The GatePost - The Monthly Newsletter of Aldersgate UMC July 1, 2017 # 580

Believe it or not, planning for Fall Fest 2017 is already well underway. This will be our 7th Annual Event and we believe that it will be the best one yet! Get ready for some Fun and Food with Friends at an event that is designed to help us Connect, Grow and Serve.

You will be pleased to know that ALL of the money earned at Fall Fest last year went equally to Aldersgate Children’s Center for Scholarships and AUMC Mission work both locally and globally. The Church Council voted that we would once again use the funds for these same two purposes. We have a lofty goal to earn $18,000+ and with YOUR help we think we can do it!

We will kick-off our Sponsorship campaign in July. Don Rohrbaugh and his team will have the big sponsorship boards on the patio starting Sunday, July 16. They are looking to all of us to cover the cost of each of the activities so that we may donate ALL of our proceeds as outlined above. Big and small donations alike are welcomed!

Business Sponsorships are also being sought. If you know of a business that might make a donation to our Silent Auction, please contact Ron Alderson at ron.alderson@icloud.com or phone him at 949-551-6338.

In this issue: AUMC Contacts Pg 2

Pastor’s Page Pg 3

Prayers / Prayer Shawl BeFrienders / GriefShare Pg 4

Mission/Outreach Pg 5

Youth News Pg 6

Annual Conference Recap Pg 7

Church Council Corner Stewardship & Finance Pg 8

Electronic Giving Pg 9 & Insert

Opportunities & Events Pgs 10, 11

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The GatePost is published monthly by Aldersgate United Methodist Church

Gatepost Editor: Jennifer Kelly Production Team:

Bob Grissinger, Pat Lauderdale, Claudette Fry, Sara Piazza, Marilyn Surbey, Shirley Fleck

Materials for consideration for publication should be forwarded to

Aldersgate United Methodist Church Attn: GatePost

1201 Irvine Boulevard, Tustin, CA 92780 or E-mail: Admin@aumctustin.org

Articles Due to the Editor:

Friday, July 21 Next Issue MAILED

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Ministerial Staff: Rev. Ken Suhr—Senior Pastor

RevKen@aumctustin.org Rev. Karin Ellis—Associate Pastor

RevKarin@aumctustin.org

Ministry Support Staff: Multi-Media & Sound— Doug Bell ................................................................................. Sound@aumctustin.org Financial Secretary— Judy Dickinson .......................................................... FinancialSecretary@aumctustin.org Children’s Choir Director— Tessa Horner .............................................................. JoyfulNoise@aumctustin.org Accompanist— Anna Ferraro .................................................................................. Annapianaorgana@aol.com Chancel Choir Director— Lynn Chavdarov ...................................................................... Music@aumctustin.org Church Administrator— Jennifer Kelly .......................................................................... Admin@aumctustin.org Financial Administrator— Heidi Perez .............................................................. FinanceAdmin@aumctustin.org Youth Director— Scott Wilmoth ..................................................................................... Youth@aumctustin.org Children’s Education Director— Kimberly Wilmoth ................................................... Families@aumctustin.org

Aldersgate Children’s Center Jackie Kush — Children’s Center Director

Aldersgatecc @earthlink.net

Church Office Hours Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Please remember that ALL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS using the Aldersgate facility must contact the church office and schedule their meetings, rehearsals and events on the Master Calendar. Using the Master Calendar avoids conflicts and

confusion and insures that your meeting or event is set up properly with the necessary equipment. Our facility is in constant use both internally and by outside groups. What you see on the Sunday bulletin calendar is only a small portion of the events and activities that are occurring during the week. In addition, it is VITALLY IMPORANT to remember to close and lock all doors and windows when you adjourn. Thank you for your help in keeping our property secure!

It is summer time! At our household this means sleeping in, no homework, playing outside after dinner, eating on the patio, summer foods, vacations, swimming, and lazy afternoons (hopefully!). It also means that our peach tree is producing fruit. We planted this tree about a year after we moved to Tustin. The tree itself has not grown much, but it always produces fruit, some years more than others. This year we have a great crop of delicious peaches, and I managed to pick them before the birds, and other critters, ate them all! So for the last couple of days we have had peaches on our cereal for breakfast, one

of my favorite summer foods. What amazes me about the peach tree this year is that it is so prolific, and the only change has been the rains this past winter. What happened several months ago, laid the groundwork (literally) for the peaches to be able to grow to their full potential.

This idea made me think about how God works in our lives. The Holy Spirit is constantly working in our lives, yet sometimes we are not able to see the fruits of the Spirit until days, months, even years later. A question for all of us to ask is, “What has God planted in me that is beginning to grow?” Maybe you have heard about the small groups here at church, but have not felt called to join one- until now. Maybe you have always admired the time our Sunday School teachers give to the children and youth, but have not considered teaching- until now. Maybe you long to read scripture in worship, but something is holding you back-until now. Maybe you feel the excitement of our great mission opportunities, but have not had the time to volunteer- until now. If we are to be disciples of Christ, if we are to bearers of the good news, if we are to receive the fruits of the Spirit, then we have to pay attention to what God is doing in our lives, in our church, and in our community. Listen to the nudges of the Holy Spirit. Share in the ministries that are offered. Speak up, and speak out, for those who do not have a voice. But most of all, love all who come into your life, for we are all children of God, walking this path of faith together.

I hope and pray you will be able to enjoy your favorite summer time activities and foods! I also hope and pray that you will see what God is doing in your life and be able to respond with, “Here I am, Lord. Use me!”

Blessings, Pastor Karin

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Staff Parish Relations Committee Announcement

We are grateful beyond words to announce that Pastor Ken Suhr and Pastor Karin Ellis are continuing their appointments with us here at Aldersgate. We have learned that our Methodist ministry is indeed itinerant and are appreciative of the fact that Ken and Karin will be with us for the coming year and, we hope, many more years.

Join us as we share God’s goodness for these two wonderful souls.

If you need prayers for yourself, a family member or a friend, you are

invited to contact: Karen Pinney

Prayer Chain Coordinator, at (714) 542-5936.

All prayer requests are given to the pastors and office staff, who pray together weekly. Let us support you in prayer. If you are interested in becoming a member of the prayer chain, please contact the church office.

Remember these people in your prayers We Rejoice . . . …with everyone starting new adventures in their lives We grieve with. . . …everyone suffering loss and grief We pray for . . . ...Rain, Peace, Our military personnel & their families, Ceil Kirby-Morgan, Janet Prichard, Michael Klein, Kristin Chahbazian, Betty Hall, Jan Stuart, Jane Elliott, Charlene Horning, Richard Hall Our Homebound Aldersgate Family: Jenni Chatterton, Marilyn Surberg, Kathy Dalton, Kathy Kelso Extended Family: Max Wilford, Geraldine Eslick, Shannon Mudry, Cheryl Stark, Diane Bender, Mary Sue Moore, Charles Chapman, Robin Cline Hinton, Douglas & Kay Barre, Mary Wenzel, Matilda Standiford, Nancy Thorpe, Marlene Denniston, Lora Mulligan, Eathen Goldberg, Talia Bradley, Marcy Fisher, Arline Stevens, Andrew Morgan, Charline Babb, Bob Morgan

BeFriender Ministers The BeFriender ministry of Aldersgate is a listening presence. This ministry is not a ministry of "doing", but of "being,"--being present and listening quietly. Everyone is, at times, on a difficult journey and needs a caring companion who will listen, empathize, and be a reminder of a caring, faith community. All requests and meetings are confidential. This ministry comes under the umbrella of the Care and Nurture team. If you are interested, or know of someone who might be, do not hesitate to contact Elsie Hale or the church office.

Prayer Shawl Ministry... ...meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm in the Fireside Room. If you are interested in being part of this important and meaningful ministry, please feel free to attend a meeting—even if you have no experience, there are knitters and crocheters willing to help those that are just getting started. Please feel free to contact Phyllis Gavitt if you have any questions or need further information about the group.

GriefShare meets on Sundays at 2:30pm in the Church Library. Contact Elsie Hale at (714) 838-4111 or Mary Lynn Norby at (714) 832-4678 for more information.

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The mission of the Mission/Outreach Team is to connect Aldersgate congregants with our neighbors in need, both near and far, by providing opportunities for ministry through our support and strength so that God’s presence and unconditional love may be experienced.

Sunday Supper - Serving Our Community Supported by proceeds from Fall Fest, your donations, and the loving labor of our volunteers.

Sunday Supper has served thousands of weekly meals over the last seven years. Participants are seniors, families with children, men and women who live on the streets. The people we serve live on a limited income and their lives are complicated. They know that for a few hours each Sunday they will be served a delicious meal, treated with respect, and welcomed back the following week. There are no eligibility or ID requirements.

In addition to supper, guests may select from a variety of take home groceries and hygiene items. Our once a week meal and grocery market distribution seeks to support those families and individuals who do not have enough to eat each week. We recognize that hunger is a hidden issue in our community.

Partner congregations currently hosting Sunday Supper are: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Pre School, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Congregation B’nai Israel, Trinity Episcopal Church, The River Church, and Unity of Tustin. Approximately 150 volunteers participate in Sunday Supper’s operation each month. The interfaith and community aspect of Sunday Supper is our greatest strength. By working together and using our human and financial resources, we are able to focus on hunger solutions in our community.

When: Every third Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Aldersgate UMC hosts dinner. Our partner congregations host on the other Sundays. Next date: July 21.

Volunteers: Over 35 volunteers prepare and serve supper each time. New volunteers are always welcome! Youth must be 13 or older. Contact: Ann DiPlacito, diplacito@aol.com

Volunteer Spotlight Maryann Hambly is a volunteer extraordinaire who has a special heart for our guests; she knows many by name. Over seven years, she has worn many hats and is willing to do any job needed: manager, grocery give-away coordinator, server, beverage server, dish washer, and even vacuum operator. She also serves on the Sunday Supper board and tracks the weekly attendance of all the congregations for Second Harvest Food bank. Most importantly, she is an encourager and brings a warm, loving spirit to guests and volunteers alike. She is a blessing!

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The youth started the month of June with a wonderful Youth Sunday worship service! We had 43 youth involved in the service, and they did it all! The singing, the dancing, the messages, the prayers, the musicians, the reviews, all of it for the glory of God! We welcomed our incoming 6th grade youth, and we gave them each a youth shirt and a pair of decorated socks for our broom ball games. We recognized all of our acolytes, and gifts were given to our graduating acolytes Devon, Gillian, Ellie, and Emma. We celebrated our graduating seniors as they move on from youth group to college and our young adult group. Thank you Gillian Mager, Ellie Warren, Devon Anderson, Veronica Perez, Emma Payne, Tallie Thayer, and Zela Chahbazian for your time and dedication to the people of our church. Your faith has continued to grow as you continued to show God and Christ to each of us through your words and deeds. Thank you to everyone who helped put the worship together (Pastor Karin, Jennifer Kelly, Matt Spencer, Maeve Foster), and thank you to the members of our church for your constant love and support that you show our youth every time we are together. It was a great service!

On July 1st our Senior High SSP team leaves for their week of service in Smith River near the Oregon border. The adults on that team are Scott Wilmoth, Tom Conklin, Keith Kuntz, John Dulebohn, and Terri Rhodes. On July 2nd our Junior High SSP team leaves for their week of service in San Diego. The adults on that team are Jack Murrieta, Jeanie Dreyer, and Sahra Tanikawa. Thank you all for being the hands of Christ to those in need, and we look forward to sharing the serving experiences with everyone soon.

Right after SSP we will begin our summer camps! Elementary Camp begins July 10th, junior high camp begins July 16th, and senior high camp begins July 23rd. Thanks to all the youth and adults who have volunteered to be on staffs at these camps because you continue to show God and Christ to our youth through the camping ministry.

July is a busy month, and that's how we like it.

Thanks for all that you do for our youth!

Blessings,

Scott Wilmoth, Youth Director

Youth News! Scott Wilmoth - Youth Director

The 2017 Cal-Pac Annual Conference (Theme: “From Here to There”) was held again this year at the University of Redlands June 14-17. In addition to our Clergy Members Ken and Karin, Aldersgate was officially represented by Lay Members Judy Dickinson and me. It was the first Annual Conference presided over by our “new” Bishop Grant Hagiya.

Through the years I’ve attended several Annual Conferences as both visitor and official lay member, but this one stood out to me for the overall atmosphere of love and mutual respect. We are a very diverse conference, possibly the most diverse within our Western Jurisdiction and the entire General Conference, and that diversity was to me a beautiful thing to behold and experience and is, I believe, one of the real strengths of our Conference.

The proceedings opened on Wednesday with a 3:00 PM worship service that included an inspiring Episcopal Address by Bishop Hagiya which set the tone for all that was to follow. After the initial plenary session we broke for dinner, followed by separate clergy and laity sessions which prepared us all for what was to follow.

Thursday began with morning worship led by Strength for the Journey, followed by another plenary session. After lunch each voting member was assigned to one of eight “legislative sessions” which met to discuss and vote on the various rule changes, resolutions, recommendations and constitutional amendments that had been submitted by various UMC entities for action by the Conference. All but three of the legislative items qualified for the “consent calendar” and were ultimately approved by the whole body, and the remaining three were quickly dealt with. The annual Memorial Service followed dinner, with our own beloved Helen Waterson included among the honorees.

After Friday morning worship and some additional Conference business I attended the annual Missionary Luncheon during which Romy del Rosario’s retirement was recognized. Aldersgate received certificates acknowledging World Service, Conference apportionments, and missionary support paid in full. We were among the top five congregations in the South District in per capita giving. Following the afternoon plenary session and dinner the clergy retirees were recognized and honored in a special evening service.

Saturday began with an upbeat worship service led by the “Young People” of our Conference. During the afternoon plenary session the inaugural “2017 Bishop’s Awards for Lifetime Achievement” were presented to Rev. Dr. John Cobb, Gaunnie Hardin Dixon, Becky Hasse, Stephen Harbison, Byron Hayes, and James Lawson. Following the dinner break the Conference concluded with the annual Commissioning & Ordination Service, which included the commissioning of Erin Stenberg, daughter of our own Gary & Joyce Stenberg, as a Provisional Elder.

Each plenary session was preceded by some “messaging moments”. Presented by various individuals and groups, these focused on the Conference theme that the Bishop elaborated on in his opening remarks and urged us to redirect our focus from the “what” to the “why” of our ministry to each other and a constantly changing world, with the emphasis on love over doctrine.

Judy and I are happy to answer any questions you may have, and if you are curious to actually see what the Annual Conference experience looks like there are many videos you can view online by going to www.calpacumc.org and clicking on “Menu”, then “The Latest”, then “Annual Conference 2017”. I believe the Preliminary Report and Conference Minutes are also available to read if you are interested in the content of the legislative items and the discussions that took place in the various sessions. And if you’ve never attended Annual Conference I encourage you to visit next year. You’ll not only learn a lot about the United Methodist Church and how it operates, but I’m confident you will also be inspired and spiritually renewed and challenged.

Cal-Pac Annual Conference Report Dave Kendall – Lay Member

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At the June 6 Church Council meeting, our leaders took several actions, including the following: ● Endorsed changing the time of worship to 9am (from 10am) effective September 10, 2017. This change was recommended by the Worship Team, which noted a drop in worship and GIFT/small group attendance by parents since we changed to the 10am service two years ago. A 9am service also creates the ability to add a second, later service in the future. Communication about the upcoming change will occur throughout

the summer. ● Approved the Fall Fest Team’s recommendation for allocating Fall Fest 2017 proceeds. For the third year in a row,

50% will be allocated to the Children’s Center for scholarships and other critical needs, and 50% will be allocated for Missions and Outreach to use towards a mix of local and international programs. Opportunities to become a sponsor of Fall Fest will be available on the patio following worship starting this month.

● Approved a recommendation from the Trustees to install a safety rail around the pulpit. The rail will wrap around the pulpit wall and be the same “Aldersgate bronze” tone as the one by the Peace Garden.

● Discussed the success of the small groups and the results of a participant survey, which received a 66% response rate. The survey showed 97% of respondents reporting high satisfaction with their small group experience. The small groups are continuing, and members will continue to be encouraged to join a small group if they are not in one already. Sunday morning small groups will meet following the 9am worship beginning September 10, unless the group decides to meet on a different day/time.

● Discussed the upcoming church directory and its benefits for connecting members, including a donation to AUMC for 5% of the portraits purchased. We all look forward to getting our new directory this fall.

● Discussed progress on updating the church website, which should be launched very soon. If you would like more information about Church Council, who serves on it, and what we do, please contact Cathy Standiford, Church Council Chair, or one of the Pastors. The Church Council meets next on Tuesday, 9/5 at 6pm.

Stewardship & Finance Update Cathy Standiford – Stewardship Chair

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first of your crops. Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will burst with wine. Proverbs 4:9-10 (CEB)

The first half of the financial year is almost over, and we continue to be inspired by your faithful giving to Aldersgate and its ministries. As the chart below shows, our income through the end of May has continued to exceeded expenses by approximately $27,600. This is largely the result of good stewardship on the part of staff and church leaders to carefully control expenditures and use eligible dedicated funds where possible. Giving is slightly off, but is much closer to target than we have seen in past years. Thank you for your faithful contributions!

*Other income includes Aldersgate Children’s Center contributions, facility use, special donations and interest. However, we must not rest on our blessed assurances! Summer is typically a time when our income can be affected by vacations, which may keep us from attending worship and putting that important envelop in the offering plate. One way to ensure our income remains steady through the summer month is to give through electronic funds transfer (EFT). Giving online is safe, secure--even more so than check writing--and ensures your pledge commitments stay on track. Please see the attached flyer for more information and the sign-up form. Your faithful stewardship ensures Aldersgate’s continued financial stability. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to financially support AUMC’s ministries and programs through regular giving—and for sharing your time and talents, too! If you have any questions about stewardship, online giving, or how to leave a lasting legacy, please don’t hesitate to ask Cathy Standiford, Judy Dickinson, or any member of the Finance Committee!

Through 5/31 YTD Actual YTD Budget Actual to Budget Difference

Giving $225,407 $230,125 $4,718

Other Income* $46,979 $47,708 $729

Expense $244,793 $295,408 $50,615

Net Income/Expense $27,593 YTD $45,168

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Electronic Giving is a secure, convenient, consistent way to help Aldersgate all year round

Support the work of Aldersgate through Electronic Giving. Have your weekly or monthly contribution debited from your checking or savings account and transferred into the church account safely and electronically. You will no longer need to write out checks and prepare envelops every week. Even when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending worship, your electronic contributions will continue to be received on an uninterrupted basis.

Year Round Stewardship

Electronic Giving is Good for You!

Provides convenience for you

Keeps you on track with stewardship commitments

Guarantees your uninterrupted support

Electronic Giving is Good for AUMC!

Provides much-needed donation consistency

Saves church staff time

Adds greater security in the church office

Has a positive impact on the environment

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Worship Time Change On Sunday, September 10, our worship service time is changing to 9:00AM.

Sunday School will be offered during worship (after the Children’s Moment) for children Pre-K through 5th grade.

Youth Bible Study for Jr. & Sr. High Youth will also be during worship. The 2nd Sunday of each month will continue to be Family Worship—4th grade and up remain in worship. Small Groups & GIFT classes will occur after the Coffee Fellowship Time on the patio. Childcare for infants and toddlers will be available in the Green & Blue Rooms downstairs in the

Administration Building from 8:30am to 11:30am.

Connecting Through Small Groups Are you feeling like you’re going from one task or event to another, hoping that each “moment” is worth it... and then, you hopefully get some sleep and do it all over again? While moments are important, what is the bigger picture? What are all our moments for?

As we take time this summer to reflect and consider our Fall schedules, let us remember that from the very beginning, God said it is not good for us to be alone. We are relational beings created in the image of our relational God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). We are created to be in relationship with God, with one another, and to care

for our world. Although there have been great kingdom moments and large gatherings over the years, the Jesus movement, the Church movement, and the Methodist movement have always been carried by small gatherings of people who met regularly and devotedly.

This Fall, Aldersgate is putting a priority on being not only a church of “moments,” but a church that is part of God’s relational “movement” that transforms lives and communities. This Fall, you are invited to join a small gathering of people that are devoted to God, to one another, and to the transformation of our world.

WHAT will we do in these groups? Connect... to God, to One Another, and to the Disconnected Grow... to be more like Jesus in love and wisdom Serve... others in need for the glory of God

HOW will we treat each other in these groups? Grace... Everybody’s welcome (Romans 15:7) Honesty... Nobody’s perfect (James 5:16) Encouragement... Anything’s possible (Hebrews 10:24-25)

WHEN will the groups meet? Sundays- 10AM- Starting on Sept.10, there will be groups meeting after the 9AM service. Various Times- There will be groups that meet during the week.

HOW do I sign up? Contact the Office- A simple email or phone call with your name. Start Your Own Group- If you would like to start your own group or facilitate a group, we will provide

you weekly group guides and leadership support.

Our culture today lives for moments (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), but our souls were created to be a part of God’s relational movement... that meets the depths of people’s souls and brings transformation and new life. Will you take a bold step this Fall, and join the movement?

Prayer Connection: Join Us! The women of Aldersgate meet for prayer and conversation twice a month. We would love to have more of you join us as you are able. What do we do? Well, we welcome each other and share joys and concerns. Much of our time together is spent talking and listening to one another. We strongly feel that conversation is also a method of praying and we enjoy “keeping our eyes open” to each other and what is on our hearts. We are supportive and compassionate about the power of prayer. As our dear friend, Helen Waterson said, “Listen, Lord, Listen. Not to our words, but to our prayers.” We hold her words dear and would love to have more join us. We have a regular group of five women who meet on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month in the Jr. High Room from 9am-10am. If you have questions, please contact Cheryl Hartley, Betty Anne Kreutziger, or Sue Bishop. Cheryl: chartley05@ca.rr.com Betty Anne: bettyannkreutziger@sbcglobal.net Sue: suebishop@cox.net

CHILDREN’S CENTER NEWS! July Fundraiser:

Ruby’s Diner “Fun” Raiser! Join your Aldersgate Family for an all-day event at the Ruby’s Diner located at 13102 Newport Ave., Tustin (714)838‐7829 on Monday, July 24 from 11am‐9pm. The Children’s Center receives 20% of sales generated by Aldersgate. Simply present the Ruby’s Diner flyer available at the Children’s Center Office. See you there!

Our Thank Goodness It’s Wednesday night summer barbeques are every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 6pm on the patio. Hot dogs and burgers (beef, turkey, salmon), all the trimmings, salad, beans, fruit and dessert. Please join us for great food and fellowship!

$5 per person and $15 maximum per family.

Sharing Our Stories (SOS) Our SOS speaker will be Jackie Powell. Please join us for Jackie's interesting life traveling the world with her husband and four children. July 20th, Fireside room at 10am. Refreshments served.

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Sunday Schedule * Worship at 10am *

* Adult Christian Education at 9am. * * Childcare provided at 9am and for infants

& toddlers from 9am through worship Christian Education for children offered after

Children’s Moment in worship *

1201 Irvine Boulevard * Tustin CA 92780

Phone: 714.544.3653 Fax: 714.544.8894 E-mail: office@aumctustin.org

www.aumctustin.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Aldersgate Motto “We’re Here for Good”

Purpose To welcome, accept and equip our community

to share Christ’s love in meaningful service.

We are guided by these principles: Faith grounded in Scripture

Spiritual Curiosity

Gratitude

Inclusion

Meaningful Relationships

Accountability

Love and Grace

Prayer