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< Back Amanda Turskey Communications Manager Email: digitalministry@aldersgate.net Phone: (703) 765-6555 x605

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES < Previous Event Back to Children's Ministries Page Next Event > Christmas Eve Pop Up Pageant All children welcome to participate! Wednesday, December 24th, 3:00pm service Aldersgate UMC Sanctuary At the 3 o'clock service on Christmas Eve, Children's Ministry is hosting a pick-up pageant for all kids who wish to participate! Watch as the youngest among us are transformed into shepherds, angels, and the variety of animals present at the birth of Jesus! There are some speaking parts for the pageant — if your child is interested in a speaking role, please fill out this form . < Previous Event Next Event >

< Back Andreas Barrett Worship Leader & Co-Director of Student Ministries Email: abarrett@aldersgate.net Phone: (703) 765-6555 x609

Bible Study Group EVENT INFORMATION < Previous Event Back to Upcoming Events Back Next Event > Wednesday Night Zoom Bible Study On the Way to Bethlehem, by Rob Fuquay Wednesday evenings starting on Dec. 3rd - Jan. 7th at 7:30pm-9:30pm Via Zoom The Wednesday Evening Zoom Bible study group will begin the Advent study ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM by Rob Fuquay on Dec 3 at 7:30. This four-week study will conclude on Jan. 7, 2026. Please contact Shari Van Buren for the Zoom link. Please get a copy of the book if you would like to join us for this study. The journey to Christmas begins in Rome. On the Way to Bethlehem follows the long journey to Christmas. The story begins in Rome with a decree issued from the seat of worldly power for a census, setting into motion events leading to the birth of the Savior of the world in a town that represents the very opposite of worldly power, Bethlehem. Author Rob Fuquay provides insight into the geographical and historical significance of Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, along with the important characters through whom the Christmas drama unfolds. You will be drawn into those places in a way that helps you experience the spiritual truths each location holds. The reflection we give in these places prepares the heart and soul to experience wonder, awe, mystery, and joy. The Wednesday Evening Zoom Bible study group will begin the Advent study ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM by Rob Fuquay on Dec 3 at 7:30. This four-week study will conclude on Jan. 7, 2026. Please contact Shari Van Buren for the Zoom link. Please get a copy of the book if you would like to join us for this study. The journey to Christmas begins in Rome. On the Way to Bethlehem follows the long journey to Christmas. The story begins in Rome with a decree issued from the seat of worldly power for a census, setting into motion events leading to the birth of the Savior of the world in a town that represents the very opposite of worldly power, Bethlehem. Author Rob Fuquay provides insight into the geographical and historical significance of Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, along with the important characters through whom the Christmas drama unfolds. You will be drawn into those places in a way that helps you experience the spiritual truths each location holds. The reflection we give in these places prepares the heart and soul to experience wonder, awe, mystery, and joy. < Previous Event Next Event >

Open to all children in kindergarten through 6th grade. EVENT INFORMATION < Previous Event Back to Upcoming Events Back Next Event > Children's Choir KIDS & MUSIC MINISTRIES Tuesdays | 4:15pm - 4:50pm 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 ). < Previous Event Next Event >

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. VISIT ALDERSGATE Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. - Romans 15:7 Courageously living God's unconditional love, serving others, and making disciples. We are so glad you are interested in visiting Aldersgate UMC! We hope that you will get to know us and become a part of our faith community. Whether you are visiting for the first time or have been with us before, we know you might have questions about what to expect, so we have compiled some helpful information for you. If you have questions and don't find the answer here, please reach out to us at office@aldersgate.net or (703) 765-6555. LOCATION & WORSHIP TIMES Address & Contact Information 1301 Collingwood Rd Alexandria, VA 22308 (703) 765-6555 | office@aldersgate.net Get Directions Worship Service Times In-Person & Livestream: 9:30am & 11:00am ONLINE WORSHIP Map of Aldersgate’s building with locations of Sunday School classrooms WHO WE ARE At Aldersgate UMC, our mission is to courageously live God's unconditional love, serve others, and make disciples. LEARN ABOUT OUR MISSION & VALUES LEARN ABOUT OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A diverse range of music from traditional to contemporary; the one thing our music has in common is quality. We treat scripture like we expect God to speak through it to us today. Worship that is relevant but rooted in the ancient faith. Preaching that is compelling and urgent. Celebration of Communion (Eucharist, Lord’s Supper) joyfully, for as our founder John Wesley said, in some mysterious way Jesus really is present to us in this meal and, through it, he changes our hearts one bite and sip at a time. All are welcome to join us in Communion. Children to be treated as if they were first in God’s heart because Jesus said they are. They are welcome in worship with you or can stay in the nursery during worship. Ask an usher, greeter, or pastor if you have any questions. When you join us for Worship, we would appreciate it if you would please fill out the tear-off slip in your bulletin so we can connect with you. Also, checking off on the tear-off slip that you'd like to join our AUMC Newsletter e-communication distribution list will allow us to connect you weekly to all the wonderful opportunities you have to join us for fellowship, learning, worship, and events. CHILDREN & STUDENT MINISTRIES At Aldersgate UMC, we know how important a foundation in faith is for your children. We provide ministry opportunities for children and youth of all ages to engage in the church and explore their faith. And, of course, to have fun! KIDS MINISTRY YOUTH MINISTRY ADULT GROUPS & CLASSES Adult groups and classes are how we build community at Aldersgate UMC. Being a part of a group or class is the best way to help a big church feel smaller and allow you to connect with people in a similar stage of life or with similar interests. ADULT GROUPS & CLASSES BECOME A MEMBER Becoming a member of our church family is a way for you to show your commitment to Aldersgate and our mission . It means that you are willing to contribute your time, talent, gifts, service, and witness to the ministries of the church, and that you will take an active role in taking our mission to the world. LEARN MORE ABOUT JOINING ALDERSGATE

< Back Corey Bales Director of Childcare Email: clatta@aldersgate.net Phone:

Donate food and drinks for Sunday Lunch at Rising Hope. EVENT INFORMATION < Previous Event Back to Upcoming Events Back Next Event > Sunday Lunch at Rising Hope UMC LOCAL MISSIONS & OUTREACH Donation Drop-Off by Friday, December 12th. Lunch Served on Sunday, December 14th. Drop-Off Donations at Door #3 Aldersgate provides lunch to the 50 or so worshippers at Rising Hope Mission Church on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We need your help! Volunteers are needed to donate food and drinks as indicated on the sign-up and drop them off at the church at Door 3 by the Friday before our Sunday Lunch date. CLICK HERE to learn more about this ministry. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Julie Pfister . Aldersgate provides lunch to the 50 or so worshippers at Rising Hope Mission Church on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We need your help! Volunteers are needed to donate food and drinks as indicated on the sign-up and drop them off at the church at Door 3 by the Friday before our Sunday Lunch date. For more information on Sunday Lunch and other local missions and outreach, please visit the Local Missions and Outreach page on our website. < Previous Event Next Event >

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. WORSHIP ONLINE Wednesday, December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve Services 5:00PM SERVICE OF SONG & LIGHT BULLETIN 7:00PM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE BULLETIN Previous Worship Services Visit our YouTube channel to find recordings of more past services CONTEMPORARY SERVICE (9:30AM) Joyful Expectations 9:30am Sunday Worship Service Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 9:30am Sunday Worship Service, December 14th 2025 01:14:50 Play Video Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 9:30am Sunday Worship Service December 07.2025 01:19:16 Play Video Christmas Eve Services 2025 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 5pm Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2025 00:00 Play Video Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 7pm Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2025 00:00 Play Video TRADITIONAL SERVICE (11:00AM) Joyful Expectations 11am Sunday Worship Service Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 11:00am Sunday Worship Service, December 14th 2025 01:07:43 Play Video Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 11:00am Sunday Worship Service December 07.2025 01:12:58 Play Video Christmas Eve Services 2025 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 5pm Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2025 00:00 Play Video Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 7pm Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2025 00:00 Play Video SERVE Sunday • April 27th, 2025 Single Worship Service at 10am BULLETIN Holy Week Worship Maundy Thursday • March 17th, 2025 Maundy Thursday Bulletin Good Friday • March 18th, 2025 Good Friday Bulletin

< Back Pastor Bill John Senior Pastor Email: bjohn@aldersgate.net Phone: (703) 765-6555 x602 Pastor Bill John has been an elder in the United Methodist Church for 25 years and has served three appointments. He has been privileged to serve God alongside congregations in Rockingham, Mathews, and New Kent counties. Bill will join Aldersgate from Providence UMC, where he has been ministering since 2014. Bill’s greatest joy in ministry is witnessing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives. He considers it a great privilege to walk with people as they learn, grow, and deepen their relationship with the Lord. It is a holy, sacred, and joyful journey! Bill grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, as the eldest son of a naval commander and church pianist. His favorite memories of childhood and adolescence likely have something to do with playing soccer or rebuilding a ‘75 Camaro with his dad. He grew up dreaming of becoming a fighter pilot or racecar driver, yet God had other plans, though no less thrilling! Bill attended Virginia Tech, where he studied economics, business, and communication. At the Wesley Foundation of Virginia Tech, Bill met his wife Jenny and received his call to ministry. Upon graduation, Bill and Jenny were married and began their life together on the campus of Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, VA, where Bill graduated with his Master of Divinity in 2000. Bill and Jenny have been married for 28 years and have loved raising their three children together: Billy (26), Hannah (23), and Owen (15). Billy is an engineer in Richmond, VA. Hannah is a Senior Airman in the US Air Force and is stationed in Minot, ND. Owen is a high school freshman, and his greatest love is soccer. Jenny is a licensed counselor, assistant professor of counseling, and director of the counseling program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA. They enjoy camping, board games, sports, and movies as a family. In his free time, Bill enjoys coaching soccer, woodworking, and restoring (and driving) his ‘85 Camaro. Bill and Jenny look forward to growing in ministry and fellowship alongside the people of Aldersgate UMC and the community of Fort Hunt. God is up to something, and it is always good!

Volunteer to make and deliver sack meals to the people sheltered in local motels. MISSION INFORMATION < Previous Back to Local Missions Next > Phoenix Rising HELP MAKE AND PACKAGE MEALS Phoenix Rising meal packing happens once each month, on the Thursday before the second Friday (not always the second Thursday). We pack meals at 5:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall. For more information about Phoenix Rising or to be added to the volunteer email list, please email Jean Vita ( jeanvita@hotmail.com ) and Georgia Harlow ( gharlow383@hotmail.com ). Each month we put together 160 sack lunches that include: 2 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches Granola bar Bag of chips Capri Sun HELP TO DELIVER THE PACKAGED MEALS Phoenix Rising also needs volunteers to help with the meal deliveries on the second Friday of each month. Time commitment is 2 to 2-1/2 hours, starting at 6:00 when we leave the church. We stop off at various motels and group homes between Fort Belvoir and the Beltway. Most of the recipients are expecting the deliveries and express their gratitude. If you are interested or would like additional information, please contact Sam Sasnett at ssasnett@verizon.net . Those who volunteer to deliver the bagged lunches have shared that the people who receive the sack lunches are very appreciative, and that it is a blessing to those who deliver because they get to see the end results of all the planning and work that goes into the Phoenix Rising program. Locations and people served along Route 1 between Ft Belvoir and I495: The Courts at Belvoir (apartment building) The Red Carpet Inn by Rising Hope UMC (many children and elderly reside there) The Mondloch House The Halfway House on Beacon Rd The Brookside Motel The Fairfax County Drop-In Center (peer support for folks with mental health and substance abuse challenges) < Previous Next >

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. MUSIC AT ALDERSGATE Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Psalm 100:1 At Aldersgate UMC, we believe that music is a primary way in which we experience God, and that leading others musically is, itself, a way we grow in our faith. If you would like to participate in a musical group or choir, the congregation would love to have you! Please contact the leader of each group for more information on how to join. Journeys Band Wesley Choir Wesley Ringers Youth Band Children's Choir Wesley Choir The Wesley Choir provides music for the 11:00am Traditional Worship Service on Sunday mornings as well as other special events throughout the year. The choir meets for rehearsal on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm - 8:30pm in the Music Room (room 104). Our meeting time includes fellowship, vocal warmups, and rehearsal of upcoming anthems. All singers are welcome! No music reading experience required. For more information, please contact the Director of Adult Choirs and Handbells (musicdirector@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 ). Aldersgate Youth Band For more information, please contact Andreas Barrett (andreas@aldersgate.net ). Who : Students in grades 7-12 Where : Church Sanctuary When : Sundays from 6:30 pm - 7:30pm (bi-weekly) The Aldersgate Youth Band is open to all youth in grades 7-12. 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! Journeys Worship Band Vocalists and rhythm combo. Supports the 9:30am Contemporary Worship Service on Sunday mornings. Journeys rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm - 8:00pm and Sunday mornings at 8:30am in the Sanctuary. For more information, please contact Andreas Barrett, Worship Leader ( andreas@aldersgate.net ) . Wesley Ringers For more information, please contact the Director of Adult Choirs and Handbells (musicdirector@aldersgate.net ). The Wesley Ringers provide music once a month for the 11:00am Traditional Worship Service, as well as at other special events throughout the year. Wesley Ringers rehearse on Monday evenings from 6:30pm - 7:30pm in room 118. Adults and youth in grades 7-12 are invited to join. No experience is needed.