Aldersgate United Methodist Church

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1 October 2011 Volume 6, Issue 10 Aldersgate United Methodist Church Rainbow Connection Inside this issue: Ministries & Support Committees 2 Serve 3 Learning 4 Prayer 5 Generosity Matters 5 Worship 6 Around the Conference 6 October Calendar 7 25 Anniversary Celebration 8 Upcoming Meetings: Sunday Oct 2nd - Noon - SPRC Tuesday Oct 4th - 7:00pm - Lay Leadership Meeting Sunday Oct 16th - Noon - Finance / Trustee Meeting Pastor s Ponderings People have asked me, How do you like Juneau? Is the rain too much? Hmmm. Interesting question. First because the rain in Juneau seems to be different from the rain I ve experienced in the south. The clouds have a mystical and magical way of rising from the trees and when I go for a walk I expect a fairy to jump out any time (more probably a bear, but fairies are less scary.) The second thing about the weather is this. It may rain a lot, there may be much cloud coverage, and it can get chilly, but.. when God pulls those clouds back like a curtain on a stage, what is revealed is the most beautiful place I have ever experienced. No lie. It doesn t at all surprise me that on a sunny Sunday, worship attendance drops between 10 to 20 people, nor can I blame them. They are seizing the day, Carpe Diem, and quite frankly I applaud this response to God s gift. The first thing I do when I open the paper each morning is turn to the back on the sports page and look at the weather. When I see that illustration of the yellow sun peeking out from behind a cloud, I look at my calendar and see what I can rearrange. I am no different from all of you who drop everything to enjoy the sun. But I m left wondering one thing. What would my life be like, what would your life be like, if we treated every day as if God was pulling back the clouds to reveal the beauty? What would it be like to wake up in the morning, look at the weather and celebrate God s daily gift, whatever it may be? Seizing the day when the sun is out is easy, but what if we were to seize the day on days when it rains, or on days where there is only six hours of sun light, or on days when snow falls from the sky all day long? Carpe Diem is not just about absorbing vitamin D on those occasional sunny days, cape diem is about absorbing God s gifts every day. So enjoy. Make an intentional decision to seize the day, rain or shine. Pastor Susan Join us for worship, October 9 th at 11:00, followed by a celebration potluck. (see pg. 8 for more info)

2 Page 2 Rainbow Connection Volum e 6, Issue 10 Ministries Serve Serving Team: This team seeks ways to serve God through serving one another. This team will seek ways to serve those within the congregation as well as those in our community. Through the efforts of nurturing one another and playing with one another, we will build a strong community of Christ-centered disciples. From that Christcentered place, we will seek ways to reach out to those hurting souls in the community. Learning Learning Team: This is a team of people called to create learning opportunities for disciples of all ages. We are called to grow in our faith. An important part of that is learning and developing our biblical knowledge, our theological perceptions and our spiritual practices. Prayer Praying Team: Every Sunday evening, from 5:15-6:00, we will have a time of prayer for our church, the ministries, the business and the congregation. This ministry is essential as we move into the future as a church, inspired and led by the Holy Spirit. Worship Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:7-8 Worship Team: We have a team of musicians, artists and helpers, whose mission it is to create an experience that invites the presence of God into our hearts. SUPPORT COMMITTEES SPRC makes sure we have people (pastor and staff) to help with our ministries. Chair: Lyall Hadsel Trustees - makes sure we have a place to do our ministries. Chair: Keith Pahlke Finance - makes sure we have the $ to support our ministries. Chair: David Means Lay Leadership Committee - Puts the right people in the right place. Chair: Pastor Susan Church Council - Body of members from each committee that shares with everyone, what s going on. Occasionally there will be an administrative vote to be take, but overall it is a committee that looks at the whole. Chair: Charlie Mitchell Lay Leader - works together with the Pastor to support the people and ministries of the church. Your Lay Leader: Sandi Pahlke M I N I S T R I E S JESUS MODEL TO MINSTER PRAY LEARN SERVE WORSHIP SUPPORTS CHURCH MINISTRIES SPRC, Finance, Trustees, Lay Leadership

3 Page 3 Rainbow Connection Volum e 6, Issue 10 Serve Team VOTE FOR HOSPITALITY... City Elections are coming on Tuesday October 4th and once again Aldersgate will open its doors and welcome in voters. Let's show Juneau how great our hospitality is, and what better way than to have fresh cookies for those who have just voted. We are looking for volunteers to PLEASE BAKE some cookies as an act of hospitality for those who use our church home as their polling place. You can bring them Sunday to church, bring them in Monday, Amy Ely will be in the office noon- 2:00pm or drop them off piping fresh during polling hours any time Tuesday. We could also use volunteers to come make coffee, resupply the cookies, and freshen up. Serve Team Says GET INVOLVED! Glory Hole Ever serve at the Glory Hole? It s quite a powerful experience. Our monthly slots are taken up until December, but if you would like a chance to reach out to those who are hurting, you too can sign up. Open slots begin January. If you would like to be walked through the process and learn how to minister in this way, contact Keith Pahlke who is responsible for assuring Aldersgate is involved regularly with the Glory Hole. Breakfast Club want to help some of our local kids get to school and have a nutritious breakfast before their day starts? It s easy, and you can still get to work on time. Lyall Hadsell is in charge of scheduling drivers. If you feel called to check out this outreach ministry call Lyall. While Lyall is gone this October, call Pastor Susan if you re interested in learning more. Parents Night Out (PNO) soon we will begin offering a way to care for our young parents within the church as well as those in the community who do not attend Aldersgate. For three hours a month, we need nurturing volunteers who love children, to care for these young ones so that we can offer parents a brief respite. If you are interested in serving this way, contact Sandi Pahlke. Reaching Out have you noticed that someone has not been to worship lately? Is there an empty seat next to you on Sunday morning that is usually filled? Please go ahead and give that person a check-in call or let Pastor Susan know if someone hasn t been around lately. Caring for one another means noticing when someone is missing. Community Bike Give-Away: in May, prior to the community bike event, Aldersgate would like to collect used bikes, fix them up and pass them out to those who are in need of wheels. More information on this gift to the community to come. Food Pantry don t forget to bring in your non-perishable food items every Sunday. Mary Reeves faithfully bring these items to the Valley Food Bank each week. Your donations matter! Monthly Events part of serving one another is creating opportunities to build relationships with one another. The Serve team is putting together monthly events that invite all generations to come together for fun and fellowship. Tentatively we have planned: October 8 at 7:00 a precelebration for the 25 th anniversary will happen at the parsonage. Come and enjoy coffee and dessert to reminisce of years gone by and imagine the years ahead. November 24 Thanksgiving at the parsonage. For everyone who doesn t have a place to go for Thanksgiving, you are invited to the parsonage. December 4 or 11: A Christmas Carol followed by dinner. We will go to the Perseverance as a group and then have dinner together for this great holiday event. January - Game night and cake decorating. More details later. February Ski/hike/snowshoe/ sipper all are welcome for this outdoor outing probably at Skaters Cabin. Following fun in the snow will be warming by the fire and warming by chocolate. March Progressive Dinners more to come April Easter Sunrise service and pancake breakfast a tradition. May Family Retreat more to come We hope you will all find ways to serve and join in times of fellowship. Churches that pray together and play together stay together

4 Rainbow Connection Volum e 6, Issue 10 Page 4 Learning Sunday school for children and youth: Nursery for infants and toddlers, this is a safe and loving place where all children will be cared for by volunteers within the congregation The Way of the Child for pre- K thru 3 rd grade we offer a con- templative, prayerful time where children don t learn about God, they learn ways they can experience God. A more advanced version is offered for 4 th and 5 th grade children. Affirming and Confirming Those in middle school (6 th 8 th grade) will have an opportunity to enter into a year long affirming and confirming year of learning. We all need to remember who we are and whose we are. These youth will engage in a fun yet serious exploration of what it means to call oneself a Christian. High School Those in High School have an intimate gathering focusing on their spirituality over breakfast. For Adults The Thoughtful Christian this Sunday school opportunity is an adult study that focuses on biblical, theological, spiritual, cultural and social issues. Your pick. Youth Group News Our volunteers hard at work preparing the Youth Room above the Garage. A through knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. Theodore Roosevelt Simple Soup Supper and Study Wednesdays evenings from 5:30 7:00 p.m. beginning September 14 th. Put it on your calendar. Together we will break bread together and study God s Word together. (Not a potluck just come and enjoy). Join us in this lectionary study of the coming Sunday s scripture. Bring a Bible (or not). Read ahead (or not). All are welcome to this informal conversation of how God is revealing God s self through the text and into our lives.

5 Rainbow Connection Volum e 6, Issue 10 Page 5 Generosity Matters Financial Report By Charlie Mitchell Income: 112, which is 99% of budget Expenses: $118, which is 104% of budget Apportionment paid: $11, which is 80% of what is due Y-T-D. Outstanding bills which have not been paid: 1) July Health Insurance for Pastor $ ) August Health Insurance for Pastor $ ) One Apportionment Payment $ Please prayerfully consider giving a little more to help us get these outstanding bills paid. Our Condolences to Robert Mauss who lost his wife Corrine to cancer on September 18. Prayer What Happens at? Every Sunday at 5:15, a few devoted souls join together to pray for the church. We begin my centering ourselves and slipping into a holy time of connecting with the divine. We share communion together and invite the Holy Spirit to join us into this space we have created for the purpose of prayer. We read scripture from the Old Testament and the New Testament and we find a special reading for each week. As we enter into the time of prayer, we follow the same order. 1 We lift up the individuals in the church, listening to contemplative music, flipping though the directory, lifting up each and every name printed. We also remember those in our community who are not in the directory for some reason. 2 - We lift up the ministries of the church. We focus on the teams: LEARN, SERVE, WORSHIP, PRAY. We ask for God to strengthen these ministries so that they make an intentional difference in our faith community and the community of Juneau. 3- We lift up the administrative side of the church. SPRC, Finance, Trustees, Lay Leadership, and Church Council, all need prayers of wisdom. We lift up each person serving on each committee and ask for wisdom to lead all church decisions. 4 - We lift up the prayers of the people, not only in the community of Aldersgate but throughout the world. We have had three such services and the rhythm of our time together is falling into a more natural pace. A praying church is a strong church and we invite any and all of you to join us in this informal time of asking for God s presence and guidance as we move forward become the faith community we re called to become. Do You Want Prayers? If you are in need of prayers and would like the prayer team to lift up any person or situation in your life, please let pastor Susan know and she will bring it to the circle. If you are also willing to share your prayer concern with this body of believers and would like your prayer concern or joy to be published in the newsletter, then please let Amy Ely (office manager) know and she will include your prayer in this allotted space.

6 Page 6 Rainbow Connection Volum e 6, Issue 10 AROUND THE CONFERENCE Edited and compiled by Jim Sutton ANCHORAGE, AK Congratulations to John and Vicky Dodson! August 7, 2011 John and Vicky were married in a lovely garden with many family and friends around. John Dodson served as an interim pastor at St. John UMC. Congratulations to the happy couple. CHUGIAK, AK All young adults in their 20s & 30s are invited to Birchwood Camp in Chugiak October for a special retreat. Register before October 1 for early bird rates. More info at Contact Jenny Smith (jkbsmith@gmail.com) or Marie Sweezey with questions (marie.sweezey@gmail.com). Fairbanks, AK Safe drinking water is the fundamental need of millions throughout the world. It is estimated that African women and children spend 3 billion hours a year hauling water. The Hippo Roller transports 20 gallons of water in a sturdy rolling barrel and can be operated by a child. It has won international awards for its innovation and design. In the spring of 2011 the "Sprouts" (5th and 6th graders) at First UMC Fairbanks raised $9,000 to provide 90 rollers for S. African villages. Go to Unalaska, AK Dan Wilcox, pastor of Unalaska UMC, is on his way to Pennsylvania to be with his father who is seriously ill with cancer. Kris-Ann and their three children will be joining them in a week or so. Worship Pastor Susan will be attending the Fall Rendezvous in Anchorage Oct. 12th to 15th. For Pastoral Care please contact Sandi Pahlke, Lay Leader, , or Pastor Phil Campbell at NLUC ( ) will also be covering. Pastor Susan will also be attending itineration and professional development Oct. 21st - 31st. For Pastoral Care please contact Sandi Pahlke, Lay Leader ( , ) or Pastor Cindy Roberts at Douglas UMC ( ) will also be covering Rev. Jan Blankenship will be our guest pastor, covering October 23rd & 30th while Pastor Susan is attending itineration and professional development. Septembers Attendance: The average September attendance was 57. This makes it the best September for attendance since October Lectionary Reading October 2, 2011 Isaiah 5:1-7 or Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, Psalm 80:7-15 or Psalm 19 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46 October 9, 2011 Isaiah 25:1-9 or Exodus 32:1-14 Psalm 23 or Psalm 106:1-6, Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 22:1-14 October 16, 2011 Isaiah 45:1-7 or Exodus 33:12-23 Psalm 96:1-9(10-13) or Psalm 99 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22 October 23, 2011 Leviticus 19:1-2, or Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 1 or Psalm 90:1-6, Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 22:34-46 October 30, 2011: Micah 3:5-12 or Joshua 3:7-17 Psalm 43 or Psalm 107:1-7, Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:1-12

7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 UMW Gathering 10am- 11:30am SPRC Meeting Following Worship 9 25th Anniversary Celebration Facility Use: Elections All Day Lay Leadership Meeting 7:00pm Soup Study 5:15-7:00pm Soup Study 5:15-7:00pm Facility Use: Dancers for Universal Peace AUMC Cooks and serves at the Glory Hole Pastor Susan attending Fall Rendezvous (see pg 6 for info) 16 Finance/ Trustees meeting 12:15pm Soup Study 5:15-7:00pm Soup Study 5:15-7:00pm Pastor Susan attending professional development 10/22-10/31 see Worship Section pg Pastor Susan attending professional development 10/22-10/31 see Worship Section pg 6 30 Potluck 31 Halloween Things to Look Forward to:

8 Aldersgate United Methodist Church Po Box Cinema Juneau, AK 9801 We re on the Web! And on Facebook Search: Aldersgate United Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. Susan Boegli, Pastor To reach Susan, please call: Pastor Susan s Office Hours: Mondays are her day off off Tuesdays 1:00pm-3:00pm Tuesdays 1:00pm-3:00pm Wednesdays 3:00pm-5:00pm Wednesdays 3:00pm-5:00pm and Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm Fridays and Thursdays for Pastoral 11:00am-1:00pm Emergencies Fridays for Pastoral Emergencies Church Office: Church Office: Amy Ely, Office Manager Amy aumcjuneau@gci.net Ely, Office Manager aumcjuneau@gci.net Phone Phone Fax: Regular Hours Tues / Wed / Fri Fax: 12:15pm-2:15pm Regular Hours Tues / Mon Wed & / Fri Thu 12:15pm-2:15pm by appointment The Alaska United Methodist Conference would like for all United Methodists to receive the e~aurora. Please consider signing up for this weekly newsletter at: For lots of great news about United Methodist Ministries around Alaska: go to: A Special Celebration Gift Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present. - Albert Camus In honor of Aldersgate s 25th anniversary, please consider a special gift to the church. Celebrate our first quarter century of service with a one time contribution of $2.50, $25, $250 or whatever the spirit inspires you to give. Your contribution will help Aldersgate end this year financially strong and prepare us for our next 25 years of service. 25th Anniversary Celebration Open House Coffee and Dessert October 8, :00 p.m. Ken and I are opening the parsonage for fellowship with those who planted the church and those who continue to grow the church. Please join us, reconnect with old friends, make new ones and celebrate with one another the passions of the past and the visions for the future. Children are more t h a n w e l - come. Games and fun will be available for all the young ones. Beware: we have two friendly yet at time obnoxious dogs Blessings, Pastor Susan We are excited to be celebrating our Silver Anniversary. That s right Aldersgate United Methodist Church has been a United Methodist Church for 25 years. We will have a unique worship service with adult and children s choirs. We will have special guests and all the celebrations will culminate with a traditional Methodist (yet very Alaskan) Potluck. Join us, October 9 th at 11:00 a.m. and celebrate the birth of this United Methodist church that was chartered by 34 members seeking to be identified with the United Methodist Church.