November, 2005
Beside
the Alabaster Jar….
What
a glorious experience we had last Sunday evening as we dedicated our new Rogers
Trillium Organ! God sure works in
mysterious ways, leading us together to step out and purchase this
instrument. How much more God must have
in store for us as we respond to his lead.
So
many people have commented on how much the Organ Concert inspired and refreshed
their spirits. Inspiration, according to
Webster, is divine influence, seen as the working of the Holy Spirit in the
human soul. As a Christian and an
artist, I recognize the God-source of the creative impulse in my life. To inspire means to fill with creative power
and we are reminded in Genesis that God breathes into
humanity the breathe of life. Without
God’s breathe we are nothing but dust!
It
is God’s breathe, the Holy Spirit that leads us to take the next step forward
each and every day of our lives. When we
walk with God, we acknowledge that God is present in this age, as he was in the
ages past and the ages to come. God is
leading us into a reign of peace, justice and reconciliation.
We
are being redeemed, made new that we might produce a harvest for God. The Greek word for redeemed has its roots in
agriculture. As we acknowledge our roots
as a congregation they become stronger.
Sometimes the strengthening of roots requires breaking open the pot,
especially when roots are pot-bound.
When
roots are strengthened we are able to grow and mature as God intends, producing
fruit in ways that we do not expect. We
reach up to the sun or Son. I have a
potted plant in the bay window of the living room at the parsonage. I have to turn that plant every few weeks in
order to keep it balanced; plants grow toward the sun, just as our goal is to
advance toward the Son.
May
God’s Spirit continue to guide us and refresh us in the closing days of this
liturgical year, preparing us to step out toward the Son of our lives, as we
enter the season of Advent.
Pastor Sharon
Worship
News
As
we move toward the end of the liturgical year, we are reminded through the
scripture of our prayer, “Thy kingdom come on earth.” The lessons begin to speak
of God’s reign on earth and the sense of the closeness of God’ rule in our own
lives.
On
Sunday, Oct. 30th, we will celebrate All Saint’s Day as we remember
the important people in the history of the church and their influence on our
faith. Specifically on this Sunday, we
light candles for those who have died over the past year. Some are family members related to our
community, others are members of our community, and still others for whom
Pastor Sharon performed a funeral or Memorial Service are remembered.
The
lessons for Sunday, November 6th speak to the importance of telling
our story. Remembering our story helps
us to stay connected to God and “put away foreign gods (Joshua 24:23). The gospel lesson teaches about the
importance of staying prepared that we might respond to Christ whenever Christ
might come to us. Communion will be
served at each service, at the railing at 8:30
and by intinction at 10:45.
The
gospel for November 13th is the familiar Parable of the Talents. What does this say to us with regard to
investment and risk?
And
finally, on Nov. 20th, Christ the King Sunday we read the last of
the three great parables in the 25th chapter of Matthew’s
Gospel. Clearly in this passage, Jesus
identifies himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the
sick, and the imprisoned. These parables
immediately precede the death of Christ and therefore hold an important place
in Matthew’s understanding of Jesus’ teachings. On this day we will offer special gratitude
to God as we prepare to give thanks on “Turkey Day.”
Please
join in the interfaith service of worship at Trinity
Lutheran
Church,
170 Old Westford Road,
as the Chelmsford faith community joins in
celebration of the gratitude for the freedoms we know as citizens of the United
States. This year’s
service will offer an opportunity to see our world through the eyes of someone
from another culture who brings a unique
perspective. Hooshmand
Afshar, the president of the local B’Hai Community, will be the speaker for this annual event
on Sunday evening, November 20, at 6:00
PM.
I have heard his story of coming to America,
and it is compelling. He is a gracious
and kind man who came here from Iran.
On
Sunday, Nov. 27th, we begin the season of Advent. Preparing for the coming
again of Christ into our hearts.
We hope that you will join as we gather as community in worship of our
God.
Lectionary
Readings – November
November
6 Psalm 78:1-7 November
20 Psalm 100
Joshua 24:1-3a,
14-25 Ezekiel
34:11-16, 20-24
1
Thessalonians 4:13-18 Ephesians
1:15-23
Matthew
25:1-13 Matthew
25:31-46
November
13 Psalm 123 or Psalm 76 November 27 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Judges 4:1-7 First
Sunday in Isaiah 64:1-9
1
Thessalonians 5:1-11 Advent 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Matthew
25:14-30 Mark
13:24-37
Aldersgate’s Prayer
Ministry
There are many of our Church family and friends on our
Prayer Concerns listed each Sunday morning in the church bulletin; prayed for at
Early Bird Bible Study on Tuesday morning; our weekly prayer gathering on
Tuesday evenings and wherever we are gathered in His name. Prayer is a vital part of our ministry
together.
We invite you to
participate by praying for your
church family. In particular, please continue to pray for Nancy Goodick, Judy Walsh; Asha Goodner, Carol and Brij Prasad’s
daughter, Cindy Whitney, the Deitz’ daughter; all
those who have lost loved ones in Pakistan; those who have lost family and
friends from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Wilma; our country; our service men and
women; our church as we continue to invite new people to covenant with us in
the work of the church; our thankfulness for all we have as a people in this
season of Thanksgiving and indeed, each day as we go forward in faith. We pray
a prayer of thanksgiving for our new organ and the inspirational concert and
dedication on October 23. We pray for
our church as we prepare for the future in our pledged commitment to help
spread the Word and help make our building capable of providing the programs
and services to all who enter.
If you have a
prayer request, please notify Debbie Botham Mbotham@comcast.net. She will alert AUMC’s faithful prayer partners!
Aldersgate
is a family of faith …
Congratulations
Congratulations
to Jim and Jean Wetherell, who celebrated their 50th
wedding anniversary in August.
Congratulations
to Charles and Jean Piper who celebrated their 50th
wedding anniversary in October.
Congratulations
to Bob and Ardith Deitz who celebrated their 47th
wedding anniversary in October.
May
you continue to treasure all of life as holy and precious with enduring faith
in each other and the blessings of God as you continue your journey together.
Our
love and congratulations to you all!
Thank
You
I would like to
thank the Aldersgate family for all their prayers, phone calls and
cards during and after my recent surgery. A special
thank you to
all the
ladies who so generously gave of their time and resources to see
that I had a hot meal every day when I returned home from the hospital.
Your thoughtful kindness directly contributed to my recovery and
your caring ways enriched my spirit and will remain in my heart
always. Carole Brown
Called out by Jesus Christ
to serve our congregation, community …
Aldersgate Women’s Retreat,
A Day of New Beginnings
John 8:12, When Jesus spoke again to the
people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will
never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
On
Saturday October 22 the Women's Ministry had an inspiring day filled with
classes and spiritual awakening. The theme of lighthouses was to be found
everywhere and the altar had a spiritual center of candles with the call of the
sea, to remind us of this year's theme... He is the Light of the World.
This
yearly event has become the focus of teaching, evangelism and fellowship within
the church.
The
day started with a continental breakfast at 8:30 followed by
a song filled gathering. The group listened to a deeply moving testimony
from none other than our own Carol Prasad. Carol continued to lead us
into music and prayer until we broke into three classes.
The
classes were thoughtful, and inspired women to be the best that they could be
and how to cope with the everyday stress of life.
Lunch
had a festive flare with goodies bags and beautiful centerpieces. Shells
and lighthouses were around every corner, to remind us of the Light of Christ.
Ruth
Morrison, our speaker for the day, gave a luncheon talk on being the light of
Christ. Her words were thought provoking and the true heart of her
discipleship rang through.
Ruth
then led us on a spiritual walk speaking of servanthood
and discipleship.
Rounding
the day out was our afternoon gathering to say a big thank you to our guest
speaker, facilitators, and Carol. We ended in "Here I am Lord"
to remind us all we are all daughters of Abraham and walk this world as
disciples of Jesus Christ.
We
all look forward to our next retreat in October 2006 in which he have chosen
the "official" name of all future retreats: "A Women's
Spiritual Harvest"
The
Women's Committee is pleased and proud to show our love of Jesus Christ and our
devotion to the ladies of Aldersgate. We count ourselves blessed to be
called your Sisters in Christ.
Ginny
Sargent, Debbie Botham, Carole Brown, Pat Casadone, Kelly Mongiovi, Sherri Panneton
Holiday Faire & Festival December 2-3, 2005
Plans for Aldersgate’s
Holiday Faire and Festival on December 2-3, 2005 are sledding along
and you are invited to join in!
New for 2005
– Holiday Desserts and Cakes Auction and a Gracious Re-Gifting Table!
Please contact the appropriate
person listed below for more information.
Sign up Sheets will be available in
November with options for donations or service
on the Elf Team (set up, sales,
hospitality, cleanup).
The final planning meeting is on
November 7 at 7pm.
Leadership and contributors are
encouraged to attend as we finalize the Faire!
For general information, please
contact Bonnie Marden Good cheer!
Christmas Crafts . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie Marden and Melinda Goodick
Kringle's Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . Deana Peterson and Eric Sampieri
Jingling Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sally Cady (donations welcome now!)
Glad Tidings Greens . . . . . . . . . .Carmen Umana
Santa Claus Cove . . . . . . . . . . . .Saint Nicholas
Children’s Shoppe . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Ortolf
Country Store & Bakery . . . . . . .Ardie and Bob Dietz
Gracious Re-Gifting (Your BEST White Elephant!) . . .Pastor Sharon (New this year!)
Set up, Clean
up Elves Coordinator.
. . Bob Falla
On Friday AM, November 28th, Faire Elves will trim your branches! Seeking Evergreens, Holly or Decorative Tree cuttings for Christmas
Faire items. Contact Bob Falla, Bob Peterson,
or David Jones if you would like to help the Elves and have some greens to
share!!
Christmas
Faire Bake Table
Once
again it’s that wonderful time of the year to bake all of our favorite cakes,
pies, cookies, breads, favorite goodies and to make that sensational fudge for
our famous Aldersgate Bake Table!
This
is a great opportunity to share some of our talents and treats with our church
family and the community. In prior years
we have had people waiting at the table for their favorite items to
arrive. Last year was a huge success –
everything was sold before the faire closed!
Your
past support is greatly appreciated, and with your help, we are looking forward
to the most successful faire we have had.
Please
sign up on the sheets in the hallway if you can help bake or prepare a special
treat.
Thanks
for continuing to support this delicious Aldersgate tradition!
Items
can be dropped off at the church on Friday, December 2 from noon until 7
p.m. and prior to 10 a.m. on Saturday,
December 3.
Bob
and Ardie Deitz
New
Opportunity for Faire
Reduce,
Recycle, Reuse! This was the mantra
several years ago, when our towns and cities were really concerned about our
disposal mentality.
Our
Faire and Festival Planners have an exciting new booth for the Faire this year
as we invite you to re-gift some of the new items that you have received and
not used. We are looking for gift items,
small appliances, toys and other items that are still in boxes for our Re-gifting Table. Check your closets for something you might
have tucked away; donate these re-gifts; and come and buy a re-gift, as we
recycle some of the things just taking up space. You may not be able to re-gift something
someone gave you, but you certainly can re-gift what you buy at the Fair!
Interim Stewardship Report
GOOD NEWS! Over the past two weeks, Aldersgate has
received 66 pledges for the 2006 program year, pledging a total of over
$188,000 for both the programs and mortgage.
We are truly blessed in that many of those pledges increased what they
are giving to the church’s mission. We
still have a ways to go, but being a faith-based community, we have the faith
that our commitment to Christ will carry us over the top to meet our mission
needs. Our heartfelt
thanks to those that have already designated their pledges and to those that
are prayerfully considering their giving to the church.
Also,
Aldersgate responded generously to UMCOR in support of the Hurricane Relief in
the amount of $4,842. AND just as
recently as October 23rd, your generous contribution of $550 to help
Habitat for Humanity build new homes through the Board Sale was gratefully
received. Thank you!
and the world through loving, witnessing…
Please
continue to bring in your used stamps!
There is a box outside the Church Office for you to leave them for
Charlotte Lombar. She will collect and send them to
the Alliance Women’s Stamp Ministry in Fort Myers, FL who sell
them and use the receipts to fund the purchase of Sunday School
supplies for their missionary work in Central and South
America. In 2002, they
raised $28,500 and since 1971 they have raised $501,861 for this project.
When
you remove the stamps, try to leave ¼ to ½ inch of paper around them. Thank you!
On
Saturday, Oct. 22, Richard Jones, Jim Ortolf and Bob Falla drove a cube truck to Pittsfield loaded with
over 430
boxes of material aid from around our annual conference. These
boxes were unloaded into a container filling over four tenths of the container.
The remainder of the container was filled by material aid from other non-profit
groups and shipped to Nicaragua, arriving
sometime in early December. Richard Jones is hoping to travel to Nicaragua for the
unloading of the container.
Many
thanks to all those from the congregation who helped to prepare the shipment
last summer and this fall. A special word of gratitude to JoAnn Arnold
who let us store these boxes in her garage over the
past few months. This is a job well done
because of all who helped with the process.
Needed! The Aldersgate Food Pantry needs to be
restocked! Please – no pasta this time.
Needed: canned fish and meats, canned fruits, rice, Spaghetti O’s,
ravioli, spaghetti sauce, flour, toilet tissue, and paper towel. Thank you for your generous support of our
food pantry!
A reminder: we serve our brothers and sisters in Lowell on the third
Wednesday of each month, continuing the St. Paul’s Feeding
Ministry at Eliot Presbyterian Church, Lowell.
See Mike Kane if you can help!
Church School Humor
Nine-year-old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday
school. "Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy
lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge
and all the people walked across safely. Then, he used his walkie-talkie to
radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge
and all the Israelites were saved.
"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher
taught you?" his mother asked.
"Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the
teacher did, you'd never believe it!"
Submitted by Carole Brown
Rolling Ridge …Were You There?
Have
you attended Rolling Ridge as a
camper, counselor, or volunteer staff person? If so, we're looking for
you! Rolling Ridge is putting together an "Alumni database" and
wants everyone who may have participated in the camping ministries of the Ridge
to be included. So, if you attended Rolling Ridge as a camper, counselor
or staff person please contact us with your name, address, and email
address. You can email us at car@rollingridge.org
or mail the information to us at: Rolling Ridge 660 Great
Pond Road North Andover, MA 01845, Attn:
Alumni
We're
hoping to plan a special alumni event for Spring
2006. We'd like to include as many people as possible. Please help
us out! If you have any questions, please contact Carol Rabs
at 978-682-8815 x11.
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Tell a Friend
The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society
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Documentary on Child Survival coming
soon to PBS!
Rx for Survival--A Global Health
Challenge, a six-hour
PBS television production narrated by actor Brad Pitt, will air
November 1-3, 2005. (Please check
your local listings for times) We urge you to
widely promote this documentary in your local church, community, family and
friends!
The General Board of
Church & Society has signed on as a supporter of this initiative due to
its long-standing commitment to children and hopes this production moves
those in the United States to take action to eliminate poverty and
disease.
“Rx for Survival is the most ambitious global health media
education effort ever mounted for Americans,” say producers of the
documentary, WGBH (Boston)/NOVA Science Unit and Vulcan Productions.
While the historic vignettes feature actors and sets, the documentary
sequences were filmed in more than 20 countries around the world to capture
the real-life drama of today’s struggle to overcome poor health and rampant
disease. The series includes sequences filed in Africa, Asia, Latin
America, Central America, the Pacific Rim, the
Indian sub-continent and the United States .
According to UNICEF,
more than 10 million children die totally preventable deaths every
year. Child survival is one area of global health in which every
American can take simple steps that make a dramatic difference. Millions of
children die each year who would have a better
chance at life if they received five basic and inexpensive health
interventions: vaccines, vitamins, antibiotics, oral rehydration
medicine to prevent death from diarrhea, and insecticide-treated
netting.
Major funding for Rx for Survival -- A Global Health Challenge is
provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The Merck Company
Foundation. For additional information on the documentary and related
statistics, go to the following websites:
http://www.globalhealth.org/rx_for_child_survival
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/rxforsurvival/campaign
http://www.unicef.org
http://www.unaids.org
Questions?
Contact Linda Bales
, GBCS, Director of the Louise & Hugh Moore Population Project, 202-488-5649.
From our New England Conference …Bishop Weaver’s Partners in
Ministry
As
the RAVAGES OF NATURE continue to hit so many places, including
most recently New England and Florida, I give thanks for the generous
response of our congregations: sending prayers, flood buckets, health
kits, school kits, contributions, and offering Volunteer in Mission teams. We have also had
congregations and pastors helping out hurricane victims who are now living in
New
England.
This last weekend, I was speaking at the Northeastern Jurisdictional
gathering of VOLUNTEER IN MISSION (VIM) leaders. I
suggested that they are not only "VIM", but also "VIGOR":
Vitality In God's Ordinary Resources ! Your ordinary resources
are at the "vital" center of our outreach to those in need...
thanks.
(As an
aside, Bonnie Marden, Bob and Deana Peterson
attended a workshop on Volunteers in Mission.
Talk with them about their experience if you are interested in a work
team trip.)
* * *
"CONNECT
IT" popped into my mind as I listened to a preacher recently
(in another conference). The sermon was theologically sound, full of
good Biblical concepts and "seminary vocabulary", but it was so
abstract that there was no connection with 21st century life or the realities
people and our world are facing today. I wanted to stand up and say
"connect it with the world we are living in!" (I'm sure some lay
folk want to say that to me some Sundays).
Leander
Keck says "preaching that starts in the Bible and stays in the Bible is
not Biblical preaching." God's mission through Jesus and scripture
is to connect with this world and our real circumstances of life.
So
preachers, always ask "how does this Word from God connect with the life
and world this congregation and I are living in?" Move from the
concepts to the concrete. Let the Word take on flesh. To use Wesley's term,
let the "divinity" be "practical divinity." Make the connection
so clear that at the end of every sermon there is some sort of invitation to
live it out; not in theory but in practice.
And lay
folk, if your pastor's sermons are not "connecting it," lovingly,
(always "truth in love") share that with your pastor. She or
he really does want to be an instrument of God's transformation in your life,
in the congregation, and in the world. Be open to sharing what you think
might make the sermons connect more, always
remembering it may be different for different people in your congregation.
But your opinion and experience is important to your pastor... and to the
future health of your church.
* * *
In Rebuilding, Set a
Place at Table for All
The latest Hurricane –
Wilma – even though catastrophic – has brought people together in remarkable
and concrete ways; showing concern, compassion, generosity. Across our country, people banded together
and lived the biblical call to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We all have learned that communities are
not just places where we live and work, communities are the people who make
those places unique.
We pray that this
renewed understanding of community will inspire the rebuilding of the
devastated areas. Restoring
communities also means encouraging and respecting all the voices of the
community. By supporting equal access
to housing, education, employment and medical care, rebuilt communities will
be even stronger than before.
Through UMCOR the work
continues …
From
The United Methodist Church
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
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