Volume III, Issue 7 Connect July 1, 2019 Aldersgate “sharing the living Christ through life -changing service and love ”

Summer Preaching Series Is there any word from the Lord? There is. Jeremiah 37:17

Our summer preaching series will feature several voices of faith from within our congregation. First, however, we will here from our Episcopal Leader, The Rev. .

June 29th Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Area Bishop of the United Methodist Church We will hear the Episcopal Address from the 2019 Annual Conference, “The Love Of God Is Here To Stay”

July 7th Dr. Eva Baham, is as an assistant professor of history at Dillard University, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is also a long time, faithful leader and member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Eva joined Aldersgate Church in March of 1989 and has served as a Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chair, a Lay Leader for the Church Council as well as a Leader for Adult Sunday School Class.

July 14th Ms. Regan Horn, back fresh from the World Race will be here to share her life-changing journey. The Horn family came to Aldersgate after hurricane Katrina. Regan was a pre-teen when she arrived at Aldersgate. She immediately became active in many of the youth and mission activities of the church.

July 21st Clark Malchow and Jane Kathryn Burriss will be here to share a message about friendship, love and God. Jane Kathryn and Clark are lifelong friends who met at Aldersgate during their first days of Apple Tree Preschool.

July 28th Mike Rich has held a variety of teaching and leadership positions in the church. Currently he teaches one of our adult Sunday School Classes and leads a small group for men that has been active for more than 20 years. He and wife Mary are charter members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. In addition to Mary’s many places of leadership and study groups, she is an active choir member and has created many of the worship arts visual displays and banners. 2 This is the rule of life and work of an elder. I Do So Believe Do you believe that God has called you to the SO, this happened…Monday night at Annual life and work of an elder? Conference, I found myself in the Commissioning and I do so believe. Ordination Service at First United Methodist Church. It is a service that I rarely attend. IMHO, First UMC is too Next, the Bishops and Pastors placed their hands on small a venue for Ordination. Often, as was in my case, my head and said: the church was so overcrowded that my family and friends (who had traveled a great distance) were not able Tracy Lynne MacKenzie, to be seated in the sanctuary. However, this Monday take authority as an elder to preach the Word of evening, our own Adam R. Moore was to be God, to administer the Holy Sacraments commissioned as a Licensed Local Pastor. So, I found and to order the life of the Church; myself seated in the sanctuary awaiting the service. in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Now, the service of the Commissioning of Local Pastors, Deacons and Ordination of the Elders is one And the people said, “Amen.” of the high, holy moments of Annual Conference. th As the service progressed, I found myself reading As I begin my 30 year of ministry as an elder in the and re-reading the vows of my ordination. Ordination Louisiana Annual Conference, “I still do so believe.” I is a powerful moment in the life of those who have been am so pleased and proud to be the Lead Pastor of called into the ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ. Aldersgate United Methodist Church. I am appointed to In the Ordination service, the candidates are prayed serve this church by the Bishop of the Louisiana Annual over, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and authorized Conference. I serve at the pleasure of the Bishop for the by the church for their life and work as an elder. mission and ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have fully committed my life to Jesus Christ and I have In a moment, I was transported back to that time faithfully served my call for more than 32 years. when Bishop William Oden, Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, Rev. Millie Feske and Rev. Kathy Dauphin As the Pastor of this church, I am ordained to the laid their hands on me and prayed over me. And, I “Word, Sacrament and Order of the Church.” I am remembered those vows that I took at the Annual empowered and ordained to preach and live the Word of Conference of 1992 as I was ordained an elder in the God, which I faithfully do. I am empowered and United Methodist Church and the Louisiana Annual ordained to consecrate and serve the Sacraments, which Conference. by their very definition is to offer “outward and visible signs of the inward and spiritual grace of God.” The Bishop: An elder very nature of the Sacrament is “God’s love, mercy, is called to share in the ministry of Christ forgiveness and grace.” I am empowered and ordained and of the whole church: to Order the life of the church. This is to put forward to preach and teach the Word of God the mission and vision of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for and faithfully administer the building of the Kingdom of God. Further, this is to the sacraments of Holy Baptism and attend to the administrative, functional life of the Holy Communion; church. to lead the people of God in worship and prayer; These are the things that set me apart as a Minister and Pastor in Jesus’ church. to lead persons to faith in Jesus Christ; to exercise pastoral supervision, I will continue to faithfully serve Jesus through my to order the life of the congregation ministry at Aldersgate. When I came to Aldersgate and the connection, UMC, I came with the intent to serve Aldersgate UMC to counsel the troubled, and declare the for 5-8 years. Beginning July 1, 2019, I begin my fourth forgiveness of sin; year at Aldersgate UMC. Through God’s grace it is my to lead the people of God intention to fulfill this commitment to serve Aldersgate in obedience to Christ’s mission in the world; UMC for many years into the future. to seek justice, peace, and freedom for all people; and to take a responsible place in the Peace and grace, government of the Church and in service in and to the community.

3

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Over the next several weeks as we worship together at our combined services, we will be celebrating the powerful ministries of our lay leadership. Every week the message will be presented by members of our own congregation - each bringing their own unique perspectives and insight into our Christian journey.

While not all of us feel called to lead worship or deliver a message to the congregation, there are several ways to become involved in the lay leadership of Aldersgate! There is currently a sheet in the Mix n’ Mingle room to sign-up for more information for serving as an Usher, Scripture Reader, Communion Server, or Children’s Moment presenter. Each of these roles impacts our congregation on a weekly basis and while they may seem small or insignificant, they are vital to our connection to visitors and members alike.

How are we connected to one another? How are we separated? What are ways in which we can close the gaps and spaces between us?

Becoming involved in a lay ministry is a fantastic way that each of us can become connected to the weekly worshiping life of the Church - and to one another.

Looking forward to a wonderful summer worshiping together!

-Adam Trouard

Director of Music & Worship Ministries

Dear Rev. MacKenzie, We thank you for taking part in our Memorial Day Observance. The invocation was beautiful and so appropriate. It is people like you that make our observance special.

Thanks, Slidell Garden Club, Linda Carbo

Traditional Adult Sunday School 9:45 am-10:45 am → Cokesbury Building and Chapel Worship 8:30am Sanctuary Sunday School for Youth 9:45 am-10:45 am

Youth Sunday School Class (7-12 grade) meeting in Asbury Contemporary College, Career & Coffee “C3” meet in Cokesbury 207

Worship Children’s Sunday School 9:45 am-10:45 am 11:00am Sanctuary → Susanna Wesley, Center

4

NEW THIS SUMMER…

Now through the month of July, there will be one service every Sunday at 10 AM. It will be a combined service with both Traditional and Contemporary elements. There will be Children and Youth Sunday School at 9:00 AM. Adult Sunday School classes will meet as each Sunday School class desires.

JULY 2019 July 1-July 26 Camp SONshine (No Camp on July 4) July 2 Something’s Brewing-Women’s Summer Book Club July 4-5 Church Office Closed for Independence Day July 14-19 JR. High Mission Trip July 26 2019 Camp SONshine ends July 28 Last Combined Worship Service at 10am on Sunday

AUGUST 2019 August 3 Men’s Club Breakfast at LA Pines August 9 First day of Public School August 9 Camellia Quilters Charity Sit-N-Sew August 11 Blessing of Bibles and Backpacks / Sunday School Extravaganza! Confirmation Parent Meeting at 9:45am in Genesis Hall

August 13 Apple Tree Parent Orientation August 15 Little Lamb Parent Orientation August 16 STARC Dance in JWC August 18 Youth Share Sales Dinner August 19 First Day of School for Apple Tree (Monday-Friday & Monday/Wednesday/Friday) August 20 First Day of School for Apple Tree (Tuesday/Thursday) August 22 Grown Ups Coffee & Conversation August 24 Van Geaux XI

5

Who’s Up For A Little Bible Study?

JESUS IN THE GOSPELS is a 30-week study that invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask the question, ”Who is the Jesus that you see?” Study the names, the places, and the people—and encounter the Jesus who is both hard to ignore and hard to control, as portrayed in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Led by Rev. Tracy L. MacKenzie and Mr. Rick Lightfoot Coming to Aldersgate Fall of 2019

freezer and donate your excess hunting harvest meat to a worthy cause. Aldersgate will of

6 7 8

The Grown Ups will not meet in July. Stay Cool and we’ll meet again in August.

Aldersgate UMC is now a drop off point for donations for Slidell Ladies for Liberty

If you would like to help fill the care packages this great group sends to soldiers and sailors with ties to our community, please drop them off in the donation box in the church office. Israel Trip

Requested items — February 18-27, 2020

• Beef jerky Feel the desert wind on your face as you walk toward a manger in Bethlehem. • Cookies and Crackers Walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem in the • Handiwipes and Chapstick footsteps of Jesus • Paperback books and Magazines Reaffirm your baptism in the River Jordan • Soap, Deodorant Share the experience of praying at the • Tuna or sardines Wailing Wall with other believers • Protein and Granola bars Come join Suzie Hunt and Gayla Nelson on You can pick up a full sheet of donation a fantastic tour of the Holy Land. suggestions in the church office. For basically the cost of a trip to Disney World, Thanks for your help. you can take in the sights and sounds of the places surrounding the life of Jesus. Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Sea of Galilee, as well as historic places from the Old Testament, will be visited. Help Wanted - Mingle Room

Volunteers Brochures are available in the church office or by email with information » Can you volunteer one week to make coffee concerning the trip’s itinerary, costs, between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.? and travel arrangements. Can be a Donut Hole sponsor by » you picking up and delivering 8-10 dozen Guarantee your place on this tour with donut holes one Sunday? a deposit of $300.

If Yes, please contact Suzie Hunt at the church office or email Interested??? Contact Gayla Nelson her at [email protected] to let her know what day at [email protected] or you can serve. Suzie Hunt at [email protected].

Thank you! 9 Sr. High Mission Trip Was Great!

On June 14th Aldersgate’s Senior High Youth departed on an adventure to do mission work on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. This trip required the group to travel over 2,500 miles and reach an elevation of almost 1 ½ miles. And, of course, since it was an Aldersgate Youth Mission Trip we had to replace two tires along our journey. Our youth traveled for three days to get to Crownpoint, NM where we were housed for our time of service in the Navajo Nation. During that three-day trip the youth got to know each other better while sharing space on a bus for hours at a time. On Saturday evening the youth enjoyed cheering for their very own Antonio Iennusa as he attempted to complete the 72oz stake challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. To his credit, Antonio never quit during the challenge and finished all but 4.5oz during the hour time limit. While at Crownpoint, Aldersgate’s youth worked with Next Step Missions to help a lady named Miss Christine. The group worked to replace the ceilings in her trailer. This required our youth to do some carpentry and electrical work before they were able to hang and mud the dry wall. Everyone in the group was able to participate and leave their mark on Miss Christine’s Life. Next Step did not just provide our group with a project to work on, they also provided devotions and worship. Every morning there was time set aside to do a morning self-devotional and pray. Then after lunch there was a group devotion that was led by the youth in the group. After dinner the Next Step team lead a time of worship that included a praise band, speaker, and video. After this worship time the group was able to get together and discuss. On Friday Aldersgate’s youth had a great time rafting down the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico. The section of river that the group rafted usually has some class 2 and class 3 rapids and takes about 4 hours to complete, but the river was so high that the class 3 rapids had become class 4 and the trip only took about 2 ½ hours because the water was moving so fast. In the end all the youth and adults made it home from the trip safe and in one piece. There are sure to be many stories told about this trip in coming weeks, but the biggest story is that Christ worked in the lives and hearts of our youth on the trip.

Adam Moore

AUMY JULY SCHEDULE Save the date for our… Share Sales Dinner August 18th, 6pm, in JWC Sunday School @ 9am in Asbury If you bought shares from the youth or supported

th st youth mission fundraisers over the past year, please Wednesday Night on 10 and 31 come celebrate an amazing summer with us . Our @ 6:00pm in Asbury youth will be sharing their stories and experiences from their two summer mission trips. th th Sunday Night on 7 and 28 Youth need to be in JWC no later than 5:00pm. @ 5:30pm in Asbury

July 14th—19th Jr. High Mission trip

July 24th—27th Weekend of the Cross July 24 - July 27 Cost: $100 JR. High Youth -Summer Weekend of the Cross is a four day mission event that is Mission Trip to Florida focused on repairing and painting homes of those who are most venerable. This year Aldersgate is hosting for hurricane relief. Weekend of the Cross. Contact Adam for any questions th th July 14 - July 19 you might have. [email protected] 10

Nothing says summer like mudding drywall in the Florida summer heat. Where some go to the Sunshine state for the white sandy beaches and a bronze tan, a hearty group from Aldersgate traveled to Port St. Joe to reconnect with people served by a earlier mission trip at Mardi Gras and to get a home closer to move-in day.

Kay and Pete Hanson, Al Hughey, Milton Lizana and Dan McKenney spent several days helping to float and tape drywall that had been installed by previous volunteers.

As can be seen in the picture, a fun, and messy, time was had by all.

What a great way to share the love of God with others.

Well done! Something’s Brewing… Summer Book Club

Something’s Brewing is open to all women, church membership not required. Over a morning beverage, we study the word of God, learn from each other and leave refreshed and ready for the rest of our week.

Tuesday Mornings—9 a.m.—Genesis Hall

A nursery is available upon request with advance notice.

Contact Suzie Hunt if you have any questions at [email protected]

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh Tuesdays, July 2, 9 and 16 11 May 2019 Year to Date Income $ 40,285.07 $ 228,646.92 Expense $ 64,353.32 $ 300,550.12

Net Profit (Loss) $(24,068.25) $ (71,903.20) Stewardship Moment

Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer! In the life of the church, the “Dog Days of Summer” are the days when income is often decreased and expenses are often increased.

This is precisely where we find ourselves.

Below, please a chart to show a breakdown of the (majority) of expenses for the Operating Budget of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Adopt a Day 2019

Budget Item Per Day Per Week Per Month Per Year

Entire Expense Budget $ 2,117.65 $ 14,864.25 $ 64,411.75 $ 772,941.00 Staff Expenses $ 1,105.31 $ 7,758.44 $ 33,619.92 $ 403,439.00

Maintenance & Supplies $ 258.77 $ 1,816.35 $ 7,870.83 $ 94,450.00 Insurance $ 199.73 $ 1,401.92 $ 6,075.00 $ 72,900.00 All Utilities $ 178.06 $ 1,249.85 $ 5,416.00 $ 64,992.00

Electricity Only $ 131.51 $ 923.08 $ 4,000.00 $ 48,000.00 Program Ministries $ 107.40 $ 753.85 $ 3,266.67 $ 39,200.00

How can you help? Take an extra step. Can you provide a day, a week or a month worth of ministry during the summer to help alleviate the deficit of the Operating Budget? Please prayerfully consider taking this extra step (above and beyond your ordinary giving) to help the church during these “Dog Days.”

The Finance Committee

Our church Christian Condolences: Jeff Corbin and Family in the Jamey Carrick, Karen Soulet, Marvin Brown, Susan Batson, family is our death of his dad. Kathy Hill, Kathy Swalm, Tim and Kathleen Jones, Brenda best source Joys: Lisa Gall in remission. The Commissioning of Adam Castiglone, Jennifer Roth, Fred Hinds, Leonard Culotta, Joe for names of Moore to become Aldersgate’s Associate Pastor starting Shoemaker, Lewis Furr, Avery Watts, Jessica Rieffel, Ryan those persons July 1, 2019! A wonderful Vacation Bible School. A Livingston, Liz Cochran and Husband, Mary Gramlich, in need of successful “Take a Kid Fishing” Rodeo last Saturday. The William Brumfield, Coy and Donna Faucheux, Quentin Krey, care. Please reappointment of Rev. Tracy MacKenzie to Aldersgate UMC Our Country, Our Military, the Unemployed, President for another year! contact the Trump, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Homebound Impending Test and Surgery: Tom Goertz, Gana Jones, pastor at Members, Rev. Tracy L. MacKenzie. Kevin Greenwood. (641-5829) Hospitalized : Pat Doyle, Bonnie Allen, Barry Gordon, Gabe Continuing Concerns: Blanche Copeland, Allen and Kathy or a Williams. Little, Dale Moore, Charles Branscum, Lynn Naquin, Pat Care Team Recovering at Home: Don Witt, Millie Cruthirds, Teresa Neale, Phil Guilott, Stroh family, Larry Tester, Clint Crosier, member via Dabdoub, Debra Bridgeman. Kristin Vanluesden, Don Flanigan, Pat Doyle, Howard Rogillio, Charles Toomer, Jr., Derek and Lauren Webber email at Prayers: Ginger Holder, Ward and Robin Blakeman, and family, Mary Felder, Bill and Janice Fink, Lynn Bradley, prayer@ Kimberly Daughtrey, Daryl Tucker, Debra Morrison, Barbara Sara Delaha, Luke Smith, Rick Saluga, Lissa Jordan, Faye aldersgate- Sorant, Christopher Whyte, Hampton Holder, Dr. Judith Hammer and family. slidell.org Sylvester, John Stroh, Eunice Williams, Kristie Thomas, AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS...

Cindy Alberts, Realtor Peffley Construction, LLC Coldwell Banker TEC Realtors ~ 2040 E. Gause, #4 Andrew Peffley, 504-512-0276/fax 985-649-3851 “I’ll Go The Extra Mile For You!” Email: [email protected] C: 707-7676 W: 649-6300 x208 www.peffleyconstruction.com Homes, Vacant Land, Commercial The Mouse Detectives Specializing in Disney Cruises, Magical Vacations, Lowry-Dunham, Case, and Vivien Group Viking Cruises and Group Trips Insurance since 1901 985-290-5585 ~ 985-847-9417 643-1234 ~ 1-800-200-1258 Gayla Nelson ~ [email protected]

TM Mike Rich, MOORE & POWELL Pontchartrain Investment Management Certified Public Accountants Financial Services and Insurance A Professional Association 2242 Carey St., Olde Towne, Slidell 985-641-8000 ~ 120 Village Street, Suite 1 985-605-5064 ~ [email protected] Joel L. Bruno, Jr., CPA Jane A. Aucoin Securities offered through LPL Financial, www.moorepowell.com [email protected] Member FINRA/SIPC

Staff Email:

Rev. Tracy L. MacKenzie-Lead Pastor: [email protected] Rev. Adam R. Moore-Associate Pastor: [email protected] Aldersgate United Director of Worship & Music Ministry: [email protected] Director of Congregational Care & Missions: [email protected] Methodist Church Youth Administrator: [email protected] Director of Children’s Ministry: [email protected] AUMC - Aldersgate United Financial Secretary: [email protected] Methodist Women’s Group Office Manager: [email protected] Office Receptionist: [email protected]

Aldersgate United Methodist Prayer Concerns: [email protected] Youth (AUMY) Director of Epworth: [email protected]

Apple Tree Preschool Louisiana Conference Website: www.la-umc.org

Apple Tree Preschool Director: [email protected]

General Information: [email protected] Church Website: www.aldersgate-slidell.org Aldersgate-Slidell Church office: 985-641-5829