Volume 59, Issue 20
The ECHO
October 22, 2014
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
“sharing the Living Christ through life -changing service and love”
Sunday October 26th
5:00-7:00 pm
We’ll need PLENTY of Trunks and LOTS of Treats to
satisfy all the hungry “beasts.”
Plan to be a part of this church-wide event.
It’s fun for the whole family!
Trunks should be in the parking lot no later than 4:15!
Will you share your story of faith and understanding of
God coming to us?
Emmanuel. God with us.
Our stories will be combined into the 2014 Aldersgate
Advent Devotional Book. Please submit devotions by
Sunday, November 2 to Mary Stokes.
See the Adult Ministry page for more information.
Usually when we talk about
“saints,” we’re talking football. But
the New Testament defines
“saints” as “all Christian people of
every time and place.” November
2nd is All Saints Sunday, and we
will celebrate all the saints who
have touched our lives.
Who are the Christian saints
in your life? Who are those
people who have nurtured, encouraged and strengthened your faith
through the years? There is a large white table cloth in the back of the
sanctuary, for you to write the names of your saints on. This cloth will
be used as the cloth on the communion table on November 2nd as we
remember and give thanks for all the saints.
Town
Hall
Meeting
October 26th
at 9:45 am in JWC
Questions about the church budget and
finances? Want an update on Miracle
Sunday? Interested in hearing more about
the next steps in our visioning process?
Join us for some straight talk at our first
Town Hall meeting. Everyone’s invited.
I remember marching around the Fellowship Hall singing
When the Saints Go Marching In, and playing
instruments made from toilet paper tubes and dried
beans. It was our Sunday School All Saints parade. I
don’t remember much more about it, except when we
were done, Mrs. Shepherd, my Sunday School teacher,
gave us one Oreo and a Dixie cup of Hawaiian punch to
celebrate. I spilled my punch on Angela’s white shirt and
for that, she said that I would never be a saint.
That’s not supposed to sound like permission to do
whatever we want, although now that I think about it, St.
Augustine did say to “Love God and do whatever you
please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing
to offend the One who is Beloved.”
***
November 2nd is All Saints Sunday, and we will gather to
celebrate all saints and the God who makes us holy. We
will remember and give thanks for those saints of our
Angela was wrong. I am a saint. So are you.
congregation who have died this year. We will greet and
We don’t often say that about ourselves, but the apostle
give thanks for the saints who worship alongside us. We
St. Paul does. In the New Testament book of Ephesians, will gather around the communion table and there again
Paul says that saints are all those whom God has claimed we will meet Jesus and remember and celebrate his love
in baptism and declared righteous by the death and
that is both the source and strength of our own.
resurrection of Jesus. It is also
worth mentioning that when Paul
P.S. If you have not yet added
writes to the church in Corinth, a
names of the saints in your life to the
church he censures for its vast
table cloth in the back of the
array of moral offenses, he
Sanctuary, please do so this Sunday.
addresses his letter to “the
These are names of people living or
saints.” (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)
dead who have nurtured, encouraged
Clearly their saintliness – and our
and strengthened your faith. The
ours! – is not contingent on their
cloth will be used as the cloth on our
moral achievement or some kind
communion table on November 2nd.
of super-spiritual power, or do
saints have to be dead. Instead,
saints are those who have been
brought to new life in Christ. It is
not what we do or cease to do
that makes us holy in God’s eyes. It is always and only
what Jesus has done on our behalf.
Pray Without Ceasing
Christian Condolences: Wandie Johnston and Family
in the passing of her husband, Bill Johnston. Darlene Lait
and Family in the passing of her husband, Doug Lait.
Joys: Doris Farr, Helen Hodge, and Jeannette Cooper all
celebrating birthdays this month. Jim and Marilyn
England celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary.
Cursillo #150.
Impending Tests/Surgery: Reagan Carlson, Greg
Zelden, Dawn Sharpe-Brackett, Nancy Kustermans,
Howard Broadaway, Jack Thurston, Debbie Rice, Jane
prayer@aldersgate- Aucoin, Toni Ortner
Hospitalized: Judy Willis, Matt Pancoast, Pat Doyle
slidell.org
Recovering at Home: Frank Bronk, Laura Meeham
Our Care Team
Prayers: Kairos Torch Mixer with youth, Brad Hogan,
coordinators are:
Rhea Snyder, 643-3945; Joe Massey, Terry Heath and Family, John Jennings,
and Charlotte Clifford, Calvin Blaschke, Lynette, Mayson Baumgartner, Allison
Cole and Family, Kathy, Barbara Talley, Sue Couturie,
847-0966.
Our church family is
our best source for
names of those persons
in need of care.
Please contact the
pastors (641-5829) or
a Care Team member
when you know of a
need. You can also email
your prayer request to
Bobby Malone, Lyles Hartman, Linda Beard, Vaughn
Hogan, Judy Hewitt, Denny Hall and Family, Debbie,
Lissa, Zachary Cheek, Dr. Bill Nelson, Vanessa Branch,
Our Country and our Military, The Unemployed,
Aldersgate UMC and Pastors
Continuing Concerns: Victims of the Pacific
Typhoon, Tim Dunn, Stacey Iennusa, Andrew Hanson,
Helen Hodge, Denise Foll, Betty Madison, Kathryn
Milton, Mary Felder, Barbara Fuller, Edith Marquette,
Jennifer Smith, Parents of Mack Wolcott, Jean Blakely,
Hermanie Garrett, Alexis, Christy Belk, Patti Fox, Chris
Nolan, Jolie Lizana, Courtney Short, Ian Brennan and
Family, Allen Little, Sharon Marshall, Bry and Blanche
Copeland, Huey Gardner, Louise Imrie, Jeff Baker,
Vivian Richard, Ashley Packard, Rachel Cochrane, Sara
Delaha, Marilyn Quimby, Bob and Barbara Walker,
Bonnie Byrd, Rick Saluga, Kent Wasmuth
New Ministry...New Opportunities to Serve...
Did you know that there are approximately
700 children in the St Tammany Parish school
system identified as homeless and on an average
night in St. Tammany Parish, there are 61 persons
comprising 17 families who are homeless?
people at one time) for one week, four times a year.
The host congregation will provide housing, meals
and caring hospitality for the family. Aldersgate
will use the John Wesley Center (JWC) for this
purpose. Families being hosted will live in the
Yes, that includes people right in our own JWC, however during the day children will attend
school and adults will be working or spending their
backyard here at Aldersgate!
time at the Family Promise Day Center getting the
The church staff has been encountering a variety of support and resources they need to transition back
homeless situations over the past few months as
into a permanent housing situation.
families and individuals seek assistance. The most
Here’s where the opportunity to “Share the
vulnerable are homeless families. St Tammany
Life” comes in. There are a plethora of volunteer
Parish has both a women’s shelter and a men’s
shelter, but no shelter options for whole families. A opportunities for your entire family to become
new ministry has come to St Tammany Parish and involved. The opportunities range from an hour of
your time to all night. We need meals and people to
it is designed to specifically address the needs of
homeless families. It is called “Family Promise”. serve the meals, homework tutors, overnight
security, help setting up the bedrooms, and the list
Family Promise is a national non- profit, non
goes on. We
denominational
estimate that as
organization for
many as 50
families in
volunteers will
transition with
be needed for
182 affiliates in
each of the
42 states. The
possible 4
cornerstone of
weeks. This is an
the organization is their partnership with local
incredible opportunity for members of Aldersgate
church congregations and their success is
to live out their faith and to provide outreach right
dependent upon caring volunteers making things
here on our campus and in our own community!
happen. Over the past few months there have been
Lastly, and most importantly Aldersgate is
informational meetings and several members of
seeking someone from our congregation who
Aldersgate have attended the meetings gathering
would be willing to be our Volunteer Coordinator
information. After much conversation and prayer
for this ministry. You will be trained to be our
the ministry was presented to both the Trustee’s
point person and have both the church staff and
and Church Council and approved unanimously.
missions committee as your support system.
This new ministry is scheduled to begin in late
Please prayerfully consider how you and/or your
April of 2015.
family could be a part of this vital ministry.
While I can’t possibly explain the entire
program in this short article, basically here is how For additional information please contact Ron
Davis, Dale Kimball or Pastor Nancy. Any one
it works. Currently 13 churches around St
of us would be happy to answer your questions.
Tammany Parish have signed on to be host
churches and several churches have agreed to be
support churches. A host church will host a
homeless family or families (no more than 14
Blessing,
Dale Kimball
What you need to know!
Kairos Outside Ministry
Sunday, November 2nd, you will have an opportunity
to ask questions about Kairos Outside Ministry. There
will be a table outside the church with brochures and a
REAL person to answer your questions about the
ministry. There are many ways to serve. We will be
glad to explain all the options available, to serve or to be served by this
ministry. We are serving ladies whose lives have been affected by the
incarceration of loved ones. Can you imagine the tears shed, the
loneliness and isolation when someone you love is in jail? The birthdays,
anniversaries, graduations passing without them. When a loved one is
behind those metal bars, the family begins counting the time.
Many are needed to serve. Not all are called to be on the team but we
are all called to be ACTIVE witnesses in the love of Jesus. Come find
how you can help either on a team, in the background as Angels, praying
for us on our "Weekend" event and/or financial support.
Welcome to Aldersgate
United Methodist Church!
We welcome
Danny &
Allison
Pearson
to the Aldersgate
Community!
If you wish to come as a guest or know someone who could benefit
coming as a guest, contact Phyllis Mitchell at 985-774-4864 or
[email protected].
The privacy of all our "Weekend" guests is closely guarded.
Daylight Savings starts
on Sunday, Nov. 2nd
Don’t forget to set your clocks BACK!
Trustee’s Meeting
Monday, November 17th at 7pm • Cokesbury 204
Finance Meeting
Monday, December 1st at 7pm • Cokesbury 202
F r iend s Fo rev er- Po tlu ck D in n er
W e d n esd ay, O cto b er 2 9 th ~ 6 :3 0 p m
Aldersgate is hosting a group of teenagers from Belfast, Ireland for the
next couple of weeks. The group is being housed in the John Wesley
Center. Friends Forever is an international organization that partners with
Rotary Clubs and local churches to bring together teenagers with differing
views of the turmoil in their home country. Over the next couple of weeks
the 10 teens and 3 adults from Belfast will be experiencing life on the Gulf
Coast. They will be visiting high schools, attending various cultural and
social events, visiting churches, working on Epworth Project job sites and
most importantly building relationships with each other. Throughout all
these events they will be enjoying the hospitality of Aldersgate. Please feel
free to pop in on them in the evenings for some conversation or to bake
some sweet goodies and leave them in JWC for their enjoyment.
On Wednesday October 29th, Aldersgate will be hosting a potluck
dinner in the JWC at 6:30 to give each of you an opportunity to interact
with these young people. The meat will be provided and we ask that all
who attend to bring a dish to share. Please contact Erin in the church
office if you plan on attending so we may properly plan. 985-641-5829
Adult Ministries
Mary Stokes, Director
[email protected]
Aldersgate Young Adults (AYA) First Sunday
of the Month Brunch, Nov. 2nd at 12 pm, Creole Bagelry
Advent Devotional Book • Deadline extended to November 2
Our Aldersgate family will compile an Advent devotion book for 2014. The book will be distributed to our
congregation on Sunday, November 23rd. Will you share your unique story of experiencing the greatest gift
of Jesus Christ; a time when you have experienced Christ with us? Emmanuel.
Ponder these thoughts and tell us your story:
 An experience of the Light of Hope coming in darkness and despair.
 An experience of the Prince of Peace being born in fear and grief.
 An experience of the Holy One flooding Joy in hearts.
 An experience of the Wonderful Counselor instilling Love deep within.
The devotions are typically 2-4 paragraphs and should easily fit on an
8 1/2 x 11 sheet. You may include scripture and/or a prayer. All entries
should be submitted by Sunday, November 2nd to Mary Stokes,
[email protected]. The book will be compiled, printed and then
distributed on the first Sunday of Advent which is Sunday, November 30th.
All adults 55+ years young
are invited to join us for a
time of fellowship and Thanksgiving.
Our church will provide the turkey,
pies and rolls.
You bring your favorite side dish and a
friend! Even if you are not able to
join us for our regular monthly meetings,
we would love to celebrate with you.
Join us at Noon on
Thursday, November 13
Genesis Hall
Please RSVP to Mary Stokes in the
church office, 641-5829
Thanksgiving
Pot-Luck Luncheon
Thank you, thank you for helping us with the Methodist
Children’s Home event on Saturday, October 18th. With
your donation of items and postage we were able to
complete 40 boxes with the residents. What a wonderful
day we had! We are looking forward to our Christmas
party in December where we can find out what countries
or states received our boxes. For more information or to
volunteer for future events contact Jill Williams,
[email protected].
Coming November 30...
The Greatest Gift
UNWRAPPING THE FULL
LOVE STORY OF CHRISTMAS
Youth Ministry- AUMY!
Eric O’Quinn, Director
[email protected]
Music Ministry
Scott Clausen, Director
[email protected]
Come Sing With Us!!
Once again we will present a Christmas Cantata during advent.
We invite you to join our festival Choir in singing
“The Christmas Story,”
beginning Wednesday, October 29th from 7:45-8:30.
Join us Wednesdays 7:45 – 8:30pm and make some beautiful music!
Advent is such a special time of year, and our holiday music always
adds so much to the season.
No previous choir experience is necessary,
just a servant’s heart, and the desire to make a joyful noise!
If you have any questions, please call or email Scott at the church.
Children’s Ministry
Vicki Frick, Director
[email protected]
We Pray for Children
by Ina Hughes, William Morrow publishers, 1995
We pray for children who put chocolate fingers everywhere,
who like to be tickled, who stomp in puddles and ruin their new
pants, who sneak popsicles before supper, who erase holes in
math workbooks, who can never find their shoes.
And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind
barbed wire, who can't bound down the street in new
sneakers, who never "counted potatoes," who are born in
places we wouldn't be caught dead in, who never go to the
circus, who live in an X-rated world.
We pray for children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of
dandelions, who sleep with the cat and bury goldfish, who hug
us in a hurry and forget their lunch money, who squeeze
toothpaste all over the sink, who slurp their soup.
And we pray for those who never get dessert, who have no
safe blanket to drag behind them, who can't find any bread to
steal, Who don't have any rooms to clean up, whose pictures
aren't on anybody's dresser, whose monsters are real.
We pray for children who spend all their allowance before
Tuesday, who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at
their food, who like ghost stories, who shove dirty clothes
under the bed, who get visits from the tooth fairy, who don't
like to be kissed in front of the car pool, who squirm in church
and scream on the phone, whose tears we sometimes laugh at
and whose smiles can make us cry.
And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime,
who will eat anything, who have never seen a dentist, who are
never spoiled by anyone, who go to bed hungry and cry
themselves to sleep.
We pray for children who want to be carried and for those who
must, for those we never give up on and for those who never
get a second chance, for those we smother, and for those who
will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.
We pray for children. Amen.
This is the prayer Elise and Rev.
Mike shared during our Children’s
Sabbath services on Sunday. It’s a
prayer I’ve heard several times
before and, every time, it makes me
cry — with joy and with sadness.
Please remember to pray for the
children and for all of the adults in our
community who work with children,
especially with those in need. Thank you and Amen!
Ways For Kids
to Connect and Grow:
Sunday School
Every Week, 9:45-10:45am
for Preschool thru 6th grade.
Here’s where YOUR class meets:
Preschool (3’s & 4’s) - Susanna Wesley Rm 606
Kindergarten—Susanna Wesley Rm 605
1st Grade—Susanna Wesley Rm 602
2nd Grade—John Wesley Rm 101
3rd Grade—John Wesley Rm 103
4th & 5th Grade—John Wesley Rm 102
6th Grade — John Wesley Rm 109
Faith Friends
For 4th-6th Graders
Wednesday Nights, 6:00-7:30pm
In Susanna Wesley
We’re Carving Pumpkins next week
(Oct. 29th). Bring your pumpkin and
join us!
Prime Time
For 3-yr olds thru 6th Grade
Sunday Evenings, 5:00-6:30pm
In John Wesley
Off for Trunk-or-Treat, but then we’re Back
THE ECHO
ALDERSGATE
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
[email protected]
Pub. No. 023968
Published bi-weekly
Periodical-Paid
Slidell, LA 70458
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Aldersgate United
Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458.
Return Service Requested
Sunday Worship Times
AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS...
Cindy Alberts, Realtor
Coldwell Banker TEC Realtors ~ 2040 E. Gause, #4
“I’ll Go The Extra Mile For You!”
C: 707-7676 W: 649-6300 x208
Homes, Vacant Land, Commercial
Michael Guevara, DDS
Specialist in Orthodontics
“Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile together”
1251 7th Street, 641-3587
Peffley Constuction, LLC
Andrew Peffley, 504-512-0276/fax 985-649-3851
Email: [email protected]
www.peffleyconstruction.com
Honaker Funeral Home Forest Lawn Cemetery
“Dedicated To Those We Serve”
641-1900 ~ Hwy 190 West
Terry Tranchina and Kevin Tranchina
Lowry-Dunham, Case, and Vivien Group
Insurance since 1901
643-1234 ~ 1-800-200-1258
Dunn’s Flooring LLC
Floors Dunn Right by Kim Dunn
Carpet, Hardwood, Sheet Vinyl, Laminate
Ceramic Tile, Vinyl Tile, Linoleum
59015 Amber St Ste A4, Slidell, LA 70461
Ofc: 985-649-0600 ~ [email protected]
Mike Rich
Pontchartrain Investment Management
Financial Services and Insurance
2242 Carey St., Olde Towne, Slidell
985-605-5064 ~ [email protected]
8:30 am • Traditional Worship
9:45 am-10:45 am • Sunday School
(for all ages)
11:00 am • Contemporary Worship
Staff Email:
Securities offered through LPL Financial,
Member FINRA/SIPC
ACCU-TEMP
Air Conditioning~Heating~Refrigeration
“We guarantee your comfort!”
985-726-9984
Slidell Athletic Club
1311 Gause Blvd, 985-649-7357
Open 24 hrs. through the week
www.slidellathleticclub.com
Bear’s Grill & Spirits
550 Gause Blvd, 985-201-8905
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 11 am- 8 pm
Friday & Saturday 11 am - 9 pm
www.bearsgrillandspirits.com
CHRIS WHITTY CONSTRUCTION
Residential New Homes
Commercial Renovations
985-960-1484 ~ 985-847-9417
See our FB page ~ www.chriswhitty.com
Pastor Nancy Wofford:
[email protected]
Pastor Mike Palermo:
[email protected]
Music Ministry:
[email protected]
Children’s Ministry:
[email protected]
Youth Ministry
[email protected]
Adult Ministry:
[email protected]
Facilities:
[email protected]
Membership/Finance:
[email protected]
Church Secretary:
[email protected]
Office Information:
[email protected]
Prayer Concerns:
[email protected]
Louisiana Conference Website:
www.la-umc.org
Apple Tree Preschool Director: [email protected]
General Information:
Church Website:
Church office:
[email protected]
www.aldersgate-slidell.org
985-641-5829