NEWS ARCHIVES - SEP-DEC 2003

Thanks to all who purchased poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary during the Christmas season. Thanks to all who who contributed to the Christmas Card Fund to help needy with heating bills. We collected over $200. Thanks to those who made the Christmas Eve services a moving experience. Thanks to the many who helped decorate the church for the season. Thanks to all who who brought gifts for the Sharing Tree Project to see that needy individuals in the community have a Christmas gift. Over 200 gifts were donated. Thanks to Jack and Jan Higgins for coordinating the program.
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Two Bible study groups for Adults met during October and November. They did a study of Putting Faith to Work: A Study of James. During advent, adult groups did a study based on four African American spirituals called Mary Had A Baby. _

Youth group meetings started September 14. Check Youth Bulletin Board for future activities. The G-Unit (God Unit) is the new name for our youth group. The youth council members are: Becca Boynton, Katie Fennell, Rachel Hawkins, Chrissy Mancroni, Jeff Moore, Molly Theiss, Rachel Cuthbert, Lindsey Licht, Keith Miller, Zach Hoyle, Keegan Swihart and Whitley Velasquez. During the Christmas season, the group caroled at Riverside and Washington Woods. They also adopted two families for which they bought presents . _

The Reverend Phil Rice will be our interim minister until a full-time minister is appointed next Spring. He is a retired minister who has served many churches within the Detroit Annual Conference. He has substituted for Pastor Stout several times during the past few months. His wife, Charlene, is our new Chancel Choir Director. We welcome him to our staff. _

The Mission Committee has purchased a computer system (hardware and software) for Patrick Matsikinyeri, retired choir director of Africa University, which will allow him to write music. Patrick spoke at our church in October. Contributions are welcome. Dick Skochdopole. _

The Mission Committee has purchased a new freezer for Calvary UMC in Saginaw. They have also furnished some ministerial salary support. _

Thanks to all who helped with Advent supper and program on December 7. A special thanks to the youth for their performance of The 365 Days of Christmas.
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The Chancel Choir sang in the Christmas Walk at the Dow Gardens on December 5. _

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. Our church was a busy place on November 23-25 as the goods were collected, sorted, and distributed. About 400 families were helped this year.
Thanks to all who contributed food, money, and time. 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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Thanks to those who have given stewardship moments at our worship services during our stewardship drive. This year's stewardship theme was We Are the Church Together. Commitments of time, talents, and resources to the work of our church were made at the November 16 service. If you were unable to attend, please mail them to the church office. _

Pastor Stout led us in worship for the last time on November 16. Following the service there a celebration meal in Fellowship Hall. _

Pastor Stout has been on medical leaves during the summer and fall. During his absence, the pulpit has been filled by visiting pastors, our Christian Education Director, and lay speakers. Thanks to all who have filled in for him. Thanks to those who have helped in furnishing meals and rides for the Stouts. _

A new mission statement was accepted at the Charge Conference of November 13. It is:

It was very impressive to see our musicians expressing their faith on the Music Sunday worship services on November 9. The Chancel Choir, the Adult Handbell Choir, the Teen Handbell Choir, the Chime Choir, and the Rainbow Bell Choir all participated. Thanks to all who participated. _

The Bunco Party on November 8 was a big success. Watch for other events. _

We welcome Charlene Rice as our new Chancel Choir director. Charlene has been a director of choirs at several other United Methodist churches and a high school music teacher. She has advanced degrees in sacred music. She is the wife of the Rev. Phil Rice, a retired United Methodist pastor, who has been a frequent preacher at our services. The Choir meets on Thursday at 7p. Come and express your faith! _

The Youth thank you for supporting their Cinnamon Roll bake. They earned almost $400 to help with their mission projects. _

Thanks to the many who helped in pruning and in cleaning up fallen and dead trees on our property. Thanks to the Millers and McKenneys for planting and tending our flowers and shrubs. _

The UMW would like to thank all those who contributed to the fall rummage sale, Oct 23-24, by donating used items, bringing food for workers, and working during set-up, sales, and clean-up. The net profit was $2,227.97 which will be distributed to local missions. Your caring makes a difference! _

The Missions Committee has made a contribution to Calvary UMC in Saginaw to help with salary support and replacement of furnishings. _

The Golden Guild from Theatre Guild gave a presentation of Old Time Radio at the December luncheon meeting of the seniors group, 55 and the 3F's. A barbershop quartet from the Sweet Adelaines entertained the November luncheon meeting. Denise Spencer of the Midland Area Community Foundation spoke on Midland entry beautification efforts at the October meeting. The September meeting featured entertainment by Patrick Matsikenyiri, retired Choir Director of Africa University.
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Congratulations to Rachael Hawkins for winning a tennis State Championship on October 18. _

Congratulations to Tracey Thompson and Thomas Birdsall who celebrated their marriage on October 4. _

Thanks to all who helped the trustees on October 3-4 in cleaning up the woods around the church. _

Thanks to all who walked and to all who contributed in the Crop Walk on September 28. We helped raise over $1768. The Youth raised over $960. _

Our Minister of Visitation, Dr. Orville McKay, retired on July 1 after over 65 years in the ministry and 11 years at Aldersgate. He was honored with a reception on September 28. Our Chancel Choir Director, Chris Laitner, left her position to take on other responsibilities. She continues as Handbell Choir Director. Our Youth and Family Minister, Eric Prentiss, has resigned his position. _

We welcome

            Margaret Finzel, born October 15 to Ann & Dave Finzel
                         Aunt is Jennifer Finzel
            Gavin Mitchell Tate, born September 17 to Krista & Mitch Tate
                         Grandparents are Sandy and Larry Leach
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Celebration Sunday, September 7, was a big success. A gift was dedicated in memory of Wayne Otis. Bibles were presented to 11 3rd graders and 5 confirmands. A dedication was held for the many teachers and leaders who will be playing a part in our educational program this year. Members of our Christ Care team shared their plans for the year. Dave Charles was dedicated as a Christ Care Equipper. Our Chancel Choir inspired us with Love Grows Here. Our Christian Education Director reflected on Psalm 125. An enthusiastic crowd packed Fellowship Hall for a Pig Roast. Thanks to all who played a part in opening a new year.
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http://www.gmgm-umc.org/AldersgateUMCMI/news.html 01/04/04 JIM