Oct.newsletter2017 (2) (1)

OCTOBER 2017

ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Experience






Family Fall Festival

















It’s that time of year again! As the weather gets cooler and leaves start to cover the ground, we look forward to
hosting our annual Family Fall Festival on Saturday, October 28th, from 3:00 ‘til 6:00 pm! Please invite neigh-
bors, friends, grandkids, and anyone else you know! We are looking for hosts to provide a decorated car "trunk"
as well as donations of candy and cupcakes. We are also looking for helpers to cook, provide games, and
supervise some fun activities. Click HERE to sign up.

We will have games ready to be led by both youth and adults. We will offer bounce houses and slides, a cupcake
walk, and hot dogs and popcorn in addition to trunk or treat and fun games! Be sure to wear your best
Halloween costume!

You can sign up at the Welcome station outside the Sanctuary. There will be bins for candy donations on the table
outside the church office .

What is “Trunk or Treat”? Trunk or Treat is a fun way of sharing candy and treats with church friends and neigh-
bors without going door-to-door. We invite families to bring their cars to church, open the trunk, and decorate
with a theme of their choice. In the past, we have had some great scary-themed trunks, princess trunks, game
trunks, harvest trunks – almost anything you or your family likes! Simply come early, decorate your trunk, and
share candy or goodies with trick or treaters like you would at home. Remember to sign up so we can keep track
of how many trunks we have!

Saturday, October 28th



3:00 pm til 6:00 pm



FLC Back Parking Lot

PAGE 2 CONNECTING (CONNECT WITH GOD AND ONE ANOTHER)


SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: Trick/Treat UNICEF 7 Sunday Worship & 14
BackPack Ministry 8 Special Services 14
October Birthdays 2 Garden Work Day 8 Blessing of the Animals 15
Wednesday Night Live 3 Food Pantry 9 Thank you(s) 16
M&M Survey 4 Underwear & Sock Drive 9 Thanksgiving 16
Youth Sunday School 4 Ladies Who Lunch 9 Extravagant Generosity 17
New Classes* Jesus Creed 5 PrimeTimers 10 Lay Servants 18-19

& Reel Spirituality 5 Families Moving Forward 10
Duke Day Event 6 Barrel of Joy 10
Coming Soon 6 Music Notes 11-12

Everything KIDS 7 Worship Servants 13



OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS


Evelyn Johnson 10/01 Gene Bell 10/18
John McAllister 10/01 Baylis Healy 10/18
Tom Petrosky 10/01 Ted Verble II 10/18
Aden Cone 10/04 Beth Sturkey 10/19
Rob Panza 10/04 Beth Menchini 10/21

Kim Alford 10/05 Betty Jane Upchurch 10/21
Aaron Dernosek 10/05 Joe Clark 10/22
George Carver 10/07 Abigail Lowans 10/22
Ryan Turley 10/07 Jeff Sturkey 10/23
Cameron Nye 10/08 Ella Thomas 10/23
Oscar Swenson 10/08 Courtney West 10/23
John Teunis 10/09 Linda Berini 10/25
Julian Upchurch 10/09 Laura Fogle 10/25
Jacquelyn Andrews 10/10 Leigh Anne Berini 10/26
Jennifer Clark 10/11 William Hofmann 10/26
Rob Hogarth 10/11 Regan Andrews 10/27
Darlene Marlow 10/11 Dylan Morgan 10/27
Rose Smith 10/11 Andrea Stewart 10/27
Justice Roberts 10/12 Sarah Walker 10/27
Lisa Clark 10/13 Debbie Edge 10/29
Dawn Eckhoff 10/16 Andrew Petry 10/30
Beth Osteen 10/16 Justin Drake 10/31

PAGE 3


FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP
Join us on Wednesday evenings. We will meet together for a meal
at 5:30 pm and then break into various class opportunities for
children, youth, and adults. The cost for a meal is $6.50 per adult
and $3.50 youth (through 5th grade), or $20 per family max.

One of the things we need for our Wednesday night meals is
groups willing to be responsible to be the dinner host for specific
evenings.

It is a wonderful way to raise a little money for your favorite mission area, and it provides a much needed
and very welcomed service to your church family. It’s also a fun way to build community within your own
small group. Please contact Barbara Atkinson at [email protected] or 919-638-5711 to schedule a date for
your group. The best dates – and menus - go fast, so call soon !











WNL Menus

10/4 PrimeTimers Baked potato bar, salad
10/11 Haiti Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad
10/18 Guatemala Ham, mac & cheese, salad
10/25 Agape Soup bar, salad


WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE CLASSES
Our fall season of classes will continue through November 15th. Nursery will be provided for infants and
toddlers. Please see below for class descriptions.


CHILDREN’S MUSIC AND WORSHIP ARTS * LED BY NAN DE ANDRADE
All of our children from preschool age through 5th grade are invited to participate in these special activities
on Wednesday Night. These will include singing and preparing music to sing in worship, and will also touch
on various arts including painting, puppets, bells, drama, gardening, and other engaging activities. There is
always a lot of variety and fun! (continues on page 12)

PAGE 4











This year lay leadership is conducting a Missions and Ministries Survey, also known as

the M&M Survey. The survey is much shorter and easier than surveys we have had in the
past, and there is plenty of opportunity for you to provide input and offer ways that you

can share in the life of our church.

Additionally, there will be a one-page survey that the North Carolina Conference of Unit-

ed Methodist Church is sponsoring that measures information about your discipleship
journey in relation to your life of worship, hospitality, obedience, service, openness, and
generosity. This information is shared anonymously with our church and conference, and
personally, with you when you complete the survey. (To see an instructional video about
these surveys, click HERE )

YOU CAN COMPLETE BOTH SURVEYS AT ONCE BY clicking HERE NOW. We
encourage everyone to participate. You might even be rewarded with a small packet of
M&Ms.





YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL

We have a new Sunday School curriculum and format for our
youth and we need your help. Did you know that an over-
whelming majority of Christians make the decision to follow
Jesus before age 18? This is such a formative age for our
students grades 6-12, and we have many opportunities to serve
as mentors and friends as they grow in their faith during this
time. If you are willing to spend time with our youth in Sunday
School either once or twice a month, or even as a sub, please
contact Pastor of Christian Formation Eric Prenshaw,
[email protected].

PAGE 5

NEW CLASSES: OCTOBER 11TH - NOVEMBER 15TH

THE JESUS CREED: LOVING GOD, LOVING
OTHERS BY SCOT MCKNIGHT
LED BY PASTOR BRYAN
OCT 11TH - NOV. 15TH WESLEY ROOM
In this study we will look at what spiritual formation would have
looked like during Jesus’ day using this wonderful book by Scot
McKnight. When Jesus was asked by a religious scribe where to
begin one’s life in spiritual formation, Jesus shared with him what
we know as the Great Commandment. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and
Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:28-31). The principle of Christian spiritual
formation is that a spiritually formed person loves God and loves others. This is a great introduction to the
Christian spiritual life with many rich insights for wherever you are in your journey with Jesus.

The lessons follow this pattern:
Session 1: The Jesus Creed
Session 2: Do You Need a New Beginning?
Session 3: What Has God Called You to Become?
Session 4: How is God Calling You to Compassion?
Session 5: What Kind of Society Should Christians Make?
Session 6: Yes, Disciples Fail … Living the Jesus Creed

Along with the reading for each week, the participants will memorize the Great Commandment and include it
as a part of their prayer life for the duration of the study.






REEL SPIRITUALITY: EXPLORING FILM THROUGH THE LENS OF FAITH
LED BY PASTOR ERIC AND JOHN HALL OCT 11TH - NOV. 15TH

ROOM 202 FAMILY LIFE CENTER
What role does film play in our faith? How can Christians watch visual media with wisdom and grace, noticing
both connection and dissonance between God's story and the stories of pop culture? Visual media, whether it be
through movies, television, or even YouTube videos have become the primary language of storytelling in our
culture today. In this 6-week study led by Eric Prenshaw and John Hall, we will examine how to view film
through the lens of faith and notice where Christ may be present. We will discover ways that God's story can be
revealed in film and pop culture, while also recognizing the need to watch film with discernment and critical
thought. We will discuss film more broadly, but also look at specific films and clips, including
Star Wars, The Matrix, The Truman Show, Wall-E, and others. There will be lots of room for
class input and discussion, so let us know what films you might want to explore!

PAGE 6


UNITED METHODIST MEN ANNUAL

BRUNSWICK STEW AND CHOPPED BBQ SALE

The Aldersgate United Methodist Men will once again prepare our soon-to
be-famous Brunswick Stew and BBQ. Our stew and BBQ sale this year will be on
Saturday, November 4th.
Beginning Oct 8th, you can preorder your stew on the Aldersgate.org website and at
the Welcome Center outside the Sanctuary. Order early, as we usually sell out! Stew
is still $8.00 per quart, and BBQ is $8.00 per pound. Pick-up starts at 1:00 pm on
November 4th in the Aldersgate Family Life Center and wraps up at 4:00 pm. Please
plan to pick up your orders that day; our cooler and freezer space is extremely limited.

Proceeds from our stew and BBQ sale help us support various missions and
ministries.



DUKE DAY EVENT


NC Conference United Methodist Men Duke Day 2017 – sharing our faith, enjoying
ACC football. The annual Duke Day event for conference men and their guests will be
Saturday, October 21st for the Duke-Pittsburgh football game.


UMM groups from across the NC Conference sponsor young men for a day of fun,
food, and fellowship. This event is designed to reach out to youth throughout our
conference area with the love of Christ, giving them what they need (a relationship
with Jesus and Godly men) in the context of what they want (food and football.)

Over the years, numerous young men's lives have been impacted positively through this event. Aldersgate
UMM sponsors Duke Day with cooking and serving lunch for the men and youth partaking in this event. To
get involved in this important ministry to the young men throughout eastern North Carolina, contact Brandon
Mitchell at [email protected] or call the church office. Tickets to this event are available at $25 per
person and include praise and worship, tailgate lunch, and a game ticket. To purchase tickets contact: Paul
Wilson at [email protected].












Oct. 29th * 5th Sunday Worship Service * United Methodist Men’s Day *
Guest Speaker: Wally Mills


Christmas Trees


Share Your Christmas

KNOWING (KNOW MORE ABOUT GOD, EACH OTHER, AND THE NEEDS OF THE WORLD)
PAGE 7















CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL

We have 4 children’s classes divided by age level. Each class is listed below along
with where they meet and the lead teacher. We have many other teachers who serve
in our Sunday School program and would love to have you involved if you are inter-
ested. We hope your children will be a part of this wonderful time of being shaped in
their faith.
2s and 3s—Room 103—Charlotte O’Brien
PreK-K—Room 101—Evelyn Johnson
1st-2nd Grade—Room 107—Megan Andrews
3rd-5th Grade—Room 210—Sandra Reynolds

The curriculum that we use is called “Deep Blue.” With Deep Blue, children will make Bible stories, Bible
people, and Bible passages a part of their lives. They will also come to know the Bible as THEIR book and
find ways to let the Bible speak to them today! Deep Blue incorporates Bible stories, science activities,
arts and crafts, animated video storytelling, and active games into a lived-faith experience that will help
children discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ today! This month, they are learning about
focusing on how we listen to God.



















GET OUT YOUR CANDY AND YOUR COINS!!
OUR ANNUAL FALL MISSION PROJECT
This fall, our children will be leading a fundraiser called Trick-or Treat for UNICEF. They will learn
about the needs of kids around the world who need medicine, food, clean water, emergency relief, and
education. UNICEF works to give these children healthier lives and brighter futures. Starting in mid-
October, boxes will be distributed in children’s Sunday School classes. Whether it is on Halloween or
before and after, you are invited to make donations.

Then in November, the 3rd-5th grade class will collect the boxes and contribute the proceeds to
UNICEF. $5 can provide 13 doses of the measles vaccine. $15 can provide a child with clean, safe water
for one year. $50 can provide 35 malnourished children with lifesaving nutrition for one day. $165 can
provide a bicycle to deliver medicine to children. Parents, we hope your child will participate. We hope
you will be generous as our children lead us in this wonderful mission project.

PAGE 8



The Community Backpack Ministry is
back in full swing as we continue to pro-
vide food each week for 80 students at
Riverside High School who have been
identified as “food challenged.” Our first
role is to stock the pantry (housed at Beth-
any UMC) by purchasing food at “good
prices” as we rely solely on funds donated
to the Ministry. Our second role is to pack
the food and deliver it to the school for the
students to take home over the weekend.
Many of these students receive free
breakfast and lunch at school and may not have any food source when school is not in session. Each
weekend pack includes 2 protein items, 2 fruits, 2 vegetables, 2 pastas, 2 breakfast items, 2 juices, and 2
snacks.

You may be wondering who these students are. Some live with their families but just don’t have enough
food, others live-in with someone and have no regular food source, others are literally homeless. Hard to
imagine, right?

YOU can help by letting us know when you find good deals on the seven categories of items needed, by
donating money for the purchases (just put Community Backpack on the memo line of a check or on an
envelope), and/or by helping with the packing and delivering to the school. Aldersgate is in charge of
packing every third week and our upcoming dates are Thursday, October 12th, Thursday, November 2nd,
and Monday, November 20th when we will be “double packing” for the long Thanksgiving weekend, and
Thursday, December 14.
On our packing dates we meet at Bethany at 12:30 and are usually finished around 1:30. If you would like
to help with the packing, please let Kay Edwards or Barbara Snyder know so we can add you to the list to
be reminded of packing opportunities. AND, you can always just show up! You will be greeted with open
arms and will feel “strangely warmed.”












Come grow with us in the Genesis Garden!

Work days in the garden are scheduled for Wednesdays from 6 pm-8 pm. Come late or leave early if needed.
Many hands make for light work, and we’re excited to see what God is doing through the soil here at
Aldersgate UMC. For more information, contact Pastor Eric at [email protected].

PAGE 9












Food needs for October are canned fruit, shelf-stable milk, and soup.
Please place your donations in the Food Pantry closet across from the
Wesley Room in the Sanctuary building.





WOMEN'S, MEN'S & CHILDREN'S
UNDERWEAR & SOCKS DRIVE will be from
October 1st - Oct 28th. The Durham Food Pantry
Network will have collection bins located outside the
Wesley Room and in the lobby of the Family Life
Center beginning Oct. 1st. All items should be new
and in packages. Financial donations are always
accepted.

Please make your check payable to Aldersgate UMC Urban Ministries with UNDERWEAR/SOCKS Drive in the
memo line. You may also donate at the Fall Festival Trunk or Treat event, Saturday, October 28th.









ATTENTION LADIES OF THE CHURCH

LADIES WHO LUNCH * If you are a lady of the church, retired or otherwise, and available to go to lunch
on a Friday, please join us! We will be gathering at a local cafeteria on the
second Friday of every other month to have lunch and just enjoy each
other’s company!

We can gather at the church at 12 noon and take the bus, or carpool, so that
we don't all have to drive to the destination. If you need a ride from home,
call Judy Alford at 919-210-4146.

The next luncheon will be November 10th at K & W Cafeteria, Chapel Hill.
So mark your calendar “Ladies Who Lunch,” and let’s do lunch!

Dates planned for 2017:

November 10, K & W Cafeteria (road trip), Chapel Hill

PAGE 10


PRIMETIMERS will meet on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5TH
A T 11:45 in the Wesley Room. Please bring your favorite dish to
share. Our speaker will be our own Bob Elium who will share
photos and talk on what goes on when the Railroad has derail-
ments, the steps that are taken to find the cause, and how Bob’s
former job fit in when those things happened.

There will be no meeting on Thursday, October 19 because we are going to tour the Wake Forest
Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Winston-Salem. They engineer laboratory-grown organs
implanted into humans. They are working to engineer more than 30 different replacement tissues
and organs and developing healing cell therapies. As of right now, we have a few empty seats on
the bus, so if anyone from Church would like to go, please contact Joyce Mackin at
919-381-6687 by Monday, October 16th.


Families Moving Forward * Homeless Shelter for Families
The available times for serving the families at FMF will be:
Monday, October 9th and Thursday, October 12th

If you would like to help with food, serving food, tutoring or child care, please
email [email protected].


BARRELS OF JOY FOR FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD
Families Moving Forward has asked us to collect items for the families so that when they move into their own
homes, they will have some of the essentials they will need to get started.
Twin or full sheets sets, plus blankets or comforters
Gift cards from Visa, Walmart, Target, or gas cards
Cleaning supplies and paper goods

The collection barrel is in the hall outside the Wesley Room.

PAGE 11 LOVING (Love God Through Worship and Love Our Neighbor Through Service)


MUSIC NOTES - Nan de Andrade

CHANCEL Choir * IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

Our Chancel choir is getting started on their Christmas Cantata, Hope, by Joel
Raney. Hope tells the story of Christ’s birth in a contemporary gospel style.
There are original songs and familiar carols throughout – infused with gospel,
soul, and even a touch of the blues! We are sharing this cantata on Sunday
evening, December 10 at 6:30 pm, with the choir from McMannen UMC as
well as singers from other North Durham UMC’s. We would love to welcome
some “seasonal singers” to our choir for this exciting service. You are welcome
to join us for rehearsals on Wednesday nights and/or there are also Saturday
rehearsal options as well with McMannen (email me for a schedule). Our motto
is “the more, the merrier,” because we love to welcome more singers!! If you
love to sing praise to God, you don’t need a solo voice or to commit to be at
every service all year; we truly invite you – as you are, when you can! All
voices are needed. Lately, we are especially praying for some singers who will
help grow our 8:30 service choir. For more information, see any choir member or Nan.


ALDERSGATE’S GOT TALENT! PEW SCOUTS are asked to help our music ministry to grow.
If you hear a beautiful voice somewhere near you, take a card from our pew rack and nomi-
nate that person for our choir! Just drop the card into the offering plate or to Nan’s mail box,
and we’ll let him or her know that a “little bird told us” to invite them to choir ministry!
Thanks for your help!

DRAMA MINISTRY CASTING CALL! We welcome anyone interested in
sharing short worship skits, monologues, or readers’ theatre to enhance worship to join our
growing new Drama Ministry. Emily Wike, an excellent drama teacher in our public schools
and arts programming, is helping us get this new ministry off the ground. The vision is to
gather quarterly, to plan together, sharing some scripts for upcoming services in the next few months (our goal is
one each 4-6 weeks). Then, we’ll divide up the scripts and plan for rehearsal times for the casts (probably Mon/
Tue for a couple of weeks in advance of each performance).

If you are interested or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Emily Wike
([email protected]) or Nan de Andrade ([email protected]).



SEEKING ARTISTS! What do you do that helps you to connect to God and worship? Paint? Dance?
Write Poems? Photography? Draw or Doodle? Prayer-walk? Would you be willing to share your worship art with
our children next year? At each Wednesday Night Live for Kids, in addition to singing, we introduce our children
(pre-K – 5th graders) to another worship art. Usually over 3-4 weeks’ time, a church member joins us, first shar-
ing about their worship art/activity, and then offers the children an experience in worship in their creative way.
Last year, we enjoyed everything from exercise to mosaics! For the upcoming year, we will need about 10 more
artists to come and share how they connect with God through art, activities, or interests. Please let Nan know if
you can help!

Each week, we’ll sing for 30 minutes and in the second half-hour, we’ll explore other worship arts! Our choir
curriculum is called “Growing in Grace,” and this year’s theme is ALL CREATION SINGS. The children will be
learning songs to share with the congregation about every 4-6 weeks, and also learning music and worship leader-
ship skills. We’ll share our “other” worship arts with the church as well. Check out our Shutterfly memories book
on the Welcome Table in the Narthex to see the fun we had last year! PLEASE JOIN US! WE NEED OUR
CHILDREN TO LEAD US IN WORSHIP!

PAGE 12

A POSTCARD FROM YOUR CHOIR

About 20 of our choir are attending a special
retreat at Lake Junaluska Oct. 20-22 this
year. At this retreat, we’re joining with
choirs from all over the Southeast to learn
some anthems together, as well as enhance
our ministry skills with workshops on tech-
nique, Methodist history, other worship arts,
and more─all in beautiful Maggie Valley at
the height of fall colors! So, here’s your
postcard from your choir: “Having a wonder-
ful time! Wish you were here!” Thanks for
your support.


WELCOME BACK JOYFUL NOISE RINGERS!

Our handbell choir is a precious and fragile gift! What is required is 12-14 musicians
who are willing to faithfully give an evening each week to rehearse, as well as to com-
mit to performance dates that work for all! As you can imagine, life can easily get in
the way of this, with work, injuries, moves, and illness. But God is continuing to smile
on our ministry! I know some about the sacrifices that make this reality. Join me in a
big thank you to our 2017 Ringers: Rochelle Nye, Rick Kreiselman, Verona Gillespie,
Gina Culbreth, Kathy Chmielewski, Sharon MacLaurin, Karen Bowen, Debbie Sykes,
Nancy Hargis, Katherine Siler, Anabela Mendes, and Peggy Allen, our regular subs,
Harper de Andrade and Jeanette Duke and our sometimes-subs, Lynn Wilfong, Sandra
Reynolds, and Michelle Tucker. (Paula James, get well soon!)


WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE FOR KIDS


WEDNESDAYS FROM 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Music and Arts explorations each week! For Age 4 (pre-K) to
5th graders (As we grow, we hope to be able to create 2 groups!)


Led by Nan de Andrade, assistants, and varied Worship Artists
from our own congregation! Assistants are needed to simply add
more love and care for the children as they learn. Please contact
Nan if you’d like to hang out with these beautiful little people!

Each week, we sing for 30 minutes, and during the second half-hour, we explore other worship arts!
(This month is drumming and prayer ministry.) Our choir curriculum is called “Growing in Grace,” and
this year’s theme is ALL CREATION SINGS. The children will be learning songs to share with the
congregation about every 4-6 weeks, and also learning music and worship leadership skills. We share
our “other” worship arts with the church as well. Check out our Shutterfly memories book on the
Welcome Table in the Narthex to see the fun we had last year! PLEASE JOIN US! WE NEED OUR
CHILDREN TO LEAD US IN WORSHIP!

PAGE 13

WORSHIP SERVANTS OF THE MONTH

by Rev. Nan de Andrade
This feature will highlight some of the “invisible” heroes of our worship
experience. This month, let’s thank God for Aldersgate’s!

Some of the unsung heroes of our Worship each week are the members of our robust technology

team. This group of servants does quite a lot to help us worship each week. Some of their tasks
are quite skilled, like installing wiring, cameras, or new software. Some are creative, like making
a short video to highlight a special event or ministry, or recording a CD or special service to share.

Other ministry tasks call for concentrated attention to the screen and sound, as our A-V operators
do, who advance the slides, show the videos, play CD tracks, and monitor the microphones each
week. Aldersgate is blessed with wonderful team members, who with their fearless leader, John

Hall, step up to take on each challenge with a heart to serve. The best thing we can say about them
is that we don’t notice them – that means they are accomplishing their mission, to help us to com-
municate and to worship with successful technological enhancements, and without interference.
But, in this moment, we NOTICE! We give thanks!



“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all

of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the
time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you,


















MONDAY EVENING * CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

Caring for Caregivers meets the 2nd Monday each month at 7:00 pm in Room 201 in the Family
Life Center. This is a class for those caring for loved ones of any age. Learn, share, and walk
with others through this difficult journey. Led by Sandra Reynolds.

The next gathering is Monday, October 9th at 7:00 pm in the Family Life Center, Room 201.

PAGE 14


















8:30 and 11:00 Worship Services by Pastor Bryan

October 1 Generosity...Expression of our Heart

October 8 Telling the Story (Philippians 3:4b-14)

October 15th Rejoicing in the Meantime (Philippians 4:1-9)

October 22nd Two Words...Are They Enough? (I Thessalonians 1:1-10)

October 29th 5th Sunday Message by Wally Mills & United Methodist Men





Oc.t 1 World Communion Sunday
Oct. 8 Blessing of the Animals! 3 pm, @Pavilion and Field
Oct. 29 10:30 UMM Sunday, Fifth Sunday in FLC * Wally Mills, UMM
Nov. 5 All-Saints Sunday
Nov. 19 Community Thanksgiving Service, 6:00 pm @Temple Baptist
Dec. 3 Alternative Christmas Fair 9:30 - 12:30 FLC
Chrismon/Hanging of the Greens Service, 6:30 pm
Dec. 10 Joint Choir Worship Cantata, Hope, with McMannen
and other area UMCs, 6:30 pm in our FLC
Dec. 17 Love Feast, 6:30 in FLC
Dec. 24 4th Sunday in Advent, one service at 11:00 am (Sanctuary),
Christmas Eve 4:00 Family “No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant,”
7:00 and 11:00 pm Carols, Communion, and Candlelight
Dec. 31 11:00 am (one service) Lessons and Carols Service
Jan. 7, 2018 7:00 Epiphany Ring Handbell Festival

PAGE 15

Blessing of the Animals

Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 8th
3:00 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 8, churches around the world will
celebrate something that St. Francis of Assisi started
almost 800 years ago: blessing our animals. It was
Francis who first introduced the idea that human beings
are only one of a myriad of creations of God and that all
are blessed in God's "eyes." The feast day of St. Francis
(the day that he died) is celebrated every year on
October 4, and blessing of the animal services are usually
scheduled for the Sunday closest to that day.


The first blessing of the animals happened like this: One
warm afternoon early in his ministry (sometime between
1210-1215), Francis wandered outside of Assisi, full of
self-doubt, asking God if perhaps everything he had done
until that point had been for the wrong reasons. Francis
wondered if he should have simply gotten married and raised a family as his father wanted him to do. It
was while he was praying alone to God that Francis glimpsed some birds along the path. He paused and
began to speak to them as if to equals. Soon, he began to "preach" to them about God's glories and all
the reasons why both humans and birds should be grateful. This connection between St. Francis and
animals is the single fact about him that most people know. He emphasized that creation includes more
than humankind. He always called creatures his brothers and sisters, and he worked to further widen the
fraternity to link humans and creatures in the same relationship with God.


You are invited to bring your pet(s), to Aldersgate UMC for them to receive a blessing at 3:00 pm in the
field by the picnic shelter. Those whose pets have died may bring a picture of them and we will offer a
prayer of remembrance. You are encouraged to invite your friends to bring their pet(s). This will be a
wonderful day of celebration and remembering. We do ask that you bring your pet(s) on a leash or in a
carrier. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating our wonderful gifts from God.

PAGE 16

Dear Aldersgate Members,
Last Sunday while sitting in Church, I realized it was 9 months ago
that I fell and started my recovery process. Being on the AUMC
Prayer List in the bulletin for the first time, I had no idea how mean-
ingful and supportive that would be. I want to thank everyone for
those prayers, encouraging cards, comments, and visits. I will be for-
ever blessed by this support and want to “Pass It On.” My name can
now be removed, but please know just how important this list is to all
of those who are on it. Thank you, Patty Kreiselman





THE LADIES OF THE AGAPE CIRCLE would like to thank everyone who supported our recent AGAPE
SHOP 4 KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE. We are happy to report that we netted about $1200 and after tithing
10% to the church we decided to spend our money to support the Women’s Health Clinic in Haiti and the Arme-
nian Shoebox Ministry [international ministries], UMCOR’s Hygiene Kits [national ministry], and the Communi-
ty Backpack Ministry at Riverside, the Northern High School Food Pantry, and the Laundry Detergent Initiative
for Urban Ministries [local ministries]. We are pleased that we are able to support a variety of programs that
benefit children and families!

We want you to know that our Consignment Sales are more than ‘’fundraisers.” Many of our consignors are very
thankful to have a place where they can take no-longer-needed items and “recycle” them for cash. We are acute-
ly aware that some of our regular shoppers plan on getting quality items for their children at well below what
they would pay at a retail store and are very thankful for the opportunity.

Also, as you may imagine, not everything sells and some consignors are happy to have their unsold items donat-
ed. This year we took a carload of baby items and clothing for children up to size 5 to Welcome Baby. We also
sent books and the larger-sized clothing and shoes to Eno Valley Elementary School where the clothing will be
put in their Clothing Closet for students in need. Items that could not be used at Welcome Baby or Eno Valley
went to TROSA.
An interesting side-note: we had no furniture or other “big ticket” items at this particular sale. Most of the
$1200 sales came from items priced between $1 and $4 so we sold a LOT of items!
We will have our spring sale in March or April. If you have any gently used items that you would like to sell,
please let us know! Consignors set their prices and receive 2/3 of the selling price. Hope to see you this spring!






ALREADY THINKING ABOUT WHAT TO DO FOR
THANKSGIVING LUNCH THIS YEAR?


Consider the Aldersgate Family Thanksgiving Dinner held in the

Wesley Room each year. Turkey and dressing and ham are
provided and everyone brings something to add to the feast. We
have a nice family style dinner, good conversation, and very little

stress! If you don't have plans, join us at 12:30ish for lunch. If you
have any questions, please call Judy Alford 919-210-4146

PAGE 17 GROWING (GROW AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST AND AS A FAITHFUL COMMUNITY
CALLED THE CHURCH.)






Income $ 534,711
Expense $ 496,633
Net Income $ 38,078







Help us light a fire to burn the church loan
paperwork
Six years ago Aldersgate renovated the parsonage master bathroom
and added the columbarium, the athletic field, and additional parking
at the Church, and finished the youth and scout rooms in the Family
Life Center. At that time, we had a bank loan of $1.3 million. We
have paid the loan down so that today our loan balance is $45,079.
Our goal is to pay off the loan by December 2017.

Any offerings to AUMC that are marked Debt Retirement are applied
to the loan balance.
See the Light and help us start the Fire.




MANY WAYS TO GIVE

One convenient way to give is to set up an electronic funds transfer (EFT). You can give a one-
time gift or set up weekly or monthly donations. You can set it up yourself by going to our
Aldersgate.org web site, selecting Mission & Giving, and then On-line giving, or by contacting
our church treasurer.

You can make donations to the operating budget, the capital campaign, or to special ministries
such as the community backpack ministry or urban ministries, or make a special memorial gift.

Another way to give is by donating shares of stock. We use the United Methodist Foundation and
Morgan Stanley to assist us with gifts of stock. If you are interested in this option, just contact
Mary Taylor by email at [email protected] and she will give you or your stockbroker the nec-
essary paperwork to transfer the stock.

Thanks for all that you do to support the many missions and ministries of Aldersgate.

PAGE 18



Nursery Ministry

EACH SUNDAY MORNING

Nursery teachers are:
Lynn Wilfong, Ellen Whisnant, and Dawn Eckhoff


AcolyteS


8:30 AM SERVICE
10/1 JOSHUA BOSECKER
10/8 DANIELLE NIXON
10/15 CAROLINE BARBOUR
10/22 BENJAMIN WIKE
10/29 COMBINED SERVICE


11:00 AM SERVICE An acolyte is a person who assists the presiding
10/1 MADELEINE HUGHES minister/pastor in worship and carries out
10/8 ELIZABETH HEALY certain duties, including candle lighting, carrying
10/15 MEADOW SNYDER the processional cross, and holding or getting
10/22 CAMERON NYE items the pastor needs at baptisms, Holy Com-
10/29 COMBINED SERVICE munion, and other worship acts. Acolytes may be
children, youth, and adults.




Altar Guild

Liz Crose
Ellen Venable Altar Guild assures the worship
space and supporting materials are
prepared for worship.
Trustees for October

David Shaffer

Susan Dernosek






Trustees are Christian stewards of the property God
has entrusted to the congregation. Effective trustees
supervise and maintain the property of the congrega-
tion to ensure that disciple-making ministries of the
congregation are effective and that local legal re-
quirements related to the property are satisfied.

PAGE 19

OCTOBER LAY ASSISTANTS


USHERS GREETERS WELCOME STATION LAY READER
8:30 Service

10/1 Chick Hinton Carol Brese (M) Carol Brese Judy Alford
Richard Riggsbee Dave Brese (O)
Katherine Siler
Mary Tom Roberts

10/8 Paul Jones Pat Stancil (M) Pat Stancil Barbara
Linda Jones Norma Roberts (O) Atkinson
Phil Stancil
Jackie Roberts

10/15 John Field Mary Tom Roberts (M) Mary Tom Roberts Sheila Rittgers
Mitch Adkins Richard Riggsbee (O)
Jacqueline Andrews
Chick Hinton

10/22 Doug Morris Mitch Adkins (M) Mitch Adkins Mary Taylor
Chick Hinton Jacqueline Andrews (O)
Holly Hall


10/29 Combined Service



11:00 Service

10/1 Bill Smith Sarah Walker (M) Sarah Walker April Perry
Pam Boatright Brent Walker (O)
Michele Tucker
Paula Veasey

10/8 Ginger Hawkins Paula James (M) Paula James Terri Ray
Sarah Walker Gary James (O)
Ed Osteen
Nancy Grinstead

10/15 Kim Riggs Pam Boatright (M) Pam Boatright Suzi Caudill
Paula Alford Nancy Gaither (O)
Mike Hughes
Lynn Baird

10/22 Emily Wike Rusty Grimm (M) Rusty Grimm Robin Thomas
Amelia Oakley Paula Veasey (O)
Ronnie Oakley
Stacey McCorison

10/29 Jan Howe Rusty Grimm
Kirk Brown Paula Veasey
Chick Hinton
Jeff Sturkey

ALDERSGATE UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH

1320 Umstead Drive
Durham, NC 27712


Phone: 919-477-0509
Fax: 919-477-9037
Email: [email protected]













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