SEPTMEBER 1, 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9

TTTTHEHEHEHE WWWWARMARMARMARM HHHHEARTEARTEARTEART THE NEWSLETTER OF ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Aldersgate Church is a caring and affirming Christ-centered fellowship, lay-led and community focused.

FROM PASTOR SYLVIA GOOD OLD SCHOOL DAYS

On August 30th we will be celebrating education at Aldersgate beginning with a brunch at 9:30 a.m. where we will celebrate all the wonderful opportunities we have for Christian education through Sunday School classes and Bible studies and small groups. At our 10:30 a.m. worship service we will have a special prayer and blessing of the backpacks for our children and youth who have started back to school.

My eight years of elementary education took place at Shepherd Elementary School. I can still see the building and its layout in my mind, as well as the playground and ball fields; although, a new building has been built in recent years, so it no longer looks the same.

I can also remember each one of my teachers: 1st grade-----Mrs. Gudger, who taught us to read from the big book on an easel the adventures of Dick, Jane, Sally, and Spot. 2nd grade-----Mrs. Shinn, a white-haired, soft-spoken woman who taught us to write in cursive. 3rd grade-----Mrs. Brown who called me down for talking. 4th grade-----Mrs. Hethcox, a strict disciplinarian, but wonderful teacher, who evoked fear and tremendous respect. 5th grade-----Mrs. Moore, who taught us all the required things but also taught us music and French. 6th grade-----Mr. Harrington, who often dozed off in the afternoons much to our mischievous pleasure. 7th grade-----Mrs. McLean, a truly wonderful teacher who made learning fun and also introduced us to drama in our great production of “I Remember Mama.” 8th grade-----Mr. Johnson, who was also the school principal, who instilled confidence within me as he gave me responsibilities in the school office and in watching over classes when teachers had to be out of their rooms.

I received a foundation during those eight years that proved invaluable in my life. Let us be thankful for all those teachers (and others) who have influenced us in profound ways, and let us be challenged to live our lives in such a way that others can say the same about us.

Grace & peace, Pastor Sylvia

F INANCES

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RECORD OF OUR FAITHFULNESS AND STEWARDSHIP

CONTRIBUTIONS MONTHLY YEAR-TO-DATE

BY OUR GIFTS AS OF: 07/31/15 07/31/15 Offering Received 46,710 345,067 Budget 51,362 359,597 Over (Under) Budget (4,651) (14,529) Bldg. Fund Balance: 16,213 Bldg. Receipts: 3,912 Bldg. Loan Balance: 82,809 By Our Presence 07/05 07/12 07/19 07/26 Sunday School 101 163 149 163 8:30 A.M. Worship 111 130 130 125 11:00 A.M. Worship 118 155 117 105

DENNIS MAIONE TO SPEAK AT ALDERSGATE!

Dennis Maione keeps bumping up against cancer. Diagnosed with a colorectal tumor as a student and young newly-wed, he thought his subsequent victory would set him up for a straight run at life. A decade later, however,

he found out he carried a cancer gene. Fifteen years after his first diagnosis, the father of three faced a recurrence, the second round exacting a higher toll. Dennis has wrestled a strong enemy with grace, wit, and humour. What I Learned From Cancer chronicles cancer, genetics, and medicine, but mostly hope. Insights into the soul of a cancer survivor abound throughout the narrative, reflective essays, and conversations with a doctor. You’ll meet the community around Dennis, many physicians—good and bad—and heroes in the unlikeliest of places. -McNally Robinson Booksellers Aldersgate is pleased to inform you that Dennis Maione will be our guest speaker on Tuesday, September 22nd, at 6:30 P.M. in Epworth. Dennis’ story will touch all our lives; including the lives of cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families. You are encouraged to invite friends and neighbors as this FREE event is open to the community at large.

Aldersgate will provide meals for the men’s shelter now located at 1100 Buffalo Street and Lighthouse (women’s shelter) on the second Sunday of each month. Below you will find the schedule and procedures. September 13th - Aldersgate Youth October 11th - Sanctuary Choir November 8th - Chancel Choir December 13th - To be scheduled

Meals should be packaged separately for the two shelters and delivered by 6:00 P.M. to both shelters. Thank you for participating in the ministry! Call Jeanne Patterson 704.472.1123 or Garnette Walls 704.487.0413 with any question you might have.

CLEVELAND COUNTY RESCUE MISSION MEALS 2015

THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2015

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Sunday Worship Schedule Unless Noted Otherwise: 8:30 A.M. Informal Worship - Sanctuary 9:45 A.M. Sunday School for all ages 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary

Tuesday, September 1st 5:00 P.M. Stephen Ministers - Fellowship Class 6:00 P.M. Worship Committee - Middle High Class 6:15 P.M. 3F Basketball - Gym

Wednesday, September 2nd 2:30 P.M. Full Staff Meeting - Fellowship Class 5:30 P.M. Service of Communion & Healing 6:30 P.M. Staff Parish - Bible Class

Thursday, September 3rd 9:30 A.M. Believe Bible Study - Small Dining Room

Sunday, September 6th

Monday, September 7th LABOR DAY CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, September 8th 12:00 P.M. Circle of Hope - Small Dining Room Please note day change for the month of September only! 6:15 P.M. 3F Basketball - Gym

Wednesday, September 9th 5:30 P.M. Service of Communion & Healing

Thursday, September 10th 9:30 A.M. Believe Bible Study - Small Dining Room

Saturday, September 12th 7:00 A.M. Country Breakfast - Epworth

Monday, September 14th 9:00 A.M. Apple Butter Cooking - Kitchen 6:00 P.M. Emmaus - Middle High Class 7:15 P.M. Disciple III - Middle High Classroom

Tuesday, September 15th 3:30 P.M. Revelation Bible Study - Middle High 5:00 P.M. Stephen Ministers - Fellowship Class 6:15 P.M. 3F Basketball - Gym 6:30 P.M. Stewardship Cmte. - Pastor’s Office 6:45 P.M. Apple Butter Cmte. - Small Dining Room

Wednesday, September 16th 5:30 P.M. Service of Communion & Healing 5:30 P.M. Junior and Cherub Choir Practice 6:00 P.M. Fellowship Meal - Epworth

Thursday, September 17th 9:30 A.M. Believe Bible Study - Small Dining Room

Saturday, September 19th 7:00 A.M. YARD SALE - Epworth

Sunday, September 20th 12:30 P.M. UMW - Unit Meeting

Monday, September 21st 9:00 A.M. Apple Butter Cooking - Kitchen 7:15 P.M. Disciple III - Middle High Classroom

Tuesday, September 22nd 3:30 P.M. Revelation Bible Study - Middle High 6:30 P.M. “How I Survived Cancer” Program - Epworth (See article on page two.)

Wednesday, September 23rd 5:30 P.M. Service of Communion & Healing 5:30 P.M. Junior and Cherub Choir Practice

Thursday, September 24th 9:30 A.M. Believe Bible Study - Small Dining Room

Saturday, September 26th HOMECOMING SET UP - Epworth

Sunday, September 27th HOMECOMING! 9:45 A.M. Abbreviated Sunday School Time 10:30 A.M. Combined Worship Service 12:00 P.M. Covered-Dish Lunch - Epworth

Monday, September 28th 9:00 A.M. Apple Butter Cooking - Kitchen 7:15 P.M. Disciple III - Middle High Classroom

Tuesday, September 29th 3:30 P.M. Revelation Bible Study - Middle High 6:15 P.M. 3F Basketball - Gym 6:45 P.M. Apple Butter Cmte. - Small Dining Room

Wednesday, September 30th 5:30 P.M. Service of Communion & Healing 5:30 P.M. Junior and Cherub Choir Practice

HOMECOMING 2015!

Aldersgate will celebrate 61 years of service to our Lord on Sunday, September 27th. We are delighted to have Rev. Frank Stith joining us as guest speaker. An abbreviated Sunday school time will take place at 9:45 A.M. We will enjoy one combined worship service at 10:30 A.M. and a covered-dish meal afterwards in Epworth. Mark you calendar and plan to attend along with family and friends!

CARDS FOR M ISSIONS

The Cards for Missions project donated $100 to the youth program thanks to our Aldersgate family!

CHILDREN’S NEWS

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Sunday, August 30th: We will celebrate education at a Fifth Sunday Brunch at 9:30 A.M. where children will have the opportunity to meet their 2015-2016 Sunday school teachers. The brunch will be followed by one worship service at 10:30 A.M.

Mark your calendars, tune up your voices, and make plans to get back together with your friends(new and old)! The Junior Choir and the Cherub choir will start practicing on Wednesday, Sept 16th, at 5:30 P.M. The Cherub Choir will meet in the Children's Choir Room and the Junior Choir will meet in the Bayliss Classroom. The Cherub choir is for children ages three through kindergarten. Junior choir is for first through fifth grades. Ms. Jessica and Ms. Norma look forward to singing praises with all the children!

Starting September 30th, first - fifth graders will enjoy a weekly Bible Study following choir, from 6:00-6:45 P.M. Also, the Cherub Choir will have a short devotional from 6:00-6:15 P.M. each week.

FROM M ISS L INDA ’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.” John 3:16

Linda shared the above scripture with her class, discussed it at length, then asked the children to write down how this verse makes them feel. Following are their unedited responses:

“That God loves me a lot . .” ---- Abby Peeler

“This is what the verse means to me. It means to me that your son is

son and you love us so much to do that for evreyone who belives.” - Katelyn Ivey

“It means to me to me that you love us and you want to spread it. It

also means to me that if we love you we will get to have eternal life.” - Melia Myers

“Thank you for sacraficing your son for us and helping us survive on

earth.” - Sophie Smart

“I just read this verse and it means more than anything to me. Thank

you soooooo much for letting us live!” - Cap Rullman

Everyone is encouraged to bring a package of new socks (all sizes) for the 2015 Christmas Store. Feel free to bring them to the Wednesday night Fellowship Meal or place them in the Graham Area bin located in the Welcome Center.

SOCKS IN SEPTEMBER !

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The Circle of Joy cordially invites all ladies who aren’t part of a Circle at Aldersgate to attend their monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 P.M. in the small dining room in Epworth. The first meeting will be held on September 8th!

SEPTEMBER FELLOWSHIP MEAL

FROM THE PLAYSCHOOL

CUB SCOUTS ARE BACK AT ALDERSGATE!

All boys first through fifth grades are invited to join our Pack which will meet downstairs in Epworth on Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:00 P.M. beginning August 25th. Our new Cubmaster has an exciting and fun year planned. For more information contact Cubmaster Betty Booth 704.692.4118 or Bettybooth553@yahoo.com You may also contact Scouting Coordinator, Kathy Norman klnorman@carolina.rr.com or just plan to be there on August 25th.

FROM THE CIRCLE OF JOY

The kitchen staff is looking forward to starting up our monthly fellowship meals. The first meal is planned for Wednesday, September 16th, at 6:00 P.M. in Epworth. On the menu: Hard Rock Café pulled chicken sandwiches, slaw, calico beans, hash brown potato casserole, and ice cream sandwich dessert We hope to keep the costs the same while providing a delicious meal; adult/youth $5 and children under six years $2 BE SURE TO MAKE A RESERVATION! The Fellowship Sunday School Class will be helping with this meal. Thanks! Nancy and Tricia

As you begin shopping for back to school supplies, please keep our church playschool in mind! Several items from which to choose are: baby wipes, Clorox Anywhere Spray, glue sticks, and computer copy paper

The playschool begins the new year on Tuesday, September 1st. You may drop off items in the church office or in Terri Tom’s office (our playschool director) located in the Wesley Building. Thank you ahead of time!

-The Aldersgate Playschool Committee

Start cleaning out those closets and storage spaces! A church-wide yard sale is planned for Saturday, September 19th. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Graham Area Christmas Store.

YARD SALE!

The Bell Choir will begin practicing on Sunday, September 13th. We have exciting new music for the 2016 Handbell Festival, and we plan to play carols during the Christmas season. If you would like to join us, we can always use more hands! Please contact Beth Lowe at belowe325@gmail.com or 704.480.7262.

FROM THE BELL CHOIR

PAGE 6 THE WARM HEART

FROM THE APPLE BUTTER PUBLICITY CHAIR

The Apple Butter Festival arrives at Aldersgate United Methodist church on Saturday, October 17, 2015. A day of fun, food and fellowship, starting at 9 and ending at 4. Seven hours that will be packed with fun, food, music and much more, pleasing to not only our members, friends, and families, but the community, far and wide.

What is an Apple butter Festival?? Well, you surely by now have heard it mentioned a few times? If you still do not understand, try thinking of a festival with apple butter as the star of the show, and made by none other than Aldersgate’s great cooks! Accompanying the sale of apple butter will be other great foods, from breakfast items, to brunch,snacks and lunch. Musical entertainers from gospel to pop, and including will known, local blue grass pickers, will fill the days agenda and keep you entertained while you cruise the campus indoors and out. An array of vendors will be available with an assortment of tempting items and fun things to do, making this a festival for all ages, with events and activities for everyone!

The United Methodist Women are inviting all church members, Sunday school classes, and special groups within the church to be a part of this community wide event! Volunteers have been working already, planning for events to be enjoyed and remembered by the entire community. Your gifts of time, contributions and attendance will be appreciated, as the event unfolds to the delight of all who are involved. Your participation is important and will assure the success and anticipated possibililty of making the Apple Butter Festival a yearly event.

In addition to providing opportunity for many people to experience Christian love and hospitality, funds raised during the event will benefit women’s and children’s programs of the church, in the community and the world.

If you or your group has something to offer to the success of this event please contact Charlotte Jackson,_704 484 3266_or Rene Bumbaugh_7044871552_. Lots of fun and work yet to be done. We look forward to hearing from you.

-By Libbie Shipley

Your Aldersgate Methodist Men’s group is somewhat like the U.S. Army; “We are looking for a few good men.” Like many organizations, we’re interested in attracting some younger men. To put younger in its proper perspective, our group now has a median age of around 70. That gives youth a whole new perspective; to us, 60 is considered youth. We would also consider 50’s and 60’s as desirable youth groups. To all Methodist men we offer: a group of guys interested in giving back to the church, Christian camaraderie with other believers, and the ability to make a difference in people’s lives who may not be as fortunate as others. We meet on the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 P.M. in the small dining room in Epworth. The meetings will be over by 7:00 P.M. Along with the Methodist Women, we serve our country breakfast the second Saturday of each month from 7:00 A.M. until 9:30 A.M. We are always looking for help and we can find a place for you. Our operating capital comes from our annual golf tournament. We always need workers, golfers, and hole sponsors. This is a fun and productive weekend. We’re always looking for workers in our building projects to help others. In all these projects, we work hard, we accomplish something, and we enjoy the company of other men from Aldersgate. Can you give one hour per month to the Aldersgate Men? This is an excellent way to make Christian friends. - By George Shipley

FROM THE UNITED METHODIST MEN

PAGE 7 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9

FALL BIBLE STUDIES!

BELIEVE Living The Story Of The Bible To Become Like Jesus Grounded in carefully selected Scripture, Believe, is a unique spiritual growth experience that takes you on a journey to think, act, and be more like Jesus. General editor and pastor Randy Frazee walks you through the ten key beliefs of the Christian faith, the ten key Practices of a Jesus-follower, and the ten key Virtues that characterize someone who is becoming more like Jesus. Sound interesting? You are invited to join Pastor Jamie and the Thursday morning Bible study group in the small dining room at 9:30 A.M. beginning September 3rd. WHAT DID JOHN REALLY SEE? Join Pastor Sylvia as she explores the book of Revelation on Tuesdays beginning September 15th, at 3:30 P.M. in the Middle High Classroom. This study will run through mid-November. DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDIES will continue this fall with Disciple III. Disciple III is a study of the prophets in the Old Testament and the letters of Paul in the New Testament. Disciple III will be lead by Dick and Carolyn Strachan on Monday evenings at 7:15 P.M. in the Middle High Classroom starting in early September. We would love to have you join us as we weave our way through the stories of God's ministers of the Old and New Testaments. Please indicate your interest in joining this class by letting Gay Bowen know by phone 704.487.8491 or by email gbowen@aldersgateshelby.com. DSCOVERING GOD’S VISION FOR YOUR LIFE As believers we are called to a ministry. The Bible tells us we are given a ministry according to our gifts. How do we know what our gifts are? Are our gifts always in “alignment” with the ministry we want to do? Do we have different gifts at different times in our lives? If you have ever pondered these questions, then this study is for you! You are invited to join Nell Shrum on Mondays beginning September 14th, at 6:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Classroom. MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE by Adam Hamilton will be facilitated by Burney Drake on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 P.M. in the Fellowship Classroom. If you ever have questions about certain scriptures, or if you have wrestled with understanding the Bible, then this is the Bible study for you!

STEPHEN M INISTRY ALERT!

The Stephen Ministry Leaders are planning to start a class in mid October. We need persons who are willing to walk the journey with someone who is facing life’s difficulties and could benefit from a listening ear. The person would be with them while they are going through troubled times. We need those who are willing to commit to the program and take the 50 hour training class. This is a rewarding ministry and you will be blessed in many ways as you serve those in need. If you feel this is something GOD is calling you to do, please call JoAn Dear (704)472-1209 or Martha Morrison (704)300-0886 by September 21, 2015. You are asked to prayerfully consider this ministry.

PERPETUAL PRAYER LIST Robert Addington, Jr. Cecile Browning Dale Converse Jeff Cox Ashley & Samantha Dauphinais James Davis Connie DiLeo David Dycus Faith Sharers Graham School The Griffin Family Keith & Freida Hawkins Abigail Haynes J. Robert Hoyle Randy Hutchinson Mary Kachner Carl Lynn Polly Matthews Nita Mauney Cortney Pierce Janice Poston Thomas Prevatt Ralph Schmitt Renee Sigmon Stark Family Roy & Ruth Swofford Harold & Billie Watson

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

MEMORIALS & HONORARIA

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RECENT REQUESTS If you wish to add or remove a name from our list, contact the church office, otherwise names will remain on the list for a month. Norm & Mary Ann Bartrug Kevin Beaver C.J. Canipe Zeb Campbell, son of Connie Campbell Jo Ann Floyd Vivian Fogle Edwin Ford Mabel Greene Tommy Greene B.J. Hopper Everett Hoyle, Jr. Rusty McDonald Linda McNeary Carolyn Ross Billie Watson Brandon Wease Dale Winn Joe Winn, father of Dale Winn Joyce Woodard

SYMPATHY

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of Renee Sigmon, daughter of Gary & Shirley Murray, and Alana Davis daughter of Mary Anne Davis. May they know the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Memorials for Bob Arey: Elizabeth Clay, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ivey

Memorials for Alana Davis: Ann Shuford, Katherine Rankin, Mabel Froneberger, Mr. & Mrs. Miles Whitaker, Mary Warren Pinnell, Melanie McDaniel, Elizabeth Giles, Aldersgate Young at Heart, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Burton, Mr. & Mrs. Terry Andrews, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Neal, Angela Hester, Vicki Spencer, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Young, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Gentry, Siler City Country Club, Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class, Charles Duval, Mr. & Mrs. Boyte Lutz, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Hoyle, Mr. & Mrs. Dick Strachan, Mr. & Mrs. Matt McNeary, Elouise Vardeman, Jo Strickland, Mr. & Mrs. Veryl Elston, Elizabeth Humphries, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Montague, Mr. & Mrs. Rick Wright, Ennis Johnson, Jacquie Brunnick, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Peeler, Sarah Beam, Mr. & Mrs. Dale Winn

Memorials for Billy Howell: Jane Matthews

Memorials for Renee Sigmon: Elouise Vardeman, Gay Bowen, Jo Strickland, Ann Shuford, Katherine Rankin

Memorial for Hannah Twomey: Gay Jolley

Honorarium for Jim & Lib Still: Carolyn Ross

THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for the prayers, hugs, cards, calls, and being at the receiving for the Celebration of Life Service for my daughter, Renee Little Sigmon. The year long journey was more bearable because of all the love you gave my family! Thank you all very much! - Shirley and Gary Murray

Aaron Allen Charles Barefoot Brandon Edwards Troy Goss Justus Henkel Clifton Hoyle Julia Jablonski Rob Jones Colby Kiser

1st Meredith Burton

3rd Lindsay Carter Vera Lanier Charles Peeler Ruth Swofford

4th Matthew Mayes Merle Rakerd

5th Jo Ann Floyd Casey Johnson Haley Johnson Mitch Lipscomb

6th Brooke Lutz Bill Robinson

8th Paula Barringer

10th Carol Church Linda Ritchie

11th Hayden Corley

12th Michele Blackman Marilyn Dycus

13th Susan White

PAGE 9 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9

James Lovelace Sadie Lovelace John Lewis Rom Meares David Myers Jennifer Myers Dillon Peeler Scott Richard

14th Blanche Teele Mary Ann Trice

15th Clay Arey Mary Hamrick Carolyn Ross

16th Karen Hubbard

17th Reese Arey

18th Randall Saxon

19th Carl Lynn Patty Mitchell

20th Anne Davis Charles Duval

21st Kim Pearson Linzy Pruitt

22nd Randy Hutchinson

23rd Katelyn Ivey David Lowe

24th Irene Delpino Sarah McBride Al Tate

27th Todd Cantrell Lynn Munoz

29th Claude Gamble Charlie McDonald Diane Tyndall

30th Jack Hoyle Krista Rockwell

THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

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Shelby, NC 28152

Permit No. 27

THE NEWSLETTER OF

ALDERSGATE UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH

1207 West Dixon Boulevard Shelby, NC 28152

704.487.8491 Return Service Requested

W E ’RE ON THE WEB!

www.a ldersgateshe lb y .com

Dear Friends: For nearly five years I have served as your music director, leading the choirs in rehearsals, in Sunday morning worship services, in special advent and holy week services, and in far too many funerals. Through it all you have enriched my life immeasurably by your Christian witness and service, by your commitment to the music ministry at Aldersgate, and by your friendship. My ministry among you will be coming to an end soon, as I have accepted the position of Music Director at Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, beginning in October of this year. When Steve Austin passed the baton to me at Aldersgate in 2010, he stated that that this would be the best church job I ever had, and he was right! You are a special group of people and I will miss working with you. . The timing of this transition coincides with increased responsibilities at my Converse College job. Many changes have been implemented at Converse, particularly in the School of Music, during this past school year. Beginning this fall, half of my teaching load will be in the School of Music and the other half in the Department of Theater and Dance, where I will be the Music Director for the new music theater program. I have a new college choral ensemble, and of course I will be involved with the Theatre Department's yearly musical production as well as the School of Music's opera production. The new church appointment in Spartanburg is a lighter load – one choir, one Sunday service at 11:00 A.M., and just minutes from Converse and my home. . In the weeks ahead I hope that I will be able to speak to all of you individually to thank you for the opportunity to serve you these past five years. You have been my church home, and I have been blessed by that experience. I pray that God will continue to bless the music ministry - and all of the ministries - at Aldersgate Shelby. Sincerely, Keith Jones

FROM THE CHOIR MASTER