- Psalms 62:5 (NRSV)
Please be patient. There is a lot going on at Aldersgate.
The web site was down from Nov. 17th to early 1997 because of technical difficulties at the General Board of Global Ministries' computer in New York. They have added new hardware and software and hopefully will be able to give better service.
This NEWS page is updated frequently. Make it a practice to check it weekly.
Enter items of interest to others in our guest book.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2
Rev. Stout just finished leading a 10-week adult study on "Discipleship in the 21st Century: Biblical and Spiritual Foundations". The study reflected on the critical issues confronting Christians on the eve of the 21st Century from the perspective of Biblical faith. If you are interested in attending this study at a later date, let Rev. Stout know.
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Disciple groups meet on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Delta Broadcasting Public Television (Channel 19) and CMU Public Television (Channel 14) have just finished a 10-part series of Genesis: A Living Conversation with Bill Moyers. Check the
PBS web site
for an excellent collection of background information.
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A 10 week Great Decisions Study to consider the Christian reaction to some current world problems will start in January. One session will start on Sunday , January 19 and another will start Wednesday, January 22.
The Joseph Prybyski Memorial fund was used to purchase a watercolor painting by artist Robecca Houck. It has been hung in the church office. We are grateful to Jackie Stubb for assistance with this purchase.
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For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish.
- Mark 14:7(NRSV)
This web site became operational on August 2, 1996. Numerous members of the church have made contributions to it. The design of the site facilitates contributions by individual members and groups.
Thanks to all who have donated poinsettias to help beautify our sanctuary this holiday season. Thanks to the Smiths for the tree decoration. Thanks to Carolyn Jennings, Marie Wylie, Don & Shirley McKenny and all others who helped with sanctuary decorations.
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Thanks to all who wrote messages for the Advent Devotional Booklet. If you would like to write a message for the Lenten Devotional Booklet, let Ken Grant know by Feb 3.
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Members of the UMYF have prepared 1997 calendars for sale. Each calendar shows the artistic talent of one or two teens and includes a verse for thought each month. If you need a calendar, check with one of the youth.
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The Detroit Conference Pass It On has issued an annual report. Those who have contributed to this campaign will want to see how their money is being spent. The flame of faith is being lit!
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If you have any questions about your l996 pledge or giving record, please contact Fred Miller, Financial Secretary at 835-2220. The 1997 offering envelopes have been distributed. Please include these with any mail-ins.
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Our electronic organ is starting to act up and does not have many of the newer technological features. Thus,
an Aldersgate Organ Fund has been started. While no formal fund drive is presently planned, keep it in mind for special contributions.
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Thanks to all who contributed to the Sharing-Tree gift program. It was an impressive sight to see all the gifts piled up waiting delivery.
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A special thanks to the new instrumental group of Tim Hill, Chris Schroeder, and Jeff Schroeder who lead us in a Christmas song in the first service on December 15th.
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At the Family Advent Celebration on December 8,
over 30 Together Time children presented the musical, "Free Gift". Congratulations for an excellent job. Hats off to Lynn Frazier for directing, Denise Thompson for playing the piano, and Linda Moore for arranging the props.
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The Annual Church Conference was held Dec 4th. Copies of the Annual Report are available in the church office.
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On Sunday, Nov. 24, in cooperation with other churches and community groups, we received some 825 bags of food and supplies plus about 350 dozen home-baked cookies for Community Thanksgiving Baskets. These were distributed on Nov. 25 and 26th to 206 needy families. A special thanks to the Higgins' for coordinating this effort.
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A special thanks to the Chime Choir for their first performance of the year on November 24th.
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On November 24th, we celebrated the baptism of Bryan Daniel Brezinski, Hannah Lauren Harm, Rachel Elizabeth Nguyen, Christopher L. Schroeder, and Jeffrey C. Schroeder.
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November 17th was Bible Sunday. A special thanks to all who brought old and new(CD-ROM) bibles for us to browse.
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On November 10 we celebrated the
Rainbow of Promise.
If you were unable to attend church, please send your commitments (pledge card and talent sheet) to our 1997 program to the church office by December 8th. A letter and brochure explaining the Rainbow of Promise were mailed October 17th. A letter, pledge card, and time/talent survey were mailed October 29th. A special thanks to the members who are sharing stewardship moments in the worship services and to others who helped in the stewardship campaign.
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The
Missions extra-mile
giving this year was to benefit
two former members who are in serving in mission. Nancy Lightfoot is in the Ivory Coast working on translating the Bible into the Klao language and attending to the needs of
Liberian refugees.
Kelly Czerepinski Harman is in ministry to young adults at the
Cedar Campus
of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. We are pleased to report that a total of $3,448 was received in this special giving.
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There is an informal brown bag Bible study in fellowship hall every Tuesday from 11:45 to 12:45. Rev. Stout leads the study using the "discovery" method of encountering the Bible. Bring a sack lunch and your Bible.
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New fellowship groups are forming. Check out the sign-up-board outside of fellowship hall. Join us for Round Robin Dinners, Breakfast Fellowship, Noontime Nibblers, Discussion Groups, and Fourth Friday Fun Nights.
If you are interested in a group that is not posted,
let us know.
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Sandy Burmester (832-3079).
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The last Friday Fun Night on October 25th had the Dornbuschs showing slides of their trip to Singapore, Borneo, and Bali. The next Friday Fun Night will be January 24th at 7:00 pm. It will be a game night. On February 28th, the Morgans will present "The Four Worlds of the Incas", slides from a recent trip to South America. April 25th will be word games.
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Interested in an ongoing support group on Caring for an Aging Loved One? Contact Ruth Stout, Bob Bond, or the church office.
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Welcome to new members: Shirley Brown, Greg & Rhonda Eagle, Mike & Lori Smith. Congratulations to the Penns on the birth of Victoria on November 7. The Millers are new grandparents to Joseph David Hoggatt.
Congratulations to the Harms on the birth of
Hannah Lauren on Oct. 22.
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Congratulations to Jennifer Finzel for being named Special Olympics Athlete of the Year! Watch for her picture on a Wheaties box sometime next spring.
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Congratulations to Eileen Finzel and Don Hammond for Annual Citizenship Awards from ARC in recognition of their selfless service to an important group in our community.
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The Memorial Committee has purchased a TV/VCR cart table for Room 112, used by the Camp Fire Kids Care program. The cart is in memory of Margaret Tate, who was the Care Site Director/Teacher for several years. 
Over the past year, the trustees and many members of the congregation have been busy redoing much of our landscaping. The funds for this work have come from gifts in memory of Evan Crow and Wesley Muelder. These gifts were consecrated at the second worship service on Sept 29th.
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In recognition of many years of service in many ways, the United Methodist Women made a special contribution to the
Global Board of Global Ministries in honor of Don and Shirley McKenney. The McKenneys were recognized on Laity Sunday on Oct. 20th.
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The Ladies Fun and Fitness Group meets Monday and Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 in Fellowship Hall. Child care is provided. Come have fun to low impact aerobics.
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The confimation class is meeting with Rev. Stout on the first and third Sundays of each month at 4:30p.m.
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UMK (United Methodist Kids) meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 6-7:30pm.
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Laurie Haller, co-pastor with her husband Gary at First UMC of Grand Rapids, was the guest speaker at the Women's Spiritual Retreat on Nov. 8th and 9th. The theme of the retreat was 'Healing and Wholeness in a Broken World'. It was sponsored jointly with First UMC and was held at First Church. Attendance was over 100.
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To help mission projects at Red Bird Mission School, Henderson Settlement and Midland County Emergency Food Pantry, please put following in box in narthex:
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Enrollment for the Epworth Cooperative Preschool will begin December 1st.
Registrar, Penny Bergstrom (631-0369).
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Enrollment for the second semester of the Midland Christian School (pre-K through 12th grade) starts January 27th.
835-9881 .
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Emergency Foster Homes are needed for teens. The children are placed for up to 21 days. You are "on-call" every other month.
Michele Bell, Midland County Probate Court (832-6398).
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Big Brothers and Big Sisters are wanted.
631-5360. Volunteers must be between the ages of 16 and 106 and be willing to spend several hours a week doing fun things with an at-risk child.
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How does 2 weeks in the Caribbean in March sound? Bill Edwards, at FUMC, is coordinating a Volunteers in Missions project to repair hurricane damaged buildings in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands from March 13-27, 1997.
(631-7093)
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There are many dates available for altar flowers for 1997. Please check the chart in the office area or call the church office.
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The youth are looking for some lounging furniture for their room. If you have some surplus let Jackie Warner know.
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Some prospective foster parents need baby items, crib, stroller, clothing, etc (up to 8 years old).
Steve and Jenni Frick (773-5241) or Ed and Pat Behrens (835-9418).
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Need transportation to church or a church related event?
Millie Stoy, 837-2328 or the church office. If you can assist by providing rides, call Millie. There is a particular need in January and February.
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The rummage sale on Sept 26-27th set a new record for proceeds. Save things for the next sale on April 23rd.
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Congratulations to all walkers and sponsors from Aldersgate for the CROP Walk on Oct. 6th. Our total was $1,618.
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Did you know we have a church library? Look in hallway at the side of the sanctuary leading to the music room. Feel free to borrow anything which interests you. A special thanks to the many volunteers who have worked on fixing it up.
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Check the Bulletin for weekly news. Items for the bulletin should be in the church office by Tuesday at 5 pm. Also, check the bulletin boards and posters in the narthex.
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Check the Hinge for monthly news.
News items for the Hinge should be submitted by the 15th of each month.
Ask the office to be put on the mailing list. E-mail address: TheHinge@aol.com
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