Warmed Thoughts

Greetings to you as we remember, celebrate and embrace the Risen Christ. Easter is a high moment when we remember with gratitude that we are given new life, because of God’s unconditional love and grace. A free gift from God that we so often take for granted, and often keep to ourselves instead of sharing with others. Let it not be so this time. Be sure to pray and ask God to bring someone into your life that you can share the Good News of the Risen Christ. I hope that you are using the “Pray at 4:30” card daily. I have an alarm on my phone to remind me to stop what I am doing, wherever I am, to pray. Not just to recite what’s on the card as we may have got accustomed to in praying the Lord’s Prayer, but to be thoughtful about the words. Also, to invite the Holy Spirit to nudge us to become the answer to our prayer. What power does Satan have a grip on your life that needs to be broken? Negativity? Gossip? Putting others down? Speaking behind people’s backs? Let us be honest with ourselves and become a broken vessel that confesses our individual sins that God can heal and forgive.What power does Satan have on our community? Financial anxiety? Judging one another instead of loving each other? Hatred? Loss of self-worth that can lead to addictions? A breakdown in communication?

What are the needs around us that we should be meeting? As you pray and as you listen, call the church office with what you hear, or put it on the bulletin board in the hallway. Let us see and hear what God is saying to us as the Body of Christ.

Prayer is powerful. Prayer is our life breath. Prayer is not optional, it is essential. Prayer can and will transform us to who God wants us to be, today and into the future.God’s desire is that we are faithful to abide in Christ

and invite others to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But to do that we need to know that He is OUR savior. If he is our Savior, we need to be saved from our sins. That means that we need to recognize our sinful nature, confess our sins, and seek forgiveness. Will you confess your sins? Christ died for your sins and he rose to set you free. In the name of Jesus Christ know that you are forgiven.

WORSHIP TIMESSunday Mornings: 8:30 and 10:45 AM

• 8:30 AM worship is Communion and Meditation in the Chapel.

• 10:45 AM worship is a Family service in the Sanctuary. During the school year, our choirs and praise band, The Fire Within, provide inspirational music.

• See inside for additional worship and fellowship opportunities.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESApril 1 / Easter Sunday–Come Celebrate the Risen Christ at 7:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Holy Communion at both services. Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.

April 8 / Luke 24:13-35

April 15 / Message: “Children of God” 1 John 3:1-7, Romans 8:11-23

April 22 / Message: “Covenant Community” Baptism | 1 John 3:16-24

April 29 / Stephen Ministry Sunday Message: “Who Needs Jesus?” 1 John 4:7-21.

See inside for details on these events and more.

EncouragingEnriching &Empowering

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Warmed Thoughts FROM THE PASTOR

The Gateway Page 2 419 473-1294 § www.aldersgatetoledoumc.org

OUR STAFFPASTOR Lilanthi WardSENIOR MINISTRIES Barbara Myers and John PaschenCHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Christian TaylorHEALTH MINISTRY Lynn CreagerSTEPHEN MINISTRY LEADER Larry GodfreyCHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR Jacob SmithCELEBRATION RINGERS DIRECTOR Jacob SmithORGANIST Judy EastADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Alana DankoCUSTODIAN Becky Buchanan

THE GATEWAY VOLUNTEERSAnnie Bailey Pat Bischoff Rose Bodeman Helen Denniss Nancy Einhart Helen Gebhard

Sarah Hess—Editor Nancy Liming Vergie Johnston Barb Myers Debbie Myers

THE GATEWAY NEWS!The Gateway Newsletter has been a monthly reading staple in Aldersgate households for decades. Communication in our community and world is constantly changing and evolving. The church communication process through the Gateway is changing, also. We have come up with three options for everyone to get their church information beginning in May.1. To request a printed copy of the newsletter be mailed to you,

you MUST call the church office, 419-473-1294.2. Copies will be available each month to pick up at the church for those

who prefer a printed copy. 3. For those who have access to a computer

and the internet, The Gateway will be found online at the church website: aldersgatetoledoumc.org

Thank you for your cooperation as we seek to be good stewards of our resources as well as maintain healthy communication. – Your Gateway Staff

GIFT CARDSStop at the Welcome Center in the Narthex to place or pick up your order on these dates: Order: April 29 Pickup: May 6

The Gateway Newsletter is published by the church staff and volunteers.

INCLEMENT WEATHER During inclement weather we will inform Channel 11 and Channel 13 if we are not having worship on Sunday. For information regarding meetings, please call either the church office or your team leader.

The Gateway Page 3www.facebook.com/aldersgatetoledoumc

EASTER SUNDAYEASTER MORNING WORSHIP April 1 – Communion in the Narthex at 7:30 a.m. and Celebration Service at 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Celebration Breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. in Meinhart Hall. Come celebrate the Risen Christ with thanksgiving. INVITE Others to join you for breakfast – be willing to set up/serve/clean up too.

WAS THE CHURCH SERVICE WORTH A DOLLAR?I like the old story about the guy who came to church with his family. As they were driving home afterwards he was complaining about everything. He said, “The music was too loud. The sermon was too long. The announcements were unclear. The building was hot. The people were unfriendly.” He went on and on, complaining about virtually everything. Finally, his very observant son said, “Dad, you’ve got to admit it wasn’t a bad show for just a dollar.”

GUN SAFETY Wednesday / April 18th 6:30– 7:30 p.m. We have been invited by our Bishop Palmer to host a “House Party” for the community so we can hear from a grass roots organization, Ohioans for Gun Safety. This organization is seeking to explore common sense background checks for gun safety in Ohio.

PEACE OF MIND SEMINARSMark your calendars for the next series of “Peace of Mind” seminars on Saturday’s May 12, 19 and 26. The seminar series will focus on issues that pertain to seniors. They are invaluable for adult children as well as seniors.

PRECIOUS PEOPLE PRESCHOOL Time has flown by and kindergarten registration is on the minds of our pre-kindergarten parents as we prepare to transition our students to their new school.It has been yet another wonderful school year for our students with the Love And Support from our AUMC family. This past month we have been busy with parent/teacher conferences, ALiCE training, our Easter egg hunt with our pen pals from West Park Place, and our SUTQ/State visit. Please be sure to check us out on Facebook for fun photos of these events as well as upcoming events you may want to join.

GIVING THANKS!To All My Church Family,I want to thank you all so much for the prayers, concern and support that you showed me during this difficult time of Aloysius Guziolek’s passing. You will never know how grateful I am to all of you. We talk about our “Church Family”, and it is true, we are a family.– Vicky Musgrove

I wish to sincerely thank everyone for your many prayers, visits, cards, calls and text messages before and after my recent surgery. Through your prayers, I truly believe God was with us when we needed him most. I am unable to adequately express how much each of you mean to me and my family. Pastor Lilanthi, thank you for your visits, follow up calls, and for bringing a prayer shawl to the hospital. I greatly appreciate all you have done for us. Our family is truly blessed to have Aldersgate UMC praying for us.Thank you all very much. Look forward to seeing you soon.– Gary Mohr

Dear Aldersgate family,A heartfelt thank you to the adults and youth who gave their time to build a new ramp to make our lives easier. May God continue to bless you.– Darla and Orlo Cully

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printed copy of The Gateway newsletter.


At Aldersgate, Connection Groups are a vital part of our time spent with God and with our community. Take a look at these possibilities and if you don’t see what you are looking for or want more information, you can check our website, or contact our office with your suggestion.

SUNDAY MORNINGS

9:30 to 10:30 AM

CONTEMPORARY ISSUESDiscussion group about current issues and faith.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY FUNSunday Fun group leaders: Infants & Pre-schoolers Kara Brown1st–3rd Grade Catherine & Corey Grice, 4th–5th Grade Sue Keaton & Sharon Merritt. If you are willing to sub for any of these age groups please contact Amy Allen at 419-215-4483.

WOMEN

RUTH CIRCLEApril 11 / 1:00 PM September–May. LYDIA CIRCLEApril 23 / 7:00 PM / Choir Room. September–May. May’s meeting will be on the 21st and will be a social gathering.ALDERSGATE LADIES BOOK CLUB April 25 / 7:00 PM Choir Room. We will be reading “Confessions of a Domestic Failure” by Bunmi Laditan.

MEN

MEN’S GROUP This group meets the first and third Sundays of each month during the school year from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in a member’s home. The group is open to all men from 18 on up.

WOMEN & MEN

STEPHEN MINISTRYAnyone interested in becoming a Stephen minister should contact Larry Godfrey.

EUCHREApril 27 / 7:00 PM / All are welcome, even if you don’t know how to play Euchre. Bring a snack or beverage to share. Coffee is provided.

AUDIO-VISUAL CLUBThis group meets Mondays at 5:30 to 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

TRAVELING LIGHT LIFE GROUPThis group meets at a member’s home on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 PM. They study, fellowship and travel life’s roads together.

SENIORS

WEST PARK PLACE 3501 Executive Pkwy, Toledo, OHBible Study: April 4 / 2:30 PMFolding Chair Theater: April 9 / 1:30 PMWorship: April 15 / 2:00 PMAll are welcome to join together in a time of worship and celebration of our Christian Faith.

ELDERSGATEApril 24 / 12:00 PM / We meet in Meinhart Hall. Please make reservations by 7:00 pm the Sunday evening before by calling Vicky at (419) 292-1004.Guest speaker, Sally Finnegan. “Traveling the Waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands”

MUSIC

CHANCEL CHOIR Rehearsals: Thursday Evenings 7:00 PM / Adult choir that provides worship music at the 10:45 am worship and some special services. September–May.

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printed copy of The Gateway newsletter.


THE FIRE WITHIN PRAISE BAND Rehearsals: Monday Evenings 5:30 PM / A contemporary group that helps lead worship on Sunday mornings at 10:45 am and for special events.CELEBRATION RINGERS BELL CHOIR Rehearsals: Thursday Evenings 6:00 PM / Adult bell choir that plays monthly at the 10:45 am worship and some special services. September–MayCHILDREN’S BELL CHOIR Rehearsals: Thursdays at 5:00 PM. 1st grade on up are welcome to join. They play at the 10:45 am service occasionally. September–May

COMMUNITY

BOB EVANS 4805 Monroe Street, Toledo April 3 & 17 / 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Don’t only go to taste the food but taste the sweet fellowship of eating with friends and knowing that the cost of your meal is also supporting ministry at Aldersgate.

DEVEAUX ELEMENTARY 2620 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo / An ongoing partnership of helping with supplies, in the library, mentoring and tutoring. Contact Christian Taylor for more information.Tutoring: Wednesdays after school.Bell Choir: Thursdays after school.

FRIENDLY CENTERApril 10 / 12:00 PM / Guild Meeting at The Friendly Center.Program: “Lake Erie Restoration” presented by Mike Ferner.Reservations are needed by April 6. Contact Joan Pitson at 419-476-7132.Emergency Food Pantry:Peanut Butter, Jell-OHygiene:Deodorant, ToothpasteItems can be placed in the boxes labeled Friendly Center in the church hallway.

UMW EVENTSMaumee Watershed District UMW has asked Aldersgate to host their spring meeting on Saturday, April 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We will need volunteers to help prepare the lunch and assist the board wherever needed. Also, on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 we will have a rummage sale. This will be a $5.00 bag sale both days with setup on Wednesday and Thursday. When you clean out your closets this spring keep us in mind. If you need your items stored until the sale, Sally Finnegan has room in her garage.

ALDERSGATE MEN’S GOLF LEAGUEIts almost golf season again! The Aldersgate Men’s Golf League is now forming. We play at Giant Oak Golf Club in Temperance, MI on Wednesday nights starting at 5:00 PM. The cost is $340 payable to Aldersgate Men’s Golf League. This covers 18 weeks of golf, banquet and prizes at the end of the season. The first night is April 25. Please get your money to either Alan Hazlett, JP Smith or Dave Lahmers by April 8th.

EMMAUS WALKSNorthwest Ohio Emmaus Men’s Walk #70 and Women’s Walk #86 are fast approaching . The men’s walk is April 12th through the 15th and the women’s walk is May 3rd through the 6th. There are still openings for pilgrims. Contact Doyle Ayers for more information.


HEALTH MINISTRIESWHAT IS LACTOSE INTOLERANCE?Millions of Americans can’t digest a certain sugar in milk and milk products called lactose. Lactose intolerance can lead to extreme discomfort, but it’s not life threatening. People with a dairy allergy react to proteins in the milk, not sugars.When we drink milk or have a milk-based product lactase in our intestines breaks down the milk sugar. It then gets absorbed into the body through the intestines. But people who are lactose intolerant don’t have it so easy. In them, the lactose doesn’t break down. Instead, it goes onto the colon, where it mixes with normal bacteria and ferments. It can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. There are some steps you can take to test yourself: 1. Go without milk or milk products

for a couple of weeks. 2. If the symptoms disappear, bring

dairy products back into your diet a little at a time to take note how you react.

3. If your symptoms continue after cutting out the dairy, or if they return, see your doctor to find out what’s going on.

Believe it or not, most adults around the world can’t digest milk and 40% of humans stop producing enough lactose to digest milk between the ages of 2-5. In the U.S., it’s estimated that about 30 million people are lactose intolerant. It is most common among: Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Native-Americans. It can also be inherited or associated with other specific diseases.

There are two tests that can determine if you are lactose intolerant: 1. Breath Test: This will show if

you have high levels of hydrogen when you exhale. If you do, you might be intolerant. That’s because hydrogen is given off when lactose is broken down in the colon. The hydrogen gets taken by the blood up to your lungs, and then you exhale it.

2. Blood Test: This can show how your body reacts after you drink something with a lot of lactose. A stool sample can be obtained from babies and young children.

You may still be able to eat or drink small amounts of milk. Some people do better if they have their dairy with a meal. And some dairy products, like hard cheese or yogurt, may be easier to digest. Also, there are lots of lactose-free dairy products at the store. Or you can buy over-the-counter supplements, like Lactaid to break down the milk sugars if you want the real thing. But if you give up milk completely, you can still get plenty of calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients in a healthy diet. Instead of milk, you can substitute with these foods: almonds, dried beans, tofu, collards, kale, calcium-fortified orange juice and soy milk, fatty fish, egg yolks, and beef liver.– Your Parish Nurse, Lynn Creager, RN

DONATED SUPPLIESThere are supplies that were donated to the nurses’ office. If anyone could use ace bandages, Depends and a few other supplies see Lynn Creager, Parish Nurse.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPApril 18 / 1:00 PM / In the Choir Room. Open to all who are struggling with loss in their lives. It may be a loved one, the loss of a home, or job, or pet. Pastor John Paschen facilitates this group.

TO LIGHTEN YOUR SPIRITSThere was once a rich man who was near death. He was very grieved because he had worked so hard for his money, and he wanted to be able to take it with him to heaven. So, he began to pray that he might be able to take some of his wealth with him.An angel hears his plea and appears to him, “Sorry, but you can’t take your wealth with you.” The man implores the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules.The man continued to pray that his wealth could follow him. The angel reappears and informs the man that God has decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man gathers his largest suitcase and fills it with pure gold bars and places it beside his bed.Soon afterward, the man dies and shows up at the Gates of Heaven to greet St. Peter. Seeing the suitcase, Peter says, “Hold on, you can’t bring that in here!”But the man explains to him that he has permission and asks him to verify his story with the Lord. Sure enough, St. Peter checks and comes back saying, “You’re right. You are allowed one carry-on bag, but I’m supposed to check its contents before letting it through.”Peter opens the suitcase to inspect the worldly items that the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaims, “You brought pavement?!!!” – Author Unknown


BIRTHDAYS

April 2Alexus FloresApril 3Helen DennissApril 4Doris ButzSandy GarvinDana PoturalskiApril 5Ava EarlyApril 6Stanley DrumJanet EinhartKadence MorseApril 7Justin LuceDana WardApril 8Mikayla MurphyApril 9Ed SmithApril 11Ian CreagerTyler MurphyApril 12Brodie PoturalskiApril 13Sarah ContosRuth PaschenApril 15Harry Bailey

April 6BayLee ByersApril 18Sydney CrowlMarie EllisonJoshua Galati 8April 19Liam AllenRobert ChristiansenBill HitchinsChristina Wertz April 20Barb Burnett Sharon MerrittJamie SimmonsApril 26Stacey MooreJustin SteinerApril 27Kyra ErvinLillyona MooreApril 28Laurie Elise GarvinJoyce GiltzApril 29Floyd Bell

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP

Report Ending February 28, 2018Contact Carol Marckel at (419) 509-2243 if you would like information on how to make direct debit payments for your pledged giving to Aldersgate.

Total IncomeTotal Income (YTD) ...................................... $36,167.47 Total Expenses (YTD) ...................................$47,696.38 Net Income/(loss) YTD .............................. ($11,801.86)

Conference ApportionmentsWOC Paid (YTD) ..................................................$1,000 WOC Assigned Apportionments (Budget) ................................................................$00,000Balance Due ...................................................................$0

District ApportionmentsDistrict Paid (YTD) ...............................................$1,000 District Assigned Apportionments (Budget) .................................................................. $0,000Balance Due ...................................................................$0

2 CHRONICLES 31:4–64 In addition, he required the people in Jerusalem to bring their tithes to the priests and Levites so that they wouldn’t need other employment but could apply themselves fully to their duties as required in the law of God. 5-6 The people responded immediately and generously with the first of their crops and grain, new wine, olive oil, honey, and everything else—a tithe of all they owned, as required by law to be given to the Lord their God. Everything was laid out in great piles. The people who had moved to Judah from the northern tribes and the people of Judah living in the provinces also brought in the tithes of their cattle and sheep, and brought a tithe of the dedicated things to give to the Lord, and piled them up in great heaps.

Is God calling you to be immediate and generous?

Average Monthly Sunday Attendance February 2018: 128

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Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage PaidPermit No 556Toledo OH

Aldersgate United Methodist Church4030 Douglas Road Toledo Ohio 43613

Address Service Requested

8:30 and 10:45 AM, 6:30 PMSunday Worship Services

Connection GroupsCall the Church Office for details

(419) 473-1294 Church Office Telephone(419) 473-1295 Church Office Fax(419) 474-7144 Precious People Preschool Telephone

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