2016

Share The Journey.

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Aldersga A significant place where disciples are made

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ Grace to you and peace in the name of Jesus, our Savior!

We are now entering the 46th year of a movement that continues to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion, and motivate people to action.

In 1970, the year of our first Earth Day, the movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy toward environmental issues. Forty-six years later, we continue to lead with groundbreaking ideas and by the power of our example.

And so it begins. Today. Right here and right now. Earth Day is more than just a single day — April 22, 2016. It’s bigger than attending a rally and taking a stand.

This Earth Day and beyond, let’s make big stuff happen. Let’s plant 7.8 billion trees for the Earth. Let’s divest from fossil fuels and make cities 100% renewable. Let’s take the momentum from the Paris Climate Summit and build on it.

Let’s start now. And let’s not stop.

We’ll be celebrating Earth Day during our Sunday, April 24th worship services. At the 9 a.m. Journey and at the 11 a.m. Traditional service we’ll be hearing from Rev. Jack Shitama, the Director of Camping and Retreat Ministry for our Annual Conference. He’ll be sharing, among other things, what Pecometh has done and what will be doing in the future to help the Earth. Here at Aldersgate, we’re going to continue to look for significant ways to lessen our carbon footprint and do our part to help the Earth.

Thanks to all who have helped in the past and I look forward with eager eyes to see what the future holds. God bless each of you!

Pastor Chris

SAVE THE DATE

SPECIAL CHURCH CONFERENCE

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT DERRICK PORTER PRESIDING

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 @ 12:15 p.m.

VOTING ON TWO RESOLUTIONS

1 – THE SALE OF BOTH PARSONAGES

2 – THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOUSING ALLOWANCE

Share the Journey 2 April 2016

Housing Allowance Resolution

By Mike Houser, SPRC Chair

Whereas, section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code specifies

that the amount of ministers’ compensation that is designated

in advance by their employer as a housing allowance is not

taxable in computing federal income taxes to the extent that it

is used to pay for actual expenses incurred in owning or renting

a home or apartment, and, in the case of ministers who own

their home, does not exceed the fair rental value and

maintenance of the home; and

Whereas, Rev. Chris Pennington is compensated by Aldersgate

United Methodist Church exclusively for services as a minister;

and

Whereas, Aldersgate United Methodist Church will not be

providing Rev. Chris Pennington with a parsonage subsequent

to the date upon which Rev. Chris Pennington moves out of the

parsonage which is expected to be no later than May 31, 2016;

therefore, it is

Resolved, that the total compensation paid to Rev. Chris

Pennington for calendar year 2016 shall be $85,250 of which

$17,500 is hereby designated as a housing allowance so long as

Rev. Chris Pennington moves out of the parsonage by May 31,

2016 pursuant to section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Should Rev. Chris Pennington move out of the parsonage at a

date later than May 31, 2016, the housing allowance will be

prorated at $2,500.00 per month from the date of the change in

residence; and it is further

Resolved, that a designation of $30,000 of Rev. Chris

Pennington’s annual compensation as a housing allowance also

shall apply to all future years that Rev. Chris Pennington is

employed by Aldersgate United Methodist Church, unless

otherwise provided.

Sale of Both Parsonages Resolution

by Don Moore, President, Board of Trustees

The Aldersgate UMC Board of Trustees recommend the

following resolution for your approval.

Sell both parsonages located at

2508 Berwyn Rd.,Chalfonte, Wilmington, DE 19810 and

226 Oakwood Rd., Fairfax, Wilmington, De 19803.

The Berwyn property will be available on June 30, 2016 and

the Penningtons have plans to move from Oakwood at the

end of May to another property in North Brandywine.

The money from the sales will be kept in a separate interest

bearing account managed by PG&M and the fund can only be

used for the following:

to support our one Elder in Full Connection as Senior

Pastor appointed by the Bishop and

for capital expenses.

Our Superintendent and Conference property committee

chair are in agreement with this resolution.

A Note from the Trustees Regarding the

Sale of Parsonages

By Don Moore, President, Board of Trustees

Previous Messenger articles have discussed the idea of selling

our parsonages. The trend over the past years has increasingly

found that senior pastors strongly prefer to invest their

money in a home which establishes equity. This is the case

with the Penningtons and the Staff Parish Relations

Committee (SPRC) does not foresee a time in the future when

an additional appointed Full Elder would be needed.

Preliminary approval has been given by the District

Superintendent and the Chair of the Conference Property

Committee. SPRC has researched an appropriate housing

allowance for the Penningtons and has reviewed it with the

Finance Committee.

The Discipline requires that this process be put in the form of

resolutions communicated to the congregation several weeks

prior to a vote.

Please plan to attend a congregational meeting following the

11 a.m. service on April 17 to present the resolutions, answer

any questions and vote.

Your leadership teams recommend approval of the

resolutions.

Phillies National Anthem Game

& Charter Bus Saturday, April 30

Come hear your friends sing the National Anthem on the field at Citizen’s Bank Park, then stay to see the Phillies’ emerging young

talent battle the Cleveland Indians at 7 p.m.

Purchase tickets in our sections:

www.phillies.com/brandywine

Optional charter bus service ($12) from Aldersgate at 5 p.m. to the game & back. Sign up & pay at church on Sunday, April 24, or before / after an anthem rehearsal (4/20 @ 6:30 p.m.; 4/24 @ 1 p.m.; 4/27 @ 6:30 p.m.).

Share the Journey 3 April 2016

Aldersgate UMM April Meeting Tuesday, April 19 at 11:45 a.m.

in Fellowship Hall

The speaker for the United Methodist Men's April meeting is Alan Henderson who is the

Business Development Manager for Delaware Hospice and will speak on the topic of "Hospice and Advanced Care Planning."

Alan has worked on the non-clinical side of health care since 1996 when he was Regional Manager of Professional Health Services in Havertown PA. In 2007,he began working with Delaware Hospice and today, Alan oversees all outreach to the medical professional community and the community at large for the agency's service area of Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland.

He attended Delaware County Community College and Penn State University and has a degree in Healthcare Management.

Guests are welcome to attend any UMM meetings. If you are not on the contact list, please sign up in the Hub and indicate your choice of sub (turkey, roast beef, Italian or ham.)

If you have questions, please contact one of the UMM coordinators, Bob Hawkins, Bob Bodwell or George McKeown at UMM@aldersgatede.org

GROWing In Christian Faith

By Ellen Leonzio, GROW Team Leader

The following is an excerpt from United Methodist Questions,

United Methodist Answers" by F. Belton Joyner, Jr. Each month a

chapter will be featured in the Messenger.

CHAPTER 6: CHURCH

United Methodists understand the church is Visible: preaching

the Word of God, administering the sacraments; and Invisible:

the presence of people of faith.

Without faith—no church…

Without preaching—faith would fade

Without the sacraments—we would be without God’s

means of Grace.

The church has four (4) Dimensions:

(1) One—unity is in Jesus Christ;

(2) HOLY—people of faith;

(3) Catholic—the church is universal (Catholic).

(4) Apostolic—teaches and follows what the apostles taught.

The church is the Body of Christ and those who enter into the

household of God are connected through Baptism. The Mission

of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus

Christ. Transformation of the word is also the church’s mission:

by baptizing those who commit to the faith; sending persons into

the world to serve and to gather people from the community

into Christ’s community.

United Methodist Clergy are ordained, commissioned or

licensed for a servant leadership role. The authorizing and

electing body is not the local church but the Annual

Conference.

Clergy are members of the Annual Conference and remain

accountable to the Annual Conference.

Ordained clergy are either elders or deacons.

Elders responsibilities are to preach the Word, administer

the sacraments, ministries of service.

Deacons also preach the Word and connect the

congregation life with the community life.

The Bishop appoints clergy (men and women) to their

assignments.

John Wesley believed in following the New Testament way of

“doing church.”

United Methodists remain committed to the same beliefs.

The MAY MESSENGER will discuss other topics included in

Chapter 6: The Apostles Creed (and other Creeds of the

church), Role of Laypersons and Connectionalism.

Qvinctus Concert

By David Lockart, Interim Chancel Choir & Handbell Director

Saturday, April 9 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s UMC

Qvinctus is a five-man a cappella vocal ensemble that has

enjoyed popularity for its authentic and high caliber

presentation of music from the Renaissance through the

Classic periods and into the contemporary music of

today. Aldersgate’s own David Lockart, Interim Chancel

Choir & Handbell Director, is part of this very talented

group.

The program at St. Paul’s program includes original works

and arrangements by members of the group, features music

of the earliest Christian church, an a cappella version of a

Grateful Dead tune, and much more. Come check out

Qvinctus on Saturday, April 9, 3 p.m. A free-will offering will

be taken.

Share the Journey 4 April 2016

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the children and youth of Aldersgate as they performed Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. on March 4th – 6th. We had more than 1,300 people attend the three performances and the show was extremely well received. I’d like to offer several “Thank You’s” to:

The Production Leadership Team: Sandy Anderson, Peter Atwater, Kevin Brace and, Laura Brace, Stacie DiGiacoma, Ramona Dowling, Eric Goodman, Nancy Hough, Rebecca Manns, Dinah Schlecht, Diane Shea & Joanne Smeltz. Thank you for using your “Pure Imagination” to help create such a wonderful show!

The Aldersgate Team: Chris Pennington, Don Godwin, Royal Lowthert, Candice Kilson, Kurt Collins, David Lockart, Rebecca Manns, Sharon Jennelly, Adam West, Mary Jane Prince, Al Moore, Betty Moore, John Prince, Ron Romine, the Altar Guild, and Aldersgate’s congregation for their prayers & support.

To the many Aldersgate “Angels” who so generously helped underwrite the production. Aldersgate Angels Program Donations 2016 (as of March 4)

In the theatre, people that provide financial support to help underwrite the cost of doing a show are called “Angels”. The following families and individuals have generously supported this year’s production:

And finally, to all the parents and grandparents who brought their kids to rehearsals every weekend, contributed time, talents and snacks, and provided encouragement every step of the way!

With tremendous gratitude, Janet Atwater - Director

Aldersgate United Methodist Women Lorraine & Dick Fleming Rev. Chris & Christy Pennington

The Atwater Family Louise Fortner Marilyn Reiner

Cheryl Beeson Rev. Don & Margaret Godwin Shirley & Don Rollins

Randal & Meghann Betz Marilyn Haas The Schlecht Family

Barbara Buckley Nancy Hough Elyn & Bill Schmitz

Mary & Preston Cooper Mike & BJ Houser Helen Schowengerdt

Caroline Jean Cordrey The Kilian Family The Shea Family

Carey, Will, Chip & George Cross Bob & Mary Macklem The Shenk Family

The DiGiacoma Family Doug & Meredith McGregor Jane Smith & Royal Lowthert

Katherine Downham The Merritt Family Rebecca & Kristopher Townsend

The Duppel Family Pat Overdeer Ken & Pam Wright

Carolyn Fleckenstein The Owens Family Anonymous

A Prayer For the Time In Which We Live

Save us, O God, for we are surrounded by danger and we live in death’s shadow.

Forgive us when we fail to stand with the suffering, when fear causes us to close our eyes to

wrongdoing, when weakness makes us turn back from following You.

Lift us up to the hope and healing of the cross;

make us bearers of the love of Jesus, poured out for the world.

In His name. Amen

Share the Journey 5 April 2016

Greetings from your Finance Committee Chair!

By Dorothy Whiteman, Finance Committee Chair

I hope everyone is enjoying our first taste of spring, it’s early but what a warm spell we’ve had.

The Finance Committee is adjusting our meeting time to coincide with the lead team, so have not yet held our March meeting to discuss February results. In the interim I’ll provide a brief update on our financial health.

We are about 13% behind budget on contributions through February, with Year-To-Date (YTD) contributions of $114,000. Our average two-month contribution budget is $135,000. We’re also 7% lower in contributions than 2015 Year-To-Date. This shortfall may be caused by ‘losing’ a Sunday in January due to the storm. Compared to budget, our Total YTD Income is on target, at $190,000 compared to budget of $192,000, as contributions are just a portion (the largest portion) of our income items. YTD Expenses are slightly below budget, by $4,000. Through February, we show YTD Net Income of $4,000.

Please consider selecting direct debit for your contributions to the church. There is a simple form to fill out which only John Prince will see and process. Your contribution remains confidential. I started last year, and I no longer run around my house before church trying to find my checkbook and write a check before heading out the door. It’s really liberating! If interested, email John at john.prince@aldersgatede.org and he’ll get you set up. You can cancel at any time with an email or phone call.

Aldersgate: Open Hearts—Open Minds—Open Doors

It’s really hard to believe that April is already here. It seems that it was just yesterday that we were kicking off the school year. Now we’re entering the homestretch of the year where students start to grow weary from academics. Summer seems to be within grasp, and the thoughts of the beach, camp, and cookouts fill our head.

It’s during this time of the year when students will need your thoughts and prayers the most. The struggle to keep striving for good grades can feel overwhelming at this point. Spring sports and band concerts add to their already busy schedules. For students and families who feel exhausted, it can be easy to ease off attending church. One of the best ways to help keep our youth and families energized for church is through encouragement. This spring, please consider writing a personal note of encouragement to some of our youth or families this spring. It’s a simple way that you can bring some moments of joy to a time of the year that can seem

overwhelming. Adam

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! EARTH DAY IS COMING!

Celebrate with your Aldersgate Family on Sunday, April 24, by participating in an outdoor project to give a little help to our corner of God’s Creation. Join in one-hour projects after the 9 a.m. services and after the 11 a.m. service. All ages welcomed, but under 14 years must be supervised by an adult.

Choose from:

✔ Trash pickup around the church grounds

✔ Spring cleanup in the courtyard

✔ Litter pickup along the route of the 5K

There’ll be group leaders for each of the 6 sessions. Trash bags furnished. Dress for the job and the weather. Bring garden gloves and hand tools--some plastic gloves available.

Raindate? Same drill the following Sunday, May 1

***** SNACKS by John Jennelly! ***** Sponsored by your Caring for Creation Team—In collaboration with the 5K Team

Share the Journey 6 April 2016

Aldersgate UMC is A Caring Community

Intentionally ministering to persons with

mental illness and their families.

GriefShare

GriefShare, a grief recovery support group,

welcomes all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Tuesday mornings—10 to 11:30 a.m. in room 236

Thursday evenings—7 to 8:30 p.m. in room 236

Please call the church office at 302-478-2575. For more

information: http://www.griefshare.org/

DivorceCare at Aldersgate Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Library

Contact Randy Husbands, at 302-383-0230 for more info.

Going Green Reminder

To change your newsletter distribution method or be dropped

from distribution, paper or electronic, please call the church

office at 302-478-2575 or email

messenger@aldersgatede.org.

The Journey Band is still looking for a few good Men (And Women) to join the Journey Band as

vocalists!

If you would be interested in singing with the Journey Band please contact Janet

Atwater. Janet@JanetAtwater.com or 610.388.2120

Aldersgate Worship Survey

By Worship Committee and Pastor Chris

We have received over 150 responses to our survey

request! Your responses were very thoughtful and

demonstrated that you care deeply about your worship

experience at Aldersgate. We have begun to analyze your

feedback and you can be certain that upgrades will be made to

our worship services as a result.

Much like what has resulted from the Worship Space survey

we had two years ago, there will be some short-term upgrades

that you will see in the near future and some upgrades that

will require prayerful consideration and a longer timeframe to

clarify and implement.

We want to thank each of you who responded with your

generous gifts of reflections, recommendations, and concerns.

They are always welcome; you don’t need to wait for the next

survey to share them! Feel free to reach out to the Pastors

and/or Worship Committee at any time. Our objective is to

ensure that the worship experience at Aldersgate makes a

powerful contribution to achieving Aldersgate’s mission of

being a significant place where disciples are made.

The Worship Committee

wants to thank Henry Daum,

Go Team Chair, for creating

the survey and leading the

analysis of results.

Open to Be a Reconciling Congregation?

By Betsy Diemer

As far back as 2006 (10 years ago!), Aldersgate’s Council on Ministries and Administrative Board proposed and passed a resolution proclaiming the congregation’s openness and welcome to all people, no exceptions. If you didn’t know this, or want to be reminded, the resolution is posted on our website under the About Us – We’re Open! heading. It is a proclamation to be proud of. If you are reading this electronically, you can see it here: http://www.aldersgatede.org/#/about-us/were-open Now in the United Methodist Church a movement is afoot for

congregations to qualify themselves as Reconciling

Congregations and to be purposeful about LGBTQ issues in

particular. If you are interested in taking a look at this process,

comparing it to what we already have done in our church, and

helping us determine what our next step should be, please let

me know. We will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 14 at

7 p.m. in room 122 to begin the discussion.

For information about Reconciling Ministries, go to http://www.rmnetwork.org/newrmn/take-action/become-a-reconciling-congregation-or-community/ or contact Betsy at betsydiemer@comcast.net

Share the Journey 7 April 2016

Each month, milestone anniversaries are listed as well as all those over 50 years. While we can all benefit from knowing that marriages truly can exist for more than 5 decades, we want to recognize those milestone years (i.e. 5, 10 15, 20 ) for all. Congratulations! April 16 Donald & Jeanette Zipse 61 years

April 22 Brandon & Carol Dougherty 10 years

April 27 Doug & Meredith McGregor 59 years

If you are not sure we have your anniversary and would like it to be included in the future, please contact Betty Moore (302-478-2575 ext. 117) or betty.moore@aldersgatede.org.

All additions or corrections are gratefully accepted to keep our records up to date.

Caring for Creation Tidbits—Correction

In February, we ran a notice that Best Buy will take all kinds of used technology (ie. TV's, computers, etc.) no matter where you bought it or how old it is. We were informed that they now charge for this recycling service. That said, Delaware Solid Waste Authority will recycle used technology for free. Check out the schedule for recycling at http://dswa.com

The big musical event at Aldersgate this spring will be held on May 22 at 6:45 p.m. Mark your calendars! This event, titled Church Choir Festival, will feature a massed ecumenical choir from seven churches throughout Delaware, presenting a “concert service” of anthems.

Sponsored by the Delaware American Choral Directors Association(DE ACDA), and hosted by Aldersgate United Methodist Church, this exciting event will feature choral music from throughout the church year. For more information, contact the Chancel Choir Director, David Lockart (dlockart@comcast.net).

Happy Eastertide!

Next SUP—Friday, April 15

Hosted by Our 2016

Confirmands

Although celebrating Easter is like the climax of an excellent movie, there are plenty more high times to celebrate in the life of the church this year. One of those will be Pentecost, when traditionally our church welcomes the new class of confirmands.

Kavi Bhushan, Chip Cross, Chaily Derecskey, Brandon Gladden, Jonathon Gladden, Gracie Landis, Emma Lardear, Keila Pennington, Alex Saville, Annie Shea, Ben Shea, Tyler Shenk, and Mia Wichmann are members of the confirmation class 2016.

At the next SUP on Friday, April 15, you will have a chance to get to know them up close and personal, when they will be asking us all to help them with their service project, which is to collect donations for the Wilmington chapter of the Ronald McDonald House. A detailed list of items to bring will be announced closer to the SUP event. They will also share some special moments during the meal.

Our format will remain “come and go as you can” from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. The food they will be preparing will reflect and celebrate the start of the baseball season.

Please continue to pray for them, as well as for the Officiary and your pastors. If you have special prayer concerns, you can bring them to SUP, share them on the pew cards during worship at all services, or send a message to Pastor Don or one of us.

Hope to see you on Sunday, and join with you in getting to know all the confirmands on Friday, April 15!

Taber Smith and Betsy Diemer, layleader@aldersgatede.org

February 26 Beatrice Linton

March 9 William H Cloud, Jr

Infant Baptism

February 28—Mark Anthony Ponsell son of Mark & Lisa (Chiffens) Ponsell

Share the Journey 8 April 2016

UMW Spring Program - Mime Through the Ages Sunday, April 17 from 3 – 5 p.m.

Aldersgate Auditorium By Stacie DiGiacoma

All women are invited to the Aldersgate UMW Spring Program on Sunday, April 17, from 3–5 p.m. We will enjoy tea sandwiches, cookies and a wonderful program appropriate for all ages. Our program will be “Mime Through the Ages”. We will learn the history of the silent actor from ancient times through Commedia dell’arte, the French mime tradition, Marcel Marceau, and the familiar street mime, during a colorful slide show. After a short pantomime performance by Nancy Lynch, a veteran stage director, theatre educator and performer, we will have the opportunity to enjoy active mime games and learn some pantomime illusions. Registration and payment will be held in the Auditorium after all services on Sunday, April 3 and Sunday, April 10. Tickets are $2 for girls and $4 for women. Childcare will be available but only if requested when registering in advance. As the Spring Mission project, we will be collecting disposable diapers, size 2 through 4, or a container of baby wipes to be donated to Neighborhood House. Please join us for a wonderful afternoon in fellowship.

2016 Aldersgate UMW Officers

President Sherie Stiles

Vice President Kathy Daum

Treasurer Mary Jane Prince

Recording Secretary Laura Parish

Communications Stacie DiGiacoma

Nurture & Outreach Mary Beth Synder

Spiritual Growth Shirley Rollins

Social Action Margaret David

Program Resources Sandy Anderson

Judy Morton

Nominations Sharon Jennelly

Kerry Halbedl

Jean Ann Harding

Special Projects Kathy Harding(Cookie Walk)

Nitasha Smith (Cookie Walk)

Laura Parrish (Pecan Sales)

Circle Leaders:

Esther Circle Sherri Stiles

Hannah Circle Stacie DiGiacoma

Sheena Gladden

Martha Circle Judy Morton

Ruth Circle Pat Overdeer

Ellen Schmitz

Sarah Circle Ellen Leonzio

For more information about UMW at Aldersgate or its circles, reach out to anyone listed above or email umwcoordinator@aldersgate.org

Join your friends for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on June 4that Belleview State Park.

The Highmark Walk will support 25 local health and human services agencies this year. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of

Delaware underwrites the cost of the event in order for the participating organizations to receive 100% of the funds they raise.

Neighborhood House, Family Promise, Read Aloud Delaware and other organizations supported by Aldersgaters will be involved.

Watch for more information in the May Messenger, or ask Nancy Hough, Jessica Fresconi, Brian Merritt, or Judy Morton for more

information.

Register or donate to the Wilmington walk groups at: http://www.walkforahealthycommunity.org/whc3/index.shtml

SAVE THE DATE:

JUNE 4TH

Share the Journey 9 April 2016

We all had a lovely “Grandparent’s/Special Friend’s Day’ last month. Each child was able to show their grandparent what it is like to be at preschool for the morning. Snack time seemed to be a favorite! We are loving our new toddler playhouse on the playground. Thank you to the Boy Scouts who graciously spread the additional playground mulch.

There are fall openings for the 18 month classes and 2’s and 3’s Tuesday/Thursday classes. The 2’s, 3’s and Pre-K Monday/

Wednesday/Friday classes are waitlisted already! Please contact Sharon Jennelly, Director/Early Childhood Administrator for a tour of the church preschool and for future teaching opportunities!

Vacation Bible School! June 20 – June 24 from 9 a.m. to Noon

Special program with Lunch on Friday, June 24 at 11 a.m.

CAVE QUEST - Join us for Music, Deep Bible Quest, KidVid Cinema, Imagination Station, Cavern Cafe, Daily Bible Buddies, and Spelunker Sports & Games. Register children ages 3 to12 NOW! Suggested donation $20 per family (Checks payable to Aldersgate Church) includes a music CD. Place registration, volunteer form, indicating the days you can help, and donation in mailbox #7 in the HUB. Childcare is available! You can also mail to the church office addressed to: Sharon Jennelly, Director of Children’s Ministry, Aldersgate UMC, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 Or FAX: 302-478-1828 OR sharon.jennelly@aldersgatede.org

Christian Summer Day Camp 2016

July 18-22 & July 25-29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Aldersgate and St. Paul’s United Methodist Churches. Christian Summer Day Camp will be a unique experience for children ages 4-12 years old.

Location: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1314 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 478-3135

Registration: Early bird discount $115 per week per child. After April 30 registration is $125 per week per child. Camp scholarships are available. Extended care is available from 8 to 9 a.m. and/or from 4 to 6 p.m. for $5 per hour per child.

Join us for Bible fun, crafts, singing, dancing, games, drama, outdoor activities and field trips. The vision of camp is:

+ to provide a safe, nurturing atmosphere for children to explore the love of Jesus Christ.

+ to build self-esteem and nurture a feeling of respect and concern for others and the world.

Complete and send in Registration Form 2016 with payment by April 30. www.aldersgatede.org

Contact Sharon Jennelly, Director of Children’s Ministry, for more information at 302) 478-2575., Ext.118 or email sharon.jennelly@aldersgatede.org

Share the Journey 10 April 2016

To the parents of our young children, may we suggest:

All are welcome!

on. They tire of seeing the backs of other’s heads.

acolyte, choir etc.

copying you.

As Jesus said “Let the children come to me.”

and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in this house of worship.

the narthex.

To the other members of our congregation:

our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents. If you see a parent struggling, please offer to help them!

Here’s a Great Way to Share Your Faith–Ask Questions

Will Davis, Jr., Sr. Pastor, Austin Christian Fellowship

I can’t believe how much the men’s sauna where I workout has become such a cool (pun intended) evangelism outlet for me. Almost every time I’m in there I end up talking about my faith. And the great part is I don’t go in there on a mission—it just comes up. A few days ago I walked into the sauna and asked the man who was already there if he minded if I added some water to the rocks. It makes the sauna hotter and more humid. He didn’t mind and then thanked me for asking. He then started talking about how many guys come in and just start pouring on water with no deference to the guys who are already there. He said that he thought it’s a basic need humans have control. That’s when the evangelism light went on for me. This guy opened the door when he starting waxing philosophically about humans and our need for control. I now considered the door open. So I just started asking him questions. It’s a great way to lead somebody toward a conversation about Jesus. Just ask questions and listen. The opportunity will come. I asked him why he thought people needed to have control over things. He gave me several reasons and then he threw me the softball I was looking for. He said, “You know, we’re on this ball hurling through time and space with no idea where it’s going or how it will end. I guess that’s just a little scary for people.” I let him talk a little longer and there was a brief pause. And then he asked me what I thought. If you lead with questions, the people you’re in conversation with will typically turn the questions back to you. The man in the sauna did just that—maybe out of courtesy, maybe out of genuine curiosity. Either way he gave me the opportunity to respond. I said, “While I agree with you about people being afraid, I disagree with something you said. I do not believe that we’re on a ball that is just hurling through space and time. You see, I am a follower of Jesus, and I believe that God is moving all things—space, time and matter—to their perfect conclusion. I don’t believe in random and I don’t believe in chaos.” The man responded by saying that be believed in something, but he wasn’t sure how he would define it. After a few more moments, our conversation ended. It was friendly throughout. I think a lot of Christians are afraid to engage someone in conversation because they’re afraid they’ll mess it up and chase the person away from God. We’ve got to get over that fear. Christians don’t save people; Jesus does. We are the messengers; He is the message. It’s His power that transforms, not ours. If you’ll simply pay attention, ask good questions and listen to the answers, you’ll find that you will have multiple opportunities to plant Jesus-seeds in people all throughout the day.

Share the Journey 11 April 2016

2 Great Program Opportunities for Families Who Want To Enjoy Pecometh At Its Best!

Single Parent Family Retreat from July 22-24. It's a chance for single parents and their kids to spend time together, and apart—

at camp! We provide parents with spiritual support, much-needed encouragement, and an opportunity to relax. Plus, on

Saturday night, there's a "Parent's Night Off" and a movie night for the kids. For more information on accommodations, pricing,

and more, visit us online at our Single Parent Retreat page.

Friends & Family Camp from July 29-31. It’s where you can experience all the fun of camp no matter how young---or young-at-

heart. For more information on this camp, visit our Friends and Family Camp page.

Also, during Friends & Family Camp, we'll be celebrating Pecometh's 70th anniversary on Saturday July 30.

Don’t wait...register today at http://www.pecometh.org/.

136 Bookers Wharf Road • Centreville, MD 21617 • Ph. (410) 556-6900 • Fax (410) 556-6901556-6900

Camp Pecometh

Volunteer Day

Saturday April 16,

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Work & fellowship

together as we get

camp ready for the

warm weather

ahead and enjoy

lunch at the Picnic

Pavilion.

This is a FREE event,

but registration is

required.

For more

information and to

register, visit the

camp’s Volunteer

Day page.

Aldersgate Can Help Increase Awareness About Camp Pecometh?

If so, sign up to get a FREE 18” x 24” Camp Pecometh Yard sign that advertises Christian Summer Camp.

Putting a sign on your church lawn will remind members that it’s time to sign up for camp. Plus, it might

even encourage a few passersby to check out the camp. Signs will be available for pick-up by Mid-April

at six different locations across the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. We’re asking churches to display

them from April until early July. You can see what the sign looks like, as well as sign up to get one for

your church by clicking here http://www.pecometh.org/yard-sign-church.

Register until May 10 at www.fusionracetiming.com

Lots of fun for families and plenty of

volunteer opportunities

Your participation gives you

access to the park all day

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors:

Long & Foster Real Estate, Greenville

Wilmington University

The Mary Campbell Center

5K ROLL STROLL & RUN

SATURDAY, MAY 14

8 AM REGISTER—9 AM START

BELLEVUE STATE PARK

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

598

Wilmington, DE

19850

Aldersgate United Methodist Church—A significant place where disciples are made!

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Pastor Chris’ Message 1

Special Church Conference & Vote 1

Resolutions 2

Phillies Game—Nat’l Anthem 2

GROWing in Christian Faith 3

UMM Meting & Luncheon 3

Willy Wonka Jr—Thank you 4

Student Ministries 5

Mark Your Calendars—Earth Day 5

Finance Update 5

Aldersgate Worship Survey 6

Open to be a Reconciling Congregation? 6

Church News 7

Happy Eastertide / SUP 7

UMW Spring Program—Mime Through the Ages 8

Preschool News / VBS / Christian Summer Day Camp 9

To the Parents of Our Young Children 10

A Great Way to Share Your Faith 10

Mary Campbell 5K Roll, Stroll, & Run 11

Camp Pecometh Events 11

Let It Shine on Wilmington 5K 12

What’s Inside...What’s Inside...What’s Inside... Come be an

“EVERYDAY HERO”

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS

NOW OPEN!

www.aldersgatede5K.org

JOIN US!

Friday, May 6, 2016

Bib Pick up & Race Day Registration opens 5:30 P.M.

5K start time 7 P.M.

POST RACE GLOW PARTY!

Keep your light shining, and cape flapping while dancing, noshing

and being awarded!

You can be a HERO for Wilmington!

Event proceeds help benefit local Christian based non-profit

organizations supported by the Aldersgate U.M.C. Missions Team