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Aldersgate In Motion
ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Open Hearts , Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the United Methodis t Church
7 Shannon Drive Greenvi l le , SC 29615
864-244-1820 phone 864 -244-9701 fax
www.aumcsc.org I n T h i s I s s u e
Thoughts of the Pastor 2
Souper Bowl of Caring 3
Aldersgate Hospitality 3
Upcoming Sermons 4
Bible Study of Mark 4
Women’s Book Club 4
Valentine’s Day Luncheon 4
Apportionment Corner 5
Looking Ahead to March 6
UMM 7
Redbird Missions 7
Military 7
Women’s Retreat 8
Club 56/Visioneers 8
UMW Call to Prayer & Self Denial 9
Prayer Concerns 10
Attendance/Tithes & Offerings 10
Serving Aldersgate 11
Memorials/Honorariums 11
Calendar 12
J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 9
V o l u me 6
I s s u e
A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 2
THOUGHTS OF THE PASTOR T h e P r e s e n t a t i o n o f C h r i s t i n t h e Te m p l e / G r o u n d h o g D a y
“When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed,
Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” – Luke 2:22
The Bible tells us that on the 40th day after Jesus’ birth he and Mary were presented at
the temple in accordance with the Laws of Moses. It was at this purification ceremony that
both Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus and praised God for sending the Messiah. In the ear-
ly church the day of the year corresponding to the 40th day after Jesus birth became a religious
celebration called Candlemas. Candles, representing the returning light of the sun, the longer
days as spring approached, and the light of Christ, were blessed.
If you look at your calendar you will see that the 40th day after Christmas is February
2nd. This day is popularly celebrated as Groundhog Day. According to legend small animals,
like groundhogs, come out of their dens, and if they see their shadows, they go back in be-
cause there will be six more weeks of winter. On the other hand if they don’t see their shad-
ows, then they come out and spring comes early. Believe it or not this tradition is actually con-
nected to Candlemas. There is an old English song which says: “If Candlemas be fair and
bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter,
and come not again.” There are versions of this same legend in other northern European
countries.
All this makes me wonder. Simeon and Ann were looking for the light and they saw Je-
sus Christ and praised God. The groundhog looks for its shadow and if there is enough light to
cast a shadow it goes back underground. This February will you be looking for the light or
looking for a shadow? Look for the light and you will join Simeon is saying “For my eyes
have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revela-
tion to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel!”
A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 3
ALDERSGATE HOSPITALITY 2019
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
As you are probably aware, February 3 is the FOOTBALL Super Bowl. Our church
will also participate in the S-O-U-P-E-R Bowl (of Caring).
The “Souper Bowl of Caring” is a grassroots, faith-based effort against hunger. It be-
gan in 1990 at Shandon Presbyterian church where the youth decided to use the hype over the
Super Bowl to collect food and funds for the hungry. Since then churches and organizations
all over the world have been collecting money and food to be given to a local ministry that
alleviates hunger. Last year over 10 million was raised and donated to hunger relief charities.
Again, this year we will be lining up on the offensive against hunger and our youth
will be calling the plays. They will be at the doors of the church after the service on Feb. 3 to
collect at least $1 from each person. This money will be given to a lo-
cal hunger-fighting ministry of their choice. This will be in addition to
gathering non-perishable food items as we usually do on the 1st Sunday
of the month for United Ministries. Join the team this year & go long!
Fighting hunger is not a spectator sport. It is a participation sport.
(For more information go to tacklehunger.org.)
Church statistics show that it takes an average of 15 seconds for a first time visitor to
form a positive or negative impression of a church! Consider your own experiences in going
to a new church or visiting for a special event...what did you look for? Could you tell right
away if it was a friendly out-reaching community or was it intimidating?
At Aldersgate, we work consistently to educate our congregation and train our ushers/
greeters to be a powerful first line of welcome. We encourage the wearing of name badges,
so that our guests can recognize who they might ask questions of. Our worship service in-
cludes a moment of greeting and a gift as first-time guests leave. Several of our members,
even intentional, sit with those who are alone or make a point of welcoming them personally
before or after the service. Could this be you?
If you would be willing to volunteer in the area of hospitality, we would love to have
you! It’s not hard, but a little training can help remove some of the personal “risk” barriers
that keep us from engaging with someone we don’t know. This is something you can do sin-
gularly or as a family. Perhaps you have a child or youth that is naturally outgoing and
would enjoy this kind of a responsibility...we are a varied congregation, as are our visi-
tors. Call or send a message to Ruth Hughes that you would like to be a part of the fun to-
day. 244-1820 (ext. 204) or [email protected]
P a g e 4 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n
UPCOMING SERMONS
In February we will continue our series on
“Knowing God.” The sermons remaining in the
series are:
February 3: 1 Corinthians 13
“Knowing God: Love”
February 10: Boy Scout Sunday
February 17: Luke 6:17-26
“Knowing God: Radical Talk”
February 24: Luke 6:27-38
“Knowing God: Generosity”
March 3: Luke 9:28-36, Exodus 34:29-
35 “Knowing God: Transfiguration”
The Wednesday Morning Bible Study is
working its way through the Gospel Ac-
cording to Mark. Mark is the shortest of
the four gospels, but it is also the most
concentrated gospel. It often gets straight
to the point. We meet at 10 am on Wednes-
days in the Mac Vinson Companions class-
room. The lessons for the next few weeks
are:
Feb. 6: Chapter 8
Feb. 13: Chapter 9
Feb. 20: Chapter 10
Feb. 27: Chapter 11
BIBLE STUDY OF MARK
SERMON SERIES
AUMC WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB
The Aldersgate Women’s Reading Group meets
on the 4th Thursday of the month. See the list
of dates and books below. We would love to
have you join us!
February 28 *The Same Sky: a novel
by Amanda Eyre Ward
March 28 Eleanor: a Spiritual Bio.
Harold Ivan Smith
April 25 *Threading my Prayer Rug
Sebeeha Rehman
May 23 The Soulmaking Room
Dee Dee Risher
Meetings begin at 10:00 am in the church li-
brary. Those books with a ( * ) mean these are
available in the public library.
VALENTINE’S DAY
LUNCHEON
If you are widowed, a widower, single or
just in need of company on this day, feel
free to sign-up to attend. There are sign-
up sheets all around the church and in
Sunday school rooms. It will be held in
Parker Hall on February 14 at 12:00
noon.
This luncheon is always wonderful and
delicious. Dean and Pam are gracious
hosts and welcome anyone to attend. Just
make sure you have signed up on a list.
The deadline to sign-up is February 10.
If you have further questions, call Dean or
Pam Martin at 864-292-3942.
P a g e 5 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n
APPORTIONMENT CORNER
In the United Methodist Church we share the cost of the general mission of the church.
Conferences and churches are given a portion of the overall cost of the missions and outreach
of the world-wide church. This apportioning of the cost is done by a formula that compares
each church’s financial abilities compared to the whole. Membership numbers are not in-
cluded in this formula! In our case, Aldersgate is apportioned $91,450 for 2019. That is
about 12% of our total budget. Some think of this our tithe to the larger ministry of the
church. It is the cornerstone of Aldersgate’s support of the Church’s ministry in our state, the
nation, and around the world. Apportionments are “Our-portion-ment” of the ministry of the
world-wide church! By the grace of God we were able to pay 100% of our apportionments in
2018 for the 4th year in a row! In the last newsletter we featured the World Service Fund. In
this newsletter we are highlighting Conference Benevolences.
The Conference Benevolence fund is the nurture and outreach arm of the South Caroli-
na Annual Conference. Through these funds we, along with the 1000+ United Methodist
Churches in SC, support the programs and administration of the Conference. This also in-
cludes the work of conference committees and support of United Methodist Sponsored minis-
tries within South Carolina. “Our-portion-ment” for Conference Benevolences is $12,837 this
year.
Please give faithfully so that Aldersgate can support these apportionments. To find out
more about apportionments go to: http://www.umcgiving.org.
P a g e 6 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n
LOOKING AHEAD TO MARCH
SMART DRIVERS Church member, Lil Copeland will be leading a Smart
Drivers course on Saturday, March 16, from 9:30 am—2:00
pm. You may have heard about this class through the Bon
Secours Wise Words magazine or AARP, which is the sponsor
of the program. The class is open to the public so help us
spread the word with your friends and social media. There is
a small cost involved, but some insurance companies offer
discounts upon completion of the class. Check with yours!
There is a 30 minute break for lunch so plan to bring
snacks, lunch and drinks to stay focused. We hope you plan to
attend!
UNDERSTANDING
DEMENTIA This class will be led by
Thomas Haas, on Saturday,
March 23 at a time to be de-
termined later. This class is
also open to the public and
there is no charge. We will
have more information.
Watch for details coming
soon.
P a g e 7 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n
UNITED METHODIST MEN
HERE ARE THE NEXT FEW DATES FOR THE UNITED METHODIST MEN
MEETINGS. ALL THESE ARE ON MONDAY’S IN PARKER HALL.
BEGINNING AT 6:32 PM
FEBRUARY 18—GENERAL MEETING
MARCH 18—GENERAL MEETING
Other events are coming!
TUESDAY MORNING
MEN OF INTEGRITY
STUDY GROUP
Meets at 6:35 am at
Broadway Bagels,
located at 2426 Hudson
Rd., Greer, SC 29650.
OUR MILITARY (Family & Friends)
Jack Bissionette Paul Browder
Oryan R. Lahti- ACT. DUTY Troy McDowell
Bradley Brown Nick Page
Joseph Churchwell Katie Pace
Patricia Kreuzberger Hank Gettys
Matthew Russell Paul Scott– ACT. DUTY
Michael Pompeo John Williams
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY!
RED BIRD MISSIONS
Redbird Mission Workcamp for 2019 is May 5—May 11.
This is a great service project that helps people in Eastern
Kentucky with home repair...rewarding work and great
fellowship. Please call or email if you are interested in
joining us.
Dick McGaughey
864-244-6891 home
678-427-3426 cell
E mail [email protected]
P a g e 8 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n
Over February 1-3, 51 women from Aldersgate will gather for our 10th annual women’s re-
treat. What began as a small retreat in 2009 has expanded over the years, leading to numerous
friendships and ministries such as the Prayer Shawl ministry. We hope that you will pray for
the retreat as we learn and worship together at Bonclarken Retreat Center in Flat Rock, NC.
WOMEN’S RETREAT
CLUB 56 & VISIONEERS
Up and coming for February-
February 3: Super Bowl...No Club 56
February 10: Club 56/Visioneers—Will you be my Valentine?
February 17: Mystery Outing???
February 24: Hearth Healthy
The Five Fingers
Of Club 56
“FEWSD”
FELLOWSHIP
EVANGELISM
WORSHIP
SERVICE
DISCIPLESHIP
2018 Retreat
P a g e 9 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n
SATURDAY—FEBRUARY 16, 2019
THE EVENT BEGINS AT 11:30 AM WITH A QUICK MEETING
AND A PRESENTATION TO OUR CHARITY, REFUGE SPORTS.
LUNCH WILL BE SERVED AT 12:00 PM
Our program will be presented by Mrs. Cathy Ford, who is the new SC Conference
United Methodist Women President. She will speak to us on the National UMW Program
called the Legacy Fund. This is a call for donations for a Permanent Endowment for United
Methodist Women commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of our organization.
Mrs. Ford will also speak to us about the Call to Prayer theme this year which is Building a
Thriving Generation of Children & Youth Worldwide.
The Charity for this meeting will be Refuge Sports. Their Co-Director, Julie Lee works
with her husband Mike, at Aldersgate as they teach (ESL) English as a Second Language for
men, women and children. Their only request at this time is basic children’s books which are
for elementary school children. The hope is that these might help them with acclimation to
living in this country. These will be used by the elementary children who come on Thursdays
after school, as well as for women who come on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for the ESL
program. Also, they have men attend on Sunday afternoons for ESL assistance. Financial
help is also needed and our UMW will make a donation to them. Please bring any basic chil-
dren’s books to the church office work room. There will be a box labeled to place them in.
Please talk to your circle leader about reservations. If you are currently not in a United
Methodist Women’s circle you are still more than welcome to attend. The cost is $7.00 for
each person who would like to attend. The menu will be vegetable soup, cornbread, salad,
dessert and drinks. The deadline for having your name on the list and contributions to the
charity is Sunday, February 10.
Since our actual luncheon is A Call to Prayer and Self Denial, envelopes will be
available for all of us to make a financial offering as we do each year.
WE HOPE YOU CAN ATTEND!
UMW’S—A CALL TO PRAYER & SELF DENIAL
A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 1 0
PRAYER CONCERNS As of printing Thursday, January 31, 2019:
Greenville Memorial: Rudy Rogers
Home: Warren & Beth Rambo, Freida Parker, Pete & Martha Hendrix, Ann
Armstrong, Lillis Smith, John & Mary Holmstrand, Kay Culbertson , Dave
Herndon
Brookdale @ Hawthorne: Nita Bearden
The Woodlands: Annette McDuffee, Peggy Miller
Mt. Pleasant, SC: Florence Hale Rolling Green: Wayne Rowan, Ralph Bell
Myrtle Beach, SC: Randy Hale Haywood Estates: Ann Linse Cascades: Patti Whelchel
NHC Mauldin: Atrice Hughey Rosecrest: Jennie Ruth Waynick
Westminster Senior Living at Augusta Place: Melba Poole
Rock Hill /Daughter: Bill Taylor Mt. Home Health/Rehab, NC: Nancy Reitz
Local & Other Country Missionaries:
AUMC Family in Greenville: Todd, Pam, & Hannah Grace Attaway, go to their blog to read more
www.loveshareserve.blogspot.com.
AUMC Supported Missionaries in Ecuador: Daina and Tim Datwyler, visit their website at
http://www.Puertadeesperanza.org.
Douglas & Jennings Boone in Democratic Republic Of Congo, Africa - (Wycliffe Bible Translators) www.thiscongoleselife.blogspot.com
OUR RECORD
General Fund Budget Needs (YTD) $ 57,543.52
Total General Fund Receipts (YTD) $ 74,604.38 Total General Fund Expenses $ 41,507.51
YTD Surplus in Contributions to Expenses $ 33,096.87
Previous Weeks General Fund Giving - week 4 $ 15,661.00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
YEAR END – 2018
YTD General Fund Budget $ 805,901.00
YTD General Fund Giving $ 746,164.08
YTD General Fund Expenses $ 743,763.56
YTD General Fund Surplus $ 2,400.52
Sunday School Worship
January 13 115 252
January 20 130 247
January 27 145 269
ATTENDANCE 2019
SERVIN G ALD ERS GAT E O N SU NDAYS
February 3, 2019: Communion Helpers 8:45 am Waldo & Kathy Watts, 11:00 am Robert & Lee Gettys, Debbie Kemp Agnes Williams Lay Reader: 8:45 am John Myers 11:00 am Karis King Greeters: 8:45 am Kathie & Bruce Schug 11:00 am Jane & Bill Williamson Acolytes: 8:45 am Karis King 11:00 am James Whiteman Crucifer: 11:00 am Rebekah MacGregor Usher Captain 8:45 am Brad Smoak Usher Captain 11:00 am Rick Lankford Ushers: Scott Bagley, Trevor King, Ushers: Doug Patrick, Coley Altman, Mark Wessel Gray Walsh, Grant Lankford
February 10, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Boy Scouts 11:00 am Boy Scouts Greeters: 8:45 am Nina & Henry Scoggins 11:00 am Nancy Angster Acolytes: 8:45 am Brooks Davis 11:00 am Henry Addis Crucifer: 11:00 am Reid Schemm Usher Captain 8:45 am David McAvoy Usher Captain 11:00 am Frank Mathis Ushers: Eddie Beam, Tim Davis, Ushers: Coley Altman, III, Trey Covington, Suzanne Haney Jim Cox, Bonnie Lampe, Paul Sleight
February 17, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Shirley Cooke 11:00 am Melissa Stevenson Greeters: 8:45 am Dee & Gray Walsh 11:00 am Sara & Jerry Bowden Acolytes: 8:45 am Julian Gettys 11:00 am Trace King Crucifer: 11:00 am Hudson Patrick Usher Captain 8:45 am Jack Cornell Usher Captain 11:00 am Hunt Redfern Ushers: Jim Dansby, Danny Dobbs Ushers: Terry Tallon, Steve Graves Jordan Truesdale, Suzanne Haney Joel Vanderwood, Bruce Royal
February 24, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Wendy Davis 11:00 am Lyndon Ashworth Greeters: 8:45 am Joe & Kay Sprott 11:00 am Maxine & Harry Hardin Acolytes: 8:45 am Bobby Keith 11:00 am Anna Hoffman Crucifer: 11:00 am Ansley Addis Usher Captain 8:45 am Austin Watts Usher Captain 11:00 am David Rose Ushers: Doug Jordan Ushers: Clay Garrison, Phil Martin, Waldo Watts David Ayer, Cody Owens
P a g e 1 1 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n
MEMORIALS/HONORARIUMS
GENERAL FUND:
In memory of William (Bill) Smith by: Marshall & Virginia Clarke, David & Marian Rose,
Roger & Edna Pike, Joe & Barbara Green, Paul & Audrey Meunier, The Haddon Friendship
Class, Henry & Nina Scoggins, Charles & Jackie Bell, Michael & Dottie Green, Frieda Parker,
Marjorie Parvin, Mr. & Mrs. Jack H. Hawkins, Miss Morgan Hawkins, Mr. & Mrs. I. Henry
Philpot, Jr., Dan & Phyllis Taylor, Wick & Rose Stuart
In memory of Linda Hardin by: Freida Parker
In memory of Jerry Thomas by: Priscilla Smith
CALENDAR DATES
Sunday, February 3: Communion
8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Service – Sanctuary
9:45 am Sunday School
9:45 am Re-newed Members Class – Chapel
3:00 pm Cindy Harter Circle Meeting—Haddon Friendship Class
5:00 pm Youth & Club 56—Loft
Monday, February 4:
11:00 am Prime Timers – Parker Hall
12:30 pm Prime Timers Bridge – Parker Hall
6:30 pm Cub Scouts @ The House
Tuesday, February 5:
9:30 am Women of Faith – Parker Hall
10:00 am Louise Best Circle – Soul Cafe
7:00 pm Boy Scouts @ The House
Wednesday, February 6:
10:00 am Pastor’s Bible Study – Mac Vinson Companions
5:30 pm Connect – Parker Hall
6:20 pm Children’s Music
6:30 pm Classes
Sunday, February 10: Scout Sunday
8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Service – Sanctuary
9:45 am Sunday School & Re-newed Members Class – Chapel
11:00 am Spaghetti Lunch for Cub Scout (Donations)—Parker Hall
5:00 pm Club 56 & Youth
Monday, February 11:
9:00 am Staff Meeting—Library
12:30 pm Prime Timers Bridge—Parker Hall
6:30 pm Cub Scouts @ The House
6:30 pm Trustees Meeting—Mac Vinson Companions Classroom
7 Shannon Dr. Greenville, SC 29615
Phone:864-244-1820 Fax: 864-244-9701
Child Development Center 864-268-5028 E-mail:[email protected]
M a k i n g D i s c i p l e s
f o r J e s u s C h r i s t
A L D E R S G A T E U M C
MINISTRY STAFF
864-244-1820
Alex Stevenson, ext. 207
Sr. Pastor
Johannah Myers, ext. 211
Director of Christian
Formation
Ruth Hughes, ext. 204
Director of Children &
Leisure/Adult Ministries
Dr. Grant Knox,
Director of Music
Ryland Brown
Musican
Jennifer Nelson Director
Child Development Center
864-268-5028
~
Josh Consalvo, ext. 212
Director of Youth
Susan Hamilton, ext. 210
Office Manager/Comm.
Cameron Vaughn, ext. 206
Financial Secretary
Sunday Worship Schedule
8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Services
9:45 am Sunday School
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am-4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
MISSION STATEMENT
. . . We are called to make disciples by embracing all people with God’s love in Christ
and equipping each other for service to God and His world.
OUR VISION
“A Stephen Ministry Congregation”
Hearts on Fire…Seeking, Sharing, Serving...For God