Chaos and Calm
A message from Pastor Holly Aastuen

Things have been a little hectic in the office lately with computer troubles and publication deadlines coming at virtually the same time. The staff handled the conflict beautifully, and our Office Manager, Serena, on whom much of the burden rested to meet these deadlines, is calm under pressure. You would be pleased to know that all of the staff works very well together, especially in challenging times and you can be very proud of what kind of quality staff this congregation has.

Their calmness under pressure reminded me of a story you may have heard about a contest a king held for painting the best picture of peace. The two finalists in the contest had two very different portrayals of peace, one very calm and serene, the other full of activity. The picture that was the winner of the contest wasn’t the bucolic scene of a mirror-perfect lake nestled in the midst of majestic mountains. It was the picture of aa tumultuous waterfall, tumbling and foaming amongst the rocks, but behind the waterfall a mother bird had built her next and there, in the midst of the rush of angry water sat the mother bird on her nest.

The king explained, “Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means being in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.”

The month of May is a time of beginnings and endings and because of that many people, especially parents, find themselves going back and forth to concerts, plays, and end-of-the-year award ceremonies, while at the same time getting kids to summer sports and activities that sometimes begin even before school is out. In the church we have New Member Sunday, Confirmation, Teacher Appreciation and Student Recognition.

The key to finding peace is not finding a quiet place as far away as possible from the hustle and bustle, but to take a moment to breathe deeply, center your thoughts and say a short prayer even as you are in the midst of the maddening rush of the crowd.

Take a moment this day to find some peace, to offer peace to someone you know, to know that even in the midst of chaos you can find calm.

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

On the journey,

Church News and Updates
Bell Choir Plant Sale Orders will be available for pick-up on Friday, May 11, from 4:40 - 6:30 pm and also on Saturday, May 12, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Don't forget to stop by if you placed an order.

Elevator Update The workers have made good progress with only minor delays due to asbestos testing. We still anticipate completion around May 18, depending upon the State Inspector's schedule. We may have an elevator that works by Sunday, May 20, 2012.

Spring Work Day The Trustees are hosting a spring work day on Saturday, May 19, beginning at 9:00 am, and your help is needed. Maintaining a building the age and size of Aldersgate takes constant attention and the members of the Trustees Committee cannot do it alone. Please come and lend a hand with clean-up and maintenance projects. If a different time is better for you that day, we have several smaller jobs you can do more independently. Please contact Sid Wood if you would like to pre-arrange a time or job.

Blood Drive in May The annual spring blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30. Please call the church office to reserve your time.

Are You Web Knowledgeable? Aldersgate is looking for a volunteer to become webmaster for the church web site. If you have the skill set and are interested, please contact Serena at the church office.

Trailer Needed! The church is looking for a covered trailer to use for the youth mission trip this summer. The Boy Scout trailer is usually available for use at no cost, but this year it will be on a trip with the Boy Scouts. If you have one or know of someone who does, please contact Marjie Broderson at the church office.

Healthier Living Equipment Available We are gettting quite an inventory of health support equipment. There are two wheel chairs, raised seats for toilets, incontinent products, crutches, canes, grab bars, and walkers. Contact Ardy Brower for more information.

Congregation Recognition and Member Accomplishments
Support One of Our Own in Demonstrating the Love of God Ben Aastuen will be serving as a staff member at the Mountain T.O.P. mission program again this summer. Just like last year, he needs to raise half of his salary plus his living expenses. Please consider making a financial donation toward his outreach this summer. You can write a check to Mountain TOP and write Ben Aastuen in the memo portion of your check, and we'll make sure he gets it. Ben has a Partnership Covenant Form for any contributers to fill out so that he can stay in touch with you to let you know how his mission is going. Thank you for your consideration.

Congratulations! Claire Manning and Hannah Brodersen have received the 2012 St. Louis Park Caring Youth Award, presented to them on April 26. Claire was Aldersgate's honoree and Hannah was the honoree from Westwood Hills Nature Center.

Looking for Graduates! Is there anyone who has a high school, technical school or college graduate in 2012? Our church would like to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishment on Student Recognition Sunday, June 10. Fill in the form, which can be downloaded at the link below, or call the office by Monday, May 21, with name, school, and future plans.
Student Recognition Sunday June 10 is Student Recognition Sunday, the day we honor not only those graduating from high school, vocational school and college, but all our Aldersgate children and youth. Every child has something of which they can be proud so let's recognize the great kids we have here at Aldersgate! Please download the form below, fill it out and return it to the office by Monday, May 21.
Download the Student Recognition Form here

Summer at Aldersgate
Summer Worship Schedule Begins May 27 Beginning Sunday, May 27, Hymn Sing begins at 9:45 am and worship at 10:00 am.

New This Summer: Good Things Hidden in the Hymnal Some of us rarely open the hymnal any more. We read the words of hymns from the screen. But there are good things hidden in the hymnal. This summer, the Worship Committee is going to help us discover some of them. Every other Sunday, in the fifteen minutes before worship, we will have our usual hymn sings, with those present choosing what to sing. But on the alternate Sundays we will begin discovering what’s in the hymnal that we never noticed before. Tunes, for instance. Did you know that every tune in the hymnal has a name that only rarely has anything to do with what the hymn is about? Names like Truro, or Darwall, or St. Agnes? On one Sunday we’ll sing hymns that have been written by people alive now, and on another Sunday we’ll sing some hymns a hundred or more years old that most people find meaningful. One Sunday we’ll sing a group of hymns that have a kind of bounce in them. On the first Sunday in June we’ll sing hymns that all have a refrain – a kind of musical tag that finishes every stanza. On the first Sunday of July we’ll sing African-American hymns. There are good things hidden in the hymnal, and they might just give you a reason to come early to worship this summer!

Summer Music Program With our summer worship schedule beginning May 27 comes the opportunity to share your gift of music. Individuals, vocal or instrumental, small groups and summer choir are all available as chances to be involved. Summer choir will meet Sunday morning at 9:00 am, and on June 10, July 1 and August 12 to learn a simple anthem. You do not need to be a member of choir to join us on Sunday morning. All are welcome. If you would to share your music during the summer, please contact Serena Steffenhagen, Director of Music, at music@aldersgatemn.com or by calling the church office.