Aldersgate United Methodist Church
A vibrant and inclusive Christian community 
growing in faith, love, health and service

   www.Aldersgate-Church.org                                                                                                            June 6, 2019
Aldersgate UMC
14230 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA  98006
(425) 746-9800
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Lead Pastor

Associate Pastor
Church Office

Children, Youth, Family

Preschool Director

Core Leaders
Calendar
Calendar
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June 6-9
PNW Annual Conference
June 9
Pentecost
Graduation Sunday
Sunday School Teacher Appreciation 
June 16
Father's Day
Trail Mix Bar
Peace with Justice Offering
June 17-20
ACP Camp 1
June 19
VBS Prep
June 24
July Calendar Events
June 24-27
ACP Camp 2
June 24-28
Congregations for the Homeless
June 30
Nepal Missionary
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July 4 - 5
Church Office Closed
July 7
Worship at 10:00am
July 8-11
ACP Camp 3
July 10
VBS Prep
July 13
Young Adult BBQ
July 14
Worship at 10:00am
July 14, 15, 17, 18, 21
VBS Prep
July 15-18
ACP Camp 4
July 22-25
Vacation Bible School
July 28
VBS Sunday
Church Picnic
Starfire Concert
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Coffee
Church Leadership
Click these links to read the minutes of the Core Leadership Team and the monthly minutes of the Ministry Teams.
Core Leaders (May)
Common Table (May)
Worship Team  (May)
CRC Team  (Mar)
Trustees (Mar)
Green Team  (Mar)
Finance Team (Mar)




Sermon:  "We Rise"

Scripture : Acts 1:6-9, Acts 2:43-47








This Sunday  
In Brad and Laura's sermons of Eastertide, they have brought to us the twin ideas of Resurrection and Insurrection, how they are alike, how they differ and how they are embodied in Jesus' life.  Brian McLaren's book, "We Make the Road by Walking" has chapters for this season with titles starting with 'Uprising.'  Jesus Christ was to all appearances the simplest of men who became the greatest revolutionary in history.  He did it not by violent rebellion to defeat the Romans.  Instead he confounded the followers who said "Hosanna," "Save us" by empowering them to carry forth his message of revolutionary love and inclusion.  It is to be admitted that they spent a lot of time not getting it and hoping for something more dramatic.  That something dramatic came at Pentecost in the form of the Holy Spirit entering into them.  It is always tempting in this season just to read that passage in Acts, but it is much more informative to contrast what the believers thought and understood before and after this singular event.  This too is Graduation Sunday and a moment to think about the positive revolution that exists in every young person to make the world a better place when the Holy Spirit enters into them.  In preparation for Sunday's message, you can read and contrast Acts 1:6-9 and Acts 2:43-47 . Remember to wear RED on Pentecost.
MINISTRY NEWS
Encourage a Graduate!
Graduation Sunday is June 9th.  We will be celebrating all of our high school and college graduates in both services. As part of this celebration, there will be a place on  June 9th where you can leave a note of encouragement, appreciation or advice to each of our high school graduates.  
Annual Conference  
The regional gathering of the United Methodists in Washington and Northern Idaho will meet in Puyallup June 6-9 . Pastor Brad and Pastor Laura will attend as will our laity representatives, Dorothy Beeman and Linda Detering. The decisions made at General Conference last February will be the center of our discussions. The looming question is can we stay as one denomination or shall we split from the United Methodist Church and form our own denomination? Please pray for us all focusing on spiritual discernment regarding our next steps.
Stewardship Status
  • Thank you to all who pledged for the July-Dec 2019 fiscal year. We appreciate your generosity.  
  • We are still accepting pledges. Please turn in your pledge card as soon as possible so we can fund all our programs and staff positions.
  • Remember to complete your pledge commitment for this fiscal year which ends June 30.
  • If you are able, please consider giving an extra "13th month" donation by June 30 to help us end the fiscal year on a positive note.
What does it mean to be a Reconciling Congregation?
There is a quote that has been attributed to John Wesley that seems appropriate for this time in our work toward being more open and accepting. It is "do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." In as much as Wesley didn't say this, his intent was certainly to live his life by what is contained in the quote. For us, maybe the shorter way to say this is, it really is up to us to live in a way that is outwardly focused seeking to do all that we can for as many as we can no matter who they are. As we continue to move more fully into what it means to be a Reconciling congregation might that be the foundation of what we're seeking to offer both within and outside of our doors.
Saying Farewell to Pastor Laura in June
Our District Superintendent has informed us that Pastor Laura's appointment to Aldersgate UMC will end on June 30, 2019 and she will start at Kennydale UMC on July 1, 2019. Therefore, we will take some time in June to say farewell. We hope that all who have been part of her ministry here will have the opportunity to participate in whatever way is best for you. Laura's last sermon will be on June 16. Laura's last Sunday in worship will be June 23. On June 30, Laura will be representing us at the Seattle Pride Parade and would welcome anyone from Aldersgate to join her. It's still possible to attend first service before going to Pride. However, contrary to previous statements, Laura will not be in first service that day. This new appointment is happening much closer to Annual Conference than usual and so it may seem rushed. That's because there hasn't been as much time to transition as any of us would have liked. However we still have the month of June together and we can use it well. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Laura at  pastorlaura@aldersgate-church.org
Missionary Katherine Parker
Sunday, June 30
Missionary Katherine Parker from Nepal will preach in both the 9:00am and 11:00am service on June 30 at Aldersgate.  Plan to be here!
Appreciation Reception
June 23
On Sunday, June 23 at 10:15am between services, there will be a reception for Pastor Laura.  Please take this opportunity to express your appreciation for her ministry at Aldersgate with a thank you card or by signing the guest book and writing a thoughtful comment.  If you would like to help with the reception, please contact Lea Fox.
VBS Work Parties
Mark your calendars and plan on attending the following work parties to help get us ready for Vacation Bible School!  We will be painting decorations, getting crafts and experiments prepped for our little voyagers and so much more.  Also, keep your eyes out for the donation request sign up sheet that will be available on June 2nd in the narthex.  Thank you in advance for helping us meet our mission of being ready to serve, lead and have fun at Mars and Beyond VBS 2019!

 July 10 from 10:00am - 2:00pm and also 3:00pm-6:00pm in room 22
 July 14 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm in room 22
 July 15 from   3:00pm - 6:00pm in room 22
 July 17 from 10:00am - 2:00pm in room 22
 July 18 from 10:00am - 2:00pm and also 4:00pm-7:00pm in room 22
 July 21 from 10:00am - 2:00pm setup the church for VBS!
Summer Music
Calling all musicians! We are looking for any type of special music the last few Sundays in June during second service, and then from July thru Labor Day in September at 10:00am when we will gather together for one worship service thru the summer. Vocal or instrumental, individuals or ensembles, children or seniors, all are welcome to share their musical gifts with the congregation. Please contact Allison Renn for more information.
Summer Worship Schedule for 2019
This summer, our Worship Team has decided to hold one worship service each Sunday at 10:00am from June 23 through September 1. We will worship together as one body at one time for all of July and August and on Labor Day weekend. We will move back to two services on September 8. The exact format of the services is not yet known.Some weeks may feel more contemporary and some may feel more traditional, but every week will be an opportunity to praise God together with joy and thanksgiving. We hope you will be here whenever it's possible with your summer activity schedule. 
Inclusive Language Bible in Worship
On Sunday mornings, our liturgists are now reading from the Inclusive Language Bible. This version of our sacred stories replaces male pronouns and removes language that has built barriers between the text and its readers. It's a fresh, dynamic translation of the Bible into modern English, carefully crafted to let the power and poetry of the language shine forth. It has been prepared by the   Quixote Center. Our goal in using the newer translation is to help us hear with new ears how our language matters in the ways that we talk about and invite others into our faith life. 
Ready to join us?
We are looking forward to welcoming new members to our congregation during worship in June. If you are interested in learning more about membership and/or joining our church, please see Pastor Laura or send her an email at  pastorlaura@aldersgate-church.org.
Resource Library News
Freedom of Simplicity  by Richard Foster is available for checkout.  We are delighted to have received this donation via a Wish Tree tag.  It is displayed on the library table.
Reading Guide to Brian McLaren's Book
"We Make the Road by Walking" 
During the coming seasons, many people from churches throughout the west will be reading chapters from Brian McLaren's book "We Make the Road by Walking". The chapters are intended to be read one per week. You may choose to read on a schedule that will coincide with themes in worship and the life of the church. 
Week Beginning         Chapter(s)            Main Idea                  
June 2                            36                     Worship  
June 9                            40                     We Rise
June 16                          30                     Intro to Culture
June 23                          42                     Crossing Cultural Borders
June 30                          43                                
FUN EVENTS
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:  
*June 9 -  Youth Group, 6:00-8:00pm
*June 16 - NO Youth Group, it's Father's Day
*June  23 - Youth Group, 6:00-8:00pm
*June 30 - Youth Group, 6:00-8:00pm
At the Crossroads Schedule
June 10 & July 13

At the Crossroads, Aldersgate's young adult group, is an open and inclusive community founded on the love demonstrated by Jesus Christ for all people.  Events are posted to Facebook on a monthly basis.  For more information, text/call Katie Olleman, 425-457-3324.

  • At the Crossroads NOW meets the SECOND Monday of the month at the Crossroads Mall in Bellevue for dinner and conversation.  The next meeting is June 10 at 7:00pm.
  • Save the Date!  At the Crossroads will have its summer BBQ at Aldersgate on Saturday, July 13 at 6:00pm.
Trail Mix Bar
Sunday, June 16
The Father's Day Trail Mix Bar will be back by popular demand!  Make sure to stop by and fill up a bag for you and your dad of your favorite treats on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16th.  If you want to help with the set up of this new Aldersgate tradition, please contact Jen Hoerber
Mary Martha Circle Lunch
Thursday, June 20
Mary Martha Circle will celebrate the start of summer with a delicious lunch on Thursday, June 20, at 11:30am at the Best Wok ( 19 - 148th Ave NE, Bellevue).  AUMC women are invited to lunch and are always welcome to come to Mary Martha Circle. Contact is  Kathy Maybee.
Emerald City Ringers in Concert
June 28 at 7:00pm
The Emerald City Ringers including Aldersgate's handbell director, Pam Johnson, and also Pastor Laura, will perform at Everett Community College as the opening concert in the Area X Handbell Conference.  The concert is open to the public and all are welcome.
ACP Summer Day Camp
Aldersgate Christian Preschool offers four weeks of summer fun EXPLORING OUR WORLD for children ages 3* years through First Grade graduates (*2 year olds are welcome when approved by the preschool director).  Camp is from 9:30am - 1:30pm Monday through Thursday, for a weekly fee of $175.  Register now!
June 17-20  It's a Small World: Insects, Bugs & Creepy Crawlers
June 24-27  Ecosystems & Habitats: Oceans & Deserts
July 8-11      Ecosystems & Habitats: Rain Forests & Jungles
July 15-18   The Final Frontier: Space
Vacation Bible School 2019 Registration is OPEN!!!
Visit our  website to register today!  VBS 2019 will be held at Aldersgate July 22-25th with VBS Sunday and ALL church picnic on July 28th!  The theme this year is To Mars and Beyond and we will spend the week learning how we can go beyond with God's incredible love.  The cost is $30 per child or $75 per family  for children 3 years old thru 5th grade.  Payment can be done  online or through the church office.  If you have any questions, please contact, Jen Hoerber.
CHURCH & SOCIETY
Peace with Justice Sunday
June 16
We will take a special offering on Sunday, June 16.  Through your generous gift, you encourage living a gospel of peace.  Your generous gift supports Peace with Justice ministries in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, in the United States and around the world.  It empowers United Methodists to help spread the gospel of peace and encourage cooperation.
Join Pastor Laura at PRIDE!
June 30
On the afternoon of June 30, the Seattle Pride Parade, honoring the many expressions and experiences of sexual orientation and gender identity, will be ending at Seattle First UMC. There are many ways you can be involved in helping with Pride this year. Church members will be providing hospitality to those who finish the parade route, including cookies and drinks. Pastor Laura will be among those who are serving communion as well. If you are interested in serving or baking cookies, or marching in the Parade with others from area UMCs, see Pastor Laura. 
Congregations for the Homeless
June 24 thru June 28 
Each year Aldersgate supports Congregations for the Homeless  by providing food for lunch and dinner for homeless men staying at Christ the King Lutheran Church. This year from June 24 - June 28 we will be feeding about 40 men. Volunteers will be organized into teams based on the day you select. The teams select the menu, decide what each person will provide for the meal and which two people will serve. Sign up on the signup sheets on the table in the narthex. We also need someone to coordinate this program as Dave Maybee is incapacitated. For more information call Dave at 425-747-3668
PRAYER REQUESTS
Prayer Requests

People with Health Concerns
*Dave Maybee
*Lorene Ellis' friend Marlene Hoffman
*David James
*Patty Ferguson
*Carol Cubilie
*Charlie Stansell
*Eathel Allyn
 
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.