Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Pastor s Ponderings

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1 April 2012 Volume 7, Issue 4 Inside this issue: Living Out Our Discipleship 2 How We Serve 3 How We Learn 3 Aldersgate United Methodist Church Our mission is to grow in faith so that we may serve with love Rainbow Connection How We Pray 3 How We Worship 4 April Calendar 5 Finances 6 How Our Church Works Around the Conference Upcoming Meetings: Sunday April 1st - Noon - SPRC 7 8 Friday April 6th - 7:00-9:00pm Good Friday Service Sunday April 8th - Easter 6:30am Sunrise Service 7:30am Breakfast 10:30am Egg Hunt for kids 11:00am Worship Friday April 20th - 6:00-9:00pm - Parents Night Out Saturday April 21st - 4:00pm - AUMC Cooks and serves at the Glory Hole, we need volunteers to help with this mission. Sunday, April 22 Finance/Trustees Meeting after worship Sunday April 29th - Following Worship Church Council Potluck Pastor s Ponderings Worshipping God is not a spectator s sport. Often people come to church to be fed. In past appointments, I ve heard congregants complain that they aren t getting anything out of Sunday mornings. I ve heard people say that the music is too hard to sing or too loud. I ve heard complaints that the liturgy is too rigid or the rituals too disconnected from the world. People have lamented over how the sermons are too long and boring or short with no Biblical connection. In these conversations I wonder, Who is doing the worshipping? When we use the word worship as a verb it means we treat God with respect through acts of prayer and devotion. It means we take part as a collective body the action of remembering that God loves us and responding to that love with adoration and praise. It s a good thing to be loved, it s an amazing thing to be loved unconditionally by the God who is Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer of all. Some of you may have noticed that I have a habit of asking people to do something in worship. Again, I am asking you to do because we worship together, we sing together, pray together, share our stories together, and read scripture together. We DO these things as one collective body. The Aldersgate congregation responds to my invitations heartily. It is rare that someone says no and when they do it is because I have not been prayerful in discerning how each of you authentically responds to God s love. I also hear folks say how worship on a mountain top or out on the sea is more meaningful and moving than any Sunday morning in a church. This kind of getting away is essential to our spiritual growth. It is a centering action and Jesus did it all the time. Contemplating, listening, sitting in silence is all good but our collective praise reminds us that it s not just about me. We are connected to one another as sisters and brothers seeking to know God and be assured that we are known and still loved. Worship is a collective experience. I often ask you to participate because I know that it s not all about me writing a sermon and laying out the liturgy. It is also about you bringing the Christ light into the center of our community or offering communion to your brothers and sisters. Worship is about you making a joyful noise with loud and out of tune singing, or sharing your musical gift which moves us into a prayerful place. It s also about you allowing the Spirit to use your mouth in sharing the Scripture and your own testimonies. I ask people to read and to pray and to share because WE love God and WE worship God. Continued on pg. 2

2 Page 2 Growing in Faith so that we Serve with Love. Volum e 7, Issue 4 Cont. from pg. 1 Don t be surprised if I ask you to participate on some random Sunday morning. Don t be shy about saying yes. Worship as a verb means that we don t simply sit in our chair and wait to be fed. It means we each take an active role in feeding the person sitting next to us. Blessings, Pastor Susan Living Out Our Discipleship... This is a new column inspired by the SERVE team. Collectively as a church body the outreach ministries are few; HOWEVER, the outreach ministries of individuals is astounding. Jesus did not send his apostles out to make programs; He sent his apostles out to make disciples of Jesus Christ. This regular column is meant to remind us all that how we live out our discipleship IS serving God. We celebrate with one another as we each seek individually how we might serve God through serving others. This first article is by Mary Reeves who serves God through hospital chaplaincy. If you have more questions about how you can be a hospital chaplain, Amy is making up a handout that gives you more specific information. Or you can ask Mary. Hospital Chaplaincy Program By Mary Reeves I became a chaplain during the spring of 1999 when Edith Grier (the Aldersgate chaplain rep) invited me to lunch although I had no idea that I would be signing an application for the program - just the idea of a free lunch sounded good to me! I was terrified I wasn't sure a quiet shy person like me could handle such a job! But what I found was that compassion is the key characteristic in being a chaplain. I also realized that having faith in prayer also helps and of course being a member of a Christian church. The Church is our haven, our safety net and perhaps our main connection to God - it is here where we learn the importance of faith, prayer and reaching out to others in the daily activities of which we choose to involve ourselves. Chaplaincy is the work I do as I live out my call to be a disciple. Taking on the chaplaincy program has been a challenge but it has also been a rewarding and faith building experience and I would recommend it to anyone who feels he/she has the time to devote. We learn that life can be fragile and anything can happen on a moment's notice. We learn to focus and deeply care about another person's well-being and we are reminded of our own hospital experiences and what it means to have the care and support of others to promote spiritual healing. There are many stories in the Bible of Jesus' compassion whenever he healed those with various illnesses or disabilities. Although chaplains are not expected to be healers as Christ was, we are called to have the same Christ-like compassion. Come find me if you would like to know more about the details of being a hospital chaplain volunteer. You won t be sorry if you find yourself serving God at somebody s bedside.

3 Page 3 Growing in Faith so that we Serve with Love. Volum e 7, Issue 4 How We Learn... Sunday school for children and youth: Nursery for infants and toddlers, available from 9:30amnoon. The Way of the Child for pre- K thru 5 th grade children starts at 9:45am. Affirming and Confirming Those in middle school (6 th 8 th grade) start at 9:45am. High School Those in High School have an intimate gathering focusing on their spirituality over breakfast. The Thoughtful Christian This Sunday school opportunity is an adult study that focuses on biblical, theological, spiritual, cultural and social issues. Your pick. Simple Soup Supper and Study Wednesday evenings from 5:30 7:00 p.m. 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. How We Pray... All are invited to our intimate prayer circle on Sunday evenings from 5:15 6:00. We will have a special Lenten prayer theme beginning February 26 th. In the mean time, our church and all who attend are in need of constant prayers. Please serve your brothers and sisters in Christ in this sacred and meaningful way. How We Serve... FOOD PANTRY-Food of the month cereal and boxed milk. PARENTS NIGHT OUT Mark your calendar our next PNO is Friday April 20th 6:00-9:00pm. Please RSVP the Church office before Tuesday April 17th at 2:00 to reserve your spot. Pigs on a Mission: April s Mission is Glacier Valley Elementary School Breakfast Program. Feed your pigs to help us feed the youth at Glacier Valley. COLLABORATIVELY WORKING ON FOOD INSECURITY IN JUNEAU This week several churches, Love, Inc., Aware, The Glory Hole, Food Bank and the United Way met to share what services are being provided for people who are hungry in our community. This was the first meeting in what hopes to be a coordination of services and ensure everyone has information on where to send those who are in need. Each agency shared what they provided and also what challenges and joys come from doing this type of work in our community. It was amazing how many different programs exist here in Juneau and also that there were some duplication of efforts. The list of services is going to be typed and shared with those who attended and those who were unable to come. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled later in the summer to continue coordination between the programs. Pastor Susan and Lynn Williams represented Aldersgate and Pastor Susan will write a newspaper article to share these efforts with the general public. More information will definitely be coming.

4 Page 4 Growing in Faith so that we Serve with Love. Volum e 7, Issue 4 How We Worship... MARCH S ATTENDANCE The average March worship attendance was 60 and the average number of youth in worship was 20 which would be 33%. Maundy Thursday Service at Shepherd of the Valley Drama and Dinner, starts at 6:00pm with a potluck (main dish provided) then stay for a drama of Maundy Thursday. April Lectionary Reading Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms Mark 11:1-11 Psalm 118:1-2, Liturgy of the Passion Isaiah 50: 4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) Easter Sunday Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-12, Corinthians 15:1-11 John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8 April 15, 2012 Acts4:32-35 Psalm john 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31 April 22, 2012 Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48 April 29, 2012 Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18 The Friday of God There can be no Easter without Good Friday. Join us at 7:00 p.m. to remember the final story of Jesus living out his humanity. Easter Egg Hunt Aldersgate UMC April 8th at 10:30AM Sponsored by the Learn Team Children up to 11 years old Easter Ecumenical Sunrise Service April 8th at 6:30am at Skater s Cabin Easter Breakfast Aldersgate UMC April 8th 7:30AM Casseroles Pancakes Fruit

5 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SPRC Meeting Soup Study Maundy Thursday Good Friday Dress the House Service at Service 7:00pm for Easter at Noon 5:15-7:00pm Choir Practice SOV 6:00pm see 11:00am Girl Scouts 7:00pm pg 4 3:30pm 7pm 1 8 Sunrise Service 6:30am Community Breakfast 7:30am Easter Egg Hunt 10:30am 15 Girl Scouts 3:30pm 22 Finance/ Trustee Meeting Noon 9 Our Time Group 6:00pm 16 Our Time Group 6:00pm 23 Our Time Group 6:00pm Soup Study 5:15-7:00pm Choir Practice 7:00pm Soup Study 5:15-7:00pm Choir Practice 7:00pm Soup Study 5:15-7:00pm Choir Practice 7:00pm Parents Night Out 6:00-9:00pm :00am-5:00pm Pastor Susan itinerating. 21 AUMC Cooks and serves at the Glory Hole Pastor Susan is itinerating and fulfilling professional development requirements, pastoral care will be covered by Sandi Pahlke, Lay Leader, , or Pastor Cindy at Douglas UMC ( ) will also be covering. 29 Church Council Potluck Girl Scouts 3:30pm Pastor Susan itinerating. 30 Full Circle 2-6pm Things to Look Forward to: All Church Retreat August 18th. (see pg 6 for info) Church Rummage Sale Saturday June 2nd. (see pg 2 for info) Murder Mystery Night For those who missed out on the who dun it the Boegli s are hosting another one, led by Marie. This murder mystery night is for anyone who missed last time AND youth.,

6 Page 6 Growing in Faith so that we Serve with Love. Volum e 7, Issue 4 Generosity Matters Financial Report Outstanding Bills: Water & Sewer - $ ACS - $ Church Mutual (Property Insurance) - $ Church Mutual (Vehicle Insurance) - $ Arrow Refuse - $ More bills are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Sanctuary. Income: $42, Y.T.D Expenses: 41, Y.T.D Outstanding bills to pay: $10, Apportionment paid: $ Donating to the Church This church is so incredibly generous. Over and above weekly giving for our general operations, people have given a little extra for special occasions (ex: 25 th anniversary, Christmas, Easter), shared their PDF check, and even picked up an outstanding bill needed to be paid. All of these ways of giving are so appreciated, and at the end of the year, the finance secretary (Charlie) send out a statement for your taxes. But did you know that you can write off your donations as well? Again, the generosity of the church is astounding. People purchase all sorts of things for the church (ex: banner material, children s craft supplies, stamps, and so on.) The list goes on and on. Most people are not turning in their receipts for these donations. I want you all to know that Uncle Sam counts your donations as giving to non-profits. We have a form in the office, attached to the file cabinet. Feel free to take one, fill it out and leave it on Amy s desk. Your donations will be included on your giving statements at the end of the year. If you have any questions, please contact Susan, Charlie (finance secretary) or Steven (treasurer). Aldersgate Wants Your Hand-me-Downs and TREASURES! Starting your spring cleaning? Don't take those hand-medowns to the thrift store just yet! Aldersgate wants you second hand treasures. We are holding a rummage sale on Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 7:00 am to Noon at the church. Proceeds will help us pay church bills. In May we will collect items for the sale and store them in the church garage for organizing and pricing. Please bring your donations to church or let us know if you would like a volunteer to pick up your donation. Contact Amy Steffian , steffian@gci.net for assistance or to volunteer to help. Gracias, Gunalchéesh, Háw aa, Mahalo, M? l?, Salamat, Thank You, Quyana, Way Dankoo.

7 Page 7 Growing in Faith so that we Serve with Love. Volum e 7, Issue 4 How Our Church Works Maternity Leave Our Office Manager Amy Ely will be having her baby on April 18th by C- section. She will be out of the office until Wednesday April 25th. After that she will have limited hours for about 3 weeks. To schedule an appointment you can call or the church office. If you have an emergency need of assistance please contact Pastor Susan Family Camp Before anything else gets put on that summer calendar, be sure to mark in permanent marker Aldersgate Retreat for Everyone Eagle Beach UM Camp All-Church Potluck and Council Meeting It s that time again. Quarterly we come together as a church to learn about all the ministries that are happening and the business reports that make all that ministry stuff happen. If you are a chair of a committee or a team leader, please prepare some small report that succinctly shares the going s on of your corner of the church. All presentation can be put on the master power point presentation if you get your stuff in before April 24th Put it on your calendar Food fellowship and information on how this church is living out its mission. In The Works You may or may not be aware of an unfolding possibility that is getting nearer and nearer to a reality. Douglass Community UMC, Northern Light UMC and Aldersgate have joined forces and created an intern position for the three churches.. Applicants are seminary students who make a commitment for 9-12 months. The hope is that the intern work on ministries that link all three united Methodist churches., primarily youth and young adult ministries The living accommodations are provided by Douglass, the stipend is provided by Northern Light and Aldersgate will provide a vehicle. This is still in the possibility Phase. More to come later.

8 Aldersgate United Methodist Church Po Box Cinema Juneau, AK 9801 We re on the Web! And on Facebook Search: Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Juneau, AK Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. Susan Boegli, Pastor To reach Susan, please call: Pastor Pastor Susan s Susan s Office Office Hours: Hours: Mondays Mondays are are her her day day off Tuesdays 1:00pm-3:00pm off Wednesdays 3:00pm-5:00pm Tuesdays 1:00pm-3:00pm and Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm Wednesdays 3:00pm-5:00pm Fridays for Pastoral Emergencies and Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm Church Office: Fridays for Pastoral Emergencies Amy Ely, Office Manager Church Office: aumcjuneau@gci.net Amy Phone Ely, Office Manager aumcjuneau@gci.net Fax: Regular Hours Tues / Wed / Phone Fri 12:15pm-2:15pm Mon & Thu Fax: by appointment Regular Hours Tues / Wed / Fri 12:15pm-2:15pm 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: ANCHORAGE, AK AROUND THE CONFERENCE Edited and compiled by Jim Sutton Former Alaska Bishop Rev. Ed Paup passed away, March 21st, at home in Belen, N.M., with his wife Carol & daughter Tammy by his side. He will be cremated. At this time, no services are planned. Rev. Paup served as the Episcopal leader for the Seattle Area, including the Pacific Northwest & the Alaska Missionary Conferences, from Paup was elected to the episcopacy in 1996, serving the Portland Area for eight years. In 2008 he was selected as General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries. He chose to resign from the episcopacy at that time. Annual Conference 2012 will be held at St. John UMC, Fri. May 25 - Sat., May 26. There will be several workshop choices on Thu., May 24 before Annual Conference begins. Documents available on the conference website for those that needs to submit items (reports, petitions, display requests, etc.). Reports for the Pre-Conference Handbook need to be received in the conference office by April 15th so the handbook can be put in the mail that week. If you have any questions, please contact the conference office. Rev. Dan Harlan died on March 1. Dan served the Kenai Parish from & also returned to Nininchik for 10 months in Cards can be sent to: Mary Ann Harlan, 600 W. Poplar Ave., Apt 329, Carrboro, NC North Pole, AK Please pray for Dennis Tichenor, husband of Rev. Karen Martin-Tichenor, pastor of New Hope Methodist Presbyterian Church, North Pole. Dennis is in Anchorage for a heart procedure at Providence Hospital tomorrow morning, March 22nd. Juneau, AK Dates have been set for the upcoming summer camps. Mark your calendars now and plan on attending! DISCOVERY CAMP - Sunday, July 15 - Friday, July 20(Training - Friday, July 13 - Saturday, July 14), ACTION CAMP - Sunday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 23. You can always reach them by , Discovery Camp: erumcdiscoverycamp@yahoo.com Action Camp: erumcactioncamp@yahoo.com by phone contact Amy Ely at AUMC Or you can visit for more information.