|
A Message from
Pastor Laurie Steele
| | |
Change.
Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t always enthusiastic about change. In fact, if we search deep within our hearts, we might admit that change at church feels especially unsettling. At Aley UMC, we’ve certainly experienced more than our fair share of it. Sometimes, change is welcome, especially when it aligns with our hopes and preferences. Other times, we feel uncertain, as if we haven’t had the chance to process or decide how we feel. There’s also the aching sense of loss when beloved members move away, or when we say goodbye to those who have worshipped beside us for years, whether through separation or loss to death. Saying “see you later” to Pastor Abby is yet another poignant reminder—her courage to follow God’s call echoes the bittersweet nature of change.
When I think of change, I have to smile because I think of The Brady Bunch episode (a sitcom from the early ‘70s) where the six kids formed a singing group, and just days before a performance, Peter’s voice started to change. So they wrote a new song, one that would include Peter’s changing voice. They sang, “When it’s time to change, you’ve got to rearrange who you are and what you’re gonna be.” That tune may be lighthearted, but it's truth is timeless—change invites us to grow and reshape who we are, both as individuals and as a church.
The Brady kids might spark a smile and a bit of nostalgia, but for comfort in times of change, I find my reassurance in scripture. God’s word reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). But when faced with uncertainty in times of change, we are also encouraged to trust.
Though our circumstances may shift or change and cause uncertainty, our foundation in Christ remains unshakable. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV). How we respond to change—whatever form it takes—becomes a living testimony of our faith and our trust in God’s promises. As we navigate this season, may we remember that, while change is not always easy, it can be an invitation to lean deeper into God’s steadfast love and bold calling for each of us.
Thankful to Journey with you,
Pastor Laurie
And just in case you’d like a little ‘70s sitcom in your day! Stay encouraged!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFzyk0h0Jyk
| | |
An Update from SPRC
Pastor Abby is now in her new position as director of the Wesley Camp and Retreat Center. She’ll soon be busily getting ready for the 2026 season. Aley UMC was blessed to have her for 6 ½ years. We have now returned to being a one-pastor church as we were before Pastor Abby’s arrival.
Aley has been known as a “teaching church” and over the years has had several seminary students working towards ordination. That’s how Pastor Abby came to Aley. After a time Aley offered her a position on staff that was created for her in outreach and youth ministry. She was ordained as a deacon in May 2022.
Our church will continue to be led by Pastor Laurie, our highly capable and energetic UMC elder. It’s unusual for a UMC church of Aley’s size to have two pastors. Aley’s lay leadership has not asked for a second pastor to replace Pastor Abby.
A very important part of Pastor Abby’s ministry was the youth program that will continue. A Director of Youth Ministries will lead our youth. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee and Pastor Laurie are conducting a search for just the right person. Sometimes searches take time, so we ask for your patience and prayers.
Here is the job description for the position. You can also see it on Indeed.com. If you have questions, contact Staff-Parish Relations at sprc@aleyumc.org.
Aley Staff-Parish Relations Committee
Chuck Manker, Chair; Ken Wetmore, Co-chair
| | |
During worship on November 2 we will be remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have passed on this year. Come and celebrate with us! | | |
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them The office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in celebration of Veteran's Day. | | |
NOVEMBER SERMONS
SERMON SERIES: "Discipleship Pathway Series"
November 2 - "The Challenge of Discipleship - Follow Me"
November 9 - "The Challenge to be a Disciple that Loves God"
November 16 - "The Challenge to be a Disciple that Loves People"
November 23 - "The Challenge to be a Disciple that Makes Disciples"
ADVENT SERMON SERIES: "Songs of the Savior"
November 30 - "Joseph - The Gift of Obedience"
| | |
“The Table is Set”
We invite you to Aley Worship Team’s
first Worship Night!
Friday, November 7, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the Hospitality Center. We are excited to pair with the Children’s Ministry and, while we worship with music and prayer, offer an evening to reflect on our blessings and “give” to those with an empty bowl. We will be collecting items for the upcoming kids meal kit project if you are able to contribute, but this is a no-obligation, open community event.
| |
Family Promise
Providing Meals for Family Promise - Our next day for Family Promise hosting will be November 8. There are currently 22 (12 kids) residents at the house. The families are always very appreciative of the meals we deliver. We will have online sign-ups to provide food for the meals. You can sign up on the 'Get Involved' page at aleyumc.org. For questions please contact Debi Heidrich 937-623-4624.
| | |
Emotions Matter
Everyone's mental health is important. Come join us on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6:00 pm for dinner and a 1-hour presentation by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Topics include early warning signs, mental health basics, and how to talk with your child. We will meet in the Hospitality Center. Everyone is invited. Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP on Aley’s 'Get Involved' page.
| | |
Thanksgiving Gift Card Donations
Aley UMC will be collecting gift cards for Thanksgiving to be given to the families at Family Promise. Donations of $25.00 Kroger, Meijer, Wal-Mart or Aldi’s gift carts are requested. Your gift cards may be dropped off at the church office or placed in the offering plate before or after the service. The deadline is NOVEMBER 16. For more information, call Susan Lehneis, 937-901-4398 or Bonnie Essex 937-657-6279.
| |
Do you like to sing?
Would you like to join the choir for our Christmas cantata, This is Christmas, to be performed Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm? We will begin rehearsals for the cantata Thursday, November 6, from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. If you are interested, please contact Pam Rauch at choir@aleyumc.org, call or text at (937) 760-3222, so that we have enough music for you.
| | |
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing
loud for all to hear!" - Buddy the Elf
It's the most wonderful time of the year again! Time for our annual Caroling for the Shut-Ins. If you love to spread joy and cheer, please join us on December 7 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm to travel around and sing to our fellow Aleyans and members of the community who are in assisted/independent living facilities in the area. We will meet at 5:00 pm for some dinner, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider to warm up the vocal cords, then disperse in groups to spread as much cheer as possible! The more the merrier, so bring a friend or two.
Please RSVP on the 'Get Involved' page for dinner planning purposes. If you have questions or know of someone who should be on the list to receive carolers, e-mail Dena (caringministries@aleyumc.org) or call the church office.
| | |
Required Minimum Distribution (RMDs) &
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
As we approach the end of the calendar year for those members who have a traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) and are over 73 you have to make an RMD.
QCD lets you transfer money from your IRA directly to Aley. In this way the distribution lowers rather than adds to your Adjustable Gross Income for the year. The money can be transferred to Aley and if a check is issued it may be payable to Aley.
As always consult with a tax professional if you have questions.
| |
| | |
Aley UMC 2025 Church Conference
November 23, 2025
Lunch @ Noon
Business of the Church @ 1:00 pm
(use sign up genius under get involved)
John Wesley saw the work of the church as a holistic process focused on both personal holiness and social holiness, which he called "works of piety" and "works of mercy". He believed the church's role was to be a force for good, both through worship and fellowship within its own community and by extending that love and service to the world. He emphasized that faith must lead to good works, stating that faith without repentance, love, and good works is not the "right living faith".
Wesley’s words and example for us are important to the life and function of the United Methodist Church. At Aley UMC we take the works of piety and mercy seriously and with great servant hearts. Take time on the 23rd to be part of living out our call as laity to participate in this work that is so important to who we are as United Methodist. Make sure you sign up today on the 'Get Involved' page to help us plan for lunch.
| | Family Ministries at Aley | |
|
|
YAA Wednesday’s 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
(enter door 2 and head upstairs)
YAA Sunday’s 9:40 am - 10:20 am
(enter from the Narthex)
| |
YAA Family Promise Meal
Youth At Aley will be providing a meal for Family Promise on Sunday, November 2. Family Promise is a local shelter in Xenia for families experiencing homelessness. We will be providing spaghetti and bread.
If you're able to help provide part of the meal, please sign-up below and bring the food (labelled YAA FP) to the kitchen in Aley Church by Sunday, November 2
no later than 9:30 am.
Sign up on the 'Get Involved' page.
| |
YAA Overnight
All Youth, 6th grade and up, are welcome and encouraged to attend the YAA Overnight event on November 21 starting at 6:00 pm for drop-off and ending on November 22 at 12:00 pm. Attendees may bring one friend, but a medical and parental consent forms will need to be filled out.
There will be a variety of activities, including movies, games, snacks, pizza, and breakfast. A good time will be had by all.
Sign up on the 'Get Involved' page or RSVP here by November 19 so we can properly prepare.
| |
Save the Date!
A YAA Christmas Party is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2025
from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
| |
|
KidsClub
Don't forget that Kidsclub is happening
the 1st Sunday of the month from
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
Kids can bring their friends and have a good time while we participate in some themed activities.
November 2 will be Scrabble Mania!
| | | | |
Kids Mission Project
Our kids are very concerned about people in our community that don't have regular meals. They have decided to try to provide a solution for that problem! At our next Serve Sunday (November 30), the kids will be leading all of us in making meal kits that will be donated to the Xenia Fish Food Pantry.
Please look for the boxes in the Narthex and the Hospitality Center where the kids will be collecting non-perishable food items and other supplies to make these kits. Each box will have an accompanying "grocery list." Monetary donations will also be accepted if you would rather someone else do the shopping!
| | |
|
We would like to celebrate all of those whose birthdays are
in NOVEMBER. On your birthday, take time to celebrate the
life that God has given you!
We offer an extra birthday blessing to:
John Shishoff - November 1
Kendall Rogers - November 22
| | | | | |
