Aldersgate Advocate 

                                                                              

                                                

 

December 2007

 

Merry Christmas!

 

 

At the beginning of this Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I have begun reflecting on what it means to offer the traditional greeting “Merry Christmas!”  For me this salutation reflects a wish of health, shelter, food, and safety for all people.  I think of the way this greeting is offered by Scrooge in Christmas Carol after his encounters with the “ghosts of past, present, and future.”  I am reminded of the transformation that Scrooge experiences in this holiday classic.  This classic is so much a part of our culture that the name of the lead character has come to define one who is stingy rather than generous.  If this were a biblical story, God would rename Scrooge after his experience; he would be known as Bountiful.    

 

Sometimes I think the traditional greeting of this season has lost its power.  I wonder if it has lost its meaning from overuse on greeting cards.  Is it like the “How are you?” offered by those who really do not want to know?  Are we all so busy with the preparations of the season that we fail to take the time to truly wish a “Merry Christmas?”

 

Last week, after visiting with a friend, they thanked me for the visit and said, “I know you’re busy and appreciate you visiting.”  My response to their comment was “Yes, I’m busy, but never too busy to spend time with a friend.”  Through my work with the Merrimack Valley Project this year, I have come to experience the power of visiting and relationship building. 

 

My hope for each of you is that during the coming year we might visit together to build our relationship, and talk about our desires for health, shelter, food, and safety for all people.  I really do want to know how you are doing.  Please accept my heartfelt wish: 

 

Merry Christmas!    

 

Pastor Sharon

 

 

Our Vision: Aldersgate United Methodist Church:   

                     A beacon of God’s love radiating faith and joy….

                                        everywhere!

 

Worship News

 

Advent is the season of hope as we await the celebration of Jesus’ birth and prepare for his second coming.  Once again, we turn to our vision statement, (see above) focusing on radiating hope ... everywhere!  Each of our worship services helps us to find hope in our world.

 

On December 2nd, our themes was “Wake Up to Hope.”  Many thanks to our wonderful Chancel Choir for their offering of “Light of Peace.”  The harmonies, arrangement, and presentation of this music underscored the possibility for hope in our lives.  We also want to thank Victor Hamel, Dan Vooys and others who have decorated the sanctuary and continue to prepare for our Christmas Eve services. 

 

This Sunday, Dec 9th, we are reminded of our biblical roots in the traditions of Judaism and the radical nature of Jesus’ message as introduced by John the Baptist.  Our theme is “Hope of Advent: the Visible Cross.”  We will think about how the cross becomes a sign of hope in our lives.

 

The lessons for Sunday, Dec. 16th suggest the theme “Hope: Active Patience.”  Hope is the opposite of anxious inactivity.  If we take seriously the lesson from Isaiah 35:1-10, others might accuse us of pie-eyed optimism.  Yet the promise of water in the desert of our lives is experienced over and over again. 

 

Christmas Sunday, Dec. 23rd brings us to the final Sunday of the Advent season.  The 8:30 service will be celebrated as the fourth Sunday of Advent.  Our theme is “Be Open to God – Hope.”  The gospel lesson from Matthew tells us of Joseph’s experience of Jesus’ birth.  Joseph had to be open to God to accept the workings of God in his life and in the life of his betrothed.  The 10:45 service will include a Christmas pageant, written by our Junior Choir and preformed by all of the Children’s Sunday School.  Please join us for both services on this day and experience the blessings of Christmas.

 

Christmas Eve services are scheduled for 7:00 and 11:00.  The earlier service will include the creation of a Jesse tree by members of our congregation.  Families of all ages and shapes are invited to help by hanging a symbolic ornament on the tree and offer a few words of explanation.  The later service will include a Christmas communion, always meaningful to those gathered.  The choir will sing at both services and we will light candles at the end as we sing “Silent Night.”              

 

 

Advent and Christmas Readings

December 9             December 16            December 23           December 30       January 6

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19         Luke 1:47-55                   Psalm 80:1-7,17-19          Psalm 148                  Isaiah 60:1-6

Isaiah 11:1-10                 Isaiah 35:1-10                 Isaiah 7:10-16                 Isaiah 63:7-9              Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

Romans 15:4-13              James 5:7-10                   Romans 1:1-7                  Hebrews 2:10-18        Ephesians 3:1-12

Matthew 3:1-12               Matthew 11:2-11              Matthew 1:18-25              Matthew 2:13-23        Matthew 2:1-12

 

 

We Pray for One Another…Our Communities…Our Nation….Our World

Please continue to pray for Pat, Cyndy, Asha; and for our church family. There are many opportunities to gather and pray for whatever the need is in your life and in our lives as we try to live as God leads us. Prayers are needed for our country – for peace in place of violence – for love instead of hate.  You are welcome to join us at the Church on Tuesday Mornings at 6 AM for prayer and Bible study with Charles in our Early Bird Class.  Tuesday evenings we gather in the sanctuary for prayer – silently or out loud, at 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary.  We have a group of prayer partners in our Prayer Circle Ministry – we would be happy to pray for you or a relative or friend or situation.  You might like to join us…this is via e-mail and a positive way to feel connected in prayer for someone in need.  Let the office know….

                           

We Learn Together

The Thursday Morning Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings at 10 AM in the Concord Room.  We have just started a study for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany called While We Wait, which explores hope and other themes for Advent.  The Sunday Morning Adult Study Groups continue to meet at 9:35 AM.  One study is the book of Matthew and is taught by Peter.  The other group is “Making Love Last a Lifetime” and is led by Cheryl and Richard.

 

                   We celebrate together…………              

Thanks to so many who worked on the Christmas Faire and to all who attended and supported the faire.  It was a fun time including a guest appearance by our own Aldersgate Band under the capable leadership of Cheryl.  Thanks to Melinda, Sally, Carole, Lil, Carmen, Betty, Debbie, Jo-Ann, Ruby, Jane, Betsey, Christine, Lois and Nancy, Gail, Laurie and Cheryl and our wonderful youth. Also, St. Nicholas made his way into the Fellowship Hall!  Special thanks to Bonnie for leading us and to all those who chaired tables, made wreathes, swags and center pieces – and provided wonderful food like the famous Aldersgate Chili.  Thank you Eric, Tom, Mike, Bob and Deana, and all who helped in the kitchen to make this a fun and delicious part of our fair.  And special thanks to Victor, Bob and Dan for the Sanctuary Christmas tree and to Victor for gorgeous decorations, Dave for collecting greens; again -  to Dan for his help, presence, and clean up. And to all the unnamed elves, and generous shoppers – THANK YOU!

 

We Share Together…... 

Thanks to the Outreach Committee and to all who helped with Thanksgiving Baskets.  Special thanks to Maureen Perry who gathered names of about thirty families in Chelmsford and Lowell and provided delightful baskets to brighten their lives.  We have received a thank you from My Fathers House: “Thank you all so much for the great gift of four turkeys and four food baskets.  This made for a wonderful meal.  We all truly appreciated it.  God bless you all!

Sincerely, My Fathers House Residents and Staff.

The Church is all decorated for Advent and Christmas – the tree is glowing in the Sanctuary.  The tree was laden with about 100 ornaments representing the wishes of children in the Chelmsford area – we ask that you bring your gifts back to the church wrapped with the ornament on top of the package to make it easier for Maureen to sort all these gifts.  She is again so grateful for the Aldersgate spirit of generous giving!  And…we are grateful to Maureen and the Outreach Committee for their dedication to provide leadership for these important projects.

 

Thank You Notes:

 

Pat  thanks her Aldersgate Church Family for all the prayers, cards, telephone calls and visits during her recent illness. 

                                                                                      ***

Thank you for all the cards, flowers and good wishes for recovery during my recent surgery.  God heard all your prayers and I am back at work grateful to God and to my church family for loving support!      Joanne

 

A sincere thank you to my volunteers who have faithfully helped me with the Advocate during 2007.  We have such a good time together….it really doesn’t feel like work at all.  Thank you for your encouragement and help!    Joanne

AND

The deadline for the next Advocate will be Monday, January 7 with our volunteers meeting on Friday, January 11 to help prepare the Advocate for mailing!  (We just keep on going on!)

 

 

Celebrating our Stewardship and our Membership All Year Long!

Year Round Stewardship – What’s it Mean?

 

Aldersgate UMC kicked off our year round Membership Renewal and Stewardship program on Sunday, evening December 2nd as Peter, Bonnie and a tardy Pastor Sharon welcomed Kurt and Aimee, Dave, Arthur and Carmen, and Mel and Harriet.  Regrets were received from several people who had other commitments.

 

The evening was a wonderful experience of getting to know each other better, sharing what we appreciate about Aldersgate, and answering questions about the Aldersgate annual budget.  As we gathered, each was asked to complete a paper quilt square that represented their gifts to and gratitude for this faith community.  

 

After dinner, we moved to the Concord Room for discussion about Aldersgate, interspersed with a couple of videos that helped us to relax and talk about membership through our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service.  One of the participants, Krut, said that the “...small group discussion on values, commitment, and church membership was an enlightening view for me.  Thank you for the opportunity.”

 

Our Advent membership group will make their re-commitment to Aldersgate on December 16, 2007 along with several new members.  We’re asking the members of this group to stop by the office on their way to service for any last minute communication.  

 

Please check the posted lists in the hallway at church to make sure our membership data is accurate for you, and to see when your Membership Party is scheduled, so you can mark your calendars.  It will be fun and enlightening!                      

                                                                                  

We Share Our Joy!  

 

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

 

Food Collection for Thanksgiving Baskets

Thank you to all the children and youth who brought in food donations for the Thanksgiving baskets!

All Age Advent Program

On Sunday, December 2nd, over 100 adults, youth and children welcomed the season of Advent during the church school hour.  There were crafts connected to a theme: Christmas cards – help spread God’s joy and love, Gingerbread houses – God is the creator of the world, Advent Centerpieces – God is our light, God’s Eye – God watches over all, and Jesse Ornaments – We are all part of God’s family.

 

Our drama team, Tom & Laurie, Paul, Sergei, and Rebbeca told a story about the true message of Christmas.  Dawn and her cooking assistants, Debbie and Luann, made wonderful Gingerbread cookies for the children and freshly baked gingerbread for the adults.  A big thank you goes out to Deana and her family for making all the gingerbread houses that the children and youth decorated.  Thank you to all the adults and youth that helped with a craft: Debbie & Peter, Harriet, Terri & Annalise, Nancy & Nicole, Jim, David, Pastor Sharon, Gabe & Zeke, Niles, Rachael, Laura, Alex, Andrew, and Sam.  We all truly experienced the joy, love and hope of this special season!

Christmas Pageant

The children and youth will tell the Christmas story on Sunday, December 23rd during the 2nd service.  The junior choir; under the guidance of Becky Adams, have created a wonderful pageant that the church school youth and children will participate in. All of the youth and children will have an opportunity to sign up for a part during class time.  We will have a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 22nd at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.  Please see Cheryl if you have any questions or concerns.

 

       NO CHURCH SCHOOL ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30TH

Epiphany Sunday

The kings are returning to visit our church school classes on Sunday, January 6th.  Each class will have an opportunity to talk to the kings and enjoy cupcakes.  Maybe you will find the coin and be a “king” for the day!

 

Worship Arts

Children, ages 4 through 6th grade, are invited to join us each Tuesday afternoon from 4:15 – 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  For the month of December, the worship arts children have been exploring the art of mosaics.  We will be creating Christmas stained glass windows for our sanctuary windows.  You can join us on any Tuesday, you don’t have to attend regularly.

Junior Youth Choirs & Bells on Thursday evenings

Junior Choir – ages 3rd – 5th grade: 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.          

Junior (Miller) Bells – 4th grade and up: 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.

Youth Choir – 6TH grade and up – 7:15 – 8:00 p.m.

All children and youth in 3rd grade and up are welcome to join us each Thursday for our exciting  music program.  Please see Becky Adams if you are interested or have any questions. 

Children’s Choir on Sunday mornings

This young children’s choir is for children, ages 4 years old – 2nd grade.  Becky will use a variety of musical media as a fun way to learn about music! Your child may go downstairs with Becky after the theme conversation.   Please see Becky if you are interested or have any questions.

JUNIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

This fellowship group is for young youth in grades 4th, 5th and 6th grade.  Our mission is to provide your children with a safe, healthy and loving environment to help them grow and experience Christianity.  Please see Cheryl or David if you have any questions or would like to help.

 

Sunday, December 16th – Christmas Caroling and Potluck Dinner

4:00 – 6:30 p.m. at church

All Junior Youth and family members are invited to a combined youth group event with the Senior Youth and their families!

 Bring your favorite dish to share, we will provide drinks!

Caroling first in nearby neighborhoods - bring a Flashlight!!!

We will provide Caroling books

Friends are always welcome!!

Please dress warmly!

A team of helpers will keep the food warm in the kitchen until we return

 

New Year’s Eve – Eve Party

                                 Sunday, December 30th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

                            The Senior Youth invites you to our New Year’s Lock-In!!!

                 Sunday, December 30th from 6-7:30

                    Bring a snack to share and a cute baby photo

              We will all play lots of fun games!!!

 

SENIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

We are a fun group of spiritually focused youth who celebrate Christ’s presence among us by engaging in community and group activities, church participation and mission projects.

All youth in grades 7 – 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!

 

Christmas Caroling & Potluck Dinner

Sunday, December 16th from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.

All Senior Youth and their families are invited to a combined celebration of caroling, fellowship and fun with the Junior Youth and their families. Bring your favorite dish to share, we will provide drinks!

Caroling first in nearby neighborhoods – bring a Flashlight!!!

We will provide Caroling books - friends are always welcome!!

Please dress warmly!

A team of helpers will keep the food warm in the kitchen until we return

 

New Year’s Eve-Eve Party & Lock-In

Sunday, 6:00 p.m. – Monday, 11:00 a.m.

We are inviting the Junior Youth for games and snacks from 6 – 7:30 p.m. - bring your favorite snack to share.  From 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., we will be painting our youth room!!!!!  Bring old clothes to wear, paint brushes, etc.  At 9:30 p.m. we will take a break for some Chinese food, bring $5.00 towards the cost of the food.  Bring games, movies, appropriate video games, sleeping bag, pillow, etc.  We will end at 11:00 a.m. with a pancake breakfast.  Friends are always welcome!

Sunday, January 6th – Ice Skating at the Chelmsford Forum

Sunday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

We will meet at church, and drive to the Chelmsford Forum for an afternoon of ice skating.  Please bring $8.00 for skates and the fee to skate.  You may bring extra money for food. 

 

SPIRITUAL GROWTH CLASSES AND SMALL GROUPS

 

Early Bird Class

Tuesdays: 6 – 6:45 a.m.  Concord Room                                    Leader: Charles

Plan to rise early and participate in this Bible study as together we explore and gain understanding of what it is to be a community of faith. 

Thursday Morning

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

This class is a low key community study that acts as much as a support group as it does a Bible study.  During the months of December and January, we will use the study book, “While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent” by Mary Lou Redding.

Prayer Gathering

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

Please consider joining us on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for our weekly prayer gathering. 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Mondays: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Concord Room                                Leader: Cheryl

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.

New International Commentary on the Book of Matthew

Sunday Mornings: November 11 – December 23                                  Concord Room

Leader: Peter

9:35 – 10:35 a.m.

This volume in the New International Biblical Commentary series draws on the best traditional and contemporary scholarship in an informed, balanced way. Dr. Mounce shows how Matthew's five major teaching blocks simultaneously gave the growing early church a compendium of Jesus sayings and demonstrated how he fulfilled messianic prophecies.

"When a Church Prays"

Sunday Mornings: January 6 – February 3                                                   Concord Room                      Leader: Charles

9:35 – 10:35 a.m.

What does Scripture tell us about prayer?  Come join us as we study Scripture about prayer and learn about the power of prayer.  In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus enters the temple and tells all, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.”  In the book of James, we are told that “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”  Aldersgate U.M.C. is called by God to be a house of prayer.  Prayer is powerful, and can make a difference in your life, our community and the world!

Making Love Last a Lifetime

Sunday Mornings: December 16, 23, January 6, 13, 20                                Library

Leaders: Cheryl, Richard

Come join us on Sunday morning as we explore the covenant of marriage and learn about ways to help us develop a healthy, satisfying, and successful marriage or relationship.  Each week we will explore the following topics: Venus and Mars in the Beginning; What Women Wish Men Knew About Women; What Men Wish Women Knew About Men; After the Honeymoon Is Over; The Habits of Unhealthy Marriages; God’s Plan for Sexual Intimacy; The Ministry and Meaning of Faithfulness; Making Love Last a Lifetime.

 

If you are single, this book can prepare you to have a successful relationship.  If you are married, the book can help you grow in your relationship with your spouse so that you can experience all that God intends a marriage to be.