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INTERCESSORY PRAYER TEAM Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16 Aldersgate has an Intercessory Prayer Group serving you and your loved ones quietly behind the scenes. Though discreet and low-key, it has a powerful and essential mandate. Our group is dedicated to praying for others within our congregation and worldwide who have spiritual, medical, and relationship needs. Accident victims, deployed military, persons caught up in natural disasters, hunger, domestic and community violence, homelessness or human trafficking are on our lists, as are a multitude of other circumstances. All of our discussions are confidential and every prayer request is honored. We are apolitical and do not judge need by class, color, sexual or political orientation, geography, or any other factor. Anyone can request prayers by calling the church office (703-765-6555), or sending an email to prayers@aldersgate.net . ​

ALDERSGATE WEATHER POLICY Weekdays If the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) closes the Federal Government, the church office will close and ALL activities/events at the church will be cancelled ​ If Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) cancels school, all scheduled children's and youth activities will be cancelled. ​ NOTE : The Aldersgate Day School has its own policy which closely follows FCPS. Find out more here . ​ Adult groups may meet at the leader's discretion. If you are unsure of your group's plans, please contact your group leader directly. ​ If the Senior Pastor decides to close Aldersgate due to weather, the Receptionist or Executive Director will contact all event leaders to notify them of the closure. An announcement will be placed on the church website and posted to Facebook. ​ Weekends A closure decision will be made as early as possible. An announcement will be placed on the church website and posted to Facebook.

GENERAL CONFERENCE 2024 After a four-year delay, the 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church will take place April 23rd - May 3rd, 2024, in Charlotte, NC. ​ As stated in a UM News explanation of General Conference , “The United Methodist Church has no pope. But it does have a General Conference — the only body that can set official policy and speak for the international denomination. General Conference brings together lay and clergy delegates from four continents whose decisions will affect how millions of United Methodists do church for years to come." ​ General Conference typically gathers every four years. General Conference was scheduled to meet in 2020. However, the global COVID pandemic resulted in multiple postponements of the 2020 General Conference. When the General Conference meets this April, it will have been eight years since our primary denominational governing body came together. Since the last meeting in 2016, the denomination has seen a quarter of its U.S. churches depart under a disaffiliation policy that began in 2019 and expired at the end of 2023. ​ General Conference 2024 will determine what happens next in the United Methodist Church. ​ In order to prepare our Aldersgate UMC family for the Town Hall meeting that will occur on May 19th following the 2024 General Conference, we are providing information and links to resources that have been compiled and vetted by the pastors, staff, and Equip ministries team. The following are resources that we believe provide accurate information about the upcoming General Conference. The Northern Virginia District invites you to pray for the upcoming General Conference. Each day from April 1- May 5 we offer the name of a person or persons (beginning with each VAUMC delegate) as well as a theme or idea to help focus your prayers. General Conference Prayer Calendar Post General Conference Panel Discussion ​ The Virginia Conference held a post-General Conference Zoom webinar on Thursday, May 9th, at 7pm. The panel included Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson; Rev. Lindsey Baynham Freeman, head of the Virginia delegation; and delegates Rev. Mark Ogren, Marshall Bailey, and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page. You can watch the webinar on the Virginia Conference YouTube Channel. Watch the Recorded Post-General Conference Webinar Due to the large volume of questions received during the webinar, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) was created by the Virginia Conference Connectional Ministries Office. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) It is important to note that the deadline for disaffiliation has passed. Aldersgate UMC will not be considering disaffiliation in our Town Hall meeting. At this time, there is nothing to vote or decide upon regarding Aldersgate UMC's status until more information is received after General Conference. ALDERSGATE UMC'S PLAN April 14th, 21st, & 28th: We will offer a three-part sermon series on John Wesley's "Three Simple Rules". We invite you to read the book (available on Amazon and Cokesbury ) and follow along in prayer. ​ April 17th: Clergy pre-brief for General Conference offered by our district leadership. Pastor Randy and Pastor Jon will participate in this. ​ April 23 – May 3, 2024: The 2024 General Conference (also still being called the “2020 General Conference”) will take place in Charlotte, NC, to further discuss and vote on plans to address the issues under debate for the past eight years. ​ May 8th: Following General Conference, there will be a debrief for all laity and clergy. This will be held via Zoom. Information on how to participate in this will be provided to the congregation when we receive it. ​ May 19th: We will hold a Town Hall at to discuss what is next for Aldersgate UMC following the 2024 General Conference. More information on this Town Hall meeting will be provided as it comes together. This will be open to the entire congregation. HOW DID WE GET HERE? A TIMELINE May 2016: Divisions among delegates at the 2016 General Conference were apparent in regard to church teachings on marriage and human sexuality. A plan was approved to table all legislative action on human sexuality. The Council of Bishops was empowered to form a commission to study the divisions in the denomination and to come up with a plan. 2017 – 2018: Three plans emerged from the Commission on the Way Forward . The Connectional Conference Plan recommended re-organizing the church into two separate but connected entities. The One Church Plan (endorsed by the Council of Bishops) would allow conferences, clergy, and local churches to make their own decisions on same-sex marriage. The Traditional Plan recommended keeping all of the current language in the Book of Discipline and enforcing disciplinary actions such as removing openly gay clergy from their churches. February 2019: A Special Session of the General Conference was held to vote on the plans from the Commission on the Way Forward. The Traditional Plan was passed with amendments made and voted upon at the Special Session of the General Conference. ​ Summer 2019: Following the decision of the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference, a number of Conferences in the United States passed resolutions against the Traditional Plan . A 12-person group of centrist, traditionalist, and progressive church leaders drafted a plan for the amicable split of the United Methodist Church denomination that would provide a future for the denomination, its local churches, and its clergy. This plan addressed issues such as ownership of church property, pastoral pension plans, etc. It was to be discussed at the 2020 General Conference. ​ January 2020: A group of 16 United Methodist bishops and church leaders offered a proposal that would allow traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new denomination ; this plan included provisions for funding and allowed local congregations who disaffiliated to keep their local church property. ​ March 2020: The pandemic caused the 2020 General Conference to be delayed – first until 2021, then until August/September 2022, then until April 2024. ​ March 2022: The formation of the Global Methodist Church was announced, allowing adherents of the Traditional Plan to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church to join the Global Methodist Church. December 31, 2023: This was the last day that churches were allowed to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. ​ April 23 – May 3, 2024: The 2024 General Conference (also still being called the “2020 General Conference”) will take place in Charlotte, NC, to further discuss and vote on plans to address the issues under debate for the past eight years. WHAT IS GENERAL CONFERENCE? What is General Conference and what does it do? Watch this quick overview of the General Conference from the United Methodist Communications team and find out how it serves the United Methodist Church. You can find additional resources to learn more about General Conference in this "beginner's guide" to General Conference put out by UM News . ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RESOURCES Here are some additional helpful resources to learn more about General Conference: VA UMC Guide to General Conference General Conference FAQ Document published by the Virginia Annual Conference that describes the Christmas Covenant and the Regionalization Plan that may be voted on at the 2024 General Conference: Christmas Covenant Regionalization Plan WHAT IS "DISAFFILIATION"? This article will provide additional information on what "disaffiliation" is. It is important to note that the deadline for disaffiliation has passed. Aldersgate UMC will not be considering disaffiliation in our Town Hall meeting. Disaffiliation in the UMC: What You Need to Know WATCH PANEL DISCUSSIONS TO LEARN MORE Watch a panel discussion that took place at Floris UMC in Herndon, VA, on February 6th, 2024, about preparations and legislation related to the 2024 General Conference. Disclaimer: The panelists have similar viewpoints to one another in regard to the issues they are discussing, so it is somewhat less objective than other resources. However, there is an excellent description of the history of the contentious issues that may be addressed at the 2024 General Conference. Also, there is a lovely statement by our Bishop regarding the working of the Holy Spirit in us as we work together. Pastor Adam Hamilton moderates a panel of pastors who have started new churches in areas with disaffiliating churches. There is also a discussion with a pastor from a church in Africa about the issues faced by UMC churches in African countries.

WORSHIP AT ALDERSGATE Worship is the Heart of Aldersgate Church The passion of our worship team is to lead our community into the presence of God during every worship experience. ​ Whether it is through traditional choirs, contemporary praise songs, or compelling and creative teaching, the heart of our worship is to celebrate God’s faithfulness and our gratitude for the work of Christ in our lives. Join Us for Sunday Worship Contemporary Worship 9:30am | Sanctuary & Livestream Our Contemporary Worship Service features modern/contemporary Christian music led by the Journeys Band. Livestream & Bulletin Traditional Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary & Livestream Our Traditional Worship Service features hymns and traditional worship music from our Wesley Choir and Casavant organ. Livestream & Bulletin Additional Information First Time Visitors Children's Ministries Student Ministries Adult Education You can also livestream this Sunday's service or watch past worship services on YouTube and Facebook. Livestream & On Demand Livestream & On Demand

ALDERSGATE EVENTS CALENDAR Facility Use Request Full Calendar Upcoming Events Announcement Request

< Back Communion Servers Sign up to help serve communion on the 1st Sunday of the month. Communion Servers assist in serving the elements on the 1st Sunday of each month and at Christmas, Easter, and Holy days. Servers are stationed at the four corners of the sanctuary and serve prepared elements. Click Here to Sign-Up Please Contact Steve Larkin at jstephenlarkin@gmail.com for more information. Previous Next

< Back Judy Jurkowski Wellness Coordinator & Director of Congregational Care Email: jjurkowski@aldersgate.net Phone: (703) 765-6555 x626

CONNECT MINISTRIES CONNECT CONNECT CONNECT Connecting People with Christ Connecting People with Christ Connecting People with Christ Through Our Ministries & Programs Through Our Ministries & Programs Through Our Ministries & Programs Ministries/Strategies that welcome; introducing and encouraging people into a relationship with Jesus and a commitment to the church and relationships we established in Engage . Ministry Areas Connections Team, CHEER, Support Groups , Communications, Fellowship Time, Meet the Pastors Events, Music Ministries , Newsletter, Social Media, Website, etc. To learn more about the Connect Ministries at Aldersgate UMC, please contact our Connect Team at connect@aldersgate.net .

SEND MINISTRIES SEND SEND SEND Sending People out as Disciples Sending People out as Disciples Sending People out as Disciples to Engage Others to Engage Others to Engage Others Ministries/Strategies that mentor people as they discover and live into their calling and spiritual gifts; helping others in their discipleship journey, caring for one another, serving others, and seeking to Engage . ​ Ministry Areas Missions, Alternative Giving, Mondloch House, Food Collection, Hypothermia Shelter, Phoenix Rising, Rising Hope, Serve Sunday, UMM, UWF, Woodlawn Partnership, Be the Good, etc. Learn more about the local, national, and international missions we support. Local Missions & Outreach National & International Missions To learn more about the Send Ministries at Aldersgate UMC, please contact our Send Team at send@aldersgate.net . At Aldersgate we work in partnership with non-profit organizations locally, nationally, and globally to feed the hungry, fight homelessness, and empower children and women to break the cycle of dependency and transform their lives for themselves. ​ We are committed to leading new generations into a greater life of generosity and service in Jesus’s name. ​ Together, our church serves thousands of hours per year for our outreach partners in Alexandria and Washington, D.C. Several times a year, Aldersgate sends volunteer teams to the Highlands of Guatemala and to the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. ​ Thanks to the generosity of our members, we also operate an endowment to help those in crisis and get families out of homelessness. If you are in crisis, or know someone who is, please call the church office at 703-765-6555 for information on the Not Too Far From Here fund. ​ When you give to Aldersgate Church, a tithe of your giving goes directly to support outreach efforts locally, nationally, and globally.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOCUS 2025 - AUMC's Strategic Plan Aldersgate UMC will live out our mission of courageously living God's unconditional love, serving others, and making disciples by: Engaging people for Christ. Connecting people with Christ through our ministries and programs. Equipping people to be disciples of Christ. Sending people out as disciples to engage others. Knowing Our Community Within this structure, we will pursue strategies in line with the following principles: ​ FINANCIAL HEALTH / WISE STEWARDSHIP God has provided many blessings to AUMC over which we are entrusted with stewardship. Among them are financial resources, real and personal property, the environment, and missions. Accordingly, we will make elimination of debt a top priority because it acts as an anchor holding back all other missions and endeavors; ensure our properties and systems are properly maintained; and seek to operate transparently and in an environmentally responsible manner. ​ INNOVATIVE MINISTRIES / FRESH EXPRESSIONS AUMC will build ministries that meet people where they are, engaging with their interests in places they pursue them, and doing so in innovative and fresh ways. Innovation will inspire decision-making as we seek new avenues for ministry inside and outside the walls of AUMC. Examples could be a prayer group that meets at the dog park or fellowship built around common interests like hiking, knitting or sports. ​ MISSION OUTREACH & SOCIAL JUSTICE AUMC is committed to mission work that transforms for the better those people or causes we seek to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. Such work will start with listening to those we seek to serve as they describe their needs then engaging in meaningful mission directed at the root causes of those needs. In this missional outreach we will seek to break down barriers in order to become more inclusive and diverse. ​ DIGITAL MINISTRY Digital access systems greatly expand AUMC’s reach. We will do what is necessary, within wise stewardship principles, to maintain up-to-date computer, video and similar equipment; maximize our online presence; and expand digital access for those who do not already have it or know how to use it. This focus on digital ministry will help us navigate our increasingly digital world by connecting us with those inside and outside our community in new ways. ​

Welcome to Aldersgate United Methodist Church! "Courageously Living God's Unconditional Love" Our Mission Worship With Us Plan Your Visit Upcoming Events Submit Announcement Request Submit Facility Use Request Volunteer for Worship Send us a Prayer Request GENERAL CONFERENCE 2024 INFORMATION Join Us for Sunday Worship Contemporary Worship 9:30am • Sanctuary & Livestream Our Contemporary Worship Service features modern/contemporary Christian music led by the Journeys Band. Livestream & Bulletin Traditional Worship 11:00am | Sanctuary & Livestream Our Traditional Worship Service features hymns and traditional worship music from our Wesley Choir and Casavant organ. Livestream & Bulletin

GIVE TO ALDERSGATE UMC Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 We consider it a privilege to give back to God what has been graciously given to us. ​ We are committed to generosity because we know first-hand the change God can bring through our sacrificial giving. Thank you for prioritizing Aldersgate UMC in your generous giving. Your consistency provides stability, strength, and support to our ministry. METHODS OF GIVING In Person or by Mail 1301 Collingwood Road Alexandria, VA 22308 Online Make a tax deductible donation‏. Click to Give By Text Text "ALDERSGATE" to 73256. Online giving takes place on Aldersgate’s Realm site. Click on the buttons, below, to learn how to setup a Realm account and how to give online. How to Setup Realm Account How to Give Online in Realm ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF GIVING Qualified Charitable Distribution Publicly Traded Securities Legacy Giving CURRENT CAMPAIGNS Select a campaign to learn more 2024 Stewardship Campaign Shepherd Hall Debt Reduction Select a campaign to learn more Stewardship Campaign Capital Campaign Abundantly Far More Stewardship Campaign 2022 "Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." ~Ephesians 3:20-21 NRSV Our stewardship theme for 2022 is Abundantly Far More. The image of the grapes reminds us of God's abundance and how we are called to bear fruit for God. ​ Our membership vows, professed before God and the church family, include support through five areas – our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. We encourage you to be part of God's abundance and helping Aldersgate to bear fruit for God through your time, talents, and resources. A tangible way to bear fruit for God is to complete the online 2022 Commitment Card and 2022 Time and Talent Card . For more information, please contact connect@aldersgate.net . Thank you for your contribution and commitment to Aldersgate UMC!