NEWS ARCHIVES - JAN-APR 1997

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
  or take the path that sinners thread,
   or sit in the land of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the LORD
  and on his law they meditate day and night.
- Psalms 1:1-2 (NRSV)

NEW FACES	PARENTS	GRANDPARENTS
Connor Scott	Kolleen & Scott Smith
Nicole Amanda	Anne & Brent Buckingham
Jordon Taylor	Julie & Frank Keelty	Pat & Ed Behrens
Nicole Isabel	Rhonda & Gordon Wymore	Marge & Al Klashak
Nicolas J	Julie & Douglas McKenney	Shirley & Don McKenney
Garrick Scott Anderson	Kim & Dale Anderson	Donna & Ralph Czerespinski
Alexandia Marie	Kelly & Jeff Wagner	Rod & Linda Wagner

The Pictorial Directories are now available in the narthex. Please pick up your copy. A special thanks to all who helped with the preparation. _

The Saginaw Bay District Conference was held May 3rd at Bay City First United Methodist Church. Our pastor, office administrator, and five of our members attended. The emphasis was on mission. Opening and closing worship experiences focused on how we as United Methodists connect throughout the world to provide the care of Christ to people.

The Conference kicked off the Windows on the World (WOW) Mission Saturation effort. Charles Miller, former missionary in Zimbabwe, spoke at Aldersgate, Wednesday, May 7th, as part of WOW. _

Check your Wheaties cereal box. You may see Jennifer Finzel's picture. She is shown wearing three of the four medals she won at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in New Haven, Conn., last year. She was named "inspirational athlete of the year" in the competition. The boxes will be sold in Spartan Stores (Ashcraft in Midland) in Michigan through May.
_

The spring rummage sale netted $1,464. A special thanks to those who brought in articles and who worked so hard on the sale. Due to everyone's efforts, the parsonage should be air conditioned by the end of May. _

Thanks to the those who helped with Teacher Appreciation dinner on April 27th. And a special thanks to the teachers who have been giving of their talents all year.. _

Thanks to the Chancel Choir, the Silver & Brass Ensemble, our choir director, and our song leader for the special performance of A Wesley Hymn Concertato   on April 27th. _

Thanks to the youth who contributed to the worship services on April 20th. They gave new meaning to the Lord's Prayer. _

Thanks to the members of our church who walked and who contributed to the MS Society Walk on April 12th. We raised over $463. _

Congratulations to Alice Morgan, elected State of Michigan Treasurer of the American Assocation of University Women. _

Congratulations to Kathy Smith, named Woman of the Year by Nokomis Charter Chapter of the American Business Women's Assocation. _

Congratulations to Jackie Stubbs, recipient of the Althea Rozeboom Award for Voluntary Services by Arts Midland. _

Thanks to the members of the Aldersgate Clown Ministry troupe for making the Maundy Thursday services more meaningful. _

On the last 4th Friday Fun Night, February 28th, the Morgans gave a presentation on "The Four Worlds of the Incas", slides from a recent trip to South America.

If you have had a recent fun experience which you would be willing to share at a 4th Friday Fun Night next year, please let us know.
_

Thanks to members of the United Methodist Women who contributed to the worship services on February 23. Congratulations to the officers who were installed. It was warming to recognize the work of the local UMW group. In 1996, they contributed over $3000 for mission work. About half the money went to the connectional church for work in 100 national mission institutions which are owned and supported by UMW. Locally, support was give to: Pregnancy Crisis Center, Open Door, Shelterhouse, Preschool Center, DOULA, Literacy Council, Midland Area Homes, Habitat for Humanity, Emergency Food Pantry. In addition, the Sew & Go group made 203 items for these and other agencies. Our unit has been a "5 Star" unit in the Saginaw Bay District for the last 7 years -- giving financially in all five categories, as well as receiving the Membership Award the last 5 years. _

Thanks to Jeri Lowe who composed the introit and benediction response sung by the chancel choir on February 23rd. _

Thanks to the members of our church who walked and who contributed to the Walk for Warmth on February 22nd. We raised over $360. _

Thanks to Bishop Denis Dutton, immediate past bishop of Malaysia for his inspiring message on February 16th. In response to the moving story of his ministry, the Mission Work Area presented Bishop Dutton a check for $750 to the Malaysian Ecumenical Seminary. If you would like to make a personal contribution to this work, please send a check to the church office with a notation "for Malaysian Ecumenical Seminary". _

Thanks to all who contributed to Blanket Sunday on February 16th. Thanks to the Youth for their skit. The Education Work Area purchased 4 blankets to honor our Sunday School Teachers. _

Thanks to Skochdopoles and the Dystes for planning and leading the Mardi Gras evening on Feb 11th. _

The Church and Society Work had a 2-session forum on Children's Issues in January.

On January 19th, Mike Smock, Program Manager, Midland County Family Independence Agency, spoke about causes of abuse and neglect of children and what programs are available in Midland County to help and protect children.

On January 26th, Judge Donna Morris, spoke on problems of child abuse, neglect, and delinquency from a judicial standpoint.

On Sunday, March 2, the Church and Society Work Area sponsored a forum on Mental Health Programs and Issues, led by Mary Fischer with the help of Cori Werner. _

On Sunday, April 20, the Church and Society Work Area sponsored a forum on HIV/AIDS, led by Sandy Berger of SVSU. _

The Youth made subs for the Super Bowl (or to freeze) on Saturday, January 25th? If you missed out, make your reservations for next year by contacting the Warners . _

The Administrative board met January 22nd. The following actions were taken:

• Kathy Smith was approved as chair of the Missions Work Area
• The Accountable Reimbursement Policy for the Pastor was amended
• Permission slip policies for children and youth to attend off-site activities were approved.
• The Board chair was given authority to set up a "Risk Task Force" to develop a sexual abuse policy. The task force will make its first report to the Board by May.
• A 1997 budget of $289,800 was approved based on pledges of $261,000.