The Aldersgate Experience Monthly News of Aldersgate United Methodist Church February 2019 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. (Proverbs 12:25) Dear Friends, This past week, I faced a dilemma. I had more projects to do than I had time. Now I would like to tell you that I handled this with grace and poise and patience. Nope, I did not! I did not sleep because I worried about everything I had to do in a specific amount of time. I could not see the tasks as surmountable because my anxiety over the whole had weighed me down. I don t think I am alone in this problem Let s face it: We are overwhelmed with worry and anxiety, perhaps more so than we are willing to admit. So I came across these words that helped me and I hope they help you. Anxiety has gotten so bad that the World Health Organization has labeled anxiety the health epidemic of the 21st century. Much of this can be explained by the fact that there appears to be more to worry about than ever before. We are confronted with global stressors such as terrorism, financial insecurity, moral decay, and a ridiculously divisive political climate. At work, anxiety hits even closer to home as new product launches, tighter deadlines, difficult bosses, inadequate compensation, and the demand to always level-up in our careers all punish us with worry. In short, Satan offers us no shortage of things to stress us and distract us from the work the Father has created us to do. So, what does God s Word suggest we do about the mounting stress in our lives? The first thing we must do is confront rather than ignore anxiety. Scripture speaks quite a bit about anxiety, and therefore, recognizes its existence. We must do the same. Anxiety is a human condition resulting from the fall. Tragic as it may be, it is a reality of life. Pretending our anxiety doesn t exist or attempting to sweep it under the proverbial rug are extremely unhealthy and dangerous ways to engage with stress. Instead, we need to be honest and self-aware, confronting the reality of anxiety in our lives. The Apostle Paul offers some insight into how we can do this. In Philippians 4:6 he says, Don t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. He says that life is going to be full of opportunities for worry. But rather than being overcome by anxiety, we are to confront our worries head-on. When stress and worries arise at home or in the workplace, our first reaction should be to recognize them in prayer to the Lord. He has graciously offered himself up as our outlet for stress relief and He has promised that He can handle all the things we cannot. As the Psalmist declares, God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Jordan Raynor Called to Create My projects got done in time. My stress levels are back to normal. God is my refuge a lesson learned! In His Dust, Pastor Jan
Page 2 End of Year Missions Report UPDATES FROM PASTOR SCOTT Last year Aldersgate Church was able to give missions support in the amount of $68,000 to almost two dozen local, national and international organizations that make a difference in their community. This includes undesignated year-end disbursements totaling over $7,000 to organizations right here in our own back yard! Many of these organizations have a personal connection to Aldersgate Church and our Mission Bridge Builder team and we are working with others to begin a personal connection. We would like to thank you for your continued support of the missions of Aldersgate and encourage you to continue to look for ways that you can become better involved in making a difference in the world around you! Praying the Way Forward A Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church will be held February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri to discuss the future of The United Methodist Church and its stance on human sexuality. In preparation for this Special Session, the leadership of Aldersgate Church would like to encourage everyone to set aside February 22, 2019, as a day of prayer for the General Conference and the future of The United Methodist Church. We are asking everyone to please spend time throughout the day praying and fasting (as you are able) for the future of the UMC, the delegates who will be in attendance, our response to the outcome and for everyone to listen to God s will for our future in the midst of all of the tension and debate. Resources are available at UMCPrays.org to help guide you as you pray. Church App Coming Soon! Please be watching in the coming weeks for the official release date of Aldersgate's Church App! God is Faithful!!! In 2008 the 2000 building loan debt stood at nearly $2 million. In 2011 it was not much lower than that (about $1.92 million). Because of your generosity, in seven years we have significantly reduced the debt. Our 2018 payments on the debt totaled $119,869.84! As of the end of December, the debt stands at $703,586.21! God is good. The result is that our interest payments in 2019 will be about $29,500 That s over $50,000 LESS in interest payments than just a few years ago. The blessing of that is our 2019 principal payments on the loan from our weekly Tithes & Offerings will total $103,000! This does not include the additional debt-reduction payments non-budgeted through Election Day sales, designated donations, rent of our facility, interest on our bank balance, Hershey Park volunteering, and gift-card sales. Below is a quick snapshot of those contributions to debtpaydown in 2018. (Keep in mind that every dollar saved in interest payment means the loan is retired sooner, and those dollars will be freed up for more ministry!) Thank you Aldersgate for your second mile generosity to our responsibility to the building debt. We are vital in ministry and are intentional in our mission to use this site for kingdom building and to the glory of God. Election Day Soup/Bake Sales $3,195 Regular E-Giving To Building Fund 6,440 Gift Card Revenue 2,326 Hershey Park Income 1,784 Interest on Bank Account 774 Room Rental 2,770 Other Building Fund Giving 6,215
WORSHIP MINISTRY Page 3 Choir/Orchestra News The choir is currently working on weekly anthems to be shared in our worship services on a Sunday morning. Rehearsal is from 7 to 8 on Monday evenings. If you are someone who enjoys singing, please come out and join us. In the middle of February we will begin working on a cantata to be offered at Good Friday Worship on April 19 th. The cantata has not been chosen as of yet, but will soon be in the works. The sacred holiday music programs at AUMC are a great time to give choir a try. Cantata rehearsal will last for 45 minutes to an hour, and then we will work on weekly anthems for the remainder of the evening, finishing at 8:15. Anyone interested can do just the cantata or the entire evening of rehearsal, whatever best fits your schedule! Please don t let childcare be an issue for you; we are willing and happy to offer childcare at no cost. Just email Melanie Feldner mfeldner@aldersgatechurch.net for more information about childcare, and Sheri Dohner at worshipdirector@aldersgatechurch.net for information about choir. We will also be forming an orchestra to accompany the choir for the cantata. The orchestra typically rehearses on Sunday afternoons. If you are interested in being a part of this, contact Sheri at the above address. Ash Wednesday On Wednesday, March 6th at 7 pm Aldersgate Church will gather to worship together as we begin the Lenten Season with the observance of Ash Wednesday. The Lenten season begins 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays) and while this time can be seen as just a spiritual discipline, God can do amazing things with us and through us as we offer our hearts in obedience and discipline. There will be a What s Up Wednesday meal on this evening prior to the service, but there will be no classes on this night. We invite all to worship together in the sanctuary. Looking Ahead to HOLY WEEK 2019 April 14 th : Palm Sunday Worship 8, 9:30, 11 April 18 th : Holy Thursday Worship: 7 pm Communion will be served April 14 th : Good Friday Choir Cantata 7 pm April 21st: Easter Morning Sunrise Service 6:15 am Outdoor Worship Easter Worship 8, 9:30, 11 (Communion at 8) Articles for March 2019 Newsletter should be sent to the church office at secretary@aldersgatechurch.net by February 15th. Thank you.
Page 4 Youth News Battleball February 24 Sign up now for our next Battleball tournament, February 24 from 12:00-8:30 at Messiah College. Meet, compete, and worship with other local youth groups. Hosted by Salt-n-Light Youth Ministries. Cost $12. To join the team sign up at https://ttsu.me/mbattleball19. Alumni welcome! Thrift-n-Bowl March 10 Thrift-n-Bowl is for all youth 6 th - 12 th grade. On March 10 starting at 12:00 we will shop at Community Aid to buy crazy outfits to wear bowling. We will then go bowling and return to the church at 4:00. Cost is approximately $15. Please sign up at https://ttsu.me/bowling19 to reserve lanes. Lock-In March 15 Go to https://ttsu.me/mar15lockin then pack your sleeping bag and snacks for an overnight at church! Can t make it overnight? No problem! Sign up for evening only to still join the games and hang out with friends. Youth Bible Study A Sunday morning youth Bible study for High School is starting during Lent. If you would like a certain topic or interest of study, please let Jamie or Wendy know at youth@aldersgatechurch.net. Save the date May 5 This year on May 5, Children's Ministry and Revolution Youth will combine for all 3 worship services. Praise Team, Drama, Dance, Ushers, and Sound/Video Team opportunities are available! This is a wonderful morning for the youth of the church to share their many gifts with the congregation. If you have a gift or talent you would like to share, please contact Jamie and Wendy at youth@aldersgatechurch.net. Revolution February calendar 1-3 Winter Retreat - Zeteo 10 Revolution Youth Night 6:00-8:00 17 Revolution Youth Night- Meal Night 6:00 8:00 24 Battleball at Messiah College - 12:00-8:30 Youth Communications To receive text messages: From your phone, send this message @youthald to this number : 81010 Follow us on Facebook by searching for: Youth @ Aldersgate Mechanicsburg Follow us on Instagram by searching for: @youth.director
Page 5 FACILITY UPDATE FROM TODD - Refinished both sets of stairs to 2nd floor - Installed new shelves in upstairs storage closet - Installed new blinds in several rooms on 2nd floor - more ordered - Starting remodel of Resource room on 1/21 The Wool and Flax Ministry (Knitting & Crocheting) The Wool and Flax ministry would like to invite you to join them Sunday, February 3 rd from 1 pm-3 pm in room 203. This is a group of novice and experienced knitters and those who crochet. They are known for making prayer shawls. Bring your current project or if you would like to learn something new, we always have experienced folks willing to teach crocheting and knitting. We also meet Wednesday afternoons from 1 pm-3 pm in room 203. For more information contact Sue Shockey at 717-737-7813. Your Personal Invitation Ladies, you are invited to join us on April 6th for a delicious morning brunch, and fellowship. Invite your sister, neighbor, mother or daughter and join us for this fun morning. Deadline to register: March 17th FREE BRUNCH April 6, 2019 Registration: 8:30am Program 9am 12:00pm Registration a Must as Seating Limited Register: Robin Fisher at robinlfisher12@gmail.com 717-728-9573 ALDERSGATE OFFICE HOURS Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Fridays, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Page 6 Trailblazer Ministries News Sharing the love of Christ with children Birth 5th Grade Blazing Trails to an Awesome Life with Jesus for Every Child, Every Day, in Every Way! Children Birth 5 th Grade Sunday School in February Our Preschool classes will continue to learn about the love of Jesus. For the month of February, KG 3 rd Grade will learn about Service lending a hand to help others. Summit Seekers (4 th & 5 th Grade) will be focused on their commitment to growing in faith through Bible study and prayer and applying their faith to their everyday lives. Children s Bibles If your child does not have a Bible, please be sure to let me know. We want children to have their own age-appropriate Bible. Bibles are used as part of our Sunday School curriculum and children are encouraged to bring them on Sunday morning, WUW4Kids, Adventure Club and Summit Seekers. Bibles are free of charge for all children. Save the Date! Planning your spring and summer family calendar? Here are some important upcoming dates and events! Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt - April 14 immediately following the 11:00 am service Sunday - May 5 - Children & Youth Sunday: All 3 services - Sign up information coming soon. And back by popular demand, the "Joyful Ringers." Mrs. Freeman will once again be starting a bell choir for KG - 3rd grade children, who will offer a song of praise during Children & Youth Sunday. Practice is held each week at the end of the Sunday School hour. Vacation Bible School - Mission to Mars - June 10-14: Don't miss this amazing week of fun and learning about the love of Jesus. Children age 3 by June 1 through 5th Grade are invited to attend! Church Camp - The Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church offers many different camps and camp locations and we are fortunate to have Deans, Counselors and /or Music Leaders plus kids/youth from Aldersgate at the following camps: Greene Hills (June 23-29), Camp Penn (July 14-19) and Wesley Forest (July 28 - August 2). Aldersgate will pay 50% of the camp tuition. Watch for additional registration details. A complete list of camps and registration details can be found at http://www.susumcamps,org. Please contact Melanie for more information. February Trailblazer Events February 3 rd Adventure Club & Summit Seekers: 2:00 pm 4:00 pm February 17 th Adventure Club & Summit Seekers: 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Adventure Club will take a field trip to Mission Central Come join us! No experience necessary! Volunteer support is needed for all Trailblazer events! Want to learn more about how you can plug in? Contact Melanie Feldner at mfeldner@aldersgatechurch.net or 717-737-7923 ext. 107
Page 7 We were sad to say good-bye to Erin Miller in January. Erin was our assistant teacher in the afternoon 4 year old class. She took a full-time job working at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit as an Occupational Therapist. She will be missed, but we are excited for her new adventure at the CAIU. We now welcome Sambhavi Komminani onto our team! She has been volunteering and subbing in the preschool this year. Her son was in the preschool a few years ago. Miss Sam has been a wonderful addition to our preschool family. Preschool registration for the 2019-2020 school year is happening now. Registration forms are available on our website. We ask that forms are turned in by February 22 nd (for church families and current preschool families). Please contact Kathleen Blazey at preschooldirector@aldersgatechuch.net if you are interested in sending your child to the preschool. We are happy to schedule a tour. The preschool is hosting a free Kindergarten Information Night on Tuesday, February 5 th from 7-8 pm in the sanctuary. All parents are invited to attend. Bring your questions and/or concerns about kindergarten readiness and expectations. We will have 4 kindergarten teachers from the CV school district available to answer questions. We invite all parents to attend a Parenting seminar- Emotional Intelligence Monday, March 4 th from 6-8 pm. This is one of the best parenting workshops you could ever attend! It addresses how to prepare kids to be emotionally healthy adults. Please mark your calendars and come join us! Lisa Murray returns as the speaker for this event. She is amazing and a wealth of good insight for parents. There is a $5 voluntary donation for the workshop. Please RSVP by February 28 th to Kathleen Blazey preschooldirector@aldersgatechurch.net or 717-737-7923 ext. 103 The preschool hosts a monthly support group for parents of children with an autism diagnosis. If you, or anyone you know, might benefit from this support group, please contact Kathleen Blazey and we can add you onto our email distribution list. It is a great group of parents who are very welcoming to newcomers! And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NLT) Life Group for Parents Parents of children are invited to join a life group that meets Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour at 9:30 a.m. in room 203. While your children are attending Sunday School, join a group of parents who share, discuss, and explore the adventure and challenges of parenthood! Each week is a stand-alone discussion, so come when you can. There is no preparation needed - we are all super busy! This is an opportunity to connect with other parents and share experiences and ideas (and a cup of coffee). The first 15-20 minutes of our time together is a casual time of connecting and getting to know one another, then we share a short devotion and discussion follows. Currently our discussions are based on the book Sacred Parenting. Example topics include: God is in the Room, The Right Person for the Job, Fear Factor, Rude is Rude, A Parent to Be Proud Of, and They Just Don t Understand. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Heather and Derrick Dreese (hmdreese76@gmail.com) or Kristin and Adam Hoover (kamhoover6@gmail.com).
Page 8 DARING DAD S LIFE GROUP This men s group will meet the 1st Saturday of every month 7:30 am Room 203 TIME AND FORMAT 7:00 am Coffee/Fellowship in the Kitchen 7:30 am ROOM 203: DISCUSSION Topic Presented 8:00 am TIME OF SUPPORT: Open Share Questions/Topics/Struggles 8:30 am CLOSING PRAYER QUESTIONS: FACILITATORS: CONTACT : Tyler Davis: tylerd76@gmail.com 717-614-5865 Todd Cressler: toddcressler@gmail.com Turn Off Your Phone The world is fighting for your attention. Your boss wants to talk shop, your buddies want to talk sports, and your Facebook friends want to share another political rant. The truth is that none of those will have the eternal significance of the time invested in your wife and kids. Turn off your phone. Seriously. Set it in another room and give your undivided attention to those that God has placed under your leadership. Let them see your eyes and not the top of your head. This is what sacrificing for your family looks like in 2019, and the impact it has on your family will not go unnoticed. PRAYER Father, help me to fulfill the role you have for me in the family. I pray particularly for fathers. May they fulfill their God-given responsibilities. Bless them. In Jesus name. Amen.
February 2019 Prayer Calendar Page 9 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Pray for our sister church, the Krichev Revival Church and her Pastor 2 Presentation of the Lord Luke2:24 Praise God for the Christ Child who was sent for our salvation 3 2/3/1943 Prayer of thanksgiving for 4 U.S Army Chaplains who gave their lifejackets to others and chose to go down praying as the Dorchester sunk 4 Lord whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised Dietrich Bonheffer born today in 1906 5 Pray for our Pastors and the leadership of the church 6 Pray for each of the WUW studies, may the Holy Spirit fill their classrooms and the hearts of the participants 7 Pray for the Mature Methodists Group at Aldersgate as they serve the church 8 Pray for Christians in Somalia who risk martyrdom if their faith is discovered 9 Pray for those living in poverty without heat this winter 10 Pray for the acolytes serving during Sunday worship. May they remind us to continue to carry the light of Christ 11 Pray for those being called to the ministry of the Ordained, as they are interviewed this week 12 Pray for those attending AA, may they feel welcomed at Aldersgate and may God free them of their addictions 13 Pray for Bishop Park and our DS Rev. Robison 14 Valentine s Day Prayers of Thanksgiving for the Agape Love of Christ 15 Pray for the Aldersgate Intercessory Prayer Ministry team 16 Pray for the youth who are part of the Confirmation Group 17 Pray for shalom, may the love of Christ be carried out to our community and practiced throughout world 18 President s Day Pray for our country and its leaders 19 Pray for those being called to the ministry of the Ordained 20 Pray for the Women & Men served at Bethesda Mission 21 Pray for the Christian church in China & praise for Robert Morrison in 1807, the 1st Protestant missionary to China 22 Let me be a true follower of Christ our Lord who brings light into all of our darkness 23 Pray for the delegates at the General Conference Special Called Session, May they call upon God to lead them 24 Pray for the delegates at the General Conference Special Called Session, may they hear God s voice 25 Pray for the delegates at the General Conference Special Called Session, may they discern God s Call 26 Pray for the delegates at the General Conference Special Called Session and our Church 27 Transfiguration of the Lord Alleluia, God of Glory & Might in the face of death you reveal your true glory 28 Pray for the ministry of Beacon Clinic in Harrisburg
Page 10 Lenten Sermon Series: He Chose the Nails He Chose the Nails is a way for you to understand and fully experience the claims of the cross. You will have the opportunity to identify intimately with the suffering of Jesus and live out more completely the unconditional love of God. You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times, by Max Lucado Starting Wednesday February 13 at 6:30 pm Sometimes the challenges of life threaten to overwhelm us. We wonder how we'll carry on after the day the bottom dropped out. For you, it may have been the day of a financial crisis, a bad diagnosis, an accident, or you were served divorce papers by your spouse. Whatever it was, you knew your life was going to change dramatically, and it didn't seem like it was for the better. In You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times, Max Lucado encourages readers through sharing the Biblical story of Joseph. Stripped of his identity, thrown into a pit and sold as a slave, his was a story of defeat and challenges, but as time passed God worked through his circumstances to bring redemption and reconciliation. And although it may seem hard to believe, you will get through this too. The story of Joseph's life didn't end in the pit and neither does yours. Come join us February 13 th A Small Group Study Offered Wednesday Evenings at 6:30 pm in room 202. To register, email healthministries@aldersgatechurch.net or call 717-737-7923 ext. 104. NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY COMING Our last directory was done in 2014 and it is time for a new one. As before, Life Touch will be the photographer and all participating families will receive a directory book, a free 8 x 10 portrait and 20% off any additional portraits. This directory will be a little different from what we ve done in the past. It will be more easily updated so we can add new families or additions to current families. Contact information will also be kept more up to date. Photography dates are scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday, April 30 to May 4 and Monday through Wednesday, May 13-15. We will let you know when you can begin to sign up. Please consider participating in this important program. Debbie and I want to thank our church family for all the cards and prayers after the recent death of my father. Receiving all the cards made me realize how much Dad was loved by his church. We are also grateful for the prayer blanket that was prayed over by everyone. It blanketed him on his journey to Heaven. Rick and Debbie Smith
Page 11 2019 Organizational and Officers for the Sake of Ministry in Christ s Name MINISTRY COUNCIL Judy Vandercoy Council Chair Mike Galbraith Lay Leader Tom Ziegler Rich Shockey Roger Breed Tom Boyer Jane Engle Joe Prowell Karla Brenneman Kelly Heisey Peter Train Jan Hughes Aldersgate Church s Lay Members to Annual Conference: Judy Vandercoy, Melanie Feldner Alternate Lay Members to Annual Conference: Carol Diffenbaugh, Karla Brenneman Lay Leadership (Whose purpose is to prayerfully seek out and identify gifts and graces for leadership & ministry in and through the church for the sharing of the Gospel.) Class of 2019: Gary LeGore, Lorraine Wagner, Pete Vandercoy Class of 2020: Deb Hancock, Joe Skasko, Janet LeGore Class of 2021: Teresa Hayworth, Stacie Coburn, Steve Plante Lay Leader: Mike Galbraith Pastor (Serves as Chair) We are so thankful for the folks that have served as leaders in the past and we ask you to pray for our present leadership as they prayerfully follow God s lead into our future. Life Line Screening at Aldersgate Church Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings will be at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Friday, April 12, 2019. Life Line Screening will provide (there is a cost for this service): Ultrasound screenings to Identify risk factors for Cardiovascular disease include: Carotid Artery (plaque buildup-a leading cause of stroke), Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (an enlargement or weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body), Peripheral Arterial Disease (hardening of the arteries in the legs), a Heart Rhythm Screening (an EKG to detect Atrial Fibrillation-irregular heartbeat) and an Osteoporosis Risk Assessment for men and women. Being proactive about your health by knowing your risks helps you and your doctor address problems early. Register online TODAY at www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle and receive your Community Circle discount and your Preferred Appointment! Aldersgate is on Facebook! Please like and share the Aldersgate Facebook page at @aldersgatemechanicsburg and be sure to check in for worship and other church events!
Aldersgate Church A United Methodist Congregation 1480 Jerusalem Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Reaching with the Heart of God for the Lives of Our Community NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID MECHANICSBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 226 Return Service Requested Dated Material Inside February 2019 Edition Aldersgate Staff Jan Hughes, Pastor: jhughes@aldersgatechurch.net Scott Miller, Associate Pastor: smiller@aldersgatechurch.net Sheri Dohner, Director of Worship Ministries: worshipdirector@aldersgatechurch.net Kathleen Blazey, Preschool Director: preschooldirector@aldersgatechurch.net Melanie Feldner, Director of Children s Ministries: mfeldner@aldersgatechurch.net Carol Diffenbaugh, Director of Health Ministries: healthministries@aldersgatechurch.net Jamie Barkley/Wendy Strite, Youth Directors: youth@aldersgatechurch.net Diane Konieczny, Director of Discipleship Ministries: dianek@aldersgatechurch.net Carol Purdom/Christy Zakis Malpass: secretary@aldersgatechurch.net Todd Eppley, Facility Manager: teppley@aldersgatechurch.net Bill Brandamore/Larry Merwine, Custodial Support Maureen Nacci, Child Care Provider Kristi Prowell, Accompanist