Newsletter July/August 2024 Dear Friends, Consider your happiness. Consider your treasures. Consider your suffering for Christ. Consider the glory that awaits when we see Jesus. Reflect on this event from a martyr for Christ: On March 7, A.D. 203, Perpetua and a number of other Christians were led to Carthage’s coliseum to face wild beasts in front of a blood-lusting crowd of spectators. The Roman emperor had declared that converting to Christianity was a crime punishable by death — and Perpetua and her fellow believers had been found guilty. The crowd eagerly anticipated the day’s barbaric entertainment. Perpetua and her servant, Felicitas, entered the arena to face a wild bull. The animal killed Felicitas, who had given birth while in prison and placed her child in the care of other Christians. But the bull failed to kill Perpetua, so a gladiator was sent to complete her execution. As the gladiator approached, Perpetua asked for a moment to fix her hair, which had fallen onto her shoulders. Loose hair was a sign of mourning in that culture. Perpetua, however, told the warrior that she did not want to meet her Lord as one who was grieving but as one rejoicing. Reflection and Response Perpetua could rejoice even in her death because she had faith in the eternal hope found in Christ’s well of love, not from the temporary circumstances surrounding her. Does your happiness come from a lasting hope in Christ, or does it depend on temporary pleasures and circumstances? Ask God to grant you joy today, knowing that even when you share in Christ’s sufferings, you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.1 Reading this article outside, listening to the birds of the air and the peace and freedom that surrounds us, leads me to thank God for the 250 years of independence and freedom of religion we have in our beautiful country. Amen ~ Pastor Doug 1 Voice of the Martyrs, “As One Rejoicing,” The Voice of the Martyrs, 2026, https://www.persecution.com/2026-06-20-perpetua/ PRAYER CONCERNS Sara Lynn Charleston, Miriam Lepley, for the Family of Wayne Lepley, for the Family of Ed Ringer, the Family of Lee Weibush, Amy Ferguson, Tesen Hennebert, Joann Profit, Maddie Battershell, Wade Johnston, Jody Shumway, Carrie, and the Family of Gene Devies. Please pray for protection over our children and grandchildren. Please pray for the homeless and for those battling depression, anxiety, stress, mental illness and addictions. Pray for our Nation and our US Military Men and Women. Pray for Pastor Beggs & Family and for our Church Family. FINANCIAL UPDATE Just an update on the refurbishing projects occurring at the church. These projects are proceeding with the approval of Ad Council. Mary Lou Muckley has taken the lead on updating the fellowship hall and floor coverings in the lower level. The fellowship hall will be repainted, the folding partitions are being removed and the floors are being covered with carpet squares. Members were asked to show their preferences on the carpet color. All of the chairs are being replaced with more comfortable plastic ones. In addition, the trustees took bids on the resurfacing of the driveways and parking lot. Using some designated funds on hand and $40,000 pledged by some of our families, we have the $70,000 needed to complete the work. Praise the Lord! The Finance Committee is asking others in the congregation to help restore the capital improvement funds that have been depleted. If you have been blessed with adequate assets and are willing and able to help, would you please consider as generous of a gift as you can, to replenish these funds? The goal that has been set is $10,000, in total congregational giving, over the next few months. If you are moved to give, please mark your check or pew envelope with the words “Capital Improvement Fund “ CHECK OUT ALL THESE ITEMS TO KEEP IN MIND! Please continue to bring in non-perishable food items for our Blessing Box at Aldersgate. Items that are the most popular are the individual packets of Breakfast Cereal, Crackers or Protein Bars. Also containers(with pull tab lids) such as Soup or Stew, etc. As always thank you for your continued support. Clothed in Righteousness has an ongoing need for the following food items: Canned Meat and Soups with pull-top lids, Mac-N-Cheese, Ramen Noodle Bowls, Protein Bars, Apple Sauce (individual serving containers work the best). The Basket for these items is on the table downstairs close to the stairway. The JULY-AUGUST issue of the Upper Room Devotionals, both large and small print, are now available on the table in the Narthex. When you are here at the church, please remember to take one for yourself and/or a copy to share with someone who would enjoy receiving it. Any new or changed addresses, phone numbers (cell or landline) or E-mail addresses that you would like to share with the church office are always welcomed, as it keeps the lines of communication open with your church family. Thank you. Also, be sure to check the Upcoming Events on the back page of the Newsletter and mark your calendars accordingly. Aldersgate Church will be turned into TUMBLEWEED TOWN for one day. Cowpokes from ages 3 – 12 are welcome to join in the fun of Vacation Bible School on AUGUST 1, 2026, 9a.m. – 2p.m. SERVING IN THE MILITARY Stateside - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Drago, Army Colonel Robert Greiner Bible study will resume again in September. All are welcome, please consider attending. MISSION FOCUS Thank you for everyone’s support for the Alliance Pregnancy Center. Third quarter missions will focus on Marlington Schools and The Good News Club. Look for more information to follow. Your Missions Team God Bless Our Country!!! July/August 7/2 Samuel Wright 7/4 Bob Muckley 7/9 Tesen Hennebert 7/10 Stan Knepper 7/11 Darlene Baum 7/16 Douglas McAlister 7/1 Bob & Mary Lou Muckley 7/9 Richard & Leanne Battershell 7/21 Bob & Lisa Schrock 7/26 Douglas & Aubrey McAlister 8/7 Laura Joseph 8/14 Barb Linerode 8/20 Christy Beggs 8/23 Case Battershell 8/26 Bob Devies 8/9 John & Cindy Battershell Please let the church office know when there are updates to be made to this listing. We like to keep it as accurate as possible. Thank you. Aldersgate Family Methodist Church 11394 Edison Street NE Alliance, OH 44601 Email: aldersgate1966@yahoo.com Mission-"To be a community of believers demonstrating Christ’s love to the world one person at a time." Vision-"Biblically anchored Christ-centered followers of Christ transforming lives by spreading the Good News."