Dear Aldersgate Family and Friends,
We transitioned gracefully into autumn this year. This month, we encountered the termination dust on Mount McGinnis and the chilliness of the rain on the other side of the equinox. This is a time when our days are getting shorter, and we may notice the impact of darkness and light present in our lives. We say “until next time” to the new friends that we met through the summer, who have transitioned to other seasonal locations, and we look forward to gatherings together in the remaining months of 2023.
Thank you for all of the hours of work to make the Go Jane’s Concert a bright light in the life of Aldersgate. The baked goods were divine, and the sanctuary and narthex were wonderfully hospitable. It was a joy to serve with them at the Glory Hall with Jack leading us.
Our potlucks on the last Sunday of the month have brought wonderful fellowship. Please join us for the Harvest Festival & Children’s Carnival beginning on October 21st at 10 am, lasting all day and into the evening. Our October potluck will be on October 30th following All Saints Day worship. Please join us!
Thanks to Charlie for framing the beautiful Aldersgate script that Lacey drew on Easter. We cannot wait to see it hung up!
I am traveling this week for the 2023 National Youth Conference with Rev. Bennie Grace Nabua (from Sitka UMC) and Rev. Autumn Krueger (from St. John in Anchorage). This opportunity will allow us to learn from the Cal-Pac leaders, collaborate with multicultural youth leaders, learn the trends in youth ministry (including where we are disconnected from secularity), and inspire us to bring hope and our calling to the advocacy and inclusion of youth home to Alaska . There are stated objectives in this conference to explore the effects of colonialism in the church and reflect on antiracist discipleship practices by engaging directly with Native leaders of The United Methodist Church in Hawai’i. These goals are consistent with the vision of the M.I.L.E. that Bishop Cedrick has cast for our Conference. We will focus on listening and learning these next four days. Please keep us in your prayers, and I will see you on Sunday.
With Hope and Peace,
Pastor Kristi