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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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July 14
Young Adult BBQ
July 17 & 18
VBS Prep
July 21
Candidate Forum
July 22
VBS Decorating
July 23
August Calendar Deadline
July 23-26
Vacation Bible School
July 29
One Service at 10am
Church Picnic
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August 5-11
Youth Mission Trip
August 20
September Calendar Deadline
August 25
School Service Day
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September 2
One Service at 11am
September 3
Labor Day Holiday
Office Closed
September 5
ACP First Aid Class
Handbell Choir Practice
Chancel Choir Practice
September 6
ACP Parent Orientation
September 9
Mariner's Game
September 10-11
ACP Meet the Teacher
September 12
Preschool Begins
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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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Altar Flowers
Please sign up to provide altar flowers in July, August and September.
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My deepest thanks for the love and support from the many friends at Aldersgate and an extra thanks for all of the volunteer helpers at Al's "celebration of life" on May 20th.
~~~ Bev Allott
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Sermon: "Jesus Walks With . . . ?"
This Sunday we examine the third of the Vacation Bible School scriptures. It focuses on Jesus walking with someone; his name was Zaccheaus, but why Zacchaeus? Let's begin with the question, who in our lives do we love to hate? Pretty sure we all have one or two. Or I think about the villains in some of the movies coming out. Superman, Batman, The Black Panther, and even Ant Man. Remember, each super hero has an archenemy, one that can push them to their very limits of their power, and sometimes beyond. Superman has Lex Luthor and kryptonite. Batman has The Joker. Not sure who Ant Man has but I can only imagine. Each seemed to represent the worst part of humanity, and the super hero seemed to represent the polar opposite. But there always seemed to come a point when the super hero would hear a line from the villain that goes something like,
"We're not so different, you and I..." and then talk about the desire for power, or even being better than other normal people, that sort of thing.
So for Jesus, I wonder if Zaccheus was that kind of person; in many ways the opposite yet representing something that lay within all of us. If we dig into the story a bit more we find some pieces that can be helpful. So this Sunday we
'll take a look and remember, it wasn't just about Jesus wanting to lecture Zaccheus in the error of his ways. Jesus wanted a relationship that could help Zaccheus see an alternative. So Jesus invited himself to dinner. Ever had anyone invite themselves to dinner? I mean, how do you say no? So on this third week of focusing on the Vacation Bible School scriptures, we examine Jesus walking alongside someone even we would love to hate, someone who could be seen as an archenemy and was back then; yet someone who dealt with similar struggles or maybe carried some of the same characteristics we may struggle with. To prepare please read Luke 19:1-10.
Pastor Brad
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Pastor's Blog 
Rev. Laura Baumgartner
As a chemistry teacher, I frequently hear a question from my students in the lab that goes like this, "if I (eat, mix, try, burn, or drop) this, will I die? My response is usually, "you are going to die anyway, but that might hasten the process." Life and death are topics that we are curious about from a young age. As we get older and we know more and more people who have completed their life on Earth, we understand more and more about the process of dying, but rarely do we talk about it.
In August, we will begin a new sermon series looking at questions and perspectives that we face when we are honest about our mortalitiy. I'm calling the series Life til Death because one of the things I've learned from people who have a terminal diagnosis is that there is joy in living when we know that we can make our own decisions and trust our loved ones to follow them. The goal of the series is not to be morbid. It's also not to talk much about finances or legal documents or medical treatments, although resources will be available in the library for those interested in those topics. Instead, our focus will be on the spiritual side of the end of life, whether that life be our own, a spouse or parent or child or friend, or the life of someone or something in our community that has been treasured. We'll talk about grief and loss, about letting go, about finding peace, and about what outlives our current reality. The mood of the services will be different from the VBS services of July, but it won't be depressing or geared only for one age group. We are all moving in the same direction on this journey and we can face these topics together.
Brad will be away for the first two weeks of the series, but will join us for the third and fourth weeks. I'll be with you throughout the entire series. While I'm not an expert in end of life planning, I have been gathering resources for our work on this topic together and I hope you will also share your resources with the community. I will serve in whatever ways I can as a guide for this series that I believe is important for us at this time. I'll talk more about that in August. I hope you will be a part of the conversation in person when you are in town and in prayer and other ways while you may be travelling.
Pastor Laura
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Sunday July 29
One Service @ 10:00am
It is Vacation Bible School Sunday on July 29. There will be only one worship service starting at 10:00am followed by the church picnic.
. We will be inviting all of the VBS families to join us for worship.
Church Picnic
The All Church Picnic is July 29 at approximately 11:30am following the 10:00am service. The church will provide sandwiches and lemonade and ask that everyone bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share. If your last name begins with:
A-H bring a salad (fruit salad, green salad, pasta salad, etc.)
I-R bring a side dish (baked beans, deviled eggs, etc.)
S-Z bring a dessert.
Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. We need help with organizing the food, games, set up and clean up. If you can help with the picnic, please contact Jen at
[email protected] or sign up on the attendance form.
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Nursery Coordinator Position Open
Do you know someone who loves children with a welcoming spirit who would be interested in our nursery coordinator position? This position is for Sunday Mornings from 8:45am - 12:15pm. The coordinator welcomes families and makes sure our youngest are cared for and nurtured during worship on Sunday mornings. They also schedule and work with our youth attendants. If you know any qualified applicants, please refer them to Jen Hoerber at [email protected].
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Vacation Bible School Update
1.
VBS Prep Parties
are scheduled to make decorations. There will be painting (so please dress accordingly) and cutting, and organizing supplies.
>Thursday, July 12 from 6:00 - 8:00pm
>Tuesday, July 17 from 10:00am - 2:00pm
>Wednesday, July 18 from 10:00am - 2:00pm
>Sunday, July 22 - We will SET UP after services.
Lunch will be provided.
>Thursday, July 26 - We will CLEAN UP after VBS
>Sunday, July 29 - We will CLEAN UP after the picnic.
2.
VBS Set up
will start after the 9:00am worship service on
July 22
and go till we have completely transformed the church. Lots of hands make the work go swiftly. Plus it's a lot more fun with friends! Lunch will be provided at 12:30pm for all workers! Please signup on Sunday's attendnace form..
3.
Volunteers are needed
. We have 110 kids registered for Vacation Bible School and are in need of
a lot more volunteers
. Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form.
4.
Can we borrow?
We are looking for the following items to borrow for the week of VBS. We will return promptly afterwards. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Christmas trees
a small inflatable raft
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Annual Conference Report
The three people from Aldersgate who attended Annual Conference this year in Puyallup, WA the last week of June were Pastor Laura Baumgartner, Jean Harris, and Dorothy Beeman. Below, each of this year's attendees shares a brief summary of their favorite parts.
>>>From Laura:
This year, the theme of Annual Conference was "Do This and You Will Live! Do What?" Each worship service and many of the addresses explored various approaches to the story of the Good Samaritan, which Jesus uses as an example to explain what we are to do, in order to live.... Click here to continue
>>>From Jean:
The last two Annual Conferences have been very different from previous years but for different reasons.... I came away from this conference spiritually renewed and untroubled about the future of our denomination....Click here to continue
>>>From Dorothy:
This was my first time attending Annual Conference as a lay delegate. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience.... Click here to continue
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CRC Update
The committee designing a process for Aldersgate to Consider Reconciling Congregations (CRC) is strategically re-starting their work this summer, under Pastor Brad's leadership. The committee is not a decision-making organization, but rather a group committed to finding a way for everyone at Aldersgate to both hear and be heard in the process of coming to a decision about whether Aldersgate will join the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). Whether or not Aldersgate chooses to join RMN, the process that the committee is designing is meant to help us learn to recognize opportunities to grow together in the Spirit with all who come seeking to follow Jesus. The committee meetings are open and all are welcome to attend, although the focus of committee meetings is entirely on designing a congregational process, not on debating or even identifying issues important to the congregational decision.
Click Here
to read more about CRC.
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Sunday Refreshments
Do you enjoy coffee and treats on Sunday morning? Then please grab a friend (or Sunday School class, or choir member, or ministry team) and signup to make coffee and serve treats. The signup sheet is on the kitchen counter. There are treats in the freezer or you can bring your own home-made or store-bought treats. And many thanks to the women of Deborah Circle and Mary Martha Circle for providing and serving refreshments six months out of the year.
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Resource Library News
Aldersgate Poems
has been updated to include Bob Olson's latest poems entitled "Loneliness" and "Profit Over Progress." This volume is displayed on the library mobile cart. These works are found on pages 165 and 166.
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Let's go out to the ballgame!
Sunday, September 9 @ 1:15pm
Aldersgate UMC will be going to Safeco Field to cheer on the Mariner's on September 9!
- Mariners vs New York Yankees
- Sunday, September 9, 2018 at 1:15pm
- View Seats for $13 each
We have a limited number of seats reserved, so order yours today! Please fill out the form located on the desk in the narthex, enclose the money in the attached envelope, and give the envelop to Wendi in the church office. Deadline to order is August 30. Questions? Contact Jen Hoerber at 425-299-4996.
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Young Adult Summer BBQ
Young adults (18 years +) are invited to join us for an evening of community, lawn games, food, and laughter at Aldersgate on Saturday, July 14 from 6:00-10:00pm. All are welcome so come as you are and bring a friend! We will be gathering outside at the picnic area by the bridge over the stream. In case of wet weather, we will gather indoors in friendship hall. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided including gluten free and vegetarian options. If you'd like to contribute to the festivities, please bring a side dish. RSVP or ask questions on Facebook at https://bit.ly/2yGXl97 or leave a voicemail with Katie Olleman at (425) 457-3324.
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Vacation Bible School
July 23-26, 2018
Aldersgate VBS 2018 will be held
July 23-26, Monday through Thursday from 9:00am - Noon for kids age 3 through 5th grade.
Our theme is Rolling River Rampage where we will learn to find Adventure, Acceptance, Joy, Rest, and Peace on the river of life. While registration is closed now, your child can be added to the wait list. Cost is $30/child or $75/family and scholarships are available. See Jen Hoerber to be added to the wait list.
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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:
*July 15 - Youth Group 6:00-8:00pm - Tie Dye Night!
Bring a white t-shirt, pillowcase, etc. to dye.
*July 22 - VBS Decorating (10:00am- 2:00pm) with lunch provided (12:30pm)
*July 29 - Church picnic @ 11:30am. Bring a side dish to share. No Youth Group tonight.
*August 1 - Craft Time with Courtney from 4:00-5:30pm, $2 supply fee.
*August 5 - Leave on Mission Trip to Idaho - No Youth Group
*August 10 - Return from Mission Trip
*August 12 - Still recovering from Mission Trip - No Youth Group
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Club 345 (3rd~4th~5th Grade)
Resuming in September, kids in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades meet once a month on Sunday evening for food and a fun activity.
Contact is Jen Hoerber.
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Meet the Candidates
Are you ready to vote on August 7? Attend the candidate forums hosted by the League of Women Voters at Aldersgate and Bellevue First United Methodist Church. Meet the candidates and bring your questions to better understand their respective positions. These candidate forums are free and open to the public. The LWV is nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties (www.Lwv.org).
- First UMC of Bellevue will host the League of Women Voters candidate forum for the 41st Legislative District (Pos. 1 & Pos. 2), on Thursday, July 12, at 7:00pm. (1934 - 108th AVE NE, Bellevue)
- Aldersgate UMC will host the League of Women Voters candidate forum for the 9th Congressional District, on Saturday July 21, at 10:00am. If you wish to assist in hosting this event, contact Roger Ingalls or Colleen Olleman."
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Jubliee Reach Day of Servic
e
Aldersgate will again participate in Jubilee School Service Day on
August 25
, from 8:00am- Noon. This is a great way for our church to reach out into the community and serve. This year we will work at Eastgate Elementary and help them prepare for students. There are a variety of tasks such as doing yard work, decorating bulletin boards, compiling back to school packets, cleaning desks, organizing library books, and painting. This volunteer opportunity is open to kids (with adult present), teens and adults. Register online at www.jubileereach.org/serviceday. You will find the church (Aldersgate UMC) and school (Eastgate Elementary) located on the registration page. Paper registration forms can be found on the desk in the narthex with additional information. Paper registrations should be turned into Jen Hoerber to ensure proper registration.
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Summer 2018 UMW Revivals in the Northwest
This summer, the Innovation and Vitality Team within the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church is holding six events in six cities. They are calling them Ordinary Revivals, drawing on the long tradition of revival meetings where Christians deepened their faith and collaborated regionally with others who responded to the call of Jesus on their lives. These Ordinary Revivals will have some of that flavor but they will also be a time to network and collaborate with other Christians who are ready to figure out where the Spirit is moving within and around the church of the Northwest. The event closest to Aldersgate will be
September 21-22
in Seattle. Learn more and register at http://ordinaryrevival.org/.
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People Who Mourn
*Lea Fox's sister-in-law Carolyn passed away.
*Ruth Maloney who's Uncle Ted passed away.
*Jennifer McLean who's friend Clar passed away.
People with Health Concerns
*Pam Johnson's father Dennis
*Hal Prow's mother Rosemary
*Jen Hoerber's cousin Scott.
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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