There are several things I want to share with you this month.

1. Last week we had several wonderful opportunities to gather for worship from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Each service was unique and meaningful. I want to thank each and everyone who helped in any way -- the Altar Committee, the Actor's Guild, the musicians and vocalists, the Sunday School teachers and students, the people that support worship by greeting, ushering, acolyting, reading, putting together power point, operating the A/V system, providing refreshments for and setting up coffee hour, preparing communion and bulletins, the Aldersgate staff, and those who stepped in at the last minute to help with teaching and child care. Each of you played a vital role as you shared your gifts with God and the people of God!
2. The church leaders met on March 1 to continue putting together a strategic plan for Aldersgate UMC. We talked about what a transformed life looks like and began to think about how we might nurture a culture of transformation. One of our first actions will be to develop an intentional discipleship program for all ages. We also talked about outreach and what it should look like. The third thing we focused on was relationship. The
   foundation of our faith is a relationship with Jesus Christ and then relationship with others in love and service. We still have a lot more work to do and will be meeting again on April 26 from 9 to noon. All leaders and
   those feeling called to leadership are encouraged to come. Please continue to keep this important process in your prayers.
3. Thank you for supporting our recent trip to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina relief work. Two and a half years after the hurricane approximately 12,000 homes are still uninhabitable. Of these about 5000 will be rehabilitated and the remaining 7000 will be demolished. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the primary agency entrusted by the government with the continuation of this recovery process. If the current rate of volunteers continues it will take at least eight more years to complete the process. The people in New Orleans are aware of the efforts of the United Methodist Church so it is a wonderful witness to Christ and his love. Our team worked on a townhouse owned by Kimberly, a single woman who had some harrowing tales to tell of how she survived the storm. We spent the week putting up dry wall and doing the first "mudding". We accomplished
   a lot but a few more teams would be needed to continue the work before she will be able to move back in. I know our being there made a difference to her both physically and spiritually. It was a very inspirational week for all involved. The Rush UMC is planning others trips, one in October and one in February 2009. If you are interested in participating, let me know.

In the last couple of months I have seen many signs of new life at Aldersgate. It's exciting to see new faces, new programs, and sense a renewed energy. I look forward to God continuing to grow and stretch us as individuals and as a community of faith in this Easter season, the season of new life. Christ is risen! Alleluia!

In Christ's Love,