January 3, 2019
  Aledo United Methodist Church   
Making disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world
by loving, knowing, and serving our God.
eNews
               
This Sunday's Message: Returning Home by Another Road
Sermon Text: Matthew 2:1-12
Meet Rev. J. Neil Norman 
 
While Pastor Lee is on sabbatical, Rev. J. Neil Norman will be preaching all services on Sunday mornings.  Get acquainted with Rev. Norman by clicking here.  Let's all welcome him Sunday morning!

Pastor Lee is on Renewal Leave
This column originally was published in January 2017.
 
With the new year, many of us make a renewed commitment to our spiritual life. It's why each year one of the most common resolutions - after losing weight and getting into better shape - relates to our faith journeys. We resolve to read the Bible more regularly, pray more...
   
  Read more 

Charlie's Turning 90! 
Sunday, January 5th, 10:00am, Fellowship Hall

You're invited to the 90th birthday celebration for our own Charlie McLain! Enjoy some birthday cake and punch while wearing your best plaid shirt, red suspenders or jean jacket!
Nursery Volunteers 
We need nursery volunteers to provide care for children 4 years-old and under on Sunday mornings. This can be a one hour commitment so you still have time for Sunday school and worship. Please contact Teresa Chisum for more information.
Confirmation 2020 
If you have a current 7th grader who would like to be a part of our 2020 confirmation class, please email Rachelle Moreland by January 5th, for more information and to sign up. Classes will begin January 19th with a parent meeting.
Faith 'n Motion: A Christian Inspired Yoga Class 
Starting January 8th, 6:00pm, Chapel

Any given class is centered on encouraging the participant to be fully present. We silence our mind, connect with our body, settle our attention on our breath and open our heart to God with patience, humility and gratitude. As one experiences the ups and downs (trials & tribulations) in the movements (flows/moving meditations) and postures (isometric holds), they accept the journey unfolding; remaining in a non-judgmental state and letting go of competition and criticism of ourselves or others. We lose the comparisons which allow for our own unique God given talents/purpose to surface. Our struggles on the mat are synonymous with the struggles in our faith. It's Faith 'N Motion! Stop by the Connection Center Sunday to sign up or visit with Sarah Rives, class instructor, who will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Class Description: 
Slow Flow Therapeutic Yoga: A meditative flow that practices slowing down by using a slow steady breath, holding postures, transitioning smoothly, and opening gently and mindfully with the ability to move deeper into one's body and self. It's a practice that builds strength, and each movement is initiated by slow controlled inhales and exhales. Accessible for all levels.

The Me I Want To Be: Becoming God's Best Version of You 
Starting January 8th, 6:00pm, Parlor

Make a New Year's Resolution that will impact your life: Discover the great task---and joy---of becoming God's best version of yourself! B est-selling author and pastor John  Ortberg explains that Christ's vision for each of us is to grow so that his Spirit flows through us like a river, and he assures us that this is  God's project, not our own.
 
Class will be led by Trudy Smith. (Book is available on-line, but reading is not required for this study; we will view and discuss the video each week.) To register, email Trudy Smith or sign-up at the Connection Center.

"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"
Beginning Tuesday, January 7th, 10:00am, Chapel

This study examines ancient interpretations of the story of Mary and Martha and then brings those interpretations forward to our lives today. Books will be available at the first study for $11.
 
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group
 January 9th from 1:00-3:00pm

This month we have a guest speaker from Connect Camp, a dementia activity event in Weatherford. 
Bob's Coat Drive 
 
Last year, Bob Bull reminded us that there were people throughout the metroplex needing warm coats, and Aledo UMC did a successful drive.  Our beloved Bob Bull passed away this year, and in his memory, we are beginning another coat drive.  From now through January 19, Aledo UMC will be collecting gently-used  coats to be distributed by  Beautiful Feet ministry in Fort Worth. Donations can be placed in the donation bin marked "Bob's Coat Drive" in the Narthex.    All sizes are needed, children through adult!   Please make sure  coats
 are clean and in "working order".  
 
Masters' Builders 
Looking for an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ right here in our community? Text "builders" to (817) 533-8563 today.
Children and Student Ministry News  
Did you know we have an electronic newsletter for our children's ministry and student's ministry areas?  Contact Teresa Chisum to sign up for the children's newsletter and Rachelle Moreland for our student ministry newsletter.
Are you taking advantage of electronic giving?
When we join the church, we pledge to support the life and ministry of the church with our financial gifts. That can get complicated on those weeks when we can't be here as the offering plate comes around. But through electronic giving, you remain faithful to your membership vows, even on those weeks when life takes you elsewhere. It's easy. It's safe. And it benefits both you and your church family. Setting it up is easy and only takes a few minutes. Contact Shari Birchell  to set up an automatic transfer from your checking account. Or go to Aledo UMC to use your credit or debit card.
PRAYERS
In your times of prayer throughout the week, please remember the people named below.
 
Concerns: Joan Ward's dad Vinton Laseter; Stephen Leifeste; Morgan Scott; Sue Van Valkenburg; Carey Durham; Bob Ballard; Jim Glenn; Clint Surratt; David Sides; Nelda McGlinchey; Jace Schmidt;  Fanci Coyle; Stella Lee's granddaughter Jennifer Germany; Megan Pritchard
 
Special members who are unable to worship with us: C.D. and Mattie Graham; Stella Lee; Barbara Moore; Bobbie Wooten; jody Young; Geneyne Clark; Diane Smith
   
Long-term prayer concerns: Tracey Boyes father Bill McMillan; Jim Doss; Deana McMullen's mother Joyce Bush; Mike Sheehan; Lynne Barnes; DeeAnn Day's mother Lou Ann Pate; Emma Vidal; Davis Mazzei; Linda Parker's mother Shirley Riff; Rachelle Moreland's sister Jennifer Ortiz & family; Rita Potter; Jayne Dawson's nephew Marco Cassarino; Fanci Coyle's mother Emma Horton; Sarah Rives; Bill Bradle; Gavin Trietsch; Carrie Hester; Jennifer Kirkpatrick's mother Judy Wendt; Matt Grantham; Kathy Mayotte's nephew Jeremy Hartle; Steve Moore; Sherroll Shirley; JoAnne Cole; All Military Personnel