Aldersgate Advocate

January, 2006

Beside the Alabaster Jar…

Each year, at this time of year, we begin to see the various award shows. This is a secular ritual of thinking back over the past year, and considering what were our finest moments. It is sad to think that we spend so much time looking to Hollywood for our “best” whether it be actor, comedy show, or drama.

What if we were to look for our finest moments as a people? Where would they be?

You might like to give an award to the person who responded to you in your hour of

need. Or perhaps we would give awards to local police and fire officials. Many might

vote to give an award to those who responded to the desperate situation in Louisiana

during Hurricane Katrina.

Several weeks ago, I happened to catch an episode of Oprah where she was giving

numerous gifts to some of the rescue workers involved in the hurricanes this year.

Among other things, she was distributing clothing, Blackberries, Ipods and handbags;

all her favorite things, I believe. Now Oprah has a generous heart and has helped many people. And at first, I thought, “Oh, isn’t this great!”

But the more gifts that came out the more uncomfortable I became. It was difficult to

name at the time, yet something simply did not feel “right” about this over the top

rewarding.

Now that the gift giving of Christmas is over, my discomfort is clearer to me. This show

felt like the Christmas gift unwrapping where children open gift, after gift, after gift. Not taking the time to enjoy each one, they simply want the next gift. Since people do not

help others for what they will get in terms of material gifts, for me, the giving of these

gifts weakened the very honor that Oprah was trying to acknowledge.

For forward looking people of faith, our finest moments are yet to come. Perhaps we

need a sacred ritual for looking ahead and it might include these familiar words: “thy

kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The ritual, however, would

not include a gift, nor would it include eternal life. The gift of eternal life comes without

price through the love of God. That love is the motivation for the good and fine moments

of our lives. We care for others because God first cared for us.

Pastor Sharon

Worship News

Aldersgate is a family of faith . . .

Over these next few weeks of Epiphany, Pastor Sharon will be offering a preaching series from Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, the source of our Epistle readings. Beginning on January 29^th the reading is 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and includes these words “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” We will explore the apostle Paul’s teaching about knowing and loving God and neighbor.

On February 5^th, Paul writes that he is both free with respect to all and made himself a slave to all. Please read over 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 and consider what it means to be free and become a slave. Paul also reminds us in these verses that the good news of Christ obligates us to share the gospel with others.

On February 12^th, we will read 1 Corinthians 13, Paul’s chapter on love, and juxtapose his thinking with our celebration of Valentine’s Day. Paul eloquently teaches about the self-sacrificing love of Christ to a people who lived in the shadow of the Roman goddess of love, Aphrodite. Before we dismiss these words as not relating to us, let us consider that the self-serving love of Aphrodite is very prevalent in our culture today.

On February 19^th, we will celebrate the success of our capital campaign and conclude this preaching series as we focus on 2 Corinthians 1:18-22. Paul tells us that in Christ every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” As we think of Jesus as the yes of our lives, we will consider the goal of our faith journey, “Getting to Yes.”

February 26^th is Transfiguration Sunday and marks the transition from the season of Epiphany to the season of Lent. We will include in this service Isaiah 43:18-25, a lesson from the previous week as well as Mark 9:2-9, the gospel lesson telling us of Jesus’ mountain top visit with Elijah and Moses. During this service, we will also hear about our church-wide Lenten study “Invitation to the New Testament.” We hope you will be part of a small group during this season of Lent. Instead of giving up something, take on the practice of reading scripture with the other members of your congregation.

Lectionary Readings – January and February 2006

January 22 February 5 February 19

Psalm 62:5-12 Psalm 147:1-11, 20c Psalm 41

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Isaiah 40:21-31 Isaiah 43:18-25

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Mark 1:14-20 Mark 1:29-39 Mark 2:1-12

January 29 February 12 February 26

Psalm 111 Psalm 30 Psalm 50:1-6

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 2 Kings 5:1-14 2 Kings 1:1-12

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Mark 1:21-28 Mark 1:40-45 Mark 9:2-9

Aldersgate’s Prayer Ministry

We ask you to keep the family of Ellen in your prayers. Ellen’s life was celebrated at Aldersgate on Friday, January 20^th. Please continue to pray for Sharon and Richard in the death of Richard’s father, our church in the Capital Campaign process and its ministry as we move forward in 2006.

Plan to join our Prayer Gathering group who meet at 6:30 on Tuesday evening. You can pray at home or with us. As Debbie reminded us in a prayer card “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

If you have a prayer request, please notify Debbie through the church office

Called out by Jesus Christ to serve our congregation, community …

Thank You’s

Special thanks to all of you for the lovely holiday center piece you left for my mother at Palm Manor.

Geno and Joan

Many thanks to Cheryl Ortolf and her Christmas Carolers who came to our front door on Sunday evening, December 18, and sang several Christmas carols. It was a perfect ending to the Sunday evening after such a beautiful program during our morning worship service.

We are truly blessed to be a part of the Aldersgate family.

God bless everyone! Jim and Jean

Dear Friends,

Thank you for all the goodies (non-caloric candy, jelly, breads and cookies) and dear gifts left on my desk during the Christmas season. I was touched by all of them and by your caring! Thank you, thank you!

Much love and appreciation, Joanne

Change in the Advocate Mailings

It has been decided that with the increased cost of utilities and supplies, and in a spirit of cooperation with all the committees in the church for the purpose of presenting a balanced budget to the Church Conference, the Advocate will be printed 6 times a year versus 10. We will communicate necessary news events or notices to you via email and/or a more detailed announcement section in the bulletin, and by making better use of the bulletin board and our church website (www.chelmsfordumc.org).

It would be so helpful if you would be sure the church has your correct email address. The best way is to email me at aumc@gis.net.

The next Advocate will be collated on Friday, March 3. Subsequent mailing dates are: April 28, June 9, August 25, and November 9.

My goal is to continually improve both the content and the appearance of the Advocate. I welcome your articles and your interest.

Joanne

God does nothing but by prayer,

and everything with it.

John Wesley

At Day’s End

Is anybody happier because

you passed his way?
Does anybody remember

that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over,

and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now

a kindly word of you?

Can you say tonight, in parting

with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother

of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what
    you did or said;
Does the man whose hopes were fading,
    now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it?  Was
    it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a
    scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do
    you think that God will say,
"You have earned one more tomorrow
    by the work you did today"?
                                                 -John Hall

submitted by Dottie

What’s Happening at Aldersgate

Lay Leadership Nominations

At our Charge Conference on Jan. 9^th, we affirmed the ministries of several members of our congregation. Bob has been elected to the position of Treasurer, succeeding Dan, who served us capably for one and one half years. Elaine Brown has been selected to be the new chair for our Staff-Parish Relations Committee and Peter is the new Chair of our Church Council.

Others who have agreed to serve in different areas include Eric, Lorraine, Lois, Janet. They will be joining with Kathy, Wendy, Pat, Deanna, Richard, Deb, Mike, and Jane to staff two re-defined ministry areas. One of our Lay Leaders, Curt, is helping to reorganize our Congregational Life and Hospitality Committees. One group will be working to plan fellowship opportunities and the other will focus on the care of our members during times of crisis. We are looking for persons who would like to help organize our response when people are in need of transportation or meals related to illness as well as plan for workshops and support groups in the congregation.

At Aldersgate, our Lay Leadership Committee seeks to match people and their gifts with the various ministries of the congregation. Many thanks to Lorraine who expressed a desire to join the Evangelism Committee, Pat and Joe who have been working with Outreach and Beth for agreeing to join this group. Thank you as well to Dan who has joined the Trustees and Nancy who has become a member of the Staff Parish Committee.

As we prepare for program and ministry in this new year, there are still some vacancies in some ministry areas. Janice, chair of our Worship Ministries, is looking for a few more people to help with decision making and planning of worship experiences. Ginny, chair of Women’s Ministries is also looking for a few more women to help plan the various activities of this group, including the annual retreat, special programs, and the secret sisters.

We believe that service is an important discipline for faith development and encourage everyone to participate in at least one service opportunity. Please speak to Pastor Sharon, Marti, Wendy, Joanne, or Bob (members of the Lay Leadership Committee) if you feel called to become a part of one of these ministries.

Sharon Jones

News from Outreach Pat

Maureen reports that thanks to your generous donations 30 Thanksgiving Baskets were distributed to church families, local schools, and My Father’s House. Many thanks to the Youth Group and others who helped to assemble and distribute the baskets.

Maureen was happy to report that thanks to your kindness 214 gifts were distributed to families at Christmas.

Joe reported that our first Angel Tree Christmas, sponsored by the Prison Fellowship Ministries (PFM), provided gifts to seven children in four local families. The success of this initial effort is due to Kent’s vision. Thank you all for embracing this new outreach ministry.

The PFM also sponsors a program for children to attend summer camp. Donations are welcome to provide camp scholarships to nominated children.

Leo Berard offered to house and pay electricity for a freezer needed for the Food Pantry. Anyone who wishes to donate a freezer should contact Jim Ortolf.

Provisions to the Food Pantry continue to be generous. At this time there is a particular need for baby items. We appreciate all non-perishable donations and accept cash donations that can be used to buy perishables.

The Outreach Ministry supports St. Paul’s Meal Ministry. Thank you for your continued care in support of this program.

Note: There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board outside the Pastor’s office for you or your committee to indicate when you can serve at Eliot Church.

News from the Capital Campaign Team:

We Offer Heartfelt Thanks!

Advance gifts to The New England Conference and Aldersgate’s Capital Campaign have poised Aldersgate to succeed, and exceed our goal!

Rich blessings and faithful commitments, plus meaningful conversations amongst congregation members will continue during the rest of January and February. Our plan is to contact you by February 5th, meet with you by February 12, so we can celebrate the success of our campaign in the services on February 19^th. Please help our committee members and respond to their invitations.

Your commitment and financial contributions will enable this congregation to achieve our goals and vision including fully supporting the Conference projects (retirement benefits, camps and retreats, congregational development and covenants in West Angola and Nicaragua) and enhancing our ministry at AUMC. Our goals address safely and accessibility issues (stairs, floors, kitchen). Together – everything is possible!

For further information, please contact any member of the Capital Campaign Team: Victor, Bev, Bob, Walt, Bonnie, Bob, Curt and Pastor Sharon.

From the Worship Committee

Mark Your Calendars!

January 28, 9 a.m. - Noon

The Lenten Planning Party will meet at the parsonage for a Continental Breakfast and a time to share our ideas for Lent. We will be discussing Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Please join us!

Please contact Janice if you plan to attend.

Super Bowl Sub Sale

Sponsored by AUMC Youth Group

Our youth will be selling subs on Sunday, February 5 after the first and second services to raise money toward our Summer Mission Trip. We will offer Italian, Turkey and Vegetarian Subs. The cost will be $5.

The youth will take orders on Sunday, January 29, and there will be a sign up sheet upstairs in the Fellowship

Hall, and downstairs in the hall.

Don’t forget to place your order and help our youth!

A New Bell Choir Led by Becky

Laurie will be assisting Becky with a new bell choir for any children and/or adults who have little or no experience, but would like to learn to play hand bells.

We will begin at 6:30 and end at 7: 30 p.m. You do not have to be able to read music to participate. We will work on ringing styles, reading music, working with a group, and other basic principles of bell playing.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Becky through the church office at (978) 256-9400.

and the world through loving, witnessing…

Aldersgate Responds….

At the January Church Conference, Rev. Ron Wilson, our District Superintendent, expressed his appreciation and that of Bishop Weaver, that Aldersgate paid in full the amount of $44,387 of Mission Shares to the Conference!

In addition, Aldersgate has responded generously to the requests for prayerful and financial assistance to non-budgeted items such as the Katrina Relief through UMCOR in the amount of $8,807; Nicaragua, $1,205; to the Santa Fund locally in the amount of $1,950; St. Paul’s Feeding Ministry, $1,281; My Father’s House, $913; and Habitat for Humanity, $3,019, to name a few!

And, our new organ is in place and, through your generosity, is paid for – in the amount of $43,056. You can be proud of your witness of faith and your warm heart!

A Prayer for the New Year Winkler

One more thing:

Do not let us utter words of agreement

too easily, too quickly.

Focus our eyes as well as our hearts

on what you desire for us.

Challenge us to move

from complacency to commitment,

from clichés to compassion

and from old habits to new opportunities.

During January we have participated in prayer and fasting. The focus of this month has been on helping us discern the ways in which God is calling us as individuals and as a congregation to live out our mission as the body of Christ to make disciples. This journey may be a new beginning – the disciplines of prayer and fasting can help sustain and lead you in your walk with Christ.

Church-Wide Lenten Study

March 5^th – 16^th

Aldersgate is sending out an invitation for all to join us during the season of Lent and participate in a church wide small group spiritual growth journey, based on the Good News. We will be using, “Invitation to the New Testament”, published by Abington Press. Using Matthew’s Gospel as a starting point, this study examines how the New Testament writers and the early Christian community wrestled with the implications of the story of Jesus for their lives and their communities of faith. Does this relate to our lives in the year 2006?

There will be sign up sheets during the month of February, for several different small group opportunities that will meet weekly at various times and days.

The campaign will kickoff on Sunday, February 26^th during both services. We will show a short video clip at the end of both services that will summarize what this journey will be. You can then pick up your book and enjoy a brunch that will be served after both services. Please watch for weekly updates, materials in the front lobby, and weekly messages during announcements in February. If you have would like to lead a small group, participate in a small group, or have any questions, please see Cheryl.

NEWS and EVENTS of the NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE -

from Bishop Peter Weaver’s Partners in Ministry

Happy New Day or moment may be a better greeting than “Happy New Year,” describing how the gift of life comes to each of us. One new breath at a time. One new opportunity for reconciliation at a time. One new challenge to keep that “new year’s resolution,” at a time. One new occasion for choosing God’s will or our own, at a time. Happy are those who treasure each moment, live it fully, and know, in the words of Mark 1, they are “beloved” by God in that moment…and trust, by faith, that it will always be so…no matter what the next moment, day, or year may bring.

Bishop Weaver experienced the joy of baptizing his first grandchild on January 1, and he speaks about the pastor of the church taking the baby (Emory) and walking her up and down the aisles letting the congregation see her. He gently reminded the congregation that the baby is a gift form God, entrusted to this community of faith for loving and nurturing….that we are partners with God with every child God entrusts to us and any of our congregations.

That night, as January 1 turned to January 2, around 4 a.m., a fifty-one year old beloved child of God with the baptized name of martin Toler, Jr. got up and headed into a new day of life in Upshur County, WV. Down past the little white church, named after the baptizer…Sago Baptist Church…and into the day/night of the mine where he was foreman of the crew that headed for the unexpected. “I’ll be there…” His brother Tom says that he is sure Martin spent his last hours in that mine talking with others about faith…the faith we learn in communities of faith…often starting when we are babies…when someone who loves us, and knows God loves us, puts some water on our head, and sometime later we learn to sing “Jesus Loves me, this I know,” or later still, “I’ll be there to guide you through the night.”

child of God with the baptized name Martin Toler, Jr., got up and headed into a new day of life…for eternity.

Martin’s last note: “Tell them all…I’ll see them all on the other side…I love you, Jr.” A fifty-one year old beloved

Don’t ever doubt the importance of common water sprinkled on a child’s head, or your community of faith and love, no matter how large or small. Keep sharing

the Good News that in life, and death, and life beyond death, we…infant and elder…are God’s beloved!

Thank you, Bishop Weaver!

Living Water Spiritual Center in Winslow will present: Etty Hillesum: Finding God in the Midst of Holocaust Adversity, Friday March 17 at 7 p.m. to Sunday March 19 at 1 p.m. Presenter: Bishop Susan Hassinger

Bishop Susan Hassinger recently retired as an active bishop in the United Methodist Church. She is currently bishop-in-residence at the Boston University School of Theology. She is trained as a spiritual director and a retreat leader, as well as a conflict transformation consultant. She believes that her Christian faith and practice includes both social and personal holiness. She also enjoys being a mother and grandmother.

Description: Through the 1941-42 eyes and writings of Etty Hillesum, a 27 year-old woman from Amsterdam, we see the struggles of maturation and personal growth against the backdrop of German occupation, concentration camps, and the extermination of Jews. In the midst of this, Etty experiences spiritual liberation by God’s breaking into her life. Her diary and letters form a poignant path for entering into personal reflection, prayer, and sharing about suffering, spiritual maturation, and God’s abiding presence in our lives.

Fee: $140., including meals. Pre-register with a $50 deposit by March 3, 2006. For more information, call the Center at 872-2370 or visit www.e-livingwater.org.

For further conference information, visit www.neumc.org.

For Aldersgate information, visit www.chelmsfordumc.org.

And teaching God’s word.