August 25, 2017
  Aledo United Methodist Church   
Making disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world
by loving, knowing, and serving our God.
eNews
 
This Sunday's Message: Backpack and Blessings

The Road Less Traveled
I stopped by the Bearcat on the way home on Wednesday, and I have seldom seen the place more crowded. The line to check out stretched halfway down one of the aisles, and at first I could not figure out what the story was. Most perplexing was the fact...



One Service
Sunday, August 27, 11:00
There will be only one service this Sunday as we bless the backpacks, children and teachers for the new school year!

Aledo UMC Back to School Block Party
Sunday, August 27, Noon
The Block Party will have a food truck, BBQ, bounce houses, water slide, games, and more.  There will be only one service at 11:00 on that date.  It's going to be a great event!  Suggested items to bring are: TOWELS, DRY CLOTHES, LAWN CHAIRS, AND A PICNIC BLANKET.

Student Ministry Pool Party
Sunday, August 27, 5:30-7:30pm, 430 Prairie Run, Aledo
On Sunday evening we will be wrapping up our summer with a pool party at the Trigg's home! It has been such a great summer thus far so let's finish up strong. There will be food, music, time to swim, and a fire pit available to roast smores.

Water4Life
$30 buys a simple water filtration system for a family living in a third world country. In October, AUMC staff member Trudy Smith will travel to Haiti to be trained as a leader, and next year will lead a team from our church, to go distribute water filters and teach families how to use them. Please support this project by purchasing a water bottle - or 3!
Bottles are available in the narthex, or contact Trudy Smith.


Wednesday Nights
Beginning September 6, 5:30pm
Wednesday Nights at Aledo UMC will resume on September 6. Dinner will be served at 5:30 and children's programming will be from 6:30-7:30. There will be a brief Children's Ministry Parent Meeting at 6:30 while the kids are playing Slip N' Slide Kickball. Desserts will be served for the parents.

Java & Jesus
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m., beginning September 7
Take your friendships off-line and join us! All ladies of the church - and friends! - are invited to be part of this weekly gathering. No outside reading is required. We will share coffee and a devotion from Craving Connections to kick-start our day and encourage us in our journey with Jesus Christ. Childcare is provided. Sign-up in the Narthex at the Connection Center or contact Trudy Smith.  Java and Jesus - the perfect blend!!

Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Starting September 12, 10am-Noon
This fall we'll study Adam Hamilton's book, "Making Sense of the Bible, Rediscovering the Power of Scripture Today". The book begins with foundational questions such as, "How and when was the Bible written?" "Who decided which books made it into the Bible and why?". The books will be available for $10 at the first class. If you have questions, contact Sussie Jordan at 512-923-9268 or click here to email her.
Invitation to Psalms Short Term Disciple
Begins Tuesday, September 12, 6:30pm
Make a deeper connection to the world of the Psalms so that these well known scriptures can help you give voice to all aspects of our human experience-joy, faith, uncertainty and sorrow. Participants for this Invitation to Psalms do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. 
 
  Reading just two chapters of Psalms a week, Participants will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples. This ten-week study includes participant books, as well as a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts during the 90-minute weekly class. Sign up at the Connection Center.

Disciple Fast Track Bible Study
Begins Thursday, September 14, 6:30pm
Disciple Fast Track , an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study, provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. The Fast Track group meets for 12 weeks in this study of beloved Old Testament scriptures.

Participants read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meetings, which last approximately 90 minutes. A brief, illustrated review video enables participants to recall important facts and ideas. Lively and engaging video presenters then offer insights into the current week's session. Sign up at the Connection Center.

Unite Youth Event
Saturday, September 23, 9:30am-4:00pm
Mark your calendars for this one-day event at Glen Lake Camp. This is a great opportunity for our students to build relationships and reconnect with friends while worshiping together and enjoying camp life. Activities include Team Building, water activities at the lake and pool, great worship as well as access to all the camp amenities. Lunch is provided. Sign up in the Quad by Wednesday, Sept. 6 or by emailing student@aledoumc.org. Cost is $30 and includes transportation to and from Glen Lake Camp


AUMC Visioning
As we continue to implement the Vision for Aledo UMC articulated by the As For Me & My House journey, we are excited to announce a new opportunity for you to be a part of making that Vision a reality. We are creating a more deliberate, systematic approach to welcoming first-time guests and ensuring that they feel a connection with the Aledo UMC family from their very first visit. And you can help make that happen.
 
Hospitality Team
Do you believe that personal connection is the key to growing our church? If so you may be perfect for our Hospitality Team. Team members will be the smiling face in the Narthex and the friendly voice on the other end of the phone to welcome visitors. Team members will help visitors begin connecting their passions to the mission and ministries of Aledo UMC. The time commitment is low, but the impact is huge. Contact Trudy Smith if you are interested in being a part of this team.

Help Feed Parker County Families
 
Our Manna Room feeds many families every week, and some of our supplies are running low. Please donate any of the following: (NO canned veggies needed!)
*peanut butter (16-18 ounces)
*jelly (16-20 ounces)
*spaghetti (1 pound)
*spaghetti sauce (16-24 ounces)
*oatmeal (1 pound)
*canned fruit (15 ounces)
*Spam (12 ounce)
*canned chicken (12.5 ounces)
*Tuna/Chicken Helper
*canned pastas (ie: Ravioli, Spaghettio's) (15 ounce)
Please leave items in the donation bins in the Narthex. Thank-you for your faithfulness in feeding the hungry!


Lord's Acre
Saturday, September 30th, 10:00am to 5:00pm
 
The Aledo UMC Lord's Acre is right around the corner! Mark your calendars and let's get ready for our Fall Festival.

Live & Silent Auction - We need tickets to TCU, Rangers, Cowboys, Bass Hall, gift cards to your favorite restaurants, rounds of golf, vacation rentals, etc. To donate an auction item, please email Amy Walther here.

Vendors - We need artisans and unique home-based businesses to sell their goods at the Lord's Acre. Email Stephanie Tremper  here to reserve a spot.

Please consider how you can get involved with the Lord's Acre in order to help support the Manna Room, Snack Sacks, Camp Hope, Wheelchair ramps and other local and global missions!


Are you taking advantage of electronic giving?
When we join the church, we pledge to support the life and ministry of the church with our financial gifts. That can get complicated on those weeks when we can't be here as the offering plate comes around. But through electronic giving, you remain faithful to your membership vows, even on those weeks when life takes you elsewhere. It's easy. It's safe. And it benefits both you and your church family. Setting it up is easy and only takes a few minutes. Contact Shari Birchell at sharibirchell@aledoumc.org to set up an automatic transfer from your checking account. Or go to aledoumc.org/give to use your credit or debit card.

PRAYERS
In your times of prayer throughout the week, please remember the people named below.

Concerns: Clay Hicks; David Eells grandmother Mary Ann Eells; Steve and Cindy Raines' son Jason; Sue Davis' niece Mary Smith; Barbara Leevy; DeeAnn Day's sister, Julie Brock; Wayne McGregor; Jeni Freeman
 
Special members who are unable to worship with us: Micki Authier; C.D. and Mattie Graham; Rev. John Johnson
 
Joys: Clint, Taylor and Lola Church on the birth of Ford Scott Church
 
Long-term prayer concerns: Stella Lee's daughter, Sherroll Shirley and sister Bobbie Fleming; Toni McGregory's daughter Adriane Mason; Mark Greenough's niece Melinda Lee; Carrie Hester; Sarah Reed's mother Paula Duckering; Nikki Dryden's cousin Pat Tripp; Douglas Moore; Gary Leevy; Kelly O'Donald's sister, Amy Clinton; Daryl Stanaway's sister-in-law, Sharon Stanaway; Buddy Martin; Steven Cole's mother, JoAnn Cole; Mason Gomez; Gavin Trietsch; All Military Personnel