Worship News
During
the month of January we are in the season of Epiphany. An epiphany is a manifestation of God in our
world. The lessons for each week help us
to see God in our lives.
On
January 13th we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, remembering our own
baptism and God’s leadership in our lives.
The prophet Isaiah speaks of one who will “faithfully bring forth
justice” and “establish justice in the earth.”
We understand that Jesus is the One who fulfills this promise. In his baptism, we read of God’s pleasure
with his beloved Son. Our joy in our own
baptism is possible because of Jesus’ baptism and God’s pleasure.
Join
us in worship on January 20 as we celebrate and honor the Advent and Epiphany
Membership Groups! Group members are
invited to stop by the church office on the way into worship to pick up your
nametags. The lessons for January 20th
expand our understanding of grace, a theme that will be the focus of our Lenten
study this year. In the gospel lesson, John 1:29-42, John the Baptist names
Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and reminds us of our Christmas pageant. First Corinthians
suggest that God’s grace is the source of all of our spiritual gifts. All things are possible through the
sustenance of the Holy Spirit
Sunday,
January 27th is only the third Sunday of Epiphany yet we are moving
toward the end of this season. The
lessons remind us that only through Christ do we who have lived in deep
darkness, now walk in the light. Christ
is our light and calls us to be united in sharing the gospel. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:18 “For
the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to
us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Transfiguration,
the last Sunday of the Epiphany season, is celebrated this year on Feb, 3, 2008. Once again in the gospel from
Matthew we learn that God is pleased with Jesus, the Beloved. It is a different circumstance and a
different event high on a mountaintop, some time after his baptism. But rather than a culmination, this marks the
turning point in Jesus’ ministry as he turns and begins to make his way to Jerusalem. Pastor Sharon has invited some young
evangelical Christians from the Boston Faith and Justice Network to be with us
on this day and share their stories in the service. We hope you can be here to hear these guest
preachers.
Lent
comes early with Ash Wednesday on February 6 this year. The early nature of this date is driven by
the date for Easter 2008, March 23, the earliest it can possibly be. “In the
250 years between 1875-2124, Easter occurs that early only one other year -
1913.” (Dan Benedict, GBOD, United Methodist Church)
Joint
Ash Wednesday services with West Chelmsford UMC will be held at Aldersgate with the Rev. Mack Hagins
preaching. Please join us for this also
meaningful beginning of the season of Lent.
Once
again, our worship services during Lent will lift up our Lenten Sturdy,
“Opening Ourselves to Grace,” an exploration of the basic practices of
Christian faith and life from a Wesleyan tradition. We will have an opportunity to consider some
of John Wesley’s sermons as well as a numerous readings from scripture. In recognition of the 300th anniversary of
the birth of Charles Wesley on December 18, 2007, we will also use one of
Charles Wesley’s hymns on each of the six Sundays of Lent.
Although
not mandatory, participation in a Lenten Study Group will enhance your worship
experience. More information on days of
the week, times, and leaders for these groups will be published soon.
Bible Readings – January
January 6 Epiphany
Isaiah
60:1-6
Psalm
72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians
3:1-12
Matthew
2:1-12
January 13 January 20
Isaiah
42:1-9 Isaiah
49:1-7
Psalm
29 Psalm
40:1-11
Acts
10:34-43 1
Corinthians 1:1-9
Matthew
3:13-17 John 1:29-42
January 27 February
Isaiah
9:1-4 February 3
Psalm
27:1, 4-9 Exodus
24:12-18
1
Corinthians 1:10-18 Psalm 99
Matthew
4:12-23 2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew
17:1-9
February 10
Genesis
2:15-17; 3:1-7 February 17
Psalm
32 Genesis
12:1-4a
Romans
5:12-19 Psalm 121
Matthew
4:1-11 Romans 4:1-5,
13-17
John
3:1-17
February 24
Exodus
17:1-7
Psalm
95
Romans
5:1-11
John
4:5-42
Our Vision - Aldersgate United Methodist Church: A beacon of God’s love
radiating faith, hope and joy everywhere! Join is as we, with God’s hand in our hand,
make our vision a reality!
Thank You …..
A
special thank you to all those who supported the CHS Santa Fund by generously
giving gifts, financial support and time to this long-standing and important
AUMC Christmas tradition. The
enthusiastic response was so touching; and even though the spirit has always
been supportive, it was exceptional this year!
You have made many children happy with your generous giving.
I
thank you for this outpouring of love and support and also thanks to those who
helped transport the gifts to the various schools. I am so grateful to you all! Maureen
PS Did you see the wonderful article about
Maureen’s good work in the Lowell Sun? The article is on the Bulletin Board outside
the Church kitchen.
***
Thank you to our Aldersgate Church Family
for all the prayers, thoughts, cards and visits that are most meaningful
during this season of Jack’s recovery.
Bless our Aldersgate
Family!
Lovingly, Jack and Ellie
***
A special thank you to all those
who left goodies and gifts on my desk! Most especially, I thank you, our
wonderful Aldersgate Church Family for your love and
support during the past year! I have
said so often – you are a special church family and I am so blessed to be
here. Thank you!
Joanne
To our Aldersgate
Family,
Thank
you so much for your kind and caring
sendoff in November. You have meant so
much and given so much to our family over the years that make leaving so
difficult. You will always be part of
our lives and in our thoughts and prayers.
We
know that God has big plans for using all of your gifts and talents, and we
look forward to keeping in touch in the days ahead.
May
God bless you, always!
Sherry
and Curt
(We
will never forget you, either! We wish
you every happiness!
You have our love and gratitude for your dedication and the spirit of
joy that you so generously shared with us and that will surround you no matter
where you are!)
For
all our volunteers – those who sing, offer their special gifts of music, teach,
chair committees, participate in the feeding ministry here at AUMC and in
Lowell, help with the Advocate, decorate for special occasions, those who help
with the annual Christmas Fair, to Maureen Perry for her continued commitment
to provide Christmas gifts to the children in Chelmsford and Maureen’s
assistants who helped deliver Christmas gifts; to those who give generously of
their time and financial gifts in the Church’s commitment to Nicaragua, to
those who knit for others, pray for specific needs in our congregation, in the
community and throughout the world, and for those who care for our church
building – like it is their home! You
are an example of our ‘vision”!
Everything you do – you do with faith and joy! Thank you!
Calling
All Gardeners and Wana Be Gardeners Too! A new group is starting at Aldersgate. There are many people in our church who are
avid gardeners and perhaps a few who wish they could and just need some help
and guidance. Why not gather together and share our knowledge to help one
another, provide fresh produce for the food pantry, plan trips to local gardens
and just commune in the great out doors. Our first gathering will be Sat Feb 2
(Groundhog Day) just after the men's breakfast meeting at 10:00 in the fellowship hall.
Please join us to discuss what we would like to do together as a group. Please
call Deana Peterson (978)256-3788) with any questions or suggestions.
The AUMC Book Club is growing!!! What a great time folks are having at our
book club. Since the group is larger,
the decision is to meet at the church! The Book Club will meet in the Concord Room at 6 PM for Pizza on January
22. The book is “The Glass Castle”
by Jeanette Walls. You are invited! Future reads are – February, “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. In March,
“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith.
And in April,
“A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini.
Specific dates will follow – but get reading! Deb B.
The Next Membership Party is February 10 from 6 – 8 PM
Outreach Committee
Please
join your Outreach Committee in supporting the Lincoln School in Lowell between services on
January 27th for a shower and goodies to support this new mission. We will be
collecting much needed clothing (new) for children K through age 12,
probably sizes 4T through l0/l2. Things these kids need are underwear,
sweats, jackets etc. they truly are in need of anything we can help them with
for everyday needs. Please bring your gifts of clothing unwrapped to the
church.
Thanks
in advance Deb, Gail, Joe, Maureen and Cheryl. (More
info to come. Watch for flyers and announcements.)
Also, We need everyone
and their committee chairpersons to
look at the sign-up sheet on the wall by the back door and sign up for the St. Paul’s Feeding Ministry. There are many dates available. Please talk with your committees and help us
with this worthwhile project. It is
another year, brand new sheet and many dates to choose from. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of
every month. I will help all of you!
Deb
Benson and the Outreach Committee
Can You Help?
Needed by two
families: A toddler bed that is less than 5 years old! If you can help provide these items, please
contact Lil.
Thank you!
Substitute
Childcare Help Needed
Offering childcare for our church families is very important
on Sunday mornings. We are blessed to
have Sheri as as Childcare Worker! We
would like to have some other individuals as substitutes if Sheri cannot be
here due to illness, etc. Are you
interested in subbing on Sunday morning? Your name would be placed on a calling
list and may be called on Saturday evening or early Sunday morning. This is a paid position. If you are interested, please see Chris or
call the Church Office. Thank you!
Christmas
Fair Corner
Yes
it's January but it is never too soon to start planning for the next Christmas
Fair. We want to see what we can do to expand our craft section this
year.
If
anyone has any new ideas, or crafts you found elsewhere that might be fun to
make, please get in touch with Nancy. In a few months we
are going to have a craft supply swap. If you have craft supplies that
you've picked up but haven't found a use for maybe someone else will have a idea for them. We'll gather them up at the church and
trade away.
Look
to the Advocate for future announcements related to the fair.
United
Methodist Mission Agency Resumes Summer Intern Program
The
mission agency of The United Methodist Church is resuming a program that places
young adults in mission settings in the United States for 10 weeks of summer
service and education. A dozen persons
ages 18 to 25 will be selected for 2008 as the program is reintroduced after
nearly a decade of inactivity. The sponsor is the Mission Personnel Program
Area of the General Board of Global Ministries.
The young people selected to take part will receive a $1,000 stipend,
travel to and from their place of assignment, and room and board.
The
revival of the summer program is part of a renewal of emphasis on short-term
young adult mission service at the mission board. The Rev. Suzanne Field-Rabb is the newly named executive secretary for youth and
young adult ministries.
The
2008 summer interns will be placed with United Methodist institutions and
churches across the United States. "Working in new,
often unfamiliar environments offer young people opportunities to experience
first hand how mission functions in a world of diversity," Rev. Field-Rabb explained. "Each placement involves some element
of social justice, which allows interns to become engaged with the church in
action in eradication of injustice."
Successful applicants must be able to dedicate a full ten weeks to the
program. Orientation begins in New York City on June 1. Service gets
underway on June 8 and ends on August 2, followed by a week of debriefing,
again in New York. Participants must have completed at least one
year of higher education. An online application form is at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/connections/youth/.
The deadline for applications
is February 1, 2008.
Phone interviews will take place in March. Notifications of acceptance will
come in March or April and the placements will be announced in May.
Help a
Child or Two Or
More
Come to the Lincoln School “Shower”
Sunday,
January 27, at 9:30 a.m.
It’s fun to watch the children gathered around Cheryl when she presents the
children’s sermon on Sunday morning. Those shiny little faces are a gift to
each of us, and each of those children have in turn
been blessed by loving family and friends. Not all little ones are so
fortunate, and Outreach Committee invites you to be part of making life a
little better for some school children in Lowell.
We’re
“adopting” the Lincoln School, one of Lowell’s neediest elementary
schools. Te the Lincoln serves children from pre-kindergarten (age 3) to 4th
grade (9 or 10 years old). Many of these children come
to school in the same clothes day after day. Some have not been bathed in a week, many do not have warm winter jackets or hats and
gloves.
The
dedicated teachers and school nurses do as much as they can to provide clean
underwear and socks, fresh clothes, and snacks for the students, but the need
is great and resources are limited. We
are kicking off our partnership with the Lincoln School by holding a “Clothing Shower” between services on
Sunday, January 27. I am awaiting a
wish list from the school nurse and will have it as a bulletin insert as soon
as it is received. There will also be a copy in the church office. However, at this writing, clothing in sizes 3
to 6x are needed!
It’s
a great time to enjoy fellowship with our Aldersgate
family while bringing new and very gently used clothing for some of our
neighbors. One of my co-workers is a volunteer law enforcement agent who works
with at risk children (those who are too young to speak for themselves) in the
southern Merrimack Valley. The stories are
heartbreaking and the problems seem overwhelming. But we all know that one by
one, we can make a difference.
Please
mark the date to help celebrate this exciting new project – and make a
difference in the life of a child. Thanks, Aldersgate
family, for having such warm hearts and a generous spirit.
--Debbie
Lay Leadership Fanning Out
Members
of our Lay Leadership Committee are fanning out across the congregation to get
to know you. Please be open to their
telephone calls when they ask to meet with you.
They are not trying to catch you and give you just more work; they want
to help you find ways to contribute meaningfully to your congregation.
Our
church community runs on volunteers. You
are the Eveready Battery that keeps the beacon of Aldersgate
shinning brightly. But we know that you
are very busy in our hectic, fast-paced culture. So we want to help make whatever responsibility
you accept fit with your ability to respond.
(See Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth
Gilbert for her definition of responsibility.)
So
when a member of the Lay Leadership committee calls, please see this as an
opportunity to get to know another member of the Aldersgate
family. Working together with the power
of the Holy Spirit, we can fulfill our vision!
What’s Happening at Rolling Ridge
The Day Apart Retreats continue with the
following programs, dates and times:
Keeping
a Tender Heart: Contemplation in a World of Violence, with Rev. Jean Wright, Thursday, January 31, 9 AM – 3 PM, Registration Fees $40 in advance; $45 at
the door for the Day Apart series.
February 5,
Companions on the Way: Howard Thurman. Rev. Kirk
Byron-Jones leads this day apart that will open us to the wisdom of Howard
Thurman, poet, mystic, and pastor. Dr.
Thurman’s writings have impacted many, including Martin Luther King, Jr.; 9 AM – 3 PM
February
13, The Enneagram – Understanding and
Expanding Your Personality Style and Improving Your Relationships; Herb Pearce
joins the Ridge again to lead his popular Enneagram
workshop. The Enneagram
is a system of knowledge that explains 9 difference personality types and how
each type experiences their world in their own unique way. You’ll understand yourself and how to relate
to others in ways that are much more effective, taking into account the
validity of your world and theirs. 9 AM – 3 PM
February
26, Masked and Unmasked: Standing
Before God and Each Other – Preparing for our Lenten Journey. In the tradition of Mardi Gras and Carnival,
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Good will help us prepare for our Lenten journey by exploring
the ideas of masks – the many faces we show to the world or hide from it. We will play with masks through scripture,
prayer and art. We will try to discover
who we are, who we want to be as we enter into this holy time. Come to pray, to play and to get messy! 9 AM – 3 PM
You can register for any programs online at www.rollingridge.org, by email at car@rollingridge.org or by phone at
978-682-8815.
Women in the World 2008
Immigrant Women: Singing God’s Song in a New Choir
April 10 - 11, 2008
Photonics
Building, Colloquium Room
8 St. Mary’s Street,
Boston,
MA
This conference will help clergy and lay leaders
understand immigrant churches and women’s voices in various contexts. The
Anna
Howard
Shaw
Center will share information
from three years of research about the struggles and challenges of immigrant
churches and their ministries. Leaders will present their findings and lead
discussions, exploring new visions of American multicultural ministry from
Latina, Asian, and African
Immigrant experiences.
Presenters include :
Rev. Dr. Aida Irizarry-Fernandez, District
Superintendent of
Metro
Boston
Hope
District
Rev. Laurel Scott, pastor of Centralville
UMC in
Lowell,
MA
Dr. M.T. Davila,
Boston
College
Rev. Dr. Choi Hee An,
Boston
University
School of Theology
Rev. Yoo-Yun Cho-Chang,
Boston
University
To register
or find out more information, please take a brochure located on the table in
the front hall.
CHURCH
SCHOOL NEWS
Epiphany Sunday
The Wise Men visited our
church school classes on Sunday, January 6th and shared the story of
their journey to find the new king.
Thank you to Eric, Kurt and Tom for playing the role of Wise Men. Our honorary kings for the day were: Sofia,
Tyler, Jared, Charlotte, Miceala, Alex, Gabe and Rachael.
Worship Arts
Children, ages 4 through 6th
grade, are invited to join us each Tuesday
afternoon from 4:15 – 5:30
p.m. in the Fellowship
Hall. For the months of January and
February, the worship arts children will be exploring the art and history of
writing. We will be creating 10 Commandment
Tablets to be displayed in worship. You
can join us on any Tuesday, you don’t have to attend
regularly.
Offering Envelopes
The church school offering
envelopes are now available. If your
child did not receive a box, please see Cheryl.
Valentine’s Day
Each of our church school
classes will be making valentines on Sundays, January 27th and
February 3rd for home bound members and friends, college students
and servicemen. If you would like us to
send a Valentine to someone special, please tell Cheryl.
Confirmation Class Beginning
Our first confirmation
class will begin on Sunday, January 27st,
from noon – 2:00 p.m. We have paired up each of our confirmation youth with a mentor to help
them in their confirmation experience.
Please pray for the following youth as they prepare for their
confirmation journey: Walker, Annalise, Anthony, Billy, Alexei, Hannah,
Andrew, Kim and Nicole.
SUPER BOWL SUB SALE
Our senior
youth group will be taking orders for subs on Sundays, January 20th
& 27th after both services and downstairs during church school
time. You can also write your order down
on the sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall or downstairs in the hall. You can pick them up after each service on
Sunday, February 3rd. This is our first
fundraiser for our mission trip to Mission Central in Pennsylvania this summer.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd
ITALIAN SUBS
TURKEY SUBS
VEGETARIAN SUBS
$5.00 A PIECE WITH
CHIPS
Junior Youth Choir & Bells on Thursday evenings
Junior (Miller) Bells – 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Youth Choir – 7:15 – 8:00 p.m.
All children and youth in
4th grade or older, are welcome to join us each Thursday for our exciting music
program. Please see Becky Adams if you are interested
or have any questions.
Children’s Choir on Sunday mornings
This young children’s choir
is for children, ages 4 years old – 2nd grade. Becky will use a variety of musical media as
a fun way to learn about music! Your child may go downstairs with Becky after
the theme conversation. Please see
Becky Adams if you are interested or have any questions.
JUNIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
This fellowship group is for young youth in grades 4th, 5th
and 6th grade. Our mission is
to provide your children with a safe, healthy and loving environment to help
them grow and experience Christianity
Fun
World Night
Friday, January 25th
from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Come
join us for lots of fun at Fun World in Nashua, New Hampshire! Please bring $10.00 to cover the cost of
pizza, ice cream and tokens. Let Cheryl
or David know if you are planning on coming or bringing a friend by Friday,
January 18th.
If you can chaperone, please let us know.
Trash –
Bash Night
Friday, February 8th
from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Wear
your very worst clothes as we have fun with trash for the night! We will play games, create recycled art and
learn a little bit about how to take care of our world. Bring your favorite leftover for our snack
time.
Roller
Skating
Friday, February 22nd from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Come
join us for roller skating at Roller Kingdom in Tyngsboro, MA. Please bring $7.00 to cover the cost of
admission and skate rental.
SENIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
We are a fun group of spiritually focused youth who celebrate Christ’s
presence among us by engaging in community and group activities, church
participation and mission projects.
All
youth in grades 7 – 12 are welcome to join us at any time and friends are
always welcome!
Sunday,
January 20th – Snow Tubing
Sunday, noon – 5:00 p.m.
Bring
a bag lunch to eat at church, and then we will travel to Amesbury for snow
tubing. The cost is $20.00 to tube for 3
hours. They do have a restaurant if you
want to buy a snack or enjoy hot chocolate.
Sunday,
January 27th – Confirmation Class – no youth group
Sunday, noon – 2:00 p.m.
We
will enjoy a pizza lunch – bring $3.00 to cover the cost,
class time will be 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday,
February 2nd – Sub Sale Prep
Saturday, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Come
join the fun of assembling the subs for our sale.
Sunday,
February 3rd – Church Sub Sale
Sunday, 8:30 – noon
Sign
up for a time to work and sale subs for Sunday morning. Please see Lizzie or Gabe
to sign up for a time.
Saturday,
February 9th – Lowell Wish Project
Saturday, 9:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
We
will meet at church, and then drive to the Lowell Wish Project to volunteer for
2 hours. Friends are always welcome to
join us as we help the community. Please
bring money for a buffet lunch at the China Buffet Restaurant in Lowell.
Sunday,
February 10th – Youth time
Sunday, noon – 2:00 p.m.
Bring
money for pizza or subs and any games, music or movies you would like to use
during our time together in our youth room.
Wednesday,
February 20th – Globe Trotters Trip
Please
see Cheryl Ortolf for details about this trip.
