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

www.Aldersgate-Church.org                                                              November 24, 2016
Aldersgate UMC
14230 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA  98006
(425) 746-9800
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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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Nov 24-25
Thanksgiving Holiday 
Church Closed
Nov 27
Wreaths & Treats
Nov 28
Common Table
Charge Conference
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Dec 2
Parents' Night Out
Dec 6
YAHs Christmas Party
Dec 10
Christmas Bash
Dec 11
Bake-Quilt-Craft Sale
Christmas Pageant
Club 345
Dec 14-15
ACP Christmas Program
Dec 18
Youth Christmas Party
Dec 19
Christmas Storytime
Jan Calendar Deadline
Dec 24
Candlelight Services
5pm - Family Service
7pm - Contemporary
9pm - Traditional Service with Communion
Dec 25
One Service @ 11am
Dec 26-30
Office Closed
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Jan 1
One Service @ 11am
Jan 8
Dinner & Club 345
Jan 13-16
Young Adult Retreat
Jan 16
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - 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 (Oct)
Common Tabl e (Sept)
Staff Relations  (Nov)
Finance (Oct)
Trustees (Oct)
Preschool  (Sept)
Outreach (Sept)
Worship (April)

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
"A Season of Hope "

Scripture
Isaiah 2:3-5
John 1:6-14



Yes, the Christmas holiday commercials have been running since before Halloween, and particularly in the last few weeks they 've become more persistent.  It just seems to be sneaking up on us.  Don't tell anyone but this Friday is Black Friday and this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent.  I, for one, can't believe it's here.  Well, ready or not, it's here.  

I promised to avoid utilizing Daniel's Ironman competition any more but it just begs to be used as we prepare for Sunday.  He's been training for a year.  Really he has been training for five years.  He hoped to do well.  He set goals.  He shared them with a group of us.  There came a point however, where he had to do the Ironman.  He did, and did it superbly well.  I wonder, though, what would have happened if Daniel had simply hoped that he would do well.  I wonder how long he would have lasted in the swim (2.4 miles), or on the bike ride (112 miles), or on the run (a full 26.4 mile marathon).  Pretty safe bet that he wouldn't have lasted even a mile in the swim.  

Hope is only one, sometimes small, piece of what motivates us toward something more.   At the same time, hope is really important.  This first Advent Sunday is all about hope, but again, hope simply isn't enough.  Hope is simply an emotion that speaks of a kind of longing.  It can set us on a course that moves us in a direction, yet the choice of moving that direction is ours.  Sunday we'll explore this first piece; that of hope.  And like the prophets of old, even the Wise Men of the nativity stories, and the "people walking in darkness," so much began and continues to begin with hope.  As we gather this Sunday, let's gather with hope focused on something that can potentially change the world.  Let's hope that we can live up to the hopes of God has for us.  To prepare read Isaiah 2: 3 - 5 and John 1: 6 - 14.  Good to be home!

Pastor Brad
Ministry News

Charge Conference
The annual church charge conference is scheduled for Monday, Novenmber 28 at 7:00pm.  We will vote in new leaders, hear some ministry reports, review the church membership and pray for the church. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Adult Education Class Update
The book study adult education class that meets Sunday mornings from 10:00-11:00am in room 22 has started a new book entitled "Christmas Is Not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving like Jesus" by Mike Slaughter.  Come join us!  Questions? Contact Rich Detering.

Sunday Refreshment Time
Every Sunday morning after services we enjoy coffee, juice and treats.  We encourage everyone to take a turn at serving the refreshments.  Now there is a new way to sign up on-line to help schedule Refreshment Time volunteers ---> just CLICK HERE.  Questions?  Contact Kate Ingalls.

Time to Deck the Halls!
The Banner Committee would love a bit of help to get our church ready for the holiday season. We will be decorating  Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 , from 9:00am-1:00pm.  We know how much you enjoy seeing how we "deck the halls" each season.   Want to help this year?  If so, come when you can, leave when you must!  Contact Norma Line or Jane Lee, sign upon the Sunday attendance form, or just drop in if you wish. 

Poinsettia Donations
If you would like to provide a poinsettia to decorate the church for the holiday season, please sign up on Sunday's attendance form and include your dedication which will appear in the church bulletin in December.  Please make your chec k out to AUMC with "Poinsettia" in the memo field.  A small poinsettia costs $10 and a large one costs $25.  

Missing Serving Dish
After the Harvest Dinner Renee's white oval casserole dish including the lid went missing.  If you accidentally took it home, please return it to the church office or contact Renee (425-254-3547).  Thank you!!

Parent's Night Out
December 2nd from 5:00-8:00pm
Youth Fundraiser for Medical Team International
The AUMC Youth, with adult supervision, will babysit your children so you can savor a meal out, get a jump on your holiday shopping, or enjoy a peaceful evening at home.  There will be games, crafts, dinner and lots of fun planned for your little ones.  Space is limited! Click Here for the registration form which must be turn in to the church office as soon as possible.   The cost is $25 for the first Child and $15 for each additional child. All the proceeds from this  AUMC Youth fundraising project will go to Medical Team International, a non-profit Christian global health organization, delivering relief and development programs to all people in need.  If you have q uestions, email Jen Hoerber, Director of Children and Family Ministry.

Christmas Pageant
December 11, 9:00am Service
Mark your calendars and join us for the children and youth Christmas pageant during the 9:00am service on December 11th.  The children and youth will help us get into the holiday spirit and remember the true meaning of Christmas as they retell the story of the very first Christmas. 

2017 Altar Flower Calendar
Please sign up to provide altar flowers.  The 2017 flower calendar is now posted on the bulletin board across from the office.  Altar flowers are a lovely way to commemorate a special person or a special event with your dedication appearing in the bulletin.  The Flower Committee will provide a flower arrangement for $35 or you may provide your own arrangement.

Fun Events

Wreaths and Treats
November 27
Between services on November 27 each family will be able to make an advent wreath for their home.  We will also have cookie decorating and a couple of other ways to help prepare the church for the holiday season.  Contact is Jen Hoerber. 

YAHs Christmas Event
December 6, 6:00pm  
The next Young at Heart dinner is December 6 at 6:00pm in Friendship Hall.  You do not have to bring anything but your $2 donation.  Don't think you have to be "old" to participate because we are all "Young at Heart" and very fun loving!.  Come join us for a fun evening.  Call Bev Allot to RSVP, 425-746-8309.
 
Christmas Bash
December 10
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! We are hosting a Christmas Bash on  December 10th from  10:00 - noon.  This festive celebration will include crafts for all ages and abilities, a few games, Nativity photo opportunity, sharing of Christmas stories, and singing carols.  The UMW will also have quilts and crafts for sale.  If you would like to volunteer at this event, please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact Jen Hoerber.  We need volunteers to donate cupcakes, staff a booth with a game or craft project, lead carols or read stories, help clean up or set up.
UMW Bake, Quilt & Craft Sale
Sunday, December 11
Plan to attend the United Methodist Women Bake, Quilt, and Craft Sale Sunday, December 11, in Friendship Hall following both services.  Delicious baked goods and beautiful items sewn by Aldersgate's own Merry Quilters will be available for sale. All proceeds of the sale go to  support mission projects, locally and worldwide. Donations of baked goods and crafts from the congregation are appreciated and may be brought to Friendship Hall the morning of the sale (prior to first service if possible).  For more information, contact Jean Rummel, 425-572-5894.

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:

*Nov. 27 - Come to Wreaths & Treats between services. 
                 No Youth Group due to Thanksgiving holiday.
*Dec. 2 - Parents Night Out Fundraiser for Medical Team International.  
               Contact Jen if you want to volunteer.  Earn community service credit!  
                All volunteers arrive at 4:15 and stay until 8:30pm.   Dinner included.  
*Dec. 4 - Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm
*Dec. 10 - Christmas Bash Community Celebration.
                  Contact Jen if you want to volunteer.  Earn community service credit!  
                  All volunteers arrive at 9:30am and stay until 1:00pm
*Dec. 11 - Dinner, 5:00pm followed by Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm
*Dec. 18 - Fancy Shmancy Christms Party, 6:00-7:30pm

Club 345 (3rd, 4th, 5th Grade)
This fellowship group for kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade meets once a month, usually on the second Sunday.  It starts with dinner at 5:00pm, followed by games, crafts and other fun activities from 6:00-7:30pm.   The next Club 345 is December 11.  Bring a $5 White Elephant gift to exchange.

Young Adult Retreat
January 13-16
Make Camp Twinlow your destination for a long weekend of wintery fun January 13-16 - for young adults ages 18-35(ish).  Cost is $100 if you register and pay by Dec. 31, or $120 after Dec. 31.  For more information and to register, CLICK HERE .  Contact Katie Olleman is you want to go.
Outreach & Missions World

Christmas Giving Opportunities
  • Hopelink Christmas Store  Aldersgate has provided items for the Hopelink Christmas Gift Store for many years. We focus on teenagers because gifts for them are often in short supply. Suggestions are sweatshirt/pants, jackets, sweaters, gift cards, scarfs, makeup, sports balls, movie gift cards, hair items.  Gifts for any age child are also welcome.  A box will be placed in the narthex by Thanksgiving for your donations. 
  • Vision House  Your donation of gift cards to Vision House aids the task of providing transitional housing to homeless families.  This wonderful program helps them become self-sufficient.  The gift cards are for groceries, clothing, gasoline, and personal items when special needs occur during the year. A gift tree will be in the narthex for your choice of a gift from $10 to $50 after Thanksgiving
THANKS! From Andrews Glen
Once a month Aldersgate volunteers, lead by Karen Yellman and Sabrina MacIntyre, donate food and serve dinner to the residents of Andrews Glen, a low income apartment complex located just down the street. Dinner is followed by a fun game of Bingo complete with prizes which are also donated by volunteers from Aldersgate.  Your hard work and generosity is very much appreciated by the residents.  Click here to read their kind words of thanks.
Pray
Prayer List   

People Who Passed Away
*Kevin Jeanes' aunt Louise
*Sadly we announce that Bill (Wally) Nanninga, age 95, died on November 11, a WWII veteran, he died on Veteran's Day.  He and his wife Josephine (Jo) were married for 72 years and were charter members of Aldersgate joining in June 1963.  There will not be a memorial service.  Condolence cards for Jo Nanninga can be mailed to her daughter, Carol Lawrence at 12917 SE 4th PL, Bellevue, 98005.

People with Health Concerns
*Cindy Wheeler
*Wilma Tucker's nephew Josh
*Gwen Pazan's mother Marjorie
*Kevin & Maria Jeans' friends Charles, Kenny, Eric, Macericio and Tom
*Kristie McLean's friend Don
*Bill Ferguson 
* Betty Fredeen's friend Hannah and sister-in-law Audrey

Additional Prayers 
*Missionary Katherine Parker
* Londa Narmita's co-worker Irina and her sons
*Our country and families divided over the election
   
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.