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

www.Aldersgate-Church.org                                                              September 15, 2016
Aldersgate UMC
14230 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA  98006
(425) 746-9800
News Links
Email Links
Lead Pastor

Church Office

Children & Family Ministry

Preschool Director

Music Director, 1st Service

Chancel Choir Director

Handbell Director
Core Leaders, Chairman
  Joe Lee
Calendar
Calendar
 
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Sept 17
District Homeless Forum
Sept 18
Adult Education Begins
Sunday School Begins
Club 345
Sept 19
Common Table
Oct Calendar Deadline
Sept 25
All Church Foot Golf
Sept 26
Holy Land Trip Meeting
Sept 30
Family Fun Night
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Oct 2
World Communion
Kinney Memorial Service
Oct 4
Young at Heart Potluck
Oct 6 & 8
H4H Build
Oct 9
Club 345
Oct 13 & 15
H4H Build
Oct 14-15
Church Rummage Sale
Oct 18
Parenting Forum
Oct 22
Church Work Party
Oct 24
Nov Calendar Deadline
Oct 28
Fall Festival
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Nov 4-6
Sr High Retreat
Nov 6
All Saints Sunday
Nov 18-20
Jr High Retreat
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 (August)
Staff Relations  (Sept)
Trustees (July)
Lay Leadership  (July)
Finance (May)
Worship (April)
Preschool  (Feb)
Outreach (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



Sermon:  
"Our Christian DNAl "

Scripture :  Luke 2:1-20





This Sunday 
DNA.  It is what makes us what we are.  It is an amazing combination of cells, chromosomes, history and heritage.  Our hair color, eye color and to some extent, personality can come from genetics and genetic predispositions.  But, of course, there is more to us than the physical.  Everybody has events in their lives that have shaped who they are.  Everyone has stories that can be shared for the benefit of others.  It's what a healthy community does.  And even for us, as Christians there is a story that defines us, often more than we realize.  It is a combination of the birth narratives found in Matthew and Luke.  Both of these were written by followers of Christ.  One was honoring the tax collector turned disciple by using his name.  No doubt the disciple Matthew influenced the writer.  The other was one close to at least a few of the disciples, heard their stories and wrote both his books (Luke and Acts).  The purpose was not to necessarily give us a historic accounting of the birth of Jesus.  It was to set the foundation for what Jesus's life, ministry and focus would become; where it was rooted, and even who would be involved.   Beyond the specific teachings of Jesus, these two stories offer us a glimpse into our Christian DNA.  They help us understand much more fully our history, our heritage, our genetic predisposition, and our focus as Children of God; as Christians and as a Christian community growing.  To prepare, read Luke 2: 1 - 20. 
Ministry News

Attention Knitters/Crocheters!  
Over the course of a year Renee Kroese knits 15 prayer shawls for those in need of some comfort during difficult times.  They are displayed in the narthex and are free to anyone.  She has provided this ministry for over 10 years - that's 150 shawls!  That's a lot of work and a lot of yarn!  She could use your help! The shawls are easy to make.  If you would like to be a part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please email Renee at 425-254-3547. Also you can support the ministry by donating yarn.  Three skeins of LYON BRAND HOME SPUN yarn is needed for one prayer shawl.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!
Aldersgate has the opportunity to help Sophia Way provide emergency shelter for women during the months of January, February and March. This is our chance to help 20 to 25 women avoid sleeping on cold and dangerous streets during the harshest weather of the year. More information about this will be presented at the Common Table.   You can help! 

First, come to the Common Table Monday evening September 19 at 7:00pm, where you can learn about the details and provide your input. The Core Leadership Team needs to know whether you support (or not) housing homeless women in our fellowship hall and feel deeply enough to pitch in on this solution.
 
Second, if you are interested in working on this project, please contact Janice Zahn ( 206-300-7041)  or Robbin Price (425-957-9081).   This is a large project, and we welcome all your questions, concerns, and assistance.   The Aldersgate community works hard in many ways to provide everyday miracles to those in need. Help us once again to make a real difference for our neighbors.
 
Music Staff Changes
We sadly announce the retirement of J. Allen Leslie as Second Service Music Director.  he Staff Parish Relations Committee is already meeting to examine the next steps for this position.   Click here to read Allen's letter of resignation.

Teachers Needed for Youth Sunday School
The curriculum is easy to use.  The youth are amazing and are asking for more.  Please prayerfully consider Youth Sunday  School. Even if it's only once a month, it would be a wonderful gift to the youth and church.  Talk to Jen Hoerber with any questions or concerns you might have about teaching. 

Reception Help Needed   
We need volunteers to help with the reception following the Memorial Service on October 2.  Helpers are needed to set up and to clean up, and to prep and serve the food and beverages. We also need donations of cookies. If you can help, sign up on Sunday's attendance form, or email  Lea Fox, or call her at 425-641-6796.

Aldersgate Common Table ~  Monday, September 19 
You are invited to the Common Table on September 19 at 7:00pm.  This gathering is for everyone who wants to have a voice in the life of the church.  It is a place to raise new ideas for the church and to hear what is happening on the ministry teams.  

New Programs Starting This FALL @ Aldersgate 
**Club 345 - C lub 345 is a 'youth group-like' fellowship opportunity for all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.  .  CLICK HERE to sign up to host a Club 345  or talk to Jen Hoerber.
**2nd Sunday  Dinners for Club 345 and Youth 2nd Sunday  Dinners is a new program for both our Club 345 and Youth Group programs. Want to support this program?  Grab a friend or two and sign up to a host a monthly dinner.  CLICK HERE to sign up or talk to Jen Hoerber. 
**Parenting Forum Series @ Aldersgate -    We will focus on a few topics that are important to parents and offer information, support and encouragement all rooted in Christian love and faith.   If you'd like to support these efforts, please contact Jen Hoerber. Assistance with logistics and hospitality will both be needed. 
*October, Tuesday the 18th:  Protecting Your Kids from Becoming
     'At Risk'  with speaker Pastor Brad Beeman
*February: 'Talking to Your Kids about the World We Live In' 
*May:  'Social Media & Your Kids' or 'Promoting a Healthy   Family'
Fun Events

FootGolf Tournament
Sunday, September 25, 3:00pm
Join us for a fun and healthy way to get to know your Aldersgate UMC family with an afternoon of FootGolf!  AUMC has the entire course reserved at the Crossroads Par 3 golf course on Sunday,  September 25th at 3:00pm for our first ever FootGolf Tournament.   We will have teams starting off at each hole and we will be playing at least 9 holes  N ever heard of FootGolf?  It's basically a mix of soccer and golf.  Check out the website  http://bellevuepgc.com/-footgolf.  This event is FREE - t he cost of FootGolf will be covered by AUMC Family Ministries.  Bring your own soccer ball or you can rent one there for $3.  Drinks and snacks will be provided.   Sign up HERE or on Sunday's attendance form.     Please note that  September 20th  is our deadline for registration !

Family Fun Night
September 30th  6:00-9:00pm
Join us for Family Fun Night!  Bring a dish to share, your favorite game and be ready to have some fun.  Roger Ingalls band, "Inner Voices", will be our musical entertainment for the evening.
Yoga Classes
Start Saturday October 1
Be a part of Aldersgate's yoga ministry!  Vince Fratello will be teaching a Fall series of classes at the most basic beginner level and it will be organized to accommodate all body types and physical abilities.  Class 1 always starts at the beginning so don't worry. The series will tentatively be ten Saturdays from October 1 to December 3.  Class time will be 9:00-10:15am.  Students will be asked to bring a sticky yoga mat (ask if you are unsure) and Vince will supply the rest of the props.  The cost will be $50 per student for the entire series to cover Vince's expenses-you can try out the first class with no financial commitment and scholarships are available if needed.  If you have questions you can email Vince.  We hope to see you there!

Holy Land Tour March 21-30, 2017
Information Night 
Monday, September 26 at 7:00 pm
Join Pastor Brad Beeman on the journey of a lifetime as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus--from the Sea of Galilee and Cana to Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Anyone interested in exploring the sacred lands of the Bible, connecting with a community of fellow Christians and enriching their faith are welcome. Come to our Information Night as we discuss itinerary, flights, accommodations, packing, health and safety, and meet fellow travelers.  Contact is  Julie Flahiff.

Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)
Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:300pm.  All youth from 6th-12th grade are welcome.   If you have any questions about the youth program, contact Pastor Brad or Jen Hoerber. Here are some upcoming events:
*Sept. 17 - Youth Connect Luau Dance/Party/Worship at Kent UMC from 7:00-10:00pm.
*Sept. 18 - Dinner at 5:00pm and Youth Group from 6:00pm-7:30pm
*Sept. 19 - Common Table at 7:00pm
Come support the Youth Group initiative to add Frisbee Golf to Aldersgate's grounds.
*Sept. 25 - ALL Church FootGolf Tournament 3:00-5:30pm
This event is FREE! Sign up HERE or on Sunday's attendance form by  Sept ember 20th.   Bring a soccer ball and wear comfortable clothes. 

Club 345 (3rd, 4th, 5th Grade)
September 18
This fellowship group for kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade meets once a month.  It starts with dinner at 5:00pm, followed by games, crafts and other fun activities from 6:00-7:30pm.  

YAHs Potluck  
Tuesday, October 4 @ 6:00pm
Get ready, get set, Celebrate!  The next Young at Heart potluck will be on Tuesday, October 4 at 6:00pm.  Save the date!  We warmly welcome all retired folks or "wannabees."  Please sign up if you have never attended before and someone will contact you about the food.  For more information contact Dave & Kathy Maybee.
 
Meaningful Movies on the Eastside
6:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday, September 2016-May 2017
St. Margaret's Episcopal Church (4228 Factoria Blvd SE)
Gather with other community members to engage in entertaining, educational, and topical films.  This series of eight films have been chosen based on quality, educational value, and potential for community dialog. Come and join in the dialog!  Gather with your neighbors for refreshments, a move and discussion!  Free and open to the public!  There is a  suggested donation of $5/person, but no one will be turned away!   Click here for more information
**September 20 - "Dream On"
**October 18 - "The Ten Commandments to Avoid Extinction"
This film series is jointly sponsored by the Earthkeepin Team at Holy Cross Lutheran, St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Outreach Team, East Shore Unitarian Church and Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Outreach & Missions World

Homeless Forum
Saturday, September 17
As Methodist churches, one common ministry we all have is some form of care for the homeless.  So, on September 17th from 9:00am-3:00pm we will have an opportunity to experience a Poverty Simulation led by Lisa Gustafson of Seattle University, and afterwards we will meet, have lunch, and work together to form a District strategic response to the crisis of homelessness in King County. CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Habitat for Humanity
InterFaith Build 
Want to do something about affordable housing?  Come with us to the Sammamish Plateau to help Habitat build a home.  The InterFaith Build will take place the first two weeks in October (Thursdays and Saturdays.).  Help is also needed to prepare lunch for the builders on October 6. Sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact Darrell Lowe, 425-746-9612.

Church Rummage Sale
The Fantastic, Fun, Fabulous Aldersgate Rummage Sale will soon be here! Funds from the Rummage Sale are used to help cover travel expenses of church members on mission trips. Please start cleaning out your closets and garage and donate items to the Rummage Sale.  Also, please sign up to help.  It takes many people to make this event a success.  Contact is Linda Detering.
   Set up: Monday, October 10th
   Pricing and donations accepted: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, October 11th & 12th
   SALE: Friday AND Saturday, October 14th & 15th        
Pray
Prayer List   

People Who Passed Away  
*Don & Edna Fadden's niece Lisa
*Steve Farmer, Food Service Manager at Lazy F Camp

People with Health Concerns
*John Saalwaechter's father
*Tom & Julie Strain's son Chris
*Bill Ferguson and his niece Sierra
*Dave and Kathy Maybee's friend Allen
* *Betty Fredeen's brother-in-law Noel, her sister-in-law Audrey and her friends Hannah and Pearl

Additional Prayers 
*Missionary Katherine Parker
*All our children and youth who have started school and their teachers
*Marcia Stansell's brother
*Jen Hoerber, Jacob and Justin
   
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.