Touching Hearts… Changing Lives Kingdom Focused Prayer for October October 2014, Volume 41, Number 10 Thank you for continuing to join with others of our Aldersgate congregation to pray for God to move in winning souls for His kingdom. October Events 1 Small Group on Future Family begins 2 Methodist Women 2 Coaches Meeting 3 Friday Night Chick Flick 4 Emergency Response Team Training 4 Youth Mentor Meet & Greet 4 Family Movie Night 5 Student Ministry Team Meeting 5 Mom’s Group Informational Meeting 6 - 10 Soup Kitchen 6 Trustees Meeting 10 Friday Night Chick Flick 11 Collins Pastors Conf. 12 Paul Nixon will preach in morning and speak to church leadership at 2 p.m. 13 “Good Grief” Group 14 Finance Committee 20 Pitcher & Towel Meeting 20 Education Committee 24 - 25 Jr Hi Ignition 26 Blood Pressure Screening 27 Staff/Parish Meeting 31 Trunk or Treat Our scripture for October is Matthew 6:33-34: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Please remember to pray this verse in faith that God will bless us as we faithfully continue to follow His direction with our Kingdom Focused Prayer. This is the qr code (quick response barcode) for directing people with smart phones/devices to our website. Inside this issue: From Pastor Tim 1 Foster Parents Bratwurst Dinner Sympathy Photo 2 Treasurer’s Reports Electronic Giving 3 Birthdays Thank You Methodist Women Moms’ Bible Study Birth 4 Photos 5 Youth Photo 6 Children’s Ministry Photo 7 Miscellaneous News 8 From Pastor Tim Ozment Collins Pastors (& Key Lay Leadership) Event and Church Event My premise is this: that God intends every servant of the Resurrected Christ to be a servant of life. God called all leaders, lay and clergy together, to lead healthy, growing spiritual movements. Any church can blossom and grow anywhere if it will become healthy enough spiritually and pays attention to the needs, experiences, and sensibilities of those it seeks to serve.… I invite you to declare that, from this moment forward, you refuse to simply go through the motions and play church. Paul Nixon, I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church There are two events the weekend of October 1112: Saturday, October 11 – Collins Event The first event is Saturday, October 11, from 9 am to 3 pm. Paul Nixon will lead us in a healthy discussion about what our congregations can do to reach new generations for Jesus. In the afternoon he will interview four unchurched/dechurched millennials about their involvement (or lack thereof) with church. It should prove to be an enlightening experience to hear firsthand what millennials actually think about church, care about in our world, and how they might be approached concerning their relationship with Jesus and His church. Part of Paul Nixon’s premise is that for too long congregations have relied upon the attractional method of evangelism and discipleship to get people into church. In spite of the fact that Jesus said, “Go and make disciples,” we have continued to say, “Come and be one of us.” We know that what used to work is no longer drawing people to Jesus. And those of us who have studied evangelism realize there is no magic solution to getting people to church. But, there are steps the church, and every disciple of Jesus, can take to engage those in the world. There is a deep discount for Aldersgate members. Contact the church office for this discount. Lunch is included and childcare is available for 6 month – 4 year olds. Sunday, October 12 – Church Event The second event is Sunday, October 12, from 2 to 4 pm. Paul Nixon will be speaking directly to our church leadership and others who are interested in the Readiness 360 survey that we conducted in August. He will walk us through the results of the survey, some of the implications, and then offer suggestions about where we might go from here. There will be plenty of time to ask questions, learn about what other healthy congregations are doing, and discuss the future of Aldersgate. There is no charge for this event, but please RSVP via the bulletin insert or contact the church office. Childcare is available for 6 month – 4 year olds. Return Service Requested 1201 N. Fair St Marion, IL 62959 ALDERSGATE UMC NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 94 MARION, IL 62959 Page 2 Volume 41, Issue 10 A Time For Celebration of 150 Years of Ministry at Aldersgate! Aldersgate News Page 7 From Our Children’s Minister—Debbie Randoll It is officially fall, and our fall programming is well underway! We are having a great turn-out for our Wednesday night KidMission time. We have added several new volunteers, for which I am very grateful because we have had a large increase in our attendance averaging 47 kids so far this month. Thank you to everyone who participated, prepared for, and cleaned up after our 150th Year Celebration! Change A Life—Become a Foster Parent Foster parents do more than open their homes; they open their hearts as well. Foster parents come from all walks of life: they may be single parents, they may be empty nesters or they may never have had children in their home before. What they all have in common is they want to make a difference by helping a child in need. You can make a difference in a child’s life, and you will be amazed with the difference it makes in yours. Would you be interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent? Call Beth Steinmetz at Illinois MENTOR at 618-7514809, Ext. 2530. Photo by Bill Swinford provided. Please sign up in the attendance registry or by calling the church office. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and/or lawn chairs. It will be a fun night of fellowship. Then on October 31 from 5-8 p.m. we will once again host our annual Trunk or Treat event. For those new to Aldersgate or It is so much fun to watch the kids unfamiliar with this event, families grow in their understanding of the park their decorated cars on the Bible and to see the friendships church parking lot and pass out that are being formed. I am so candy to our guests. Inside the blessed by the investment going ALC we have inflatable bounce into these kids’ lives by caring houses, slides and carnival type adults. games for the kids to enjoy. We also serve hotdogs, We have a couple of big events chips and drinks. coming up in October. The first will be our “Family Drive-In Movie We give away a girl’s Night.” We will be gathering at and a boy’s bicycle, 6:30 on October 4 in the grassy and our Evangelism area behind the church. Hot Committee hands out dogs, drinks and chips will be Bibles to any child that does not have one. This is a huge outreach event for our community that just keeps growing. Last year we served about 700 people. It takes many volunteers to make this event a success. Please come out and take part in offering our community’s children a safe, fun alternative to traditional Halloween. Look for sign-up sheets in the attendance registries or contact me directly. Who will win the Golden Pumpkin Award this year for the Best Decorated Car? I can’t wait to see!! Bratwurst Dinner Our Redeemer Lutheran Church will hold their annual Bratwurst Dinner on October 12 from 11 to 2. The menu includes smoked Bratwurst, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, applesauce, green beans, and homemade pie. The meal will be served family style all you can eat. Carry-out orders are welcomed by calling the church at 618-9935919. The cost is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Children under 2 eat free. Join in for food, fun, and fellowship!  Jason Olson and family are     mourning the death of his mother. Emma Lewis and family are mourning the death of her mother. Delores Kelton is mourning the death of her sister-in-law, Patricia Grant Carol Dagley and family are mourning the death of her husband Joe. David Cole and family are mourning the death of his mother, Helen. Sesquicentennial Service Our Junior Choir sings praises to our Lord! Photo by Bill Swinford Page 6 Aldersgate News From the Desk of the Student Ministry Director: Steven Wiseman From the Desk of Aldersgate Student Ministries—Lauren Cole It is my honor and privilege as the new Assistant Youth Director to be writing for the newsletter this month! Never in my wildest dreams would I have pictured myself on staff here at Aldersgate, but here I am and I am ready to go at full speed. As I prepare to walk alongside the students and staff, I am really looking forward to the endless possibilities that may come; bracing myself for the rollercoaster ride that is set before me. School is in full swing, the leaves are changing, and God continues to do great things within our Student Ministries. We started fall programming off with a bang, and we are only going to go up from there. As October quickly approaches, the youth staff is diligently working towards preparing for the awesome programs that are to come. In Junior High Ministry, we are gearing up for Ignition on October 24-25, which is a conference held in Troy, Illinois that focuses on worship, teaching, and with a splash of fun. But that is not all, oh that is definitely not all! Are you ready for this?! Basketball season is upon us! Aldersgate has a history of basketball excellence, and we plan on upholding that tradition. Registration forms were recently sent out in the mail, but if you are in 6th-12th grade and did not receive one and would like to join a team, please contact the youth staff at 997-6065 or drop by the office! Page 3 General Fund Report Building Fund Report August General Fund Receipts General Fund Expenses Children’s Ministry 1,659.30 Congregational Care 151.47 Education 403.10 Evangelism 42.00 Fellowship and Nurture 433.51 Missions 700.00 Pastor’s Discretionary Fund 21.90 Student Ministry 5,390.44 Worship 2,960.85 Young Adult Ministry 412.50 Organization and Connectional Ministry Personnel 38,146.69 Apportionments 8,152.00 Church Office 2,025.32 Insurance 5,167.00 Janitorial Supplies 175.60 Utilities 2,283.13 Property Maintenance & Improve. 4,037.13 Total Operating Expenses General Fund Expenses over Income Restricted Funds Income 2,710.75 Restricted Funds Expenses - 3,070.12 Restricted Funds Expenses over Income 8/31/14 Operating Cash Balance 8/31/14 Restricted Funds Cash Balance 8/31/14 Restricted Funds CD 8/31/14 General Fund CD 73,121.95 Beginning Cash Balance August receipts Total Cash Available August Disbursements: Service Charge 166,610.51 5,125,95 171,736.46 8.00 Total Disbursements 8.00 Internal Fund Transfer: *Payment from Capital Campaign loan Ending Balance 4,000.00 175,828.46 *Loan to Capital Campaign Account—on 01/01/2014, loan amount stood at 70,000.00. As of 08/31/2014, loan amount stands at $7,000. 72,161.94 960.10 -359.37 62,169.12 36,168.37 28,951.86 33,949.44 Capital Campaign Report Beginning Balance August receipts Total Cash Available Internal Fund Transfer: Payment on Capital Campaign loan Total Cash Available Disbursements: Ending Cash Balance 7.79 4,460.50 4,468.29 -4,000.00 468.29 0 468.29 One Step Closer A recent survey suggested that as many as 20% of people in the U.S. don’t carry cash or a checkbook. Their preferred method of payment is with a debit card or other electronic payment. Sesquicentennial Service September 21, 2014 Some of our youth participated in the Praise Band Photo by Bill Swinford possible by offering a method that matches your model of financial-reality. We’re a step closer to being able to receive offerings, gifts and donations by smart phones and smart devices, over the internet, and by credit For most of us, the way we and debit cards. We’re still give our tithes, gifts and investigating, but look for an offerings won’t change. The upcoming QR code in the Finance Committee wants to make giving to the church, and bulletin and newsletter, and giving back to God, as easy as look for a button similar to this one on our webpage in the next couple of months. Aldersgate News Volume 39, Issue 9 Page 4 4 Page PagePage 5 5 Volume 41, Issue 1 Notes of Thanks  Happy Birthday to You! 1 Linda Walker, Anne Eastman 3 Sandy Simpson, Marvelene Pate, Sonya Thompson, Laura Barnard 4 Tom Kelton, Susan Fosse 5 Joan Schelle 6 Amanda Reamey 7 Dawn Jackson, Rachel Stroud, David Studie, Kelsey Nicholas, Amy Scutt 8 Rachael, Corey, and Krista Petree, Veronica Parrish 9 Roy Hubbell 10 Don Behnke, Patty Peterson 11 Amber Mayfield 12 Roger Russell 13 Hannah Long 14 Jimmie Barter, Harper Smedshammer 15 Tracey Markley, Frances Pierce 16 Ouida Sumrall 18 Jamie Powell, Caleb George, Dalton Blandford, Richard Lautenbacher, Mark Johnson, Shawn Bowen, Malcolm Crow 19 Alice Seavers, Abby O’Keefe, Bryce Dallape 20 Justin Saddoris 21 Janis Brandt, Joy Sheppard, Lin Mahan 22 Abigail Bayer, Darlene Bakke 23 Henry Mitchell 24 Ray Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Leslie Johnson, Victoria Shore 25 Melissa Plant, Elizabeth Reynolds 26 Robyn Pankey, Steve McKinney, Nathan Young, Kristin Pitchford, Daphne Whiting, Carroll Ankrom, Larry Pitchford 27 Kyle Chiaventone 28 Noah Tate, Kevin Turner, Mona Leach 29 James Redden, Jeremy Green 30 Paul Pate, Myrna Dooley 31 Katelyn Long     Jason, Lori, Mattie, and Laney Olson: Thanks for the outpouring of support our family received during this difficult time of the death of my mother. We have been awestruck by the messages of support, cards, and kindness of Moms’ Bible Study Aldersgate. I am so thankful Moms and Moms-to-be of all God led us here. ages are invited to participate in a 5 week Bible study to take place from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. each Linda Kobler: I’d like to thank Sunday from October 19 through everyone for the many kindNovember 16. Leslie Wiseman nesses shown to me during my will lead. Childcare will be prorecovery from surgery. Every vided for preschoolers, while act of caring shown is deeply elementary students will appreciated. I pray that God participate in The Lego study. will bless you as you continue Call Leslie at 618-889-6173 with to be God’s hands here on questions. earth. Pauline Emerson: Thank you so very much for the many prayers, thoughtful cards, and visits. I am home now and feeling much stronger. I am looking forward to returning to church services and activities where I can personally thank each of you. Beulah Camp Board of Trustees: We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your participation in the Beulah Holiness Camp Meeting this year. Thank you for your willingness to serve the Lord through the use of your cabin for housing. We pray God continues to bless you as you serve Him. Loretta Crosson: I wish to thank those Aldersgate friends who sent cards and prayers following my accident. Highlights of April Trustees Meeting “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. “ Mt. 25:40 A New Grandson Susan Fosse proudly announces the birth of a grandson. Autrey was born Thursday, September 25, to her son Adam and his wife Amy. He weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 21.5” long. Congratulations to the Fosse Family! Methodist Women The United Methodist Women will meet at the church at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, to go to Judy Arnold’s cabin for a potluck. Our Angel and Cherub Choirs participated in the Sesquicentennial Service Photos by Bill Swinford