Fredeen

Additional Prayers 
*Missionary Katherine Parker
*Nita & Zane Daniel
*Jeff & Cindy Wheeler
*The people of Begi, Ethiopia
   
Submit prayer requests to Dorothy Bennett, the Prayer Chain Coordinator, or fill out a pew prayer card or contact the church office.  Prayer requests will  stay on the Prayer Chain for about 3 weeks.  Please contact Dorothy or the church office with an update if you want the request to be prayed for longer.  
All prayer requests will appear in the church newsletters unless you specifically request otherwise.