| |
|
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
:
A vibrant and inclusive Christian community
growing in faith, love, health and service
|
|
Aldersgate UMC
14230 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA 98006
(425) 746-9800
|
Associate Pastor
Church Office
Children, Youth, Family
Preschool Director
Core Leaders
|
Sept 17
Education Hour Starts
Youth Group Kick-Off
Sept 18
October Calendar Deadline
Sept 19
Instrumental Ensemble
Sept 20
Gospel of John Class
Sept 21
Mary Martha Circle
Green Team
Sept 22
Memorial Service
Sept 24
ALL Church Foot Golf
<><><>
Oct 1
World Communion
Exploration Lunch
Oct 3
Young at Heart Potluck
Oct 8
CROP Hunger Walk
Oct 13-14
Rummage Sale
Oct 20-22
Youth Retreat
Oct 23
November Calendar Deadline
Oct 24
KCLS Homelessness
Forum
Oct 27
Fall Festival
|
Church Leadership
Click these links to read the minutes of the Core Leadership Team and the monthly minutes of the Ministry Teams.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Scripture Lesson
John 1:5, 35-38
Sermon
"Overcoming Darkness"
This Sunday
The writer of the Gospel of John knew about darkness; and darknesses of various shades, with various levels of intensities, very much like what we see today. Like us, he found it in various situations. His hope, even at the very outset of this gospel, was to try and bring warmth, light, and even God into that darkness; to offer hope, and ultimately to give a name to where he personally found that hope. So he wrote, pointed, identified, defined, and named that hope. It was Jesus, and even today, he remains a place of light, even for us. We look again at the first section of this gospel partially for ourselves, partially for what surrounds us, and partially because it is what God offers. God, even this gospel, can be a light of hope for every aspect of darkness. And to some extent, we'll find that it is this light that makes us Christian and defines us as a church. We'll be exploring all of that this Sunday. So, to prepare please read the first chapter of the Gospel of John.
|
|
|
Pastor's Blog
Rev. Brad P. Beeman
At the beginning of the Bible it states, "There was darkness over the face of the deep, and God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light!"
But I'm a "Dreamer" who has paid for my education, gotten a job and created a life here after my parents brought me as a baby to the US from Mexico. Now I may be deported... so now what...darkness. I was living in the Florida Keys and my house was destroyed by Irma. Everything is gone. I don't know what to do...darkness. I'm a twenty-five year old man living in Seattle. My life has been turned upside down by heroin. I keep trying to overcome the habit, have burned bridges with my family and now, I have nowhere to turn...darkness. I just came from the doctor. She said cancer, and it is stage four. I waited too long and now, with three children who count on me... darkness. I'm homeless, or living in my car, or haven't enough food, or am clinically depressed or even paranoid, or I'm losing my job, or I'm sixty-seven and don't have enough for retirement, or even feel lost when it comes to my faith ... darkness...all are levels of darkness and there are so many more. Darkness can cover anyone at almost any time. It can come in multiple shades with varied intensities. We've all felt its presence. It could be personal, financial, familial, physical, community-centered, something we feel regarding our country, or we find it somewhere in a situation in the world. No matter where or why, it's still darkness. And it is now up to us to be the light that shines in the darkness. It is what we are and what we do...in what is mentioned above and so much more.
|
|
|
Gospel of John
Starts September 20
Starting on Wednesday, September 20, Pastor Brad will teach a class on the Gospel of John, in the morning from 10:00-11:30am and also in the evening from 7:00-8:30pm - same class at two different times. You will learn about the authorship of the Gospel of John. You will discover some of the primary focuses of the gospel. You will compare the Gospel of John to the other three gospels. You will compare John's understandings about Jesus with those of Paul. You will explore why John is the only one to utilize the "I Am" statements. And there is so much more. The most important element in this year's study will be what the gospel can teach us today, particularly in the midst of all that seems to be swirling around us in the world. This 28 week study will be divided into three parts and it will run from September thru 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 here and there will be OK. We hope to have weekly study notes posted and available on the church website. Sign up on Sunday's attendance form if you are interested.
|
Green Team meeting
September 21
On Thursday, September 21 at 11:30, the Green Team will meet at the church. Pastor Laura will provide a light lunch and all are welcome to come and be a part of this re-energized environmental ministry at Aldersgate. If you would like to be part of the team but can't make this first meeting, please contact Pastor Laura to let her know what would be a better time for you and/or how you would like to participate. Meetings are not for everyone but we do need your ideas.
|
Memorial Service
September 22
We will celebrate the life of Len Knapp on Friday, September 22 at 2:00pm. Len and his wife Marilyn began attending Aldersgate a few years ago. They came to the second service and sang in the choir. There will be a reception after the memorial service. If you are able to help serve food during the reception, provide cookies or help with setup or clean up, please sign up or contact Lea Fox, 425-641-6796.
|
|
|
|
|
Aldersgate Christian Preschool
Thank you for all of your prayers and support! The first days of preschool are underway and the kids and staff are ready to jump in to a wonderful year of preschool.
|
Aldersgate Acolytes
"Jesus said: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
The lighting of the candles is a meaningful part of our regular worship services.
The presence of the light reminds us of Jesus' coming into our world and into our lives. The light is carried into the worship service as a symbol of Jesus' coming into the presence of the worshiping community. At the end of the service, the light is carried out into the world to show that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere. Children are invited to sign up to be Aldersgate Acolytes here. Children should check in with the ushers 10 minutes before service on the day they are signed up to acolyte. The ushers will show you how and when to light the candles and extinguish them. Questions? Contact is Kate Ingalls.
|
Resource Library News
Read Bob Olson's latest poems
Perception,Justice, and My Lord's Prayer
. They are found in "Aldersgate Poems: Inspired by Junior Church and Sermons," displayed on the library mobile cart. See pages 138 through 140, respectively.
|
Another Office Helper Needed
One person has agreed to help twice a month and so we need another one or two people to help round-out the month. This volunteer is needed on Mondays (preferably) or Tuesdays to help for two hours.
The duties include processing attendance forms, archiving bulletins, preparing children's clipboards, tidying up the sanctuary and narthex, and helping with occasional office tasks. We'd like the volunteers to start in Sept. If you have questions, please sign up or contact Wendi in the church office, [email protected].
|
Cookies Needed
The freezer is bare! Please donate cookies for the refreshment time between services. Homemade or store bought cookies, muffins, and sweet breads would be appreciated. Please put them in the kitchen freezer.
|
Lay Leadership Positions
Please consider using your God given gifts (talents, skills, interests) to serve at Aldersgate.
CLICK HERE
for a list of the places that we know of right now where your talents would be valued. Please take some time to pray about which of these opportunities might be right for you at this time in your faith life. Pastor Laura and Christian Hampson are interested in identifying gifts in our church community and empowering people to use those gifts to the glory of God. Pastor Laura and Christian are available to answer your questions and/or find the answers to them. They are looking forward to talking with you.
|
Heartworks Workshops in October
Aldersgate will host a series of four sessions
on Monday
afternoons in October about end-of-life planning led by Martha VanDeMark of the Heartwork group. This series of workshops is a powerful way to discuss our own dying process and make our own decisions about what a good death might look like. The sessions will be facilitated discussions of 6-10 people and the cost is $125 per person or $100 per person if there is more than one person from the same family. Scholarships are available. It's a great experience for couples or children and parents to do together. Anyone who is old enough to have a driver's license is old enough to participate in the group. Please contact Pastor Laura if you are interested as the group is almost full. If there is enough interest, a second group may form at a later date.
|
|
Yoga Class
Vince Fratello started his introductory series of yoga classes at Aldersgate. You can still join! The classes is taught at the most basic beginner level and will be organized to accommodate all body types and physical abilities. The class is Saturdays from
9:00-10:15am
. Students are asked to bring a sticky
yoga mat (ask if you are unsure) and Vince supplies the rest of the props. The cost is $50 per student for the entire series to cover Vince's expenses - you can try out the first class with no financial commitment and scholarships are available if needed. If you have questions you can contact Vince at
[email protected]
. We hope to see you there!
|
Come Join the United Methodist Women!
The United Methodist Women here at Aldersgate are organized to provide fellowship, learning and charitable activities for all the women in the church. Two Circle groups meet monthly. They share Sunday refreshment duty three months of the year. They help coordinate the UMW Spring Salad Supper in April, the Craft Sale in November and the Bake Sale in December. They also assist with church receptions.
- Mary Martha Circle meets next on Sept. 21, the 3rd Thursday of the month, at 9:30am at AUMC. Contact is Kathy Maybee.
- Deborah Circle meets next on Oct, 2 at 7pm. Contact is Clarine Goodleaf.
|
FootGolf Is Back!
September 24
Join your Aldersgate Church Family for a fun afternoon of FootGolf! What is
FootGolf? It's just like golf except with a soccer ball and no clubs! O
n
September 24th we will meet at Crossroads Par 3 golf course at 4:30pm. We will all start at different holes and will play through at least one round. Bring a soccer ball (and an extra ball if you have it!) or $3 to rent a ball. All other costs are covered by the church including snacks and drinks! This is fun for the whole family!
Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or email Jen Hoerber.
|
It's Time for the Young at Heart Potluck
Tuesday, October 2
Calling all retired folks, empty nesters, and wannabees! Join us Tuesday, October 2 at 6:00pm in Friendship Hall for an enjoyable evening of good food and fellowship. The theme - "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you." First timers please sign up on Sunday's response form and someone will call you about food. For more info, contact Wilma Tucker at 425-449-5419.
|
Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)
Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm. All youth from 6th-12th grade are welcome. If you have questions about the youth program, contact
Jen Hoerber. Here are some upcoming events:
*
Sept 17 - Youth Group Kick-Off, 5:00-8:00pm. Join us for a BBQ dinner and
Nerf Capture
the Flag with Newport Presbyterian and Bellevue First UMC at Aldersgate.
*Sept 24 - You and your family come join us for Foot Golf at 4:30pm at the Crossroads Par 3
golf course behind the
Crossroads Mall in Bellevue. Bring a soccer ball or money
($3) to rent one. The church will pay the game fees and provide snacks and drinks.
*Oct 1 - Youth Group, 6:00-8:00pm
*Oct 8 - Stay after church for lunch and then participate in the CROP Hunger Walk.
|
Young Adult Ministry-"At the Crossroads"
"At the Crossroads" is a young adult fellowship group. Join us at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue for dinner, conversation, and laughter every 1st Monday of the month at 7:00pm by The Stage. On a typical night, we enjoy our meal while discussing the adventures life presents us and the journeys we dream to take. Additional, quarterly events are held every season and include hikes, board game nights, a Christmas party, and the Young Adult summer BBQ. Events are posted to Facebook on a monthly basis. For more information, call, text or email Katie Olleman (425-457-3324). Upcoming events:
-
Hike to Twin Falls: Saturday, Sept. 16.
NEW TIME!
We will car-pool from the Eastgate Park & Ride at
4:30pm and start
the hike from the trailhead at
5:00pm
- October Dinner: Monday October 3 at 7:00pm at Crossroads Mall.
- November Dinner: Monday November 6 at 7:00pm at Crossroads Mall..
|
Club 345 (3rd~4th~5th Grade)
October 8
Kids in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades meet once a month on Sunday evening for dinner and a fun activity. The next meeting is October 8. We will meet for lunch after church and then participate in the CROP Hunger Walk.
Contact is Jen Hoerber, [email protected].
|
Meaningful Movies on the Eastside
6:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday, September 2017-May 2018
St. Margaret's Episcopal Church (4228 Factoria Blvd SE)
Gather with your neighbors for refreshments, a move and discussion! The screening of the first film of the new series is on September 19. The film is "Alive Inside" by Michael Rossato-Bennett. It is a joyous exploration of music's capacity to reawaken our souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity - even for those affected by Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. It chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals who have been revitalized through the simple experience of listening to music. The goal of these screenings is to bring the community together to view a film and enjoy a moderated conversation following the film that invites and welcomes all opinions.
Come and join in the dialog! Free and open to the public! There is a suggested donation of $5/person, but no one will be turned away! RSVP's are helpful to plan food, but come anyway if you don't RSVP.
This film series is jointly sponsored by the Holy Cross Lutheran, St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, East Shore Unitarian Church, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and the Muslim Association of Puget Sound - American Muslim Empowerment Network. RSVP Dick Jacke, [email protected].
|
|
World Communion Sunday
We will take a special offering on World Communion Sunday, October 1. Your gift matters! Gifts fund graduate racial-ethnic World Communion Scholarships, with at least one-half of the annual amount reserved for ministries beyond the United States. Donations also provide for undergraduate U.S. Ethnic Scholarship and Ethnic In-Service Training programs. The World Communion Sunday offering empowers a diverse mix of national and international ethnic students. Thank you for your generous gift!
|
CROP Hunger Walk
Aldersgate participate in the interfaith
CROP Hunger Walk
this year on October 8th. All are invited to join us for this 3 mile walk to raise money and awareness of hunger throughout the world. The walk starts and ends at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound, 17550 NE 67th CT, Redmond, WA 98052. Registration begins at 1:00pm and the walk starts at 1:45pm. Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or send an email to Jen Hoerber or Malia Hampson. More information along with donation collection will be available Sunday mornings on September 24th and October 1st.
|
The Sophia Way Companion Training
In this workshop, you will gain the skills to make a positive impact in the life of a person experiencing homelessness, mental illness, chemical dependency, or other difficulties by serving as a Companion. You will learn how to compassionately and effectively walk side by side with someone in need on their journey towards a better life. Join us on Saturday, October 21 from 9:00am - noon at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 3030 Bellevue, WY NE, Bellevue. This workshop is required for women who wish to serve as Companions through The Sophia Way program. A donation of $25 is requested for registration.
|
This Is Hunger
The faces of hunger in America are both familiar and hidden from view, yet they are all too real and far too many. "This Is Hunger" is coming to Temple B'nai Torah in Bellevue
, September 14-
18, for a FREE and interactive experience!
"This Is Hunger", an interactive experience on wheels (literally, it's a big rig!) brought to us by MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger.
When the 53-foot-long double expandable trailer is parked and open on both sides, it provides almost 1,000 square feet of interior space to take participants on a voyage of awareness and activism: to help them understand the stark reality of hunger in America and to spark their commitment to taking action that will help end hunger once and for all.
"This Is Hunger" is open to the East King County community. T
o reserve your FREE tickets, visit
www.thisishunger.org
and click on Find Tickets. If you have questions please contact
Rabbi Lipper,
rabbilipper@templebnaitorah.org
.
We look forward to seeing you in the truck!
|
|
|
People Who Have Passed
*Sadly we announce that Len Knapp died on Wednesday. Len and his wife Marilyn started attending
Aldersgate a few years ago and they both sang in the Chancel Choir. A memorial service is planned
for Friday, September 22 at 2:00pm.
*Betty Fredeen's friend Mary
*Roger Ingalls brother Bill
*Kelly Carver's grandmother Harriet
People with Health Concerns
*Darrell Lowe's sister Lela
*Jen Hoerber's friend Jackson
*Ruth Carver's friends Karen and her daughter
*Dan & Jo Wallis' friend Marta
*Dave & Kathy Maybee and Kristie McLean's cousin Jack
*Dave Maybee's granddaughter Ashley and daughter-in-law Wendy
*Danny & Nita Daniels
*Emily Browder's brother Ben
*Erin Breske's friend Bella
*Bill Ferguson's mother Geni
*Patty Ferguson's mother
*Lea & Ferrel Fox's neighbor Ken
*Lea & Ferrel Fox's neighbor's cousin Kawika
*Cindy Wheeler
*Bonnie McAuliffe
*Gwen Pazan's mother Marjorie
Additional Prayers
*Missionary Katherine Parker, Jen Hoerber's friends Mike, Kara and family
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
