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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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Dec 1
Church Work Party
Dec 2
Wreaths & Treats
Dinner & Club 345
Dinner & Youth Group
Dec 4
Young at Heart Potluck
Dec 8
Christmas Bash
UMW Bake/Craft Sale
Santa Photos
Dec 9
UMW Bake/Craft Sale
Santa Photos
Christmas Pageant
Christmas Cantata
Dec 15
Young Adult Xmas Party
Dec 16
Youth Xmas Party
Dec 17
Church Dinner
All Church Conference
Dec 24
Christmas Eve Services
5pm ~ 7pm ~ 9pm
Dec 30
10:00am Worship Service
Dec 31
New Year's Eve Party
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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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Series:
"Prepare the Way"
Sermon :
"John the Baptist Prepared the Way
"
Scripture :
Matthew 3:1-10
This year, as we prepare for Christmas, we will focus on preparing ourselves and our church for the coming of the Christ child among us one more time. We read the ancient words from Isaiah, quoted by the gospel writers:
A voice cries out:
"In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (Isaiah 40:3-5)
This first week of December, we meet our first character crying out in the wilderness. His name is John the Baptist and in many ways, he prepared the way for Jesus' ministry in ancient Israel. On Sunday, we'll hear more about how John may serve as an example for us as we make preparations for the ministry of the body of Christ in our time.
~ Pastor Laura
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Church Work Party
December 1
Please join us on Saturday, December 1 between 8:30am-noon to work around the church doing outdoor tasks like, raking leaves, pulling weeds, pruning bushes, etc. We have a beautiful property and it takes many hands to keep it tidy and looking its best.We hope you can help! Remember to bring your gardening gloves and tools, even a wheel barrow, and dress for the weather. Contact Ted Snyder (425-747-4653).
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Gift a Hood
As you know, we have been working to pay off our kitchen remodel project. About $33,000 is still owed. The stove hood that was not expected to be needed with the remodel cost $32,500. Thus, we would have the project nearly paid in full but for this one unforeseen cost. Want to give a different gift this Christmas? Give an extra gift to the AUMC kitchen fund for the new hood! It will be much appreciated.
Contact is Jim Phillips, Finance Team
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AmazonSmile
Did you know your purchases can make a difference? AmazonSmile donates to Aldersgate United Methodist Church when you do your holiday shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/91-0831002.
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Allott Memorial Fund
Church member Bev Allott passed away and, at her request, there will be no memorial service. A memorial fund has been established in her name. The proceeds will be used for a special church interest of hers to be chosen at a later time. Condolence cards can be sent to her children Greg and Wendy Allott at 4575 - 165th AVE SE, Bellevue, WA 98006.
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Nativity Sets/Creche
The Banner Committee would love to display your nativity set (creche) in the narthex on two Sundays, December 9 and December 16. If you would like to lend your set, please drop it off in the church workroom any time after December 2. Please include a sentence or two about your creche such as where it came from, who made it, why it is special to your family, etc. Be sure to label your containers clearly. Your creche can be taken home after church on December 16
th
or, if you are not at church then, it will be stored in the church workroom for pick-up later. The creches will NOT be set up until the afternoon of December 8 (after the Christmas Bash). Two years ago we had about 15 sets on display. We hope to have even more this year. Questions? Contact Norma Line (425 373 4068).
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Christmas Pageant
December 9
Join us for the children and middle school youth Christmas pageant on
December 9
at the 9:00am service. This year's pageant tells the story of the Christmas through the eyes of the animals and celebrates Jesus as a gift to all of us. There is still time for your child to get involved. Contact is Jen Hoerber. Practices are not mandatory but will be held during Kids Club on December 2 and on December 8 at 12:30pm after the Christmas Bash.
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Christmas Cantata
December 9
Celebrate the beautiful music of the Christmas season! On December 9 at the second service the Chancel Choir and the Handbell Choir will perform "A Festival of Lessons and Carols" by Hal Hopson. "Lessons and Carols" had it's origin at Truro Cathedral (England) on Christmas Eve 1880, when a services of scripture and supporting carols was developed by the Bishop of Truro, F.W. Benson. Some 38 years later in 1918, this format was adapted for Christmas Eve at King's College Chapel, Cambridge, England. The BBC broadcast from King's College Chapel helped to popularize the "Service of Lessons and Carols", and it was quickly duplicated.
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Pastoral Care Team Meeting
December 9
If you are interested in being a part of the Pastoral Care Team, we are meeting on Sunday, December 9 after second service at 12:30pm in room 22. This team does a variety of things to support our church family such as prayers, visits, phone calls, emails, home help, food, house projects, driving to appointments, etc. The goal of this meeting is to see what we, as a team, can do to help Pastor Brad and Pastor Laura care for our congregation. If you are interested, please see or contact Pam Johnson and Lea Fox at [email protected] or (206) 200-8254.
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All Church Conference
December 17
The annual business meeting of the church will be held on Monday, December 17 at 7:00pm. All are welcome to attend. It's a great time to learn more about our congregation, our leaders, our membership, our finances, and our hopes for the future. We will have a simple soup supper together at 6:00pm and the meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Even if you can't make dinner, please come to the meeting. Even if you can't make the meeting, please come for dinner.
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Connections Counseling Closing 
Laura Wall writes -
It is with mixed feelings that I share the news with you that Connections Counseling will be closing its "doors" at the end of January, 2019. For 5 years this small non-profit has been assisting low-income people to access spiritually informed counseling. Many Pastors, churches, counselors, volunteers, and donors have offered space, grace, prayers, and love to sustain this effort over the years. For this I will always be deeply grateful. With changes in life circumstances, I've had to take a step back from the organization. In the absence of new leadership, Connections Counseling will dissolve.
It has been my privilege and deep pleasure to be involved in developing and sustaining this small non-profit so nurtured by the Aldersgate community. I am grateful for all those who breathed life into it, and into me-including Pastor Brad, Shannon Hamrick, Marie Veith, and the counselors-Peter Jabin, Katie Stickney, Jenn Peterson, Gretchen Champoux, and Mary Stanton-Nurse--as well as the Pastors and churches, especially Redmond UMC, Lake Washington UMC, Ronald UMC, and University Temple UMC.
I know that together we have touched many lives, lifted people out of despair, and helped heal soul and body through the Grace of God.
I wish you all peace and joy, and, always, love - Laura
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Resource Library News
Bob Olson's collection of poems entitled
Aldersgate Poems
has been updated to include Bob's latest poem "Who Am I?" on page 168. This volume is displayed on the library mobile cart.
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Wreaths & Treats
December 2
Advent Wreaths and Treats will be
December 2
in-between services. Please join us for fellowship by sharing festive treats and making advent wreaths for your home. All of the supplies for the advent wreath will be on hand. Volunteer to bring treats, greens and sign up to make a wreath by
simply signing up on the attendance form on Sunday mornings or emailing Jen Hoerber.
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Club 345 (3rd~4th~5th Grade)
December 2
Club 345 is open to all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders and meets once a month on Sunday evening for dinner and a fun activity. The next meeting is December 2 at 5:00pm. Volunteers are always needed to host the Club 345 activity or to provide the dinner. Please sign up on the CYF bulletin board by the church office.
C
ontact is
Jen Hoerber
.
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Deborah Circle Christmas Potluck
December 3
Deborah Circle's meeting and annual Christmas appetizer potluck will be hosted by Norma Line on Monday,
December 3
, at 6:30pm. All women are welcome-it's a great way to get to know some of our church community! For more info, please contact Clarine Goodleaf.
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At the Crossroads Young Adult Group
December 3 & December 15
Save the Date! The "At the Crossroads" young adult Christmas Party is Saturday,
December 15
. The details will be planned this month at our regular 7:00pm dinner at the Crossroads mall in Bellevue on
December 3
. "At The Crossroads" is an open and inclusive community. The goal is to create fellowship amongst Young Adults (ages 18-35ish) founded on the love demonstrated by Jesus Christ for all people. Contact is Katie Olleman.
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Young at Heart Potluck
Tuesday, December 4
Calling all retired folks, empty nesters, and wannabees! Join us Tuesday, December 4 at 6:00pm in Friendship Hall for a tasty potluck dinner and a performance by the Issaquah Singers ensemble. Please bring an entree, salad or vegetable (only dessert will be provided.) Each person should bring their own dishes and utensils. Also each person should bring a wrapped white elephant gift for the gift exchange - something from home (don't spend any money!), new or used, that you no longer want. The cost is $2 per person to help pay for expenses. First timers please sign up on Sunday's attendance form. Someone will call you about the food. For more information, contact Livonia Lowe
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Christmas BASH
December 8
Invite your friends and come for the CHRISTMAS BASH on December 8 from 10:00am-12 noon. This is a great festive morning filled with crafts for all ages, fun activities, a craft and bake sale and photos with Santa fundraiser. It will wrap up with a simple Christmas story time and carol sing-along. Volunteers are needed to set up, staff a craft/activity table and help with the story time and carol sing. Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact
Jen Hoerber. If you have a craft or idea you want to share that's Awesome! If not, no worries, we have awesome ones you can help with!
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Holiday Bake & Craft Sale
December 8 & 9
Simplify your holiday baking and shopping with our annual United Methodist Women Bake/Craft Sale, coming December 8 (at the Christmas Bash) and December 9 (after both services)! In addition to taking home some wonderful goodies, you will also be helping the UMW support missions, a definite win-win. Also, the UMW would welcome any donations of baked goods or crafts. If you would like to help in that respect, please sign up on the attendance form or contact Clarine Goodleaf.
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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:
*Dec. 2 - Dinner, 5:00pm, Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm
*Dec. 9 - Youth Group, 6:00-8:00pm
*Dec. 16 - Youth Christmas Party, 6:00-8:00pm
*Dec. 23 - No Youth Group due to the holiday season.
*Dec. 30 - No Youth Group due to the holiday season.
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Emerald City Ringers Concert
Saturday December 15 at 4:00pm
Come and see the Emerald City Ringers in their Christmas Concert for 2018, "Seasons of Love." You'll recognize a couple of faces from the AUMC handbell choir
(Pastor Laura and Pam Johnson) and lots of tunes from the Christmas season. Suggested donation is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors/students, $5 for children, and $30 for a family.
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Silent Night by Taproot Theater
December 16
St. Peter's UMC is hosting the award winning Taproot Theater who will present the holiday play "Silent Night" on Sunday December 16 at 2:00pm. The play is suitable for families with a length of about 45 minutes. The play is about two strangers who get lost in space and time and encounter an angel who gets them back to their homes. Tickets are $10 per person and children 6 years old or younger are free.
There will be nursery care for younger children. Refreshments will be provided after the performance. Tickets can be purchased at St. Peter's Church (17222 NE 8th ST, 425-747-3210, or at Brown Paper Tickets, or at the door.
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Christmas Giving Opportunities
- Vision House is a non-profit based in Renton that provides dozens of homeless women and children with a place to live, child care, education, and support while becoming self sufficient. Your donations of gift cards for groceries, clothing, gasoline and personal items for $10 to $50 are a great help for these women during the year. These will be available in the narthex for you to choose. Please return your gift cards by Sunday December 16.
- Hopelink Christmas Gift Store provides gifts for needy children from infants to 18 year olds. Aldersgate focuses on teenagers because gifts for them are often in short supply/ Please donate gifts such as warm clothing, gift cards, makeup, sports equipment, movie cards. A donation box is in the narthex. Deadline is Sunday Dec. 16.
Questions? Contact Dorothy Bennett. 425-641-0871
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Warm Socks Needed
School has started and rains have returned! The need for warm socks touches everyone, especially the homeless. Please leave new socks in the basket across from the office. They will be delivered to Congregations for the Homeless, Griffin House, Mary's Place, Operation Nightwatch and Sophia Way. Griffin House may be new to many in our congregation. Located in Renton, Griffin House serves homeless boys. Imagine what a pair of socks in Seahawks colors would mean to its new owner!
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Communities of Belonging: Beyond Labels
Strengthen your community and challenge your perception
through an evening of stories and conversations
with the formerly incarcerated
and other marginalized populations to be held at Amazing Grace Spiritual Center (2007 NW 61st Street, Seattle) on
Friday, December 14 from
7:00-8:30pm.
Doors open at 6:45pm. Program begins promptly at 7:00pm. Light refreshments provided. There is no charge for this event. Please RSVP to Kristie Mclean at [email protected]
or
(206) 605-5351.
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People Who Passed Away
*Church member Bev Allott
*Mabel Fry's son-in-law
People with Health Concerns
*Betty Fredeen's friend Jainie
*Pastor Brad
*Lynda Dreher's daughter
*Bob Olson's friend Phillip
*Dorothy Bennett's friends Judy and Bruce
*Jen Hoerber's friend Sawyer
*Patty Ferguson
Additional Concerns
*Missionary Katherine Parker
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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Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.
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