NEWS ARCHIVES - SEP-DEC 2006

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. October 29th was Stewardship Celebration Sunday where we gave our pledges for 2007. If you were unable to attend, please send your pledge to the church office. _

Our Missionary Extra Mile Program this year asked for special gifts to support the mission ministries of Chris Henna in Semipalatinsk, Kazahkstan; Dan and Kelly Harman at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Camp, Cedar, Michigan; and Joshua Miller, a missionary-teacher at Santiago Christian School in the Dominican Republic. The asking is from September 10 to 17 but gifts will still be accepted. Giving forms are available in the office. _

Christmas was very meaningful this year because of all the efforts church members made in making it a joyous occasion. Thanks to those who have had a part in decorating the church, to those who purchased poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary, to those who contributed to the Christmas Eve services, to those who contributed to the Good Samaritan Fund and to those who contributed to the Christmas Card Fund to help needy with heating bills.
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Adult Bible Study Classes on the theme The Miracle of Christmas were held during Advent. _

The Young Adult Fellowship Group - FaCeS (Families, Couples, and Singles) met December 21 for some caroling and Christmas munchies. _

The spirit of Christmas prevailed on Sunday December 17. In the morning, the Chancel Choir, the Adult Bell Choir, and the Readers' Theatre joined in the presentation of The Miraculous Creche, a musical and stage presentation written by Phil Rice. In the afternoon, the kids presented the musical, Signs of Christmas. Thanks to the many performers and others who had a part in the presentation. _

The United Methodist Women Christmas program was Wednesday, December 13. The program included a cookies exchange, music, a talk on the Dreamstarter program by Mary Beth Harper, and the decision to allocate over $3,300 from fund raising activities to charitable agencies. _

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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The Chancel Choir participated in the annual Dow Gardens Christmas walk on December 1.

Advent started Sunday, November 28. We initiated it with an Attitude of Gratitude worship service followed by our annual Hanging of the Greens to get the church ready for the Advent Season. _

Thanks to the 85 musicians who helped make Music Sunday (November 19) a big success. _

The church was a busy place this year from November 18-21 as Aldersgate was the distribution point for the Community Thanksgiving Food Baskets program. The program provides thanksgiving meals for some of our county's neediest families. Thanks to the many people who furnished food and helped with the distribution.

On Sunday, March 12, we were privileged to hear the Children of the World Choir perform. _

On Saturday, March 11, our Chancel Choir participated in a Choral Conference Concert at First UMC led by Joseph Martin. _

The Annual Church Conference was held Tuesday, November 7, with District Superientendent Louise Ott presiding. Approval was given for Lay Leadership, Pastor's Compensation, Lay Speakers, and Membership Audit. _

An Advent Bible Study Class for women was held from September 24 through November 5 on the theme Paul's Silent and Submission Women. Mary Wackerle taught. _

The Young Adult Fellowship Group - FaCeS (Families, Couples, and Singles) met October 20, for a tailgate party prior to the Midland/Dow football game. In November, they helped with the preparation of Thanksgiving food baskets. _

Congratulations to Franchesca Velasquez for being selected Carrier of the Year by the Midland Daily News. _

Thanks to Wyl McCully for his message on Laity Sunday, October 15. _

Aldersgate again was recognized as a Spotlight Church by the Saginaw Bay District at their Annual Conference on October 14. _

The fall rummage sale was October 5-6. Thanks to all who donated treasures and who worked on the sale. The profit of over $2700 will be used to support local charities. _

Again this year, Aldersgate participated in the annual Crop Walk to help raise money to fight hunger, both locally and globally. The walk was Sunday. Thanks to all who walked, to all who help support the walkers, and to all who helped in the planning. We had 15 walkers who raised over $2000. _

Disciple Bible Study classes started again this Fall. A Disciple III class meets on Monday nights. _

A writeup of the youth summer mission trips appeared in the October 2006 Michigan Christian Advocate A writeup of the District Dale Carnegie training program held last spring at Aldersgate appeared in the September 2006 Michigan Christian Advocate _

A Mother/Daughter Tea was held Sunday, September 17. The program was Modernizing Five Women From the Bible and Goldilocks? and the Three Bears. _

Sharon Mortenson of Shelter House was the speaker at the UMW general meeting on September 13 _

The September luncheon meeting of the seniors group, 55 and the 3F's was September 11. The program was on the plans for the old Civic Arena area in Central Park. Marty McQuire, Director of Public Services for the City of Midland, spoke. Fred Yanoksi, Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, Midland County Health Department, discussed flu pandemics and other related topics at the October 23 meeting. Linda Cline, Director of Finance, Midland Public Schools, discussed school finances at at the November 13 meeting. The program for the December 4 meeting was the Jolly Hammers, a dulcimer group. _

At the September 10 worship services, we gave Bibles to Third Graders and recognized our Christian Education Workers (over 80). _

http://www.gmgm-umc.org/AldersgateUMCMI/news.html 1/01/07 JIM