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. If you can help, please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact Ted Snyder (425-747-4653). Remember to bring your gardening gloves and tools, even a wheel barrow, and dress for the weather.

This Advent, as we prepare for Christmas, we also Prepare the Way for God's re-entry into our time and place at Christmas. We'll have images of feet on roads of various kinds throughout the season as we think about what "way" we are going. We'll consider what "way" God is preparing for us, how we are preparing the "way" for God, and if the characters from Jesus' life like Mary, John the Baptist, and the Visitors at the manger can teach us something about preparing for the arrival of Jesus in our midst. Plan to be part of Advent at Aldersgate in worship, in decorating, in sharing, in baking, in crafting, and in your own ways too. It's a time of year when we can all gather and wait and watch and prepare together. 

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 November 25, December 2 and December 8 at 12:30pm after the Christmas Bash. 

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.

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.

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. 

The 2019 flower calendar is now posted on the bulletin board across from the office. Please sign up to provide altar flowers especially in January and February. They are a lovely way to commemorate a special person or a special event with your dedication appearing in the Sunday bulletin. The Flower Committee will provide a flower arrangement for $35 or you may provide your own arrangement.

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. 

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 .

Tuesday, December 4

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!

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.

Saturday December 15 at 4:00pm

St. Matthews Lutheran Church  1700 Edmonds Ave. NE, Renton 98056

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.