ALDERSGATE UMC NEWS

Make me to know your ways,
     O Lord;
        teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth,
     and teach me,
        for you are my salvation;
            for you I wait all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5(NRSV)

A reception for 2nd Lt Johnathan Reed was held April 30 between services. He was on leave after service in Iraq. _

The Friendship Christ Care Group in cooperation with the FaCeS group and the youth had a Game Night party on Friday, April 28. It included a light evening dinner, dessert smorgasbord, and Euchre card playing competition. _

Aldersgate has received a thanks from the recently merged Jefferson Avenue and Calvary United Methodist Churches (now called Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church) in Saginaw for financial help in their merger. "We are moving closer to becoming self-sustaining, but we still have a long way to go. Still, we now feel that we are moving with God's will and focusing on growing our ministry, outreach, and faith. Please keep us in your prayers as we move forward under God's guidance, and again, thank you for your continued gifts." _

Sunday, April 23, was our 2nd annual Pew Hopping Sunday. Worshipers were encouraged to sit in a different pew. _

Small groups met during Lent to study the book Hospitality of the Heart by Marilyn Brown Oden. The study started on Ash Wednesday and concluded with a Come Celebrate With Us potluck on Sunday, April 23. _

We celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism on April 16 for:
Carolyn Walker Barnard
Isabella June Jackson

An appreciation to the Youth for bringing the message of Christ in their Sonrise service Easter morning. Thanks to the Chancel Choir and the Adult Handbell Choir for their special music at the 10a Easter worship service. Thanks to all who bought Easter flowers to help beautify the sanctuary.

Thanks to all who donated cash or phone cards for our service people in Iraq. A total of $280 was raised. _

The United Methodist Women had a three day Mission Study on India and Pakistan in February and March _

The Mardi Gras Celebration on February 26 was a big success. Both children and adults participated in the worship service which included music by the Rainbow Bells, Chime Choir, Prays Band, and Chancel Choir. After worship, there were snacks and fellowship, Sunday School classes, games, projects, workshops, hymn singing and lunch. _

Hurray for The United Methodist Kids for their No-TV-a-Thon Fundraiser in February. They went 7 days without TV shows, videos, DVD's, computer games, or video games. Money raised from pledges was used to buy school supplies to send to children overseas. _

Thanks to all who helped with donations of food and baked goods for the UMW Soup Supper on February 17. Thanks also to those who paid to enjoy the excellent food. The project netted $636 for missions work. _

Congrats to Cal & Marie whose love story was a valentine feature in the Midland Daily News on February 14. _

The United Methodist Women met Wednesday, February 8, to hear Susan Dusseau, Executive Director of Midland Community Cancer Services. Whitney Scholtens of Family & Children Services spoke to them at their April 12 meeting. _

Thanks to all who bought sub sandwiches from the Youth on Superbowl Sunday, February 5. Funds will be used to help fund the Summer mission trip. _

Chris Hena, a United Methodist Missionary stationed in Kazakhstan whom Aldersgate helps support, spoke at several Church functions during the January 25-29 period. _

At the January 22 worship service, the following were installed as 2006 officers of the United Methodist Women:

President	Jane Kennedy	Vice President	Sandy Doring
Secretary	Sharon Clow	Treasurer	Marge Klashak
Social Actions	Dorothy Hodge	Spiritual Growth	Alice Morgan
Membership	Pat Behrens	Program Resources	Shirley Brown
Nominations Committee	Lois Anderson	Caroline Jennings	Earldine Foor

The Young Adult Fellowship Group - FaCeS (Families, Couples, and Singles) met Saturday, January 21 for an Adults Night Out. It included a dinner out with fun and games at the church afterwards. On Saturday, February 18 they met for bowling and dinner>. _

The 55 and the 3F's, meeting on January 9 was an overview of the activities available for seniors at the Midland Community Center. Paula Carr, Coordinator of the 50+ Center for Active Adults was the speaker. On February 13, Wyl McCully entained the group with his musical talents. At the March 13 meeting, Fran and Charlie Longsdorf led on a program on Personal Experiences with Aids. _