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Aldersgate United Methodist Church Newsletter

EncouragingEnriching &Empowering

Warmed Thoughts from the Pastor... In the midst of changing seasons, we celebrate the faithfulness of God. Our lives are centered around not only the seasons of spring, summer fall and winter but celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. We also have seasons of life from birth, childhood, young adult, midlife, retirement, to end of life.God in his wisdom has given us cycles of life for renewal and hope as we transition through the seasons. The promise of God is that as we go through each season there is hope, for hope never dies.As a church we celebrate the accomplishments of this congregation as we paid off our new Church bus at the end of September. We recognized Bud Liming for his leadership in moving forward with the purchase of this handicap accessible bus and also Bob McKenty for his faithfulness in providing transportation for those who need a ride to come to worship and other church events. It was wonderful to have members from West Park Place at worship because we had the use of the bus.As a church we celebrate all that God is doing in and through the members of Aldersgate. This place truly has been a place of transformation. We have continued to be the place where lives have been altered much like John Wesley, whose life was forever changed at Aldersgate in London, England.

Children feel loved and accepted at Aldersgate. Youth have a safe place to belong and ask questions. Seniors have a place to come for fellowship, exercise and nourishment. Those dealing with addictions find support and encouragement to walk day-by-day. Our preschool provides the foundations for children to experience God’s love as they learn to read and count and young men learn values for a lifetime through the Scouting movement.Our presence at the corner of Douglas and Sylvania gives hope to our community. When you give your money, your time and talents to Aldersgate you are giving to lives transformed. When you leave a legacy to Aldersgate you are ensuring that future children, youth and adults will have a place to come for transformation and hope.Thank you for sharing your blessings, thank you for giving sacrificially. Saving souls is everlasting and God is faithful when we are faithful to give to the work of God here at Aldersgate. If you have not yet given your faith card for 2017 we encourage you to prayerfully complete it and bring it in. Planning for staffing, and ministries in 2017 will depend on your generosity.Let us use our blessings to bless others as we live into the vision of God for Aldersgate.

November 2016

Worship Opportunities Sunday, November 6Communion/All Saints Sunday Rememberance of family members who have gone to their Home in Glory by lighting a candle for each person. Family members are invited to take the candle home after worship.

Sunday, November 13Veterans Sunday honoring those who have served in the military. Our Potluck Celebration Lunch follows worship. See page 3 for details.

Sunday, November 20Youth, Bible & Thanksgiving Sunday. Worship will be led by the youth of our congregation.

Sunday, November 27First Sunday of Advent (preparation for the birth of Christ) and decorating Church for Christmas after worship.

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Our StaffPASTORS

Lilanthi Ward, Senior Pastor Anthony Thomas, Associate Pastor

SENIOR MINISTRIES

Barbara Myers and John Paschen

YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES

Anthony Thomas

HEALTH MINISTRY

Lynn Creager

STEPHEN MINISTRY LEADERS

Larry Godfrey

CHOIR DIRECTOR

Jacob Smith

DIRECTOR CELEBRATION RINGERS

Anthony Thomas

ORGANIST

Judy East

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Alana Danko

CUSTODIANS

Steffany Baker & Becky Buchanan

The Gateway VolunteersAnnie Bailey Pat Bischoff Rose Bodeman Helen Denniss Nancy Einhart Janice EmmittHelen Gebhard

Sarah Hess—Editor Nancy Liming Vergie Johnston Barb Myers Debbie Myers Maryanne Spencer

Opportunity to ServeLITURGIST NEWSExciting News! If you have been wanting to serve as liturgist, but are not comfortable walking up the steps to the lecturn, fear no more! You may now use the microphone to read from the front of the church, or your pew. Please contact Laura Galati at 419-472-2972 (gfamof8@gmail.com) to set up a brief training and to be put onto the liturgist calendar.

Pastor VacationPastor Lilanthi will be out of the office from Monday, November 14 – Sunday, November 20 as she visits her family in Scotland. For pastoral care please contact the church office.

DEWS News – ServiceWe collected 96 cans of soup for Feed Your Neighbor in September. In November, we will be collecting canned fruit. They DO NOT need applesauce or cranberries. Thanks for all your donations.

Operation Christmas Child boxes will be delivered to the collection site in November. If you did not do a box and would like to help with shipping, you can put $7.00 in an envelope, mark it Operation Christmas Child and put it in the offering plate on Sunday morning.

We will begin collecting for Christmas Food Baskets the Sunday after Thanksgiving. A list of food items will be in your bulletins. Please be generous.

Aldersgate United Methodist Church Newsletter is published by the church staff and volunteers.

Aldersgate United Methodist Church Newsletter

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UPCOMING CONCERTS

The Fire WithinSaturday, November 12 | 6:30 PM

Our praise band will provide a time of inspiring music and songs of worship followed by a time of fellowship and desserts. Tickets are $5 and a Love Offering will be taken. Invite others to come with you to enjoy an evening of hope and encouragement as you find a friend in Jesus.

Children's Christmas MusicalSunday, December 11

“The First Leon" will be presented at the 10:45 worship service and also at a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. You will not want to miss this.

Kerry Patrick ClarkSunday, December 18 | 6:00 PM

In concert with his "The Heart of Christmas" tour. Love is the heart of Christmas, but his songs grapple with issues of war and loss alongside the Christian themes of miracles and faith. He also pays homage to what might be the most treasured and reviled dessert in history: the fruitcake. And, as an added bonus for anyone who has not had the pleasure of experiencing Kerry perform live, he includes a humorous rant against holiday consumerism. The Heart of Christmas is just that: filled with heart. It makes room for a broad range of conflicting emotions and ultimately leads us back to the reason we celebrate: love.

Desserts and fellowship will follow the concert. Tickets are $5 and a Love Offering will be taken for Kerry Patrick Clark.

Celebration Lunch

Sunday, November 13 | 12 NoonThe Finance Committee would like to invite you to a celebration potluck family meal as we give thanks to God for the many blessings we have received. They will provide ham and beverages. We ask that if your last name begins with A–M, bring a covered dish, and if your last name begins with N–Z, bring a dessert to share with others.

UMW and Easter SealsThe United Methodist Women group is partnering with the Easter Seals organization and will have a collection truck in the church parking lot November 4 through November 14. This will replace the spring Rummage Sale as a fundraiser for the UMW and it also supports Easter Seals services. They will accept anything EXCEPT bed pillows, electronics and furniture. All donations need to be able to be bagged or boxed.

We will need help manning the truck for collections every morning from 9-10:30 a.m. and afternoon 4:30-6:30 p.m. Call Becky Buchanan at 419-367-9981.

Make a Difference in the Life of a ChildAs a church we have always put the needs of children first. Being with the students at DeVeaux weekly, encouraging them with their reading and math skills, is one very important way of doing this. You will receive training and resources to help with each tutoring and our goal is to have one-to-one tutoring. Currently we have 10 students and 5 tutors. Please contact Sally Finnegan or Pastor Lilanthi if you would like to be part of this vital ministry.

Worship with us . . .

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Ruth Circle

Wednesday, November 9 | 1:00 PM For our November meeting we will continue to study The Twelve Women Of The Bible. All are welcome.

– Jeanette Lefever

Lydia Circle

Monday, November 3 | 7:00 PMAll ladies of the church are invited to join us for our DVD study called "Move On, When Mercy Meets Your Mess." This month we will look at guilt and shame, the difference between them, and as baggage that we can remove from our lives by God's grace and mercy. Dessert/Snacks are served.

– Debbie Myers

Aldersgate Ladies Book Club

Wednesday, December 7 | 7:00 PM The Aldersgate Ladies Book Club will meet in the choir room. We will be reading “Seashell Season" by Holly Chamberlin. Please join us!

– Sandy Garvin

Euchre Club

Friday, November 18 | 7:00 PMAll are welcome, even if you don’t know how to play Euchre. Come join the fun; bring a snack or beverage to share. Coffee is provided.

Outreach MinistriesWest Park Place 3501 Executive Pkwy, Toledo, OH

Bible Study: Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 2:30 PMWorship: Sunday, Nov. 20 | 2:00 PM

All are welcome to join together in a time of worship and celebration of our Christian Faith.

– Rev. John Paschen and Team

Bob Evans (Monroe Street at Harvest Lane)

Tuesdays, November 1 & 15 | ALL DAY!Don’t only go to taste the food but taste the sweet fellowship of eating with friends and knowing that the cost of your meal is also supporting ministry at Aldersgate.

Eldersgate

Tuesday, November 15 | 12 Noon We meet in Meinhart Hall. Please make reservations by 7:00 p.m. the Sunday evening before by calling Vicky at (419) 292-1004.

Our program will be "Remembering Veterans" with Dave Gilbert.

Gift CardsOrder gifts cards to purchase your holiday gifts. Stop at the Welcome Center in the Narthex to place or pick up your order on the dates below.

Order: November 13 Pickup: November 20

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New Church Photo Directory1. Why have your picture taken at Aldersgate?

Since our last pictorial directory we have had several people join our church family and many who are involved regularly that are part of the church family. We would like everyone who is connected to the church to have their picture in our family album (Scouts and preschool families as well as those at West Park Place, DeVeaux school, and Step One are also welcome to be included in our church family album, BUT the directory will only be available to our church members).

You and your extended family can have a professional picture taken at Aldersgate and receive a free 8x10 picture regardless of whether you chose to have the picture in the directory.

If your family decides to take advantage of purchase additional photographs or Christmas cards, you can:

» Receive $5 off if you bring canned goods for the food pantry in the plastic bag which will be provided.

» Receive $10 off when you supply your e-mail address.

» Receive 20% off if you are a senior over 60.

2. How do I make an appointment to have my picture taken?

You are encouraged to make your appointment for the photo session on line following the link from our church Website: www.aldersgatetoledoumc.org

If you do not have access to a computer, you can make your appointment at church on a Sunday morning or during the week in the church office.

3. When can we have pictures taken?

Monday, Nov. 7—Wednesday, Nov. 9 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 14—Wednesday, Nov. 15 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

4. When will we receive our pictures?

Approximately two weeks after your picture is taken.

5. When will we receive the directory?

Approximately 6–7 weeks after pictures are taken. We should have them available for the New Year.

If you would like to help with the logistics of creating this pictorial directory please contact Barb Burnett who is coordinating this effort. THANK YOU BARB!

Youth Sunday — Gratefulness and Thanksgiving

Sunday, November 20 | WorshipThe 30-Hour Famine will be coming to a close, youth and adults will have realized many things for which they are grateful. Come and hear about the experiences and hear about God's blessings, for which we should truly be grateful and give thanks. You won't want to miss it!

Friendly Center NewsThe Guild Meeting and Noon Luncheon is Tuesday, November 8 at St. Paul's UMC at 1201 Madison Ave. and 13th St. Cost is $3.00 for the luncheon and please make your reservation by Friday, November 4 by calling Joan Pitson / 419-476-7132. We will be having the installation of officers as well as a Crafts and Bake Sale.

Vicky Musgrove has been elected Second Vice President of Membership beginning in 2017. The Friendly Center no longer has an Executive Director as the board decided that the position will remain vacant at this time.

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Health Ministries: OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease that weakens our bones by slowly destroying the basic structure of the bone. The bone will lose its mass and strength while becoming more porous or brittle over time. It can cause vertebrae to collapse and bones to break as a result of a very simple action, such as coughing or sneezing. The common site of fracture is the spine, but breaks also occur in the hips, pelvis, wrist and other locations.

Women in their 20s and 30s who have had low calcium intake, an eating disorder, or irregular menstrual cycles may also be at risk. Though the disease strikes far more women than men (80% of those affected are women) men aren't immune to developing osteoporosis. Between ages 30-35, both men and women begin to lose bone faster than the body can replace it. Some have other risk factors that may increase their odds of having more rapidly progressive osteoporosis. These risk factors include age, gender and family history. Post-menopausal women are at risk due to lowered estrogen levels, men with lowered testosterone levels, and people with a thinner build just because they have less bone mass to start with. Additional factors are smoking, drinking alcohol, not enough calcium and/or vitamin D , and lack of exercise.

Ways to lower your risk of the disease will be to get the correct amount of calcium and vitamin D, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, taking certain medications, and doing more weight-bearing exercises. A pain-free test called a DEXA scan can be done to determine your BMD, or bone mineral density. Getting more weight-bearing exercise is critical because bone is stimulated to grow and get stronger when we apply stress to it. Any exercise will help strengthen your bones. Walking, biking, dancing, yoga, tai chi, racquet sports, Pilates, and weight lifting are a few examples to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance and agility.

– Lynn Creager, Parish Nurse

Precious People PreschoolGreetings and thank you to everyone who supported us during our fundraisers! We appreciate all that you do for us here at Precious People Preschool.

We also appreciate all that you do for the community and we would like to help you with your angel baskets by collecting food this month to add to your efforts. Come join us on Wednesday, November 23rd for our Thanksgiving parade and feast where the students will put on a parade to show off their donations and present it to the church.

For more information, please call 419-474-7144.

Thank You!Thank you to our Aldersgate family for the cards, phone calls, prayers and especially our nurses who were there when we needed them. A special thank you to Pastor Lilanthi for her loving care the day of surgery and visits in the hospital. Our Aldersgate family is awesome. God's blessings.

– Bud & Nancy Liming

The Rippling Effect of God's GenerosityAfter Pastor Lilanthi's sermon on 10/23/16, I knew I needed to share my thanks to the family that, through God's generosity, has loved Lee, Kagie and I for 44 years.

What a joyous memorial homecoming you gave for Lee on his passing in August. Kagie and I have been sustained through your love and prayers. Thank you Aldersgate, you are the Ripple of God's Generosity!

– Karen Price

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November 1Tara Kuron Beth Snead

November 2Todd AndersonOrlo CullyTyler SmithDenise Sparks

November 5Jeff Whitaker, Sr.

November 7Heather DavisKaren Eggenschwiler

November 9Katie Collins

November 10Bob BradnerCaylen CrowlBrittany Williams

November 12Dave Neuendorff

November 13Brycen DawsonMichael Knott

November 15Thomas BlackJames BucherNoah FeudiJeanne Yeack

November 17Joyce GoodyearBrenden Limpf

November 18Laura GalatiKendall Morse

November 19Scott Sheppard

November 23Lynn CreagerJanet Gorsuch

November 24Sharon Cox

November 25Kimberlee AndersonJoann BennettJeff MorseJeff Whitaker, Jr

November 27Alan HazlettRichard MaxfieldJudy Scherer

November 28Joel Keaton

November 30Braelynn DawsonKaren Moulton

Christian Stewardship

Report Ending September 30, 2016Contact Carol Marckel at (419) 509-2243 if you would like information on how to make direct debit payments for your pledged giving to Aldersgate.

Total IncomeTotal Income (YTD) .....................................$188,603Total Expenses (YTD) ..................................$212,868Net Income/(loss) YTD ............................... ($24,265)

Conference ApportionmentsWOC Paid (YTD) .............................................$8,350WOC Assigned Apportionments (budget) ............................................................$10,500Balance Due ....................................................... $2,150

District ApportionmentsDistrict Paid (YTD) ...........................................$7,120District Assigned Apportionments (budget) ..............................................................$8,421Balance Due ....................................................... $1,301

Your financial support is vital to sustain our facility and ministries.

Average Monthly Sunday Attendance September: 162

Birthdays

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage PaidPermit No 556Toledo OH

Aldersgate United Methodist Church4030 Douglas Road Toledo Ohio 43613

Address Service Requested

8:30 and 10:45 AM, 6:30 PMSunday Worship Services

Connection GroupsCall the Church Office for details

(419) 473-1294 Church Office Telephone(419) 473-1295 Church Office Fax(419) 474-7144 Precious People Preschool Telephone

E: office@aldersgatetoledoumc.orgW: www.aldersgatetoledoumc.orgS: facebook.com/aldersgatetoledoumc

Worship&Study