Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Connect December 1, 2020 Volume X, Issue 12
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
“ s h a r i n g t h e l i v i n g C h r i s t t h r o u g h l i f e - c h a n g i n g s e r v i c e a n d l o v e ”
Several Adult Sunday School Classes will be reading
the book and discussing it during this December.
In addition, Rev. Francey will be leading two small groups during Advent.
One will be Sunday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. on Zoom.
The other group will meet on Wednesdays at 12 noon in Genesis Hall.
If you would like to be a part of either group, please e-mail
Rev. Francey at [email protected] or call the church office 985-641-5829.
Christmas Eve Worship at
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Like everything else, Christmas Eve will be a bit
different at Aldersgate in 2020. We will have
three services, spread out through the day to
allow our worship space to rest, offering the
safest, cleanest space for your family to
worship this Christmas Eve.
You will need to register on our church website
to attend Christmas Eve Worship.
Registration will open on Monday, December 14,
2020, so that we can add
additional services if they are needed.
10:00 a.m.. Family Service with Children’s Tableau and Candles
5:00 p.m.. Traditional Service onsite in the Sanctuary and Live streamed
10:00 p.m.. Contemplative Service in the John Wesley Center
Rev. Frances J Hooton
Catch Rev. Francey at Prayer Time on Facebook!
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Log in and enjoy her uplifting message everyday on Aldersgate’s Facebook page.
Greetings All: I hope and pray that you are well! Happy New Christian Year!! It is Advent 2020. Time to begin preparing for Christmas. The Executive Committee of the Aldersgate Church Council and the Staff continue to work hard to create safe space for as many people as possible to return to our Aldersgate campus. It is time to start having Sunday School onsite and more people in worship. In order to do this we need to return to a two service Sunday schedule. While the number of Covid-19 cases continue to spike exponentially across the nation, looking at our local St. Tammany Parish and Slidell statics, it is still reasonable to meet onsite at Aldersgate UMC, as long as we follow the protocol. On December 6, 2020, we will open our Nursery, begin to have Sunday School and the Contemporary Service will start up again. It will be in the John Wesley Center so that they can worship in a fresh place in the church each Sunday. Last month I told you we would return to our original schedule at that time. Earlier this month I really thought this, however, upon deeper reflection there is too much time between services and Sunday School. During the pandemic time in a space continues to be the least talked about and written about issue. However, events under an hour are the safest. Therefore, I suggest that this be our December schedule…
Open the Sanctuary at 8:45 a.m.
9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary and on-line
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship in the John Wesley Center
Each month we will reassess our situation. I wish it were different, however, I believe this is the best way forward. December is a special time in the church year. It is my favorite time. I love poinsettias, twinkle lights and Nativity scenes. I love the Advent wreath, Christmas carols, and the joy of time with family and friends. The worship team will work hard to make this Advent and Christmas special for you and your family this year. In addition to our regular Sunday services we will have a Blue Christmas Service. 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2020 in the Sanctuary
We will stream this service. This will be a special time for people who have experienced loss during 2020. Richard and I will be preaching our dialogue sermon A Plano Christmas.
On Christmas Eve we will have three services:
10:00 a.m. Family Service with Children’s Tableau and Candles
5:00 p.m. Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
10:00 p.m. Contemplative Service held in the John Wesley Center
We will stream the 5:00 p.m. service. You will need to register for the service that you and your family plan on attending. This unusual schedule will allow for the Sanctuary to rest between each service. Continue to watch out for updates via e-mail, postcards, and texts. Have a great day.
Take care and God Bless.
Grace and Peace,
Francey
On-line ministry is here to stay. During Fall 2020 we will continue to build our Media Team and recruit members of Aldersgate to help create content.
We need folks who are willing to learn how to implement Facebook, YouTube and Zoom more effectively.
We need folks who will make videos doing Children Sermons, Friday Devotionals for Facebook, Sunday morning Scripture reading and original ideas we have not thought of yet.
We need folks who will learn how to be on-line greeters for our community.
We also need more people who will learn the technical side of producing, filming, editing and uploading video content.
Why? The message has not changed but the methods to communicate continue to expand! Do you want Aldersgate to grow? Then join us as we live into John Wesley’s motto the world is my parish in new and exciting ways.
Contact Adam Trouard: [email protected]
Christmas Caroling by
Candlelight
in our church parking lot
Wednesday, December 16 - 6:30 p.m.
Dear Aldersgate Family,
Happy Advent! It seems that this season of anticipation carries an extra weight this year – what does the future hold? Which traditions and celebrations will we have to forego or alter?
For Aldersgate, we’ll have to forego Sounds/Soups of the Season and our annual community caroling at the nursing homes/homebound members this year.
So what CAN we do?
On Wednesday, December 16, at 6:30, we’ll p.m. host a congregation-wide family/pod caroling by candlelight in our gravel parking lot. It will last for about 45 minutes and we’ll sing familiar carols around the bonfire, hear some carol-based devotionals, and enjoy a heartwarming time for all of AUMC. As we sing “Silent Night,” one member of each family will approach and light their candle from the central flame and carry that light back to their family/pod.
Lawn chairs are encouraged! Watch our Facebook Page and your AUMC emails for links to register.
Come enjoy a beautiful evening of creating new memories for this Christmas season!
Peace and Blessings,
Adam Trouard
Communion Elements
Available for Pick-up & Delivery
The congregation of Aldersgate UMC will be celebrating communion on Sunday, December 6.
This is also the Second Sunday of Advent!
We have prepackaged individual juice and bread available for your use at home while watching the service on Facebook or YouTube. We also have gluten free communion bread. Elements are available in the church office. Stop by and get yours today!
Delivery is also available by calling 985-768-6294 with your request. Eucharistic Ministers are available if you would like to receive the sacraments at home. Please contact Suzie Hunt at the church office (985-641-5829) if you would like to receive a home visit.
For Families this December at Aldersgate, come and get your
Bingo Card.
This is an Advent Calendar with a twist. Each Bingo Card will have 25 different activities for you and your family to share as we prepare our hearts for celebrating the birth of the Christ Child this
Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Some activities take time, others are acts of service, some are simple things you can do in less than 10 to 15 minutes.
Each Sunday in December you can bring your bingo card (if and when you Bingo) to get a special treat from
Rev. Francey in Worship. Then at our family Christmas Eve service you can bring the missional items you collect, all explained on the card, as a gift for Baby Jesus and your
Family’s offering for Christmas Eve.
Thank you Thank you to everyone who sent us prayers, texts, food and good wishes during the Hunt family’s Days of Covid. We are all well and back on our feet. Your love and caring was greatly appreciated.
Love, Suzie, Jay and JD Hunt
We Need Help. We are looking for volunteers to serve in the office to assist staff members with the many ministries at Aldersgate. The gambit of jobs runs from copying and answering the phones to setting up tables and chairs and changing out bulletin board signs. If you have a bit of time each week to donate, please contact Erin or Suzie at the Church Office at 985-641-5829.
You time and energy would be greatly appreciated.
Online GriefShare
Support Group
Orientation is on Thursday, January 7, 2021 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
THESE ARE ONLINE MEETINGS ONLY
Please visit griefshare.org to register.
Led by: Dr. David Kidder Co-leader: Linda Neville
Books are $15 and will be purchased and paid for online by each participant.
Once you register this will give you access to videos and a digital copy of the book.
Church Sponsor:
First Baptist Church 64541 Hwy. 3081 - Pearl River, LA
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2020 2:00 - 4:00pm
Contact Dr. Tobey Pitman, Pastor for more information
985-863-3363 ext. 22
Meeting in Church Sanctuary
Register online at:
Griefshare.org/holidays/events/34147
Please visit the Angel Tree tables
in the back of the Sanctuary
on Sunday, November 29th
either from 9:30am - 10am
or
11am - 11:30am
All wrapped gifts are due to the office by Monday,
December 14th.
Please keep the following people in your prayers
Jane Aucoin, Gene Busch, Terrence Brock, Camille Calais Clint Crosier, Sara Delancy, Brandon Duck, Georgianna
Fatic Jim’s mother, Coy Faucheux, Peggy Goertz, Barry Gordon, Susan & Gary Grant, Larry and Margaret Hamm, Glenette Hogan, Lynn Harris Horgan,66 Frank Jacob, Rick Lightfoot, Milton Lizana, Dr. Joe & Sandra Lindsay, Stacey Lovitt, Al Normand, Fred and Lyn Oberkirch, Renley and Barbara Pennington, Kelsey Kemp Piro, Renell Pravata, Debbie Roberts, Johnnie Ruth Rogillio, Dr. Rick Saluga, Lorri Schiro. Luke Smith, Ling Stroh, Kathy Swalm
Let us pray together for the Life, Mission and Ministry of Aldersgate United Methodist Church— God’s Provision for our life together, Unity of Purpose and Vision, Loving-kindness and Understanding, Willingness of Spirit, Transformation of Heart.
Together let us pray for—The people of this congregation, The Aldersgate Staff, Those who suffer and those in trouble, Those infected and affected by the coronavirus, Those who are suffering the aftermath of Hurricanes, Laura, Sally, Delta, and Zeta, Aldersgate UMC and the Church Transformation Process, The United States of America, The world, its people, and its leaders.
Praying with Aldersgate
Each day Aldersgate posts a video on our Facebook page. Aldersgate United Methodist Church
On Sunday’s we post our weekly worship service. Five days a week Rev. Frances makes a short devotional. On Fridays we post a video called: Praying with Aldersgate.
We invite to share your favorite Bible Verse… Call the church office and sign up today to make a short 3 to 5 minute devotional video for our church Facebook page. If you have a smartphone, or can drive to the church, you can do it!
Here is the suggested format to make a video.
1. Introduce yourself and say hello to the Aldersgate Facebook Community.
2. Share your favorite Bible verse and briefly explain why this passage is important to you
3. Say a prayer for the day
4. Close by saying good-bye
Contact Suzie Hunt [email protected] or Adam Trouard [email protected] & share your faith!
The Sacred
Hold a p lace for the sacred , in every part of your day. Let Him enter and ca lm you, in His own way.
Take a s tep back. . . . and remembe r to say… God you are my ways .
Do you have “Words of Comfort” that you would like to share in the Connect? We welcome anyone who has words/thoughts of comfort they would like to share, to send those in to Erin Core in the church office. Please note, by sending your message in, you give your consent to having your words shared with your Aldersgate family in an upcoming Connect.
Please contact Erin at [email protected] today. Thank you!
$24—12 issues—Subscribe—connect
Do you miss a paper copy of Aldersgate’s monthly Connect? Order your 2021 Subscription today. The Church Council voted unanimously at our September 29th meeting to make the Connect available, to people who subscribed, through the mail. For $24.00 you get our monthly church newsletter mailed to your home twelve times a year. This way we know you want a printed copy of Aldersgate’s key communication resource. We will begin mailing the Connect to subscribers on January 1, 2021! To insure you get this exciting, informative issue, please subscribe by December 15, 2020.
Contact Erin Core in the church office to let her know you are in! [email protected]
January is a great time to start something new and fulfilling. At Aldersgate UMC, there ’s a small group for everyone. Women, men, couples, young adults, mature thinkers.
Check out these groups and put one in your calendar for January .
25 to 40: A young adults group meeting on Zoom on Sunday afternoons. Discussion on current topics with Bible tie-ins. Contact: Cylinda Barron at [email protected].
Perfectly Imperfect: Women’s Bible study on Zoom on Sunday evenings. Contact Cheryl Grather at [email protected].
Something’s Brewing: Women’s Bible Study and book club that meets on Tuesday mornings in Genesis Hall. Contact Suzie Hunt at [email protected].
Thursday Night Thinkers: Discussion of everything from C.S. Lewis to the Journeys of Paul. Via Zoom on Thursday nights. Contact: Todd Lovitt at [email protected].
WOW-Women of the Word: In-person Bible study for women of all ages on Saturday morning. Contact: Kathryn McKenney at [email protected].
Thursday Night Thinkers
MARK 1:17 Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people.
Sasha will communicate directly with youth and parents regarding our
Youth Progressive Dinner (12/18) and
Youth Get-Together (12/30). Upcoming Birthday!
Noelle Ford—November 29th
Aldersgate UMC Children’s Ministry
Email questions/comments to: Like us on Facebook at:
Focus on Children’s Ministry: BAM Written by Sue Helen Ford
BAM stands for Bible And Me. We do lots of fun
things in BAM. In BAM, we learn the Bible. While
we learn the Bible, we play many fun games to
help. In the beginning, we play games. We learn
many fun facts about the Bible- like the Bible is not 1 book- it is 66
books. Another thing we do in the Bible is learn tricks about it.
We have learned to find Matthew in the Bible. We have also learned
how to find Psalms in the Bible. We have done so many fun things in
BAM, and I can’t wait to see what we do next.
Children ’s Programming is in full swing - Join us!
Sunday School Classes are starting on Sunday, December 6th, at 10am!
Be sure to check your email and our Facebook pages for information as it
becomes available!
If you have not yet submitted your
Estimate of Giving Pledge Card for
2021, it’s not too late! You can drop off your pledge card in the
church mailbox outside of the office or
simply go online to our website,
a l d e r s g a t e - s l i d e l l . o r g and click on the
pledge card image. This will take you
straight to our online form. Thank you for your pledge!
ldersgate
United Methodist Church
sharing the
Living Christ
through life-changing
service and love
Income $ 38,599.81 $ 597,858.21
Expense $ 57,717.92 $ 553,410.76
Surplus <Deficit> $ 19,118.11 $ 44,447.45
SHELBYNEXT GIVING APP
You can download the ShelbyNext app to your phone and give anytime from your mobile device.
AUMC WEBSITE— Visit our website: www.aldersgate-slidell.org and click on the “Online Giving” option at the top/right of your screen. You have the option of giving a one time gift or you can select the “Make this Gift Recurring” and never have to worry about missing a tithe or offering again.
AUTOMATED— Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is a convenient way to give. Simply specify your amount and frequency and provide account information to our Financial Secretary, Jon Nelson, at [email protected], This will ensure your gifts are received regularly without having to worry each month. There are no credit card processing fees.
MAIL The USPS is still delivering mail. Your gift/tithe can still be mailed to:
Aldersgate UMC 360 Robert Blvd . Slidel l , LA 70458
EXTERNAL DEPOSIT If you are out and want to save a stamp, you can drop your offering off at church through our “Church Drop Box” slot located in the alcove by the side door. This drop box leads straight into the Financial Secretary’s locked office.
Please make sure your final year-end giving contribution/tithes are
dated by December 31, 2020.
We can receive 2020 contributions through January 8, 2021,
as long as the checks are properly dated.
Gifts may be turned in through the offering plate, the church office or put in the drop box.
TM
Cindy Alberts, Realtor Coldwell Banker TEC Realtors ~ 2040 E. Gause, #4
“I’ll Go The Extra Mile For You!” C: 707-7676 W: 649-6300 x208
Homes, Vacant Land, Commercial
Lowry-Dunham, Case, and Vivien Group Insurance since 1901
643-1234 ~ 1-800-200-1258
Mike Rich, Pontchartrain Investment Management
Financial Services and Insurance 2242 Carey St., Olde Towne, Slidell
985-605-5064 ~ [email protected] Securities offered through LPL Financial,
Member FINRA/SIPC
Peffley Construction, LLC Andrew Peffley, 504-512-0276/fax 985-649-3851
Email: [email protected] www.peffleyconstruction.com
The Mouse Detectives
Specializing in Disney Cruises, Magical Vacations, Viking Cruises and Group Trips
985-290-5585 Gayla Nelson ~ [email protected]
MOORE & POWELL
Certified Public Accountants A Professional Association
985-641-8000 ~ 120 Village Street, Suite 1 Joel L. Bruno, Jr., CPA Jane A. Aucoin
www.moorepowell.com [email protected]
AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS...
Staff Email:
Rev. Francey Hooton: [email protected]
Director of Worship & Music Ministry: [email protected]
Director of Congregational Care & Missions: [email protected]
Youth Administrator: [email protected]
Children’s Ministry: [email protected]
Financial Secretary: [email protected]
Office Manager: [email protected]
Prayer Concerns: [email protected]
Director of Epworth: [email protected]
Louisiana Conference Website: www.la-umc.org
Apple Tree Preschool Director: [email protected]
General Information: [email protected] Church Website: www.aldersgate-slidell.org Church office: 985-641-5829
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Aldersgate-Slidell
AUMC - Aldersgate United Methodist Women’s Group
Aldersgate United Methodist Youth (AUMY)
Apple Tree Preschool
