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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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Email Links
Lead Pastor
Church Office
Children & Family Ministry
Preschool Director
Music Director, 1st Service
Chancel Choir Director
Handbell Director
Core Leaders, Chairman
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Calendar
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Dec 18
Youth Christmas Party
Young Adult Xmas Party
Dec 19
Christmas Storytime
Dec 24
Candlelight Services
5pm - Family Service
7pm - Contemporary
9pm - Traditional Service with Communion
Dec 25
One Service @ 11am
Dec 26-30
Office Closed
Dec 31
New Year's Eve Party
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Jan 1
One Service @ 11am
Jan 3
Preschool Resumes
Jan 8
Club 345
Youth Group
Jan 11
Old Testament Study Resumes
Jan 13-16
Young Adult Retreat
Jan 16
Holiday - Office Closed
MLK Day of Caring
Jan 21
Church Work Party
Youth Lock-in
Jan 22
Youth Sunday
Jan 23
Feb Calendar Deadline
Jan 28
Core Leaders Retreat
Jan 29
Preschool Sunday
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Click these links to read the minutes of the Core Leadership Team and the monthly minutes of the Ministry Teams.
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.
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Feed Your Soul
See today's devotional from the Upper Room.
CLICK HERE
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Sunday Refreshments
CLICK HERE to sign-up to help serve coffee, juice and treats at church on Sunday mornings. Contact is
Kate Ingalls.
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Sermon
"True Peace, Christmas Peace
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Scripture
Luke 2:8-20
This Sunday is all about peace, but is peace simply an absence of war? Not according to scripture and certainly not the center of peace message brought to the shepherds by the angels. When they sang,
"Peace on earth and goodwill to men," it was not simply about ending war and violence. The Greek word for peace is "eirene." It is the Greek version of the Hebrew word, Shalom. What they mean are the kind of peace that is both inward and outward. They encompass the whole gamut of peace; fulfillment, purity, completion, maturity, nature, wisdom, security, well-being and wholeness (inward and outward). It means harmony, rest, tranquility, security, satisfaction, contentment, agreement, success, friendship, and even prosperity that goes well beyond simple monetary wealth. If we want to understand the deeper meanings of this holiday and why Christ came into the world, we most certainly need to understand the deeper concepts of peace. We'll explore those this coming Sunday. And like the Sundays that preceded this one, there will be a time following the message to sit in the quietness of the sanctuary and explore this peace that passes understanding. To prepare for Sunday read again the story of the angels and the shepherds in Luke 2:8 - 20.
Also, on Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm the sanctuary will be open and I'll be available for anyone for whom this Christmas season is difficult. In as much it will not be a full Blue Christmas service, my hope is that if offers a time of solace, reflection, and comfort in this time.
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Pastor's Blog
Rev. Brad P. Beeman
What a remarkable and meaningful Sunday it was last week. The pageant...what can you say? It was perfect. Thanks to Jen and her team, and especially all of the children and youth who participated. Again, it was perfect, and great to have it back among the Aldersgate Christmas traditions. The bake and craft sale...all I can say is WOW. You are a talented bunch and to have every penny go toward mission helps us remember why we celebrate this season. Many of you asked me where I came up with the whole Innkeeper narrative. Two sources. The first was the article by a young man in the Huffington Post. That lead me to a story written by Ralph Wilson called "The Inn Keeper's Tale." I utilized the first part of his story and then decided to launch into writing what I thought would be a more meaningful narrative, and thus added the rest of the story. The point being we have to choose to make room. In the midst of it all, God helps us if we but ask (the beckoning call of the lamb in the story) for help.
I think, particularly in this time of year, we have to find the room to remember why we set time aside for the various aspects of this biblical story. We need to help our children more fully understand it. The pageant was the perfect opportunity to open the conversation. Friends, this story is the foundation of, not only what we believe, but who the focus must be; the where and how that belief is to unfold. It
's all there, particularly when we examine the stories of Matthew and Luke. Very much like the children in the pageant, we are reminded of each of the players in this story. Like the innkeeper we are reminded that we too have choices to make. As we approach the final week before Christmas, I just wanted to remind us of that. Merry Christmas, Aldersgate! May it be truly blessed, and may each of us find the wonderment of it all once again.
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Ministry News
Stewardship
December is Stewardship Month here at Aldersgate and we will turn in our pledge cards and make our Stewardship Commitment on Sunday, December 18 during both services. At this time, we are focused on finishing 2016 on a positive note (
Click here to see graph), continuing to fund the kitchen remodel (
Click here to see graph), and making financial plans for 2017. A
stewardship letter and pledge card were mailed out earlier this week. The main points to consider are:
- First and foremost, the 13th Month request it to help address the 2016 Operating Budget shortfall along with the Kitchen Remodel expenses.
- In addition, we need everyone to catch up on both their 2016 Pledge and their Kitchen pledge.
- The Pledge Card should have been clearly marked as an "Interim Pledge" - for 6-months (January-June, 2017) as we change our fiscal year to run July to June (i.e. July 2017-June 2018).
- On the Pledge Card, the request for a Kitchen Donation is intended for folks new to the church.
If anyone has questions they can reach out to Jack Morrison or Melinda Lilley for answers.
Charge Conference Report
If you missed the Charge conference on November 28, you can CLICK HERE to read the Charge Conference Report.
There are church mugs filled with goodies and information about our Christmas Events and Worship Schedule ready to be handed out to visitors throughout Advent. Please find them at the narthex desk and feel free to hand one to any visitor you meet this month
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Christmas Eve Services
Saturday, December 24
On Saturday, Dec. 24 invite your family, friends, and neighbors to rejoice and worship the newborn King at Aldersgate on Christmas Eve:
- 5:00pm - A child-oriented family friendly candlelight service where we will involve the children in the retelling of the Christmas story and sing Christmas carols.
- 7:00pm - A more contemporary candlelight service centered on music by the worship band and includes the most beloved scriptures and Christmas carols.
- 9:00pm - A quiet candlelight service with carols, scripture readings, and communion.
Refreshments & Volunteers Needed
This year we will be serving refreshments on Christmas Eve after the 5:00pm service and the 7:00pm service. Please donate a plate of cookies. And, If you can help serve the refreshments, please sign up on the Sunday attendance form or contact
Patty Ferguson.
Christmas Day Service
Sunday, December 25 @ 11:00am
Christmas Day falls on the last Sunday of the month.
We will have one service at 11:00am
. We will remember the gift given to us by God, his son Jesus Christ, and the gifts we received on Christmas mornings, past and present. Please bring a meaningful gift you received and there will be a time when volunteers can share the significance of their gift. This is a very informal service.
New Years Day Service
Sunday, January 1 @ 11:00am
New Years Day falls on the first Sunday of January.
We will have one service at 11am
. Join us as we look forward to the new year as new creations in Christ Jesus.
Resource Library News
Please browse the new poems added to "Aldersgate Poems: Inspired by Junior Church and Sermons" by church member Bob Olson, on pages 99-115. The Library copies are displayed on the mobile cart.
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 Fun Events
Christmas Story Time
Monday, December 19
Join us around the Christmas tree in Friendship Hall on December 19 at 10:00am for Christmas Story Time. We will have some snacks and listen to some of our favorite Christmas storybooks and maybe sing a few carols as well. This is geared for children 2-7 years old and their families. Everyone is welcome to attend! Contact is
Jen Hoerber.
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Young Adult Christmas Party!
December 18th 4:00pm-8:00pm
The "At the Crossroads" young adult fellowship group is hosting our Christmas Party and inviting all young adults (ages 18-35). Join us at the Ollemans' home for dinner, conversation, and laughter. All are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend! Please bring an appetizer, side dish, or cookies to share. A main course of a variety of soups (including Gluten Free and Vegetarian Options) will be provided. Join us for the whole party or the parts that you can include in your schedule. The entire evening will be merry. Contact
Katie Olleman with any questions or the location address (425-457-3324 or
kolleman13@my.whitworth.edu).
Christmas Party Schedule:
4:00pm-5:00pm Appetizers and Gathering Activities
5:00-6:00pm Dinner
6:00-8:00pm Christmas Specials and Dessert!
New Year's Eve Party
December 31, 6:00-9:00pm
We will ring in the new year with a New Year's Eve Party for the entire family here at the church on December 31 from 6:00-9:00pm. Bring a hearty appetizer and your left over Christmas cookies to share. We will play games and visit. Bring your favorite game and come ready to wish everyone a Happy New Year at 9:00pm! Contact is
Colleen Olleman.
Club 345 (3rd, 4th, 5th Grade)
This fellowship group for kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade meets once a month, usually on the second Sunday. It starts with dinner at 5:00pm, followed by games, crafts and other fun activities from 6:00-7:30pm. The next Club 345 is January 8. Contact is Jen Hoerber.
Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)
Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:300pm. All youth from 6th-12th grade are welcome. If you have any questions about the youth program, contact Pastor Brad or
Jen Hoerber. Here are some upcoming events:
*Dec. 18 - Fancy Shmancy Christmas Party, 6:00-7:30pm.
Come
dressed in your fancy party attire. Bring a $10 white elephant
gift to exchange.
*Dec. 25 - No Youth Group tonight - It's Christmas!
*Jan. 1 - No Youth Group tonight
*Jan. 8 - Dinner at 5:00pm and Youth Group from 6:00-7:30pm.
*Jan 16 - MLK Day of Caring, 9:00am-noon. We will sort and
organize clothing and toys for kids in need at the Eastside
Baby Corner (Issaquah)
*Jan 21 - Youth Lock-In, 5:30pm Saturday thru 10:00am Sunday!
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Sr. High Winter Camp
Lazy F Senior High Winter Camp is December 27 - 30 and it looks at the Book of Acts through the lens of Star Wars!! We have one youth already signed up! More info can be found at this link:
http://lazyfcamp.org/programs-activities/hswr/ .
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Young Adult Retreat
January 13-16
Make Camp Twinlow your destination for a long weekend of wintery fun January 13-16 - for young adults ages 18-35(ish). Cost is $100 if you register and pay by Dec. 31, or $120 after Dec. 31. For more information and to register,
CLICK HERE . Contact Katie Olleman is you want to go.
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Outreach & Missions
Martin Luther King Day of Caring
Aldersgate will again participate in the MLK Day of Caring on January 16. We will be sorting and organizing clothing and toys for kids in need at Eastside Baby Corner (Issaquah). You must be 7 years or older to volunteer. If you would like to sign up to volunteer on January 16
from 9:00am - noon, please email Jen Hoerber or Janice Zahn. Carpooling can be arranged.
UMW Bake, Craft, Quilt Sale Update
A huge thank you to all who baked, quilted, crafted, worked and bought at our recent sale. We profited over $2,100. All money will be donated to charities decided on at a special meeting of the United Methodist Women on Tuesday, January 10 at 10:00 am in Room 22. All are welcome to make suggestions.
Christmas Giving Opportunities
- Hopelink Christmas Store Aldersgate has provided items for the Hopelink Christmas Gift Store for many years. We focus on teenagers because gifts for them are often in short supply but gifts for any age child are also welcome. A box will be placed in the narthexfor your donations. All gifts must be delivered to the church no later than Sunday, December 18.
- Vision House Your donation of gift cards to Vision House aids the task of providing transitional housing to homeless families. The gift cards are for groceries, clothing, gasoline, and personal items when special needs occur during the year. A gift tree is in the narthex for your choice of a gift from $10 to $50. Please bring your gift card to the church by Sunday, December 18.
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Prayer List
People Who Passed Away
*Kristy McLean's friend Don
People with Health Concerns
*Dorene Johnson
*Myrna Allyn
*Flo Monkman's sister Gertie
*Betty Fredeen's friend Leona
*Livonia Lowe
*Bob Olson
*Gwen Pazan's mother Marjorie
*Bill Ferguson
Additional Prayers
*Missionary Katherine Parker
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Brenda
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.
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Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.
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