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Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. KIDS MINISTRY Serving children and their families from infants through 6th grade At Aldersgate UMC, we know how important a foundation in faith is for your children. Our Kids Ministry strives to engage kids and empower families by providing Christian education, service opportunities, and fun events for the whole family. For more information about the Kids Ministry at Aldersgate, please contact us at children@aldersgate.net . Your child’s safety is our priority. Learn about our policies and child protection procedures. Child & Youth Protection Policy Sunday School Acolyte Children's Choir Events Nursery Kids' Sunday School In-person Sunday school is available for ages 4-years-old through 6th grade on Sunday mornings at 9:30am. If your child will be attending Sunday School, please sign in at the KIDMIN Check-In desk to receive a security sticker for you and your child. KIDMIN Check-In will begin at 9:15am on Sunday mornings and is located just inside Door #1. All Sunday school teachers have had a background check and follow Aldersgate's Safe Sanctuaries Policy . Register for 2025-2026 School Year **Please register to ensure enough teachers and supplies** For more information, please contact us at children@aldersgate.net . Children's Choir Calling all young musicians! Discover the joy of music through Children's Choir. At Aldersgate UMC, we believe in nurturing young voices and fostering a lifelong love of church music. All children are welcome! Who : Students in kindergarten through 6th grade Where : Day School Music Room (Room 126) -- Enter at Door #4 When : Every Tuesday from 4:15pm - 4:50pm What to Expect: Fun and Engaging Rehearsals filled with laughter, learning and music-making. An Inclusive and Supportive Environment for building friendships with like-minded kids who share an interest in music and where every child’s voice will be celebrated. Diverse Repertoire where we explore a wide range of musical genres, from traditional hymns to contemporary songs. Performances throughout the year during church services, special events, and holiday celebrations. For more information, please contact Ashley Carignan, Children's Choir Director ( childrenschoir@aldersgate.net ). Upcoming Events for Kids & Families There are plenty of opportunities for children to stay engaged at Aldersgate! Here's what's coming up! Children's Choir KIDS & MUSIC MINISTRIES Tuesdays | 4:15pm - 4:50pm Open to all children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Calling all young musicians! Discover the joy of music through Children's Choir. We believe in nurturing young voices and fostering a lifelong love of church music. Our choir program is for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays, from 4:15-4:50pm in the Music Room. Registration is not required, but you are encouraged to send a note to Ms. Ashley Carignan, Children's Choir Director , to let her know if your children plan to attend for planning purposes. What to Expect • Fun and Engaging Rehearsals filled with laughter, learning, and music-making. • An inclusive and supportive environment for building friendships with like-minded kids who share an interest in music and where every child’s voice will be celebrated. • Diverse repertoire where we explore a wide range of musical genres, from traditional hymns to contemporary songs. • Performances throughout the year during church services, special events, and holiday celebrations. For questions or more information, please contact Ms. Ashley Carignan, Children's Choir Director (childrenschoir@aldersgate.net ). Calling all young musicians! Discover the joy of music through Children's Choir. We believe in nurturing young voices and fostering a lifelong love of church music. Our choir program is for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays, from 4:15-4:50pm in the Music Room. Registration is not required, but you are encouraged to send a note to Ms. Ashley Carignan, Children's Choir Director , to let her know if your children plan to attend for planning purposes. What to Expect • Fun and Engaging Rehearsals filled with laughter, learning, and music-making. • An inclusive and supportive environment for building friendships with like-minded kids who share an interest in music and where every child’s voice will be celebrated. • Diverse repertoire where we explore a wide range of musical genres, from traditional hymns to contemporary songs. • Performances throughout the year during church services, special events, and holiday celebrations. For questions or more information, please contact Ms. Ashley Carignan, Children's Choir Director (childrenschoir@aldersgate.net ). 1 1 ... 1 ... 1 Nursery Your children are as important to us as they are to you (well, almost). That's why we provide a safe, loving, Christian environment for your babies and toddlers ages 3 and under while you are at worship. The nursery is available during all Sunday morning worship services in rooms 122 and 123. All staff members have had a background check, CPR training, and follow CDC safety guidelines. For more information, please contact our Director of Child Care, Corey Bales . We hope to see you this Sunday! Acolyte Ministry For more information, please contact us at children@aldersgate.net . At Aldersgate UMC, our acolytes serve as active participants in our worship services by lighting the altar candles at the beginning of our worship services, symbolizing Jesus entering the presence of the congregation. Acolytes may also carry a processional cross into the service. Acolytes serve in both the 9:30am and 11:00am worship services on Sunday mornings as well as other special services throughout the year. Aldersgate Acolytes Candlelight Companions The acolyte experience is a meaningful way for children and youth in kindergarten through 12th grade to assist the pastors in worship by bringing the light of Christ into the sanctuary. The acolyte commitment is flexible and allows children and youth to sign up according to their schedule. Acolytes may sign up for a Sunday morning worship service by clicking the button. Acolyte Sign-Up Candlelight Companions is an exciting new program designed to foster meaningful connections between parents and children through the shared experience of acolyting. This initiative will support family bonding; help children overcome potential nervousness; deepen and aid in faith development; and encourage family discussions about the importance and significance of serving as an acolyte. Adults interested in being a Candlelight Companion may sign up for a Sunday morning worship service by clicking the button, below. Acolyte Sign-Up Sunday School Volunteers Needed for the School Year We need volunteers to serve in Aldersgate's Children's Ministry! School Year: We need a roster of ~40 volunteers each week over the school year. Help us grow our Children's Ministry and support our new Director of Children's Ministry, Jesse St Clair Smith. We’re looking for lots of Sunday School volunteers for the upcoming school year! Having a strong team allows everyone the flexibility to take vacations, recover from illness, and attend worship. Please reach out to ChildrensMinistries@aldersgate.net with any questions. Volunteer for School Year Sunday School

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. SUPPORT GROUPS Aldersgate United Methodist Church offers support groups to the congregation and to our community. Monthly Caregiver Support Group Aldersgate UMC offers a support group for those who are caregivers. The monthly Caregiver Support Group will meet on the SECOND Wednesday of every month at 5:00pm in the Library. For more information, please contact Judy Jurkowski, Wellness Coordinator & Director of Congregational Care ( judy@aldersgate.net ) . Monthly Grief Support Group Aldersgate UMC offers a support group for those who have experienced a loss and who are grieving. The monthly Grief Support Group will meet on the THIRD Wednesday of every month at 5:00pm in the Library. For more information, please contact Judy Jurkowski, Wellness Coordinator & Director of Congregational Care ( judy@aldersgate.net ) . Weekly Divorce Care Group Aldersgate UMC offers a weekly virtual support group for those who are going through or have gone through divorce. This group will foster healing from separation or divorce. Meetings consists of a discussion of the material (video and workbook) completed during the week. The DivorceCare videos cover topics essential to recovering from the hurt of separation or divorce. The group will meet weekly on Tuesday at 7pm starting September 19th. All meetings are virtual. Please visit the DivorceCare website for additional information on the program and to register to attend the group meetings hosted by Aldersgate UMC. Attendance at each session is not required for participation. There is a $20 fee that covers the cost of the workbook.

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. YOUTH MINISTRY Supporting all youth in grades 6 through12 The Aldersgate Youth Ministry welcomes and embraces the youth of the Aldersgate UMC family and its community. All youth are welcome -- you don't have to be a Methodist or a member of Aldersgate to participate in your Youth Ministries. Youth Ministry at Aldersgate UMC includes Aldersgate Youth Group (grades 6-12) and the Confirmation Program (grades 6+). Both programs provide an opportunity for youth to have fun, build new relationships, perform service in the community and beyond, and grow in their faith in a supportive and encouraging environment. For more information, please contact us at youth@aldersgate.net . Your child’s safety is our priority. Learn about our policies and child protection procedures. Child & Youth Protection Policy Confirmation Youth Mission Week Youth Group Youth Donut Den Open House Youth Band Youth Group The Aldersgate Youth Group is a space for our young people to come together and kick off the week on a positive note. We focus on exploring our relationships with God, having fun, and occasionally engaging in service projects within the community and beyond. We invite you to grow in your faith in a supportive and encouraging environment. All youth are welcome—there’s no need to be a Methodist or a member of Aldersgate to join us! Who : Students in grades 6-12 Where : Youth Room (Room 102) When : Sundays from 5pm-6:30pm Youth Donut Den on Sunday Mornings The Youth Donut Den is a casual meet-and-greet where our young members can connect with one another, catch up between services or volunteer opportunities, and discuss insights from this week's sermon. Additionally, Bailey Johnson, Co-Director of Student Ministries, will be available at every 9:30AM service on the right side of the sanctuary, between rows 5 and 10 for those who want to join her in worship! Who : Students in grades 6-12 Where : Wesley Hall When : Sundays from 10:30am - 11am Confirmation Program The Confirmation Program at Aldersgate UMC is an opportunity for students to respond to the workings of God's grace in their lives. The goal of the Confirmation Program is for students to begin to understand for themselves what it means to be a Christian and a member of God's Church. Upon completion of the class, students will be given the opportunity to profess their faith and become church members. Confirmation this year is open to rising 7th grade and up students. It will be taught this year by Cheryl Bratten and Molly Johnson. If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact us at confirmation@aldersgate.net The Confirmation Program at Aldersgate UMC is an opportunity for students to respond to the workings of God's grace in their lives. The goal of the Confirmation Program is for students to begin to understand for themselves what it means to be a Christian and a member of God's Church. Upon completion of the class, students will be given the opportunity to profess their faith and become church members. Important Dates September 14th: Information Meeting September 19th: Confirmation Kick off! Who : Open to all rising 7th graders and older When & Where : Class meets every Sunday evening between 4-5PM in Guback Center Confirmation Teacher: Cheryl Bratten & Molly Johnson Duration : Sept 14th- Feb 22nd, culminating in confirmation of the students on Feb 22, 2025 Cost : $120 per student to cover the cost of supplies, events, and our retreat (scholarships available) Register for Confirmation Program Important Documents to Download & Review 2025-2026 Confirmation Class Calendar Parental Consent Form Confirmation Program Requirements Aldersgate Youth Band The Aldersgate Youth Band is open to youth musicians. Our mission is to deepen our faith and worship experience through music. Do you play an instrument or sing in choir at school? We'd love to have you be a part of our music family! Who : Students in grades 7-12 Where : Church Sanctuary When : Sundays from 6:30 pm - 7:30pm (bi-weekly) For more information, please contact Andreas Barrett ( abarrett@aldersgate.net ), Co-Director of Student Ministries. Youth Open House The Youth Open House is a chance for teens to unwind after school, enjoy a snack, play games, and work on homework. Each week, we engage in a group activity to foster connections and strengthen our friendships. We emphasize respectful values and boundaries, and we’re thrilled to see so many non-members joining us as well! Please contact us if your child has any health concerns or allergies that we should be aware of. Youth Open House is off for Summer break. See you in the Fall! Who : Students in grades 7-12 Where : Youth Room (Room 102) When : Every Wednesday afternoon from 2:30pm - 4pm Youth Mission Week Youth Mission Week is a faith and community building event, created to foster a lifelong service mindset in the youth of our church and beyond. This five-day experience will strike a balance between faithfulness and fun, with field trips to amusement parks, outreach activities at nearby churches, and daily periods of worship. Who : Rising 7th - 12th Graders Where : Youth Room (Room 102) When : July 7th-11th Cost : $100 per youth Payment may be made by check made out to Aldersgate UMC (Memo: "Youth Mission Week") or online at Give Now (Fund: "Operating-The Heart of a Servant"; Memo: "Youth Mission Week"). Registration is required. Please register by June 30th. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Andreas Barrett (andreas@aldersgate.net ). Adult Volunteers - Get Involved! Come be a part of the faith formation and growth of our amazing teenagers! We are looking for adult volunteers who can help out with our Youth Ministry program. Opportunities to help include: • Provide food or come as a parent volunteer for Sunday Evening Youth Group • • Sign up for our church events and outings • If at any point you want to donate food or snacks, please contact Andreas and Bailey at youth@aldersgate.net . Signup for our weekly newsletter Contact us at youth@aldersgate.net Join our Facebook Group