September 2018 Advocate

Transcription

1 September 2018 Advocate For everything there is a season Ecclesiastes 3 Fall is beginning! The heat wave has broken and I look forward to the cooler days and nights we are promised. There is something in me that still gets excited for this Fall season. It is a time of new beginnings, of new adventures, and a return to a certain rhythm of life that I have come to count on. I look forward to the start up of our many church activities and ministries. (You will find a list of those dates on the following pages). Our various committees have begun meeting and I am excited about all the things they are planning for the coming year! We will return to our Fall worship schedule with two services this Sunday, September 9 th. We will celebrate Rally Day and present our Kindergarteners and Third graders with new Bibles. The choir will be back in full voice, and children will begin their church-school classes. After the second service, all are invited to join in a pot-luck lunch in the fellowship hall. It is my hope and prayer that you, too, are ready for new adventures together, and that you might invite someone new to join us! See you in church! In faith, Pastor Lisa

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3 District News Bishop on the District Next Sunday, Sept. 16 Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar is making his annual visits to the districts. These visits are an opportunity for clergy and laity to engage in open dialog with the bishop. We would like all Clergy to attend and 2-3 lay members from each church. He will be visiting UMC Westford from 3:30-6:00 p.m. (10 Church Street, Westford). United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) New requirements for UMCOR kits In June, UMCOR announced changes to the contents required for its kits. *Hygiene kits *School kits *Cleaning Kits The director for UMCOR Sager Brown and Depot West relief supplies, Amy Fuselier, helps to oversee changes to the relief supply kits, and says supply kit lists do change from time to time. All the kits have changes; one example: Sponges have been removed from the list of supplies in the cleaning buckets due to the challenge volunteers have had in locating the non-cellulose sponges, which prevent mildew. Non-cellulose sponges now will be added to each bucket when they arrive at the affiliate warehouse. The updated lists offer flexibility to the donor in purchasing supplies, said Fuselier. The new lists help us to be better stewards of the donor s dollar. The intended goal is to make the process a lot more donor-friendly. For any kits that may have items slightly different from the new list, we will continue to accept them as they are during the coming months.

4 District News Workshops and activities include: Retreat Center celebrates 70th anniversary! 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 Rolling Ridge Retreat & Conference Center North Andover, MA Andover Artists Guild fall art show reception and marketplace Spirituality Workshop on soul care Wellness Workshop on body care Guided tour of the House Guided tour of the historic Fletcher Steele gardens Walking the Labyrinth (with facilitator) Working at the Giving Garden (with facilitator) A scavenger hunt to highlight the history and changes at the Ridge The Stations of Creation along the shore of Lake Cochichewick Tell Your Rolling Ridge Story table Graffiti boards to celebrate Rolling Ridge s history and future A reunion of former Rolling Ridge directors, staff, campers Camp Alumni Reunion with pictures Picture Party Learn more and register at

5 Adult Study Unafraid, Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times Adult Study Starts, Sunday, September 16th Americans are anxious people. A recent study found that one in five of us has an anxiety disorder and we spend over $2 billion a year on anti-anxiety medications. Often our life events play a significant role in our worries and fears. In this five-week DVD/video based small group study based on his book Unafraid, Adam Hamilton explores the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today. He considers practical steps for overcoming these fears, and reflects upon fear in the light of Scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we don't need to live in fear. We can live with courage and hope. Companion book is available for a $15 donation. Sunday Date Topic 1 September Understanding and Countering Fear 16th 2 September Crime, Race, Terrorism, and Politics 23rd 3 September Failure, Disappointing Others, Insignificance and Loneliness 30th 4 October 7th Apocalypse, Change, Missing Out, and Finances 5 October 14th Aging, Illness, Dying, and Fear of the Lord

6 Outreach News New Home Dedication Habitat House in Westford was dedicated on Tuesday, August 21st. What a blessing to this family and everyone involved. Debbie Benson and Jane Yeul were able to attend be witnesses to this blessed event. Please pray for the family and all who made this work possible. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell moves into the next 25 yrs. With community help like that of Aldergate, they have impacted 148 families: built/ renovated 41 homes locally, built 70 homes globally and repaired 38 homes for our Veteran/elderly/ disabled through our Critical Repair Program. and globally volunteer today.

7 Outreach News Change for Change Change for Change as we heard Isabelle Cole speak on in church is going to 13 Reasons to Fly! Keep that change coming as it will go to when she speaks at the next Youth Mission Trip. What support and love she feels from this congregation and we thank all of you. School Supplies Thank you so much for the support of school supplies that will be used for children in our own area that are in need of school supplies. The school supplies could not brought to Nicaragua because of all the trouble and unrest in that country. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Sierra Maestra and Pastor Santos and his family during this very difficult time. be St. Paul s Feeding There is still one month open in December for St. Paul's. If your committee or group can do this or hasn't signed up to do a meal please consider that month. Outreach can help you!

8 Small Group Opportunities Single Ladies Dining Out The group will get together for dinner on Saturday September 8th at 5 pm at Rufinas on Concord Rd in Chelmsford. If you are a single lady and would enjoy a Saturday evening dinner out, we would love to meet you! Give us a call and we can tell you all about the group and reserve you place with us. For those already part of the group, PLEASE reserve your spot at the table by calling or talking with Ardie Deitz at or Betsy Campbell at. We need to confirm the num- Book Club The Aldersgate Book Club meets monthly on the last Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm. Join us for pizza and discussion! For the September meeting: The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desa Wonder Women Daytimers Breakfast Club We meet one Friday morning a month at 10 am at a local restaurant for a tasty breakfast, socializing, and laughs. Please contact Chantale Shepard at if you d like to join!

9 Notes from our members A grateful thank you to everyone who prayed for me, sent cards, called on the phone, delivered lovely flowers from their gardens, stopped by to visit during my recent hospital visit and recovery at home. Doris Miller Cards of Comfort You are invited to send a card of comfort or encouragement to the following people in our Aldersgate family : Anne Morrison

10 Music Notes Adult Choir Our Adult Choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM, and sings regularly at our 10:45 AM Worship Service on Sunday. This group also meets on Sunday morning at 10:00 AM in preparation for the service, and to give an opportunity to those who are unable to attend the prior Tuesday rehearsal to be better prepared to join in the special music that day. We welcome adults of all ages to come sing with us! Bellissimos Beginner Bell Choir This bell choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, and plays at our 10:45 AM Worship Service not more often than 6 weeks apart. It is designed for people who want to learn more about reading and playing music through playing church bells. It is a multigenerational group that has included young players as young as 9 years old. If your child is interested, please speak with Maylis. There is no limit in the age of our older players (and we will certainly not mention their ages here ). That interaction between generations has been a great joy. Come to enjoy learning music and playing bells with us! Shepherd Bells Choir This bell choir is designed for advanced bell players or people who have had more musical training in the past and want the challenge of playing with a group of well-seasoned church bell players. They rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM, and play at our 10:45 AM Worship Service as the players availability allows. They also play on some of our most significant Christian holidays. We welcome new players as we begin this new season! If you have any questions or would like more information about any of these musical groups, please speak with Maylis. You can also contact her at mdelafer@yahoo.com In addition to these established ensembles, we have both soloist and other small ensemble opportunities ahead. We are so blessed, and thankful for the many gifts and talents that we find in this congregation, and for the willingness of many to share them with all of us. We would love to welcome you into our wonderful Music Program as we praise and worship God together through music!

11 Music Notes Continued We are excited to begin another Season of Music at Aldersgate and look forward to the new opportunities that will come ahead. If you have been thinking about joining one of our choirs, would like to learn some vocal techniques or be introduced to playing bells, would like to familiarize yourself with reading music, or play an instrument, we invite you to come speak with us! We would love to have you join us in praising God through music as we worship together. Starting dates for rehearsals are as follows: Bellissimos (Beginning Bell Choir) Thursday, September 13 th Fellowship Hall 6:00 PM Shepherd Bells (Advanced Bell Choir) Thursday, September 13 th Fellowship Hall 7:30 PM Worship Arts (Art and Music Program for Children 4 Years Old through 5 th Grade) Tuesday, September 18 th Downstairs Room 7-8 4:00 PM Please, speak with Maylis if you have any questions or would like more information. You can also contact her at mdelafer@yahoo.com Keep singing and keep the music playing!

12 VBS HIGHLIGHTS!! What a great week we had at VBS! Over 85 children, youth helpers and adults experienced the ride of a lifetime with God at Rolling River Rampage VBS. Our rafting ready verse for the week was, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2.

13 Save the date! Rally Day Sunday September 9th All are welcome to join us as we start our fall programs! Worship Services: 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. Church School Registration: 9:30 a.m. Church School and Adult Reception: 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Worship Service: Bible Presentation Noon Potluck Luncheon for all Bring your favorite side dish or dessert, we will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers and beverages. Youth 2018 Mission Trip Thank you Spaghetti Dinner & Sharing September 22nd 5:30-7:00 p.m. The theme of our Mission Trip was: Dare to be Different! Our youth and chaperones would like to share their experiences with you on Saturday, September 22nd from 5:30-7:00 p.m. We will prepare a spaghetti dinner and share a special presentation with you. Come join us - all are welcome!

14 Junior Youth Group What a great time we had at our 24 hour lock -in in June! Our theme was: The Choice Is Yours! During our time together, we reflected on how many decisions we make every day in our lives. Our activities were: make cards for Sergei, play scooter hockey and Apples to Apples, watch the movie, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, go to the Escape Room and have ice cream at Great Brook State Park. Junior Youth Pizza Party - for youth and parents! Friday, September 28th from 6:30 8:30 p.m. All youth in grade 6-8 are welcome to join us - parents are invited too! Join us to find out about what we are going to experience this year in junior youth group. We will all enjoy pizza, then break up into 2 groups - the youth will play games and the parents will learn about junior youth group and how they can support this group. Senior Youth Fun! Sunday, September 30 th noon - 2:00 p.m. All youth in grades 9 12 are invited to join us as we begin a new year of youth group! More information will be shared in the youth flyer.

15 Holiday Faire and Festival Preparations With gifted and talented Angels and Elves already busy preparing beautiful Christmas decor, we invite you to save the date for Aldersgate s Holiday Faire and Festival on November 30 from 1pm -8pm and December 1 from 9am to 1pm! Help us celebrate all our talents this year by joining the Elves team and sharing whatever your gifts may be! Thank you for thinking of the Faire as you clean out jewelry boxes, begin to think about baking projects, and share containers for our live greenery and centerpieces. Ceramic and other creative containers and quality new items for the Silent Auction are welcome now. We would like to add some Talent Items to the Silent Auction this year (home baked meal, skilled labor, or entertainment, etc.) so please let us know what you can offer! Thanks for all the gifts of talent, time and creativity that contribute to the fellowship and festivities of this Aldersgate highlight! Faire Tables include Glad Tiding Greens (wreaths and centerpieces), Kringle s Kitchen, Country Store and Bakery, Silent Auction, Creative Crafts, Knitting Boutique, Children s Shoppe and Jingling Jewelry. We look forward to an assortment of creative gifts and crafts, excellent food and caroling with Aldersgate s angelic musicians! Please let us know if you have pine boughs or greens that could be used for our swags and centerpieces we need some new sources of greens. Thanks! Contact Bonnie Marden,, BonMarden@gmail.com, Deana Peterson, peterson.deana@gmail.com or Melinda Goodick, mggoodick@hotmail.com. Grateful for the talents and generosity of AUMC, we anticipate the joy of the season! Sept 9 Concord Room Grab a plate and we can plan for minutes after services!

16 In the community.

17 Your Invited to attend the 50th Anniversary of Troop 81 Sunday September 30th following the 10:45 service. Rear parking lot Lunch will be provided following services. New Eagle Scout Plaque Dedication ceremony at 2:00 Scout skill demonstrations Demo campsite with display of the troop equipment Pictures of troop past and present Former Scouts share your story with today s Scouts For additional information Phil Green pgreen69@comcast.net Kirby Nichols kirby.nichols@verizon.net Mike McCluskey mikeamccluskey@gmail.com

18 Ushers Keith (8:30 a.m.) Carmen, Dan W. (10:45 a.m.) Greeters 9/9 Chris Hughes Family 9/16 Joe & Debbie Ben Cole 9/23 Ardie David & Dawn 9/30 Evelyn Wilkinson Family 9/09 Declan Katie 9/16 Sofia Alex 9/23 Anika Alyson 9/30 Jack Erin Acolytes Communion 9/09 Debbie B., Carmen (8:30) 9/16 Cheryl, Roger (8:30) 9/23 Carmen, Wendy K. (8:30) 9/30 Charles, Vera (8:30) Readers 9/9 Evelyn Melinda 9/16 Charles Jan 9/23 David 9/30 Robin D. Debbie S. Contact Us! Pastor Lisa s address is revlisabc@gmail.com. The Church Office is aldersgatechelmsford@verizon.net and the for Cheryl Ortolf, For upcoming events, see Aldersgate s Online Monthly Calendar at www. aldersgateumc.us Paper copies are also available on the Welcome Desk. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-2pm.