the gatepost - n fall fest 2014! saturday, october...

The GatePost - The Monthly Newsletter of Aldersgate UMC September 1, 2014 # 546

GGOODOOD F FOODOOD Enjoy mouthwatering meals from the participating food trucks For dessert or a snack indulge in homemade items at the Bake Sale,

ice cream, popcorn, and beverages

WWILDLYILDLY F FUNUN A ATTRACTIONSTTRACTIONS ANDAND G GAMESAMES We'll have a Bungee Run, an Obstacle Course, a Bungee Jump, a

Bounce House for the little ones and of course an all‐time favorite, the Dunk Tank, along with many new Carnival Games for young and old!!

DDISCOVERISCOVER T TREASURESREASURES G GALOREALORE ATAT OUROUR O ONENE‐‐OFOF‐‐AA‐‐KKINDIND S SILENTILENT A AUCTIONUCTION Shop at Tustin's finest Silent Auction. There are so many unique finds

to bid on, from wonderful dining experiences, incredible gift baskets, valuable services, fabulous gifts, memorable events, and the ever popular Mystery Boxes!

Come to the Fall Fest Table and get your free Raffle Ticket!

DDIDID S SOMEONEOMEONE S SAYAY "C "CAKEWALKAKEWALK?!" ?!" Hands down a Fall Fest favorite, the ever popular Cakewalk is back!

Bring your best strategy for hitting the jackpot on sweet treats!

MMUSICUSIC TOTO Y YOUROUR E EARSARS, H, HEARTEART ANDAND S SOULOUL You'll love the fabulous Aldersgate Theatre Artists. Enjoy their wonderful, enthusiastic performance! Tap your toes at the three wonderful bands: Dodge Avenue Band, Jam Taxi Band, The David Hunter Band And much more entertainment!!!

FFABULOUSABULOUS F FALLALL F FESTEST F FELLOWSHIPELLOWSHIP! A! ANDND A ADMISSIONDMISSION ISIS FREE! FREE! The day is going to be spectacular. What better way to celebrate the arrival of fall than to share the

occasion with members of our community and our amazing AUMC family and friends? Purchase a wristband for unlimited access to all attractions and games ($20 each). Buy early and get 10 free Treat Tickets toward the purchase of popcorn, beverages, Bake Sale and Cakewalk. A $25 Value! Ticket sales begin September 21. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Fall Fest Co‐Chairs: Lynn Records ([email protected]) or Dawn Marie Lemonds ([email protected])

IN THIS ISSUE: AUMC Contacts Church Metrics Pg 2

Karin’s Quotes Children’s Center News Pg 3

Prayers / Prayer Shawl BeFrienders / GriefShare Pg 4

Environmental Ministries Pg 5

UMYF Pg 6

Family Ministries Pg 7

Mission/Outreach Pgs 8, 9

Fall Fest Silent Auction Pg 10

UMM ‐ Miracle Movers Pg 11

Worship Opportunities Back page

Opportunities & Events Insert

Fall Fest 2014! Saturday, October 18th 11am – 3pm

Volunteers Welcome!! As you know by now, one of the key components to making our Fall Fest event a success is YOU. Please stop by our table on the patio beginning Sunday, September 7. You will see many ways to volunteer your time for the Fall Fest. We are counting on you and will be happy to match your interests and time availability with the Fall Fest schedule. Thanking you in advance, Sue Bishop, Dennis Joslyn, and Cris Astbury ‐ Fall Fest Volunteer Coordinators

The GatePost is published monthly by Aldersgate United Methodist Church

Gatepost Editor: Jennifer Kelly Production Team: Nancy Joslyn,

Bob Grissinger, Pat Lauderdale, Claudette Fry, Sara Piazza, Marilyn Surbey, Earl & Shirley Fleck

Materials for consideration for publication should be forwarded to

Aldersgate United Methodist Church Attn: GatePost

1201 Irvine Boulevard, Tustin, CA 92780 or Email: [email protected] Articles Due to the Editor:

Monday, September 22 Next Issue MAILED Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Ministerial Staff:

Rev. Robb Fuesler—Senior Pastor [email protected]

Rev. Karin Ellis—Associate Pastor [email protected]

Ministry Support Staff: MultiMedia & Sound— Doug Bell ....................................................Sound@aumctustin.org Financial Secretary— Norm Henke...............................................Norm@aumctustin.org Coordinator of Creative Ministries— Allison Horner........................................ [email protected] Children’s Choir Director— Tessa Horner .............................................Tessa@aumctustin.org Accompanist— Anna Ferraro ..............................................Anna@aumctustin.org Chancel Choir Director— Lynn Chavdarov ...................................... [email protected] Church Administrator— Jennifer Kelly ........................................ [email protected] Treasurer— Heidi Perez ................................................. [email protected] Youth CoDirectors— Elisa Spencer Scott Wilmoth .......................................... [email protected] Children’s Education Director— Kimberly Wilmoth...................................... [email protected]

Aldersgate Children’s Center Jackie Kush — Children’s Center Director

Aldersgatecc @earthlink.net

Church Office Hours Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. ‐ 1:00 p.m.

...Our Presence…

Worship and Sunday School Attendance

Date Worship Sunday School Total

8/3 136/46

8/10 126/53

8/17 155/52

8/24 136/48

Please remember that ALL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS using the Aldersgate facility must contact the church office and schedule their meetings, rehearsals and events on the Master Calendar. Using the Master Calendar avoids confusion and

conflicts and also insures that your meeting or event is set up properly with the necessary equipment.

Our facility is in constant use both internally and by outside groups. What you see on the Sunday bulletin calendar is only a small portion of the events and activities that are occurring during the week.

In addition, it is VITAL to remember to close and lock all doors and windows when you adjourn. Thank you for your help in keeping our property secure!

September is upon us, and that means the return of school schedules and new ways of learning and growing. Some children have already returned to school, but for our Tustin children it is about to begin. As our children begin another school year, it is a great opportunity to take a look at our own education, our spiritual and theological education, and see how we are doing.

Last year at this time, Pastor Robb and I preached a sermon series revolving around our Discipleship Pathway. We invited you to Gather, Glorify, Grow, Give, and Glow. Within each of these categories are a series of

steps that help each one of us grow into a deeper relationship with God and Christ, and thus become faithful disciples of Christ so that we can transform the world around us. Under the “Growing” section, we said, “Faith is an ongoing journey of discovery, renewal, and transformation. We value our God given ability to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, and so we are committed to life‐long learning.” My question for all of us is, “What are we doing to be life‐long learners?”

Aldersgate UMC has several ways which will help you be a life‐long learner. The Tuesday morning Bible Study will resume Sept. 16 with Rev. Louise Baxter leading the group. Several of the small groups that formed during our “What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still be a Christian” series are continuing to meet on a regular basis for further study and spiritual formation. And beginning in October, I will be helping to lead a class called “Covenant Bible Study.” It is a 24 week bible study that is broken up into 3 eight week sessions. We will do the first session in October and November, the second session during Lent, and the third session during the Fall of 2015. It is an engaging new Bible study that looks at the idea and practice of covenant throughout the Bible. For more details about the class, see the related article in this Gatepost.

There are many opportunities here at church for you to grow in your faith, and I hope you will take advantage of one of them, or begin a new one. May we all be life‐long learners together!

Blessings,

Pastor Karin

CHILDREN’S CENTER NEWS! Fiesta Fundraiser!

Join us for dinner at Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant on Monday, September 22nd from 4:00pm‐ 10:00pm. Avila’s is located at 2201 E. 1st Street in Santa Ana. The Children’s Center is really excited to be participating with Avila’s in their effort to give back to the community with their program “Eat Tacos, Raise Money!” The Children’s Center will receive 20% of the sales generated by Aldersgate. Dine~In or Take~Out. Simply present the Avila’s flyer

available at the Children’s Center Office. Thank you for your support. See you there!

It’s that time of year for our Fall Fundraiser!

The Fall Wrapping Paper and Gifts Fundraiser with Aspire Fundraising will begin on Monday, September 22nd and run until Monday, October 13th. Please stop by the Children’s Center office to pick up a gift catalog after September 15th. For those of you who would like to purchase from a large selection of items on the internet at www.aspirefundraising.com, please enter our Group #when ordering. (Group # will be available on September 15th) Online orders will be shipped directly to the buyer. We thank you for your constant support of our school!

If you are in need of prayer for yourself, a family member or a friend, you are invited to contact:

Karen Pinney Prayer Chain Coordinator,

at (714) 5425936. All prayer requests are placed in the church prayer book and the staff and pastors pray for these people weekly. To respect the privacy of those in need, we publish only the names of those who give us permission to do so. Let us support you in prayer! If you are interested in becoming a member of the prayer chain, please contact the church office.

Remember these people in your prayers. We Rejoice with . . …Dave & Gail Kendall at the birth of their new grandson, Carter Alexander Christiansen, on August 2. Proud parents are Becky & Alex Christiansen. ...Barbara & Ivan Bishop at the birth of their new grandson, Luke Andrew Cawood, on August 6. Proud parents are Kara & Andy Cawood. ...Elisa and Matt Spencer at the birth of their daughter, Hannah Noelle Spencer, born on August 25. We grieve with. . . …everyone suffering through violence, unrest and dark times We pray for . . . ...Peace, Our military personnel & their families, Ceil Kirby‐Morgan, Tom Ewald, Sherrill Barron, Abigail Fuesler, Pat Lauderdale, Dave and Charlene Horning, Carol Hallenbeck, Janet Prichard, Wayne Surbey, Jeanine Kitrell, Bill Powell, Kathy Monroe Our Homebound Aldersgate Family: Jenni Chatterton, Margaret Percival, Pat Ewald, Marilyn Surberg, Kathy Dalton Extended Family: Nancy Calhoun, Max Wilford, Gail Hawes, Peggy McGonigle, Kurt Dudley, Debby Shaiman, Sandy Kellner, Tracy Brown Austin, Esther & Tommy Thomas, Chris and Nancy Allen, Charline Babb, Kelly Balek, Bob & Geraldine Eslick, Trisha Kreutiziger, Larry Ogle, family and friends of Joyce Fritze

Prayer Shawl Ministry... ...meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. From 3pm to 5pm in the Fireside Room. If you are interested in being part of this important and meaningful ministry, please feel free to attend a meeting—even if you have no experience, there are knitters and crocheters willing to help those that are just getting started. Please feel free to contact Phyllis Gavitt if you have any questions or need further information about the group.

BeFriender Ministers The BeFriender ministry of Aldersgate is a listening presence. This ministry is not a ministry of "doing", but of "being,"‐‐being present and listening quietly. Everyone is, at times, on a difficult journey and needs a caring companion who will listen, empathize, and be a reminder of a caring, faith community. All requests and meetings are confidential. This ministry comes under the umbrella of the Care and Nurture team. If you are interested, or know of someone who might be, do not hesitate to contact Rev. Robb or Elsie Hale. You can also fill out one of the cards in the pews and put it in the offering plate or make a notation in the red attendance book.

GriefShare meets on Sundays at 2:30 PM in the Church Library. A new 13‐week series started on August 24. Call Elsie Hale at (714) 838‐4111 or Mary Lynn Norby at (714) 832‐4678 if you have questions. Spread the word to anyone you know who would find this program beneficial.

Hello Aldersgate Family, Thank you for all the get well cards and wishes. After 16 days in the hospital and successful surgery, I am at home building up my strength. I'm never sick, so not doing anything for so long takes a toll on my "muscles"! But I am getting stronger every day and my dog is just waiting for her regular walks! Love, Anna Marie Pihl

Environmental Ministries News by Margaret Henke

Check out the Environmental Ministries table at Fall Fest on October 18th. We will have two tables; one with information on solar Energy, and the possibility of installing solar panels here at Aldersgate, and another with a project for children where they can make a bracelet out of sun‐sensitive beads. Our group is promoting solar at Aldersgate and giving our full support to this project. It would be great for Aldersgate to be a leader in encouraging other congregations to do the same!

Join us for our next meeting in the Fireside room at 10:15 on Sunday, Sepember14th. We will be showing a short video, “The Story of Solutions” and are inviting anyone in the congregation who may be curious about the committee and/or would like to know more about current environmental concerns in the world at large. Bring your coffee in and join us. You are welcome to stay for our brief committee meeting.

About the video‐‐‐The Story of Solutions, released in October 2013, explores how we can move our economy in a more sustainable and just direction, starting with orienting ourselves toward a new goal. In the current ‘Game of More’, we’re told to cheer a growing economy – more roads, more malls, more stuff! – even though our health indicators are worsening, income inequality is growing and polar icecaps are melting. But what if we changed the point of the game? What if the goal of our economy wasn’t more, but better ‐ better health, better jobs and better planetary stewardship? Shouldn’t that be what winning is? Please come join us at 10:15 am after the first service on August 10th for an informative and lively discussion.

Thanks to all of you who participated in the men’s parking lot sale in August. What a wonderful way to recycle! Items that are no longer of use can be passed on to others who can get real bargains. As just one example, the Henke’s went through all of our old back‐packing and camping items, which we enjoyed in the past, and it is good to know that some family just starting out in camping adventures will be able to benefit from these items. Many similar exchanges were made that day and everyone there made money for their cause. A win‐win for all!

Please join us on October 5th for a “Blessing of the Animals” on the grassy area in the back parking lot. Bring your dogs, cats, birds, lizards, hamsters, or what every pets you have, to be blessed by our pastors. Our companion animals bring much joy to our lives, and this is a nice opportunity to give them a special acknowledgement. This blessing is a symbolic gesture to affirm how all life is precious and how all of the creatures that share the earth with us are God’s creations. Watch for more details in next month’s Gatepost.

There is a spiritual, religious, and moral imperative to be good stewards of the Earth and its resources; and communities of faith have an important role to play in meeting the very serious environmental challenges

currently facing the planet.

Landscape Workshops "Landscape Workshops" will be held by Irvine Water District. You can learn about creating a drought‐resistant landscape from experts. You can sign up at www.irwd.com/events. Wednesday, September 17 and Thursday, September 25 at 6 p.m. Irvine Water District Bldg. 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. Irvine

"Urban Landscape & Gardening Education Expo"

Another informative and helpful event ‐ held by UC ANR South Coast Research & Extension Center. Attend workshops and receive advice from master gardeners. There is also the opportunity to purchase drought tolerant plants.

September 27 from 9 a.m. 2 p.m. at 7601 Irvine Blvd., Irvine

Youth News! by Elisa Spencer, Youth Co‐Director

Happy fall! It is hard to believe the summer flew by so fast. We have had an exciting and eventful summer in the youth group and are looking forward to the fall season and even more wonderful times together. After sending a group to Los Angeles to serve the community there with Sierra Service Project, we had many folks from Aldersgate serve the following week as staff at Elementary Camp at Lazy‐W. The following week, we sent a few youth to Jr. High Camp where they had a great time exploring the theme “Get Jesus” and spending time in fellowship with others in our district. The last week in July, Scott and I joined Matt Spencer, Kim Wilmoth, Greg Batson, and Jack Murrieta on staff at Sr. High Camp. Thirteen youth from Aldersgate enjoyed a fun, but toasty warm week learning about Jesus, all of the amazing things he did and the different ways he works in our lives. It is always amazing to spend time together growing in faith and fellowship at Lazy‐W.

After the SSP and camping season came to an end, we enjoyed time as a youth group supporting the many youth who performed in Seussical the Musical with Aldersgate Theater Arts. We had eleven youth as part of the cast and Samantha Perez helped out with the costumes and they all did a fantastic job! It is such a blessing to watch our youth share the many gifts God has given them with those around them!

As summer winds down, we will enjoy time together miniature golfing and we will end our summer and welcome fall with our annual welcome back pool party. We are looking forward to kicking off the new school year together. It has been such a pleasure watching these wonderful youth serve others and enjoy time together this summer and we are so proud of the amazing people they are!

Blessings,

Elisa

Family Ministries by Kim Wilmoth, Director of Children’s Education

Five Conversation You Must Have With Your Daughter Who? From the cradle to college.….A class for moms with daughters newborn to eighteen What? 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter by Vicki Courtney provides a personal study experience plus group discussion. Your daughter's growing up. The world has a lot to say to her, and she's starting to listen. Even if she doesn't quite know it, she needs you more than ever. It's time for you to press in, to tell her some things she might not know (or might have forgotten) about who she is in God's eyes. Just five conversations, but they could be the basis for a whole new way of relating to your daughter. When? Sundays, September 21st – October 26th Where? From 5:30 to 7 in the Fireside Room. Anything else? There will be a suggested fee of $15 to cover the cost of the book and snacks. This is payable the first night of class. Questions? Please email Kim Wilmoth at [email protected]

The process has begun of putting together Sunday school schedules for the 2014‐2015 school year. Aldersgate is a wonderful place for children. It is truly the dedication and commitment of the Sunday school teachers that make it a warm and welcoming place to be. Would

you like to be a Sunday school teacher? It is fun, rewarding, and I try to make the process easy for you. If you decide to be a part of the team, a lot of the work is done for you. I will mail the lesson the week before you teach so you can have the opportunity to review it. Any of the supplies you might need, I will gather for you and put in a tote and bring it to your room on Sunday morning. You are always free to add in your own ideas, but anything called for in the curriculum will be ready for you. Currently we use a program called Grow, Proclaim, Serve! The program incorporates Bible stories, activities, crafts, media, and games into a full faith experience for children. Grow, Proclaim, Serve! will nourish and enrich children's faith, from birth through tweens, so they can proclaim the good news of God’s love and serve God and neighbor. Children will realize their faith goes with them as they grow. Finally, most teachers commit to teaching once a month. Ideally it would be great to have the same teacher in the room every week, but with busy schedules and a desire to participate in worship, a once a month commitment seems to work well. The nice part is that it is the same 4 or 5 rotating and there is consistency in that. We are also blessed to have Donna Hess working in the K‐1 room and Terri Brown in the preschool room. Each has been here at Aldersgate for over 16 years and brings great stability to the program. Please prayerfully consider teaching and if you have questions or feel called to teach, please contact me at [email protected] . Promotion Sunday is September 7 and the children will begin their new classes on that day.

A ministry of Aldersgate UMC

Calling all 4th and 5th Graders…… You are invited to a celebration! We are beginning to meet again!

Come join us on SUNDAY, September 21 from 5:30 -6:30 to attend……

This stands for…

Zero Gravity…nothing holds us down! You know, gravity is that thing that keeps us to the ground.

It’s what pulls us to the ground when we fall. But with God and the love of God,

nothing can keep us down! So join us for pizza, games, and fellowship (getting to know everyone & hanging out). Overall, it is just going to be a good time

Plan for these fun dates to come: (all from 5:30 – 6:30 in Room 8)

October 19 – Minute to Win It November 23 – All Church Advent Festival December 7 – Crazy Christmas Game Night, Pizza dinner and caroling afterwards! Questions? Email Kim Wilmoth at [email protected] or call the church office at (714) 544-3653

Manna RESULTS (nourishment from God)

by Maryann Hambly, Missions/Outreach Chair

Since May 25 we have provided 2.5 manna bags PER DAY to folks in need. Fantastic! What an accomplishment and how thought provoking. With less than a third of inventory remaining, planning is taking shape to assemble more bags. If you’d like to contribute to planning this event, let me know as soon as possible.

God’s ways are mysterious. Soon after submitting last month’s article in which I admitted my inability to distribute a bag, two opportunities were presented. I actually drove by the first recipient because he was on the other side of the street going the opposite direction. I thought he was too out of my way. After some back‐n‐forth conversation with God, I made a U‐turn and sought him out. And what a blessing it was! The second recipient also required some maneuvering (quickly switched lanes, parked my car and walked across the street). Again, I was blessed and she was thankful.

You provided some very thoughtful feedback, summarized below. “[at an event] A woman was light‐headed and nauseous. Having the manna bag was great. I was able to give her water, some crackers and help her recover from this ‘episode’ so she could go home and rest.”

“I gave out both manna bags to a homeless man that ‘lives’ near my office. …any opportunity to connect one‐on‐one with the homeless is a rewarding experience.”

“I had a 6‐year old in the car with me when I gave out a manna bag. The child was so excited about this and spoke all day about how he had made a bag that gave food and water to a hungry man.. . . at a traffic light, I held up the bag and the woman began running towards my car when the light turned green and said ‘God bless you.’ I don’t feel helpless when I see someone asking for help now. I have a concrete helpful response now.”

“I have distributed many when I work in the church office. …I see people happy to have them.”

“Mother and son asking for help. Felt like I ministered to the family and was able to ‘do something’.”

“I saw one of my mom’s neighbors standing in a food line, so I knew she could definitely be helped by a manna bag. When I delivered it to her she was embarrassed but very happy. She has had a hard life. Her husband committed suicide and left her two young boys. Her health is bad and I know her struggles are hard. This process has humbled me. It was very meaningful to me and to the woman I provided the bag to.”

“In front of the grocery store…I was happy to be able to give him water and the other contents of the bag, especially the list of resources that was provided. I haven’t seen him for a couple of weeks, so…it does make you feel like you would like to do more.”

“Made me look the problem in the eye – gave it a face.”

“I really like being able to help those in need. I think this is a process that is wonderful for community building. Being able to help the people in need in our community is very important.”

“Turning the corner saw a man with sign. Turned corner and back into parking lot. Gave him bag and he was grateful. This process has made me aware – always looking for opportunity. Logistically hard in car with traffic flow.”

MEN’S CLOTHING DRIVE – SEPTEMBER 14, 21 & 28 The Mission/Outreach team is conducting a donation drive between services on the patio to benefit Working Wardrobe’s men’s event, see below. Any gently used clothing, preferably on hangers will be accepted. The most needed clothing/accessory items are:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

MEN’S CAREER SUCCESS GRADUATION – OCTOBER 26, 2014 Join Working Wardrobes as a volunteer in celebrating the accomplishments of 125 men who have overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges, completed Working Wardrobe’s rigorous 6‐week Career Success workshops, and are now on their way to finding dignity through meaningful work. The event is located in Fountain Valley. To Volunteer (deadline to register is Sept 26, Friday) – go to www.workingwardrobes.org, click on “events” and then “client service events” and complete their volunteer registration form for your desired volunteer shift. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Contact Maryann Hambly (714‐414‐6548) if you’d like to know more about this meaningful volunteer opportunity.

Oct 25, Saturday: Set‐Up Day, 9am– 1:30pm

Oct 26, Sunday: Event Day Volunteer, 7am – 3pm, Tear Down Volunteer, 1pm – 4pm, Salon Volunteer*, 9am – 1pm *Hair Stylists, Massage Therapists and Manicurists

ALSO: SUCCESS COACHES WANTED! Working Wardrobes is looking for professionals from Human Resources, Training, Coaching, and Career Development to share their skills with candidates in local shelters, rehabilitation and domestic abuse programs. They are seeking coaches who have the availability to facilitate 6 consecutive 2‐hour workshops over six weeks, usually in the evening or on Saturday with a desire to empower Working Wardrobe candidates to succeed. For more information contact Ashley Vlcan at [email protected] or 714‐210‐2460.

Suits sizes 36‐40 & 48+ Dress shirts sizes 14‐15 ½ & 18+

Belts Black dress shoes

On the first Sunday of every month the Big Blue Tub is on the patio between services to place your donations into. Although the Big Blue Tub is only out once a month we accept donations at any time—just bring them to church on Sunday or directly to the church office during business hours. Make sure donations are labeled: “Families Helping Families”. Specifically requested are all sizes of diapers, training pants or pull ups as well as all types of child‐safety items.

Families Helping Families Hello Pat, Sue, and Nancy,

Thank you so much for always championing our kids and families. Your donation of books for our Summer Celebration truly made a difference in the lives of our kids. They loved them and were eager to take them home and enjoy them. Below are some photos of the kids with their books.

Thank you so much for all you do for our children! Aldersgate is one of our greatest community advocates.

All the best,

Khassaundra

WAYS YOU CAN HELP Aldersgate’s Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, October 18th from 11am to 3pm. A big part of this fundraising activity will be the Silent Auction going on in the Fellowship Hall. Last year’s auction was a huge success largely due to the generous donations of your time, talent, goods, and services. We had 140+ donated items and 80% of those came directly from you, the wonderful members of Aldersgate. The following types of items were hugely popular: Again, you have a chance to share your talents and gifts with others – at least to the highest bidder! There are donation forms available on the patio between services. Instead of one large basket, please consider creating multiple smaller baskets. We also have donation letters and forms available for businesses. If you have a personal connection to a business and would feel comfortable asking for a donation, we have the materials for you.

Please plan to have all donations delivered by Sunday, October 5. Thank you for making this event such a fun, exciting, and profitable experience for all!

Tickets to sporting events & theater

Gift cards to your favorite local restaurants

Handmade blankets, floral arrangements, doll clothing, & woodworking

Lessons of all kinds (golf, piano, voice, computer, dog training, photography)

Massage, spa, and personal care items

Catered dining experiences

Homemade baked goods throughout the year

Airline tickets

Children’s items

Museum tours

Vacation destinations

Do you have a gift card that needs a new home? Looking for an easy donation idea?

Once again we are selling “MYSTERY BOXES” at the Silent Auction.

Use those gift cards that are hiding in your wallet to help the Silent Auction! Some Examples/Suggestions:

Barnes & Noble

Lonestar Restaurant

Ruby’s

The Lost Bean

Trader Joe’s

Kohl’s

Amazon

Tustin Lanes

iTunes

Best Buy

Home Depot/Lowe’s

Go Bananaz

Rutabagorz

Movie Passes

Target

UNITED METHODIST MEN Thank You for Making PLS 2014 a Huge Success The directional signs have been taken down, the Fellowship Hall is uncluttered, and the Aldersgate men have stopped complaining about the soreness in backs, arms or legs…now that the Parking Lot Sale (PLS) is history. On Saturday, August 16th, with clear skies and warm temperatures (90˚at 11am), an

estimated 500 buyers descended upon the parking lot and church campus, several shoppers coming in before 8:00 am, looking for treasures that had been donated by the congregation and shopping the 11 sales tables set up by AUMC families and friends. Funds are still coming in, but the Parking Lot Sale grossed about $1350 for UMMen’s support to Family Promise. A big THANK YOU to each of the men who assisted in picking up donations, sorting, pricing, the directional sign making, the promotion, and the arranging of hundreds of items in the FH, the cashiers, and lastly, all those who helped with the clean up and helped load the Main Place Church’s truck that took away all unsold items. Thank you, gentlemen! It was very successful! Ron Alderson, PLS Coordinator

You don't want to miss our next speaker on Saturday, September 6th (NOT 13th) at 8am following a delicious breakfast in the Fireside Room. After a short discussion on Family Promise, Dave Stewart will introduce 1932 Olympic Gold Medalist, Evelyn Ojeda. She plans to have a Q&A session...so please come prepared with many questions. RSVP Bob Grissinger [email protected] or 714‐544‐1374.

UMM would like to thank those who have volunteered their time and donations. We still have some areas open to be filled. If you have not decided where you would like to help, please sign at FP table on our patio. Our Family Promise families arrive in approximately one week, on Sunday, September 7 at 5pm. Our Simmons folding beds, blankets and sheets have arrived. Our coordinators and volunteers are busy with the final preparations. We hope you will enjoy helping these families get back on their feet. Again, United Methodist Men thank you for your support!

Miracle Movers and Mini Movers Liturgical Dance Troupe Sign-ups

What is Liturgical Dance? Worshiping God in dance is a rich and Biblical tradition. There are many references in scripture regarding the use of dance as a form of celebration and of meaningful worship. Our focus is to enhance worship services, much in the way the choir enhances our music or the addition of instruments enhance the choir. Dance offers an enormous range of forms and expressions in worship.

How old (or young) do I need to be to join Miracle/Mini Movers? Youth in grades 4th thru 12th are invited to join Aldersgate’s Miracle/Mini Movers Liturgical Dance Troupe.

Do I need to have dance training in order to participate? The program is designed to build on dance fundamentals. All levels are welcom. Our process of working on a dance is a learning experience that will develop the dancer in you. Throughout the year our dance troupe grows in ability and spirituality, learning to express themselves through dance. A new troupe forms each fall.

How often do we rehearse and perform? Our troupe performs for special services and when asked by the Pastors to enhance a service with our dancing. When we are preparing for a service we rehearse for about 6 weeks prior to that service.

What kind of commitment do I need to make to the troupe? The members of our troupe are given a rehearsal schedule for each dance we perform. You do not have to commit to every performance to be part of the troupe. However, if you do commit to a performance it is important that you attend all the rehearsals for that specific dance. If you are interested in joining contact Allison Horner: [email protected]

1201 Irvine Boulevard * Tustin CA 92780

Phone: 714.544.3653 Fax: 714.544.8894

E‐mail: [email protected]

www.aumctustin.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Sunday Worship Schedule 9 & 10:30am

Children’s Sunday School is provided

during the 9am service,

childcare provided

during the 10:30 service.

September 7, 2014 Rev. Robb Fuesler, preaching

One Service at 10am Holy Communion Promotion Sunday ‐ Celebrating SSP ‐ Food Collection for Families Forward

All Church Potluck Picnic Immediately Following the Service On the “Back 40”

September 14, 2014 Rev. Robb Fuesler, preaching Sermon Series: “God is Green”

Family Worship

September 21, 2014 Rev. Robb Fuesler, preaching Sermon Series: “God is Green”

Food Collection for Sunday Suppers

September 28, 2014 Rev. Robb Fuesler, preaching

Sermon Series: “God is Green”

September 2014 Worship Opportunities

TGIW’s Are Back!! Wednesday, 9/3 will be our first “Thank Goodness It’s Wednesday” supper of the 2014‐2015 season. Come and celebrate the first days of school with a lasagna dinner in the fellowship hall among your AUMC family.

The following TGIW will be Wednesday, 9/17 and we are planning a good old‐fashioned United Methodist potluck! A‐F Main Dish, G‐O Salad, P‐Z Dessert. If you are interested in cooking for TGIWs please contact Helen Waterson ‐ 949‐551‐3047 or 714‐401‐3262.

A huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to Dennis Joslyn for taking the responsibility of coordinating the TGIW dinners and planning and implementing the summer barbeques for the past several years. We appreciate Helen Waterson stepping in to coordinate the cooking teams as Dennis takes a much deserved break.

Interfaith Walk for Peace St. Paul's, Tustin, will be hosting an "Interfaith Walk for Peace" on Thursday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m.

The evening will look like this: after a brief opening, there will be simple music alternating with prayers and readings from multiple traditions, interspersed with times of silence. At any point after the opening, attendees are invited to remove their shoes (socks are required), and walk the path of the labyrinth in silence, surrounded by the music and readings, with intention for peace. We hope to create a sacred space in which all our prayers and intentions can bring healing to our own bruised hearts, and by extension, to the world around us.

This service and time of meditation is meant to be a gift. This is a prayer event, and we very much want to offer you this time and space, shared together, in which the longing of our hearts for peace is enacted and blessed.

No, it’s not too early to be thinking about Christmas!

SAVE THE DATE ‐ Aldersgate’s annual Candlelight Dessert will be Saturday, December 13. Please consider hosting a table. Table hostess sign ups will begin October 12.

Please contact Sally Puente with questions or for more information.

Chancel Choir starts Thursday, Sept. 4th! Rehearsals are 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. each Thursday in the Choir Room, which is on the west side of the complex next to the Sanctuary and the Senior High youth room. Our fall program features great music – and we’re welcoming new singers to join our choir! We’re a friendly ‘family’ and hope you’ll decide to give singing with us a try. Contact director Lynn Chavdarov with questions, and come sing! Lynn Chavdarov: [email protected]; 714‐414‐6166 cell phone.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

Jeremiah 33:3

COVENANT BIBLE STUDY Beginning in October, Pastor Karin will be helping to lead a class called “Covenant Bible Study.”

This in‐depth study of the whole Bible emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying pattern through all the books in the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. This relationship is grounded in the faithfulness of God’s love and in our ongoing commitment to stay in love with God while we share signs of that love with others.

The class is 24 weeks, but it is broken into 3 eight week sessions. The first session, entitled “Creating the Covenant,” will be on Wednesday evenings, Oct. 1‐Nov. 19, from 7‐8:30 PM. Childcare will be provided. Sign ups for the class will begin on Sunday, Sept. 14 on the patio between services. We hope you will be able to gather around the table as we study the scriptures together!

Hope Circle will meet on Wednesday, September 17 at 9:30am in the Fireside Room. Hope you all had a good summer and are ready to gather again at Circle. Our program will be one you won't want to miss. Betty Clopton and Marlene Henderson will tell us about their trip to Norway. Hope you all can make it. See you there.

Elizabeth Circle will meet on Monday, September 8 at 7pm at the home of Jennifer Hoggan. This will be a potluck—please bring a dish to share. We will be planning our events and meetings for the year and Cheryl Hartley will lead a discussion on our various adventures we had this summer.

“CASUAL SUNDAY” & ALL CHURCH PICNIC!

Sunday, September 7th On the “Back 40”

On September 7th, we will be having one service at 10am. This is “Casual Sunday” ‐ dress comfortably and casually. Do you have a 50th Anniversary shirt, or one

from VBS or ATA or camp? That would be perfect! Following the worship service, all are invited to stay for a potluck picnic. Water and dessert are provided. Bring a potluck item to share and chairs and blankets to sit on, as well as your reusable place settings and cups. Feel free to leave your food items in the church kitchen during worship. Enjoy time with friends as we share and celebrate our church together as one big family. There will be a giant slide for the young (and young at heart) plus games, crafts and other fun activities!

Tuesday Morning Bible Study resumes on September 16 at 10am in the Fireside Room. Rev. Louise Baxter will continue leading the group in the book “What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be A Christian?”. All are welcome!

the gatepost - n fall fest 2014! saturday, october...

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