Aldersgate Advocate 

                                                                              

                                                 Beside the Alabaster Jar

                

June 15, 2007

 

Dear friends,

            Over the last several weeks, two listening campaigns have garnered your ideas for an Aldersgate vision and our goals for the coming year.  Perhaps you answered Peter’s call to complete a survey regarding our vision or you were part of a small group or a one to one conversation where you shared why you are a member at Aldersgate and concerns that need to be addressed. 

 

            Along with help from our leadership, I have been involved in listening to your self-interests so that we might improve what is already a strong congregation.  From these conversations, we have identified two concerns that seem to have broad support. 

 

            First, we want to communicate more effectively in the coming year.  A first step in this effort is to build into our worship services an Aldersgate Moment when different small groups and committees share about their vision, goals, and current experiences.  Even if one is not able to be part of this ministry, one can pray for the work of others. 

 

If you have other ideas about how we can communicate more effectively, please speak to me or write out your idea and I will give you a call to talk further.  Does anyone have ideas as to how we can communicate more effectively via the internet?       

 

            Second, several people identified reaching out to young families as a goal.  Yet, it was when one leader said, “I am concerned about the significant number of children being raised without exposure to positive values,” that we realized why we want to reach out to families with children.  The values that we are talking about might better be called virtues.  A lot of energy fresh from the Holy Spirit was in the room when your leaders began talking in this way about this concern. 

 

            The second listening campaign was led by Peter, our Council Chair. 

 

As I was preparing my input into this discussion I was reminded by God that this is a great congregation:  We encourage faith development through classes and small groups for children, youth, and adults.  We are good stewards of the gifts God has given.  We are engaged in local and global missions.  We care about and support our members through illness and family crisis.

           

This is a great congregation, so let’s not keep that good news to ourselves but share it with the community.  Sharing the Vision will be an opportunity next fall for each of us to emphasize the importance of worship for our own faith journey and our personal relationship with God.  Lives will be changed as people make regular worship a priority. 

 

Gathering for weekly worship is vital for the strength and health of Aldersgate, our faith community.  This is where we gather to praise God, share with each other, and be energized for the week.  Weekly worship helps to strengthen our relationships with each other and our relationship with God. 

            During July and August, we will gather for worship at 9:30.  Adult education classes are offered at 10:35.  We are investigating the possibility of providing childcare during these classes.  We hope to see you this summer and please know that you are not forgotten even if you are traveling away from home. 

 

Peace be with you.

Pastor Sharon

 

 

Worship News

by Sharon Jones

During the end of June, we are continuing with two worship services; at 8:30 we celebrate an order of word and table and at 10:45 we offer a service geared more for children.  On June 17th, we celebrate father’s day as we welcome our pastors from Sierra Maestra in Nicaragua.  Our lessons for the day will include the parable of the Prodigal Son which is really about the love of a father.  Pastor Sharon will be preaching from Galatians 2:15-21.      

On June 24th, we hope that Pastor Santos will be our preacher for the day.  Our service will focus on Galatians 3:23-29 and Luke 8:26-39.  These passages tell us that we are healed by Christ into a unity that is for all people.

July 1st is the Sunday that we go to one service at 9:30.  We continue on this schedule through August and the first Sunday in September.  As we celebrate Holy Communion we will also celebrate the independence of our country, and the freedom we know through Jesus Christ.  Galatians 5:1, 13-25 will be the focus of Pastor Sharon’s message. 

On July 8th, we continue to focus on the Galatians reading as listen to Paul teach about bearing one another’s burdens, reaping what we sow, and becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus.  Please read Galatians 6:1-16 and Luke 10:1-11.

July 15th is next and we’re halfway through the summer as we shift our focus to the passages from Amos 7:7-17 and Luke 10:25-37.  As one who used to work on a surveying crew, I identify with Amos use of a plumb line.  I used one of these years ago, before laser transits, to make sure the level I was using was set up straight and true.  Amos wants us to use God’s teachings as a plumb line in our lives. 

On July 22nd, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism, as we welcome one of our new families, Lee and Andrea Gardner and baptize their son, Logan.  Logan is the godson of Kenneth Krugh.  

I will be away in Europe, Croatia and Italy, visiting with my nephew and his family and touring about Rome on the last Sunday of July and the first Sunday of August.  Rev. Herb Taylor will be our guest preacher on August 5th and he will be serving Holy Communion.  

Scripture Readings – July and August, 2007

 

July 1                                                 July 8                                     July 15

Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20                         Psalm 30                                Psalm 82

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14                           2 Kings 5:1-14                       Amos 7:7-17

Galatians 5:1, 13-25                         Galations 6: 1-16                  Colossians 1:1-14

Luke 9:51-62                                     Luke 10:1-11, 16-20             Luke 10:25-37

           

July 22                                               July 29                                               August 5

Psalm 52 or Psalm 82                                  Psalm 85                                Psalm 107:1-9, 43

Amos 8:1-12                                      Hosea 1:2-10                                    Hosea 11:1-11

Colossians 1:15-28                          Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19)   Colossians 3:1-11

Luke 10:38-42                                               Luke 10:38-42                                   Luke 12:13-21

 

August 12                                         August 19                             August 26

Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23                         Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19               Psalm 71:1-6

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20                               Isaiah 5:1-7                            Jeremiah 1:4-10

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16                                  Hebrews 11:29-12:2             Hebrews 12:18-29   

Luke 12:32-40                                               Luke 12:49-56                                   Luke 13:10-17

                

 

           

Burning Mortgages, Firing Spirits

 

           

Flames were certainly burning on Pentecost Sunday, May 27th!  This day was appropriate to celebrate the retiring of our mortgage for two reasons.  First, it is close to Aldersgate Day, May 24th, a day recognized across our denomination and the day chosen for the groundbreaking on our addition seventeen years ago.  Second one of the symbols of the Pentecost spirit is flames of fire.  We celebrate Pentecost every year, but we don’t always have something to burn.

 

A significant addition to this service was the presence of Rev. Don Holt who was pastor at Aldersgate when the mortgage was taken.  Don’s participation in the mortgage burning ritual was God-inspired.  It was great to see Pastor Don and he truly enjoyed his time with us. 

 

Remembering the courage of those who took that mortgage also enlivens our spirits today.  May we be reminded that they took a risk seventeen years ago, never believing that they could pay a thirty year mortgage in almost half the time.

 

Many thanks to Cheryl, Dan, and Walt for their prepared remarks and to others who shared impromptu.  A special word of gratitude to Chef Eric and his sous chef Jim for the wonderful brunch.         

 

   ***

This is our Mission Statement…

 

Called out by Jesus Christ to serve our congregation, community

and the world

through loving, witnessing… and teaching God’s Word.

 

This is our Vision: Aldersgate United Methodist Church: 

A beacon of God’s love radiating hope, faith, and joy….everywhere!

                       

***

Prayer Requests

Please pray for Pat, Walt, Dave, Cindy, Frank’s family (the death of Irene), for our recent high school and college graduates; for our youth and chaperones traveling to Youth 2007 in Greensboro, North Carolina July 11-15;  for our new members, and for our vision – that we may continue to be a beacon to our church family and beyond.

 

 

Congratulations to our High School Graduates: John, attending Anna Maria College; Tyler, attending Ohio University; Elizabeth, attending Ithaca College; Melissa, attending University of the Arts

 

Congratulations to our College Graduates:  Anna, Vassar College; Eric, University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Geoff, RPI; Amy, UMA, Amherst; Susan, UMA, Dartmouth; Jennifer, UNH Graduate School

 

                        Congratulations to our Confirmation Class

 

On June 3, we welcomed our confirmation class as members of

our church family as well as Andrea. Andrea is already a member of the Chancel Choir!

 

                                              Welcome and congratulations!

 

 

 

A New Baby in the Powell Family!

Welcome baby Aleana!

Aleana Grace was born on May 20, weighing 9lb. 3oz,! 

She is welcomed by her parents, Sharmis and Jim,

big brothers, Alex, Ben and Conlen!

 

 

The Church Office will be closed on Mondays beginning June 18 and continuing until August 20.

            Pastor Sharon will be off on Fridays beginning June 29 through August 25. 

 

Answering the Telephone during Worship!  If you should hear the telephone ring, please make an effort to answer it.  Even after four rings, when the message kicks in, you can interrupt and talk to the person calling.  Recently there was another emergency call during the first worship service and no-one answered!

If you are the last person leaving the church, please be sure the lights are off and doors are locked!  Thank you!

 

 

Instead of counting candles, or tallying the years, contemplate your blessings, as your birthday nears.

Consider special people who love you, and who care, and others who’ve enriched your life

just by being there.

Think about the memories passing years can never mar, experiences great and small that have made you who you are.

Another year is a happy gift, so cut your cake, and say, "Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"

 

By Joanna Fuchs

 

                         What’s Happening at Aldersgate This Summer

 

The AUMC Book Club will meet on Tuesday, June 26th, 7 p.m.,

at Luigi’s.  This is a new date so that folks can finish the book,

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards.

***

Wednesday Evening Pot Luck and Bible Study

June 27, July 11, and July 25

 

“Living for Today”

Participate in a Bible study of what Paul provides as

inspiration for us to live today.

The three sessions will focus on Preparation, Participation, and Perspective.                      

Sessions will be 90 minutes with time for pot luck dinner and fellowship

Followed by brief devotion and Bible study. 

Materials Needed:  Bring your Bible!

Charles will lead us!

***

Sunday, Short-Term Study Groups

July 1 through August 26

10:35 a.m., in the Concord Room

 

July 1 and 8, “Where Science and Religion Meet”, led by Walt

July 15, 22, 29, “Study of Galatians” ,

led by Charles, Walt, and Peter

August 5 and 12, “Names of God”, led by Charles

August 19 and 26, TBD
***

     SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT AND POT LUCK FOR ALL AGES!

 

Shrek

JULY 18TH FROM 6 – 9 P.M.

All ages will watch the movie, “Shrek”, and then their will be a discussion period for adults, and the children will do a special craft.  All are welcome to join us!

 

“Inconvenient Truth” and “Fern Gully”

AUGUST 22ND FROM 6 – 9 P.M. The adults will watch the “Inconvenient Truth” and the younger children will watch “Fern Gully”.  There will be a discussion period for adults, and the children will do a special craft.  All are welcome to join us!

 

Refreshments will be provided during the movie!

***

Creativity and Prayer

 

Come and explore your creativity as we play and experience God’s Spirit.  Tuesday evenings, July 10 and 24, August 7 and 21, 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  Pat and Pastor Sharon will be leading this small group using the book, Seeing in the Dark: a Vision of Creativity and Spirituality by Beverly Shaman, one of our United Methodist Bishops.  Teenagers, men and women who enjoy creating are welcome!         

 

 

 

A New Bible Study Experience!

 

The Women's Ministry would like to take the opportunity to invite our Aldersgate Women (friends are welcomed too!) to a very different kind of bible study. 

 

We will begin with our cookout kickoff on Thursday August 30 at 6:30 pm.  Come and be introduced to "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out" by Joanna Weaver; our book of study this year.

 

We will continue our study on the last Thursday of each month (we will meet year round).  Each month we will gather at 6:30 for a dinner (usually the main dinner is provided by Ginny) and start our study at 7:30. This is a "home" study at the home of Ginny Sargent in Lowell (very close to the Chelmsford line).

 

This study is intimate, fun and spiritual.  Please come and bring a friend. ?'s contact Ginny.

 

 

AND … In the Community           

 

The Youth will be involved in the 4th of July activities.  Be sure to read the Youth Section of this issue of the Advocate and support our church activities in Chelmsford Center.

 

 

What’s Going on at Rolling Ridge

 

Summer Renewal Days:  Come and experience summer and stillness at Rolling Ridge – schedule a Reneway Day for yourself and be blessed:  Renewal Days are available Mondays: July 2 and 23, August 27;

Tuesdays:  July 3 and 24, August 7 and 28; Wednesdays:  June 20 and June 27, July 25, August 8 and 29;

Thursdays:  June 28, July 26, August 16 and 31.

 

Seeking the Sacred in Scripture and Poetry: An Experience in Lectio Divina.  Day Apart for Busy People Retreat, June 26, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

 

July Events

July 9, Evening labyrinth Walk; July 11-13, Summerfest and the New England Preaching Academy – join them for worship each night at 7:30 p.m.; July 15-19, Junior High Camp; July 20 – 22, Elementary Retreat; July 29 – August 2, Senior High Camp. 

 

To register for any Rolling Ridge event you can download a registration form at www.rollingridge.org.  You can also pay for the registration fee for any of our programs (except Summer Renewal Days) by going to the website. For more information contact Rolling Ridge at 978-682-8815 or email us at thestaff@rollingridge.org. Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center address is 660 Great Pond Road, North Andover, MA 01845.  If you have never been to Rolling Ridge, you are missing a treasured sacred space! 

 

 

Thank you for your help in our successful rummage sale.  With your help and donations of clothing and white elephants, we made $561.78!  This money to any group or persons to help with the cost of food for St. Paul’s Feeding Ministry.  Again, thank you!

 

***

A big thank you to our Confirmation Class for serving St. Paul’s in May!  Great job!

                                                                                                            Deb, Chair, Outreach

***

Thank you to Cheryl for leading our Prayer Shawl Ministry.  We will meet during the summer at 7 p.m. – 8:30 so if you would like to join us – we would love to have you!  And, we do have fun! We are continuing to knit Prayer Shawls; so many have been given during the past year.  It is a privilege to provide a prayer shawl or a lap robe – so if you have someone you would like to receive one – we would be happy to provide one for you! 

                                                                              ***

Thank you to: Bill and Marthena, Dan and Jane, Greg, Jim, Garth, and Scott, for all your work on the back parking lot!  It is such a great improvement and is appreciated!

 

                                                                                 ***

Thank you for your generous contribution to Tool and Blanket Sunday.  Over $700 was given!  Just think of all the good your dollars will do to encourage and bless those who have so little! So many of you gave in memory and in honor of your mom – a very real way to say “thank you”!

                     

***

A sincere thank you to the members of Aldersgate for their prayers, cards, and expressions of concern at the recent death of my sister, Joan, and the passing of my brother-in-law “Coop,” only three weeks later.  Your words were truly a comfort to my family and to me. I am again reminded how important friends and faith are at times like this, and actually all the time.

 

With sincere appreciation,  Evelyn                                                                                            

                                                                              ***

 

Many thanks to all those who volunteered time and spirit in helping with the Advocate!  To Dotty, Sherry, Kathy, Holly, Charlotte, Diane – thank you!    Joanne                                       

***

Change for Change!

Thank you to all of you for putting your coins in the Offering Plate during worship!  This money is going to Outreach missions.  Another thing we could not do without you!  So… let’s hear that change!!                                                          Thanks from your Outreach Committee

 

       

 Here are some additional ways you can volunteer at Aldersgate:  

Save your stamps for our stamp lady!  Please continue to save your stamps – the box is on the table outside the church office.  This is a continuing project – everyone can help participate!  Please be sure to leave at least an inch around the stamp.

          

 

Needed – AUMC Food Pantry Items

Our Outreach Food Pantry Drive Continues!  Needed:  canned meats, stew, peanut butter, jelly, meat sauce, spaghetti sauce and pasta, toilet paper and paper towels.  Your Outreach Committee would like to thank all of you for your generous contributions to the Food Pantry.  Your donations help Maureen Perry and the Committee feed twelve families on a monthly basis who would otherwise not have enough food to survive.  Maureen also provides food to those in need on an emergency basis.  None of this would be possible without YOU! 

 

 

Aldersgate Golf Outing

On May 5th, the Aldersgate  Mighty Men sponsored the first Annual Aldersgate Golf Outing at the Chelmsford Country Club.  It was a terrific time of golf, fellowship, evangelism and outreach shared by 20 golfers, 5 caddies and 17 of the church family who joined in for the awards picnic. Lois did a terrific job as our Official Starter, with Gary Shaw doing a less than terrific job hitting the ceremonial first drive!

Award winners included:

First Place Team:  Bozos                                        Walt

                        Jane

 Mike

                         Paul

Second Place Team:  Bogie and McCall               Gary

                        Debbie

                        Peter

                        Matt

Closest to the pin – Men:                 Paul (32 ft and 2 inches)

Closest to the pin – Women:                       Marsha (8 ft and 4 inches)

Longest Drive – Men:                                   John

Longest Drive – Women:                 Sherry

 

A special thanks to our caddies who carried bags (sort of) for outreach donations: Charles, Alexi, Jim, Rick, Joe

 

And to these local merchants who made prize donations leaving more of our money for outreach:

-          Friendly’s                                     $20 certificate

-          Fish Bone Restaurant     $25 certificate

-          Rangeway Golf Center   $25 certificate

-          Papa Gino’s                                2 Large Pizza Certificates

-          The Pizza Place                          4 Large Pizza Certificates

-          Puma                                Hats, shirts, shoes, golf bags (through John Kelley)

-          Alpine Butcher Shoppe              $25 certificate

-          Chelmsford CC               Hats and 4 green fees

-          Ciesluks                           5 dozen washed, previously owned golf  balls

 

Most important, $321 was raised for the Aldersgate Men’s Youth Ministry Fund.

Check out the Winners Plaque in the hallway trophy case!

 

 

Two of our Aldersgate family are participating in the PMC in August.  We are proud of you both, Kirby and Marcia.  Following are their letters – please read them and if you can help them in this important cause, please give them your support.

 

Pan Mass Challenge 2007

 

I would like to first thank my church family for their outstanding support since I began participating in the PMC in 2003.  There has been a constant level of support that has made my fundraising each year achievable.  I continue riding in the PMC first and foremost because I believe in the goal of eliminating cancer as a life threatening disease.  A few weeks after riding last year I was an adult leader at the Cub Scout Day Program at Camp Paul.  One of the other adult leaders working with me started the week waiting for the biopsy results for her daughter.  This 16-year-old girl had recently undergone surgery to remove four areas of skin cancer.  The biopsy of her lymph nodes was to see if it had spread.  Every time this leader got a call on her cell phone you could see the stress.  Fortunately by Friday the call that everything was clear came in and her daughter was fine.  It was very frustrating for me to not be able to help.

 

I knew then that I would participate in the PMC this year.  It’s one way that I can help make sure others do not have to go through this same experience.   This year I would again greatly appreciate your support.  If you would like to send a donation you may make a check out to “PMC – Jimmy Fund” and send it to my home address of 81 Old Stage Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824.  You may also donate on line by going to  www.pmc.org and clicking on egifts in the upper left hand corner of the web page.  My rider ID number is KN0036.  Whether you decide to donate this year or not, may God bless you for your support over the last four years. - Kirby

 

May 2007

 

There is so much bad stuff going on in the world today… and then there is the PMC.  After my first time riding in the 2006 Pan-Mass Challenge, from Wellesley to Provincetown, I am forever changed.  I have witnessed the determination and camaraderie of the riders, the cheerful service of the volunteers, the organization and vision of the staff, the generosity of my sponsors, and the gratitude of the spectators. 

 

I am writing to ask for your help.  This Aug. 4th & 5th I will be riding my second PMC to raise money for cancer research.  I continue to be inspired by the memory of a beautiful 7 year-old Westford girl, Erika Gould, who succumbed to a brain tumor in November 2005.  Erika was bright and funny, a loving daughter and sister.  She was an inspiration to everyone who met her.  As I watched her fight her battle with cancer with grace and courage, I resolved to do something to help.  I’m again riding in the hope that the money I raise for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund can help save other children from the pain Erika and her family had to endure. 

 

The PMC is the nation’s original fund-raising bike-a-thon and today raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country.  It is also the most efficient.  With 99 cents of each dollar raised going directly to the Jimmy Fund, the PMC has contributed more than $145 million to lifesaving research and treatment at Dana-Farber Caner Institute since its 1980 inception. 

 

Riding 163 miles is a daunting task.  However, I feel strongly moved to do something tangible for Erika, her family and all those who have been touched by cancer.  I would appreciate any contribution.  Please donate what you can.  You can learn more about the PMC, and donate on-line by going to: http://www.pmc.org/mypmc/profiles.asp?eGiftID=MD0202.  Then click on the e-gift link on the right, under my fundraising bar.  Or, checks may be made payable to the PMC, Jimmy Fund or DFCI, and mailed to me, Marcia Dana, 6 Sterling Lane, Westford, MA 01886.  Any amount is greatly appreciated.

 

On behalf of Erika and her family, I thank you. 

Marcia