Aledo United Methodist Church an edition of The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A071050 Vol. 158 No. 14 August 5, 2011

P.O. Box 126, Oak at Pecan St., Aledo, TX 76008 | www.aledoumc.org | 817.441.8329 Fax: 817.441.1352

Making Disciples
F R O M T H E PA S T O R
Dear church family, What a joy to serve this church! This summer has been a blast with so much going onfrom VBS to mission trips to the students leading worship this past Sunday! In this issue and the next of the churchs newsletter, you will find information about the upcoming fall ministry opportunities. Please take a moment to look through these opportunities. There is much planned and much excitement at Aledo UMC! Our Wednesday evening dinner will begin at 6:00 pm instead of 5:30 pm. Programming and studies will begin at 6:45 pm. Trudy is planning many great things for our children, and Clint has a full fall for our students. For the first five weeks, I will be facilitating a discussion on The Will of God by Leslie Weatherhead. DeAndrea is working on starting a few small groups (if you are interested in helping with this, please contact her!) along with her Tuesday morning Bible study. We will continue the book discussions through the fall. Trudy Smith and Fanci Coyle are offering Disciple I Bible Study on Tuesday evenings. Matt Reed and Bob Bull are offering Disciple IV Bible Study (Disciple I is a prerequisite) on Thursday evenings. Disciple I is the best introductory Bible study that I know of. I highly recommend the Disciple Bible studies! In the midst of all of this and so much more, the church council and staff are continuing to work on Vision 2012 to help clarify Gods vision and mission for our church. The church council and staff are asking: How do we live into the great commission? Jesus came near and spoke to them [the disciples], Ive received all authority in heaven and on earth.Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to obey everything that Ive commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age (Matthew 28:19-20, CEB). When Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations, we could translate the Greek to mean to go and make disciples of all groups of people. Who are the people in East Parker County? How are we making disciples for Gods kingdom and for the transformation of the world? There are two documents to help guide our conversation. On our website (www.aledoumc.org), you can find these two documents under the tab Who Are We and then the tab Vision 2012. I encourage you to take time and to read these documents and to give us feedback. You can email feedback to me at JasonJones@AledoUMC.org, or you may contact Dan Tonroy, Church Council Chair or Janice Cole, Lay Leader. These documents are meant to help generate conversation as we discern who God calls us to be. Thank you for all you do as we continue on this faith journey together. May the Lord bless you and keep you,

AUGUST 7 The Problem of Pain: God and Suffering AUGUST 14 Why? Should I Pray? AUGUST 21 Knowing Gods Will for My Life AUGUST 28 Why Gods Love Prevails Contemporary Service 8:45 a.m. Traditional Service 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages 10:00 a.m.

Inside
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Prayers | Disciple Bible Study

Rev. Jason M. Jones Senior Pastor

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Snack Sacks | Childrens News

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Book Discussions | New Studies

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CHURCH GARAGE

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Aledo United Methodist Church

Collection for Center of Hope the first Sunday

Tuesday Nights 6:30-8:30, August 30May 15

Disciple I

Our Church Home

ATTENDANCE
JULY 17, 2011
First service: 106 Second service: 287 Total: 393 Last Year: 424

Facilitated by Trudy Smith and Fanci Coyle Making a connection between our minds, hearts and hands is the goal of Disciple Bible Study. The Disciple Bible Study series was developed to provide a deeper and more comprehensive study of the Scriptures. Disciple I is a 34-week comprehensive study of Scripture beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation and is a perfect beginning Bible study for individuals or couples. Each class is one and a half to two hours long and requires daily Bible reading and preparation. Class will begin Tuesday, August 30. Cost for the study book is $30.00.

On the first Sunday of each month the Missions Committee will place the blue basket for Center of Hope in the narthex for your donations of paper products, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. Monetary donations are also welcome. SHOPPING LIST Toilet tissue, paper towels Cleaning supplies Personal care items Depends

JULY 24, 2011

First service: 147 Second service: 226 Total: 373 Last Year: 369

Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life

Thursday Nights 6:30-8:30, September 8May 17
Facilitated by Matt Reed and Bob Bull Disciple IV is a study that focuses on the Writings in the Old Testament of Ruth, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations and Daniel, as well as the New Testament books of the Gospel of John, 1,2,3 John, James, Jude, and Revelation. Disciple 1 is a prerequisite for Disciple 4.

Older Adult Ministry for 55+

If you are 55 or older and have an interest in activities that provide fun and fellowship, education, and community service, please call Mary Hart (817-441-8161), Bud Brumley (817-441-7141) or Pastor Jason or Pastor DeAndrea at the church.

GENERAL COUNT
JULY 17: $15,407.50

Staff
MINISTERS ALL THE CONGREGATION PASTOR OF TEACHING AND VISIONING JASON JONES PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP AND PASTORAL CARE DEANDREA DARE WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES JAYNE DAWSON DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES TRUDY SMITH ASSIST. DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES KIM WATSON DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRIES CLINT CHURCH ASSIST. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRIES LAURA GREER MUSIC AND FINE ARTS DAVID EDMONDS PRAISE BAND DIRECTOR CHRIS MCLELLAN PIANIST KRISZTA KOVCS-TUBBS OFFICE MANAGER & BOOKKEEPER SHARI BIRCHELL ADMIN. ASSIST. TO THE CLERGY BECKY LAWRENCE

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will. Mark 11:24 Concerns: Andrew Karnes, Jim Brittons dad Ellis Britton, Katie Bryants uncle, Brandy Dietz, Kiki Estill, Martha, Marshall, Lisa Daltons mother Anne Crouch, Juanita Munoz, Laura Abbott, Terry Reynolds, Tanner Mathews, Jaci Mitchell, Kacie Brannen, Judi Green, Rosemary Karr, All who have suffered losses from the recent fires, Danna Franks father Oscar Bjorgum, Lucy Hefner, Sara Reeds mother Paula Duckering, Brandy Mize, Dean Thompson, David Stubblefield, Mike Mauney, David Kent, Butch Fernstrom, Lance Holland, Maurice Anderson, Alyce Bertrand, Bill Burts sister Rita Skipworth, Glenda Flechtner, Jim Hanley, Kathy Mayottes father, Sharon McCoy, Rosemary Choate, Earl and June Dorrell, Edmond Gutierrez, Jr., Rita Burnett, Jim Olney, Brandon Johnson Family, Glen Rector, Terry Taylor, Brian Rogers, Bruce Trietsch, Roy Pitcock, Pat Simon, Tammy Boutwell, Michael Finck, Cindy Vance, Crystal Pelfrey, Jeff Herron, Chad & Rena Tyson Family, Linda Malloy, John Rubenkoenig, John Hartle, Sharon McCoys mother Laura Mae Barnard, John Breaux, Tip Read, Frank Dryden, Dorothy Srba, Mary Harts brother John Roach, Nick Wright, Ken Fishers Aunt Ruth Brooks & Sister Lois Brooks, David Dickert, Cindy Tanners brother Brian Futch, Alison Evers, Mark Strickland, Diana Barker, Tina Stevens mother. Our special members who are unable to be with us for worship: Anna Boger, Rosemary Houser, Wynell Stevens Our Long Term Prayer Concerns: PFC Logan Tidwell, PFC Travis Dare, Judi Green, Kids Hope USA Children, Sheryl Glusing, Henry Davis, Brian Whites Family, Capt. Marc R. Bradle, PFC James Spurlock, Brian Hebert, Casey Tutt, Lucas Potter, Sgt. Aavram Powell, Barbara Moores parents Edward & Helen Farcus, Mason Gomez, Lt. 1st Class Jesse Spurlock, Bryan Thomas, USMC Cory Applewhite, Sgt. Adam Novak, Sgt. Andrew Schneider, Pvt. 1st Class Ryan Hedblad, Johnny Rowell, Ben Weston, Missionaries, Chase Peysen, Sgt. Joe Washam, Beth Fischers Mom, All Military Personnel
If you have an emergency (life threatening illness or death in the family) and would like to speak to one of our pastors, please call (682)710-AUMC (2862).

@AledoUMC

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Ministries News
Special Summer Saturdays in August: Dont miss the last two events!
We have had a blast this summer enjoying go-karts and putt-putt golf together. Dont miss the last two Special Summer Saturdays. Mark your calendars and plan to spend a special Saturday with your son or daughter, having fun and sharing fellowship with other church families. We will plan to meet at church and carpool. Approx. cost: $15-20/person. Father-Daughter Date August 13: Stay coolchill at the bowling alley! Come bowl a few games with dad! Well meet at AUMC at 10am, bowl, then enjoy pizza and drink! Mother-Son Mania August 20: Beat those back-to-school blues with Laser Tag! Well meet at AUMC at 10am and head to Main Event for a couple of games, then grab a snack afterwards. Minimum height requirement is 48. Younger sons and their moms are welcome to come along and play in the large video arcade area! Please sign up no later than the Sunday before the outing, as we will make reservations where possible. Contact the Event Coordinator for the outings of interest to you! Check the Information Station in the Education Building for more details, including Event Coordinator contact info and specific costs.

CHILDREN & FAMILY

Snack Sacks Collection Every Sunday in August

Each Sunday in August we will be collecting items for our new Snack Sacks Ministry, a partnership between our church and McCall Elementary that gives students in need food on Friday for the weekend. Please bring these items on Sundays in August: Vienna sausages Mac and cheese (single-serve packets) Individual cereal servings Fruit pop-top cans Pudding cups (Please watch the expiration date on items, since we cannot distribute food that is expired.) Look for the bins with a large Snack Sack sign. For more information, please contact Sara Reed at 817-441-1994 or sdeereed@yahoo.com.

Summer Fine Arts Kamp for Kids

In this three-day program, kids will explore ways they can praise God using their own God-given gifts and interests. Children will be participating in all the fine arts being taught, and their talents will be shared with our church the following Sunday. Class size is limited, and payment is

August 15-17, 9am to Noon for upcoming 4th-6th grades

required at registration. Register in the Narthex or at the Information Station in Education Building; or download a form from our website and return with the payment of $50. The deadline to register and pay is August 7.

Fine Arts Kamp 4 Kids

August 1517, 9 to Noon For upcoming 46th grades
Deadline to register and pay: August 7

ART

Praising God in Creative Ways!

MUSIC

DRAMA

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Aledo United Methodist Church

Fall Book Discussions

Uncondtional?
Thursday, September 1, 6:30-7:30pm
In a world where the ugliness of rage and retaliation are driving the storyline of the 21st century, the beauty of authentic Christian forgiveness is the compelling alternative. This book begins with the Holocaust as it explores what forgiveness means-and how far it should goin the real world of murder, rape, child abuse, genocide, and other atrocities. It pushes the reader beyond the usual biblical exposition of the topic of forgiveness and challenges their thinking by juxtaposing absolutely bottomline kinds of examples with the simple question: What would you do?

The Hidden Power of the Gospels

Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10:0012:00 Tuesday, Sept. 13Nov. 15 Led by Rev. DeAndrea Dare
In the tradition of such writers as Thomas Moore and Don Miguel Ruiz, Shaia reveals how the recurring cycles of change, loss, enlightenment, and maturation are illuminated by the Bibles four gospels. Combining ancient Christian traditions, anthropology and modern psychology, he reveals what has been in front of our eyes for two thousand years: that each of the gospels is centered on a different core metaphor and each focuses on a vital spiritual question. Matthew begins with the question, How do we face change? Mark poses the hard question of How do we move through suffering? John stirs and elevates the soul as he asks, How do we receive joy? And Luke moves us forward on the practical path as he inquires, How do we mature in service? Shaia weaves these questions together in what he calls the quadratos journey, a recurring fourfold cycle that lives on as a constant companion throughout our lives. This Bible study and in-depth discussion will look at the four Gospels through a variety of lenses that will help the Gospels become a map for our never-ended spiritual journey.

Letters to a Young Doubter

Thursday, October 6, 6:30-7:30pm
In Letters to a Young Poet, the poet Rainer Maria Rilke advises to be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves, for gradually, you will live into the answers. These words have long struck renowned preacher and activist William Sloane Coffin as a wise way to view a growing and evolving life. Thus inspired, Coffin, former university chaplain at Yale, imagined a similar volume of letters. In an exchange of letters over the months of an academic year, Bill writes an imagined bright, young college student, answering his questions and giving typically Coffin-sage advice about problems of faith, the difficulties of personal life, and the ever more confusing and complex problems of todays world. In these letters, Bill Coffin demonstrates that a strong religious faith despite doubts is far stronger than one without doubts. And, as he says, no one so reveals an absence of faith as a dogmatist.

Sinning Like a Christian

Thursday, November 3, 6:30-7:30pm
In this lively book, William H. Willimon, noted author, teacher, preacher and now United Methodist Bishop, brings his blunt, eloquent, and humorous style to bear on the question of sin. His penetrating observations will be welcomed by readers who are dissatisfied with shallow, feel good Christianity (from the left or the right) that does not attempt to grapple with our propensity to do evil.

The Will of God

Facilitated by Rev. Jason M. Jones Wednesday Night Study August 31September 28
The phrase the will of God is used loosely, says Leslie Weatherhead, and the consequence of that looseness to our peace of mind is serious. Weatherheads recognition of this problem led him to write The Will of God, a classic that has helped more than a million persons better understand the meaning of the phrase. It was during the tumultuous era of World War II that Leslie Weatherhead preached five sermons on understanding the will of God for the congregation at City Temple in London. These sermons became the classic book, The Will of God, which has helped hundreds of thousands of Christians explore how Gods will is related to Gods character and ultimate intentions for us.

Searching For God Knows What

Thursday, December 1, 6:30-7:30pm
Miller weaves phenomenal characters and true-to-life spectacles into his acclaimed memoir style to enrich, inspire, entertain, and ultimately challenge readers to see life in a new way. He shows that one of the greatest desires of every person is the desire for redemption, to have brokenness repaired. Instead of the chaotic relationships, self-hatred, wreckless consumerism, and anxiety that overrun a life without redemption, Miller uncovers the beauty and power of the Gospel to fulfill one of our deepest needs.