1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

The ECHO
Volume 60, Issue 4
March 25, 2015
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
“sharing the Living Christ through life -changing service and love”
Three Days - One Story
MAUNDY THURSDAY
GOOD FRIDAY
EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 2
7:00 PM
APRIL 3
7:00 PM
APRIL 5
6:30 AM
A Service of Holy Communion
A Tenebrae Service
Sunrise Service in the Garden
Together we will remember the We ponder Jesus’ last words on
last meal Jesus shared with his the cross and their meaning for
disciples and their time together
us today.
The
Labyrinth
will be in the John
in prayer in the Garden.
Wesley Center for personal prayer
after the service.
8:30 AM & 9:45 AM
Traditional Worship
11:00 AM
Contemporary Worship
Community-wide Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28th at 10am.
Come join us for this one of a kind EGGstravaganza!!
Palm Sunday / Children’s Musical
This Sunday, March 29 th
ALL children are invited to join our Palm Processional as we celebrate Jesus'
triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Following the processional, our Primetime kids will
be presenting Elijah! God’s Faithful Prophet at both services.
Don’t miss this special witness through music!
Author Diane Markins writes about her
childhood Easters:
As a little girl I loved Easter. What's not to love? My
sister and I always got a new "Easter outfit" which
included a frilly dress of our choosing, lacy socks,
shiny new patent leather mary janes, a hat and even
little white gloves… Up at dawn, we'd marvel at the
lovely loot bestowed upon us by the Easter Bunny and
eat a few pieces of candy before breakfast. Church
was fun because we got to showoff our new clothes
and find out how much the Big Bunny liked the other
kids ... oh, and there was something about Jesus.
“Something about Jesus ….”
Three years ago, Barna Research published some interesting
information about a study they did to determine how much
Americans know about Easter. Here's what they found out: 67%
say there is religious significance to the holiday, although there's
not much consistency about what the significance is. Some said
it was a Christian holiday, some a celebration of Passover, and
still others thought it was a special time to measure church
attendance. Even more disconcerting is that less than half of
those surveyed (46%) knew that Easter is a celebration of Jesus'
resurrection and only 2% said Easter was the most important
Christian holiday.
So let’s be clear: Easter is the most important Christian
holiday.
On Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
When God raised Jesus, it was an emphatic, fist-pumping
“YES!!” to all Jesus had taught, the way he lived and died, and
the kingdom he came to initiate. Jesus’ resurrection marked a
changed world. Because he lives, so will we. Sin, violence, and
death no longer have the last word. God gets the last word, and
that word is life: abundant, grace-filled, eternal life. Easter is
the most important Christian holiday. So important, in fact, that
its significance cannot be understood or contained in just one
day. It will take us three.
We begin on Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday. This is the
night Jesus shared his last meal with his disciples, and then
prayed with them in the garden until his arrest. Together we
will share the meal, remembering the words spoken around the
table, the events that came after, and the God who gives himself
to us in such a way.
The second day is Friday, April 3: Good Friday. This evening
we will hear again Jesus’ words from the cross, remember his
death, and ponder the meaning of both for our lives today.
Then finally comes Easter morning, and we will celebrate all
morning – from sunrise to Noon (see the service times on the
front page)! The celebration of Easter begins as the first rays of
sun light up the sky and will continue for 50 days — the Great
Fifty Days, as the early church called it. Over and over we will
tell the story of his resurrection, hearing from different
perspectives how this one event changes everything.
Easter is, indeed, the most important of Christian holidays. It is
a day of resurrection, triumph and joy. But we can arrive at the
joy of the resurrection only through suffering and death. Easter
without the cross has little meaning. It is only as we remember
his death and its meaning that we can celebrate the new life we
have been given.
Three Days. One Story. One amazing, life-transforming, world
-changing story. Make plans now to be part of it with us and
share the Life!
Pray Without Ceasing
Christian Condolences: Joe and Betty Calahan and
Family in the passing of Joe’s mother.
Family and Friends of Ina Johnston Miller.
Joys: Faith, 2 yr. old from Uganda, successful heart surgery
to patch the hole in her heart.
Baptism of Reid James Necessary, son of Rustin and Ashley
Reckert Necessary, grandson of Tom and Suzie Reckert.
Baptism of Andrew Nathan Langford, son of James and
Angelique Langford.
Impending Tests/Surgery: Laura Gereighty, Casey
Neight, Richard Schwem, Ann Keyes, Carol Overton, Judy
Hunt
prayer@aldersgate- Hospitalized: Martin Dailey, Betty Russel, John
Occhipinti, Evelyn Posner, Alex Richards
slidell.org
Recovering at Home: Carl Fuglein, Leyla Dumstorff,
Our Care Team
Jim Gerace, Vicki Frick, Barbara Johnson
coordinators are:
Prayers: Jeffery Arceneaux, Coy Faucheux, David Lock,
Rhea Snyder, 643-3945; Mr. & Mrs. Cory Valentour, My Aunt who lives in
and Charlotte Clifford, Tennessee, Marie Wagner’s Mom, Lori Vidrine, Teresa
Proudfoot, Kimberly Pelas, Lisa & Norris Broussard,
847-0966.
Family adopting a baby, Avery Watts, Carol Iennusa,
Our church family is
our best source for
names of those persons
in need of care.
Please contact the
pastors (641-5829) or
a Care Team member
when you know of a
need. You can also email
your prayer request to
Andrew Hanson, Irene Caton, Karen & Joe Nations,
Marcus & Arielle, Rachel Gares, Susan Grant, Terry
Kodrin, Debbie & John Roberts, Jr., Sandy Gavin, Belize
Mission Trip, Our Country and our Military, The
Unemployed, Homebound Aldersgate Members, The
whole world, Aldersgate UMC and Pastors
Continuing Concerns: Rusti & Ryan Wilson, Debbie &
John Hanlon, Jerry Unangst, Daryl Ricard, Barbara Fuglein,
Pat Doyle, Mary Felder, Betty Madison, Ann Gampp,
Stacey Iennusa, Don & Virginia Schaal, Helen Hughey,
Camille Callais, Jack Thurston, Charlotte Parker, Greg
Zelden, Vicki Charbonnet, Jackie Cameron Sharpe, Dot
Hartmann, Helen Hodge, Tim Dunn, Molly Daigle, Loretta
Moore, Zachary Cheek, Dr. Bill Nelson, Kathryn Milton,
Edith Marquette, Jennifer Smith, Parents of Mack Wolcott,
Mary Martin, Hermanie Garrett, Courtney Short, Ian
Brennan and Family, Allen Little, Sharon Marshall, Bry and
Blanche Copeland, Huey Gardner, Vivian Richard, Rachel
Cochrane, Pat Mancuso, Sara Delaha, Marilyn Quimby,
Bob and Barbara Walker, Bonnie Byrd, Rick Saluga, Kent
Wasmuth
What you need to know!
Donations on Easter Sunday
C ommunion will be served on
S
A
This Easter Sunday, we will
unday, pril 12th
collect non-perishable food and
hygiene items for Community
Celebrate Communion with us in worship on
Christian Concern (CCC),
Sunday, April 12. Our Communion Rail Offering
who will distribute them to
will support Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter. This
those in need.
is a shelter for survivors of domestic violence.
There will be bins outside the Sanctuary on EASTER
Sunday, April 5th, for your donations.
Safe Harbor provides legal advocacy and other
services to those seeking escape from domestic
violence and abuse.
Budgeted offering for February $67,315
Actual offering from February $58,862
Actual Year-to-date
Budget Year-to-date
Variance to Budget
$116,462
$134,629
-(18,167)
March’s Communion Rail Offering
supporting our Local Missions Fund, raised
$739.
Our nonperishable food collection in March for
CCC weighed in at 78 lbs.
Thank you for your generous gifts
of time, talent & treasure.
We Welcome
Richard Seidler
to the Aldersgate
Community!
Thanks for all of
the WONDERFUL
Treasures donated
for the Garage Sale!
And, special thanks
to our FABULOUS
Garage Sale Team!!
We raised
$3000
for Children’s
Ministries!!
Paper
Newspaper & Magazines
Cardboard
Beverage Containers
Plastic bottles
Plastics #1- #7
Aluminum
Tin & Steel
Orange Juice type
containers are ok
Nails
Pizza boxes are ok if not
too messy
Food waste
Styrofoam
Plastic grocery
bags
Black or White
plastic garbage bags
Glass
Electronics
Wood
Adult Ministries
Mary Stokes, Director
Mary@aldersgate-slidell.org
Transitioning
With Grace and Dignity
Reaching out to the Sandwich Generation;
those who are caring for aging parents while
caring for their own children.
IDENTIFYING KEY
LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Thursday, April 16, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Genesis Hall
ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
360 ROBERT BOULEVARD • SLIDELL, LA 70458 • 985-641-5829
Aldersgate United Methodist Church is committed to providing solid, reputable
guidance to the emotional, physical, financial and legal demands placed on the
Sandwich Generation. The “Sandwich Generation” is defined as those who are caring
for aging parents while still caring for their own children.
In April we will address some of the legal issues which affect our families. These
legal sessions will be led by Lydia Alford, L.L.M. Banking attorney/Partner with Alford &
Alford, LLP Attorneys at Law. Ms. Alford will be addressing common misconceptions and
dispelling some beliefs concerning wills, power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney,
DNRs, living wills, and basic Medicaid funding.
Although these sessions are provided free of charge, for planning purposes registrations are needed by
Wednesday, April 15th.
Contact Mary Stokes, 985.641.5829 or mary@aldersgate-slidell.org to register.
Adult Ministries
Mary Stokes, Director
Mary@aldersgate-slidell.org
Coffee & Conversation
C ONNECT THIS W EEK…
Thursday, April 23rd
Something’s Brewing…
10:00 a.m.
Genesis Hall
A time of Bible study and
fellowship for Women
Tuesday mornings at 9am in Genesis Hall
A Gathering of Men
Men learning to follow Jesus through
conversation, scripture and current events.
Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm in Genesis Hall
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Crocheting shawls and baby blankets for
those who are suffering illness and loss or
celebrating new life.
We welcome Ellen LaMarque and other members of
the Slidell Civic Women’s Club. They will identify
activities and other community groups that they
sponsor in our Slidell area.
Bring a friend and join us!
Wednesday evenings at 6pm in The New Room
Sunday Discipleship Classes
Sunday Mornings at 9:45am
For more information about these and other
opportunities, contact Mary Stokes
985-641-5829
mary@aldersgate-slidell.org
Coming This Summer!
Sundays at 9:45 a.m.
Grown Ups (For seniors 55+)
First Monday Matinee—
2:00 pm in Genesis Hall
Monday, April 6—To Kill a Mockingbird
Monday, May 4—Singin’ in the Rain
GriefShare is a 13-week support group that meets weekly and will be led by Craig Horn and Mary Stokes. The sessions
are designed to help you rebuild your life and to offer help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family
member or friend. We know it hurts, and we want to help.
Wednesday Evenings through May 20
6:00-8:00pm Cokesbury Building, Room 206
To register, e-mail us at griefshare@aldersgate-slidell.org
Aldersgate Prepares for Family Promise Kick-Off
Family Promise is a comprehensive network of
churches which work together to help families in
need. Their dream is that no child has to worry
about where they will sleep or eat each day, and that
all families can find and sustain affordable, safe
housing.
makeshift bedrooms in the John Wesley Center. The
cornerstone for the success of Family Promise will
be you, the volunteer. Without faithful, dedicated
volunteers not one ministry on this campus would be
sustainable; Family Promise will be no different.
Mark, Jill and Donna will be asking for your help as
they work to complete the various tasks that will
lead to changing the lives of those in the program
and those serving the program. This ministry
offers service opportunities to individuals, entire
families, Sunday School classes and small groups
alike. As our Aldersgate family opens up our
home campus to those
families with no home,
blessings will be poured out
abundantly and the presence
of God will be felt.
To accomplish this, Family Promise coordinates
with local churches to
provide ongoing
housing for low-income
families who are living
on the street. The
family will spend
nights at one of the
churches in the network
each week . During the
day, the children will
attend school and
As Aldersgate once again
parents will receive
takes a leadership role in
assistance in finding
addressing one of our
jobs, learning critical budgeting and economic skills,
Parish’s most urgent needs,
etc. Aldersgate is pleased to announce that we are
don’t be left wondering if
one of 13 churches who will be hosting families.
God is calling you to serve. He is. You only need to
take a small step of faith and respond to the requests
th
Aldersgate will host our first families May 10 –
of Mark, Jill and Donna as they follow God’s lead in
th
16 . Mark and Jill Senn and Donna Lew have
this new ministry. If you have questions, want to get
stepped forward and volunteered to be the
involved, or have a donation, please contact the
coordinators for the ministry. Already we have
church office and they will put you in contact with
received a lot of support for this ministry. Thank
the leadership team. You may also contact them
you for your donations and commitments to be part directly at msenn111@gmail.com or
of the team of hosts! However, there is still much to dmnlew@charter.net.
do. Tasks will range from collecting startup
supplies (see list on next page), providing meals, and
God Bless,
tutoring a child, to setting up and decorating the
Dale Kimball
Family Promise Supply List
Thank you in advance for your prayers and support of this new ministry on our campus.
The following list of items will be needed as we begin hosting families this May.
If you need clarification about a particular item please feel free to contact Mark and Jill Senn
at msenn111@gmail.com or Donna Lew at dmnlew@charter.net.
Twin Sized Sheets
Twin Sized Mattress Pads (white only)
Infant Bathtub
Highchair
Alarm Clocks (6)
Supplies and Equipment
Booster Chair
Baby Bottles
Baby Wipes
First Aid Kit
Brown Lunch Bags
Disposable Diapers
Pillowcases
Ironing Board
Games
Baby Playpen
Ziplock Sandwich Bags
Iron
Crib
Towels (white only)
Spiral Notebooks
Facial Tissue
Pens
Pencils
Infant Soap
Baby Shampoo
Paper Towels
Washcloths (white only)
Twin size Blankets (white only)
Children’s Toys
Food Staples
Bottled Water
Rice
Red Beans
Jelly
Mayo
Peanut Butter
Jambalaya Mix
Pancake Mix
Pancake Syrup
Spaghetti
Spaghetti Sauce
Breakfast Cereal
Napkins
Capri Sun Drinks
Macaroni and Cheese
All donated items can be dropped off at the church office and should be identified for the Family
Promise ministry. Thank you, Mark & Jill Senn and Donna Lew.
Trustee’s Commemorative Brick Fundraiser
The trustees are selling commemorative bricks.
The Trustee’s committee is currently selling commemorative bricks to raise funds for our mortgage debt.
The bricks will be installed in the Chapel Courtyard. Each commemorative brick is $100.00; or you can
purchase two for $150.00. This is a wonderful way to honor your children or parents, remember a loved
one who has passed away, remember a marriage or baptism, or share your favorite Bible verse. The
order forms are available in the church office and will be in the bulletin this Sunday. Please turn in your
order form by April 6th to the church office.
We have collected $276,321 towards paying off the sanctuary mortgage and permanently removing this
debt from Aldersgate’s operating budget. We currently need to raise $45,089 to pay off our mortgage.
Music Ministry
Scott Clausen, Director
scott@aldersgate-slidell.org
Welcome our Guests to worship!
Easter Sunday, April 5 at the 8:30 & 9:45 service
We welcome the Chilton High School
Touring Choir from Chilton, WI!
And Sunday April 26th at the 8:30 service
The Treble Choir from St. James Episcopal
in Baton Rouge!
SPRING FLING!
We resume our Prime-Time schedule
on Sunday, April 12 starting at 5pm.
Great Job!!!
We will be focusing our last few
weeks on our Spring Fling, which is
our Mother’s Day program.
We want to thank all the children participating in our
Children’s Musical. What an outstanding job
you all are doing! We are so proud of you!
Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts!
Mark Your Calendars and
JOIN us!!
We also want to thank ALL the leaders who have helped
make this presentation a success!
Apple Tree News!
2015-2016 Registration is still ongoing. There are a few spots remaining for next year and if you know
of anyone who may be interested in registering for the Fall, please have them stop by or call the school
office for more information, 985-641-0184.
Your referral is the best compliment and we appreciate your support!
Cheryl Mann,
Director
&
Marsha Hubbard,
Administrative Assistant
Apple Tree will have a team walking in Relay for Life
this year. If you would like to be a part of this team
on the day of the event as a walker or volunteer
please contact the school office. For more
information about future fundraisers, team t-shirts,
and event details can be found on the Apple Tree
Relay Team Facebook page.
Apple Tree Day at Texas
Roadhouse
Monday, April 13th from 4-8 PM
Mention Apple Tree and Texas Roadhouse makes a donation.
It’s win-win! Enjoy an evening out and support our preschool!
Youth Ministry- AUMY!
Eric O’Quinn, Director
Eric@aldersgate-slidell.org
Children’s Ministry
Vicki Frick, Director
Vicki@aldersgate-slidell.org
FAITH FRIENDS
For 3rd-6th Graders
Wednesdays
6:00-7:30pm
In Susanna Wesley
Together, we hope to learn a little more
about who we are and what God’s plan may
be for each of us. It’s an hour-and-a-half
each week of learning and growing and
laughing. We would LOVE for you to join
us! We can never have too many Faith
Friends!
March 28 - Easter Egg Hunt, 10am
& Dress
Rehearsal for Musical, 11:30am
March 29 - Children’s Musical
at Both Services, 8:30am & 11:00am
April 5 - Easter Sunday
April 24-26 - Confirmation Spring Retreat
May 10 - Children’s Mother’s Day Concert, 9:45am
May 16 - Confirmation Family Dinner, 5:30pm
Sundays
5:00-6:30pm
For 3’s thru 6th grade
May 17 - Confirmation Sunday
May 27 - Faith Friends Reunion, 5:30pm
June 2 - Summer SONshine begins 9am
Sunday Nights are a PrimeTime for kids
here at Aldersgate! All children age 3
through 6th grade are invited to join us for
Children’s Choir and Prime Time Fun!
Join us now and you’ll get to participate in
our SPRING MUSICAL,
Elijah! God’s Faithful Prophet, to be
presented at both worship services on
Palm Sunday (March 29th).
June 7 - Summer Sunday School begins
June 15-19 - Vacation Bible School
July 16 - Summer SONshine ends
August 7 - 1st Day of Public School
August 9 - Promotion Sunday
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28th
Don’t forget our GIANT COMMUNITY-WIDE
EGGSTRAVAGANZA!
TONS of FUN (and treat-filled eggs!)
10am
Children’s Ministry
Vicki Frick, Director
Vicki@aldersgate-slidell.org
Palm Processional
Sunday, March 29th
At Both Services
The children are invited to join
our Palm Processional as we
celebrate Jesus’s triumphant
entry into Jerusalem. Fifteen
minutes prior to each service,
we’ll meet in the courtyard to the
left of the
Sanctuary
to hand out
the palm
branches.
Birth of Barrett Hollier
(Born February 9th)
Congratulations to his Mommy & Daddy:
Katie & Brian Hollier
Baptism of Adelynn Rose Laskos
(on March 8th)
Daughter of Stan & Alison Laskos
Baptism of Reid James Necessary
(on March 15th)
Son of Rustin & Ashley Reckert Necessary
Baptism of Andrew Nathan Langford
(on March 15th)
Son of James & Angelique Langford
SUMMER SONshine!
For Preschoolers thru
Exiting 1st Graders
Vacation Bible School
June 15-19, 9am-12noon
Calling All 3-yr olds thru 5th Graders!!
Get ready to see God’s Love in Action!
Non Refundable Registration Fee:
Early Bird (By May 15th): $15/child ($40/family max)
Late Registration (After May 15th): $20/child (no max)
*Preschoolers must be 3 and potty-trained in
order to participate; however, we will have a
nursery and a 2-year old class available to
Volunteers—and, we do need LOTS of
Volunteers to PUT God’s Love in Action!
June 2 - July 16
Tues/Wed/Thurs
9am—12noon
(excluding VBS week-June 15th)
This 5-week summer program is designed specifically
for our younger friends. Our mornings will be filled
with Chapel, crafts, music, play and lots of adventure.
We’ll even have some in-house “field trips.” We want
them to know that, no matter how young or small,
they are loved and they, too, can put God’s Love in
Action!
Program Cost: $150 per child
(family discount: $125/each additional child)
*Children must be 3 and potty-trained at the start of the
program. The family discount is available for siblings only.
THE ECHO
ALDERSGATE
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
aumc@aldersgate-slidell.org
Pub. No. 023968
Published bi-weekly
Periodical-Paid
Slidell, LA 70458
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Aldersgate United
Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458.
Return Service Requested
Flowering the Easter
Cross
Bring fresh cut flowers on Easter
morning to flower the cross in
front of the Sanctuary.
Sunday Worship Times
AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS...
Cindy Alberts, Realtor
Coldwell Banker TEC Realtors ~ 2040 E. Gause, #4
“I’ll Go The Extra Mile For You!”
C: 707-7676 W: 649-6300 x208
Homes, Vacant Land, Commercial
Michael Guevara, DDS
Specialist in Orthodontics
“Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile together”
1251 7th Street, 641-3587
Peffley Constuction, LLC
Andrew Peffley, 504-512-0276/fax 985-649-3851
Email: andrew@peffleyconstruction.com
www.peffleyconstruction.com
Honaker Funeral Home Forest Lawn Cemetery
“Dedicated To Those We Serve”
641-1900 ~ Hwy 190 West
Terry Tranchina and Kevin Tranchina
Lowry-Dunham, Case, and Vivien Group
Insurance since 1901
643-1234 ~ 1-800-200-1258
ACCU-TEMP
Air Conditioning~Heating~Refrigeration
“We guarantee your comfort!”
985-726-9984
Mike Rich
Pontchartrain Investment Management
Financial Services and Insurance
2242 Carey St., Olde Towne, Slidell
985-605-5064 ~ mikerich@mypontchartrain.com
Securities offered through LPL Financial,
Member FINRA/SIPC
CHRIS WHITTY CONSTRUCTION
Residential New Homes
Commercial Renovations
985-960-1484 ~ 985-847-9417
See our FB page ~ www.chriswhitty.com
We are looking for a new sponsor to
fill this space. Is your company the
“MISSING PIECE”
that Aldersgate needs to help
support our church?
Please call or email our office for
more information.
8:30 am • Traditional Worship
9:45 am-10:45 am • Sunday School
(for all ages)
11:00 am • Contemporary Worship
Staff Email:
Pastor Nancy Wofford:
Nancy@aldersgate-slidell.org
Pastor Mike Palermo:
Mike@aldersgate-slidell.org
Music Ministry:
Scott@aldersgate-slidell.org
Children’s Ministry:
Vicki@aldersgate-slidell.org
Youth Ministry
Eric@aldersgate-slidell.org
Adult Ministry:
Mary@aldersgate-slidell.org
Facilities:
Dkimball@Epworthproject.com
Membership/Finance:
Karen@aldersgate-slidell.org
Church Secretary:
Robyn@aldersgate-slidell.org
Office Information:
Erin@aldersgate-slidell.org
Prayer Concerns:
Prayer@aldersgate-slidell.org
Louisiana Conference Website:
www.la-umc.org
Apple Tree Preschool Director: appletree-cheryl@charter.net
General Information:
Church Website:
Church office:
AUMC@aldersgate-slidell.org
www.aldersgate-slidell.org
985-641-5829