THE MESSENGER

September 2011

Share The Journey.

Children & Youth Music News .................... 2

Mental Health Resource ............................. 2

Emmanuel Dining Room ............................. 3

August Lead Team Report ............................. 4

Harvest Food Collection ............................. 6

Heritage Fellowship Returns....................... 6

Discipleship—Adult .................................... 7

Children’s Sunday School ........................... 8

Weed Eaters of Aldersgate ....................... 10

Student Ministry News ............................. 11

Kid’s Page ................................................ 12

Wilmington Remembers ........................... 13

News for Fall ............................................. 14

Can you believe it’s September already?

What a busy time this will prove to be. It’s

times like this when we have to take a

careful look at all the things that we have

going on and make sure that everything is the way we want it to be. It’s

so easy to put ourselves in a hundred different places at once and never

concentrate on what is primary in our lives.

If we stop the whirlwind of activity long enough to make a very short list

of the two or three most important things in our lives, and then narrow

that list to one, we will discover our primary need. This primary need is

not going to be the same for each of us because we all wear a different

set of many hats. We do all have a common heritage, though. We are all

children of God.

The scriptures say, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

God wants to help us discover what our primary need is so

that our lives can be more organized and streamlined. We

will then be more free to worship and praise Him for giving

us wisdom and discernment. I pray that as life gets more

and more busy, you will lean more and more on the Father

to give you strength and direction. Set your sails toward

Jesus and your needs will be taken care of everyday.

Peace,

Pastor Chris

Many Hats, One Person

Aldersgate’s Mission: With God’s Help and Through Prayer:

We Gather as God’s People

We Grow in Faith & Love

We Go into the World as Jesus’ Disciples

One joint worship service at

10 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Sunday School & Children’s &

Youth Choir Sign-up and

Orientation for all.

F3 (Fellowship, Food, Fun)

hosted by our Student

Ministry.

Sign-up to attend in the HUB

or at the Information Booth

and bring a covered dish.

Meat & drinks provided.

Rally Day—What Is It?

Sunday, September 18 at 11:30 a.m..

Share the Journey 2

Aldersgate UMC is

A Caring Community

Intentionally ministering to persons

with mental illness and their families.

Mental Health Resource Center In AUMC Library By Anne Murray, Parish Nurse

The Caring Community ministry has established a small mental health resource center in the church library. The resource center is part of this ministry’s efforts to care for members, friends and families living with mental illness through support and education. Some items can just be taken; others can be checked out by leaving a card noting the resource you are borrowing on the shelf or in mailbox #12 in the HUB. Some examples of resources are:

From Mental Health Association

Depression- What you need to know

Overcoming Depression Late in Life

From National Institutes of Mental Health

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens

Bipolar Disorder

Spiritually Based Help-Care Notes

Anger Management

Depression - What everyone should know

Overcoming Everyday Anxiety

Books to Loan

Wrestling With Our Inner Angels. Faith, Mental Illness and the Journey to Wholeness

All persons are welcome to work on the Caring Community Ministry. We welcome ideas and suggestions. Contact any of the Caring Community committee: Anne Murray, Parish Nurse, Rev. Karen Moore, David Lipscomb, Ruth Overby.

A Resource for Those Caring for Persons With Dementia By Anne Murray, Parish Nurse

No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted - The Spirituality of Caring for Persons with Dementia is a book now available in the parish nurse office for check out.

Many of us care for a family member with dementia (Alzheimer's Disease). We walk with them as best we can; taking a journey that can be frustrating, lonely and heartbreaking. Caregivers need physical, emotional and spiritual strength. No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted has been called a thoughtful and compassionate book that addresses the spirituality of caring for persons with dementia. The authors understand dementia and what caregivers experience in their day-to-day life with their loved one. "They remind us of the abiding worth of every person and the power of the smallest acts of love". So if you are caring for a family member living with dementia, come check out No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted.

At heaven's gate

where all the leaves

of lost memories are restored

they WILL remember

all the loving fragments, melodies, touches

prayers and tales by which you loved them.

Angels will sing, dance and shout,

sensing your love in these loved ones' joys.

--Jim Fowler

Greetings from the Children & Youth

Music Leadership Team!

By Diane Shea & Janet Atwater

We are gearing up for another exciting

year. We have three choirs that span the ages from our

youngest children to our Junior and Senior High youth. The

three choirs are:

Children’s Choir (Grades Pre-K – 2nd) practices on

Sundays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the Rainbow Room and will

have several opportunities to sing in the church service

during the year including Children’s Sabbath, Christmas

Eve Family Service, Easter and Mother’s Day.

Junior Choir (Grades 3rd – 6th) will practice Sundays

from 11 to 11:45 a.m. in the Music Center and will sing

regularly in the worship services, as well as in the

Christmas Concert, Christmas Eve Services, etc.

Vocal Impact (Grades 7th – 12th) will practice Sundays

from 11 to 11:45 a.m. in the Music Center and will sing

regularly in the worship services, as well as in the

Christmas Concert, Christmas Eve Services, etc.

Choir sign-ups are part of Rally Day on Sunday,

September 18. Practice begins Sunday, September 25t.

ALL CHILDREN AND YOUTH ARE WELCOME.

The 2012 musical will be THE WIZARD OF OZ!

Auditions will be held in late November/early December.

Rehearsals begin the weekend of January 7.

Performances will be in early March. If you have any

questions, or would like to help, please contact:

Janet Atwater (610) 388-2120 jrawater@comcast.net or

Diane Shea (302) 762-0388 sheadb@gmail.com

Share the Journey 3

Emmanuel Dining Room, an Opportunity for Aldersgaters

By Linda & Don Moore

Emmanuel Dining Room (EDR), founded in 1979 with three locations in Wilmington, helps alleviate hunger by providing a nutritious meal for the poor. Approximately 100 churches, synagogues, businesses and civic groups contribute their time by preparing and serving noon

meals on a rotating basis each month. For more than 25 years Aldersgate has been preparing the noon meal at EDR West, located at North Jackson Street, on the 16th of each month! Every day of the year, about 200 guests of EDR are seated in a clean, cheerful dining room and served a nutritious meal in restaurant fashion. All who come are warmly welcomed. Many individuals and groups have participated over the years and this year has been no exception. The United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women and the Youth have each participated twice this year! The Men’s Saturday Morning Breakfast group along with many other individuals have filled in other months. We thank those listed below for their dedication and service to this important GO Team ministry! Please ask any of them about their experience or if you have questions regarding what is involved. Participation is very simple. The “team for the month” selects a meal from several menus; meat, vegetable, fruit which are pre-ordered from a large market such as Shop Rite. On the 16th the team picks up the food around 9 a.m. and takes it to EDR where their staff will help unload it into the kitchen. The Aldersgate team helps the chef prepare, cook and set up the kitchen for filling plates. Other organizations provide the servers and the clean-up crew. The team will fill about 200 plates between noon and 1 p.m. when the front door closes. At that time, you may stay and eat a meal or depart. Each team participant enjoys the special feeling of helping people in need.

If you and several friends would like to sign-up to serve on the 16th of a month just call Sandy and Kirk Anderson (302-478-6859), Linda and Don Moore (610-558-6817) or Mary Jane and John Prince (302-478-6268) who coordinate the EDR program for Aldersgate. The calendar for 2012 is already filling up, so don’t wait too long to call! It’s a very rewarding four hours of your time and something you will want to do again!!!

Jim Rindfuss Rex Palmer Bill Innes Diane & Larry Whittaker Jessica & Dick Johnston Maureen & Dick Miller Joy Thompson Kate Downham Fleece Dahl Ellen Thorn Linda Miller

Ellen Leonzio Barbara Buckley Kathy Daum Coleen Lamiet Jimmie Lamiet Mary Beth Snyder Kathy Harding Barbara Lugg Janet Atwater Brittany Doughty Samantha Doughty

Katie & Jay Doughty Meredith Boardman Kathy Boardman Ashley Swanson Adam West Bennett Atwater Molly Atwater Giselle Babiarz Isaac Fields Zach Pendley Meredith Sobus

Bob Bodwell Bob Hawkins Dorman Orr Frank Henderson Jon Lassiter Jill & George McKeown Linda & Don Moore Mary Jane & John Prince Sandy & Kirk Anderson *Apologies to anyone who was missed!

Bell Choir Meeting Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m.

in the Bell Choir Room

All previous ringers are encouraged to attend this preliminary meeting to discuss the coming year.

For those interested in joining the Bell Choir, or for anyone interested in joining a Beginning Bell Choir Class, please contact Jeffrey Manns, Director of Music, at jeff.manns@aldersgatede.org or by phone at (302) 478-2575 ext. 27.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals Resume Wednesday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the

Music Center

Calling all Chancel Choir Members or anyone who has considered joining the choir!!! The Chancel Choir at Aldersgate is open to all individuals who would like to participate in the amazing art of choral music. The Chancel Choir provides special music and leads worship for our traditional services throughout the year. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Manns, Director of Music:

jeff.manns@aldersgatede.org or at (302) 478-2575 ext. 27.

2011 EDR Volunteers

Share the Journey 4

August Lead Team Report

Effective September 25, the worship schedule is: 8 a.m. Traditional Worship 9 a.m. The Journey 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Traditional Worship The decision regarding the worship schedule for the fall, addresses the following items of concern: 1. Placing the second traditional service at the most recognizable time for traditional worship. 2. Placing the second traditional service at an earlier time to accommodate residents of retirement facilities whose lunch ends at

a set time. They have had trouble returning in time for their lunch. 3. Beginning to create a dedicated hour of Sunday school for all ages in hopes that eventually all ages would be learning together. The decision best fits our mission to GATHER as God’s People, GROW in Faith and Love and to GO into the world as Jesus’ Disciples. During the next few months we will be talking with those who have an opinion regarding this decision. We will be closely looking at attendance and will continue this conversation if it becomes clear that additional modifications are necessary in order to be the best stewards of our collective time and talents.

Small Groups Newsletter

You’re invited to join a “Small Group” at Aldersgate and be

blessed! Small group participation enables you to really get

to know others in the Aldersgate family and learn the many

ways we can live out our faith. On September 18 you will

have a chance to learn about and join a Small Group for

friendship and ministry.

To learn about all these opportunities, go to the Aldersgate

web (www.aldersgatede.org) then click on “What We Offer”,

and then “Small Groups Directory” or pick up a printout from

the information stand across from the HUB. For more

information, contact co-coordinators Henry Daum or Cheryl

Merritt at smallgroups@aldersgatede.org or by calling the

church office at 302-478-2575.

Pizza, Pajamas & Movie Night Friday, September 30 at 6 p.m.

All friends and families are invited to the Student Ministry Center for pizza and viewing of the newly released “Winnie the Pooh Movie” (G). Children

may wear pj's and bring a pillow to sit on. Requested donation is $10 per family.

RSVP sharon.jennelly@aldersgatede.org or call 478-2575, ext. 18 by Wednesday, September 28 for planning.

Hayride and Bonfire—Save the Date! Sunday, October 30 at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Bellevue State Park

We are expecting a huge crowd so this year there are two times you can choose from. Sign up in the HUB or email Sharon now! Two wagons will leave at 6 p.m. and then again at 7 p.m. followed by a bonfire, delicious hot dogs and decadent smores. Requesting only $10 per family & friends to offset some of the cost. Reserve your spots by emailing sharon.jennelly@aldersgatede.org or sign-up in the hub and place the check in mailbox #7 by October 23.

July 17 -- Elizabeth Susan Cook,

daughter of Jason & Kathleen Cook

July 24-- Nicholas Philip Gleason,

son of Michael & Sara Jane Gleason

Lead Team Members are: Rev. Chris Pennington, Sarah Ogilby, John Jennelly, Nancy Hough, Bill Innes, Aldo Morell, Mary Jane Prince, Don Moore, Scott Lugar, Teresa Yarbrough, Bill Culliton, Craig Parrish, and Cheryl Merritt.

Happy Anniversary to our Friends!

Al & Betty Moore 53 years on September 7

Clair & Evelyn Frank 57 years on September 11

Al & Pat Koenig 53 years on September 13

Dan & Phyllis Eisenhart 60 years on September 15

Nelson & Loura Lea Meredith 51 years on September 17

Bob & Eleanore Klumpp 55 years on September 22

Roy & Julia Meredith 58 years on September 26

Share the Journey 5

Going Green By Royal Lowthert

There are many ways that we recycle at Aldersgate and ways that you can support the effort by making small changes.

1) Drop your “Paper Only” in the green and yellow Abitibi bins located on the church property. Abitibi is a source of income. Keep your used papers coming! Nearly every month the bins need to be emptied several times and the church receives a check for our efforts. More importantly, precious landfill space is also saved by the efforts.

2) Recycle all other materials such as aluminum, plastic and cardboard through our community trash company, Brandywine Waste. Brandywine Waste charges $20 monthly to remove the other recyclable materials.

3) Drop your used printer cartridges into the receptacle located in the hallway near the HUB. The recycled cartridges generate credit at Staples that can be used to defray church office expenses.

4) Sign up to receive the Messenger electronically via email. You can do this in the HUB, at the Information Booth or on the website (www.aldersgatede.org). Emailing the Messenger costs nothing! The Messenger is also available on the website on the home page as “News” and in the information areas at church.

If you’re receiving the Messenger now and wish to be dropped from the distribution, please contact the church office at 302-478-2575 or send an email to messenger@aldersgatede.org.

Aldersgate United Methodist Church celebrates its

60th Anniversary on Sunday, November 20th

Details to follow...

Finance at a Glance Through July by Teresa Yarbrough, Finance Team Lead

For July, our income was higher than our expenses by $1,118, which has resulted in a year to date surplus of $25,399. This year, our income is 5% higher than 2010 but our expenses are 1% higher which results in the higher surplus for 2011. We continue to watch our spending in 2011.

Financial News By Royal Lowthert

This is likely to be the last year that the IRS will permit a distribution from a regular Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a charitable entity without having to pay taxes on the earnings. This program has been in existence for the past several years but sources tell me this will be the last year that it will be available. To minimize your tax burden you may want to consider making your church donation for 2011 and prepaying your donation for 2012 all in this calendar year. For more information contact Royal at 302.478.2575 ext. 14.

Year-to-Date Actual YTD Actual vs. Budget

2010 2011 Budget $ %

Income 606,102 636,846 644,085 (7,239) -1.1%

Expenses 604,946 611,447 644,085 32,638 -5.1%

Surplus/

(Shortfall) 1,156 25,399 0 25,399

Share the Journey 6

3rd Annual Aldersgate Cook-off Postponed

Due to the number of activities

scheduled for September, the

Annual Men’s Cook-off, previously

Scheduled for Saturday, September

17 is postponed. Watch for information on another Men’s

Cooking event in the October Messenger!

If you’re interested in participating or just want to know more,

contact any of the following:

Henry Daum 302-652-8541 daumhf@comcast.net Jim Rindfuss 302-478-7969 rindfuss@comcast.net

Do you “LIKE” Aldersgatede?

The AldersgateDE Facebook page is where you can create events, post pictures and short videos of fun events and outings at church!

Our website, Facebook page and Twitter account are named consistently – AldersgateDE!

If you’re a Facebook person, please take a minute to find the new page and “LIKE” us! If you have questions, please send an email to maryjane.prince@verizon.net.

Join us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Believe it or not, it is once again time to join with our brothers and sisters at St. Mary Magdalen for our annual food drive.

Bags will be distributed after all worship services on Sunday, September 25. Please take a bag home and bring it back to church on October 2 filled with non-perishable food items. Volunteers and trucks will be positioned at both the Parking Lot and Fairfax Entrances to receive donations.

The items collected will be distributed to various food pantries in the Wilmington area including, Brandywine Community United Methodist Church, Neighborhood House, St. Helena’s, St. Patrick’s and Ezion-Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Food Pantries. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to help provide emergency food to families in need throughout New Castle County and to “. . . live out Christ’s teachings as we meet the needs of our local . . . community!”

Some examples of food items to fill your bag are: pasta, rice, tuna/hamburger helper, instant macaroni and cheese, canned goods; including vegetables, fruits, applesauce, soup, beef stew, tuna, spam, corned beef, chicken and dumplings, Vienna sausage, bake beans, salmon, all tomato products, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, dry milk, Bisquick, grits, oatmeal, condiments and sauces, cookies, crackers, pop-tarts, and paper goods.

Please join with your “GO” Team in this very important mission project!!

Harvest Food Collection By Judy Morton

Collection Sunday, October 2

Heritage Fellowship Returns!

Thursday, September 22

Dinner at 5:30 p.m.

Program at 6:15 p.m.

Our own Al Moore will present slides from

their September 2008 trip to South Africa, showing racial and

economic conditions. This presentation will include coverage

of their rail journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg,

Pretoria, and Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zambia and wildlife

viewing in the Okavango Delta area in Botswana.

For dinner reservations, please call Doris Pomeroy at

302-656-4052 by Monday, September 19.

William O. (Bill) Roberts on July 27 Note: Please keep Ann in your prayers as September 10 approaches when she & Bill would have celebrated 51 years of marriage. Sandra B. Hess on August 6

Do you see a need—tell a trustee!

There was no meeting in August. The next meeting is

scheduled for Thursday, September 15.

Trustees are: Don Moore, President, Dave Dunbar, Vice

President, Carolyn Fleckenstein, Secretary. Additional

members include: Jane Smith, Doug Devoll, Barb Lassiter,

Doug Lawson and Bob Reis and Royal Lowthert, Ex-Officio

member.

Remember: If you miss hearing Pastor Chris’ message on Sunday or just want to hear it again, you can listen by visiting

www.aldersgatede.org then click on: What we offer

Worship services Sermons

Share the Journey 7

Discipleship – Adult Education Class Offerings

by Bill Innes, Grow Team Leader

“GROW” has a full agenda of discipleship and education offerings for the fall. Get engaged and “GROW” your friends, your

spirituality and your knowledge.

Aldersgate Potpourri (Bill Innes—contact) Members come forth and teach 1-3 week classes on their areas of spirituality in practice. “Jesus in Modern Art”, “Spirituality of Quilting” and “Christianity in China” are three suggestions. Like to teach? Contact grow@aldersgatede.org THIS CLASS WILL ONLY BE OFFERED IF PEOPLE VOLUNTEER TO TEACH SOMETHING. Sundays at 10 a.m. Room 237. Alpha to Omega (Jack Smith) Lecture and discussion of various Biblical and theological themes, taken from a “spiritually academic”

standpoint. Alpha to Omega meets Sundays 9:30-10:30 a.m., in Fellowship Hall (lower level). (Please note new time)

Connections (Henry Daum) Connections has multi-generational membership and uses video-based material to drive discussions.

The goal is to get closer to God as we get closer to each other through sharing and caring. Connections uses a video-discussion

format, working through an Andy Stanley series on Discipleship. Andy is a very entertaining speaker who pastors a mega Church in

Atlanta. Sundays at 10 a.m. in Room 122.

Seasons of the Spirit (Ellie Kelly) A study of the lectionary for Sunday's worship. It takes an in-depth look at the scripture readings

prior to the Sunday worship service. Questions posed during the class provide class members with some thought-provoking

questions to ponder during the week. Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Library.

Disciple 1, 2, 3, or 4 (Bill Innes) Disciple follows the study of the Scriptures in a video-reading-discussion-prayer format. In our first

session, we will decide which of the four “Disciples” to follow. Sundays at 10 a.m. in Room 237.

Generation Go (Kathy Boardman) GG draws young adults and parents trying to find spirituality in the midst of their busy lifestyle.

GG will kick off the fall with a book/DVD study of Adam Hamilton's newest book, "Why?" (Adam pastors the largest UMC

congregation in the US [8,000], located in Kansas City). Sundays at 10 a.m. in Room 236.

Jesus in the Gospels (Judy Pelham, Susan Schrank) This class invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask

the question, "Who is the Jesus that you see?" This study will deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts

and their message for us. Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in Room 237, starting Tuesday, September 13.

Sisters (Judy Morton) Women of all ages meet for Bible study, prayer and fellowship; encouraging and supporting one another as we strive to become the women that God intended. Wednesday evenings, 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 236, beginning September 14. Praying to Make a Difference (Sarah Ogilby) Want a more meaningful prayer life? This video, discussion, and “hands-on practice”

class is held Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 122 from September 15 to November 10.

And remember Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that

you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”

Remember Someone Special

or a Special Occasion with Flowers

To honor or memorialize a special

event or person with Altar flowers

for the Sanctuary, contact

Meredith McGregor by calling

302.235.5601.

Evangelism is not a numbers game, not a bag of gimmicks and not a “program.”

Holistic evangelism is:

* growing deeper in our relation with God

* growing out in mission to humankind

* growing together in supportive koinoia fellowship

* and as a consequence, growing more in numbers.

Thanks to Dr. Donald W. Hayes, UMR Columnist and Carol Morell for submitting.

Share the Journey 8

Children's Sunday School - Rock Solid By Sharon Jennelly, Director of Children’s Ministry

Registration & Orientations on Sunday, September 18 following the 10 a.m. service - Classes begin on Sunday, September 25

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock." (Matthew 7:24–25 NRSV) This parable is the basis for Aldersgate's Children's Sunday School Program Rock Solid. We want children to build a strong faith foundation so that when the storms of life overwhelm them (and they will at some time or another), their house of faith will not fall away; that it will stand strong and give them the comfort, strength, and shelter found only in a loving God. At each age level on every Sunday the children are invited to a faith experience. It is during this time that they can come to a better understanding of God and what God calls them to do and be. They come to know Jesus as the Son of God and take His messages to heart. They seek where the Bible speaks to them today. Children's Sunday School Registration: Please register your child(ren) for Sunday school class on-line. You may also print and complete it by downloading the registration form from the home page of www.aldersgatede.org, Children’s Sunday School Teachers & Age Levels - Still Opportunities Available!

Children may arrive at 9:55 a.m.. All children not picked up by 11:10 a.m. will be signed into Room 116 for pickup.

Worship Nursery – during all worship services—8 a.m., 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Nursery and Toddler’s & Two’s – Atiya Siddique & Sonali Dattamajumdar—Rm. 116 – Cokesbury curriculum.

Preschool Worship (3-5 year olds) – Kate Fultz, Parent Helper & youth volunteers—Rm. 111- Seasons of the Spirit curricu-lum.

Children’s Sermon Series for children’s bulletins are located in the narthex (entrance to sanctuary) - Logos Productions Inc. curriculum.

Nursery Attendant Atiya Siddique & Parent Helper & One Needed Rm. 114

Toddler’s & Two’s Martha Weldin & Parent Helper & One Needed Rm. 116

Three‘s &Four's Sonali Dattamajumdar & Two Needed Rm. 112

Kindergarten Kim Hockenbrock & Cathy Goodman & Parent Helper Rm. 111

1st & 2nd Grade Jan Wood & Two Teachers Needed Rm. 109

3rd Grade Sandy Anderson & Cheryl Beeson & One Needed Rm. 107

4th & 5th Grade Carey Cross & Diane Shea & One Needed Rm. 132

6th to 8th Grade Sharon Owens & Kathy Simpson SMC

9th to 12th Grade Janet & Peter Atwater SMC

Christian Friendship Jonnie Holzman & Susan Mammele Rm. 137

Gathering Times * Painting projects & Advent Workshop * Rainbow Room * Special Events * Student Ministry Center

Share the Journey 9

Back to Izzy’s Journal: The Trustees found some good summer reading. It seems that while many

of us take time away from church in the summer, Izzy was working more often. Much of his

summer time seemed to be dedicated to working with kids, volunteering at Vacation Bible Schools

and working with youth on summer projects and work camps. This story is an excerpt from a work

camp week article.

It is said that “youth is wasted on the young.” You won’t find that in the Bible or any respected

philosophical writing. God has a better idea, maybe it is: If we can take this energy and

unfettered curiosity, the Earth would be more like the Kingdom I envision.

Dinner at work camp came about at 6 p.m. every night; and it was none too soon. Everyone was tired from the day and ready. I

sat down with the adults tonight to see how they were holding up shepherding 30 teenagers at the work camp in conjunction with

Habitat for Humanity during which several crews worked with local residents building their homes and with carpenters building

wheel chair ramps and making basic improvements for elderly citizens. One parent was distraught. The group of six kids his

daughter was in did not make it back for dinner. They had a construction foreman chaperone but were in a very crime-ridden area

of town and darkness was coming fast.

The discussion centered on the need for rules and for a reasonable expectation for the youth to understand and follow the rules.

Some parents wanted to codify all permission and prohibitions and requiring all participants and their parents to sign an

acknowledgement of the rules and consequences before they board the bus each year. Others simply wanted to allow the Lord to

provide and protect and stay hands-off. One Mom was adamant that no other adult should discipline her child. And another Dad

reminded everyone that when we baptized the kids we all pledged to bring them up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Throughout the evening there were many definitions offered as to what “nurture and admonition” meant. Discussion was lively

and important. Yearly Work Camp is a major ministry of this church and it was in its second generation of having kids dedicate a

week every summer to helping others together.

The kids made it back safely that night and every subsequent night but were consistently late for dinner.

I found time to talk to the carpenter foreman at the end of the week. When I asked about his crew, he just smiled. I remember

him saying, “ I couldn’t stop those kids. The high school senior, Ben, knew as much about construction as anyone I have ever

worked with younger than 30 years old. In the week they have replaced the siding of the entire house, stripped and replaced the

roof, built a cupboard in the kitchen, painted all of the rooms and fixed up the whole yard. It would have been a sin to stop them.

Once they started, they wouldn’t come down or stop except for lunch and once each afternoon. Like clockwork, the house’s single

mom and her three young children came out onto the porch every afternoon at 2 p.m. with a 2 liter bottle of pop and several cups.

She would not allow the children to have any until they had served all of the volunteers. They all then sat down and enjoyed the

cool drink and each other’s abilities and caring even more. I tell you, we have had groups here for three years now and I have

never learned as much or seen as much accomplished as your kids have this week. “

The church has a “sum up” dinner and meeting every year after Work Camp where they involve the entire congregation and take

time to celebrate what the kids have done and discuss how even more can be done with less worry next year. Going forward they

have agreed on some simple changes.

The Operations Committee (one representative from each high school class of volunteers, the Youth Minister and one parent)

drew up a simple one page “Expectations of Work Camp Disciples.”

Parents developed a phone tree to keep communications open and pass any needed emergency information and to keep the

congregation involved in prayer and support during the week.

The lawyers and teachers in the congregation developed documents for facilitating emergency medical treatment if needed

patterned after similar permissions found at other youth activities.

The pastors and leadership kept talking about “Witnessing Through Work” and developed ways to involve the youth in more

activities at home.

Youth isn’t wasted if we let it grow, sometimes let it go; and provide a channel for it. We might even learn a few new lessons.

Share the Journey 10

Weed Eaters of Aldersgate by Carolyn Fleckenstein

A recently formed group of Aldersgate volunteers have

organized as “The Weed Eaters of Aldersgate”. On July 11 we

gathered for “a picnic in the courtyard”, but due to the heat

it became an “indoor picnic”!

Lead by Doug DeVoll, the members are Jen Marcolini, Joanne

Smeltz, Dorm Orr, Frank Henderson, Bob Bodwell, Bill and

Barbara Bareford, Diana Huddleston and Carolyn

Fleckenstein. Joy Thompson is always available for

consultation and expertise.

Each person has a designated area around the church

properties to keep an eye on and to work on at their

convenience, but anyone is welcome to pull weeds, to

correct a problem or pick up trash!

Recently, Doug and Donnie DeVoll, Dorm Orr, Joanne Smeltz

and Carolyn Fleckenstein joined together to clean up the

Oakwood parsonage yard to make it more presentable to our

new pastor and his family. Carolyn even recruited her

daughter and two grandchildren to help pull weeds and clean

up debris.

Other larger projects that need to be addressed include the

children’s play area and the Berwyn Parsonage yard. Be

assured, there is always room for one more set of hands! We

welcome friends and workers to our Small Group.

Left, Doug DeVoll, Right, Dorman

Orr, Below, Joanne Smeltz—Thanks!

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

All are welcome!

For questions, please call the church office at 302-478-2575.

For more information about GriefShare:

http://www.griefshare.org/

Please Join the UMW

for a PotLock Dinner

Monday, September 26 at 6 p.m.

in the Auditorium

The United Methodist Women invite

all women to the Fall Potluck Dinner. Pastor Chris

Pennington will be our guest speaker sharing his

thoughts on Mission and Outreach: Effective Ways

to Grow UMW and the Church.

Please plan to bring a side or main dish to serve 6 – 8.

Dessert and beverages will be provided. A peace

offering will be taken to support UMCOR’s work with

the people of Somalia. “UMCOR is sending grants to

support the work of ACT Alliance, Church World

Service, and GlobalMedic in Somalia, Kenya, and

Ethiopia. Funds will provide food, clean water, and

shelter for those who are displaced and living in

camps.” (from the UMCOR website)

Please come and share in worship, fellowship,

friendship, and delicious food.

Fall Begins Friday, September 23

Praise God from Whom

all Blessings Flow!

Share the Journey 11

Tubing on the Brandywine—Sunday, September 4—12:45 p.m. from the church parking lot

Aldersgate Student ministries is offering an event for youth and their families during Labor Day weekend. On Sunday, September 4, we will be tubing down the Brandywine River through Wilderness Canoe Trips. There is a $5 non-refundable deposit for each tuber. We’ll walk from the church to the Wilderness Canoe Trips building in Fairfax shopping center, and they will bus us to the river and pick us up when we are done.

We will leave the church parking lot at 12:15 p.m.. You will also need to print off the Wilderness Canoe Trip Wavier and have it signed before we leave the church. The wavier can be found on the Wilderness Canoe Trips website at www.wildernesscanoetrips.com. Please email me if you plan to attend and then turn in your deposit, payable to Aldersgate UMC with tubing in the memo line. You can place checks in the treasurer’s mailbox ( #10) in the HUB. Be sure to wear sunscreen! The trip is subject to cancellation depending on weather conditions. If you’re not a student grades 6-12 or a family member of a youth, but would like to become involved in the student ministry program here at Aldersgate, you are more than welcome to come join us!

Impact is returning this Fall! —September 25 at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

We will have our first official Impact gathering on September 25 at 5:30 p.m.. The change in start time is to allow students more time to complete school work. The earlier start will mean we’ll have more hang time and games such as Ultimate Frisbee. We’ll eat at 6 p.m. so if you’re too busy to make it to hang time, join us for dinner. Once we’re through eating, we’ll start our lesson time at 6:30 p.m. and end the night at 7:30 p.m. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you when we kick-off Impact.

Student ministry is extremely dependent on volunteers to help make a lasting impact on students. The student ministry at Aldersgate is seeking to be multi-generational. We have a variety of ways for church members to serve whether it’s taking on the roles of mentors, providing a welcoming and smiling face as each student steps onto the campus of Aldersgate, or even providing dinner for our students on Sunday nights for Impact. If you would like to be a part of the movement to promote a life-long relationship with Christ in our students, let me know. Perhaps you have some questions about what is involved? If so, then email me or call the church office. Your involvement will change you and the lives of our students.

Student Ministry News

Adam West, Director of Student Ministry

Adam.West@Aldersgatede.org

302.478.2575 ext. 15

Praying to Make a Difference "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) "Always be joyful"? How can that be? That guy just cut me off on my drive to work! "Never stop praying"? I'm just swamped with work, home and church duties. I don't have time! "Be thankful in ALL circumstances"? Are you kidding me? Life is tough with lots of pitfalls just waiting to entrap me! How can I be thankful? Do these questions sound like some familiar thoughts and excuses for non-action? I have them all the time. And I need the power of our Almighty Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to assist me on a daily basis in dealing with them. The solution is communication with HIM. Prayer, all powerful prayer, is the link. If you don't know how to pray or would like to learn more about prayer, come join the class Praying to make a Difference starting September 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in room 122. The cost is $10/person to cover the price of the workbook and the class is only eight weeks long! Sign up in the hub or at the information booth or send an email to Sarah Ogilby (sogilby@comcast.net).

Christmas is Coming!

by Adam West, Director of Student Ministry

Christmas season will be here before you know it, and you can stop worrying about what you’re going to do for Christmas

presents, because Aldersgate student ministries has your solution! We are bringing back the gift card fundraiser to help pay

for Youth Rally! Look for more information in next month’s Messenger. Youth Rally will be January 6-8 in Ocean City, MD.

Share the Journey 12

Sharon Jennelly, Director

Children’s Ministry &

Aldersgate Preschool

302-478-2575, ext.18

sharon.jennelly@aldersgatede.org

Christian Summer Day Camp 2011

This year camp was held at St. Paul's UMC and we all had a blast! The first week we had 98 campers and the second week grew to 118! Pastor Mary Browne from Hart's & St. John's, Charlestown, MD, Pastor Carm Evans from Chester Bethel UMC, Pastor Bob Kirby from St. Paul's UMC, our own Pastor Chris Pennington and Adam West Aldersgate's Director of Youth Ministry each brought a special message to the campers during the morning worship time.

Campers ranged from 4 years old to those who had completed 6th grade and represented various area churches including Aldersgate, DE Korean UMC, Faith City Church, Holy Child, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immanuel Church Highlands, St. Anne's, St. Helena's, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Paul's UMC and St. Thomas. We collected a ton of school supplies for Urban Promise as well as items that were used to assemble UMCOR health kits. The campers also made cupcakes and encouraging cards which they delivered to the residents and staff of Foulk Manor North. Campers also walked to Highland Orchards and learned about the farm, pot belly pigs, chickens, roosters, peacocks, rabbits, goats and horses and tasted cherry tomatoes.

One camp evaluation stated: " Children were excited each morning and their enthusiasm was a joy! Seemed to have lots of fun with friends (old and new) and camp counselors and teachers too! Arts, crafts, special activities and outings were a big hit as well as learning Christian values."

A second evaluation explained: "Both of my kids loved this camp. They tell me it is the best camp ever. The best thing about this camp is that my kids came home happy. A perfect blend of Christian education, crafts, and field trips!"

Christian Summer Day Camp will be held next year at St. Paul's UMC during July 23 to 27 and July 30 to August 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus optional before / after care from 8 to 9 a.m. and/or 4 to 6 p.m. Please mark your calendars now and contact Sharon Jennelly if you are interested in teaching, assistant teaching, youth volunteer for service hours, or volunteering for the camp.

Aldersgate Preschool Participating in Delaware Stars

The overarching goal of Delaware's Early Childhood Plan for Early Success is that all children enter life and school ready to succeed. Access to high quality early care and education programs for all of Delaware's children, with an initial focus on children from low-income families, is an essential component of the plan. Delaware Stars for Early Success is a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), which is a method used to assess, improve and communicate the level of quality in early care and education and school-age settings. It establishes quality standards for programs and provides technical assistance and limited financial support to programs involved in Stars as they engage in quality improvement efforts. Delaware Stars is designed as a voluntary system that expects programs to work on improving quality by moving up the Star Levels. Delaware Stars for Early Success is a five-level system, with "5" being the highest rating. The licensing rules issued by the Office of Child Care Licensing serve as the Standards for Star Level 1. With each higher Star Level, a program is required to meet increasingly higher quality standards in certain key categories. Aldersgate Preschool has been a participant in the Delaware Stars program for one year. We have been rated at Star Level "2" and will continue to move up the levels to three by the end of this year. Our commitment is to be rated as a high-quality preschool in the State of Delaware.

Aldersgate Preschool

Only a few openings remain for the following classes:

18-month-old Tuesday and Thursday class

18onth-old Wednesday and Friday class

3-year-old class Monday, Wednesday and Friday class

3-year-old class Tuesday and Thursday class

Program hours are Monday thru Friday from 9 to 11:45 a.m. with before care available at 8 a.m.. Lunch Bunch from 11:45 a.m. to 1 or 2 p.m.. Contact Sharon soon!

Wednesday, September 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. Water Ice Social for all preschool families.

Monday, September 12—First day of preschool.

Share the Journey 13

Wilmington Remembers Sunday, September 11 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium of Mt. Pleasant High School

Admission is free and open to the public

Please plan to join us as the Chancel Choir of Aldersgate UMC joins with others to present a concert to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

The concert will feature Memorial by Minnesota composer Rene Clausen, who was commissioned to write this work specifically in memory of the 9/11 attacks. Participants include: Aldersgate UMC, St. Paul’s UMC, Concord Presbyterian, The Delaware Valley Chorale, Opus One, Opera Delaware, Northern Delaware Oratorio Society, and the Wilmington Community Orchestra. Under the direction of Jeff Manns and Rob Kennan, the evening will celebrate our freedom today, and inspire our hope for tomorrow.

Financial contributions can be made to assist with the costs associated with an event such as this. If you would like to make a donation, please make your contribution payable to Aldersgate UMC, and designate Chancel Choir 9/11. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing this special evening with each of you.

Peace,

Jeffrey Manns

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

598

Wilmington, DE

19850

Aldersgate United Methodist Church—Come as you are and be transformed by the love of Christ!

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Fellowship (covered dish) Luncheon , hosted by the Student Ministry

follows the service!

Fall Worship Schedule begins

Sunday, September 25

8 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

9 a.m. The Journey—Family-friendly Worship in the Auditorium

10 a.m. Sunday School for All

11 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary with Chancel Choir

Come as you are and be transformed by the love of Christ!

Print pages 7 &

8 or keep the

center page of

class listings!

Sunday, September 18:

One service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Signup & Orientation for:

Sunday School for All!

Music Offerings for Children & Youth!