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Aldersgate United Methodist Church
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A vibrant and inclusive Christian community
growing in faith, love, health and service
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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
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Calendar
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Dec 26-30
Office Closed
Dec 31
New Year's Eve Party
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Jan 1
One Service @ 11am
Jan 3
Preschool Resumes
Jan 8
Club 345
Youth Group
Jan 11
Old Testament Study Resumes
Jan 13-16
Young Adult Retreat
Jan 16
Holiday - Office Closed
MLK Day of Caring
Jan 21
Church Work Party
Youth Lock-in
Jan 22
Youth Sunday
Jan 23
Feb Calendar Deadline
Jan 28
Core Leaders Retreat
Jan 29
Preschool Sunday
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Feb 7
Young at Heart Potluck
Feb 12
Dinner & Club 345
Dinner & Youth Group
Feb 20
Presidents Day Holiday
Office Closed
Feb 21
March Calendar Deadline
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Click these links to read the minutes of the Core Leadership Team and the monthly minutes of the Ministry Teams.
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.
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Feed Your Soul
See today's devotional from the Upper Room.
CLICK HERE
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Sunday Refreshments
CLICK HERE to sign-up to help serve coffee, juice and treats at church on Sunday mornings. Contact is
Kate Ingalls.
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Sermon
"Sand or Rock? Which Is It"
Scripture
Matthew 7:24-29
Very much like last Sunday (Christmas Day) this too is an unusual Sunday. It
's New Year's Day, the beginning of a new year. By the time we gather the new year will be all of eleven hours old. Remember it's one service is at 11:00am. For some of us, it may be only a few hours old depending on how much sleep we got on New Year's Eve. For others of us it's about what happened at the football games yesterday or even throughout the previous week. Notice that all of that involves looking back. Today, however, we begin to look ahead.
Every previous year, no matter our age, has built a foundation upon which the next year stands. For some that foundation may be less stable like the metaphor utilized by Jesus of building houses on sand. For others what has gone before is rock solid. No matter the construction or even the stability, we still continue to build on what we
've been, what we've seen, what we've experienced, and even what we've become. And yet, we're not done. It is often on this day or throughout this week that we set out those New Year's Resolutions. Here's the challenge. Most psychologists will tell us that New Year's Resolutions are simply a waste of time and energy. Unless we have already done the hard work of figuring out who we are before making those resolutions. They continue to state that who we are is based on what we believe; believe about ourselves, about the world, about our needs, and about our own identity. It is only upon that foundation of honest, hard, time consuming mental work can we have any ability to be transformed. So that's where we begin today. Today is Epiphany Sunday, the Sunday of realizations that can bring hope, love, grace, identity and transformation. It was so for the Wise Men. It can be for us. To prepare please read Matthew 2: 1 - 12 and 7: 24 - 29.
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Ministry News
2016 Contributions
Just a reminder for 2016 contributions - if you would like a contribution reflected on your 2016 statement, it needs to be received in the church office (or post-marked if mailed) by 12/31/16. An offering dated 12/31/16 but placed in the collection plate on 1/1/17 would not be considered a 2016 donation. Please let Linda Reichenbach know if you have any questions.
Education Hour
There are no education classes for children or adults today. All classes resume January 8.
Thank you to those that turned in their pledge cards
on Sunday
. If you haven't had a chance to complete the pledge card, please do so and either drop it in the offering plate on Sunday or mail it back to the church.
Click here for the
stewardship letter and pledge card
or you can find a pledge card in the pew on Sunday. Also, we are requesting a 13-month gift to help meet our 2016 expenses. Click here to make an on-line donation or feel free to mail or drop off a check at church. If anyone has questions they can reach out to Jack Morrison or Melinda Lilley for answers.
Office Closed
The church office will be closed for the holiday season from December 22 through January 1.
Bible Sunday
January 8
All 3rd graders will receive Bibles from the church during both worship services January 8. There will be a "Get to Know Your Bible" Sunday school class taught by Colleen Olleman for all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. If you have a 3rd grader (or 4th or 5th grader who has not received a Bible) who would like to receive a Bible, please contact
Jen Hoerber.
Advent Wreath Recycling
If you made an advent wreath at our Wreaths & Treats event, please save the plastic base and return it to AUMC in January to reuse next year.
Wednesday Class
Resuming January 11, Pastor Brad teaches a class about the Old Testament stories and the truths they hold that are still relevant to us today. Our focus is on God throughout Old Testament history. Everyone is welcome! The class meets weekly on Wednesdays from 10-11:30am and also from 7-8:30pm; same class, different times.
2017 Fundraisers
Is your group planning to hold a new fundraiser or continue an annual fundraiser in the new year? If so, please email your fundraiser name, proposed date(s) and method of solicitation to
Melinda Lilley, Finance Team Chair. All fundraisers are approved by the Finance Team to insure that dates do not overlap, that the overall yearly fundraising calendar remains reasonable and well spread out, and that fundraisers adhere to the Fundraising Policy which is posted outside the church office.
Resource Library News
Please browse the new poems added to "Aldersgate Poems: Inspired by Junior Church and Sermons" by church member Bob Olson, on pages 99-115. The Library copies are displayed on the mobile cart.
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New Year's Eve Party
December 31, 6:00-9:00pm
We will ring in the new year with a New Year's Eve Party for the entire family here at the church on December 31 from 6:00-9:00pm. Bring a hearty appetizer and your left over Christmas cookies to share. We will play games and visit. Bring your favorite game and come ready to wish everyone a Happy New Year at 9:00pm! Contact is
Colleen Olleman.
Yoga Class
January 7 - March 18
Got a New Year's resolution? Vince Fratello can help with his introductory series of Yoga classes. Starting on January 7 from 9-10:15am, there will be 10 session thru March 18 (excluding March 4). It will be taught at the most basic beginner level and will be organized to accommodate all body types and physical abilities. Class 1 always starts at the beginning so don't worry. Students will be asked to bring a sticky yoga mat and Vince will supply the rest of the props. The cost will be $50 for the entire series of classes. You can try out the first class for free. Scholarships are available. Contact Vince if you have questions.
Club 345 (3rd, 4th, 5th Grade)
January 8
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 January 8. Contact is Jen Hoerber.
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:
*Jan. 1 - No Youth Group tonight
*Jan. 8 - Dinner at 5:00pm and Youth Group from 6:00-7:30pm.
*Jan. 15 - Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm
*Jan 16 - MLK Day of Caring, 9:00am-noon.
We will sort and
organize clothing and toys for kids in need at the Eastside
Baby Corner (Issaquah). This activity will count toward your community service hours. Let Jen know if you are interested in participating.
*Jan 21 - Youth Lock-In, 5:30pm Saturday thru 10:00am Sunday!
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.
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Outreach & Missions
Martin Luther King Day of Caring
Aldersgate will again participate in the MLK Day of Caring on January 16. We will be sorting and organizing clothing and toys for kids in need at Eastside Baby Corner (Issaquah). You must be 7 years or older to volunteer. If you would like to sign up to volunteer on January 16
from 9:00am - noon, please email Jen Hoerber or Janice Zahn. Carpooling can be arranged.
Merry Christmas from Grace Boarding
In the Thailand-Myanmar border region, Christmas is celebrated by communities gathering for games, worship, and shared meals. Also, the annual Christmas concert is a much-anticipated highlight of the holiday season. Grace Boarders are busily preparing their nativity play and songs for the show. To read more and see photos of happy, healthy children
Click Here
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Parents' Night Fundraiser Update
The youth raised $275 for Medical Team International. A check will be sent this month to them for their general fund. Thank you to all of the youth who participated in this fundraiser and the adults who assisted. Not only did you give a gift to Medical Team International, but you supported our church and preschool families as well. We have received lots of positive feedback and requests to do it again!
Christmas Giving Update
The generosity of our congregation this year has been exceptional. We were able to provide over $1,400 worth of items to Hopelink for the Christmas Store. Vision House now has at least $1,000 in gift cards to aid their women and children throughout the year. Thank you to each of you who donated to these worthwhile charitable organizations.
UMW Bake, Craft, Quilt Sale Update
A huge thank you to all who baked, quilted, crafted, worked and bought at our recent sale. We profited over $2,100. All money will be donated to charities decided on at a special meeting of the United Methodist Women on Tuesday, January 10 at 10:00 am in Room 22. All are welcome to make suggestions.
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Prayer List
People with Health Concerns
*Dave & Kathy Maybee's friends Al and Sharon Woods
*Dorene Johnson
*Myrna Allyn
*Flo Monkman's sister Gertie
*Betty Fredeen's friend Leona and sister-in-law Audrey
*Bob Olson
*Gwen Pazan's mother Marjorie
*Bill Ferguson
Additional Prayers
*Missionary Katherine Parker
*Carol Baker and her friends Julienne and Terry
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.
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Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.
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