News & Updates
Are you interested in considering the Easter story from different perspectives? If so, please join the Tuesday Evening Bible study group as together we walk with author Rachel Billups as she shares a narrative on devotion, opposition, freedom, courage, companionship and alliance in her book An Unlikely Lent . These topics are explored through the perspective of Mary of Bethany, the Servant Girl, Barabbas, Simon of Cyrene, the women at the cross, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
This 6-week series will involve a short DVD viewing followed by group discussion of the weekly reading (approx. 20 pages). Cost of the book (and a shared portion of the DVD) is $20. The group meets from 7-8:30 PM in the Side-by-Side classroom at Aldersgate. The first session will be on February 10. Contact John Hall (johnrhall20@gmail.com) with questions or to order a book.
Please Pray
Join us in praying for our mission team leaving on Sunday for Baldwin, Louisiana, to work at the UMCOR Sager Brown Supply Depot. Pastor Shelly, Meg Maffitt and Jeannie Schultz are joining the Great Plains Conference Mission Team to assist in the processing of flood kits, hygiene kits and other projects to further the mission of the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
THE CUPBOARDS ARE BARE
This month we are collecting Canned or Dried Fruit for Mission Southside!!! Please drop off your items on the shelves provided down by the preschool! We are running a little behind - so let's see if we can finish January strong!
NEW SERMON SERIES
Join us as we begin a new sermon series: Generations — Faith for All Ages, Together.
We’ll explore how faith is lived, passed on, and renewed across every stage of life. Whether you’re young, raising children, retired, or anywhere in between, this series invites us to learn from one another, grow together, and strengthen the bonds that tie our congregation across generations.
When: Sunday mornings
Where: Aldersgate United Methodist Church
All are welcome. Come ready to listen, reflect, and share the journey of faith with neighbors of every age.
Calling All Book Lovers!
Do you love books, sharing stories, or helping neighbors find just the right read?
We’re looking for a volunteer to curate and care for our Little Free Library at the church! This joyful role includes:
• Tidying and organizing books
• Keeping the library stocked and welcoming
• Helping connect stories with our community
It’s a low-commitment, high-heart kind of ministry.
Interested? Send us a message or talk to Pastor Shelly!
The Can-Do Crew is volunteers who help out with occasional, short-term needs around the church. This isn't a weekly commitment-just a way to lend a hand when you're able.
Crew Members may be asked to:
• Set up or take down chairs and tables
• Help decorate for holidays and special seasons
• Assist with funeral or memorial services
• Prepare spaces for events or meetings
• Help with simple tasks that make church life run
smoothly
You can say yes when you're available and pass when you're not. Every helping hand-big or small-makes a difference.
Contact Pastor Shelly to join the list!
COMPASSION FUND
As we approach the holiday season, many families in our community are facing tough times. We are seeking your support through gift card donations to help build our Compassion Fund, which provides essential assistance to those in need.
We’re looking for gift cards ($25 limit) from:
Fast Food Restaurants for quick meals.
Gas Stations to help with transportation costs.
Walmart for groceries and essentials.
Gift cards give families the flexibility to choose their needed resources, respecting their dignity and preferences.
Please drop off your gift card donations at the church office or feel free to place them in the offering plate on Sundays. Thank you for helping us support those in need!
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
Church family, a quick stewardship update. Through August 31, our General Fund income is $12,570 under budget, and expenses are $34,434 over—mostly from facilities, technology, and essential staffing—leaving a $49,809 deficit. We’re asking every household to prayerfully consider three steps by October 31: make a catch-up gift to the General Fund, start or increase recurring giving, and fulfill your 2025 pledge or make one if you haven’t yet. Our 2026 stewardship campaign launches on Sunday, October 12, and we’ll celebrate Consecration Sunday on November 2 with a Pancake Breakfast as we return our Estimate of Giving Cards. Thank you for your generosity and the way you steward God’s gifts for our neighbors and our mission.
Pastor Shelly
Community Circles
You are invited to the following school assemblies 9:00-9:30 (please arrive at 8:45 to get signed in at the front desk).
February 11th
May 21st
Students and staff would love to put faces to the partners who help make their school year memorable!
As you look forward to Christmas '25 or graduation '26 consider giving a quilt as a gift for a loved one. The Aldersgate Quilt Sewciety is taking orders for this fall. Prices vary depending on the quilt size. Contact Dixie Gilliland (dgilliland717@sbcglobal.net) or Mary Calder (okiecajun55@gmail.com) for more information.