WARMED THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR During October and November we will be exploring the ways in which we can become more generous as we let go of those “things” and “habits” that weigh us down. Gravity has a way of keeping us pinned to the ground. When we feel tied down, and weighed down by the storms and pressures of life, we can feel overwhelmed and being generous with our time, our talents or money is the last thing on our mind.Between October 15 and November 12 we’ll examine the generous life—what it is and why it can be hard to experience.We’ll be studying the topic of generosity, including data from surveys, insights from experts, and stories about generous people, their goals and habits. We want to understand why generosity brings people joy and what forces work against it.Many of us want to experience the significance of blessing others but feel trapped by past decisions and misled by a society that bombards us with messages of having more and having better.The good news is that Jesus offers us a way to “defy gravity” and break free from the culture of more. Come hear what the Bible and others say about how to experience a generous life. There will be exercises and challenges during this series to help you consider your relationship with money, possessions, and giving.

One of these is the Clean-Out Challenge. Various organizations will be on-site to accept and recycle your donations, including the opportunity to bring your papers that need shredding.We will have locked bins from a commercial paper shredding company at the church from October 20 through October 30 and on Saturday, October 28 between 10 a.m. at 2 p.m. you can come through the drive through at the front of the church. We will give 80% of the free will offering received for the shredding service

to UMCOR for the disaster relief efforts. You will not only be lightening your load but the load of those whose lives have been turned upside down.Each week there will be a different clean out challenge and you will not want to

miss out on the “Defying Gravity” Sundays starting on October 15. I am excited to see a new garage at home so that I can actually put my car in it, and a new office during this time. Who knows even my guest room might be cleared for guests?!We desire to be generous, we are called to be generous, but social pressures often cloud the wants and needs and we hold onto that which we really need to let go. Come experience the freedom Christ offers and enjoy being set free.

WORSHIP TIMESSunday Mornings: 8:30 and 10:45 AM

• 8:30 AM worship is Communion and Meditation in the Chapel.

• 10:45 AM worship is a Family service in the Sanctuary. During the school year, our choirs and praise band, The Fire Within, provide inspirational music.

• See inside for additional worship and fellowship opportunities.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESOctober 1 / World Communion Sunday, remembering our brothers and sisters around the world

October 8 / ”Helping Others”

October 15 / ”Discovering Gravity” Matthew 19:16-26

October 22 / “Breaking Free” Luke 15:11-32

October 29 / “Tethered to God” Matthew 6:21

EncouragingEnriching &Empowering

O C T O B E R 2 0 17

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OUR STAFFPASTOR Lilanthi WardSENIOR MINISTRIES Barbara Myers and John PaschenCHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Christian TaylorHEALTH MINISTRY Lynn CreagerSTEPHEN MINISTRY LEADER Larry GodfreyCHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR Jacob SmithCELEBRATION RINGERS DIRECTOR Jacob SmithORGANIST Judy EastADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Alana DankoCUSTODIAN Becky Buchanan

THE GATEWAY VOLUNTEERSAnnie Bailey Pat Bischoff Rose Bodeman Helen Denniss Nancy Einhart Helen Gebhard

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

A SCRIPTURE SECOND (OR TWO)

Scripture Inspiration | Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-12So often we try rushing God and anticipating His plan for us. There are many examples in the Bible where this happens such as Sarai’s bright idea in Genesis 16:1–5. That was not quite the plan God had in mind when he told Abram, her husband, that he would be the father of many nations.Like my namesake (Sarai becomes Sarah) I, too, have let impatience and uncertainty drive my bus—speeding along trying to make things happen outside of God’s plan for me without success. For example, when I was going through financially uncertain times, I started applying for jobs just to secure steady income. I can tell you that they were not what God had in mind for me because those interviews were disastrous! One, in particular, was so bad I became confused and had a hard time getting out of the building. I responded to the interviewer’s questions with answers that I knew would kill any chance of my getting the position, but it was as if I didn’t have any control. It clearly was not where God intended for me to be. Then I had to wait. I had to trust. I had to have faith in God that He would put me in the best place to have steady work at this season in my life. And He did. Will that last? As long as He sees fit and I just have to continue to trust and have faith that He will provide for my needs.We don’t know what our future holds, but our Heavenly Father does. Trust in Him.

– Sarah Hess

The Gateway Newsletter is published by the church staff and volunteers.

INCLEMENT WEATHER During inclement weather we will inform Channel 11 and Channel 13 if we are not having worship on Sunday. For information regarding meetings, please call either the church office or your team leader.

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UMW NEWS

BAZAARNovember 4 / 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.We are in desperate need for volunteers at the Jewelry Table at the UMW Bazaar. We open at 9 a.m. and you can work two hour shifts or more.Also, we need jewelry donations. Ask your mom, grandmother, aunts or all your friends. We also take children’s jewelry. Please call Denise Sparks. 419.478.6326 or 419.392.1360.

Notice: Any UMW member who has been collecting money in the World Thank Offering Box should turn the money in to Carol Marckel or Kay Merritt during the month of October. You may roll your coins if you wish but it is not necessary.

COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTYOctober 14 / 12 to 5 p.m. Come and support our community.Aldersgate will have a booth at the fair and would like to invite people to serve at the booth. What would you like to do? Give out water, play corn hole, face paint etc. If you can serve in any way please contact the Church office as soon as possible.

MOVIE NIGHT

October 20 / 6:30 p.m. A classic Christian movie (1970) about God’s love for a New York gangster who became a Christian.

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES

PARENT’S NIGHT OUTOctober 14 / 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Our youth leaders will be hosting our first to fifth grade students at the church for an evening of fun and games. Drop off your kids and go have fun!

CYFM LUNCHEONOctober 15 / After 10:45 service / Menu: Potato BarAfter the luncheon, the youth group will be visiting our home-bound members. We will be back at 3:00 p.m.We will also be starting a sign-up for our November chili cook-off fundraiser.

TENT CITYOctober 20-21 / Youth group is at it again! Our youth group will be assisting with Tent City on this weekend. All who are able to attend, we will meet at the church Friday, October 20th, at 5:00 p.m. We will return Saturday, October 21st, at 1:00 p.m.No Youth Group on October 22!

WHEELER FARMS MAZEOctober 28 / 6:00–9:00 p.m. / We will be headed to Wheeler Farms for some autumn fun. Bring your flashlights and glow sticks because it’s going to get dark!

TRUNK OR TREAT!October 29 / 5:00–6:00 p.m. / All are invited to decorate their cars, pass out candy and join us for a great time of fun and fellowship.No Youth Group!

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At Aldersgate, Connection Groups are a vital part of our time spent with God and with our community. They come in many shapes and sizes. Take a look at these possibilities and if you don’t see what you are looking for or want more information, you can check our website, or contact our office with your suggestion.

SUNDAY MORNINGS

9:30 to 10:30 AM

FELLOWSHIP HOURMeinhart Hall / Coffee and snacks are provided.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUESDiscussion group about current issues and faith.

BIBLE IN EVERYDAY LIFEBible stories applied to everyday life.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY FUNA HUGE thank you to all who have agreed to serve as Sunday Fun group leaders: Infants and Pre-schoolers / Kara Brown, 1st–3rd grade / Catherine & Corey Grice, 4th–5th grade / Sue Keaton & Sharon Merritt. If you are willing to sub for any of these age groups please contact Amy Allen at 419-215-4483.

WOMEN

RUTH CIRCLEOctober 11 / 1:00 PM / Choir Room. September–May.LYDIA CIRCLEOctober 23 / 7:00 PM / Choir Room. September–May. We are continuing our DVD study, “The Longing in Me.”ALDERSGATE LADIES BOOK CLUB October 25 / 7:00 PM / Choir Room. “Objects of My Affection” by Jill Smolinski.

MEN

MEN’S GROUP This group meets the first and third Sundays of each month during the school year from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the church Education Wing, room 206. The group is open to all men between the ages of 18 on up.

WOMEN & MEN

GOSPEL OF LUKEWednesdays / 12:00 or 6:00 PM come learn how the words of Jesus impact our daily life. We read the words from the Gospels and discuss questions. No prior knowledge is required, just a willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you about how these words of Jesus could relate to your life today.

EUCHREOctober 27 / 7:00 PM / All are welcome, even if you don’t know how to play Euchre. Bring a snack or beverage to share. Coffee is provided.

AUDIO-VISUAL CLUBThis group meets Mondays at 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

TRAVELING LIGHT LIFE GROUPThis group meets at a member’s home on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 PM. They study, fellowship and travel life’s roads together.

SENIORS

WEST PARK PLACE 3501 Executive Pkwy, Toledo, OHBible Study: October 4 / 2:30 PMFolding Chair Theater: October 9 / 1:30 PMWorship: October 15 / 2:00 PMAll are welcome to join together in a time of worship and celebration of our Christian Faith.

ELDERSGATEOctober 24 / 12:00 PM / We meet in Meinhart Hall. Lunch with dessert is only $3. Please make reservations by 7:00 p.m. the Sunday evening before by calling Vicky at (419) 292-1004.Guest speaker Shirley Green, retired Toledo Police officer, will speak about the Toledo Police Museum.

MUSIC

CHANCEL CHOIR Rehearsals: Thursday Evenings 7:00 PM / Adult choir that provides worship music at the 10:45 a.m. worship and some special services. September–May

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THE FIRE WITHIN PRAISE BAND Rehearsals: Monday Evenings 5:30 PM / A contemporary group that helps lead worship on Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. and for special events.CELEBRATION RINGERS BELL CHOIR Rehearsals: Thursday Evenings 6:00 PM / Adult bell choir that plays monthly at the 10:45 a.m. worship and some special services. September–MayCHILDREN’S BELL CHOIR Rehearsals: Thursdays at 5:00 PM. 1st grade on up are welcome to join. They play at the 10:45 a.m. service occasionally. September–May

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY PRAYEREvery Monday evening we have prayer walks. We meet at the church at 6 p.m.BOB EVANS 4805 Monroe Street, Toledo October 3 & 17 / 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 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.DEVEAUX ELEMENTARY 2620 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo / An ongoing partnership of helping with supplies, in the library, mentoring and tutoring. Tutoring starts September 27th for the 2017-2018 school year. Last year we tutored ten students. This year the need is greater. Contact Christian Taylor.(Continued next column.)

Tutoring: Wednesdays after school in a classroom as requested.Bell Choir: Thursdays after school.

FRIENDLY CENTEROctober 10 / 12:00 PM / Guild Meeting at The Friendly Center: Guest speaker is Dr. Celia Williamson of the University of Toledo. She will be talking about “Human Trafficking.” Reservations are needed by October 6. Contact Joan Pitson at 419-476-7132.Dues for 2018 can be paid. See Joan Pitson.A BIG THANK YOU to all who helped in anyway with the Garage Sale in August!

PRECIOUS PEOPLE PRESCHOOL NEWSGreetings Aldersgate Family from Precious People Preschool!During October the students will be exploring the changes of the season including going to a real working farm to learn more about the fall harvest. School will be closed on October 6th for our field trip to Gusts Brother’s Pumpkin Farm where the children get to help the farmers with a day in the life of a farmer. The tour costs $4 and will begin at 9:30 AM. All are welcome to join us! Please call the preschool office at 419-474-7144 for more information about this fun field trip.Thank you to all of the families who have supported us. It has been such a blessing!

CONNECTION GROUPS– FIND OUT MORE...• What are Connection Groups? • When and how often do they

meet? • Not sure how you can get

connected with small groups or interest groups here at Aldersgate?

• Have you been coming for a while and not sure how you fit in?

• Do you want to know how to better connect with God?

• Would you like to get into a study of the Bible or how the Bible is applicable to life but not sure what would work best for you and your schedule?

• Would you like to get to know other people in the church?

If you have asked any of these questions, then come on Tuesday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. to the Chapel. We can explore the possibilities and find ways that will help you get better connected with God and one another. We are looking forward to seeing you. Contact Amy Allen at 419-215-4483 if you want more information, especially if you can’t make it on the 10th.

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HEALTH MINISTRIESTeen DepressionWhile every teen feels upset or irritable now and then, depression is a more intense feeling of sadness, hopelessness or anger that lasts for weeks or longer and impairs the teen’s ability to function. Left untreated, it can lead to academic problems, alcohol and drug abuse, and even suicide. One in eight adolescents has teen depression.Depression can be triggered by stressful events such as changing schools, losing someone close, school performance, social status with peers, sexual orientation and family life. A family history of depression may increase a teen’s risk for becoming depressed.Many teens won’t tell anyone they are feeling bad so be aware of these symptoms: restlessness, agitation, acting out, lack of motivation, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, withdrawal from social activities, dropping grades, frequent school absences, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, complaints of aches and pains, substance abuse and self-harm.If you suspect that a young person you know is depressed, share your concerns and ask about his or her feelings and challenges at home, school or with friends. Listen without being judgmental or reactive, avoid lecturing, empathize and show them you are there to help.(Continued next column.)

Treatment can include talk therapy ( including individual, group or family counseling), medication or a combination of both.With the right treatment, 80% of people who suffer from depression can feel better.– Lynne Creager / Parish Nurse

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPOctober 9 / 7:00 PM in the Choir Room / Open to all who are struggling with loss in their lives. It may be a loved one, the loss of a home, or job, or pet. There are many events that can cause us to experience grieving.This group meets monthly in the choir room on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. Pastor John Paschen will be facilitating this group.

GIVING THANKS!Chicken BBQ: Alan Hazlett and Tony Edgington would like to thank each and everyone that helped with the Chicken BBQ. There was a record number of over 65 people that helped make our 42nd annual event a huge success. We sold all of our 350 chickens at exactly 7:00 p.m. We even had a few people from Step One help us this year so this is becoming a real community event. I would like to name all the people that helped but I know I would miss someone. Thanks to all the volunteers and all the people that bought tickets. Without you there isn’t a BBQ. We received over $1800 for ministries within our walls and beyond.

70th Birthday Bash: Gary Mohr and the Finance team would like to thank ALL who helped with our 70th Birthday Bash. We had a wonderful dinner and entertainment as well as the fun games. If you would like to send a birthday gift for the church or to the food bank at St Paul—it is not too late—just bring to the church.

Memorial Luncheons: Thank you Barb Myers and the Memorial luncheon team for preparing and serving numerous meals for grieving families. Your ministry of caring and giving is so appreciated. We are blessed at Aldersgate to have such a dedicated group of people who give sacrificially.

Precious People Preschool: We would like to thank all who gave memorials for Sharon Black and also to Karen Price for the donation given in memory of Lee Price that provided the new playground equipment. Our children as well as the children in the community will enjoy using it.

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BIRTHDAYS

October 1Debbie MyersOctober 2Michael SprouseOctober 3Tony GalatiNicole StarkeyOctober 5Erin AdamsDale SampsonOctober 6Jacob KluczynskiShelly ShawOctober 7Susan GalowOctober 8Patricia FowlieDenielle SandersonOctober 9Kylie BradnerLois GarberOctober 10Andrew DickensJeanette LefeverSarah RhymesOctober 11Jacob FeltnerOctober 12Judy PriceOctober 13Ellen NewellOctober 15Sara PadgettOctober 16Michael King

October 17Nick LesinszkiOctober 19Amy ContosLeighton PotulskiLibbie PoturalskiEleanor WalterOctober 20Mary BakerOctober 22Sarah ZiemkeOctober 25Gary BernardWesley KeatonHannah KuronOctober 26Sally BeeCorey GriceOctober 27Zach HanacekOctober 28Kelly LabrieOctober 29Pat WilkinsOctober 30Kelli DubendorferAlyssa LambrechtRobert McKentyOctober 31Ethan BitterSarah HessWanda TibaiSamuel Ward

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP

Report Ending August 31, 2017Contact 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) .......................................... $167,418 Total Expenses (YTD) .......................................$190,321 Net Income/(loss) YTD .................................. ($22,903))

Conference ApportionmentsWOC Paid (YTD) ................................................. $6,700 WOC Assigned Apportionments (Budget) .................................................................$10,550Balance Due ........................................................... $3,850

District ApportionmentsDistrict Paid (YTD) ..............................................$6,500 District Assigned Apportionments (Budget) ...................................................................$7,904Balance Due ........................................................... $1,404Your leadership team greatly appreciates your continual dedication and support toward meeting our stewardship commitments. We wish to encourage everyone to remain faithful to our pledged commitments during the summer months. In our Father’s name, we thank you.

GIFT CARDSOrder gifts cards to purchase gifts for all occasions. Stop at the Welcome Center in the Narthex to place or pick up your order on the dates below. Order: October 29 Pickup: November 5

Average Monthly Sunday Attendance August 2017: 138

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