Our Vision—A beacon of God’s love radiating faith, hope, and joy… Everywhere!
The Flowers on the Altar are given by Jill Angel
in celebration of Earth Day
Green Sunday Celebration April 21
We invite you to join us for worship services and some other activities in celebration of Green 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 and during coffee hour we’re aiming for a zero-waste fellowship hour! We want to avoid any single-use plastic items. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own travel mug, coffee mug, or reusable water bottle. (Don’t worry, we’ll have real coffee cups in case you forget.)
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.
SPRC
Cheryl is retiring after 25 years of ministry as Aldersgate’s Director of Christian Education. The Staff Parish Relations Committee is starting the search process for a new Director. If you are interested, see Dan Ward or Pastor Bob for details about the process, timeline, and position.
From Bishop Peggy Johnson
The United Methodist Church will be holding its quadrennial General Conference from April 23 to May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. General Conference is the body that makes decisions on behalf of the denomination and updates the Book of Discipline.
You are invited to join our Conference prayer vigil for the General Conference. We need folks to sign up for ½ hour slots from 8 am to 6 pm each day from Tuesday, April 23, through Friday, May 3, 2024. Your prayers are appreciated any time, even if that slot is not available. You can go to https://www.neumc.org and sign up for prayer times.
Ready, Set, Rummage Sale.
We need your help. You can help by donating your “treasures”, donating your time to set up and price items, working during the rummage sale, invite your friends via facebook, shopping and especially clean up (Saturday 5/4 between Noon and 2 PM). Sign up sheets are in the entry way. Drop off begins Sunday 4/28 after church in fellowship hall.Rummage Sale Hours: Friday May 3 – 3:00 -8:00 PM and Saturday May 4 9AM – Noon. Thank you for your support. Your Outreach Team.
Children and Youth Singing and Chime Time Schedule
This spring, we will be meeting on the following days:
Tuesdays, May 7th & 14th 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!
Christmas Faire Jewelry
It’s not too early to start thinking about the Christmas Faire. While you’re sorting through your belongings for the fabulous Aldersgate Rummage Sale, take a look through your jewelry too. When the jewelry team has more time to evaluate our merchandise, we can sort and price more carefully. Marcia Dana and her crew will happily accept your donations of beautiful jewelry throughout the month of May. We’re trying to upgrade our inventory so please consider those items that are quite nice but you never wear. We thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
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?
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.
Coffee Hour Help Needed
Many thanks to all who have helped with coffee hour in the past 6 months.
There is a new sign-up sheet out in fellowship hall. Please sign-up for goodies, set up of coffee and cleanup. Many hands make light work! From Deb Benson
“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 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! Today we will cover the second lesson (Chapters 3&4).
Early Bird on Tuesdays at 10:00 am via Zoom, led by Charles McCrea. Zoom link in Friday email or contact Charles. This Tuesday, April 23, we will continue to reflect on chapter one.
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. April 23rd we will NOT have class. We resume on April 30.
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! The third lesson (Chapters 4&5) is April 25.
Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the Concord Room and via Zoom, led by Peter Smyton. Sign up in the lobby or contact Peter. This Thursday’s class, April 25, will cover the third lesson (Chapters 5&6).
Even if the group with your preferred time has already started, it is not too late. You are always welcome! And you can switch between groups over time to better fit your schedule. For more information, please refer to the flyer in the welcome area and the April Advocate. Books are 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).
May 5th Service
On May 5th, Veejay will be preaching and leading the whole service. Pastor Bob will be here to serve communion.
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 Electrolyte Powder
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?
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.