Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. FACILITY USE REQUEST FORM Full Calendar Upcoming Events Facility Use Request Announcement Request The Aldersgate UMC facilities are available for use by both church and community groups. The primary purpose of the Aldersgate UMC facilities is to provide a place for Christian worship, fellowship, education, and nurture which directly serve the interests of our membership, constituents, and groups that are sponsored by the church. Under certain circumstances, our facilities are made available for community service which is an essential element of outreach and provides opportunities for witness. Use of church facilities is authorized when meeting the guidelines provided in the Aldersgate UMC Facilities Use Policy and is scheduled by the Church Receptionist or Church Executive Director under the direction of the Senior Pastor. For a copy of the Aldersgate UMC Facilities Policy, please contact office@aldersgate.net . Facility Use Policy You will receive a "Success!" notification if your submission has gone through. If you do not receive this notification, please review the form and ensure you have completed all required fields (marked with an asterisk * ). NOTE: If you would like your event promoted by Aldersgate UMC, please complete the Announcement Request Form . If you have questions or require assistance, please contact us at office@aldersgate.net . Facility Use Request Form Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*) Your Information First name Last Name Email Event Information Title of Event Description Event Date * required This is a recurring event This is a multi-day event Event End Date Recurrence Type Regular Recurrence Non-Regular Recurrence Specify Regular Recurrence Choose an option Non-regular recurring events are those that do not meet on a standard day/date and/or do not meet in the same location each time. Non-regular recurring events or meetings must submit a separate Facility Use Request for each occurrence of the event. Example: "S'mores & Scripture" is a recurring event (meets monthly) but the meeting date and location each month will vary. Additional Date Information Setup Start Time 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM Setup Time Event Start Time 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM Event Start Time Event End Time 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM Event End Time Tear-Down End Time 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM Tear-Down Time Facility Needs Requested Room Name(s)/Number(s) NOTE: To check if your desired room(s) is available for your requested date/time, please visit our full calendar . The following rooms are not available: 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, and 211. Estimated Attendance Equipment Needs * Required Tables Sound/Light Tech Projector w/ Screen TV w/ DVD Player Free-Standing Speaker System White Board Podium Other (Please Specify) Unknown (Please Explain) None Complete for "Other" and "Unknown" NOTE: Equipment/support needs may incur a fee. You will be informed of any/all applicable fees prior to finalization of your reservation. Number of Tables Select Table Type * Round Rectangle No Preference Number of Chairs per Table Table Setup Information Upload Table Setup Information File Types: *.pdf, *.doc, *.docx, *ppt, *pptx, *.xls, *.xlsx, *.tiff Event Organization & Contact Information Please provide the name of the organization or group that is hosting this event, as well as the name and contact information of the primary contact person for this announcement. Organization or Group Name Point of Contact First Name Point of Contact Email Point of Contact Last Name Point of Contact Phone Additional Information and/or Comments Please provide any additional comments or notes I have provided all required information I have read the Aldersgate UMC Facilities Use Policy and accept all terms of use You will receive a "Success!" notification if your submission has gone through. If you do not receive this notification, please review the form and ensure you have completed all required fields (marked with an asterisk (*)). SUBMIT

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. JOIN ALDERSGATE UMC All are welcome at Aldersgate UMC! Becoming a member of our church 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, and treasure to the ministries of the church and that you will take an active role in taking our mission to the world: courageously living God’s unconditional love. Process for Joining Aldersgate UMC Have you been baptized? We accept all Christian baptisms so you will not have to be baptized again. If you have not been baptized, plans will be made to baptize you before you join the church. Please call the church office and make an appointment to meet with a pastor. Please fill out our membership form. Click on the link below to download a membership form. Complete it and return it to the receptionist during the week or to the Welcome Desk during times of worship. If you have any questions, please email office@aldersgate.net or call (703) 765-6555. Aldersgate Membership Information Form Children under 12 years of age will be able to join after they complete the Confirmation Program when they are in the sixth grade. While they will not be joining at the same time, children are encouraged to go to the front of the sanctuary with parents who are joining to share in the experience and be welcomed as a family to our congregation. Learn More About Membership The pastors hold a "Meet the Pastors" gathering several times each year for those considering membership. Those who have already joined Aldersgate are encouraged to attend to learn more about our church and our mission. Be on the lookout for the next meeting on our Upcoming Events page. You may also email office@aldersgate.net for more information. Please make sure to let us know which Sunday you would like to join. We prefer that people join the church during worship on the second weekend of each month, but another date can be arranged. Email office@aldersgate.net or call 703-765-6555 for more information.

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. ALDERSGATE EVENTS CALENDAR Facility Use Request Full Calendar Upcoming Events Announcement Request

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. GIVE TO ALDERSGATE UMC "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) The theme for our 2025 Stewardship Campaign is based on the scripture passage in 1 Peter in which Peter encourages every person to put into practice the gifts God has given to serve those around us. Having the Heart of a Servant for Christ uses our gifts and talents to multiply the church's impact on our community. It takes all of us helping in big and small ways to run this beautiful church that means so much to us and our community. We invite you to make a commitment of your time and talents for 2025 using the online form accessed by the button, below. The areas listed on the form are just a sample of ways you can use your time and talents. Each section has an "Other" area where you can add suggestions that align with this ministry. We'd love to hear your suggestions on where you see your talents fitting. The ministry leaders for each team will be in touch with you in early 2025. Thank you for sharing your talents and skills to support your church and community. We appreciate you! Time & Talent Commitment Card Prayer Calendar Watch our video highlighting the ministries of Aldersgate UMC Doing All the Good We Can If you have not done so already, we invite you to make a commitment of your financial resources in 2025. Please consider renewing your pledge this year or making a new commitment if you have not been able to pledge in the past. Please know that all gifts of all amounts matter. Campaign Financial Pledge Form Stewardship Testimonial Videos Qualified Charitable Distribution View the church's monthly financial reports Monthly Financial Reports Campaign Progress 157 Pledges Received as of January 15th, 2025 Goal: $1,000,000 $884,905.72 Thank you for your contribution and commitment to Aldersgate UMC! Our Operating Budget The reason for making a pledged commitment is to support the annual expenses for the operating budget for the church. The operating budget is the cost of all the expenses of the church to include programs, missions, apportionments, salaries, overhead, etc. The total operating budget for 2025 is projected to be $1.583 million. We rely on pledged commitments, non-pledged donations, and other revenue to meet these expenses. Our goal is to receive pledged commitments for a total of $1,000,000. Note on Mission Funding in the Operating Budget The 5% for mission expenses does not include support from the UMM and UWF support of missions. Apportionments also support missions, and there are restricted funds designated for missions. Many members of the church support missions directly. Staff 44% Facilities 29% Apportionments 13% Mission Expenses 5% Administration 9% You are asked each fall to make a commitment through the "Stewardship Campaign" for the upcoming year so that we can appropriately plan which missions we will be able to support, events we can plan to have, repairs we can expect to be able to make, etc. The amount you give is a personal matter. When deciding on how much to give, remember that scripture indicates that tithing is the standard and that giving one-tenth of our income to God through the church is the norm or a goal to attain.

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. GIVE TO ALDERSGATE UMC Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 We consider it a privilege to give back to God what has been graciously given to us. We are committed to generosity because we know first-hand the change God can bring through our sacrificial giving. Thank you for prioritizing Aldersgate UMC in your generous giving. Your consistency provides stability, strength, and support to our ministry. METHODS OF GIVING In Person or by Mail 1301 Collingwood Road Alexandria, VA 22308 Online Make a tax deductible donation‏. Click to Give By Text Text "ALDERSGATE" to 73256. Online giving takes place on Aldersgate’s Realm site. Click on the buttons, below, to learn how to setup a Realm account and how to give online. How to Setup Realm Account How to Give Online in Realm ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF GIVING Qualified Charitable Distribution Publicly Traded Securities Legacy Giving CURRENT CAMPAIGNS Select a campaign to learn more 2025 Stewardship Campaign Shepherd Hall Debt Reduction 2024 Stewardship Campaign Select a campaign to learn more Stewardship Campaign Capital Campaign Abundantly Far More Stewardship Campaign 2022 "Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." ~Ephesians 3:20-21 NRSV Our stewardship theme for 2022 is Abundantly Far More. The image of the grapes reminds us of God's abundance and how we are called to bear fruit for God. Our membership vows, professed before God and the church family, include support through five areas – our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. We encourage you to be part of God's abundance and helping Aldersgate to bear fruit for God through your time, talents, and resources. A tangible way to bear fruit for God is to complete the online 2022 Commitment Card and 2022 Time and Talent Card . For more information, please contact connect@aldersgate.net . Thank you for your contribution and commitment to Aldersgate UMC!

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. INTERCESSORY PRAYER TEAM Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16 Aldersgate has an Intercessory Prayer Group serving you and your loved ones quietly behind the scenes. Though discreet and low-key, it has a powerful and essential mandate. Our group is dedicated to praying for others within our congregation and worldwide who have spiritual, medical, and relationship needs. Accident victims, deployed military, persons caught up in natural disasters, hunger, domestic and community violence, homelessness or human trafficking are on our lists, as are a multitude of other circumstances. All of our discussions are confidential and every prayer request is honored. We are apolitical and do not judge need by class, color, sexual or political orientation, geography, or any other factor. Anyone can request prayers by calling the church office (703-765-6555), or sending an email to prayers@aldersgate.net .

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN 2023 Shepherding for the Future Comprehensive Campaign 2023 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1 Rather than ask you twice within several months to give to two separate efforts, we are asking you once to support these efforts and to consider a gift for the future through a single Comprehensive Campaign for 2023. The Comprehensive Campaign 2023 has three parts - Stewardship, Shepherd Hall, and Legacy Giving. More information on each is below . We ask you to consider each part carefully. We encourage you to be a shepherd for the future through your giving. Campaign Pledge Form Campaign Testimonial Videos Time & Talent Form Time & Talent Testimonial Videos Campaign Progress Campaign Supporters of 2023 Campaign Information Packet FAQs Campaign Presentation Thank you for your contribution and commitment to Aldersgate UMC! Stewardship 2023 Shepherd Hall Campaign 2023 Stewardship Campaign Operating Budget The priority or first component for giving is your support of the annual expenses - the operating budget - of the church. The operating budget is the cost of the church's programs every day of the year. The total operating budget for 2023 is projected to be $1.6 million. This will be paid through pledged commitments (62.5%), non-pledge donations (28.2%), and other revenue (9.3%). Our goal is to receive pledged commitments for a total of $1 million. Included in the operating budget are the apportionments which we pay to support the ministries of the United Methodist Church denomination. Apportionments is a method of giving that proportionally allocates the denomination-wide budget to conferences and local churches. For example, the apportionment dollars that Aldersgate gives toward Global Missions and other organizations within the United Methodist Church help those in need in Ukraine. The operating budget includes apportionments, staff salaries, church administration expenses, missions, and the cost of maintaining the church properties (main church and two parsonages). Click Here for Note on Mission Expenses You are asked each Fall to make a commitment through the "Stewardship Campaign" for the following year. You are asked to renew your current commitment to support the annual operating budget and to consider increasing your pledge by 10% for 2023. If you do not have a current commitment, please consider making one. The amount you give is a personal matter. When deciding on how much to give, remember that scripture indicates that tithing is the standard and that giving one-tenth of our income to the church is the norm. Tithing is a spiritual goal for many Christians and for members of the Jewish faith, as well. Legacy Giving Anchor 1

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. GIVE TO ALDERSGATE UMC Legacy Giving to Aldersgate UMC For where your heart is, there your treasure will be also. Matthew 6:21 Honor the generations that have built Aldersgate UMC and bless the generations to come by including the church in your estate plan. How Can I Make a Legacy Gift? Include Aldersgate United Methodist Church in your will. ~~~ Name Aldersgate United Methodist Church as a beneficiary of all or a portion of your retirement assets, donor-advised fund, or life insurance policy. ~~~ Consider gifts that provide income for you for the rest of your that will ultimately support the ministry of the church. Your financial advisor can tell you about income-producing gifts for Aldersgate UMC. ~~~ Consider making your gift unrestricted so that the church can use your gift where it is most needed at the time it is received. ~~~ You may designate your gift for unrestricted endowment, in which case only the interest will be expended in the future and that interest may be used wherever the need is greatest at the time as determined by the trustees. ~~~ Donate assets from an IRA to Aldersgate United Methodist Church. If retirement assets are given to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, the assets are not subject to payment of taxes and the entire asset would go to the church. Retirement funds designated for your heirs may be subject to income tax if the funds were not taxed previously and only a portion of the assets would go to your heirs. Designating assets other than retirement funds to heirs and designating IRA funds to Aldersgate UMC are both ways to maximize your giving to both the church and your heirs. Disclaimer Aldersgate United Methodist Church does not provide financial or tax advice. You should consult with your personal financial advisor before making any gift of this type. Legacy Gift Intent Form Suggested Wording for Bequest Informing the Endowment Committee, the Trustees, or one of the pastors of such a Legacy Gift intent would be appreciated so that you can be thanked during your lifetime, and so that any restrictions or questions about your gift may be addressed to make sure your gift will be used as you intended it. You may choose to be anonymous, or you may decide to allow Aldersgate United Methodist Church to list you as a member of the Legacy Circle. By acknowledging your intent to give, you may be encouraging others to follow your example and make a provision for Aldersgate in their will or estate plan.

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH (UWF) FAITH. Women who participate in monthly circle meetings and support mission projects to grow spiritually and become more deeply rooted in Christ by putting faith into action. HOPE. Our national mission institutions empower women, care for children, educate and equip youth, care for the neglected, advocate for social justice issues, create economic opportunities, and strengthen neighborhoods. LOVE. Our members give out of their love for the world and provide financial support for local and national mission institutions, supporting 121 programs taking place in 110 countries. ACTION. UWF members’ voices are heard around the world as they call for justice on issues such as immigration, human trafficking, domestic violence, health care, and the environment. Circles Missions Events Resources Give to UWF U NITED W OMEN IN F AITH C I RCLES Any woman who wants to engage in mission work, have personal and spiritual growth with Christian women, and who wants to become involved in social action to better women, children, and families may join. It’s easy to become a member of UWF. You can talk to someone you know who is already a member, or email UWF President, Mary Ellen Carawan . UWF meets monthly during the months of September - May/June in small groups called Circles as follows: Elizabeth Circle 2nd Monday of each month | 10:30am Meeting Location: Member's Homes (Including at The Fairfax) Shirley Burgett saburgett@gmail.com Elizabeth Circle are in charge of the Frozen Casserole Sale at the annual UWF Christmas Marketplace. They are group of delightful older women who want to have Christian fellowship, continue to grow spiritually, and support mission projects as everyone gracefully ages. Friendship Circle 2nd Monday of each month | 6:30pm Meeting Location: Member's Homes Lorrie Rezendes lorretired@aol.com Friendship Circle is comprised of working or recently retired women who want to grow spiritually, have Christian fellowship, and work on mission projects. They are in charge of the Faith Cafe at the annual UWF Christmas Marketplace. Esther Circle 2nd Tuesday of each month | 10:00am Meeting Location: Aldersgate UMC | Church Library (Room 132) Hettie Hervey hettieh@usa.net Esther Circle enjoys doing mission projects, enjoys programs to learn about ourselves and each other and our faith, occasionally has speakers, and does two luncheons a year. They are also in charge of the White Elephant Sale at the annual UWF Christmas Marketplace. Sewing Circle 3rd Wednesday of each month | 10:00am Meeting Location: Rooms 203 Lorrie Rezendes ( lorretired@aol.com ) The Sewing Circle meets monthly for fun sewing projects. We iron, cut, pin material, and machine sew projects. We sew 250 or more heart pillows for local hospital heart patients that have undergone surgery. We recently started to sew angels to uplift anyone receiving one. We start new sewing projects each year. All women are welcomed and there are jobs for all! Koinonia Circle TBD Meeting Location: TBD Leigh Johnson Miller ( leighla75@gmail.com ) The Koinonia Women's Small Group is comprised of women in the middle stages of life who are seeking Christian friendship, encouragement, and support. Please reach out to Leigh Johnson Miller for the date and time of each meeting. Meeting time and date varies depending on availability of everyone that attends. Lydia Circle Third Thursday of each month | 10:30am - 12:00pm Meeting Location: Room 203 Peggy Lussier peggylussier47@gmail.com Lydia Circle enjoys coming together monthly for fellowship and spiritual growth. They accept jewelry donations year round to sell at the annual UWF Christmas Marketplace. Ruth Circle 2nd Thursday of each month | 5:00pm Meeting Location: Room 203 Deanna Jones ( imaginedeanna@yahoo.com ) Mary Ellen Carawan ( mimi.car415@gmail.com ) Ruth Circle enjoys spiritual meetings and deep friendships while welcoming those who are new to the group. Members participate in reading and discussion of UWF books, and sharing uplifting programs and projects. They are in charge of the Bakery Corner for the annual UWF Christmas Marketplace.

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. GENERAL CONFERENCE 2024 After a four-year delay, the 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church will take place April 23rd - May 3rd, 2024, in Charlotte, NC. As stated in a UM News explanation of General Conference , “The United Methodist Church has no pope. But it does have a General Conference — the only body that can set official policy and speak for the international denomination. General Conference brings together lay and clergy delegates from four continents whose decisions will affect how millions of United Methodists do church for years to come." General Conference typically gathers every four years. General Conference was scheduled to meet in 2020. However, the global COVID pandemic resulted in multiple postponements of the 2020 General Conference. When the General Conference meets this April, it will have been eight years since our primary denominational governing body came together. Since the last meeting in 2016, the denomination has seen a quarter of its U.S. churches depart under a disaffiliation policy that began in 2019 and expired at the end of 2023. General Conference 2024 will determine what happens next in the United Methodist Church. In order to prepare our Aldersgate UMC family for the Town Hall meeting that will occur on May 19th following the 2024 General Conference, we are providing information and links to resources that have been compiled and vetted by the pastors, staff, and Equip ministries team. The following are resources that we believe provide accurate information about the upcoming General Conference. The Northern Virginia District invites you to pray for the upcoming General Conference. Each day from April 1- May 5 we offer the name of a person or persons (beginning with each VAUMC delegate) as well as a theme or idea to help focus your prayers. General Conference Prayer Calendar Post General Conference Panel Discussion The Virginia Conference held a post-General Conference Zoom webinar on Thursday, May 9th, at 7pm. The panel included Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson; Rev. Lindsey Baynham Freeman, head of the Virginia delegation; and delegates Rev. Mark Ogren, Marshall Bailey, and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page. You can watch the webinar on the Virginia Conference YouTube Channel. Watch the Recorded Post-General Conference Webinar Due to the large volume of questions received during the webinar, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) was created by the Virginia Conference Connectional Ministries Office. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) It is important to note that the deadline for disaffiliation has passed. Aldersgate UMC will not be considering disaffiliation in our Town Hall meeting. At this time, there is nothing to vote or decide upon regarding Aldersgate UMC's status until more information is received after General Conference. ALDERSGATE UMC'S PLAN April 14th, 21st, & 28th: We will offer a three-part sermon series on John Wesley's "Three Simple Rules". We invite you to read the book (available on Amazon and Cokesbury ) and follow along in prayer. April 17th: Clergy pre-brief for General Conference offered by our district leadership. Pastor Randy and Pastor Jon will participate in this. April 23 – May 3, 2024: The 2024 General Conference (also still being called the “2020 General Conference”) will take place in Charlotte, NC, to further discuss and vote on plans to address the issues under debate for the past eight years. May 8th: Following General Conference, there will be a debrief for all laity and clergy. This will be held via Zoom. Information on how to participate in this will be provided to the congregation when we receive it. May 19th: We will hold a Town Hall at to discuss what is next for Aldersgate UMC following the 2024 General Conference. More information on this Town Hall meeting will be provided as it comes together. This will be open to the entire congregation. HOW DID WE GET HERE? A TIMELINE May 2016: Divisions among delegates at the 2016 General Conference were apparent in regard to church teachings on marriage and human sexuality. A plan was approved to table all legislative action on human sexuality. The Council of Bishops was empowered to form a commission to study the divisions in the denomination and to come up with a plan. 2017 – 2018: Three plans emerged from the Commission on the Way Forward . The Connectional Conference Plan recommended re-organizing the church into two separate but connected entities. The One Church Plan (endorsed by the Council of Bishops) would allow conferences, clergy, and local churches to make their own decisions on same-sex marriage. The Traditional Plan recommended keeping all of the current language in the Book of Discipline and enforcing disciplinary actions such as removing openly gay clergy from their churches. February 2019: A Special Session of the General Conference was held to vote on the plans from the Commission on the Way Forward. The Traditional Plan was passed with amendments made and voted upon at the Special Session of the General Conference. Summer 2019: Following the decision of the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference, a number of Conferences in the United States passed resolutions against the Traditional Plan . A 12-person group of centrist, traditionalist, and progressive church leaders drafted a plan for the amicable split of the United Methodist Church denomination that would provide a future for the denomination, its local churches, and its clergy. This plan addressed issues such as ownership of church property, pastoral pension plans, etc. It was to be discussed at the 2020 General Conference. January 2020: A group of 16 United Methodist bishops and church leaders offered a proposal that would allow traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new denomination ; this plan included provisions for funding and allowed local congregations who disaffiliated to keep their local church property. March 2020: The pandemic caused the 2020 General Conference to be delayed – first until 2021, then until August/September 2022, then until April 2024. March 2022: The formation of the Global Methodist Church was announced, allowing adherents of the Traditional Plan to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church to join the Global Methodist Church. December 31, 2023: This was the last day that churches were allowed to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. April 23 – May 3, 2024: The 2024 General Conference (also still being called the “2020 General Conference”) will take place in Charlotte, NC, to further discuss and vote on plans to address the issues under debate for the past eight years. WHAT IS GENERAL CONFERENCE? What is General Conference and what does it do? Watch this quick overview of the General Conference from the United Methodist Communications team and find out how it serves the United Methodist Church. You can find additional resources to learn more about General Conference in this "beginner's guide" to General Conference put out by UM News . ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RESOURCES Here are some additional helpful resources to learn more about General Conference: VA UMC Guide to General Conference General Conference FAQ Document published by the Virginia Annual Conference that describes the Christmas Covenant and the Regionalization Plan that may be voted on at the 2024 General Conference: Christmas Covenant Regionalization Plan WHAT IS "DISAFFILIATION"? This article will provide additional information on what "disaffiliation" is. It is important to note that the deadline for disaffiliation has passed. Aldersgate UMC will not be considering disaffiliation in our Town Hall meeting. Disaffiliation in the UMC: What You Need to Know WATCH PANEL DISCUSSIONS TO LEARN MORE Watch a panel discussion that took place at Floris UMC in Herndon, VA, on February 6th, 2024, about preparations and legislation related to the 2024 General Conference. Disclaimer: The panelists have similar viewpoints to one another in regard to the issues they are discussing, so it is somewhat less objective than other resources. However, there is an excellent description of the history of the contentious issues that may be addressed at the 2024 General Conference. Also, there is a lovely statement by our Bishop regarding the working of the Holy Spirit in us as we work together. Pastor Adam Hamilton moderates a panel of pastors who have started new churches in areas with disaffiliating churches. There is also a discussion with a pastor from a church in Africa about the issues faced by UMC churches in African countries.

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. SOCIAL JUSTICE "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:31 The United Methodist Church has a long history of advocating for social justice. During university, John & Charles Wesley and their Oxford 'Holy Club' visited the local prison and tutored neighborhood children. The early Methodists expressed their opposition to societal ills such as slavery, smuggling, inhumane prison conditions, alcohol abuse, and child labor. Today United Methodists work, march and pray for racial justice, environmental care, and fair treatment for everyone. Learn how we continue in ministries of justice today and find places where you can serve. "The United Methodist Church believes God's love for the world is an active and engaged love, a love seeking justice and liberty. We cannot just be observers. So we care enough about people's lives to risk interpreting God's love, to take a stand, to call each of us into a response, no matter how controversial or complex. The church helps us think and act out of a faith perspective, not just respond to all the other 'mind-makers-up' that exist in our society." Excerpt from The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2020/2024. Copyright © 2024 by The United Methodist Publishing House. First adopted by the 1972 General Conference, the Social Principles document stands in the Wesleyan tradition of forthright moral witness and ethical action. The Social Principles articulate our ethical aspirations for the common good in our public policies and personal commitments. Through them, we seek to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength and to desire for our neighbors what we desire for ourselves. Social Principles of the United Methodist Church As Adopted by General Conference Charlotte, 2024 The Social Principles reflect the United Methodist response to today's most pressing social issues. UMC Social Principles Faith in Action: All Other Ground is Sinking Sand Justice Takes Courage, Edition 5 An article from Bishop Julius C. Trimble General Board of Church and Society | January 24, 2025 All Other Ground is Sinking Sand What Do We Mean by "Social Justice"? Learn what "social justice" means in the United Methodist Church and how we as a church participate in social justice. What do we mean by social justice? Dear President Trump: Letter from United Methodist Council of Bishops A letter to the Honorable President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, from the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church. Council of Bishops Letter to President Trump Bishop, Appointive Cabinet Share Pastoral Letter to Federal Workers A Pastoral Letter to Federal Workers Summarily Dismissed from their Jobs Pastoral Letter to Federal Employees "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:31 The Social Justice Team works towards living into our Strategic Priorities of Missional Outreach and Social Justice. To help educate, disciple, and model ways to transform for the better those people and causes we seek to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. Currently we partner with Woodlawn Faith UMC in worship and missional exchanges, as well as opportunities that you can find in our weekly newsletter (click the "Subscribe" button, below, to receive our weekly newsletter). We have a Social Justice section in our church library where you can check out books. We are offering tips for Creation Care in our weekly newsletter. Click on the tabs, below, to learn more about the different social justice focus areas at Aldersgate UMC. Learn more about the Social Principals of the United Methodist Church . The Social Justice Team comes together every 8-10 weeks to share what we are working on and plan for other ways to engage in our church and community. If you wish to know more, be part of a book and /or Bible study, or to actively participate in one of the above areas, please contact socialjustice@aldersgate.net . Woodlawn-Faith UMC Partnership Aldersgate UMC is currently partnering with Woodlawn-Faith UMC in worship and missional exchanges, as well as other events you can learn about here and under Upcoming Events . There are also opportunities to serve with Woodlawn-Faith UMC, such as Food Distribution on Fordson Road and to serve at the Community Gardens at the Grist Mill Park. Woodlawn-Faith UMC is an African-American congregation in our area. This partnership came out of our work on our Focus 2025 Strategic Priorities. We heard you as our congregation wanting to be more diverse in worship and in engaging with our community. Upcoming Partnership Events Woodlawn-Faith Food Distribution Friday, Nov. 20th | 8:30am - 12:00pm Where: St. John's Baptist Church (7730 Fordson Rd, Alexandria) St. John's Baptist Church (7730 Fordson Rd, Alexandria) Help pack food boxes for distribution to folks who come to collect food. Join Woodlawn-Faith UMC at St. John's Baptist Church on Fordson Road to pack food boxes for folks in our community to collect. No reservation or sign-up required! Drop by any time and stay for as long as you can! Students can earn community service hours. 1 1 ... 1 ... 1 Woodlawn-Faith Partnership Be the Bridge Book Club Creation Care Woodlawn-Faith UMC Partnership Aldersgate UMC is currently partnering with Woodlawn-Faith UMC in worship and missional exchanges, as well as other events you can learn about here and under Upcoming Events . There are also opportunities to serve with Woodlawn-Faith UMC, such as Food Distribution on Fordson Road and to serve at the Community Gardens at the Grist Mill Park. Woodlawn-Faith UMC is an African-American congregation in our area. This partnership came out of our work on our Focus 2025 Strategic Priorities. We heard you as our congregation wanting to be more diverse in worship and in engaging with our community. Upcoming Partnership Events Woodlawn-Faith Food Distribution Friday, Nov. 20th | 8:30am - 12:00pm Where: St. John's Baptist Church (7730 Fordson Rd, Alexandria) St. John's Baptist Church (7730 Fordson Rd, Alexandria) Help pack food boxes for distribution to folks who come to collect food. Join Woodlawn-Faith UMC at St. John's Baptist Church on Fordson Road to pack food boxes for folks in our community to collect. No reservation or sign-up required! Drop by any time and stay for as long as you can! Students can earn community service hours. 1 1 ... 1 ... 1

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. MOBILE CHECK-IN Our partner, Realm, has a Mobile Check-in component that will make getting everyone where they need to go faster and easier. How it works... Download the Realm Connect app from your app store. Login using your information for online giving or event registrations. If you haven’t done this yet, set up your login information with the Sign Up link at the bottom of the login page. If you don’t see the notification for Worship or Sunday School, use the Aldersgate Mobile Check-in Guide to locate what events are available for check-in. That’s it! You are all checked in! For more information about mobile check-in check out the tutorial videos, below. If you have issues getting started, email office@aldersgate.net and someone will assist you. TUTORIAL VIDEOS Realm Connect Mobile - Overview How To: Realm Connect Mobile Check-In How To: Create Your Realm Connect Mobile Profile