Aldersgate United Methodist Church
A vibrant and inclusive Christian community 
growing in faith, love, health and service

www.Aldersgate-Church.org                                                                     March 17, 2016
Aldersgate UMC
14230 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA  98006
(425) 746-9800
News Links
Email Links
Lead Pastor

Church Office

Associate Pastor, Pastoral Care & Counseling
Rev. Laura Wall

Children & Family Ministry

Preschool Director

Music Director, 1st Service

Music Director, 2nd Service

Core Leaders, Chair
Calendar
Calendar
 
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Mar 18-20
Youth SUMYT Retreat
Mar 19
Petre Memorial Service
Mar 20
Palm Sunday
Mar 21
April Calendar Due
Mar 23
Lenten Study
Mar 24
Maundy Thurs Service
Mar 25
Good Friday Service
Preschool Closed
Mar 26
Easter Egg-stravaganza
Flashlight Egg Hunt
Mar 27
Easter Sunday
Egg Hunt
Mar 30
Lenten Study
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Apr 3
Confirmation Meeting
Apr 5
Young at Heart Potluck
Apr 9
Visual Journaling
Apr 10
Confirmation Begins
Apr 17
Camp Sunday
Taco Bar
Apr 20
Jesus Study Resumes
Apr 26
UMW Spring Salad Supper
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May 8
Mother's Day
Pancake Breakfast
May 9
Common Table
May 15
Pentecost Sunday
May 27-29
Lazy F Mission Trip
May 30
Memorial Day
Office Closed
Coffee
Church Leadership 

Click these links to read the minutes of the Core Leadership Team and the monthly minutes of the Ministry Teams.

Core Leaders (Feb)

Lay Leadership (Mar)

Preschool (Feb)

Staff Relations (Feb)

Trustees (Feb)

Worship (Jan)

Outreach (Jan)

Finance (Jan)

  

To bring a project, program or fundraiser idea to the Aldersgate Common Table for consideration, please fill out the  ACT PROPOSAL FORM  

 

For an explanation of the Core Leadership Team and a description of the Aldersgate Common Table, CLICK HERE.

Feed Your Soul
See today's devotional from the Upper Room.   CLICK HERE
 

Series
 Jesus Throughout History

Sermon
"Savior, Instigator, Igniter and Friend "

Scripture
  John 12:12-19 


This Sunday we're going to explore what it means to be "lit up."  What is it that lights us up?  It may be in a positive way; things that make us laugh or smile, brighten our faces or things that make us proud.  It may be those things that light us up in anger, or frustration; things that make us roll our eyes, shake our heads, or even make us passionately and overtly upset.  So what lights you up in either or both ways?   We know that there were certainly things that lit up Jesus, things like his love of children, God's creation, birds of the air and lilies in the fields.  He was lit up by those who would abuse and those who would ignore the pain of others and manipulate the Laws for their own benefit.  Very much like to today, the people in his day were looking for answers.  He sought to provide those.  As often happens, even today, our emotions can be used for the best of things and to respond to the worst of things.  Jesus chose to ride a donkey on that day as he entered the Temple in Jerusalem. That created hope in some and anger in others. From there he immediately went into the Temple courtyard and began to toss tables around and drive animals and sellers out.  We can only imagine what that caused.  This Sunday is all about emotions; ours and his.  We'll begin with the hope-filled positives, shouts of "Hosanna" and then end with the turn toward something else.  To prepare please read John 12: 12 - 19.   
Ministry News
 
Sunday School Update
Volunteers are needed to lead Sunday School  on  March 20th .    Jen Hoerber will be with our youth on the SUMYT Retreat and cannot do this.  Please prayerfully consider volunteering with our kids.  Thank you to Pam Breske for leading Kid's Club.

Holy Week and Easter Services

Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday Services
March 20, 8:50am & 11:00am
We will commemorate the Messiah's entry into Jerusalem with palms and Alleluias

Maundy Thursday Service   Maundy Thursday
March 24, 7:00pm
We will remember Jesus' last night with his disciples and receive communion.
 
Good Friday Good Friday Service
March 25, 7:00pm
We will meditate on the last events of  Jesus' life before his resurrection.
 
Holy Saturday Easter Sunday Services
March 27, 8:50am & 11:00am
Join us and Christians everywhere as we rejoice because of Christ's Resurrection
 
Confirmation Information Meeting
Sunday, April 3 @ 10:00am
For all youth planning on attending confirmation classes this spring, there is an informational meeting for youth and their parents on  Sunday, April 3 at 10:00am downstairs in Smith Hall.  Confirmation classes will be Sunday evenings starting April 10 and run through  June 12, which is Confirmation Sunday. If you are unable to attend this meeting, but are interested in Confirmation, please contact Jen Hoerber as we are looking into setting up a second meeting time. 

Confirmand Mentors Needed
Support our Confirmands!  Aldersgate UMC is blessed to have a great group of youth starting Confirmation in April.  As part of this special time in their lives and the life of the church, we are looking for individuals to be mentors to each of our confirmands.  There are also other ways you can help support the confirmation class of 2016 as well.  If you are interested in being a confirmation mentor or supporting them in another way, please let Pastor Brad or Jen know by April 3rd.  

Kitchen Status Week 6
Currently we are running about two weeks late primarily driven by the availability and installation of equipment by supplier.   It has been a relatively quiet week. When the crew came Monday to sand, the drywall (mud) had not dried sufficiently. Heat registers were opened and fans deployed so that they were able to complete sanding and preparation for paint Thursday. The c eiling has been painted and the walls have been sealed in preparation for installation of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels scheduled for March 24.  The e lectrician was on site Friday installing kitchen lighting.  The p rime contractor was also on site doing final preparations for floor - he had to remove/replace a subfloor "bubble" of approx. 7 sq. ft. The flooring materials are on site with installation scheduled for Monday.   New ceiling tiles for the storage area are on site and we expect installation by next week.  

Library Book Review
Please browse our copy of Jim Kraus' book "Conversations With St. Bernard:  A Novel" located on the mobile display cart.  Also CLICK HERE to read its book review. 
Fun Events

Yoga Class
Begins April 2
Be a part of Aldersgate's yoga ministry!  Vince Fratello will be teaching a Spring series of yoga classes which start at the most basic beginner level and are organized to accommodate all body types and physical abilities. The series will tentatively be ten Saturdays from April 2 to June 4, from   9:00-10:15am.  Students should bring a sticky yoga mat (ask if you are unsure) and Vince will supply the rest of the props.  The cost is $50 per student for the entire series - you can try out the first class with no financial commitment and scholarships are available if needed.  If you have questions, contact Vince .  We hope to see you there!

Easter Egg Activities
Thank you for your Easter egg and candy donations.   We are still in need of wrapped candy for the filling of Easter eggs, sugar cookes for decorating, and duct tape in fun colors and patterns. 
  • Egg-stravaganza - March 26th, 10:00am-noon.  This is a community Easter event geared for young children.  From 10:00am-11:15am there will be fun activities such as crafts, games, and a cookie decorating station in the classrooms downstairs.  Then at 11:15am, we will gather in Smith Hall where Pastor Brad will lead us in some songs and tell the Easter story.  The Easter egg hunt begins at 11:30am.  **We are still in need of volunteers to man the different stations.
  • Tween Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt  -  March 26th, 7:00pm - 8:00pm. This is a community Easter event geared for kids ages 10 through middle school.  Bring a flashlight and a friend.  At 7:00pm meet in Smith Hall for ice cream sundaes and instructions. Then at 7:30pm the flashlight Easter egg hunt begins!  **We are still in need of volunteers to help at this event.
  • Easter Sunday we will be hosting a special Kid's Club during the 8:50am service with an Easter Egg hunt at 10:15am.  **It would be great to have some youth volunteers to hide Easter eggs and to assist during Kid's Club.
Young at Heart Potluck
Tuesday, April 5
Calling all retirees, empty nesters and wannabees!  Join us Tuesday, April 5th, at 6:00pm in Friendship Hall, for an enjoyable evening of good food and fellowship.  More info to come on the  program.  Do you have ideas for future get-togethers?  We'd love to hear them!  If you have never attended YAHS, please sign up on Sunday's attendance form, or phone Mary Atkins (253 858-6270) or Beth Sanford (425 392-7223).

Are There Treasures in Your Attic?  
Have you wondered what they might be worth?  Ladies, plan to bring your small antiques and collectibles to the United Methodist Women's Spring Salad Supper on Tuesday, April 26.  Following a salad potluck, Debbie Mallory, owner of the Sophisticated Swine Antiques Appraisal and Estate Sales, will share her expertise with us. The evening's offering will be donated to Hopelink.  Watch for more information.

Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)
All youth from 6th-12th grade are welcome.  If you have any questions about the youth program, contact Pastor Brad.  Here are some upcoming events:
March 20    No Youth Group due to SUMYT Retreat Weekend
March 26  Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt and Sundae Bar @ 7pm.
March 27   No Youth Group due to Easter Sunday

Vacation Bible School
VBS will be the week of July 25.  The theme is "Cave Quest - Following Jesus the Light of the World."  If you would like to sign up or at least discuss the possibility of being a station leader or a group leader, please contact Jen. Hoerber.  
Outreach & Missions World
 
Help with Meals
Lauren Steele is recovering from neck surgery and would appreciate meal support. Please use the site at  www.CaringBridge.org to sign up:  

Log in to  www.CaringBridge.org and search for Lauren Steele. (You may need to set up an account, which only takes a minute.) Then under Planner, you will see what days are covered. Click the date for a day you can provide meals, and click "Accept this task." (Or you can coordinate with Laura Wall, who will sign you up.) Thank you so much!!! The Steele family appreciate all the help they have received.

Habitat for Humanity Luncheon
Tuesday March 22 , will be the Habitat for Humanity Luncheon from noon to 1:00pm at the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle.  Come join the other Aldersgaters and hear about the work that Habitat does to provide affordable housing.  Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact Dave Sanford or Darrell Lowe.  

Lazy F Family Mission Trip  
Save the dates May 27-29 for the Aldersgate Family Mission Trip to Lazy F.  The weekend will include tasks for children and adults of all ages.  Last year Aldersgate remodeled two cabins, weeded and planted flowers, built covered firewood storage and a GaGa Ball court, and served at the clothing bank at the Ellensburg United Methodist Church.  The evening events included a campfire with s'mores, board games and a chance to relax in a beautiful location.  Sign up ion Sunday's attendance form if you think you might attend - this is not a commitment, we are just trying to gauge interest.
Pray
Prayer List   

People Who Mourn
*Pauline Williams' nephew Bob passed away
*Jenny Andrews' relation Betty, matriarch of the Lawry family, passed away.
* Andy Luedke's Grandpa Norm passed away. 
*Craig Petre's  memorial service will be Saturday, March 19 at 1:00pm.

People with Health Concerns
*Shelia Cameron
*Brad Beeman
*Michelle Salene's friend Kyle
*Armand Leslie's uncle Leonardo
*Cindy Soderberg's friends John and Brittney
*Lauren Steele
*David James
*Edna Fadden
*Jean Harris' granddaughter Sarah
*Bill Ferguson
*Bill & Patty Ferguson's great-nephew baby Micah
*Robert Brawn
*Cindy Wheeler

Additional Prayers 
*Missionary Katherine Parker
*Nita & Zane Daniel
*Jeff & Cindy Wheeler
*The Pollmann family and baby Hannah

Youth SUMYT Retreat
As ten youth and three chaperones head off to the SUMYT Retreat at Camp Indianola on Friday, March 18, please lift them up in prayer for a safe, meaningful retreat where they can come together, meet other youth from the conference and deepen their faith.  Those youth attending are:  Elise B., Camile B., Oliver F., James F., Kyle B., Bryce S., Caralynn H., Jacob Y., Gwen B., Sofie.  Chaperones are Jen Hoerber, Griffey Edwards and Patty Ferguson, plus Erin Ferguson will be the nurse for the retreat.  Many thanks to Malia Hampson, Emily Browder, and Brad Brewer for helping with transportation.
   
Submit prayer requests to Dorothy Bennett, the Prayer Chain Coordinator, or fill out a pew prayer card or contact the church office.  Prayer requests will  stay on the Prayer Chain for about 3 weeks.  Please contact Dorothy or the church office with an update if you want the request to be prayed for longer.  
All prayer requests will appear in the church newsletters unless you specifically request otherwise.