Aldersgate In Motion

ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Open Hearts , Open Minds, Open Doors

The People of the United Methodis t Church

7 Shannon Drive Greenvi l le , SC 29615

864-244-1820 phone 864 -244-9701 fax

www.aumcsc.org I n T h i s I s s u e

Thoughts of the Pastor 2

Apportionment Corner 3

Transfiguration 3

Pastor’s Bible Study 3

Lent 3

Upcoming Sermons 3

Seeing Better Together 4

6 Week Study of Holy Week 4

UMW Pickle Jars 4

Smart Drivers Course 4

Holy Season at a Glance 5

March Events 6

Ash Wednesday 6

Messy Easter 6

Daylight Savings Time 6

Operation Christmas Child 6

Thank you! Did You Know 7

Cinderella Project 7

Club 56/Visioneers 7

Prayer Concerns 8

Attendance/Tithes & Offerings 8

Serving Aldersgate 9

Memorials/Our Military 9

Calendar 10

F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 19

V o l u me 6

I s s u e

SPRING IS COMING SOON!

A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 2

THOUGHTS OF THE PASTOR A Summary of the General Conference Feb. 23-26, 2019

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church, which is the highest policy making

body of the world-wide United Methodist Church, met Feb. 23-26 to deal with issues pertaining to

the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals and the performing of same sex unions. Four

plans for a way forward were presented and the “Traditional Plan” was approved by 53% of those

voting. This plan maintains the current language prohibiting the ordination of “self-avowed practicing

homosexuals” and same sex unions. It also expands the definition of “self-avowed practicing” to in-

clude those “living in a same-sex marriage, domestic partnership or civil union, or is a person who

publicly states she or he is a practicing homosexual.” The Traditional Plan also tried to enforce com-

pliance to these rules and to mandate penalties for pastors and bishops who break these rules. These

efforts were limited because the Judicial Council, the “Supreme Court” of the United Methodist

Church, ruled nine of the petitions and one sentence of another petition that are part of the Traditional

Plan as unconstitutional based on the United Methodist Church’s constitution. Attempts were made to

bring some of these petitions into compliance with the United Methodist Constitution. The General

Conference asked the Judicial Council to examine and decide whether the Traditional Plan in its

amended parts and as a whole is constitutional. They will address this at their next meeting in April.

Until then large parts of the plan are up in the air. The parts that are ruled constitutional in April will

become part of the Book of Discipline and become official church law on January 1, 2020.

So in summary the church’s current bans on ordaining self-avowed practicing homosexuals

and on same sex marriages continue. Many of the enforcement mechanisms that the Traditional Plan

tried to add were ruled unconstitutional, but the Judicial Council will be ruling again on the amended

plan and its parts. What will happen then? God only knows.

Please keep praying for the church. Some churches may plan to leave the denomination. Some

people will feel rejected by the church. But the Holy Spirit will continue to call us together in a com-

munity of faith despite, and maybe because, of our differences.

In the meantime there are several statements about these issues in the Book of Discipline that

have not changed, and that there was no attempt to change, at least in the letter of church teaching

and law. The Social Principles of the Book of Discipline still states that “All persons, regardless of

age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights en-

sured and to be protected against violence.” It also says that “all persons are individuals of sacred

worth, created in the image of God” and “We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn

lesbian and gay members and friends.” (2016 Book of Discipline, Social Principles ¶161.G)

So the church continues to emphasize the sacred worth of all people regardless of orientation.

The church also stands up for their rights as human beings and calls us to love. The Social Principles

are not church law, but they are church teaching. As Christians we are called to love God and love

our neighbor. As part of that we are called to show God’s love to all and recognize everyone as per-

sons “of sacred worth created in the image of God.” The way forward is love for all, especially those

with whom we disagree.

Below is the link to what our Bishop had to say about the 2019 General Conference.

https://www.umcsc.org/bishop-holstons-statement-following-2019-general-conference/

A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 3

APPORTIONMENT CORNER

March 3: Luke 9:28-36, Exodus 34:29-35 “Knowing God: Transfiguration”

March 6: Ash Wednesday: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 “The Dangerous Side of Lent”

March 10: Luke 4:1-13 “Where Humanity Fails, Jesus Prevails”

March 17: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 “God is our Shield”

Since the beginning of the year we have featured a different Apportionment line item in each

newsletter. Apportionments are the funds that Aldersgate gives for the ministry of the larger United

Methodist Church and they make up about 12% of our annual budget. This year we have dedicated

ourselves to paying 100% of these apportionments in monthly payments throughout the year. We

have already featured World Service, Conference Benevolences, Senior College Scholarships Fund,

and Spartanburg Methodist College in previous newsletters. This newsletter we are highlighting

Campus Ministries.

The Campus Ministry fund supports the United Methodist Campus ministries in the state of

South Carolina. It helps pay for the facilities and staff at USC, Clemson, SC State, Claflin, Win-

throp, Charleston colleges, Frances Marion, Furman, and Lander. Campus ministry provides and

outreach on these campuses and a church away from home for many young Christians. “Our-

portion-ment” for Campus Ministry is $3,271 this year.

TRANSFIGURATION

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a moun-

tain and was transfigured so that he glowed before

them. The church remembers this event every year on

Transfiguration of our Lord Sunday, which is the

last Sunday before Lent begins. This year Transfig-

uration Sunday is March 3. Come and celebrate the

glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ and look to see

the glory of God revealed in your life!

LENT Lent is a season of the church year that is a time of preparation for Easter. Lent always begins

on “Ash Wednesday” which falls on Wednesday March 6th this year.

The season of Lent is 40 days long excluding Sundays. Forty is the Biblical number for a time

of preparation and cleansing. It rained for 40 days and nights during the flood. The children of Israel

wandered in the desert for 40 years. Christ fasted for 40 days to prepare for his ministry.

Lent is a season of prayer and fasting during which we remember our sinful condition and our

need for Christ to die for our sins and rise to offer us new life. In church we make use of Crosses

and the color purple to represent Christ's death. The purple represents the bruises Christ bore for our

sins.

Some Christians celebrate Lent in their personal devotional lives by giving up habits or foods

that are not good for them. Some fast. Others set aside extra time for prayer and Bible Study.

How will you prepare for Easter this year?

PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday Morning Bible Study is work-

ing its way through the Gospel According to

Mark. We have arrived at the events of Holy

Week in Mark’s Account. We meet at 10 am on

Wednesdays in the Mac Vinson Companions

classroom. The lessons for the next few weeks

are:

March 6: Ash Wednesday/No Class

March 13: Chapter 12

UPCOMING

SERMONS

P a g e 4 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

SEEING BETTER TOGETHER

Thank goodness for Daylight Savings Time.

Those of us who abstain from night driving can

now attend Seeing Better Together, Connect

Dinner, and drive home safely afterwards.

Please make your reservation on or before

March 11, by contacting Cameron:

cvaughn@aumcsc.org.

We will meet in the Aldersgate library at 4:30

on March 13. We have no particular discussion

topic, just be prepared to share any changes or

concerns, since we haven't met over the short

winter days. Looking forward to visiting with

everyone again.

~Sara Colegate

6 WEEK STUDY OF HOLY WEEK

Entering the Passion of Jesus:

A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week.

Join us for a 6-week study of Holy Week be-

ginning February 20 as a part of Connect on

Wednesdays. We’ll be using a study by Dr.

Amy-Jill Levine, Pro-

fessor of New Testa-

ment studies at Van-

derbilt Divinity School

as our guide. Class be-

gins at 6:30 in the Mac

Vinson Companions

classroom. Facilitated

by Johannah Myers

This class will not

meet on March 6 so we

may attend the Ash

Wednesday worship.

Church member, Lil Copeland will be

leading a Smart Drivers course on Satur-

day, March 16, from 9:30 am—2:00 pm.

You may have heard about this class

through the Bon Secours Wise Words

magazine or AARP, which is the sponsor

of the program. The class is open to the

public so help us spread the word with

your friends and social media. There is a

small cost involved, but some insurance

companies offer discounts upon comple-

tion of the class. Check with yours!

There is a 30 minute break for lunch so

bring food to stay fo-

cused. We hope you

plan to attend!

To register call Lil at

864-414-9620

SMART DRIVERS COURSE

The UMW is collecting glass pint size jars

that are smooth on the exterior to use in

making table decorations for the Fall

UMW Conference meeting to be held this

year at Buncombe St.

UMC. Pint size pickle

jars are the type we

are looking for.

Please bring any jar

donations to the

church office work-

room where we will

have a donation box

provided. Thank you!

UMW REQUESTS

P a g e 5 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

P a g e 6 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

MARCH EVENTS

MARCH 5 Also known as “Fat Tuesday” or “Mardi Gras,”

Shrove Tuesday is the day of preparation for

Lent. The name "shrove" is rumored to derive

from the word "shrive" or confess. It takes place

on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (the first

day of Lent). Shrove Tuesday is on March 5th

this year. The tradition in the church of having

pancake suppers and the secular tradition of just

plain partying probably derives from the practice

of feasting before the Lenten fast.

At noon and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday,

March 6th we will have Ash Wednesday

services. The Ash Wednesday Service in-

cludes an ancient tradition of placing a

smudge of ash on the forehead as an expres-

sion of the spiritual truth that we are all dust

and ashes and in need of God's Spirit and

grace to make us alive. Come and experi-

ence one of these moving services!

ASH WEDNESDAY

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Remember to Spring Forward one hour

on Saturday night March 9 so you won’t

be late for church on the March 10!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS

CHILD—SEWING RETREAT

Join us as we use our time and talents to

create items for Shoebox Gifts that will

reach children for the Gospel.

DATE: Saturday, April 6

TIME: 9:00 am—12:30 pm

PLACE: Joshua’s Way

1001 West Poinsett St.

Greer, SC 29650

Bring your own sewing machine & exten-

sion cord. All other items will be provided.

You must register by calling 864-275-7543.

P a g e 7 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

CLUB 56 & VISIONEERS

March 3—Moveable Feast

Supper...one piece at a time!

We will be practice our Dis-

cipleship skills along the

way.

March 10—Good things

come in dozens!! Can you

think of any other items that

come in 12’s.

March 17—We will talk about why Jesus

used Parables to tell God’s story, then give

you a chance to try your hand.

March 24—With YOUTH!!

The Five

Fingers

Of Club 56

“FEWSD”

FELLOWSHIP

EVANGELISM

WORSHIP

SERVICE

DISCIPLESHIP

THANK YOU!

The folks who attended the Valentine’s

Day Luncheon for the widow’s, widow-

ers and singles wanted to do something

in Honor & Appreciation of Pam & Dean

Martin for the Luncheon. They do a fab-

ulous job and it is appreciated so much.

So the funds they raised will now go to-

ward keeping the bird feeders around the

church well stocked. They really wanted

to show Dean & Pam just how much

they appreciated them for all the work

that goes into this event.

You are appreciated!

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that we are partnering with Mira-

cle Hill to help “the least of these” in our com-

munity. How does this work? It is simple—

1. Donate your gently used household items to Mir-

acle Hill Thrift Store. (Items that you are not

sending to the UMW Garage Sale.☺)

2. When you drop off just tell the store employee

your name, phone number and church name.

(Tell them to credit Aldersgate UMC-

Greenville)

3. The church will receive thrift store gift cards that

can be given to those in need.

4. You still get to take advantage of tax deductions

for every gift to Miracle Hill Thrift Stores.

It is a WIN/WIN for everyone! Take advantage!

CINDERELLA PROJECT

It’s Cinderella Project Time Again! Sat-

urday, March 30th, (10 am – 1 pm). This

wonderful program, sponsored by the

Young Lawyers Association, provides

prom dresses, shoes and accessories for

the young women of Greenville – free of

charge. They will accept all sizes of

dresses and dress shoes that have been

properly cleaned and stored. If you

would like to volunteer for this event,

please contact Ruth Hughes (244-1820

Ext. 204) and let her know. If you would

like to come look for a dress, all you

need is your school ID! For more infor-

mation, go to their website https://

www.cinderellaprojectsc.com/ .

A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n P a g e 8

PRAYER CONCERNS As of printing Thursday, February 28, 2019:

Spartanburg Regional: Rudy Rogers

Rolling Green Rehab: Tom Barnhill

Rolling Green Care Facility: Fred Copeland

Home: Warren & Beth Rambo, Freida Parker, Pete & Martha Hendrix, Ann

Armstrong, Lillis Smith, John & Mary Holmstrand, Kay Culbertson

Brookdale @ Hawthorne: Nita Bearden

The Woodlands: Annette McDuffee, Peggy Miller

Mt. Pleasant, SC: Florence Hale Rolling Green: Wayne Rowan, Ralph Bell

Myrtle Beach, SC: Randy Hale Haywood Estates: Ann Linse Cascades: Patti Whelchel

NHC Mauldin: Atrice Hughey Rosecrest: Jennie Ruth Waynick

Westminster Senior Living at Augusta Place: Melba Poole Oakview Park: Joan Pawlus

Rock Hill /Daughter: Bill Taylor Mt. Home Health/Rehab, NC: Nancy Reitz

Local & Other Country Missionaries:

AUMC Family in Greenville: Todd, Pam, & Hannah Grace Attaway, go to their blog to read more

www.loveshareserve.blogspot.com.

AUMC Supported Missionaries in Ecuador: Daina and Tim Datwyler, visit their website at

http://www.Puertadeesperanza.org.

Douglas & Jennings Boone in Democratic Republic Of Congo, Africa - (Wycliffe Bible Translators) www.thiscongoleselife.blogspot.com

OUR RECORD

General Fund Budget Needs (YTD) $ 86,315.29

Total General Fund Receipts (YTD) $ 116,147.91 Total General Fund Expenses (YTD) $ 74,541.99

YTD Surplus in Contributions to Expenses $ 41,605.92

Previous Weeks General Fund Giving - week 6 $ 19,205.70 ____________________________________________________________________

Sunday School Worship

February 17 132 252

February 24 128 238

ATTENDANCE 2019

SE RV I NG ALD E R SGATE O N S U N DAYS

March 3, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Annie Garrett 11:00 am Debbie Strickland Greeters: 8:45 am Danny & Cookie Dobbs 11:00 am Cheryl LePorte/Ann Ayer Acolytes: 8:45 am Karis King 11:00 am Anna Kate Schemm Crucifer: 11:00 am Reid Schemm Usher Captain 8:45 am Brad Smoak Usher Captain 11:00 am Rick Lankford Ushers: Scott Bagley, Trevor King, Ushers: Doug Patrick, Coley Altman, Mark Wessel Gray Walsh, Grant Lankford

March 10, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Susan Smith 11:00 am Sherri Allred Greeters: 8:45 am Ruth Ann & Marshall Gooch 11:00 am David & Marian Rose Acolytes: 8:45 am Brooks Davis 11:00 am Anna Hoffman Crucifer: 11:00 am Graham Addis Usher Captain 8:45 am David McAvoy Usher Captain 11:00 am Frank Mathis Ushers: Eddie Beam, Tim Davis, Ushers: Coley Altman, III, Trey Covington, Suzanne Haney Jim Cox, Bonnie Lampe, Paul Sleight

March 17, 2019: Lay Reader: 8:45 am Suzanne Haney 11:00 am Lyndon Ashworth Greeters: 8:45 am Michelle & Stephen Keith 11:00 am Susan & Bruce Royal Acolytes: 8:45 am Bobby Keith 11:00 am Hudson Patrick Crucifer: 11:00 am James Whiteman Usher Captain 8:45 am Jack Cornell Usher Captain 11:00 am Hunt Redfern Ushers: Jim Dansby, Danny Dobbs, Ushers: Steve Graves, Bruce Royal, Terry Tallon, Suzanne Haney, Jordan Truesdale Joel Vanderwood

P a g e 9 A l d e r s g a t e I n M o t i o n

MEMORIALS/HONORARIUMS

GENERAL FUND: IN MEMORY OF BILL SMITH by Coley & Daylene Altman.

OUR MILITARY (Family & Friends)

Jack Bissionette Paul Browder Oryan R. Lahti- ACT. DUTY

Troy McDowell John Williams Paul Scott– ACT. DUTY

Nick Page Michael Pompeo Bradley Brown

Joseph Churchwell Katie Pace Matthew Russell

Patricia Kreuzberger Hank Gettys

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

TO OUR COUNTRY!

CALENDAR DATES

Sunday, March 3—Children Sing at both Services

8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Service – Sanctuary

9:45 am Sunday School

9:45 am Renewed Members Class—Chapel

3:00 pm Cindy Harter Circle—Mac Vinson Companions Classroom

5:00 pm Youth & Club 56

Monday, March 4:

11:00 am Prime Timers Luncheon—Parker Hall

12:30 pm Prime Timers Bridge – Parker Hall

6:30 pm Cub Scouts @ The House

Tuesday, March 5:Shrove Tuesday/Messy Church

6:35 am Men of Integrity – Broadway Bagels on Hudson Rd.

9:30 am Women of Faith – Parker Hall

5:30 pm Messy Church Activities Begin—Commons

6:00 pm Pancakes being served—Parker Hall

7:00 pm Boy Scouts @ The House

Wednesday, March 6:

12:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service-Chapel

5:30 pm Connect - Meal Only– Parker Hall

6:30 pm Ash Wednesday Service—Sanctuary

Thursday, March 7:

1:00 pm Stephen Ministry Mtg.—Mac Vinson Companions Classroom

Saturday, March 9:

2:00 am Set your clocks ahead by 1 hour!

Sunday, March 10: Daylight Savings Time Begins

8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Service – Sanctuary

9:45 am Sunday School

9:45 am Renewed Members Class—Chapel

5:00 pm Youth & Club 56

Monday, March 11:

9:00 am Staff Meeting—Library

12:30 pm Prime Timers Bridge—Parker Hall

6:30 pm Program Council—Mac Vinson Companions Classroom

7 Shannon Dr. Greenville, SC 29615

Phone:864-244-1820 Fax: 864-244-9701

Child Development Center 864-268-5028 E-mail:shamilton@aumcsc.org

M a k i n g D i s c i p l e s

f o r J e s u s C h r i s t

A L D E R S G A T E U M C

MINISTRY STAFF

864-244-1820

Alex Stevenson, ext. 207

Sr. Pastor

alex@aumcsc.org ~

Johannah Myers, ext. 211

Director of Christian

Formation

jmyers@aumcsc.org ~

Ruth Hughes, ext. 204

Director of Children &

Leisure/Adult Ministries

rhughes@aumcsc.org ~

Dr. Grant Knox,

Director of Music

gwhitknox@gmail.com ~

Ryland Brown

Musican

ryland.brown@charter.net ~

Jennifer Nelson Director

Child Development Center

jnelson@aumcsc.org

864-268-5028

~

Josh Consalvo, ext. 212

Director of Youth

joshconsalvo@gmail.com ~

Susan Hamilton, ext. 210

Office Manager/Comm.

shamilton@aumcsc.org ~

Cameron Vaughn, ext. 206

Financial Secretary

cvaughn@aumcsc.org

Sunday Worship Schedule

8:45 am & 11:00 am Worship Services

9:45 am Sunday School

Church Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am-12:00 pm

MISSION STATEMENT

. . . We are called to make disciples by embracing all people with God’s love in

Christ and equipping each other for service to God and His world.

OUR VISION

“A Stephen Ministry Congregation”

Hearts on Fire…Seeking, Sharing, Serving...For God