Announcements 4/7/2027

Our Vision—A beacon of God’s love radiating faith, hope, and joy… Everywhere!

The Flowers on the Altar are given by Laura and Ray Brown in honor of Emmy’s 3rd birthday on April 3rd

Memorial and Reception Meal for Jan Marson

Janet Marson and Family let us know that her son Jan Marson passed away several weeks ago. His burial will be private before the service. His memorial will be held on April 13th at 11 am in our Sanctuary, with a reception in the Fellowship Hall at noon. Please check in with Betsey Driscoll to find out what you can help with. Please pray for Janet and the rest of the Marson family as they prepare to celebrate Jan’s life.

Earth Day Celebration

We invite you to join us for worship services and some other activities in celebration of Earth Day Sunday on April 21. We will be joined by Rev. Dr. Larry Jay, the director of Rolling Ridge, who will preach his sermon. There will be activities for children and youth at 9:30 am. At 2:00 pm, we will have a Blessing of Animals at the back parking lot. We invite you to come and join us with your beloved pets and share these events with your neighbors.

Children and Youth Singing and Chime Time Schedule

This spring, we will be meeting on the following days:

Tuesday, April 9^th from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. We will have supper together and then meet for music.

Ice Cream and Sully’s – Monday, April 15^th at 2:00 p.m. – Families are welcome to join us at Sully’s for ice cream and fellowship.

Tuesdays, May 7^th & 14^th from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. We will have supper together and then practice chimes.

Save the Date - Saturday April 27th – 8:00am – 10:00am Men’s Breakfast in Fellowship Hall You won't want to miss this one!

Reminder to schedule your appointment for the Blood Drive – April 20th from 9am-2pm

Please sign up if you can help this important cause. There continues to be a national shortage! Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and search under April 20th to schedule an appointment.

For more information call or email Cate Lehan or Robin Dye or the church office.

Drivers Wanted!

We are compiling a list of people willing to drive people to church services that are unable to get to Aldersgate otherwise. If you are willing to be on such a list, please let Betsy in the office know. We will match you with people who are “on your way.” If we have enough volunteers, it would not be an “every week” commitment. Won’t you help us bring the unchurched into the fold?

“One – Unity in a Divided World”

YOU are invited to our ALL Church Study of One – Unity in a Divided World by Deidre Riggs beginning this month! There are several small group opportunities to participate, including:

Sunday mornings at 9:45 am in the Concord Room and via Zoom, led by members of the Adult Ed committee. No need to sign up! Come one, come all!
Early Bird on Tuesdays at 10:00 am via Zoom, led by Charles McCrea. Zoom link in Friday email or contact Charles.
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm led by Kim and Dan Ward and Dawn and David Jones at the Wards’ Sign up in the lobby or contact the hosts for starting information.
Thursdays at 10:00 am in the Concord Room and via Zoom, led by Pastor Bob. No need to sign up! Come one, come all!
Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the Concord Room and via Zoom, led by Peter Smyton. Sign up in the lobby or contact Peter.

For more information, please refer to the flyer in the welcome area and the April Advocate. Books available online or in the lobby for a suggested donation of $10. It’s not too late to lead a group! To volunteer or if you have questions, contact Kim (mikdraw@aol.com).

Aldersgate Scholarship to Middlesex Community College at $20,000

We are pleased to share that a portion of the Endowment Fund income earned in 2023 is being used to increase the Aldersgate scholarship at Middlesex Community College (MCC) to the $20,000 level needed for the award to be given in perpetuity! The scholarship’s purpose is to provide a $1000 award each year to a BIPOC – black, indigenous, or person of color – recipient to further their education. Representatives from MCC are attending worship today to receive and celebrate this gift with us.

Update from the Endowment Committee

In 2023, the Endowment Fund grew by $331,907 from gifts, interest, and market change. The balance of the Endowment Fund on December 31, 2023 was $433,640. The Endowment Committee met on January 24, 2024 and recommended a distribution of $15,000 which is a portion of the earnings for 2023. Per the Endowment Fund charter, these earnings may be used for missions or long-term property projects. The Finance Committee made this recommendation to the Church Council. After reviewing multiple proposals, the Council decided to use $12,600 to fund the Aldersgate UMC Scholarship Fund at Middlesex Community College (MCC) which increases the scholarship fund to $20,000. With this donation, the scholarship will now generate a $1,000 per year in perpetuity to be given to a deserving BIPOC – black, indigenous, or person of color – student each fall. Representatives of MCC will be accepting this donation at the worship services on April 7. The remaining $2,400 of the Endowment distribution will be used for a facility project identified by the Trustees at their next meeting.

At the end of July 2023, the church received a bequest of $298,435 from the estate of Nancy Goodick which was designated to the Endowment Fund. On August 13, 2023, a special Church Conference was convened and the bequest was accepted.

Additional gifts may be made to the Endowment Fund at any time. Any gifts to the fund will make a greater long-term investment to the financial health and well-being of the missions and property of Aldersgate. We are truly blessed by the generosity of our church family!

Rummage Sale – Save the Date May 3rd and 4th

The beloved and famous rummage sale is back. Mark your calendars for May 3rd and May 4th. Sign up sheets will be in the foyer. We welcome your donated treasures but please no large furniture, electronics, or exercise equipment. Blessings, Outreach. Donations can be dropped off starting Sunday April 28.

HELP US BLESS OUR SOLDIERS!

A beloved Grandson’s deployment has been extended to 12+ months. You can help support him and his colleagues while they are away from home by purchasing any of the items below and mailing them directly (address by request) or leave them in the box and Kim and Dan Ward will ship them. This box will remain in the lobby or hallway until the Lieutenant has returned home! Check the list regularly as it will change based on current needs. Thanks for your help and remember to pray for the safety of these men and women far from home.

Items requested:

Protein bars (#1 most requested item) and Energy Drinks

Dried fruit: mango strips and blueberries are some favorites

Fruit cups

Goldfish crackers and similar

Microwave popcorn, Kettle corn flavor especially

Powdered Coffee creamer

Gummy worms and similar

Oatmeal packets and disposable coffee cups to prepare it in

Flavored coffee- Caribou Coffee, New England French Vanilla, Dunkin Donuts

Travel-size toiletries are also very helpful (bar soap, deodorant, floss, shampoo, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene supplies)

Cards, notes, drawings, or other encouraging surprises are also welcome and help bring a bright spot to very repetitive days. It’s Spring- why not make some flowers, butterflies or birds to cheer up their bunks?

Confirmation Class

Please keep the following students and their mentors in your prayers during their confirmation journey:

Sarah Antonitis – David Driscoll, Kate Cruickshank – Betsey Driscoll,

Finn Hughes –Dan Ward, Gabriel Rodriguez – Lee Pender.

Church Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-12pm. Betsy will be in the office on those days and available by phone at other times.

May 5th Service

On May 5^th, Veejay will be preaching and presiding over the whole service. Pastor Bob will be here to serve communion.