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All are welcome to join! EVENT INFORMATION < Previous Event Back to Upcoming Events Back Next Event > Creation Care Meeting SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE Tuesday, November 11th | 1:00pm - 2:00pm Aldersgate UMC (Room 203) The United Methodist Church possesses a rich tradition of statements, writings, and resolutions affirming the vocation of all Christians to live in healthy, charitable, and just relationship with the whole of God's creation. The Aldersgate Creation Care Team meets to find ways that Aldersgate can improve the way we care for God's creation. We talk about engaging this ministry in the following ways: Worship, Learning and Teaching, Lifestyle, and Community, National and Global Involvement. Future Meeting Dates: November 11th We will discuss Energy Efficiency; Native Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers; and Plastic Reduction Policy for Aldersgate. We are open to all subjects and ideas for creation care education, events, and policies!!! For more information, please contact Lorrie Rezendes ( lorretired@aol.com or 571-309-6001). All are welcome! The United Methodist Church possesses a rich tradition of statements, writings, and resolutions affirming the vocation of all Christians to live in healthy, charitable, and just relationship with the whole of God's creation. The Aldersgate Creation Care Team meets to find ways that Aldersgate can improve the way we care for God's creation. We talk about engaging this ministry in the following ways: Worship, Learning and Teaching, Lifestyle, and Community, National and Global Involvement. Future Meeting Dates: November 11th We will discuss Energy Efficiency; Native Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers; and Plastic Reduction Policy for Aldersgate. We are open to all subjects and ideas for creation care education, events, and policies!!! For more information, please contact Lorrie Rezendes ( lorretired@aol.com or 571-309-6001). All are welcome! < Previous Event Next Event >

Help pack food boxes for distribution to folks who come to collect food. EVENT INFORMATION < Previous Event Back to Upcoming Events Back Next Event > Woodlawn-Faith Food Distribution LOCAL MISSIONS & OUTREACH Friday, October 17th | 8:30am - 12:00pm St. John's Baptist Church (7730 Fordson Rd, Alexandria) 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. Learn more and find upcoming dates . For questions, please contact Karen Latta . 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. < Previous Event Next Event >

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

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. UNITED METHODIST MEN (UMM) Coaching men to thrive through Christ, so others may know Christ. United Methodist Men (UMM) is the official organization for men in The United Methodist Church at the local church, Annual Conference, and denominational levels. The mission of UMM is to support spiritual growth among men, helping men to mature as disciples as they encourage spiritual formation in others, all the while “helping men grow in Christ, so others may know Christ.” Aldersgate UMM gather monthly for fellowship and learning. Every other month there is an Executive Committee meeting (all are welcome to attend) where current and upcoming activities are discussed and voted upon. During the other months (except July) there is a dinner with a guest speaker. Although it is sponsored by UMM, it is open to everyone. Examples of previous speakers and topics include Mount Vernon District Supervisor, The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Fairfax County Police Department Human Trafficking Office, and a former Medical Missionary. Meetings and dinners are held in the evening on the second Tuesday of the month (except January when it is on the fourth Tuesday). UMM’s major fundraiser is an annual family and friends golf outing, usually held in August. This event raises funds to support UMM’s mission outreach - UMM has given approximately $87,000 to local, regional, and international mission projects because of the golf outings since 2007. No money goes to prizes-it all goes to mission outreach! For more information on Aldersgate UMM contact Mike Russell, mrmikewruss@gmail.com . Upcoming Events The Aldersgate UMM Ken Galbreath Memorial Golf Tournament UNITED METHODIST MEN EVENT Tuesday, September 23rd | 8:45am Shotgun Start Check-In Opens at 7:30am Pohick Bay Golf Course The Aldersgate UMM Ken Galbreath Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd, at Pohick Bay Golf Course, with a Shotgun Start at 8:45am. The format is a scramble, followed by a celebratory awards luncheon. All net proceeds will support missions that address critical human needs such as Rising Hope Mission Church, New Hope Housing, United Community, Kelsey's Missions, and the Cambodian mission. Come and enjoy fun and fellowship while supporting great causes! Registration Types & Fees: Golfers: $160 per player Hole Sponsors: $180 per Individual/Family Sponsor; $250 per Business Sponsor Wounded Warrior/Local Pastor Sponsor: $155 Full Sponsor; $100 or $50 Partial Sponsor General Hole Sponsor: Various Levels (see sign-up for details) To add to the fun and help your team, we also offer the following add-ons that you may purchase on-site at check-in (paying by cash, check, or Zelle): $20 Per Player Package – 1 Mulligan and 1 Free Throw. The Mulligan may be used from anywhere on the course. The Free Throw may be used from anywhere on the course except for the greens. A throw at the end of a shot does not count as an additional stroke. $80 Team Package – All 4 players get 1 Mulligan and 1 Free Throw each, and the team gets a 6” piece of string that may be used on as many holes as you can to turn shots (including putts) that come to rest within 6” of the hole into “made” shots. NOTE: As long as all players on the team purchase the $20 Per Player Package (whether individually or all at once), the team gets the 6" string to use as described above. For any questions prior to the tournament, please contact Tom Devine (devineinterventiontd@gmail.com ). To register please use the SignUpGenius link

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. ENGAGE MINISTRIES ENGAGE ENGAGE ENGAGE ENGAGE Engaging People for Christ Engaging People for Christ Engaging People for Christ Engaging People for Christ Ministries/Strategies for the purpose of introducing Jesus, establishing belonging through relationship—usually outside the walls of the church, but not always. Ministry Areas Community Engagement, Trunk or Treat, Blessing of the Animals, Caroling on the Corner, Fresh Expressions Events, Scouts , Wellness Classes , ACCT , Day School , etc. To learn more about the Engage Ministries at Aldersgate UMC, please contact our Engage Team at engage@aldersgate.net . Upcoming Engage Events & Activities Cheer Team Volunteer Training Sunday, September 21st | 12:00pm - 1:00pm [object Object] VOLUNTEERS WANTED CHEER Team is one of the longest standing ministries at Aldersgate. Teams of 2 volunteers visit church members who are shut-in at home or in a nursing home. Each team makes visits about every 6-8 weeks, so it is not a huge time commitment. Volunteers take flowers, a card, a worship bulletin, and communion elements to their assigned person. The personal rewards for participating in this ministry are immeasurable. Training for new volunteers will be held on Sunday, September 21st, at 12:00pm in the church library (room 132). For more information, please contact Judy Jurkowski (jjurkowski@aldersgate.net ). VOLUNTEERS WANTED CHEER Team is one of the longest standing ministries at Aldersgate. Teams of 2 volunteers visit church members who are shut-in at home or in a nursing home. Each team makes visits about every 6-8 weeks, so it is not a huge time commitment. Volunteers take flowers, a card, a worship bulletin, and communion elements to their assigned person. The personal rewards for participating in this ministry are immeasurable. Training for new volunteers will be held on Sunday, September 21st, at 12:00pm in the church library (room 132). For more information, please contact Judy Jurkowski (jjurkowski@aldersgate.net ). Monthly Wellness Potluck Wednesday, September 24th | 4:45pm - 6:00pm Aldersgate UMC (Wesley Hall) NO GATHERING IN JULY OR AUGUST Join us for a potluck meal on the FOURTH Wednesday of every month at 4:45pm in Wesley Hall. Come share a meal and have fun with friends and neighbors. Each family is asked to bring a dish that will serve 8-10 people. Contact Judy Jurkowski (judy@aldersgate.net ) with any questions. NO GATHERING IN JULY OR AUGUST Join us for a potluck meal on the FOURTH Wednesday of every month at 4:45pm in Wesley Hall. Come share a meal and have fun with friends and neighbors. Each family is asked to bring a dish that will serve 8-10 people. Contact Judy Jurkowski (judy@aldersgate.net ) with any questions. 1 1 ... 1 ... 1

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. Advent & Christmas Eve 2024 Christmas Eve Advent Events Advent Giving Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Tuesday, December 24th Volunteer for Christmas Eve Worship Order Poinsettias for Christmas Eve Altar 3pm | Contemporary Worship + Pop-Up Children's Pageant Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (nursery available for 3 & under) Pop-Up Children's Pageant open to all children in worship - no rehearsal required! 5pm | Contemporary Worship Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (nursery available for 3 & under) 7:30pm | Traditional Worship Candleligh t Worship Service with Communion (no nursery available) Livestream will be available for 5pm & 7:30pm services (CLICK HERE ) Live nativity animals from 3:30pm - 7:30pm on the Front Lawn Special Advent & Christmas Events 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 ... 100 Giving this Advent & Christmas Season Alternative Giving Epiphany Tree Alternative Christmas Giving Welcome to Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s 22nd annual Alternative Christmas Giving to benefit the missions and the United Methodist Church in Cambodia. We sponsor this event during Advent to give folks an opportunity to honor Jesus’s birth by giving gifts of love to serve the poor as we seek to carry out Christ's commandment to “go and make disciples.” Shoppers make contributions to mission projects in Cambodia in the name of loved ones as an alternative to buying material goods. This ministry was established and lovingly run for over two decades by Juanita Csontos. We continue this annual ministry in memory of Juanita and her passion for serving others. Alternative Giving 2024 Catalog Alternative Giving 2024 Shopping List Alternative Giving Gift Card Alternative Giving Volunteers will be at a table in Wesley Hall during Fellowship Time on December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd to accept your gifts for the Cambodian Christians. You may purchase online, or you may fill out the shopping list and either turn it in at the Alternative Giving table or mail it to the church at: 1301 Collingwood Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308. Please make checks out to Aldersgate UMC and indicate "Alternative Giving" on the memo line. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Julie Pfister . Ephiphany Tree You may have noticed that the Christmas tree in the Welcome Center outside of the sanctuary (by door #1) does not have any ornaments on it. This is our Epiphany Tree. Epiphany is the day Christians remember the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus, bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It occurs on January 6th every year and marks the end of the Christmas season. The word "epiphany," from the Greek word epiphania , means appearance or manifestation. The arrival of these visitors was a sign that the incarnation of God in Christ had been made known and was recognized by the heavens to the whole world, so that even Gentile wise men from the East came to pay him homage. This is an observance of great majesty, solemnity, and awe. Just as the Magi brought gifts to Jesus, we invite you to bring a gift for a baby or toddler . You can place these donations (unwrapped) in the box under the Epiphany Tree. We will collect baby and toddler gifts throughout Advent and Christmastide, all the way up to Epiphany Sunday. In January, we will donate the gifted items to local charities that support children. In this season of giving, we also invite you to bring an ornament from home to hang on this Epiphany Tree so that it has a little bit of each of us. Donate one that has meaning to you and your family - maybe one that you make together this year especially for this tree - and be a part of decking our church halls with the joy of Christmas! If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Molly Johnson . Thank you for being a blessing to others less fortunate. Merry Christmas! Christmas Eve Services Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve Special Advent Events Advent Giving Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Sunday, December 24th 3pm | Contemporary Worship + Pop-Up Children's Pageant Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (nursery available for 3 & under) Pop-Up Children's Pageant open to all children in worship - no rehearsal required! 5pm | Contemporary Worship Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (nursery available for 3 & under) 7pm & 9pm | Traditional Worship Candleligh t Worship Service with Communion (no nursery available) Live stream will be available for 5pm & 7pm services (CLICK HERE ) Live nativity animals from 3:30pm - 7:00pm on the Front Lawn Come see Chewy the Camel!

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, October 17th | 8:30am - 12:00pm 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, October 17th | 8:30am - 12:00pm 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. YOUTH MINISTRY Supporting all youth in grades 6 through12 The Aldersgate Youth Ministry welcomes and embraces the youth of the Aldersgate UMC family and its community. All youth are welcome -- you don't have to be a Methodist or a member of Aldersgate to participate in your Youth Ministries. Youth Ministry at Aldersgate UMC includes Aldersgate Youth Group (grades 6-12) and the Confirmation Program (grades 6+). Both programs provide an opportunity for youth to have fun, build new relationships, perform service in the community and beyond, and grow in their faith in a supportive and encouraging environment. For more information, please contact us at youth@aldersgate.net . Your child’s safety is our priority. Learn about our policies and child protection procedures. Child & Youth Protection Policy Confirmation Youth Mission Week Youth Group Youth Donut Den Open House Youth Band Youth Group The Aldersgate Youth Group is a space for our young people to come together and kick off the week on a positive note. We focus on exploring our relationships with God, having fun, and occasionally engaging in service projects within the community and beyond. We invite you to grow in your faith in a supportive and encouraging environment. All youth are welcome—there’s no need to be a Methodist or a member of Aldersgate to join us! Who : Students in grades 6-12 Where : Youth Room (Room 102) When : Sundays from 5pm-6:30pm Youth Donut Den on Sunday Mornings The Youth Donut Den is a casual meet-and-greet where our young members can connect with one another, catch up between services or volunteer opportunities, and discuss insights from this week's sermon. Additionally, Bailey Johnson, Co-Director of Student Ministries, will be available at every 9:30AM service on the right side of the sanctuary, between rows 5 and 10 for those who want to join her in worship! Who : Students in grades 6-12 Where : Wesley Hall When : Sundays from 10:30am - 11am Confirmation Program Registration is now open for Confirmation Class. The Confirmation Program at Aldersgate UMC is an opportunity for students to respond to the workings of God's grace in their lives. The goal of the Confirmation Program is for students to begin to understand for themselves what it means to be a Christian and a member of God's Church. Upon completion of the class, students will be given the opportunity to profess their faith and become church members. Confirmation this year is open to rising 7th grade and up students. It will be taught this year by Cheryl Bratten and Molly Johnson. If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact us at confirmation@aldersgate.net The Confirmation Program at Aldersgate UMC is an opportunity for students to respond to the workings of God's grace in their lives. The goal of the Confirmation Program is for students to begin to understand for themselves what it means to be a Christian and a member of God's Church. Upon completion of the class, students will be given the opportunity to profess their faith and become church members. Important Dates September 14th: Information Meeting September 19th: Confirmation Kick off! Who : Open to all rising 7th graders and older When & Where : Class meets every Sunday evening between 4-5PM in Guback Center Confirmation Teacher: Cheryl Bratten & Molly Johnson Duration : Sept 14th- Feb 22nd, culminating in confirmation of the students on Feb 22, 2025 Cost : $120 per student to cover the cost of supplies, events, and our retreat (scholarships available) Register for Confirmation Program Important Documents to Download & Review 2025-2026 Confirmation Class Calendar Parental Consent Form Confirmation Program Requirements Aldersgate Youth Band The Aldersgate Youth Band is open to youth musicians. Our mission is to deepen our faith and worship experience through music. Do you play an instrument or sing in choir at school? We'd love to have you be a part of our music family! Who : Students in grades 7-12 Where : Church Sanctuary When : Sundays from 6:30 pm - 7:30pm (bi-weekly) For more information, please contact Andreas Barrett ( abarrett@aldersgate.net ), Co-Director of Student Ministries. Youth Open House The Youth Open House is a chance for teens to unwind after school, enjoy a snack, play games, and work on homework. Each week, we engage in a group activity to foster connections and strengthen our friendships. We emphasize respectful values and boundaries, and we’re thrilled to see so many non-members joining us as well! Please contact us if your child has any health concerns or allergies that we should be aware of. Youth Open House is off for Summer break. See you in the Fall! Who : Students in grades 7-12 Where : Youth Room (Room 102) When : Every Wednesday afternoon from 2:30pm - 4pm Youth Mission Week Youth Mission Week is a faith and community building event, created to foster a lifelong service mindset in the youth of our church and beyond. This five-day experience will strike a balance between faithfulness and fun, with field trips to amusement parks, outreach activities at nearby churches, and daily periods of worship. Who : Rising 7th - 12th Graders Where : Youth Room (Room 102) When : July 7th-11th Cost : $100 per youth Payment may be made by check made out to Aldersgate UMC (Memo: "Youth Mission Week") or online at Give Now (Fund: "Operating-The Heart of a Servant"; Memo: "Youth Mission Week"). Registration is required. Please register by June 30th. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Andreas Barrett (andreas@aldersgate.net ). Adult Volunteers - Get Involved! Come be a part of the faith formation and growth of our amazing teenagers! We are looking for adult volunteers who can help out with our Youth Ministry program. Opportunities to help include: • Provide food or come as a parent volunteer for Sunday Evening Youth Group • • Sign up for our church events and outings • If at any point you want to donate food or snacks, please contact Andreas and Bailey at youth@aldersgate.net . Signup for our weekly newsletter Contact us at youth@aldersgate.net Join our Facebook Group

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. KIDS MINISTRY Serving children and their families from infants through 6th grade At Aldersgate UMC, we know how important a foundation in faith is for your children. Our Kids Ministry strives to engage kids and empower families by providing Christian education, service opportunities, and fun events for the whole family. For more information about the Kids Ministry at Aldersgate, please contact us at children@aldersgate.net . Your child’s safety is our priority. Learn about our policies and child protection procedures. Child & Youth Protection Policy Sunday School Acolyte Children's Choir Events Nursery Kids' Sunday School In-person Sunday school is available for ages 4-years-old through 6th grade on Sunday mornings at 9:30am beginning Sunday, September 7th. If your child will be attending Sunday School, please sign in at the KIDMIN Check-In desk to receive a security sticker for you and your child. KIDMIN Check-In will begin at 9:15am on Sunday mornings and is located just inside Door #1. All Sunday school teachers have had a background check and follow Aldersgate's Safe Sanctuaries Policy . Register for 2025-2026 School Year **Please register to ensure enough teachers and supplies** For more information, please contact us at children@aldersgate.net . Children's Choir Calling all young musicians! Discover the joy of music through Children's Choir. At Aldersgate UMC, we believe in nurturing young voices and fostering a lifelong love of church music. All children are welcome! Who : Students in kindergarten through 6th grade Where : Day School Music Room (Room 126) -- Enter at Door #4 When : Every Tuesday from 4:15pm - 4:50pm What to Expect: Fun and Engaging Rehearsals filled with laughter, learning and music-making. An Inclusive and Supportive Environment for building friendships with like-minded kids who share an interest in music and where every child’s voice will be celebrated. Diverse Repertoire where we explore a wide range of musical genres, from traditional hymns to contemporary songs. Performances throughout the year during church services, special events, and holiday celebrations. For more information, please contact Ashley Carignan, Children's Choir Director ( childrenschoir@aldersgate.net ). Upcoming Events for Kids & Families There are plenty of opportunities for children to stay engaged at Aldersgate! Here's what's coming up! Children's Choir Kick-Off KIDS & MUSIC MINISTRIES First Rehearsal is Tuesday, September 16th | 4:15pm - 4:50pm Open to all children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Calling all young musicians! Discover the joy of music through Children's Choir. We believe in nurturing young voices and fostering a lifelong love of church music. Our choir program is for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. We will kick-off our weekly rehearsals on Tuesday, September 10th, 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. We will kick-off our weekly rehearsals on Tuesday, September 10th, from 4:15-4:50pm in the Music Room. Registration is not required, but you are encouraged to send a note to Ms. Ashley Carignan, Children's Choir Director , to let her know if your children plan to attend for planning purposes. What to Expect • Fun and Engaging Rehearsals filled with laughter, learning, and music-making. • An inclusive and supportive environment for building friendships with like-minded kids who share an interest in music and where every child’s voice will be celebrated. • Diverse repertoire where we explore a wide range of musical genres, from traditional hymns to contemporary songs. • Performances throughout the year during church services, special events, and holiday celebrations. For questions or more information, please contact Ms. Ashley Carignan, Children's Choir Director (childrenschoir@aldersgate.net ). 1 1 ... 1 ... 1 Nursery Your children are as important to us as they are to you (well, almost). That's why we provide a safe, loving, Christian environment for your babies and toddlers ages 3 and under while you are at worship. The nursery is available during all Sunday morning worship services in rooms 122 and 123. All staff members have had a background check, CPR training, and follow CDC safety guidelines. For more information, please contact our Director of Child Care, Corey Bales . We hope to see you this Sunday! Acolyte Ministry For more information, please contact us at children@aldersgate.net . At Aldersgate UMC, our acolytes serve as active participants in our worship services by lighting the altar candles at the beginning of our worship services, symbolizing Jesus entering the presence of the congregation. Acolytes may also carry a processional cross into the service. Acolytes serve in both the 9:30am and 11:00am worship services on Sunday mornings as well as other special services throughout the year. Aldersgate Acolytes Candlelight Companions The acolyte experience is a meaningful way for children and youth in kindergarten through 12th grade to assist the pastors in worship by bringing the light of Christ into the sanctuary. The acolyte commitment is flexible and allows children and youth to sign up according to their schedule. Acolytes may sign up for a Sunday morning worship service by clicking the button. Acolyte Sign-Up Candlelight Companions is an exciting new program designed to foster meaningful connections between parents and children through the shared experience of acolyting. This initiative will support family bonding; help children overcome potential nervousness; deepen and aid in faith development; and encourage family discussions about the importance and significance of serving as an acolyte. Adults interested in being a Candlelight Companion may sign up for a Sunday morning worship service by clicking the button, below. Acolyte Sign-Up Sunday School Volunteers Needed for the School Year We need volunteers to serve in Aldersgate's Children's Ministry! School Year: We need a roster of ~40 volunteers each week over the school year. Help us grow our Children's Ministry and support our new Director of Children's Ministry, Jesse St Clair Smith. We’re looking for lots of Sunday School volunteers for the upcoming school year! Having a strong team allows everyone the flexibility to take vacations, recover from illness, and attend worship. Please reach out to ChildrensMinistries@aldersgate.net with any questions. Volunteer for School Year Sunday School

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. WELLNESS PROGRAM Aldersgate United Methodist Church offers wellness program opportunities to the congregation and to our community. Regular Weekly Classes Gentle Yoga Gently relax and sooth your stress, renew and restore with this calming and rejuvenating class. The practice will focus on deep breathing, slow movement, gentle stretching and strengthening postures, as well as restorative postures and relaxation. Mondays 9:00am - 10:00am Wesley Hall Thursdays 11:00am - 12:00pm Wesley Hall Senior Strength & Stretch Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of motion and activities for daily living. Handheld weights are offered for resistance. A chair is used for seated and/or standing support. This class is geared for healthy seniors as well as those with joint, mobility and/or balance issues. Mondays 10:30am - 11:15am Wesley Hall Wednesdays 4:00pm - 4:45pm Wesley Hall If you have questions about the classes, please contact Judy at 703-765-6555, ext. 626 or judy@aldersgate.net . Also, please print out the required ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY and bring it with you. The classes are ongoing, and they are a gift from the church to you and the community. All are welcome to join class as long as their physician has given approval. Classes are taught by Judy Jurkowski, Aldersgate UMC Wellness Coordinator. Judy is a Certified Exercise Instructor through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Les Mills International (LMI), and Silver Sneakers (Healthways, Inc). She has been teaching a wide variety of fitness classes at local gyms since 1987. Ft. Hunt Yoga Classes at Aldersgate UMC In partnership with local yoga instructor, Sara Jefferies, we will be offering to Aldersgate members and those who attend regularly free Vinyasa yoga classes on Tuesdays (January - April). The classes will be held at Aldersgate in Founders Hall from 6:30pm - 7:15pm. Please be sure to bring your yoga mat and water bottle and enter through Door 8. For others in the community attending there will be a $10 charge at the door, please use the signup so that Sara knows you are with Aldersgate. Sign-Up for Ft. Hunt Yoga Classes Vinyasa style yoga offers a full body stretch. If you'd like to learn more about Sara and the other classes she offers in the area, please check out her private Facebook group called Fort Hunt Yoga . Aldersgate United Methodist Church offers support groups to the congregation and to our community. Learn About Our Support Groups

Courageously living and sharing God's unconditional love every day, with everyone, everywhere. UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH (UWF) FAITH. HOPE. LOVE. ACTION. United Methodist Women (UMW) is now 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 Lorrie Rezendes (lorretired@aol.com) or call her at 571-309-6001. 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 / 703-780-7966) 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 / 571-309-6001) 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: Room 132 (Library) Hettie Hervey ( hettieh@usa.net / 703-360-4625) 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 / 571-309-6001) 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! Lydia Circle 2nd Thursday of each month | 10:30am - 12:00pm Meeting Location: Room 202 Peggy Lussier ( peggylussier47@gmail.com / 703-624-6600) Lydia Circle enjoys coming together monthly for fellowship and spiritual growth. They accept jewelry donations every Fall (August - November) to sell at the annual UWF Christmas Marketplace. Ruth Circle 2nd Thursday of each month | 5:00pm Meeting Location: Room 132 (Library) Mary Ellen Carawan ( mimi.car415@gmail.com / 207-329-4142) 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 pecans sales and the Bakery Corner for the annual UWF Christmas Marketplace.

Cheer Team training for new volunteers. EVENT INFORMATION < Previous Event Back to Upcoming Events Back Next Event > Cheer Team Volunteer Training WELLNESS EVENT Sunday, September 21st | 12:00pm - 1:00pm [object Object] VOLUNTEERS WANTED CHEER Team is one of the longest standing ministries at Aldersgate. Teams of 2 volunteers visit church members who are shut-in at home or in a nursing home. Each team makes visits about every 6-8 weeks, so it is not a huge time commitment. Volunteers take flowers, a card, a worship bulletin, and communion elements to their assigned person. The personal rewards for participating in this ministry are immeasurable. Training for new volunteers will be held on Sunday, September 21st, at 12:00pm in the church library (room 132). For more information, please contact Judy Jurkowski ( jjurkowski@aldersgate.net ). VOLUNTEERS WANTED CHEER Team is one of the longest standing ministries at Aldersgate. Teams of 2 volunteers visit church members who are shut-in at home or in a nursing home. Each team makes visits about every 6-8 weeks, so it is not a huge time commitment. Volunteers take flowers, a card, a worship bulletin, and communion elements to their assigned person. The personal rewards for participating in this ministry are immeasurable. Training for new volunteers will be held on Sunday, September 21st, at 12:00pm in the church library (room 132). For more information, please contact Judy Jurkowski ( jjurkowski@aldersgate.net ). < Previous Event Next Event >