3600 75th Street

Urbandale, IA 50322

515-278-0466

At Aldersgate we believe that every person is a beloved child of God. We welcome each person into full participation in the life of this community and offer a safe and loving environment for everyone.

Volume 125 Issue 49, December 3, 2025

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Sunday Bulletin

Steering Committee Notes

During the week, typically the church office and any evening programming or events will follow the decision of the Urbandale Public Schools. If the schools close for the day, the church office will also be closed. If evening school sporting events and activities are canceled, any evening church activities will also be canceled. If the schools are on a delayed start, the church office may also open later than usual. Occasionally, we may follow a different pattern than the school system so if there is any question as to whether the office is open or not, it’s always best to call ahead before you stop by.

If our Sunday Worship Service is canceled due to snow or extreme cold, KCCI TV 8 (www.kcci.com) and WOI TV 5 (www.weareiowa.com) will be notified. Check the closings list on those television stations or websites. If a decision to close can be made early enough, we will attempt to have a message on the phone system, church website and sent out to our email list but that is not always possible. Checking the KCCI and WOI websites and their TV scrolls is the best way to find the most up to date information.

________________________________________________

Please send all correspondence to office@aldersgatedsm.org

Martin Stevenson Funeral Service

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Aldersgate UMC

Service at 11:00 a.m.

He was a member here at Aldersgate

since October 20, 1996

The obituary can be found later today on the Merle Hay Funeral Home website:

merlehayfuneralhome.com

Membership Information

If you are interested in finding out more about joining Aldersgate as a member, please visit with Pastor Eric following worship, email him at eric@aldersgatedsm.org, or mark the “Interested in Joining the Church” box on the weekly Connect Card in the bulletin. A membership informational meeting is being planned for early January

Advent Study

Due to the snow we had last week, we will be combining week one and two of the Advent Study into one session this Sunday.

If you have not picked up a book yet we still have some in the office. We are asking $10 for them but do not let price be a factor in whether you will join us or not.

Please Help out the Bidwell Toy Pantry

Families Forward Gift Collection and Toy Pantry Event on Saturday, December 13th from 9:30am - 12:00pm

Our congregation will assist families during the annual Toy Pantry event at Families Forward on Saturday, December 13th, from 9:30am to 12:00pm. We have 12 slots to fill, and you can sign up at the link below or email Maryann Huey (mgimme@gmail.com).

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4DA9A828A6FD0-60768385-toypantry

This event is a special opportunity to interact directly with families and children and share our caring and holiday spirit. Before December 13th, we will collect gifts for children with a special focus on adolescents. All gifts are welcome and can be dropped off unwrapped in the narthex.

Continued Food Assistance Needs

Local Food Pantries continue to experience significant increases in requests for assistance. If you are able to donate – or if you need help locating a food pantry for assistance – the Des Moines Area Religious Council, https://dmarcunited.org/ website has information on local pantries (including the Urbandale Food Pantry and Bidwell Food Pantry), what foods are most needed, and how best to donate.

Holiday Giving

“…whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40. Reach out to those in need this holiday season. Our church is committed to supporting the

work of the Urbandale Food Pantry, Families Forward - Bidwell, Women at the Well, and agricultural missionaries John Nday and Florence Kaying in Mozambique, Africa.

If giving by check or cash, please mark your gift for “Christmas” to support the efforts of these organizations and other ministries supported by the Church. If giving electronically, either click on the “Click Here to Give” button towards the bottom on the weekly newsletter or from our www.aldersgatedsm.org website click on the “Give” option and then “Make a Donation” button. Scroll to the bottom of the page of options and choose “Christmas Offering” and click on "Donate".

Thank You to Our Pastor

and Staff!!

It is our holiday tradition at Aldersgate to share a monetary gift of appreciation with our Pastor and Staff. We are blessed with a truly wonderful Pastor and Staff and this is an important time to thank them.

Pastor Eric Guy

Ian Taylor, Faith Formation Ministry Coordinator

Eunjin Ahn, Music Ministry coordinator

Ariel Genheimer, Music Ministry Associate

Kathy Johnson, Office Manager

Theresa Constable, Office Manager

Tracey Mikesh, Bookkeeper

You are invited to share in this Christmas tradition. Please send your gift by Monday, December 15, and note "Pastor & Staff Gift" in the memo line. If you give online, simply select the option "Pastor and Staff Gifts". If you have any questions, please see Alicia Wells or Joan Hitzel.

Click Here to Give

Please submit articles for the Newsletter to

office@aldersgatedsm.org

by Tuesday - 9am.

Please include a short description or explanation including date and times if applicable.

Building Hours

Aldersgate building hours:

M-TH, 8:30 AM –12:30 PM

If you need to be in the building at other times, please contact the church office for access.

STAFF

Eric Guy	Pastor	eric@aldersgatedsm.org
Ian Taylor	Faith Formation Coordinator	ian@aldersgatedsm.org
Eunjin Ahn	Music Ministry Coordinator	eunjin@aldersgatedsm.org
Kathy Johnson Theresa Constable	Office (M-W) Office (Th)	office@aldersgatedsm.org
Tracey Mikesh	Bookkeeper	tracey@aldersgatedsm.org
Ariel Genheimer	Music Ministry Associate	ariel@aldersgatedsm.org