Aldersgate In Motion

ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Open Hearts , Open Minds, Open Doors

The People of the United Methodis t Church

7 Shannon Drive Greenvi l le , SC 29615

864-244-1820 phone 864 -244-9701 fax

www.aumcsc.org I n T h i s I s s u e

Thoughts of the Pastor 2

Souper Bowl of Caring 3

Aldersgate Hospitality 3

Upcoming Sermons 4

Bible Study of Mark 4

Women’s Book Club 4

Valentine’s Day Luncheon 4

Apportionment Corner 5

Looking Ahead to March 6

UMM 7

Redbird Missions 7

Military 7

Women’s Retreat 8

Club 56/Visioneers 8

UMW Call to Prayer & Self Denial 9

Prayer Concerns 10

Attendance/Tithes & Offerings 10

Serving Aldersgate 11

Memorials/Honorariums 11

Calendar 12

J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 9

V o l u me 6

I s s u e

A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 2

THOUGHTS OF THE PASTOR T h e P r e s e n t a t i o n o f C h r i s t i n t h e Te m p l e / G r o u n d h o g D a y

“When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed,

Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” – Luke 2:22

The Bible tells us that on the 40th day after Jesus’ birth he and Mary were presented at

the temple in accordance with the Laws of Moses. It was at this purification ceremony that

both Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus and praised God for sending the Messiah. In the ear-

ly church the day of the year corresponding to the 40th day after Jesus birth became a religious

celebration called Candlemas. Candles, representing the returning light of the sun, the longer

days as spring approached, and the light of Christ, were blessed.

If you look at your calendar you will see that the 40th day after Christmas is February

2nd. This day is popularly celebrated as Groundhog Day. According to legend small animals,

like groundhogs, come out of their dens, and if they see their shadows, they go back in be-

cause there will be six more weeks of winter. On the other hand if they don’t see their shad-

ows, then they come out and spring comes early. Believe it or not this tradition is actually con-

nected to Candlemas. There is an old English song which says: “If Candlemas be fair and

bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter,

and come not again.” There are versions of this same legend in other northern European

countries.

All this makes me wonder. Simeon and Ann were looking for the light and they saw Je-

sus Christ and praised God. The groundhog looks for its shadow and if there is enough light to

cast a shadow it goes back underground. This February will you be looking for the light or

looking for a shadow? Look for the light and you will join Simeon is saying “For my eyes

have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revela-

tion to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel!”

A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 3

ALDERSGATE HOSPITALITY 2019

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

As you are probably aware, February 3 is the FOOTBALL Super Bowl. Our church

will also participate in the S-O-U-P-E-R Bowl (of Caring).

The “Souper Bowl of Caring” is a grassroots, faith-based effort against hunger. It be-

gan in 1990 at Shandon Presbyterian church where the youth decided to use the hype over the

Super Bowl to collect food and funds for the hungry. Since then churches and organizations

all over the world have been collecting money and food to be given to a local ministry that

alleviates hunger. Last year over 10 million was raised and donated to hunger relief charities.

Again, this year we will be lining up on the offensive against hunger and our youth

will be calling the plays. They will be at the doors of the church after the service on Feb. 3 to

collect at least $1 from each person. This money will be given to a lo-

cal hunger-fighting ministry of their choice. This will be in addition to

gathering non-perishable food items as we usually do on the 1st Sunday

of the month for United Ministries. Join the team this year & go long!

Fighting hunger is not a spectator sport. It is a participation sport.

(For more information go to tacklehunger.org.)

Church statistics show that it takes an average of 15 seconds for a first time visitor to

form a positive or negative impression of a church! Consider your own experiences in going

to a new church or visiting for a special event...what did you look for? Could you tell right

away if it was a friendly out-reaching community or was it intimidating?

At Aldersgate, we work consistently to educate our congregation and train our ushers/

greeters to be a powerful first line of welcome. We encourage the wearing of name badges,

so that our guests can recognize who they might ask questions of. Our worship service in-

cludes a moment of greeting and a gift as first-time guests leave. Several of our members,

even intentional, sit with those who are alone or make a point of welcoming them personally

before or after the service. Could this be you?

If you would be willing to volunteer in the area of hospitality, we would love to have

you! It’s not hard, but a little training can help remove some of the personal “risk” barriers

that keep us from engaging with someone we don’t know. This is something you can do sin-

gularly or as a family. Perhaps you have a child or youth that is naturally outgoing and

would enjoy this kind of a responsibility...we are a varied congregation, as are our visi-

tors. Call or send a message to Ruth Hughes that you would like to be a part of the fun to-

day. 244-1820 (ext. 204) or rhughes@aumcsc.org

P a g e 4 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

UPCOMING SERMONS

In February we will continue our series on

“Knowing God.” The sermons remaining in the

series are:

February 3: 1 Corinthians 13

“Knowing God: Love”

February 10: Boy Scout Sunday

February 17: Luke 6:17-26

“Knowing God: Radical Talk”

February 24: Luke 6:27-38

“Knowing God: Generosity”

March 3: Luke 9:28-36, Exodus 34:29-

35 “Knowing God: Transfiguration”

The Wednesday Morning Bible Study is

working its way through the Gospel Ac-

cording to Mark. Mark is the shortest of

the four gospels, but it is also the most

concentrated gospel. It often gets straight

to the point. We meet at 10 am on Wednes-

days in the Mac Vinson Companions class-

room. The lessons for the next few weeks

are:

Feb. 6: Chapter 8

Feb. 13: Chapter 9

Feb. 20: Chapter 10

Feb. 27: Chapter 11

BIBLE STUDY OF MARK

SERMON SERIES

AUMC WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB

The Aldersgate Women’s Reading Group meets

on the 4th Thursday of the month. See the list

of dates and books below. We would love to

have you join us!

February 28 *The Same Sky: a novel

by Amanda Eyre Ward

March 28 Eleanor: a Spiritual Bio.

Harold Ivan Smith

April 25 *Threading my Prayer Rug

Sebeeha Rehman

May 23 The Soulmaking Room

Dee Dee Risher

Meetings begin at 10:00 am in the church li-

brary. Those books with a ( * ) mean these are

available in the public library.

VALENTINE’S DAY

LUNCHEON

If you are widowed, a widower, single or

just in need of company on this day, feel

free to sign-up to attend. There are sign-

up sheets all around the church and in

Sunday school rooms. It will be held in

Parker Hall on February 14 at 12:00

noon.

This luncheon is always wonderful and

delicious. Dean and Pam are gracious

hosts and welcome anyone to attend. Just

make sure you have signed up on a list.

The deadline to sign-up is February 10.

If you have further questions, call Dean or

Pam Martin at 864-292-3942.

P a g e 5 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

APPORTIONMENT CORNER

In the United Methodist Church we share the cost of the general mission of the church.

Conferences and churches are given a portion of the overall cost of the missions and outreach

of the world-wide church. This apportioning of the cost is done by a formula that compares

each church’s financial abilities compared to the whole. Membership numbers are not in-

cluded in this formula! In our case, Aldersgate is apportioned $91,450 for 2019. That is

about 12% of our total budget. Some think of this our tithe to the larger ministry of the

church. It is the cornerstone of Aldersgate’s support of the Church’s ministry in our state, the

nation, and around the world. Apportionments are “Our-portion-ment” of the ministry of the

world-wide church! By the grace of God we were able to pay 100% of our apportionments in

2018 for the 4th year in a row! In the last newsletter we featured the World Service Fund. In

this newsletter we are highlighting Conference Benevolences.

The Conference Benevolence fund is the nurture and outreach arm of the South Caroli-

na Annual Conference. Through these funds we, along with the 1000+ United Methodist

Churches in SC, support the programs and administration of the Conference. This also in-

cludes the work of conference committees and support of United Methodist Sponsored minis-

tries within South Carolina. “Our-portion-ment” for Conference Benevolences is $12,837 this

year.

Please give faithfully so that Aldersgate can support these apportionments. To find out

more about apportionments go to: http://www.umcgiving.org.

P a g e 6 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

LOOKING AHEAD TO MARCH

SMART DRIVERS Church member, Lil Copeland will be leading a Smart

Drivers course on Saturday, March 16, from 9:30 am—2:00

pm. You may have heard about this class through the Bon

Secours Wise Words magazine or AARP, which is the sponsor

of the program. The class is open to the public so help us

spread the word with your friends and social media. There is

a small cost involved, but some insurance companies offer

discounts upon completion of the class. Check with yours!

There is a 30 minute break for lunch so plan to bring

snacks, lunch and drinks to stay focused. We hope you plan to

attend!

UNDERSTANDING

DEMENTIA This class will be led by

Thomas Haas, on Saturday,

March 23 at a time to be de-

termined later. This class is

also open to the public and

there is no charge. We will

have more information.

Watch for details coming

soon.

P a g e 7 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

UNITED METHODIST MEN

HERE ARE THE NEXT FEW DATES FOR THE UNITED METHODIST MEN

MEETINGS. ALL THESE ARE ON MONDAY’S IN PARKER HALL.

BEGINNING AT 6:32 PM

FEBRUARY 18—GENERAL MEETING

MARCH 18—GENERAL MEETING

Other events are coming!

TUESDAY MORNING

MEN OF INTEGRITY

STUDY GROUP

Meets at 6:35 am at

Broadway Bagels,

located at 2426 Hudson

Rd., Greer, SC 29650.

OUR MILITARY (Family & Friends)

Jack Bissionette Paul Browder

Oryan R. Lahti- ACT. DUTY Troy McDowell

Bradley Brown Nick Page

Joseph Churchwell Katie Pace

Patricia Kreuzberger Hank Gettys

Matthew Russell Paul Scott– ACT. DUTY

Michael Pompeo John Williams

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY!

RED BIRD MISSIONS

Redbird Mission Workcamp for 2019 is May 5—May 11.

This is a great service project that helps people in Eastern

Kentucky with home repair...rewarding work and great

fellowship. Please call or email if you are interested in

joining us.

Dick McGaughey

864-244-6891 home

678-427-3426 cell

E mail crownlinedm@gmail.com

P a g e 8 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

Over February 1-3, 51 women from Aldersgate will gather for our 10th annual women’s re-

treat. What began as a small retreat in 2009 has expanded over the years, leading to numerous

friendships and ministries such as the Prayer Shawl ministry. We hope that you will pray for

the retreat as we learn and worship together at Bonclarken Retreat Center in Flat Rock, NC.

WOMEN’S RETREAT

CLUB 56 & VISIONEERS

Up and coming for February-

February 3: Super Bowl...No Club 56

February 10: Club 56/Visioneers—Will you be my Valentine?

February 17: Mystery Outing???

February 24: Hearth Healthy

The Five Fingers

Of Club 56

“FEWSD”

FELLOWSHIP

EVANGELISM

WORSHIP

SERVICE

DISCIPLESHIP

2018 Retreat

P a g e 9 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

SATURDAY—FEBRUARY 16, 2019

THE EVENT BEGINS AT 11:30 AM WITH A QUICK MEETING

AND A PRESENTATION TO OUR CHARITY, REFUGE SPORTS.

LUNCH WILL BE SERVED AT 12:00 PM

Our program will be presented by Mrs. Cathy Ford, who is the new SC Conference

United Methodist Women President. She will speak to us on the National UMW Program

called the Legacy Fund. This is a call for donations for a Permanent Endowment for United

Methodist Women commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of our organization.

Mrs. Ford will also speak to us about the Call to Prayer theme this year which is Building a

Thriving Generation of Children & Youth Worldwide.

The Charity for this meeting will be Refuge Sports. Their Co-Director, Julie Lee works

with her husband Mike, at Aldersgate as they teach (ESL) English as a Second Language for

men, women and children. Their only request at this time is basic children’s books which are

for elementary school children. The hope is that these might help them with acclimation to

living in this country. These will be used by the elementary children who come on Thursdays

after school, as well as for women who come on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for the ESL

program. Also, they have men attend on Sunday afternoons for ESL assistance. Financial

help is also needed and our UMW will make a donation to them. Please bring any basic chil-

dren’s books to the church office work room. There will be a box labeled to place them in.

Please talk to your circle leader about reservations. If you are currently not in a United

Methodist Women’s circle you are still more than welcome to attend. The cost is $7.00 for

each person who would like to attend. The menu will be vegetable soup, cornbread, salad,

dessert and drinks. The deadline for having your name on the list and contributions to the

charity is Sunday, February 10.

Since our actual luncheon is A Call to Prayer and Self Denial, envelopes will be

available for all of us to make a financial offering as we do each year.

WE HOPE YOU CAN ATTEND!

UMW’S—A CALL TO PRAYER & SELF DENIAL

A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 1 0

PRAYER CONCERNS As of printing Thursday, January 31, 2019:

Greenville Memorial: Rudy Rogers

Home: Warren & Beth Rambo, Freida Parker, Pete & Martha Hendrix, Ann

Armstrong, Lillis Smith, John & Mary Holmstrand, Kay Culbertson , Dave

Herndon

Brookdale @ Hawthorne: Nita Bearden

The Woodlands: Annette McDuffee, Peggy Miller

Mt. Pleasant, SC: Florence Hale Rolling Green: Wayne Rowan, Ralph Bell

Myrtle Beach, SC: Randy Hale Haywood Estates: Ann Linse Cascades: Patti Whelchel

NHC Mauldin: Atrice Hughey Rosecrest: Jennie Ruth Waynick

Westminster Senior Living at Augusta Place: Melba Poole

Rock Hill /Daughter: Bill Taylor Mt. Home Health/Rehab, NC: Nancy Reitz

Local & Other Country Missionaries:

AUMC Family in Greenville: Todd, Pam, & Hannah Grace Attaway, go to their blog to read more

www.loveshareserve.blogspot.com.

AUMC Supported Missionaries in Ecuador: Daina and Tim Datwyler, visit their website at

http://www.Puertadeesperanza.org.

Douglas & Jennings Boone in Democratic Republic Of Congo, Africa - (Wycliffe Bible Translators) www.thiscongoleselife.blogspot.com

OUR RECORD

General Fund Budget Needs (YTD) $ 57,543.52

Total General Fund Receipts (YTD) $ 74,604.38 Total General Fund Expenses $ 41,507.51

YTD Surplus in Contributions to Expenses $ 33,096.87

Previous Weeks General Fund Giving - week 4 $ 15,661.00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

YEAR END – 2018

YTD General Fund Budget $ 805,901.00

YTD General Fund Giving $ 746,164.08

YTD General Fund Expenses $ 743,763.56

YTD General Fund Surplus $ 2,400.52

Sunday School Worship

January 13 115 252

January 20 130 247

January 27 145 269

ATTENDANCE 2019

SERVIN G ALD ERS GAT E O N SU NDAYS

February 3, 2019: Communion Helpers 8:45 am Waldo & Kathy Watts, 11:00 am Robert & Lee Gettys, Debbie Kemp Agnes Williams Lay Reader: 8:45 am John Myers 11:00 am Karis King Greeters: 8:45 am Kathie & Bruce Schug 11:00 am Jane & Bill Williamson Acolytes: 8:45 am Karis King 11:00 am James Whiteman Crucifer: 11:00 am Rebekah MacGregor Usher Captain 8:45 am Brad Smoak Usher Captain 11:00 am Rick Lankford Ushers: Scott Bagley, Trevor King, Ushers: Doug Patrick, Coley Altman, Mark Wessel Gray Walsh, Grant Lankford

February 10, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Boy Scouts 11:00 am Boy Scouts Greeters: 8:45 am Nina & Henry Scoggins 11:00 am Nancy Angster Acolytes: 8:45 am Brooks Davis 11:00 am Henry Addis Crucifer: 11:00 am Reid Schemm Usher Captain 8:45 am David McAvoy Usher Captain 11:00 am Frank Mathis Ushers: Eddie Beam, Tim Davis, Ushers: Coley Altman, III, Trey Covington, Suzanne Haney Jim Cox, Bonnie Lampe, Paul Sleight

February 17, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Shirley Cooke 11:00 am Melissa Stevenson Greeters: 8:45 am Dee & Gray Walsh 11:00 am Sara & Jerry Bowden Acolytes: 8:45 am Julian Gettys 11:00 am Trace King Crucifer: 11:00 am Hudson Patrick Usher Captain 8:45 am Jack Cornell Usher Captain 11:00 am Hunt Redfern Ushers: Jim Dansby, Danny Dobbs Ushers: Terry Tallon, Steve Graves Jordan Truesdale, Suzanne Haney Joel Vanderwood, Bruce Royal

February 24, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Wendy Davis 11:00 am Lyndon Ashworth Greeters: 8:45 am Joe & Kay Sprott 11:00 am Maxine & Harry Hardin Acolytes: 8:45 am Bobby Keith 11:00 am Anna Hoffman Crucifer: 11:00 am Ansley Addis Usher Captain 8:45 am Austin Watts Usher Captain 11:00 am David Rose Ushers: Doug Jordan Ushers: Clay Garrison, Phil Martin, Waldo Watts David Ayer, Cody Owens

P a g e 1 1 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

MEMORIALS/HONORARIUMS

GENERAL FUND:

In memory of William (Bill) Smith by: Marshall & Virginia Clarke, David & Marian Rose,

Roger & Edna Pike, Joe & Barbara Green, Paul & Audrey Meunier, The Haddon Friendship

Class, Henry & Nina Scoggins, Charles & Jackie Bell, Michael & Dottie Green, Frieda Parker,

Marjorie Parvin, Mr. & Mrs. Jack H. Hawkins, Miss Morgan Hawkins, Mr. & Mrs. I. Henry

Philpot, Jr., Dan & Phyllis Taylor, Wick & Rose Stuart

In memory of Linda Hardin by: Freida Parker

In memory of Jerry Thomas by: Priscilla Smith

CALENDAR DATES

Sunday, February 3: Communion

8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Service – Sanctuary

9:45 am Sunday School

9:45 am Re-newed Members Class – Chapel

3:00 pm Cindy Harter Circle Meeting—Haddon Friendship Class

5:00 pm Youth & Club 56—Loft

Monday, February 4:

11:00 am Prime Timers – Parker Hall

12:30 pm Prime Timers Bridge – Parker Hall

6:30 pm Cub Scouts @ The House

Tuesday, February 5:

9:30 am Women of Faith – Parker Hall

10:00 am Louise Best Circle – Soul Cafe

7:00 pm Boy Scouts @ The House

Wednesday, February 6:

10:00 am Pastor’s Bible Study – Mac Vinson Companions

5:30 pm Connect – Parker Hall

6:20 pm Children’s Music

6:30 pm Classes

Sunday, February 10: Scout Sunday

8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Service – Sanctuary

9:45 am Sunday School & Re-newed Members Class – Chapel

11:00 am Spaghetti Lunch for Cub Scout (Donations)—Parker Hall

5:00 pm Club 56 & Youth

Monday, February 11:

9:00 am Staff Meeting—Library

12:30 pm Prime Timers Bridge—Parker Hall

6:30 pm Cub Scouts @ The House

6:30 pm Trustees Meeting—Mac Vinson Companions Classroom

7 Shannon Dr. Greenville, SC 29615

Phone:864-244-1820 Fax: 864-244-9701

Child Development Center 864-268-5028 E-mail:shamilton@aumcsc.org

M a k i n g D i s c i p l e s

f o r J e s u s C h r i s t

A L D E R S G A T E U M C

MINISTRY STAFF

864-244-1820

Alex Stevenson, ext. 207

Sr. Pastor

alex@aumcsc.org ~

Johannah Myers, ext. 211

Director of Christian

Formation

jmyers@aumcsc.org ~

Ruth Hughes, ext. 204

Director of Children &

Leisure/Adult Ministries

rhughes@aumcsc.org ~

Dr. Grant Knox,

Director of Music

gwhitknox@gmail.com ~

Ryland Brown

Musican

ryland.brown@charter.net ~

Jennifer Nelson Director

Child Development Center

jnelson@aumcsc.org

864-268-5028

~

Josh Consalvo, ext. 212

Director of Youth

joshconsalvo@gmail.com ~

Susan Hamilton, ext. 210

Office Manager/Comm.

shamilton@aumcsc.org ~

Cameron Vaughn, ext. 206

Financial Secretary

cvaughn@aumcsc.org

Sunday Worship Schedule

8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Services

9:45 am Sunday School

Church Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am-12:00 pm

MISSION STATEMENT

. . . We are called to make disciples by embracing all people with God’s love in Christ

and equipping each other for service to God and His world.

OUR VISION

“A Stephen Ministry Congregation”

Hearts on Fire…Seeking, Sharing, Serving...For God