April 2018 What a glorious Lenten Season and Easter we celebrated together! I am grateful for the gifts of so many who made it all possible For our dedicated staff who went above and beyond again this year. For Janice and the team of volunteers who created a beautiful worship space throughout the season. For those who led the Lenten studies on the Apostles Creed on Sunday mornings, Tuesdays and Thursdays and all who shared the journey. For Betsey and all those who made soup, salad and dessert for the Wednesday fellowship meals attended by around 50 people each week. For Charles, Christine, Jill and Evelyn who led the Wednesday Evening worships as we reflected on the Gospel stories for Lent. For Mike and the wonderful Seder Meal. For all those who filled Easter eggs, helped with crafts and welcomed around 50 children to the annual Egg Hunt. For Joanne, Jane and our prayer partners who were available on Good Friday for prayer in the sanctuary, and for all those who came in for silent prayer. For Cheryl and the youth and adults who prepared and served the Easter Breakfast for over 200 people. For the children who led the palm parade and for the adult choirs, bells and brass whose music lifted us to new heights. For all who came to celebrate the hope that Christ makes possible... May we continue to live in the spirit of Resurrection~ Christ is Risen, and we are Easter people! Pastor Lisa
Staff News Announcing Carol Prasad s Retirement This Sunday we shared with the congregation Carol s plan to retire this Spring. She has been our Director of Music for nearly 40 years, and we are so grateful for all the music she has helped us make over the years! A celebration is being planned for the last Sunday in June. We have much to celebrate! Carol leaves very big shoes to fill...the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) has begun the process of listening to various perspectives as we plan for the future music ministry at Aldersgate and what staffing is needed to move into the future. A survey is available on the welcome rack at church if you would like to provide your feedback to the SPRC. They will work to create the new job position description and conduct interviews with the hope of having a person in place for the summer to help us plan for the Fall season. Please pray for the process as we move into the future together. Music is such an important part of our worship and ministry. We celebrate the strength our program has had in the past and look forward to the future. Please also pray for Carol as she moves into this new chapter in her life. We are thankful that she is not moving out of the area, and AUMC will continue to be her church home! Below is the prayer we used in our Listening Session... O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. We give You thanks for Your presence with us, at each moment of our lives and in our life together. We thank You for Carol, for her ministry of 39 years, and we ask Your blessing upon her as she prepares to enter into retirement. We pray that Your grace would surround her, as she adjusts to the changes that life is bringing for her. Thank You for the love of this community, which has surrounded her on this journey. And thank You for the gift they have been to each other and to our congregation as they have made music together over all these years. We give You thanks for the music program of this church the voices, the bells, the brass, the instruments for all those who have shared their talents over the years, for those who continue to do so, and for the generations of those who are still coming up. We pray that we would cherish this amazing gift and look for ways to make it stronger as we seek to serve You in this place. We know, Lord, that You provide for our needs. We have seen it over and over again Help us to trust that You have the next right thing in store for us. Help us to listen to where You lead us. Fill us with Your Spirit, and breathe new life into us, this Easter season. We thank You for the promise of resurrection and the hope of each new day. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Adult Studies BELIEVING JESUS: ARE YOU WILLING TO RISK EVERYTHING? A JOURNEY THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS ADULT STUDY BEGINS SUNDAY, APRIL 8 TH In Believing Jesus, Bible teacher and author Lisa Harper retraces the steps of the apostles in the book of Acts, while throwing in a few of her own crazy adventures along the way. The disciples didn t have much of a road map after Jesus ascended to heaven, but God s grace and spirit filled in the gaps as they moved forward. It required their willingness to risk everything to establish a new community that would change the future world. As a regular speaker on the Women of Faith tour, Lisa has earned a reputation as a true theological scholar and hilarious storyteller not necessarily in that order! Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado calls Lisa one of the best Bible tour guides around. Believing Jesus will highlight both of Lisa s strengths as she tackles every chapter of the Book of Acts with biblical wisdom and modern wit. Lisa keeps it real, telling stories on herself and pointing readers back to Jesus, the only one who can truly lead. Adult Study meets between services in the Concord Room. New Participants are welcome to join us. There are copies of the book available in the office. Sunday Date Topic 1 April 8th The Declarations That Define Us 2 April 15th Wind, Earth, and Celestial Fire 3 April 22nd Checkered Pasts Can Make Incredible Preachers 4 April, 29th What s Mine Is Yours 5 May 6th Loving More People More May 13th (Mother s Day Breakfast) 6 May 20th The Need To Be ReGospeled 7 May 27th Turning Your World Upside Down 8 June 3th Bearing The Chain Because
Thursday Bible Study The morning bible study class with resume the William Barclay study of the Gospel. This group meets on Thursday mornings at 10am in the Concord Room. New participants are always welcome to join! Information on the book can be found by contacting the office. Date Chapter 04/12 5:21--6:29 04/19 6:30-7:37 04/26 8:1-9:1 05/03 9:2-10:12 05/10 10:13-52 05/17/ 11:1-12:12 05/24 12:13-13:37 05/31 14:1-72 06/07 15:-16:20 New Member Class Those interested in joining Aldersgate or transferring their membership in from another church are invited to meet with Pastor Lisa the next two Sundays in the downstairs Library between the services. New Members will be received on Sunday, April 29th at either morning worship service. Please see Pastor Lisa for more details.
Pray Partner Ministry The joy of Easter. the meaning of. the celebration of. the gift of everlasting life through the One who loves us EVERY day still resonates this morning after Easter. The Word shared in scripture and meditation and music together with our church family coming together after a long and difficult winter is testimony to our living faith. Thanks be to God for His great gift to us in Jesus! Our Prayer Partner Ministry is alive and meaningful to many people who respond to the prayer requests of those who are experiencing both difficult and joyous experiences in their lives. We hold in confidence the requests that come to us and that is the only requirement to belong to our prayer partner family. We continue to pray for those who now have loved ones in heaven. those who are experiencing serious illness and are concerned as to what to do next. those who deal on a minute by minute basis with an illness that seems to have a will of its own and can take the joy out of an ordinary day. Pray for them God knows who they are. pray for peace and God s loving presence in their lives to lift them from discouragement to the ability to enjoy an ordinary day again. Be with our people, God, be present to and grant them your peace. Thank you for your amazing gift of Jesus, our Savior and risen Lord. Amen. Joanne
Knitting Ministry The knitting group meets on Monday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. in the Concord Room. All are welcome to join us. Please see some information below on the projects that we are continuing to support. Foster Kids Blankets The collection for the Foster Kids program is growing! If you are working on an afghan or blanket, please let Jessica know. We are looking to make another donation in May. The blankets are for children of all ages so we need blankets of all sizes. These would be used as comfort items for the children. Purple hats As always, we are collecting purple hats for Lowell General as a part of A Child s Light Education and Advocacy Group. Every year, thousands of infants are shaken and abused at the hands of a frustrated parent or caregiver. Frustration with a crying infant is the number one trigger for the shaking and abuse of infants. In an effort to educate parents and caregivers about normal infant crying and reduce frustration, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) is partnering with knitters and crocheters throughout North America to make purple-colored baby caps.
Get Involved! Fellowship Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed Fellowship Coffee Hour (between the two services) is a wonderful time to catch up with friends, meet new people and enjoy a little refreshment. The Hospitality Committee, consisting of only 2 people, is responsible for Fellowship Coffee Hour. However, we rely on volunteers to pitch in (with the two of us filling in the gaps when needed). We currently have a handful of volunteers and receive an occasional surprise treat. We are grateful to these individuals, but we need more participants. Please consider helping by occasionally by signing up to help with Fellowship Coffee Hour. You can do all the tasks or just choose the ones you want to do. Every little bit helps. Here are the ways you can help: Set Up: Involves setting up the coffee pots and additional supplies as well as providing the half & half (if none is available in the fridge.) Pots must be set up by 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. Set-up can also be done of Saturday if there is nothing scheduled for the Fellowship Hall/ Kitchen on a Saturday. (Schedule is viewable on the church website calendar) Goodies: We recommend 5 items, each with approximately 24 servings (so a total of 120 servings). When you sign up please indicate the number of items you plan to bring. Multiple people can sign up. For example, if Gina wants to bring two items (24 servings each) she would write Gina 2. If Paul is willing to provide all the goodies he would write Paul 5. The goodie sign up list is posted in the Fellowship Hall near the coffee service table. Clean-up: Includes emptying and rinsing the coffee pots, clearing the food and the coffee tables and washing any dishes and utensils. This can be done any time after 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. If you have any questions on what tasks involve or need a lesson on set-up or clean-up please see Betsey Driscoll or Nancy Goodick. We thank you for your help.
Small Group Opportunities Wonder Women April Showers/Baby Shower All women are invited on Saturday, April 21, 12-2PM in the Fellowship Hall to support Care Net, a faith-based pregnancy resource center in Fitchburg. A luncheon will be served and a presentation by Wendy Mattis who has volunteered at Care Net for 71/2 years. Please bring a new unwrapped baby item or baby clothing, size 3 months to 2T, to support Care Net's Boutique. Any questions contact Dottie Newcomb. Single Ladies Dining Out group will get together for dinner on Saturday April 21st at 5 pm at Eviva Cucina in Westford.(Across from Market Basket). Please reserve your spot at the table by calling or talking with Ardie Deitz or Betsy Campbell at by Thursday the 19th. We hope you can join us. Book Club The Aldersgate Book Club meets monthly on the last Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm. Join us for pizza and discussion! Here are the upcoming Book Club selections: April 25th: Defending Jacob by William Landry May 29th: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah June 26th: Enrique s Journey by Sonia Nazario
EASTER EGG FUN!
Church School News CREED Our church school classes in grades 3-12 used the curriculum Creed during Lent this year. Check out the bulletin board downstairs that is displaying art work for each week s theme! VBS - Save the Date! Monday, August 20 - Friday, August 24 9:00-noon For children ages 4-12 Join us this summer to experience the ride of a lifetime with God at Rolling River Rampage Vacation Bible School! This white water rafting adventure includes exciting new music, amazing science, creative crafts, fun recreation, and memorable Bible stories that will help children know God is always with them as they ride the rapids of life! There will be registration forms available on Sunday, April 15th. VBS Meeting: Sunday, April 15th at 8:45 a.m. - all are welcome to learn about how you can support this important program!
ITALIAN NIGHT Saturday, April 14 TH BISTRO 5:00 8:00 P.M. Our Youth will be transforming the Fellowship Hall into an Italian Bistro to help raise money for their trip to Mission Central in Mechanicsburg, PA. Mission Central provides worldwide material relief to those in need. We will be taking reservations from March 25th April 8th. Registration table is by the flower chart in the hall. Please review the menu to see what delicious food we will be offering there are even Vegan options!
Junior Youth Group This fellowship group is for youth in grades 5 th 8 th. Our mission is to provide your children with a safe, healthy and loving environment to help them grow and experience Christianity. Italian Bistro Saturday, April 14 th For 7 th & 8 th graders interested in going on mission trip We will decorate and prepare food from 3:00 4:15, eat at 4:15 and then serve from 4:45 8:00 p.m. We will clean up from 8:00 9:00 p.m. Oh Brother! Oh Mother! 5 th 8 th grade Friday, April 27 th from 6:30 8:00 p.m. What is family? Bring your family s favorite snack to share. Senior Youth God Squad This fellowship group is for youth in grades 5 th 8 th. Our mission is to provide your children with a safe, healthy and loving environment to help them grow and experience Christianity. Italian Bistro Saturday, April 14 th We will decorate and prepare food from 3:00 4:15, eat at 4:15 and then serve from 4:45 8:00 p.m. We will clean up from 8:00 9:00 p.m. Pine Street Inn & Boston Saturday, April 21 st We will volunteer at the Pine Street Inn in Boston and then go to Faneuil Hall. More information to follow. 6:31 Practice Sunday, April 29 th from noon 1:30 p.m. Bring money for pizza we will practice for our worship service on Sunday, May 6 h. Summer Youth Mission Trip July 15th - 20th Our youth mission trip is open to any youth in grades 7-12. We will be traveling to Mission Central in Mechanicsburg in PA. We will also go to Hershey Park, tour Philadelphia museum and go on a ghost tour. Our theme is: Dare to be Different! Please let Cheryl know asap if you are interested in going-deposit of $25.00.
OUR NEXT SERVICE IS: MAY 6 TH! at 6:31p.m. Everyone is welcome!
Community Member Events Don't miss this unique and exciting event! ACA-POCALYLPSE is a two day a cappella extravaganza featuring 15 college and high school a cappella groups from the Boston area. Did you know that Aldersgate Church is represented at this event? Come see Landon Cass performing with "Sons of Pitches" from Holy Cross (Saturday 4/28) and Zoe Adoniou performing with Chelmsford High School's "The Crescendos" (4/27 & 4/28). Also performing will be Distilled Harmony from Northeastern University and CHS's award winning group, The Thursdays! Ticket proceeds are tax deductible, and ALL net proceeds benefit Chelmford's a cappella groups at Chelmsford High School. Linda Adoniou is coordinating a reserved block for the congregation, DEADLINE: 4/15 $15 students/$20 for adults. Deadline for ticket sales through Linda is 4/15 (reserved block). Email Linda at adonioulinda@hotmail.com After 4/15: https://chelmsfordacappella.org/
News from the district Connected is a publication of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church. This monthly insert is designed put Conference news directly into the hands of our local church members. For more news and events, visit www.neumc.org. 2018 Mission U July 27-29 Mission u: It s for you Mission u provides opportunities for persons to grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context as well as initiate opportunities for spiritual and educational experiences. The time is spent in worship and in-depth study with music, prayer, sharing, exploring and much food for the body and the soul. Mission u is for women, men, youth, children. There are classes for both youth and children. Childcare will be available. One Continuing Education Unit (1CEU) is offered for clergy who participate in the entire event. Also, Spirit Wind, the fair trade marketing connection to Nicaragua for the New England Conference, has a display with many handmade items for sale. When: Friday to Sunday, July 27-29, 2018 Where: Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH Register on line at https://neumc-reg.brtapp.com/missionu2018
Ushers Dan V. (8:30 a.m.) Nate, Anthony (10:45 a.m.) Greeters 4/01 Charles & Vera Martin & Diane 4/08 Carmen Betsy C. 4/15 Cheryl B. Mark 4/22 Beverly Howe Family 4/29 Debbie & Joe Adam Lavoie Acolytes 4/01 Easter 4/8 Declan Erin 4/15 Sofia Alex 4/22 Jack Kathryn 4/29 Anika Readers 4/01 Jane Debbie 4/08 Walt Julia 4/15 Charles Wendy B. 4/22 Robin David 4/29 Evelyn Kathy Communion 4/1 Easter 4/08 Wendy K. 4/15 Vera, Debbie 4/22 Nancy, Roger 4/29 Joanne, Charles Contact Us! Pastor Lisa s email address is revlisabc@gmail.com. The Church Office email is aldersgatechelmsford@verizon.net and the email for Cheryl Ortolf, Director of Education, is aumc-education@verizon.net 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 except for the week of April 16th. The office will be closed for Patriots day and office hours for April 17-20 will be 9am-noon.