December, 2005

 

Beside the Alabaster Jar….

 

Whose birthday is it?  As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this Advent Season, I have been reminded in various ways of this question.  Whose birth are we preparing to celebrate?

First, at a workshop on congregational development, I met Rev. Michael Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC in Ohio, one of the fastest growing churches in our United Methodist denomination.  He told us of challenging his congregation to spend as much on gifts for Christ that they spend on gifts for their families and reminded us of whose birthday we are preparing to celebrate.  Their gifts to Christ came in the form of dollars given to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the feeding of people in Sudan.

Second, I have been aware of this congregation’s response through UMCOR to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.  This year’s hurricane season was extremely disruptive to the lives of many in our country.  The images of the flooding of New Orleans will stay with us for many years.  We immediately heard from UMCOR and the need for assistance and the congregation responded to this expressed need.

When a powerful earthquake shook the lives of thousands of people in Pakistan, I expected to hear again from UMCOR.  I did not.  Perhaps many were on overload following the hurricanes in our own country one upon the other.  Perhaps UMCOR did not have a presence in Pakistan.  I did not know.

In response to my out loud wondering if UMCOR operated in Pakistan, Richard, my husband went online and downloaded some information.   On Oct. 8, 2005, 3.5 million people were affected by a powerful earthquake centered in northern Pakistan.  Church World Service, a partner agency with UMCOR, has distributed 6,850 shelter kits.  They plan to help 20,000 of the most vulnerable families with shelter, food, and home reconstruction.  To join in this effort, contributions can be channeled through UMCOR Advance #232000.

What gift will you be giving Jesus on his birthday?

Stewardship is about our willingness to share from the bounty that God has given to us.  It’s not a question of giving because of need, although need may help one to decide where to give.  Stewardship is about the joy of sharing because of one’s desire and one’s need to share with Christ.  In one sense stewardship is our gifting back to Christ.  We have shared a lot of information about the finances of our church this fall.  Many of our members have made pledges to the budget.  If you have not, I encourage you to, so our Council can plan for a balanced budget in 2006.  Yet, pledging to the church budget and giving to those in need through UMCOR are not a one or the other, it’s a both!  May we celebrate Jesus birth by sharing from the bounty of all that God has given to us.    

Pastor Sharon

---

Worship News

 “Be present at the presenting of the Presence” is our Advent invitation this year.  The Advent Planning Party back in October explored the pun of “presence” and “presents” as we talked about our Advent and Christmas worship.  We acknowledged that Advent is a time of purchasing presents as we prepare to welcome the Presence of God in or lives. 

On the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, the scriptures offer “Presents of Hope.”  Hope is symbolized during this season through the investing of our sanctuary with evergreens.  Please join us for this service when we will vest our sanctuary with the symbols of the season. 

Communion will be served at the railing for both services on Sunday Dec. 4^th as we focus on the Presence of Peace.  Peace comes when we prepare a way for God; when we accept John’s call to turn away from our sinful ways and turn back to God.  Each of us is called to reflect on the obstacles that we have put in God’s way and prevented peace from coming to our world.

Our Gospel choir will sing at our worship on December 11^th, helping us to find Presents of Joy.  The scripture passages are full of joy and cal us to rejoice as we recognize the light of Christ in our lives!                     

On Sunday, Dec. 18^th we will celebrate the fourth Sunday of lent at our 8:30 service and welcome the Youth Choir and Worship Arts Kids offering of a Christmas pageant at the 10:45 service.  The theme is Presence of Love as we hear the traditional reading of the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary. 

Christmas Eve worship is at 7:00 and 11:00.  Please join us as we celebrate anew the birth of Jesus into our own lives.  Holy Communion will be served at 11:00.       

Finally, we will worship this year on Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25^th.  Since there is no Sunday School on this day and on Jan. 1^st, we will worship at one service at 9:30 a.m.   

 

Lectionary Readings – December

December 4        Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13                       December 18  Luke 1:47-55

                             Isaiah 40:1-11                                                          2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 

                             2 Peter 3:8-15a                                                        Romans 16:25-27

                             Mark 1:1-8                                                               Luke 1:26-38

 

December 11     Psalm 126                                   December 25       Psalm 98

                             Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11                                                    Isaiah 52:7-10

                             1 Thessalonians 5:16-24                                          Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)

                             John 1:6-8, 19-28                                                      John 1:1-14

 

Aldersgate’s Prayer Ministry

We ask you to continue praying for our church and people in this season of Advent and Christmas.  We are so aware of those who are ill and on our prayer list each Sunday. We are saddened by the death of Kent Leaverton and we ask for prayers for Kent’s mom and dad, Chuck and Sue Leaverton and their family.  Their address is:  409 Hidden Woods Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28791.  You may want to remember Kent through a gift to: The Epilepsy Foundation Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 540 Gallivan Blvd, 2^nd Floor, Boston, MA 02124 or to the Key Foundation, Inc. , P.O. Box 1073, Lowell, MA 01853-9465. We will miss Kent and his interest and support of our Church and Church School, the Scout program, and the work of our Outreach Committee in reaching out to those in need.

On November 20^th we welcomed new members to our church family; Jo-Ann Arnold, Lorraine Ballard, Sheri-Ann Boland, Janice Chaput, Melissa Petersen, Janice Prime, Beth Randall and Joanne Snook.

 

If you have a prayer request, please notify Debbie Botham Mbotham@comcast.net. She will alert AUMC’s faithful prayer partners!

Aldersgate is a family of faith …

Called out by Jesus Christ to serve our congregation, community …

 

The catalogues are reaching us each day; we have begun to make our unending lists; and for many of us all the preparation for Christmas giving is a time of joy.  For others, it is a stressful, difficult, and sometimes even sad.  We can all make a difference and help! 

Through Maureen Perry and the Outreach Committee, and you, Aldersgate will make Christmas wishes come true for a number of children in the area. 

The Santa Tree will be decorated with ornaments that will indicate the gift request and age of a child we can help.  Please take one or two ornaments and go shopping!  All presents must be wrapped and ready by December 11 so that Maureen and her helpers can organize and distribute them. 

Thank you, once again, for making this season a time of blessing others!

 

Aldersgate’s Holiday Faire and Festival

Friday, December 2, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join in the fun and festivities!

It’s not too late to offer to bake!

Help with the setup activities!

Help in Kringle’s Kitchen by

serving, and/or making

that special Aldersgate Chili!

Call Ardie for baking, Deana for help

in Kringle’s Kitchen,

Carmen for help with wreaths

and centerpieces,

Sally with your gifts of jewelry,

Pastor Sharon for your best

White Elephant,

Cheryl for the Children’s Shoppe,

Bonnie for crafts,

and Bob to help

put everything back in place

after the Faire.

 

Bob Falla needs card tables for the eating area!  Please bring your tables to Aldersgate prior to November 30^th.  Thank you!

 Sunday, November 27 – December 1,           Faire Set-up

 

Advent is upon us - a perfect time to join the choir in the loft to lend your voice to the music of the season. 

Tuesday evenings 7:30 pm  Surprise - our professional sounding choir is not professional and we would welcome you!

 

There was a little story making the e-mail rounds…As a Navy jet pilot in Vietnam, Charles Plumb had to use his parachute to escape from his plane.  After 6 years as a prisoner, Charles gave lectures on lessons he learned from the experience.  At one meeting, a man identified himself as the sailor who had packed Charles’ parachute—the parachute that allowed him to land safely.  Charles said, “I began to wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said “Good morning, how are you” or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.” Charles thought about all the hours the sailor had spent packing the chute so carefully, holding in his hands the fate of someone he didn’t know.  He believes there are many different kinds of parachutes; mental, emotional, and spiritual parachutes.  Now, Charles asks, “Who’s packing your parachute?”  Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day.  These supports help us on our daily journeys.

Stop for a moment and thank the special people who help you – perhaps even someone who seldom receives a thank you.  Who IS packing your parachute?

Restoration Project is a nonprofit vocational program in Acton that helps people recover from mental illness and head injuries by teaching furniture refinishing and reupholstering.  We need volunteers to assist our teachers (all skill levels are welcome), and to arrange furniture, help in the office and coordinate volunteers.  Volunteers are important to our program because interacting with the community is part of the reintegration process.  Please call Kathy (978) 263-0416 (days), or Denise (978) 263-1612 (evenings).  For more information, please visit their website, www.restorationproject.org.

---

The Middlesex Singers to Present

Christmas Through the Ages on Sunday, December 4, 7:30 p.m.

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

2 Westford Street, Chelmsford

(Handicapped Accessible)

Tickets are $8 – General Public

$5 – Seniors and Students

 

---

NEWS and EVENTS of the NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE -

New England Conference Seeks

Volunteer Refugee Concerns Coordinator.

This person or persons will work with the Conference Secretary of Global Ministries and the Director of Connectional Ministries to provide hands-on support for refugee / immigration projects in the conference, ideally those which have a UM connection. Refugee and Immigration Ministry in Boston is one such -- as RIM seeks to involve local churches in clusters who will care for asylum seekers and immigrants who have been released from detention until they are on their feet. This is an UMCOR-supported project.

Unfortunately, there is no Church World Service related project carrying our resettlement in the conference -- although churches can be encouraged to participate in co-sponsoring refugees with other agencies who are present, if they desire to do so.

For further information, including a "job description" for this responsibility, please contact Jim McPhee, 978-682-7555 ext 260, mcphee@neumc.org.

 

 UMVIM Training -

For Anyone Planning to Work in the Hurricane Areas

This is for anyone in the conference interested in the training. The NH District will sponsor mandatory training for volunteers going into the Hurricane affected areas. The training will be conducted by Greg Forrester, NEJ UMVIM Coordinator and is open to anyone in the conference to attend. Times and locations are as follows:

• 12/2- Bow Mills NH - UMC, 6-9pm
• 12/3 - Rochester NH- First UMC, 9-noon
• 12/3- Moultonboro NH - UMC, 6-9pm

In order to have sufficient training manuals, please advise Howard or Joan McGlauflin which training event you will be attending - jmhm@erols.com or 603-356-9871

 

Bishop Peter Weaver to Visit Aldersgate

Bishop Weaver will visit Aldersgate on Tuesday, December 6^th around 1:15 p.m. His visit will be brief and is part of his plan to visit all the churches in the very large New England Conference.  We look forward to his visit.  

 

 

and the world through loving, witnessing…

 

 

---

Computers for Nicaragua

 

What a wonderful celebration we had on October 30th with many from our congregation and our guests from Nicaragua.  Thanks so much to the Bell Choir and the children for sharing their gifts.  Thanks as well to the Outreach Committee for hosting and to Richard Jones and the youth for sharing about their experience visiting Nicaragua last October.  It was great to celebrate the anniversary of our trip in this way.  The pot-luck supper was a tremendous success with visitors from Nicaragua attending, the Bell Choir performing, and a time of sharing pictures and comments from the adults and youth who went on the trip last year.  There were about 6o people at the event.  Wow!  Many people mentioned the Bell Choir as our main attraction, being the secret. 

 

While in Nicaragua, our delegation in consultation with our brothers and sisters at Sierra Maestra identified a need for a computer lab.  Computer learning has been mentioned on all our visits and the directors of our school at Sierra Maestra had leased ten computers to offer these skills to the higher grades, knowing that graduates would need these skills to find jobs.  This was a success, yet proved to be too expensive to continue into 2005. 

 

Jim Ortolf, Richard Jones and I are raising money to purchase computers in Nicaragua, and get this program back on track.  This will bring attendance back up at the school and release them from the expense of leasing computers.  In the process of doing this, we will help the economy of Nicaragua by purchasing equipment in that country.  The cost of each computer is $500.  Our goal is $5,000.  However, we will purchase whatever we can with funds we have to get the program started.

 

Our commitment to raising the level of education in Sierra Maestra has been consistent since Rev. Don Holt traveled to Nicaragua many years ago.  This project takes us from buildings to equipment; machines that allow students to grow into the 21^st century, and offer the possibility of internet options in the future.

 

Please consider a donation to “Nicaragua Computers.”  Prayer is always an important part of any program and I ask everyone to pray for the success of this part of God’s work in Nicaragua.

 

Thank you all for your support and prayers,

En Christo, Bob Falla

---

 

A Note from your Financial Secretary

As our financial year is coming to a close, please do not hesitate to call me with any questions you may have as to the status of your pledged giving.  Just a reminder that only those donations received at the church by December 25^th will be included in your financial statement for the year.

 

Thank you for your stewardship to Aldersgate and the many missions it has supported during this year.

 

Sherry Newill

 

---

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

THANKSGIVING FOOD COLLECTION

Thank you to all the children and youth who brought in items for our Thanksgiving food baskets.  We received over 100 items for the baskets.  The children also made special cards to be included in each basket.  The 5^th and 6^th grade class and the youth class helped the outreach committee put the baskets together. 

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18^TH – 2^ND SERVICE

The Junior Choir, Worship Arts children, and church school will be presenting, “Archangel Gabriel’s Awesome Adventure” during the 10:45 a.m. service.  The children and youth will tell the story of the birth of Christ through the eyes of angels and shepherds.  We will all enjoy a cake for Jesus in the Fellowship Hall after the service. 

NO CHURCH SCHOOL ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 25^TH & SUNDAY JANUARY 1ST

EPIPHANY SUNDAY

On Sunday, January 8^th the church school will celebrate the Epiphany.  The kings will be visiting each class and they will bring cupcakes for all to enjoy.  Each student will pick a cupcake and if they pick the one with the special coin in it, they will be the king of the day for their class!

WORSHIP ARTS

Children, ages 4 through 5^th grade, are invited to join us on Tuesday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.  All children are welcome to participate; you do not have to be a member of the church.  Rebecca Adams, our Children and Youth Music Director, has many creative and fun ideas for the music portion of this program.  We have just learned about what it means to be a Saint.  We made saint kites and learned about Saint Francis of Assisi.  We also had a blessing of our stuffed animals.  We are now going to focus on the season of Advent.  Rebecca has been teaching the songs of our Christmas Pageant, “Archangel Gabriel’s Awesome Adventure”.  The children will be performing this on Sunday, December 18^th during the 2^nd service.

JUNIOR CHOIR - TUESDAYS: from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

We have changed the day when the Junior Choir will be rehearsing.  All youth in grades 4 – 8 are welcome to join us in this new exciting choir!  We are currently working on the Christmas Pageant.  We are also in the process of developing a junior bell choir.  This group will meet on Thursdays.  Please watch for more information in the bulletin.

CONFIRMATION LUNCHEON

On Sunday, November 13^th, several youth, their families and the mentors of the comfirmands, enjoyed a delicious lunch and learned a little bit about each other and what Confirmation is all about.  We will begin the Confirmation class on Sunday, January 8^th, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.  Please keep the following youth in your prayers as they begin this faith journey: Tammy Adams, Niles Champeaux, Chris Franzini, Gabriel Goodick, Joshua Marden, Matthew Mongiovi, Alex Powell and Rebecca Wong.

 

JUNIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

  In November, we met on Friday, November 19^th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. and enjoyed snacks and played a wide variety of games.  On Sunday, December 18^th, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., we will join the older youth for a family potluck dinner and caroling at homes in the church area.  Your whole family is invited to join us for this festive time.  We will be asking for a gift certificate donation for My Father’s House, instead of bringing a gift.  My Father’s House is looking for gift certificates from: Market Basket ($25.00), Walmart ($25.00), Blockbuster, Payless Shoe Source, Panera, Chuckie Cheese, or a Phone Card.  Friends are always welcome to join us.  If you have any questions about this group and the schedule of events, please call Maria Karafelis or Cheryl Ortolf.

 

 SENIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

All youth in grades 6 – 12 are welcome to join us at any time; you do not have to be a member of the SENIOR youth group.  There is no special sign-up sheet; you just come when you can.  We ALWAYS welcome friends, or anyone else that happens to be with you.  You are an important part of this group!

 

Calendar

December 2^nd & 3^rd – Friday – 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. & Saturday – 9:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Christmas Faire – there will be a sign up sheet, please see Cheryl to pick a time to help in this festive event!

December 11^th – Sunday – 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. - Games, Activites and Reflection – bring your favorite board game.

December 18^th  - Sunday – 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Christmas party, potluck and Caroling -  we are inviting the Junior Youth group and their families for this combined Christmas party potluck and caroling time.  You are also invited to bring your families and friends to this festive event!  Instead of bringing a gift for one of the youth, we are asking for donations of gift certificates for My Father’s House.  The following is a list of possible places or ideas: Market Basket ($25.00), Walmart ($25.00), Blockbuster, Payless Shoe Source, Panera, Chuckie Cheese, or a phone card. 

December 30^th – New Year’s Lock In – All youth and friends are invited to join us as we celebrate the past year and welcome the new year one day early!  We will meet from 7:30 p.m. – noon on December 31^st.  Please bring $5.00 towards Chinese Food.  You can also bring games, CD’s or movies.  We will be creating masks so please bring old clothes to wear because it will be messy!  You will also need a sleeping bag and pillow. 

… AND TEACHING GOD’S WORD.

---

ADULT STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

 

Early Bird Class

Tuesdays: 6 – 6:50 a.m.  Concord Room                                                        Leader: Charles McCrea

This class is open to all and will focus on the way faith touches and blesses our daily lives

Thursday Morning

Thursdays: 10:00 a.m.  Concord Room                                          Leader: Pastor Sharon G.W. Jones

This class is a low key community study that acts as much as a support group as it does a Bible study.  We are going to begin using the book, “Setting the Christmas Stage, Readings for the Advent Season”, by John Indermark.  This novel examines the scriptural aspects of the Christmas story in theatrical terms, and the author provides a dynamic view of how Advent gradually moves the drama forward to the climax of Christmas.  Readers will see how the familiar stories flow together into an encounter with God in Christ.  All are welcome.

Prayer Gathering

Tuesdays: 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.    Concord Room             Leaders: Debbie Botham, Carol Prasad

Join us for a time of prayer and quiet time. If you have a particular prayer request, please contact the Church Office, Carol Prasad, or Debbie Botham.  “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.”

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.   Concord Room                                         Leader: Cheryl Hamel

If you like to knit, or would like to learn how to knit, please join us on Thursday evening in the Concord Room to knit Prayer Shawls.  If you have someone in mind who would love a Prayer Shawl as a reminder of God’s love that surrounds and gives comfort, please let us know.

Study of Mark

Sunday Mornings

Beginning November 6^th Concord Room                                                              Leader: Peter Fipphen

9:35 – 10:35 a.m.

This 8 week course will study the Gospel of Mark, which is generally recognized as the earliest attempt to reduce the apostolic tradition concerning Jesus to written form. This class will use the Interpretation Bible Study book on Mark.  This series provides significant engagement with biblical texts, showing how the Bible addresses issues of living faithfully today.  Peter Fipphen will also use the Gospel of Mark by William Barclay and the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary by David Garland as additional resource material.  If you have any questions, please see Peter Fipphen.

 

DISCIPLE Short-Term Study

Mondays: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12                                    

7:30 – 9:00 p.m.                                                                      Leader: Pastor Sharon G. W. Jones

These 8-week, in-depth Bible studies are modeled after the basic design of DISCIPLE Bible Study.  The study is based on weekly group meetings of one to one-and-one half hours.  A two-part video segment guides the session with interpretive presentations from biblical scholars, contextual presentations, and roundtable discussion.  We will begin with the Old Testament Course.  This study will invite participants to listen afresh to the various voices that narrate the stories from the Torah, the Law, the Prophets and the Wisdom writings.  We will offer an 8 week course on the New Testament in late spring of next year.

MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

CHANCEL CHOIR – Rehearsal, Tuesday 7:30 p.m.                                            Director: Carol Prasad

This choir provides musical leadership for our 10:45 a.m. service.  As always, new members are sought and welcome. Youth are also welcome to join us. 

GOSPEL CHOIR

This group meets as needed (day and time TBA) to open some of our worship services with praise music.  For more information, please see Carol Prasad. 

SHEPHERD BELLS – Rehearsal, Thursday 7:15 p.m.  Director: Carol Prasad

This is a performing choir for adults with developed musical and handbell skills and be able to make the weekly commitment.  Weddings, Handbell Festivals, Christmas performances for community events are on the schedule in addition to monthly participation in worship.