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The Aldersgate Experience Monthly News of Aldersgate United Methodist Church June/July 2019 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Many of you are acquainted with Gracie, my little four pound Morky (Maltese and Yorkie) who has declared herself a church dog.Gracie loves to come to the office and greet each visitor to the office with delight and has found her calling in life to be a church dog.Gracie is well behaved most of the time, but as warmer weather has allowed us to be outside, I have noticed a behavior that Gracie demonstrates that is telling and points me to a larger spiritual principle. When I am out in the front yard, Gracie is content to be with me and enjoys the sun and warmth as much as I do. But when a neighbor or walker comes by, Gracie takes off as if chasing a squirrel. My calling, screaming, bribing or loud threats do not deter Gracie from her mission to get to that person and love on them. Once she is there, she gets her belly rubbed, wags her greeting and waits for me to scold her and carry her back to the yard. I wish I could say that my scolding works, but Gracie seems to have a single focus to love on people regardless of the consequences that her master has for her. How does this translate to you and me and our stewardship of our lives? Well, Gracie has made me ask myself these questions: Are you and I so focused on our mission of loving others in Christ and sharing the Good News of salvation that we will not be deterred regardless how silly we may look, how inconvenient it is, or what cost it may be for us? Do you and I look for every opportunity to be fully committed to the vision, purpose and ministry that God has called us to? Does our love and joy of experiencing Gods love flow out of us when we meet with people? As we grow into Gods plan for our financial and spiritual future, I want to thank you for your participation in the ministry here at Aldersgate. Our time, talents, gifts, resources, witness and prayers are vitalit is exciting to see what God is doing among this community. Thank you for stepping out in faith. We pray over every decision and are so humbled that we are able to partner with a great God who allows us to witness with joy the transformation of changed lives. I pray you and I stay focused and joy-filled living Always Only Jesus! Gracie will be All IN with her tail wagging. In joy and appreciation, Pastor Jan In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity
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Oct 29, 2020

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Page 1: The Aldersgate Experiencealdersgatechurch.net/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/2019/0… · 05/06/2019  · Scott and Stacie Mercy, Faith and Helps Mentor—Nora Bioty Megan Conrad

The Aldersgate Experience Monthly News of Aldersgate United Methodist Church

June/July 2019

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Many of you are acquainted with Gracie, my little four pound Morky (Maltese and Yorkie) who has declared herself a “church dog.” Gracie loves to come to the office and greet each visitor to the office with delight and has found her calling in life to be a “church dog.”

Gracie is well behaved most of the time, but as warmer weather has allowed us to be outside, I have noticed a behavior that Gracie demonstrates that is telling and points me to a larger spiritual principle.

When I am out in the front yard, Gracie is content to be with me and enjoys the sun and warmth as much as I do. But when a neighbor or walker comes by, Gracie takes off as if chasing a squirrel. My calling, screaming, bribing or loud threats do not deter Gracie from her mission to get to that person and love on them. Once she is there, she gets her belly rubbed, wags her greeting and waits for me to scold her and carry her back to the yard.

I wish I could say that my scolding works, but Gracie seems to have a single focus to love on people regardless of the consequences that her master has for her.

How does this translate to you and me and our stewardship of our lives? Well, Gracie has made me ask myself these questions:

• Are you and I so focused on our mission of loving others in Christ and sharing the Good News of salvation that we will not be deterred regardless how silly we may look, how inconvenient it is, or what cost it may be for us?

• Do you and I look for every opportunity to be fully committed to the vision, purpose and ministry that God has called us to?

• Does our love and joy of experiencing God’s love flow out of us when we meet with people?

As we grow into God’s plan for our financial and spiritual future, I want to thank you for your participation in the ministry here at Aldersgate. Our time, talents, gifts, resources, witness and prayers are vital… it is exciting to see what God is doing among this community. Thank you for stepping out in faith. We pray over every decision and are so humbled that we are able to partner with a great God who allows us to witness with joy the transformation of changed lives.

I pray you and I stay focused and joy-filled living Always Only Jesus! Gracie will be All IN with her tail wagging.

In joy and appreciation,

Pastor Jan

In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity

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A Goodbye Note from Pastor Scott

Dear Aldersgate Church Family,

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for my time here at

Aldersgate Church. I have gleaned so much from my time here and

I will be forever grateful for the experiences of this past year. I can

truly say that Aldersgate is one of the most amazing groups of

people I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. The staff,

the leadership, the congregation, everyone has such a deep heart

for God and a love of Jesus. During what was a very rough season

for me, the love, support, and prayers I received and continue to

receive have been a great encouragement to me. It is my hope that

the friendships I have developed will continue on into the future as we all continue to

follow God's will for us. While I look forward to being back home with my family, this does

come with a great deal of sadness at having to depart from your presence. My hope for all of

you is that you will continue to chase God and that your feet will be “covered with the dust

of your Rabbi.” Feel free to reach out to me anytime via my cell phone at 570-200-5388 or

email at [email protected]. If you prefer “snail mail” my home address is

266 Woodlawn Ave, Mountaintop, PA 18707.

NEW STAFF: Please Welcome Pastor Tom

We welcome Rev. Tom Willard to our ministry team. Tom will officially begin in his part-time role as Pastor of Congregational Care on July 1st. Tom is newly retired and is passionate about Jesus and God’s people. We look forward to the possibilities that God continues to bring to us as we serve Jesus.

Note: Pastor Scott will be preaching his last sermon on June 30th.

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June 9th Worship Schedule: Pentecost Sunday On June 9th, along with celebrating Pentecost, our confirmation group will be joining the church. On this day, Pastor Jan will be preaching at the 8 and 9:30 am services only. At 11:00 am, the confirmation youth will join and be welcomed into the church Body. This is a special day in the life of these families, and also in the life of Aldersgate Church! Please consider coming to one of the earlier services and staying to celebrate the decision these kids have made to follow Christ.

Choir News

With the summer season comes the end of another choir season. Much thanks to the choir for all of their hard work and dedication over this past year. We will be continuing to sing through Pentecost which is on June 9th. During the choir’s summer break, if you would like to provide special music for a Sunday service, please contact Sheri at [email protected]. We would love to have different people share the gift of music during the choir’s hiatus.

Acolyte Training The time has come once again to offer acolyte training to those who are interested in participating in this area of ministry and to schedule the next 6 months of services. The acolytes are those individuals who symbolically bring in and take out the “Light of Christ” during our worship services. Children interested must be at least 7 years old, but this ministry need not only be provided by children. The training will be held on June 2nd following the 11 am service in the sanctuary. The new acolyte schedule will be completed for the months of July to December. If you or your child is interested in serving as acolyte. If there is anyone who wants to be removed from the list, we need to know that too. Please contact Sheri at [email protected] for more information.

Where Have You Seen Jesus? As I was contemplating this months newsletter, I was thinking about where the places are within worship ministry that I have seen Jesus. I believe that I may have addressed this before, but when Bonnie Knoetgen, one of our choir members, was diagnosed with a serious illness several months ago, Eileen Beasom, another choir member, presented us with the idea of bringing in little gifts and cards of care that she would gather from us. She took them to Bonnie after a stay in the hospital. Bonnie was so touched, and Eileen, we saw Jesus in YOU. Thank you for shining the LIGHT!

Another was the bravery of a choir member to stand before our group and share a very difficult situation in her life. I haven’t asked permission to include her name, so I can’t do that, but I had a call from this person asking if she could stand before the choir that night and tell her story, and ask for prayers. Through tears this broken sister stood before 35 of us, and showed her scars, letting us know exactly why she often cries through choir rehearsal. As she finished, we prayed for her and immediately Pete Vandercoy went right to her and hugged her as we prayed. It still brings tears to my eyes as I write this. It was a very special and intimate moment for the group. Pete, we saw Jesus in YOU. And to that choir member who shared ??? - we saw Jesus in YOU as you trusted enough to show your scars.

These two examples show what can happen when you risk getting involved in the life of a working Body of Christ! Please step out and take the risk, the blessing will be yours ;)

WORSHIP MINISTRIES

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Youth News

Revolution Youth Updates!

Summer Service Project, June 19 – June 22 Revolution Youth is partnering with God’s Helping Hands and other ministries to serve the local community. Come out to volunteer, spend time with friends, earn service hours, and show the love of Jesus!

Arrive at the Silver Springs Retreat Center Wednesday evening 6/19 at 6:00 pm. Volunteer service will take place during the day Thursday and Friday. Fun activities planned for the evenings! Pick up Saturday morning 6/22 at 10:00 am. $60 donation appreciated to help cover the costs.

Please SIGN UP NOW as we need to coordinate with the ministries we plan to serve! Visit https://ttsu.me/summerservice or talk to Jamie or Wendy.

Youth Communications To receive Text messages: from your phone, message @youthald to 81010 Follow us on Facebook by searching for: Youth @ Aldersgate Mechanicsburg Follow us on Instagram by searching for: @youth.director Email Jamie Barkley & Wendy Strite at [email protected]

Summer Schedule

Sunday School meets year-round at 9:30 in the youth room!

June 11 – Hampden Pool Rain date June 12

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

June 19 – 22 – Summer Service Projects Sign up by 5/31 at ttsu.me/summerservice

July 27 – Outdoor Adventure Day Kayak, Hike, & Picnic

August 4 – Revolution Youth Night 6:00 – 8:30 pm at Aldersgate

Check Remind, Facebook, or Instagram for more details on each event as they approach. Info will be posted on other events including stage and youth room decorations,

Nitty Gritty topics, praise team sessions and hang out times.

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Youth Confirmation Journey Confirmation Sunday is scheduled for Pentecost Sunday, June 9th. Below is a list of our confirmands, their life verse, parents, spiritual gifts and mentors. Special thanks to the parents and mentors for their support and care through this journey.

Ava Barkley - Psalm 126:2

Barry and Jamie

Discernment, Helps and Giving

Mentor—Kathy Galbraith

Jackie Capers—1 Corinthians 13:4

Joe and Jennifer

Discernment, Pastor and Mercy

Mentor—Patrice Halin

Evelyn Coburn - Lamentations 3:32

Scott and Stacie

Mercy, Faith and Helps

Mentor—Nora Bioty

Megan Conrad - Psalm 27:6

Troy and Beth

Helps, Mercy and Administration

Mentor—Eileen Beasom

Julia Hallet - John 1:12

Eric and Jessi

Pastor, Discernment and Exhortation

Mentor—Jen Benson

Jonathan Hoover - Hebrews 12:14

Adam and Kristin

Discernment, Pastor and Helps

Mentor—Mike Benson

Sammie Lutz - Ephesians 4:32

Keith and Sue

Mercy, Faith and Administration,

Exhortation & Pastor

Mentor—Pam Caserta

Izek Miller - Psalm 68:35 (AMP)

Lance and Erin

Faith, Exhortation and Pastor

Mentor—Scott Humes

Noah Morris - Romans 13:11

Gary and Sharon

Helps, Mercy and Administration

Mentor—Joe Prowell

Abigail Myers - 1 Peter 4:8

Scott and Michelle

Helps, Giving and Mercy & Discernment

Mentor—Adrienne Gaudreau

Aubrey Rohanna - Proverbs 16:28

Doug and Jennifer

Mercy, Faith and Pastor

Mentor—Angie Kubovsky

Garrett Shaw - Romans 8:18

Rob and Mindy

Administration, Helps and Discernment

Mentor—Tom Boyer

Mason Shaw - Psalm 60:11 (AMP)

Rob and Mindy

Faith, Helps and Mercy & Pastor

Mentor—Tim Feldner

Owen Shumway - Colossians 3:13

Andrew and Stacey

Faith, Administration and Discernment

Mentor—Craig Hatmaker

Aaron Strite - John 8:15

Randy and Wendy

Administration, Helps and Teaching

Mentor—Rich Shockey

Josie Underdonk - Ephesians 4:32

Don and Lisa

Helps, Giving and Mercy

Mentor—Teresa Hayworth

Max Wagner - Psalm 118:6

Ben and Dawn

Discernment, Exhortation and Mercy

Mentor—Dennis McMichael

Elizabeth Wilson - Romans 15:13

Jeremy and Rayna

Helps, Mercy and Administration

Mentor—Cindy Sollenberger

Nicole Winfield - Proverbs 31:25

Michael and Lesley

Mercy, Pastor and Discernment

Mentor—Kelly Shaffer

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Page 6 Kids of Aldersgate News

Sharing the love of Christ with children birth—5th Grade

Vacation Bible School “To Mars and Beyond”

June 10 – 14, 2019 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm

Join us for a space travel adventure to explore where God’s power can take us! Volunteers needed! No experience required!

Use the link below to sign up both children and volunteers. Share the link with friends, family, coworkers. All are welcome. Children age 3 by 6/1/19 and Volunteers entering 7th Grade through 100 years young. Childcare will be available for volunteers with children under 3. Online registration will close on June 5, 2019. Watch for more details about some VBS parent fun on Friday night. https://tmab.cokesburyvbs.com/trail1480/

300+ children and 100+ volunteers will attend VBS this June and we are accepting donations to help defray the costs of this free community outreach event. Please see the list of items listed on the wall near the Kids of Aldersgate bulletin board. Please place donations in either the bin or the black mailbox near the donation board. Please make all donations by June 2nd.

Summer Sunday School

Volunteers are needed (Youth and Adult) to cover 1-2 weeks this summer. No experience needed and all materials are provided. Summer is a great time to take a journey with the children as they learn about and show their love for Jesus. Want to volunteer this summer? Please contact Melanie at [email protected]

Summer Church Camp Registration is OPEN!

Church Camp is a great place for children to build authentic connections in Christ, community and Creation! The Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church offers many different camps and camp locations and we are fortunate to have Deans, Counselors and /or Music Leaders plus kids from Aldersgate at the following camps: GH-Greene Hills; CP-Camp Penn; WF-Wesley Forest. Register soon to guarantee a space. Remember Aldersgate Church will pay 50% of the tuition. Payment questions? Contact Melanie Feldner at [email protected] or 717-737-7923 ext. 107. Register online at www.susumcamps.org

June & July Dates at a Glance

June 2nd—Acolyte Training after the 11:00 am service June 9th – Sunday School Pancake Breakfast for all ages (Preschool – 5th Grade)

June 10th – 14th – Vacation Bible School June 16th – First Day of Summer Sunday School

July 24th – Kids of Aldersgate “Fun Night Out! 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm

Do you want to know more about The Kids of Aldersgate Ministry? Contact Melanie Feldner at 717-737-7923 x 107 or email [email protected]

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Articles for the August 2019 Newsletter should be sent to the church office by July 15th at [email protected]

Thank you.

We finish up our school year the first week of June. There will still be activity throughout the summer with a class from the CAIU and 2 weeks of preschool camp in July. Our Autism support group will also continue to meet monthly during the summer.

At the end of the school year, the teachers are often tearful as they say good-bye to the children they have grown to love and care for through-out the year. These teachers pour so much of themselves into the few hours a week they spend with children. It is humbling to observe how much growth takes place, not only in the children each year, but also in the hearts of the teachers. I continue to be amazed at the level of investment all the teachers have for their ‘calling’. They are paid very little, and yet offer so much to the children and families.

This year brought a few new diagnoses of autism for friends in our school. That kind of news is never easy for parents to hear or digest. Our precious teachers offered nothing less than God’s grace, love and acceptance to those children and parents. I wish all of you could see and read the numerous notes received from parents at the end of the year which offer affirming words to the preschool staff. One of my favorite comments came from a grandpa who helps with childcare for his grandchildren. He offered a generous donation of over $500 to the preschool at the end of the school year and when I questioned whether he truly meant to donate that much, he replied, “Yes. Every child should have a place like Aldersgate Preschool.” Praise God!

Please know that despite our human failings, God’s presence is clearly evident in this ministry! We thank you for your continued prayers and support.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been

called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Aldersgate is on Facebook!

Please like and share the Aldersgate Facebook page at @aldersgatemechanicsburg

and be sure to check in for worship and other church events!

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June 2019

Prayer SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 Pray for our Annual Conference

Meeting ending this morning, and

those being ordained today

2 Pray for the recent

graduates, and children home

from school

3 Pray for our Lead

Pastor, Pastor Jan

Hughes

4 Pray for the ministry

of Mission Central, and

those world-wide who

are served by them

5 Pray for those serving on

the Executive Council of the

Church

6 Pray for the ministry of the YMCA founded on this day in

1844 in London

7 God of God,

Light of Light,

begotten not made, we Praise

You and Adore You

8 Pray for the Caregivers,

for God’s strength, peace

and comfort

9 Lift in prayer the

confirmation group, joining

Christ’s Church as UMC

Members this morning

10 Praise God for

Richard Allen the first black

Methodist Preacher

ordained today in 1854

11 Pray for those

attending and leading

the VBS at church this

week

12 Pray for the farmers in the

fields, may God provide for them

as they provide for us

13 Pray for those

attending “There is a

Solution” group

14 Flag Day

Pray for our

Nation

15 Pray for the children who

attended VBS this week

16 Father’s Day

Prayers for all the fathers, may they be

blessed and be a blessing to

their families

17 Praise God for John

Wesley, founder of

Methodism born today in

1703

18 Pray for the

persecuted Christians in

the world

19 Pray for Bishop Park

and D.S. Rev. Robison

20 Prayer of safety and

mercies for all those

traveling on vacation this

summer

21 Dear God

may we share the “Light of

Christ” with the

world

22 Prayers of mercy for those

unemployed, may they find work

and God’s peace in times of

uncertainty

23 In the stillness of the early morning,

praise God because God IS!

24 Pray for the

missionaries serving Christ

worldwide and those they

minister to those in need

25 Pray for the staff serving

Christ at Aldersgate

Church

26 Pray for the widows and widowers as

they grieve the death of their

spouses

27 Pray for those

living in war torn areas of

our world

28 Pray for the

Youth and Leaders at

Creation Fest

29 “When I am surrounded

by troubles you keep me safe”

Psalms 138

30 Prayers of gratitude for Pastor Scott’s service as he

leaves Aldersgate and

returns home

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Page 9 July 2019

Prayer

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 Pray for Pastor Tom

Willard, Pastor of

Congregational Care, as he

joins our staff today

2 Pray for those

struggling with mental illness, pray

for God’s healing

mercies, peace and

comfort

3 Pray for the

persecuted Christians

in N. Korea

4Independence Day

Thank you God for this nation

and for my freedom

5 Pray for the ministry

of the Salvation

Army started this day in 1865

6 Pray for the Men’s Bible

Study this morning

7 Pray for the UMC Pastors &

their families who moved

and are serving new

churches. May they feel

welcomed

8 Pray for those with cancer and

those who care for them - Pray

for the Hearts & Hands

Team who meet

this evening

9 Pray for the

homeless in our

community

10 Dear God help me

live life so others may see Jesus in

me

11 Prayers for parents, may

they be blessed and be a

blessing for their families

12 Pray for the PA

roadcrews working on

the roads this

summer, may God

keep them safe

13 “Blessed are the

peacemakers for they shall be

called children of God,” Dear God

help us

14 May we the church

extend Open Hearts, Open

Minds and Open Doors to

all

15 Pray for Bishop Park

and D.S. Rev. Robison

16 Pray for the

mothers and children

of the Bridge of

Hope Ministry

17 “You are our Father, We are the

clay, and You our

potter” may we yield to

the work of Your hand

18 Pray for all those of the

world, ill, sick and in need

19 We give thanks

for the ministry of the Mature Methodists

Ministry, M&M’s

20 Dear God watch over all the

children at church camp this summer and their

leaders

21 “God is faithful who

has called you into

fellowship with His Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord”

Cor. 4

22 Pray for the children

and teachers at our Preschool

Camp

23 Pray for our Pastor

Jan Hughes

24 Pray for those

serving in the Meals

Ministry and those receiving the meals

25 Pray for our sister church in

Krichev - Lift their Pastor

in prayer

26 Pray for the

Women’s Bible

Studies meeting

today

27 Pray for our brothers and

sisters in Christ in Sudan, may they finally be free to

worship with the recent change in

the country’s leadership

28 Dear God, open our

hearts; Who are you Lord and What do

you call me to?

29 Sing "Then Sings my Soul

My Savior God to Thee, How

Great Thou Art” written

1885, in English 1925

30 Pray for those

serving and being

served at New Hope Ministries

31 Pray for those

who serve in the

Hospitality Ministry at Aldersgate

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Page 10 Discovery Class for Membership at AUMC

If you have been attending AUMC and are interested in Church Membership, we kindly invite you to attend our new upcoming Discovery Class!

During this series of one-hour gatherings you will: * Meet AUMC Staff * Learn your Spiritual Gifts * Learn what is important to us * Learn how we do Ministry * Get to know how Ministry that happens in our Community * Learn how we work together in our Connectional System to make Disciples

After completion of this class, if you choose, you will be ready for membership! To register, and to let us know if you will need child care, please sign up on your connection card (in the Sunday bulletin) or contact the church office at 717-737-7923 x100. Childcare will be provided! Class Schedule 6:15 pm-7:15 pm: Monday – July 22, 2019

Monday – July 29, 2019 Monday – August 5, 2019 Monday – August 12, 2019

What’s Up Wednesday Summer Fun!

Missing the connection with a small group? Here are some opportunity to plug in this summer.

Women’s Plug- in

Wednesday’s starting July 17 - August 14. This is a 5-week video series watching videos from speakers at Women of Faith events. Each week will be a stand-alone session, join as you are able. Meet in room 210 from 6:15-7:30 pm.

Men’s Group A group of men meet weekly to study the word of God in room 203 at 6:30 pm.

July 24th – Kids of Aldersgate “Fun Night Out! 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm

August 14th – Kids of Aldersgate “Fun Night Out! 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm

For more information please contact Diane Konieczny at

[email protected]

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Coming this Fall What’s Up Wednesday

September 11, 2019- December 11, 2019

January 8, 2020- April 1, 2020 (No Fooling!)

5:30 - 6:15pm a meal in the Family Life Center

6:30 - 6:45 pm Recharge starts in the Sanctuary

6:45 – 8:00pm various studies throughout the church

Watch for more details!

Dinner Clubs Coming Soon to An Area Near You! Dinner Clubs are a monthly gathering where participants share a meal from June through September. You may choose to eat in homes of group members or go out to dine at a restaurant as a group.

Home groups may meet in the same home each week or rotate to different group member’s homes. The host can provide the meal or each member in the group can bring part of the meal. You could also consider cooking the meal together! For more information please contact Diane Konieczny at [email protected]

Save the Date!!!

Women’s Retreat - February 7-9, 2020

Silver Spring Retreat Center

Watch for more details!

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I wish to express my deepest appreciation for everyone who has acknowledged my retirement, and made it so special. Thank you for all the kind words, heartfelt cards and beautiful gifts.

Thank you all for the special acknowledgement during the Worship Services of April 28th. Pastor Jan, thank you for your caring words and meaningful prayer. Wool and Flax Ladies, thank you for the lovely prayer blanket, I will never forget being covered in prayer by the congregation as this blanket was laid upon my shoulders. The wooden planter with the inscription “Faithful Servant for Seventeen Years, BREATHLESS EXPECTATION” is so very special.

You the church have left such sweet memories forever imprinted on my heart.

Thank you, Carol Diffenbaugh

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First Fruits

Your prayers, your presence, your GIFTS, your service, and your witness

Do you have a lifestyle of giving to God first? You can partner with Aldersgate to change lives in your church and community through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. This month, we’d like to focus on the many ways you can provide gifts to support the ministries of Aldersgate.

NUMBERED ENVELOPES – Envelopes provide a reminder that it is important to give consistently. After all, we still have to pay the electric bill, even if you are on vacation!

PEW ENVELOPES –These are available in the back of the pews for your convenience. If you don’t have numbered envelopes and would like some, just note it on the pew envelope and a box will be waiting for you at the Welcome desk the next Sunday.

PERSONAL CHECKS/CASH in the Offering Plate – Please know we track your personal check giving for your yearly tax statement.

E-GIVING – If you are a consistent giver (or want to be), consider signing up for E-Giving. It’s easy! And you never have to remember to bring cash or checks to church on Sunday morning. AND Aldersgate will get your offering even when you are away. You decide what amount to give and how often. We take care of the rest. There are forms in the back of the pews, or you can pick one up at the office.

ONLINE BANKING – Many people do online banking. Did you know you can set Aldersgate up as a payee in your online banking app? You can have your bank send checks to the church the same way you pay your bills. With most banks, you can even set up a recurring payment and have all the benefits of consistent giving that E-Giving provides without filling out our form.

BANK DRAFTS – Even if you don’t do online banking, you can generally have your bank or financial advisor send checks to Aldersgate. Speak to your bank or financial advisor about this option.

ALDERSGATE CHURCH APP – This is a great alternative for when you forget your checkbook on Sunday morning. Or you can use it for regular weekly giving if you don’t want to use E-Giving or the other electronic giving options. Simply download the app from your app store (search for Aldersgate Mechanicsburg). Click on Giving. It will step you through how to set up electronic giving.

LEGACY GIVING – Did you know that, once you turn 70 ½, you will be required to withdraw a percentage of your IRA funds each year? Normally this would require you to pay taxes on the withdrawn amount. BUT, if you have your investment advisor send a check directly from that fund to a non-profit, such as Aldersgate, that withdrawal is tax-free! Also, you can donate stocks or bands directly to Aldersgate tax free. Speak with your financial advisor for more information. Do you have a will? Consider naming Aldersgate as a beneficiary for a fixed amount or a percentage of your estate.

If you would like more information about your giving options, please contact Carol Purdom through the church office at [email protected] or 717-737-7923 x 100.

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ALDERSGATE SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Page 15

Mobile Church App

Do you find yourself away a lot during the summer? Aldersgate Church’s mobile app is a great

way to stay connected to the life of Aldersgate even when you can’t be with us in worship!

Digital copies of the Worship Folder and the Next Steps page let you stay on top of everything

that is happening at Aldersgate. With the Life Talk Notes (when available) you can even

follow along as you listen or watch the audio or video of the Life Talk. Plus, with Online

Giving, you can also find a quick and easy way to partner to support Aldersgate! When you

find yourself at home instead of the beach, the Give Online link is also a convenient way to

give in worship and you can use the app to fill-out a digital connect card. If you have any

questions about the mobile app, please email the office at [email protected].

Seeking to fill staff positions

The Director of Church Operations is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the church within the areas of information technology, stewardship and finance, media relations and communications, office administration and facilities (building and grounds). Provides positive leadership in creating a supportive faith-focused team culture with staff and volunteers that advances the church’s mission of “reaching with the heart of God for the lives of our community.”

The Media Relations & Communication Coordinator is responsible for the creation and distribution of print and electronic marketing and promotional communication for church events, special services and ministries. This includes maintenance of church media platforms such as its website, Facebook page and mobile application.

Please inquire at the church office for complete job descriptions and applications.

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Return Service Requested

Dated Material Inside

Aldersgate Church A United Methodist Congregation

1480 Jerusalem Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

“Reaching with the Heart of God

for the Lives of Our Community”

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID

MECHANICSBURG, PA

PERMIT NO. 226

June/July 2019 Edition

Aldersgate Staff

Jan Hughes, Pastor: [email protected]

Scott Miller, Associate Pastor: [email protected]

Sheri Dohner, Director of Worship Ministries: [email protected]

Kathleen Blazey, Preschool Director: [email protected]

Melanie Feldner, Director of Children’s Ministries: [email protected]

Carol Diffenbaugh, Director of Health Ministries: [email protected]

Jamie Barkley/Wendy Strite, Youth Directors: [email protected]

Diane Konieczny, Director of Discipleship Ministries: [email protected]

Carol Purdom/Christy Zakis Malpass: [email protected]

Todd Eppley, Facility Manager: [email protected]

Larry Merwine, Custodial Support

Maureen Nacci, Child Care Provider

Kristi Prowell, Accompanist