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Aldersgate United Methodist Church
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A vibrant and inclusive Christian community
growing in faith, love, health and service
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Aldersgate UMC
14230 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA 98006
(425) 746-9800
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Associate Pastor
Church Office
Children, Youth, Family
Preschool Director
Core Leaders
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Feb 3
SUMYT Spaghetti Fundraising Dinner
Feb 6
Young at Heart Potluck
Feb 7
Gospel of John Class
Feb 10
Youth Lock-In
Feb 11
Camp Sunday
Taco Bar Lunch
February 12
Soup Supper
Common Table
Feb 14
Ash Wednesday Services
Feb 19
Holiday - Office Closed
Feb 25
Club 345, Youth Group
with Dinner
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Mar 10
Time Change
Spring Forward Tonight
Mar 11
Sunday School Training
Club 345, Youth Group
with Dinner
Mar 16-18
Youth SUMYT Retreat
Mar 25
Palm Sunday
Mar 29
Maundy Thursday Service
Mar 30
Good Friday Service
Mar 31
Egg-Stravaganza
Flashlight Egg Hunt
April 1
Easter Services
Egg Hunt
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Church Leadership
Click these links to read the minutes of the Core Leadership Team and the monthly minutes of the Ministry Teams.
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Scripture Lesson:
John 10:22-39
Sermon:
"Conflict: It Defines Us
"
This Sunday
Conflict
. It seems unavoidable. We all have it in our lives but the question is, how do we deal with it? Some deal with it with hoped for avoidance. For others it can be like a competition, with a winner and a loser. The goal is to win. For others it becomes quickly volatile, and for others it involves "the quiet treatment." In today's world we seem to experience the full spectrum in the news daily. But is that good? Is it healthy? How do we deal with it? What we know is that there are healthy ways to deal with it and unhealthy ways. But where do we turn for help? Believe it or not, Jesus can help us.
Jesus dealt with conflict a lot. He experienced it and he created it. He dealt with it, not just in one way, but depending on the situation, in a variety of ways. So as we continue to walk through the many things taking place at Aldersgate; things like exploring becoming a Reconciling congregation, discussions around gender identification, our relationship with Rock Church and building use issues, even our varied responses to shootings, gun control, homelessness, the potential building of a shelter in Bellevue, cultural differences around child rearing, relationships within and even outside of the church, exploring healthy ways to deal with conflict seems like something we should be exploring. So this Sunday we will. It is our hope to pick this up and extend a study of it later in the year. But, for this Sunday, we
'll dabble a bit. To prepare please read John 10: 22-39.
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Considering Becoming a Reconciling Congregation
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Pastor's Blog
As we have now entered the final week of the CRC (Considering becoming a Reconciling Congregation) Bible Study, Pastor Laura and I thought it appropriate to give an update on how things have gone. To the time of writing this article we've had about seventy people attend the Bible studies, with a few who have attended more than one each week, as they sought to get differing perspectives. All in all it's going well. There have been really good questions, opportunities to be in small groups for discussion, some deeper examination of multiple Biblical passages, some utilized by those who feel that homosexuality is, as it states in the United Methodist Book Discipline, incompatible with Christian teaching. Others passages which seem to say the opposite. Pastor Laura and I have dealt with multiple scriptures each week. The first week was about the Law, particularly the laws found in the Old Testament. The second week we examined two scriptures, both from the Epistles as we sought to bring things ahead historically. This week we examine stories; one from Genesis about Sodom and Gomorrah, and the other a story of a healing done by Jesus from the gospel of Luke.
As Pastor Laura and I approached the teaching aspects, we explored context, language, history, interpretations, and sought to provide a scholarly approach to our examinations. We tried hard to stay as neutral as possible. In some cases, we found it exceptionally difficult. Just think of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. It's just a challenging story on so many levels. Each week a scripture would be read. Class members were given an opportunity to reflect and journal about what they heard from scripture. They would then split into small groups and talk about what they heard. Then they would bring a few of those issues to the larger group. Then either Pastor Laura or I would talk about the history, the context, the culture in which it was written, the challenges of coming from varied languages, interpretations, around those specific passages. Then class members would journal again, divide into small groups, discuss, and present what they found. Most have found it to be a rich time of examination. Maybe more importantly many found it to be a rich time of discussion, even disagreement while getting to know others with whom they haven't spent much time. As a church, we will continue to examine the process and offer opportunities for discussion and exploration around the Reconciling movement, and what becoming Reconciling would mean to Aldersgate and our surrounding communities. Again, more is coming but we wanted to give you an update on what we've done these last three weeks.
Let us know if you have any questions around any of this. And for those that attended, thank you for your trust, your patience, your work, and your grace with us and with each other. It was a privilege for both of your pastors to be a part of this time together.
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New Youth Assistant
Please welcome Griffey Edwards as our newest staff member! He will be serving as the Youth Assistant. We are very excited to have Griffey on board and the enthusiasm he brings to our youth ministry.
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One Worship Service
February 11
Mark you calendars!
A week from this Sunday t
here will be only one service on February 11th at 10:00am. It is Camp Sunday and a Taco Bar Luncheon will follow the service at 11:30am.
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Preschool Open House
Saturday, February 3
Aldersgate Christian Preschool is having its annual Open House on Saturday, February 3 from 9:30-11:30am. This is an opportunity for parents and children to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and ask questions. There will be activities for children and refreshments will be served. This event is for anyone interested in enrolling their child (2 - 5 years of age) in preschool for the 2018-2019 school year which begins in September.
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2017 Contribution Statements AGAIN
The 2017 contribution statements were
emailed
to you twice, on January 18 and January 30. The first time the emails were sent out with a strange header from LogosCMS
Vandalia Baptist Temple
. The problem was fixed and therefore we emailed contribution statements AGAIN with the correct header in case you thought the first was spam. In either case, the body of the email and the attached contribution statement are the same. If we do not have your email address on file, then your contribution statement was sent to you by regular mail. Please contact Wendi in the church office if you need another copy of your contribution statement or if your contribution statement is incorrect. Please continue to use the existing Financial Secretary email: [email protected].
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Gospel of John Class
February 7
The Wednesday class on the Gospel of John taught by Pastor Brad will resume on February 7. We will commence with chapter 6. This class is offered at two different times, in the morning from 10:00-11:30am and also in the evening from 7:00-8:30pm - same class at two different times. The weekly study is divided into three parts and runs through June with some breaks around the holidays. Yes, the study will build week to week, but every week will also stand on its own, so missing a few weeks her and there will be OK. Everyone is welcome!
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Common Table & Soup Supper
February 12
The next Common Table will be Monday February 12 at 7:00pm. Come early at 6:30pm and partake of a simple soup supper. This gathering is for everyone who wants to have a voice in the life of the church. Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form if you plan to come for dinner. Also, free childcare is available if you sign up for it in advance.
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Ash Wednesday
February 14
This year, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day, February 14. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Christian season of Lent, leading up to Easter. It is a time when we prepare ourselves for the annual retelling of the story of Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection in our lives and in the life of the world. This year we begin the season recognizing that it is also a season of understanding God's love for us, so Valentine's Day themes will be present as well. There are three options for the community to gather this year on Wednesday, February 14.
- Pastor Laura will be available for individual prayer and imposition of ashes in the Youth Room from 11:30am-1:30pm for any who wish to stop by, including Aldersgate Christian Preschool families.
- Bellevue First United Methodist Church will host a community Ash Wednesday worship service at noon that day and all are invited to attend.
- Aldersgate will also host a worship service at 7:00pm in the sanctuary open to the community.
On Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes on the forehead is a symbol of our connection to the dust of the earth, and yet also an acknowledgement that God works through this dust and makes our lives holy. Come and Behold!
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Kindness Rock Project
Girl Scout Troop 52475 is involved in the "Kindness Rock Project." If you come across a painted rock on church property, feel free to take it. You can keep it or place it in a local park or some place in your neighborhood. Girl Scout Troop 52475 meets regularly at Aldersgate and is led by church members Kim and Gwen Brewer.
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Sound Help Wanted
Sound operators are needed for both the 9:00am and the 11:00am. Training will be provided. For more information, please contact Tom Blakney, 206-310-6296, [email protected].
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Update from Green Team
Did you know that the green cups for coffee are compostable? How about the new translucent lids? They are compostable as well. What about the wooden coffee stirrers and tea bags and sugar packets? All compostable. Please help us reduce our trash bill by composting all these items. Carefully place your compostable items after worship in the green compost bins in Friendship Hall instead of the trash (black) or recycle (blue) bins. Compost is free for us to dispose of and we pay by volume for trash pick-up, so you can do your part for the church's bottom line and the Earth's future by looking for those green bins. If you have suggestions for the Green Team, please join us for our next meeting on
February 13 at 5:30pm
in Room 21 at church.
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SUMYT Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
February 3
If you didn't know, the SUMYT team, is a youth-lead group that plans the SUMYT youth retreat in March. The team is a place where people can make friends, have fun and develop leadership skills. Since there is no budget in the church conference for the team to plan the SUMYT retreat and we have no big source of funds other than registration fees, the team has decided to host a Spaghetti Dinner at Aldersgate UMC on Saturday February 3rd from 5:00-7:00pm to raise additional funds. At the dinner there will be great food, entertainment from SUMYT alumni, a slide show, and a dessert auction, where we will be auctioning off donated desserts. Tickets are $8 for 1 and $20 for 3, and we would be more than happy to take a donation if spaghetti isn't your thing, because it goes toward a really good cause. For more information and to buy a ticket, talk to any of the SUMYT representatives at Aldersgate: Bryce Swearingen, Alison Kirkman, Elyse Browder, and Jacob Yormark.
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Deborah Circle
February 5
Deborah Circle will hold their February meeting on Monday,
February 5
, at 7:00pm, in the home of Renee Kroese. All women of the church are invited to come and hear Jean Rummel tell about "A Day in the Life of a Malali Woman." For more information, contact Clarine Goodleaf at 425-643-9339.
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Young at Heart Potluck
Tuesday, February 6
Calling all retired folks, empty-nesters, and wannabees! Join us Tuesday, February 6 at 6:00pm in Friendship Hall for a tasty potluck dinner and an interesting program about Dave & Beth Sanford's recent trip to Vietnam.
Soup will be provided so please bring a salad or side dish that will go well with soup
.
The cost is $2 per person. Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form and someone will call you about the food.
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Youth Group Lock-In
February 10-11
Saturday February 10 to Sunday February 11 will be an overnight Lock-In for the youth. We will bake the cookies for the Valentine boxes to be mailed to Aldersgate College students, help prep for Camp
Sunday the next day, and of course have some fun! All youth who plan on attending need to check in with Jen Hoerber to make sure the proper paperwork is on file.
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Camp Sunday & Taco Bar
On Camp
Sunday, February 11, there will be only one worship service at
10:00am.
We will celebrate the camping ministry and representatives from all four of the United Methodist PNW Camps will be here to share about this lifesaving ministry. This will be a very fun festive and meaningful worship service.
Following the service at 11:30am, there will be a Taco Bar Luncheon. Besides an amazing taco lunch and your favorite camp desserts, you will have the opportunity to hear from Aldersgate's campers about their camp experience and learn more about the four camps. A free will offering will be taken and funds will be split between Aldersgate's Campership Fund and the district campership fund. This is a fun and yummy way to help ensure all children and youth have the opportunity to go to camp. If you will join us for lunch and if you can help prep food Saturday, serving food Sunday or help clean up after lunch, then please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or via the church Facebook page.
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Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)
Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm. All youth in 6th-12th grade are welcome. If you have questions about the youth program, contact
Jen Hoerber. Here are some upcoming events:
*Feb. 4 - No Youth Group due to the Super Bowl
*Feb 10 - Youth Lock-In
*Feb 11 - Camp Sunday service @ 10:00am, Taco Bar Lunch @ 11:30am
*Feb 18 - Youth Group, 6:00-8:00pm
*Feb 25 - Dinner, 5:00-6:00pm, Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm
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Youth SUMYT Retreat
Aldersgate Youth are going to SUMYT! SUMYT is a youth retreat that is put on by the Seattle United Methodist Youth Team! (Did you know Aldersgate has 4 youth on the SUMYT team and 1 adult helping to plan this amazing retreat!) The retreat is at Camp Indianola on Friday, March 16th through Sunday, March 18th. This year's theme is "Under Construction." We will have a fun-filled weekend exploring what it means to be a work in progress, growing in love, community and faith. All youth should contact Jen Hoerber with questions and get registered online soon!
The website to register is
www.sumyt2018.eventbrite.com
. When you register you should
c
hose the pay later option
as the church will pay a portion of the $120 registration fee.
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Club 345 (3rd~4th~5th Grade)
February 25
Kids in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades meet once a month on Sunday evening for food and a fun activity.
The next meeting will be February 25 from 5:00pm - 7:30pm.
Contact is Jen Hoerber, [email protected].
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Crossroads Feeding Program Update
Happy New Year to All and a very big thank you to everyone who participated in the Crossroads Feeding Program by so generously donating food and serving food last year. Your time, service and donations were greatly appreciated! On the 4th Tuesday of the month, Aldersgate partners with the Salvation Army to provide and serve dinner. If you wish to provide food or serve food, the calendar and sign-up for this year is now posted:
http://signup.com/login/entry/266986299563424079
Please contact
Melinda Lilley, with questions. Thank for your continued support of this outreach ministry.
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Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia
February 20
This is a time when God's people of many faith backgrounds can come together to put their faith into action on current legislation. Participants get to join workshops that break down current issues, learn current best practices on how to advocate in today's legislature, prepare for briefings and hearings with advocates from your legislative district, and meet in person with your legislator. Click here for registration and more information.
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People Who Mourn
*Ron Pazan's mother Gloria passed away. Please pray for Ron and
his family especially his sister Kathy.
People with Health Concerns
*Brad & Kim Brewer's sister-in-law Donna
*Pastor Brad
*Bob Olson
*Al Allott
*Lisa Brawn's friend Lynn
*Randal Brown's friends Mary Ellen, Geoff and Jonas
*Michelle Joyce's co-worker Miguel
*Dan & Jo Wallis's friend Marta
*Bob Olson's friend Yon Suk
*Chuck & Sue Black
Additional Prayers
*Missionary Katherine Parker, Bob Olson's friends in Haiti.
To submit a prayer request to the Prayer Chain, email
Dorothy Bennet
t, the Prayer Chain Coordinator. You can also fill out a pew prayer card on Sunday and put it in the offering plate, or you can contact the
church office with your prayer request. All prayer requests will appear in the church newsletters unless you request otherwise.
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