Thanks to all who expressed their wishes for the Season to other members of Aldersgate by signing the Christmas Card in our narthex. Contributed money saved by not sending cards went to a fund to provide supplement heating allowances to those in need. We raised over $200 this year. _

Thanks to all who bought Christmas Tree Ornaments with an artist's rendition of our church. _

Won't You Let Him In? was the title of the advent study for adults. _

We celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism on December 8 for:
            Rachel Emelia, daughter of Cassie & John Cuthbert
            Thomas Loyal Arthur, son of Elizabeth & Todd McQuiston
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Thanks to all who who brought gifts for the Sharing Tree Project to see that needy individuals in the community had a Christmas gift. Thanks to Jack and Jan Higgins for coordinating the program.
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55 and the 3 F's (Food, fun, and fellowship): A get-together of seniors and retirees had their initial meeting in October with a followup Christmas Party in December. _

On November 24, we welcomed the following into membership:
        Patricia Espinoza
        Cheryl Nebout
        Eric and Charla Prentiss, and son Benjamin
        Kevin Streeter
        Caesar Velasquez and daughter Francesca
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Again this year, Aldersgate was one of the sponsors of the Community Thanksgiving Food Baskets program. The program provides thanksgiving meals for some of our county's neediest families. Thanks to all who contributed time and money to the program. Thanks to Jeri and Darryl Smith for coordinating this effort. Financial contributions to help in the cost of the purchase of turkeys and other fresh foods may be sent to:
  Midland County EFPN
  1600 Clover Lane
  Midland MI 48640
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Dedication of a new altar Bible was made at the November 17 worship service. It is a gift of graduates of the Disciples Bible Class. _

Our Renew the Blessing campaign began on Sunday, October 20, and culminated with Stewardship Sunday, November 10, at which time members were invited to pledge time, talents, and financial support for the coming year. Stewardship moments were given at each intervening worship service. If you weren't able to attend the November 10 service, please mail or bring your pledges to the Church Office. Together, let us continue to Renew the Blessing!
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The 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders had a Bible Sleepover at the church on Saturday, November 9. _

We welcome Julie MacLauchlan as our new Church Office Adminstrator. Julie is a member of Aldersgate, has backed up in the office previously, and has worked part time in a similar position at Gordonville UMC. _

Click here to view pictures of the Youth See Ya At The Pole event on September 18. _

38 kids and teens went trick or treating for UNICEF on October 27. They collected over $212 to help eradicate polio in the world. After the hard work, they had a hot dog supper at the church. _

Check the latest Hinge for an email message from our missionary Chris Hanna in Kazkhstan. _

As a Sunday School Mission Project, our young people raised $310.70 for the PET (Personal Energy Transportation) project to fund a three-wheeled chair to help the mobility of people in less-fortunate countries. Other recent mission projects has included walking for CROP and trick-or-treating for UNICEF. _

Aldersgate helped with the building of a home as part of the United Methodist Habitat for Humanity Year 2002 program. The groundbreaking was Sunday, April 28. The dedication was October 20. Thanks to all who helped with financial and time support. Additional help is needed another house. Check with Dick Skochdopole or Dick Burow. _

The annual Crop Walk was Sunday, October 6. Thanks to all who walked and supported the walkers. We raised a total of $2,378 with the Youth collecting most of it. _

The UMW would like to thank all those who contributed to the fall rummage sale, Oct 3-4, by donating used items, bringing food for workers, and working during set-up, sales, and clean-up. The net profit was $2,036.4 which will be distributed to local missions. Your caring makes a difference! _

Congratulations to Dick Tolly for the article in Midland Daily News on his war experiences. _

The City of Midland Beautification Advisory Committee awarded our church an honorable mention in the 2002 Appreciation of Beautification Award Process. Thanks to many people who work tirelessly in keeping our building and grounds a place of beauty. _

The Missions Committee supported Tools for Hope, a program of caring for children and families around the world. _