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- Aldersgate UMC | Our Pastors & Staff | Doug VanDenBerg
< Back Doug VanDenBerg Organist Email: organist@aldersgate.net Phone:
- Music Ministry | Aldersgate UMC
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.
- Aldersgate UMC | Children's Choir
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 Tuesday Oct. 27th | 4:15pm - 4:45pm 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 4:15-4:45pm in the Day School Music Room (The Pink Room-126). 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 4:15-4:45pm in the Day School Music Room (The Pink Room-126). 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 >
- 2024 Stewardship Campaign | Aldersgate UMC
Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. GIVE TO ALDERSGATE UMC Do All the Good You Can Stewardship Campaign 2024 "They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share." 1 Timothy 6:18 (NRSV) Our theme for this year's Stewardship Campaign 2024 is based on one of John Wesley's guiding principles to "Do All the Good You Can". This message is reinforced in scripture where, in 1 Timothy 6:18, Paul asks Timothy to instruct the people of Ephesus to "do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share". In the spirit of "do all the good you can", we need to use this Stewardship season to prayerfully renew our commitment to the Aldersgate mission of "courageously living God's unconditional love". Stewardship is not just about the finances we commit to the church. It is also about using our God-given gifts to serve the church and others. As we continue our Stewardship theme of, "Do All the Good You Can" we invite you to make a commitment of your time and talents for 2024. Consider making a new commitment this year, and please make sure to renew your commitment in an area you wish to continue using your gifts. These Time and Talent cards are vital for the health and growth of the church as we seek to do all the good that we can in our church and community. Drop off your Time and Talent card in the offering plate on Sunday morning, bring it to the church office, or email it to office@aldersgate.net by Sunday, January 21st. Time & Talent Card Time & Talent Video Campaign Testimonial Videos Time & Talent Testimonial Videos Watch our video highlighting the ministries of Aldersgate UMC Doing All the Good We Can Prayer Calendar As we enter 2024, we take the time to consider where we have been this past year, to express gratitude in the present, and to celebrate in the hope for the future. We invite you to prayerfully consider making a commitment to our 2024 Stewardship Campaign by providing the financial resources needed to support the facilities, staff, missions, wellness classes, children and youth ministries, music ministries, and more. Please know that all gifts of all amounts matter. We look forward with great anticipation to the tomorrows that begin today as we strive to do all the good that we can. Campaign Financial Pledge Form Campaign Progress 187 Pledges Received as of March 27th, 2024 Goal: $950,000 $948,299 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 2024 is projected to be $1.5 million. We rely on pledged commitments, non-pledge donations, and other revenue to meet these expenses. Our goal is to receive pledged commitments for a total of $950,000. 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. 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 the church is the norm or a goal to attain.
- Kids Ministry | Aldersgate UMC
Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. CHILDREN'S 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 Childrens 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 Childrens 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 Children's Church & 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 Check-In desk to receive a security sticker for you and your child. 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 . For the month of August, we will enjoy "big church" together with our families in the sanctuary. We hope you will enjoy worshiping together as one big family! After school starts back up, we will start having Children's Church on Holy Communion Sundays, which is the first Sunday of each month. Every other Sunday will be our Sunday School Classes. We look forward to welcoming our Aldersgate children back to Children's Ministry this September! We can't wait to worship, learn, grow, and have fun together as we begin another wonderful season of faith and friendship. For more information, please contact us at children@aldersgate.net . Register for 2025-2026 School Year **Please register to ensure enough teachers and supplies** 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 Tuesday Oct. 27th | 4:15pm - 4:45pm 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 4:15-4:45pm in the Day School Music Room (The Pink Room-126). 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 4:15-4:45pm in the Day School Music Room (The Pink Room-126). 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
- Aldersgate UMC | All Saints' Day Service
Remembering & celebrating the saints in our lives. EVENT INFORMATION < Previous Event Back to Upcoming Events Back Next Event > All Saints' Day Service SPECIAL SERVICE Sunday, November 1st | 3:00pm - 4:00pm Aldersgate UMC (Founders Hall & the Columbarium) On Sunday, November 1st, we will gather in Founders Hall and the Columbarium to remember and celebrate the saints in our lives who have passed on in the last year. All are invited to attend this special service. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Pastor Bill . On Sunday, November 1st, we will gather in Founders Hall and the Columbarium to remember and celebrate the saints in our lives who have passed on in the last year. All are invited to attend this special service. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Pastor Bill. < Previous Event Next Event >
- Worship Online | Aldersgate UMC
Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. WORSHIP ONLINE Sunday Worship November 1, 2026 9:30am Contemporary Worship Service BULLETIN 11:00AM Traditional Worship Service BULLETIN Previous Worship Services Visit our YouTube channel to find recordings of more past services CONTEMPORARY SERVICE (9:30AM) Encompassing Grace - Contemporary Service (Fall 2026) Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 9:30am Traditional Worship Service, October 25 2026 01:05:08 Play Video Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 9:30am Traditional Worship Service, October 18, 2026 01:10:44 Play Video Lent & Easter 2026 - 9:30am Contemporary Service Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 9:00am Easter Sunday Worship Service, April 5th 2026 01:20:05 Play Video Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 07:00pm Maundy Thursday Worship Service, April 2nd 2026 01:03:06 Play Video TRADITIONAL SERVICE (11:00AM) Encompassing Grace - Traditional Service (Fall 2026) Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 11:00am Traditional Worship Service, October 25 2026 01:11:27 Play Video Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 11:00am Traditional Worship Service, October 18, 2026 01:07:39 Play Video Lent & Easter 2026 - 11:00 Traditional Service Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 11:00am Easter Sunday Worship Service, April 5th 2026 01:31:00 Play Video Now Playing Aldersgate UMC 07:00pm Maundy Thursday Worship Service, April 2nd 2026 01:03:06 Play Video SERVE Sunday • April 27th, 2025 Single Worship Service at 10am BULLETIN Holy Week Worship
- Mission + Values | Aldersgate UMC
Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. OUR MISSION JOYOUS RISK-TAKING WELCOMING GENEROUS FAITHFUL JOYOUS We embrace fully the joy of the Lord; it pours out from us and strengthens us as we live, serve, give, worship and praise in the name of Christ. Nehemiah 8:10 RISK-TAKING We courageously step out in faith to pursue the vision that God has given us for Aldersgate and the community. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 WELCOMING We show hospitality at all times to all people and welcome them with open arms as we serve God together. Mark 9:37 GENEROUS We selflessly give our time, talents, money, and resources to bring about God’s kingdom on earth with gratitude for all God has so generously given us. 2 Corinthians 9:11 FAITHFUL We are dedicated to the Great Commission to “go and make disciples” by growing our faith and our relationships as we love God and others. Hebrews 10:23
- Scouts | Aldersgate UMC
Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. SCOUTS AT ALDERSGATE UMC BSA TROOP 996 Troop 996 is an active Scouts BSA Troop with over 40 Scouts. Troop 996 was chartered in 1961 by the Aldersgate United Methodist Church and has been providing boys with opportunities to learn and grow for over 60 years. We're always happy to welcome new members at any level of Scouting and at any time during the year. For more information about Troop 996, visit https://sites.google.com/view/t996website or contact BSA Troop 996 at troop996.info@gmail.com . “A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.” Lord Robert Baden-Powell, Founder of Scouting Troop 996 Spring Mulch Sale Submit online orders through Sunday, April 12th. Scouts BSA Troop 996 is having its annual mulch sale. Proceeds help fund summer camps and Troop equipment. Online Orders are being taken through April 12 online and in Wesley Hall. Payment by cash, check, and PAYPAL. Free delivery for orders of five bags over to your home on Saturday April 18 (zip codes 22306, 22307, 22308, 22309, and 22310). Mulch is sold in 2 cu. Ft and 3 cu. Ft. bags (cedar and hardwood), priced from $5.50 to $8.75 per bag. Bulk mulch delivery is available (7 cu. yard min.) with delivery charge of $100. Order Mulch Online Troop 996 Holiday Wreath and Evergreen Gifts Sale HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ***The last day to order is December 6th*** Troop 996's annual wreath and evergreen gift sale is underway, and we're hoping you can support us! Help by purchasing a beautiful fresh wreath, centerpiece, and/or tabletop Christmas tree. $8.00 is donated to our troop per item sold! The holiday evergreens you purchase for yourself, family, and friends will be delivered via FedEx in a festive carton with your personalized message. The quality of the products is amazing, and shipping to any location in the continental United States is included. Thank you in advance for your help supporting Troop 996. We hope you have a great holiday season! Order Greens Online Troop 996 Calendar of Events Troop 996 meets weekly on Sunday nights at 7:00PM and also has a monthly event based on the annual plan developed in August by the scouts, the Senior Patrol Leader, and input from the Scoutmaster. Troop 996 participates in monthly events that include Leadership Training, local Camporees, Scouting for Food, our Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination, and Wreaths Across America at the Alexandria National Cemetery. Troop 996 also participates in summer activities including high adventure camps such as Philmont, Northern Tier, and Sea Base, and closer to home camps including Goshen, Virginia, Camp Rodney, Maryland, and Summit, West Virginia. On a few occasions, the troop has also ventured to locations like Norfolk, West Point, and New York City.
- Shepherd Hall Mortgage Debt Reduction | Aldersgate UMC
Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. GIVE TO ALDERSGATE UMC Shepherd Hall 2023-2026 Campaign Repayment of Debt for Construction of Shepherd Hall "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1 The Shepherd Hall project included building Shepherd Hall; renovating existing classrooms; installation of new and higher capacity boilers and air conditioning for the entire church complex; and environmental site requirements, including the parking lot expansion and the installation of drainage sand filler. Total costs were approximately $4.6 million. The need for Shepherd Hall came because of an increase in the number of families in the community. Space was needed for the growing Sunday School attendance and the expansion of the Aldersgate Day School. The primary purpose was to support Christian education. Another use for the new building was much-needed storage. At that time, the church was overflowing with materials and equipment to support church activities. The third floor of Shepherd Hall was designed to provide sufficient storage. Shepherd Hall Testimonial Videos Campaign Commitments Campaign Information Packet FAQs Campaign Presentation Thank you for your contribution and commitment to Aldersgate UMC! The map of the church (above) shows the first two floors of Shepherd Hall at the bottom, inside the red box. The third floor, which is not shown, is used for storage. Shepherd Hall is a three-story addition to the church building that includes approximately 15,000 square feet of meeting and storage space. The addition is about 30% of the overall church building's space. Shepherd Hall includes the church library, where books on a variety of topics are available and where meetings of many church and community groups are held, Sunday School classes for children, youth, and adults, along with storage for the church, Aldersgate Day School, and the Aldersgate Church Community Theater. Our church community has been very generous and has given through several campaigns to support Shepherd Hall. As of October 21, 2025, the remaining debt is $783,476.31. *Updated October 2025* History of Giving Progress Report Current Status History of Giving Towards Shepherd Hall From 2010-2016, a total of $1,395,885.86 was given toward the Shepherd Hall project. The most recent campaigns (Building Lives Campaign in 2016-2019 - $857,829.94 and Growing Lives for the Future Campaign in 2023-2026 - $525,079.48) have brought in $1,156,561. In addition to this, $61,909 was contributed in "Mortgage May" in May 2022 against a goal of $10,000. The total paid from these campaigns of $2,775,795 reflects a significant amount of interest that has been paid over the lifetime of the loan. During that time, the principal has been reduced by a far smaller amount. We still have a long way to go.
- Collegiate & Seminary Awards | Aldersgate UMC
Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. AUMC Collegiate & Seminary Awards Aldersgate United Methodist Church Collegiate and Seminary Awards 2026-2027 Academic Year The Aldersgate Permanent Endowment Committee will offer a limited number of competitive college and seminary awards, which include tuition assistance, for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants must be members or regular attendees of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Further eligibility requirements and application forms are available below. Applications will be accepted through April 24th, 2026. AUMC Collegiate & Seminary Award Application For questions, contact Cindy Culbertson at aumcscholarship@gmail.com . Application Details & Requirements Eligibility Seminarian Awards Selection Criteria Description of Awards Process Certification Eligibility Applicants must attend an accredited college or university as full-time students during the 2026-2027 academic year. Limited funds are available for Methodist seminary and other graduate-level studies Seminarian Awards Applicants must attend an accredited Methodist seminary, during the 2026-2027 academic year, leading to a graduate degree in preparation for the Christian ministry. There is no age limit to apply. Selection Criteria The criteria used to select award recipients are: Financial need Academic performance Commitment to and participation in church activities Extracurricular activities; and community service. The applicant provides this information in the online application. Written Essay: In the essay, graduating high school seniors should focus on their formative and high school years. If you now attend college and are a previous recipient of an Aldersgate previously submitted, focusing greater attention on how you have built on your past accomplishments, with a relevant discussion of your experiences and circumstances during college. Description of Awards The number of awards and amounts are based on the review and evaluation of the applications by the Aldersgate Endowment Committee, using the selection criteria, the available funds designated for distribution by the Committee and guidance from the original fund donors. Process Completed applications must be emailed and received no later than April 24, 2026. The Endowment Committee will review and vote on applications during the month of May. Award recipient notices will be forwarded to students on or about June 1 and announced in church services on June 8. Awards are made payable to the colleges where the recipients will attend. Checks should be forwarded from the Aldersgate Finance Office to the schools’ Bursar Offices in July. Certification Applications must be signed and dated by the student, certifying that all information provided is true and correct. Applicants who have the capability may sign the application electronically or by hand and scanning the entire application to the Committee. Download a PDF of the application details & requirements information: Application Details & Requirements
- Adult Groups & Classes | Aldersgate UMC
Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. ADULT GROUPS AND CLASSES Adult groups and classes are how we build community at Aldersgate Church. Being a part of a group is the best way to help a big church feel smaller. Whether it’s a class, a small group, or bible study, in a group, you’ll connect with people in a similar stage of life, or with similar interests. Together, you’ll build community and foster spiritual growth. We offer small group bible studies, fellowship groups, women’s and men’s groups, prayer groups, topical classes and mission/service groups. The United Methodist Men and the United Women in Faith also provide a place to plug-in for fellowship, outreach and prayer. We also offer various yoga and wellness classes . Have an idea for a new small group? Tell us what you’re looking for! Send an email to equip@aldersgate.net . Adult Sunday School Adult Small Groups Adult Sunday School Classes Adult Sunday school classes meet at 9:30am on Sunday mornings. Please contact the listed class leader for more information. Potpourri Class Room 114 Sundays at 9:30am Leader Information: Elaine Saunders elainesaunders66@gmail.com Words of Life Study The 10 Commandments. Are they an ancient list of “thou shalt nots”? A topic for political debate? Or a guide for experiencing the good life God created us for? Join the Potpourri Sunday School class as we look at the commandments in their historical context, in the way Jesus interpreted them, and how each “thou shalt not” can be turned into a positive, life-giving “thou shalt” for us today. We will meet meet Sunday mornings at 9:30am in room 114. We will be using the book “Words of Life” by Adam Hamilton. t It is available at Cokesbury and Amazon. For more information, contact Elaine Saunders . B.A.S.I.C. Bible Study Library (Room 132) Sundays at 9:30am Leader Information: Bill Armstrong bbbarms@gmail.com We are currently undertaking another Adam Hamilton study - "Christianity's Family Tree." This 8 session study will take us through the summer and will briefly examine eight denominations within Christianity: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and our own denomination Methodism. We will use Adam Hamilton's 2007 DVD and Book for this study. The BASIC Bible study meets in the church library (Room 132) just inside Door 3 from 9:30-10:30am on Sunday mornings. Questions? Please reach out to facilitator Bill Armstrong at bbbarms@gmail.com Adult Small Groups Please contact the listed group leader(s) for more details on the small group you are interested in. Fall Book Study with the Pastors Weekly on Thursdays beginning Sept. 10th 12:15pm-1:30pm Church Library shietpas@aldersgate.net Pastor Bill John & Pastor Sherry Hietpas Leader Information: Pastor Bill and Pastor Sherry offer a Fall Book Study discussing "Jesus Christ is Lord: Living the Lordship of Christ" by Tom Berlin. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to grow in our discipleship as we explore how having Jesus as Lord of our lives impacts our relationships, habits, and priorities. Questions: reach out to Pastor Sherry. Click here to sign up. More than Meditation Group (Christian Meditation Group) Mondays | 2:00pm Church Library (Room 132) susanakane78@gmail.com Sue Kane Leader Information: The More Than Meditation Group (fka Christian Meditation Group) meets every Monday afternoon at 2:00 pm in the church library. We cover a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, Christian Meditation. Most studies are six to eight weeks in length, and we end each session with a five-minute period of meditation. We love welcoming new members, even just for one study! This fall we will discuss the book Genesis: A Beginner’s Guide to the Beginning by Amy-Jill Levine, starting on September 14th. Wednesday Evening Bible Study Wednesdays | 7:30pm-9:30pm Zoom (Contact Shari for Zoom info) shari_van_buren@hotmail.com Shari Van Buren Leader Information: Wednesday Night Zoom Bible Study New study starting Aug. 19th 7:30pm-9:30pm | Via Zoom The Wednesday Night Zoom Bible Study will be studying the book of Joshua by Faith Eury Cho. The study begins Aug. 19th, from 7:30-9:30pm via Zoom and runs for 8 weeks. All are welcome to join! Please reach out to Shari Van Buren for the Zoom link and more details! Faith Book Study - "The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage" Tuesdays Beginning Sept. 15th | 7:00pm - 8:30pm Church Library (Room 132) Keary.Kincannon@gmail.com Rev. Dr. Keary Kincannon Leader Information: Faith Book Study - "The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage" by Richard Rohr Sign up here. Join Rev. Dr. Keary Kincannon for an 11-week study of Richard Rohr's book "The Tears of Things." The class will begin on September 15th and run on Tuesday evenings until November 24th. It is sponsored by Aldersgate UMC & Ventures in Community. Class/Book Description "The Tears of Things" is the perfect book as we are outraged, fearful and in pain at what is happening in our time. How do we live compassionately in a time of violence and despair? What can we do with our private disappointments and anger we feel in such an unjust world? The writings of the Jewish prophets offer us a crucial path forward today. The prophets' writings reflect the full spectrum of human maturity. In almost every case, their initial rage and their accusatory words evolve into a profound pathos and lamentation about our shared human condition and the world's suffering. Through astute critiques of culture and institutions, and their journey from anger to sadness and ultimately compassion, the prophets exemplify "sacred criticism" - a distinct approach to confronting evil and injustice that acknowledges the wholeness of history, the inter connectedness of every living being, and the reality of a divine universal love. In doing so, they set the stage for Jesus, who follows this identical pattern. Drawing on a century of biblical scholarship and written in the warm, pastoral voice that has endeared Richard Rohr to millions, "The Tears of Things," breathes new life into ancient wisdom. It paves a path of enlightenment for anyone seeking a compassionate way of living in a hurting world. Intercessory Prayer Group Tuesdays | 9:30am Virtual (Email for Info) prayers@aldersgate.net Group Led Leader Information: The Intercessory Prayer Group prays on behalf of people facing spiritual, medical, financial, and relationship concerns. Prayer requests come from our congregation, community, and from throughout the world. Confidentiality is strictly observed and prayers for others are offered in a non-political, non-judgmental setting. The group welcomes men and women of all ages and experience. Koinonia Women's Small Group Monthly TBD equip@aldersgate.net Leigh Johnson Miller Leader Information: 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 at equip@aldersgate.net for the date and time of each meeting. Meeting time and date varies depending on availability of everyone that attends. Wellness Book Study Group Mondays | 12:00pm Library + Zoom (Contact Judy for Zoom info) judy@aldersgate.net Judy Jurkowski Leader Information: The Wellness Book Study Group is a small group that meets regularly in person (with Zoom option) to discuss God and Christ-centered books that the group chooses. The group is flexible and open to more people attending. Wednesday Women Wednesdays | 1:00pm - 2:00pm Church Library (Room 132) hettieh@usa.net Hettie Hervey Leader Information: Women of all ages who meet to enjoy fellowship, service, and study various books, topics, and Bible chapters with the intention of broadening our understanding of the arts and literature as they relate to living a life of following Jesus’s teachings. Our mission statement is: Serving women and their families through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Father's Table - Small Group for Dads with Kids at Home Last Thursday of Each Month | 8:00pm - 10:00pm Chris's House - Contact him for additional information s.christopher.mullins@gmail.com Chris Mullins Leader Information: Please join us for fellowship as we share and grow in our faith. The group will meet at Chris's house on the last Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Chris at s.christopher.mullins@gmail.com .




