Connect January 1, 2019 Volume 1II, Issue 1

Aldersgate United Methodist Church

“ s h a r i n g t h e l i v i n g C h r i s t t h r o u g h l i f e - c h a n g i n g s e r v i c e a n d l o v e ”

As the temperatures begin to drop, we are being challenged to think of

ways that we, as a church, can reach out to the marginalized

poor, the hungry and the homeless in the New Orleans area.

There are several ways that we can reach out throughout the winter season to those in our community: 1. We will be collecting new and “nearly new” blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, mittens

and socks to be distributed throughout the community. These items are to be brought to the church. We will get them to those who will distribute them. Note Professional Shoppers: Shop after Christmas sales and let’s gather up as many items as we can. The church will reimburse you for your “shopping efforts.”

2. We will be purchasing electric heaters for those who may have little source of heat in their homes. If you know of someone who is need of such a heater, contact the church office

(985-641-5829).

3. Please make a donation to the “Warmth for the Winter” fund. We will try to meet all needs, as we are able with the resources provided to us. This includes but is not limited to: electric bills, needs of the Food Bank and CCC, for example.

4. Be alert for another “sandwich” day...should we see the opportunity.

The Aldersgate Staff would like to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with Peace, Hope,

Joy and Love! We are grateful for your many expressions of generosity

throughout this past year and especially during this Holy Season

and look forward to serving alongside you in the year to come.

Again, many thanks and blessings of the New Year.

Happy New Year

Beginning in January, I will be preaching a series of sermons based on "A Disciple's Path" by James A. Harnish.

"A Disciple’s Path is an engaging approach to discipleship from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective. Whether used as an introduction for new members or a renewal course for existing members, the program guides individuals to take the next step in discipleship and become dynamic, engaged followers of Jesus Christ.

The study combines a Wesleyan understanding of our growth in God’s love and grace with the time-tested practices of spiritual discipline expressed in the membership vows to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts, and become engaged in ministry that brings transformation in their own lives, the lives of others, and the world.”

January 6 Matthew 2:1-12 The kings visit the King

January 13 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 A Disciple’s Path John 13:34-35

January 20 Ephesians 3:14-20 The Three Roles

January 27 Matthew 6:9-14 Prayer and Praying

February 3 Luke 18:9-14 How Methodists Think Matthew 7:24-27

February 10 John 15:1-11 Ubuntu

February 17 Matthew 25:14-30 Extravagant Generosity

February 24 Matthew 6:2-4 Treasures

March 3 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 Invitational Evangelism Matthew 28: 16-28

If you want to delve more deeply into the Disciple’s Path, please contact the church office for a workbook.

See you in the new year. Blessings,

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Traditional Worship

8:30am Sanctuary

Contemporary Worship

11:00am Sanctuary

Adult Sunday School 9:45 am-10:45 am

→ Cokesbury Building and Chapel

Sunday School for Youth 9:45 am-10:45 am Youth Sunday School Class (7-12 grade) meeting in Asbury

College, Career & Coffee “C3” meet in Cokesbury 207

Children’s Sunday School 9:45 am-10:45 am

→ Susanna Wesley, John Wesley Center

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1/6 Shelby LaBourdette

1/13 Gracie Manion

1/20 Brett Adams

1/27 Campbell Irmscher

Acolyte Schedule-2019

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Wesleyan Choir

Wednesdays

7:00 p.m.

In the

Sanctuary

CrossWalk Praise Band

Thursdays

7:00 p.m. In the Sanctuary

Celebration Bell Choir

WEDNESDAYS 6:45 p.m.

In the Bell Room

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I want to use this space to say THANK YOU to Aldersgate UMC for all of the love, support, and prayers that I’ve received over the past six months. Starting at a new church can be a daunting task: so many new faces, new names, new traditions, and new expectations. This congregation was quick to quell those fears with so many expressions of love. It is my prayer that I can extended that same love in 2019. Thank you for supporting our Worship Ministries; whether it be for our children, music, lay leading, outreach, or missions. This coming year, I invite you to step out in faith and get acquainted with a ministry that perhaps you aren’t familiar with. Ring a bell! Read a scripture passage! Spend time with our Care Team or Prayer Shawl ministries! We are blessed at Aldersgate to have many opportunities to get involved; with each opportunity providing its own spiritual benefits and sense of community. We are His hands and feet - it is my prayer that we embrace this charge more fully in the coming year.

Blessings and Peace,

Adam Trouard Director of Music and Worship Ministries

Join us in the Sanctuary on

Sunday, January 6th for the

Epiphany of the Lord

8:30am Traditional Service

11:00am Contemporary Service

Dec. 31/Jan. 1 Church Office Closed

January 5 Men’s Club Ministry Breakfast 7am, LA Pines

January 6 Epiphany Sunday Worship 8:30 am Traditional / 11:00 am Contemporary, Sanctuary

GriefShare Support Group, more information on page 10

January 7 Monday Night High School Revelation Study resumes

January 8 Something’s Brewing resumes 9 am, Genesis Hall

Lunch with the Pastor 11 am - 1 pm, contact church office for location 985-641-5829

January 9 Wednesday Night Youth resumes 6-7:30 pm, Genesis Hall

Faith Friends resumes 6-7:30 pm, John Wesley Center

January 10 Covenant Bible Study resumes

January 17 R.O.M.E.O.’s & J.U.L.I.E.T.’s lunch gatherings resumes

Camellia Quilter’s resumes

January 20 Signup deadline is today for Women’s Retreat

Signup deadline for Pottery and Prayer

Travelogue Presentation by Suzie Hunt & Gayla Nelson

January 21 No School on this day for Apple Tree Preschool

January 23 Tech-Sensible Parenting Meeting 6pm, Genesis Hall

January 24 Grown Ups Coffee & Conversation 10am, Genesis Hall

January 26 Pottery & Prayer 12pm, John Wesley Center

Jan 27-March 2 Family Promise staying on Campus this week

January 31 Winter Jam Concert at Lakefront Arena, more information on page 8

Please make sure your final year-end giving contribution/tithes are dated by December 31, 2018.

We can receive 2018 contributions through January 7, 2019, as long as the checks are properly dated. Gifts may be turned in

through the offering plate, the church office or put in the drop box.

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Last year’s retreat was so enjoyable, we’re doing it again.

Get away from the busyness of life. Relax as we share laughter and stories, and spend time with GOD. Join us at our Sweet Life Café retreat to experience all this and more!

» Date: Friday, Feb. 1—Sunday, Feb. 3

» Cost: $210/person—includes lodging, meals, transportation and retreat materials » Sign up deadline is January 20.

For more information or to reserve your place, contact Suzie Hunt—641-5829 or email at

suzie@aldersgate-slidell.org

We had a blast last year! >>>>>

February 1-3 Beckwith Retreat Center on Weeks Bay, Fairhope, Alabama

Milton Lizana and Mike Murphy will lead the team to Port St. Joe to assist with various jobs

around the local community.

The cost of the trip will be $200 which includes transportation, lodging, meals and background

check.

Please contact the church office, 641-5829, Milton Lizana or Suzie Hunt for

registration information.

ALDERSGATE UMC MARDI GRAS MISSION TRIP TO

PORT ST. JOE, FLORIDA

Dates: Sun., March 3 – Fri., March 8 2019Cost: $200.00 per person

Type of work: We will be working in the local community.

We will be staying at the church in Port St. JoeThis is open to Adults & Youth.

Milton Lizana: patriot1970@yahoo.com / Suzie Hunt: suzie@aldersgate-slidell.org

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Pottery & Prayer with

Jane Knight Saturday, Jan. 26

Noon—Genesis Hall Come be a part of this special session of creativity and prayer led by local potter Jane Knight. Jane will share her pottery experience while also discussing how God is constantly shaping and molding each of us. This Pottery & Prayer program will begin with a salad bar lunch followed by creativity and reflection.

This event is limited to the first 30 people to register. A $5 donation is requested at the door.

The deadline to reserve a spot is January 20.

Registration is available through e-mail to suzie@aldersgate-slidell.org or by calling the church office at 641-5829.

The Covenant Bible Study returns to Thursday nights beginning

January 10.

7 p.m. Cokesbury Rm 203

Led by Rev. Tracy MacKenzie and Rick Lightfoot

Covenant Bible Study guides participants through a comprehensive, in-depth study of the whole Bible over 24 sessions broken into three eight-session modules.

Unlike the learning participants may have experienced in other groups, this study emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying theme through both the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. This relationship is grounded in the faithfulness of God’s love and on our ongoing commitment to stay in relationship with God while we share signs of God's love with others.

The Participant Guide walks study participants through the daily scripture readings and offers space to interact personally with the readings, the group experience, and the weekly meditations. This single volume Participant Guide contains the materials required for all three modules: Creating, Living and Trusting.

Beginning this January, the study group will focus on the “Living” portion of the study. See the

description below.

Living: Living within the covenant translates into action—into how we behave in our everyday lives. That’s why the second module, Living the Covenant, focuses on how the community lives out the covenant in faithful love—how it is applied to actual relationships in daily life.

The scripture readings included in these episodes examine the practical challenges of faithful covenant life. Participants explore leadership challenges among tribal chieftains, kings and prophets, and spiritual and political crises. They look for practical wisdom and guidance in the teachings of Israel’s sages, the letters of Paul, and more. By demonstrating how people of vastly different cultures came together in a common purpose, the study shows how faithful love is the root of the covenant life.

This Covenant Study is open to all. Prior registration is required to allow for adequate study materials to be on hand. Participant books are $30 and cover all three Covenant sessions.

For more information or to register, contact Rev. Tracy at tracy@aldersgate-slidell.org or at the church office at 641-5829.

“We have seen some things…..”

In early December, Aldersgate member Gayla Nelson and staff member Suzie Hunt had the opportunity to travel to Israel on an Educational Opportunities trip. As the title above says, both women agree that ‘We have seen some things” and they would like to share their observations and insights concerning their experience in the Holy Land with the rest of their Aldersgate UMC family. Suzie and Gayla will host a travelogue presentation on Sunday, Jan. 20 during the Sunday School hour.

All are invited to join them in Genesis Hall at 9:45 a.m. to hear about the people they met, the places they visited and the very different way of life that greeted them when they walked on holy ground. * Shalom *

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Help Wanted

Communion Set Up Person We are in need of a person who can take responsibility for setting up our monthly communion service. They order and pick up the communion bread from a local bakery and set up the serving stations on the first Sunday of each month.

Mingle Room Volunteers You can help in several ways. We are in need of helpers to make coffee on Sunday mornings, volunteers to bring in donut holes and people to act as hosts between services and be a friendly face for visitors to our church looking for information.

If interested, contact Suzie Hunt at the church office or email her at Suzie@aldersgate-slidell.org.

R.O.M.E.O.* s –

*Really Outstanding Men Eating Out

Pete Hanson is your host for this informal meal, that allows time to get to know each other better away

from the rushed Sunday morning schedule.

The R.O.M.E.O.s meet on the

1st Thursday of the Month at Noon

New Orleans Hamburgers & Seafood

1677 Gause Blvd.

Lunch is Dutch-treat Fellowship is free!

R.S.V.P. to 641-5829 if you plan to attend.

Grown-Ups Coffee & Conversation January 24, 10am-Genesis Hall

The homeless veterans program at Camp NORA will be the subject of our January 2019 Coffee and Conversation here at Aldersgate Church on Thursday, January 24th.

Ed Lewis and Jeff Marshall, organizers of Camp NORA, with stands for No One Rides Alone, will talk about the new residential program for homeless veterans in Folsom. The program

is sponsored by Ride of the Brotherhood.

According to the ROTB website, statistics show that approximately one out of every four homeless males is a veteran. Veterans returning from combat duty with PTSD, disabling physical injuries, and few marketable skills or transferable skills often can't find or keep jobs. As many as 30 homeless veterans are living on the streets in St. Tammany parish on any given night.

The January gathering will offer information about what is being done locally to help veterans break the pattern of homelessness and hopelessness.

“Coffee and Conversation …” is a monthly presentation sponsored by the Grown-Ups senior ministry. The program will begin at 10 a.m. with refreshments provided. It is free and open to all seniors in the general public.

For more information about the Spring Grown-Ups schedule, contact Suzie Hunt at suzie@aldersgate-slidell.org, or call the church office 985-641-5829.

J.U.L.I.E.T. * s –

*Just Us Ladies Intentionally Eating Together

1st Thursday of the Month

at Noon in the Way Café

Come and relax. Take time to sit and visit.

Bring a brown bag lunch.

Drinks, Dessert and Fellowship In Abundance

R.S.V.P to 641-5829 if you can attend

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Senior High Retreat 2019

will be held

March 15th - 7th.

Registration is now opened!

Registration/Covenant Form https://www.la-umc.org/

seniorhighretreat2019

Winter Jam January 31, 2019

Leave Church at 5:30pm

Reserve your seat on the Bus!

Youth Schedule

January 2019

» Big Group starts back on

Sunday January 6th.

Meeting at 5:30pm every Sunday

» Small group starts back on

Wednesday January 9th.

Meeting at 6pm every Wednesday

Monday Night High School

Revelation Study starts back on Jan. 7th, 2019

For more information and location contact Adam @ 985-788-0976

January 23rd, 2019 @ 6 pm in Genesis Hall

For more information Contact Adam Moore adam@aldersgate-slidell.org

985-788-0976

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Faith Friends Wednesday ’s

6:30-7:30 Genesis Hall 4th-6th grade

Join us for some faith, fun, and games!

9:45-10:45 Every Sunday

Aldersgate adopted a total of 80 children this year by the

Congregation and Apple Tree Preschool

So many of you answered this call and shopped with your heart to make sure that each child has a special present under the tree for them this year. This year your generosity benefited the children from Rainbow Child Care and Lacombe/Mandeville Head Start.

I can only imagine the smiling faces, the high-pitched screams and the joy that this will bring to the kids and their parents on Christmas morning! It is a blessing to serve this

wonderful ministry! Sasha Massel &Lauren Brignac

Apple Tree Preschool & “Little Lambs” MDO

Registration for 2019-2020 School Year

It’s getting close to “that time again”! Registration for In-House Students will be held on Tuesday, February 5th at 8:00am. Registration packets will be sent home with current students at the end of the month. We will begin accepting registration forms at 8:00am the morning of February 5th and class rosters will begin to be filled at that time.

Additional registration dates will be held for Church & Alumni on Friday, February 8th at 9:15am and Open Registration will be held Tuesday, February 19th at 9:15am.

Please pass on this important information to friends and family who may have children interested in attending Apple Tree Preschool & Little Lambs MDO.

If you have additional questions, please contact Cheryl Mann or Marsha Hubbard in the school office or stop by anytime Monday through Friday for a tour.

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Something’s Brewing on Tuesday Mornings

Tuesday, January 8 will find the members of the Something’s Brewing Bible Study/Book Club kicking off the new year with a new study. We will be using “The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer for our discussions. Linda Neville will be leading this study.

“All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you — unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you're tired of being

pushed around and caught with your guard down, this study is for you.

The Enemy always fails miserably when he meets a woman dressed for the occasion. The Armor of God, more than merely a biblical description of the believer's inventory, is an action plan for putting it on and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory.” (7 Sessions)

Something’s Brewing is open to all women, church membership not required. Over cups of hot beverages, we study the word of God, learn from each other and leave refreshed and ready for the rest of our week.

We meet in Genesis Hall on Tuesday morning’s at 9 a.m. Books are available in the church office for $15. A nursery is available upon request

with advance notice. Contact Suzie Hunt if you have any questions at

suzie@aldersgate-slidell.org

Grief Support Program Starts January 6

After the funeral, when the cards and flowers stop coming, most of the people

return to their normal lives. But many people continue to grieve and feel alone.

To assist them through the grieving process, GriefShare, a 13 week support group is available to offer help and

encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend.

“I have found that this structured program has a good balance of education and guided discussion. The freedom to

share one’s emotions and thoughts or to just be a listener creates a safe, warm, supportive environment to process grief

and grow ‘from mourning to joy.’,” said David W Kidder, Ph.D., a GriefShare facilitator.

GriefShare sessions include video presentations, discussion and a workbook component. Participants can join in the

GriefShare sessions at any time in the 13-week program. Aldersgate United Methodist Church will offer a GriefShare

program beginning Sunday, Jan. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The sessions will be facilitated by Debbie and Jimmy Watts

in the Cokesbury Bldg, Room 206.

Participation is open to the general public. A $15.00 donation is requested to cover the cost of the workbook.

Registration is required and can be done by going to www.griefshare.org or by contacting the church ofc.

We need your ideas. We need your enthusiasm. We need your story. We need your willingness to learn as you go. We need your spirit.

WE NEED YOU!

The heart of a Church is in it’s small groups. Come be a small part of the big picture at Aldersgate Church.

Leading a Children’s Group: stacey@aldersgate-slidell.org Helping lead our Youth Group: adam@aldersgate-slidell.org

Leading one of our many Adult Groups: suzie@aldersgate-slidell.org

Please consider helping with ANY of our groups here on campus. Fresh ideas are welcome!

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November 2018 2018 Year to Date

Income $ 45,312.14 $586,340.67

Expense $ 58,900.01 $619,813.42

Net Loss $ $ (13,587.87) $ (92,372.77)

Condolences: Paul and Vicki Frick and family in the death of

Paul’s father, John Frick. Mac and Dana Wolcott and family in the

death of Mac’s father Mac Sr. Dana Fontenot in the death of his

mother. Roy and Toni Walworth and family in the death of Lloyd

Walworth.

Joys: Delightful Sounds and Soups of the Season.

Impending Tests/Surgery: Tom Gertz, Tony Lowe, Mark

Addy, Allen Boudin, Karen Spencer, Glenette Hogan.

Hospitalized: Elizabeth Douglas, Neil Rohlinger, Phyllis

Sprague, Neil Rohlinger, Ruth Anne Ivey, Ivan Toney, Tim Clare.

Recovering at Home: Nancy McIntosh, Phyllis Sprague, Effie

Ehrhardt, Lyn Oberkirch.

Prayers: Fred Hines, Allison Manion’s family, Elise Cornett,

Ryan Livingston, Theresa Dabdoub, Scott Durbin, Sonny

Alberts, Wayne Leibe, Bonnie Morrison, Kristina Cochran and

family, Don Flannigan, Quentin Krey, Bill Evans, Nicholas

Cross, Tycer Family, Karen Clifton, Those affected by

earthquake in Alaska, Our Country, Our Military, the

Unemployed, President Trump, Aldersgate United Methodist

Church, Homebound Members, Rev. Tracy MacKenzie.

Continuing Concerns: Clint Crosier, Wayne Leibe, Annie

Pearl McNaulty, Lisa Gall, Buck and Marlene Gardner, Pat

Doyle, Howard Rogillio, Charles Toomer, Jr., Lynn Bradley,

Derek and Lauren Webber, Mary Felder, Doris Merritt,

Louvella and Joseph Fontenot, Carolyn and Allan Koenig, Joel

Clifton, John Stroh and family, Loreen Borchett, Mike Ford and

family, Barbara Jones, Glenn Grant, Sydney Brehn, Blanche

Copeland, Jane Aucoin, JoAnn Kidder, Brenna Carpenter, Larry

Hamm, Angel Wilson, Kristen Vanleusden, Kay Felkins, Bill and

Janice Fink, Sara Delaha, Luke Smith, Rick Saluga, Lissa Jordan,

Faye Hammer and family.

Is Your Prayer Request Still Needed? Please check prayer

requests to see if your prayer still needs to be included. If

not (or to add someone) please email our Care Team at

prayers@aldersgate-slidell.org.

Our church family is our best source

for names of those persons

in need of care.

Please contact the pastor at

(641-5829) or a

Care Team member via

email at prayer@

aldersgate-slidell.org

Psalm 96:7-9 (NRSV) 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.

This is a Psalm of Thanksgiving from David. It is interesting to note that this one scripture is repeated (almost verbatim) in the book of 1st Chronicles, coming from David. Our annual giving supports our church’s ministry and mission.

It’s what we do to do what we do. A core belief for us at Aldersgate United Methodist Church is that we believe that returning a portion of our financial resources to God’s work through our church is an act of worship. We are thankful for our blessings and acknowledge that all we have is a gift from God. As an expression of worship, we symbolically return the first fruits of our labor as an offering to the Lord.

It is my belief that 2019 will be a pivotal transformational year in the future of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Early in January, I will be meeting with key leaders to gain a sense of shared vision for our future. Much of our campus is in need of a little more than “tender loving care.” The Trustees are putting together a plan that includes repair and improvements to our campus. The youth, children and adult ministries are all in a period of growth. Worship continues to be energetic and engaging. We continue to be challenged and to rise to meet the challenges of being a mission-based, family-oriented church.

In order for us to get to 2019, we must end 2018 in the best financial position that is possible. We must “FINISH STRONG” to “BEGIN WELL.” If we are not able to offset the current deficit by year end, this will radically and negatively affect our budget in the year to come. Please pray and consider participating in the year-end giving, so that we “FINISH STRONG” in 2018.

Please make sure your final year-end giving contribution/tithes are dated December 31, 2018. We can receive 2018 contributions through January 7, 2019, as long as the checks are properly dated. Gifts may be turned in

through the offering plate, the church office or put in the drop box.

Staff Email:

Rev. Tracy L. MacKenzie: Tracy@aldersgate-slidell.org

Director of Music & Worship Ministries Music@aldersgate-slidell.org Director of Congregational Care & Missions: Suzie@aldersgate-slidell.org Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry: Adam@aldersgate-slidell.org Youth Administrator: Youth@aldersgate-slidell.org

Director of Children’s Ministry: Stacey@aldersgate-slidell.org Office Manager: Erin@aldersgate-slidell.org

Financial Secretary: Jon@aldersgate-slidell.org

Office Receptionist: Sally@aldersgate-slidell.org

Prayer Concerns: Prayer@aldersgate-slidell.org

Director of Epworth: Jim@epworthproject.com

Louisiana Conference Website: www.la-umc.org

Apple Tree Preschool Director: appletreeslidell@gmail.com

Aldersgate United Methodist Church

AUMC - Aldersgate United Methodist Women’s Group

Aldersgate United Methodist Youth (AUMY)

Apple Tree Preschool

Aldersgate United Methodist Church 360 Robert Blvd. Slidell, LA. 70458