Service Programs

Prayer Chain Ministry
Prayer Chain members receive requests from members of the congregation, community - anyone in need - who would like prayers. Small groups have been organized in which a member receives a request, prays and then passes the request on to the next member of the chain. Miracles have occurred thanks to the power of prayer!

Second & Fifth Tuesdays @ STEP
Join other Aldersgate volunteers from 6-8 pm on the second and fifth Tuesdays each month to run the Clothing Closet at STEP (St. Louis Park Emergency Program).

Open Gate Social Club
Open Gate is organized to provide social activities, study and spiritual growth for those who seek an active life beyond retirement years. A monthly meeting, luncheon and program are held at noon on the third Friday of each month.

Youth Mission Trip
Each year our 7th to 12th Grade youth participate in a ten-day mission trip. This summer a group of 19 youth and adults are traveling to the Cumberland Mountain region of Tennessee to help the impoverished residents with home maintenance programs.

Caring Friends
Caring Friends is a support group for those who are dealing with such issues as illness, care-giving, aging, loneliness or loss. The group meets in the church parlor at 10 am on the third Thursday of each month. Caring Friends also runs a health equipment lending library.

Women's Circle
The United Methodist Women (UMW) challenges our women to be concerned and involved in social justice issues, to take an active role in mission as well as fostering spiritual development. There are three circles at Aldersgate: two meet during the day and one in the evening. All are welcome.

Educational Programs

Aldersgate Youth Group
Open to all youth in grades 7 through 12, the youth group meets on Sunday after the education hour for lunch, faith development and fun! As well as a weekly meeting, the youth also attend lock-ins, events with other churches' youth and participate in mission projects.

Confirmation
Meeting during the school year on Wednesday nights at 6:15 pm, this group of 7th and 8th Graders discusses issues that young teens face today - how to make and keep friends, how to make healthy choices, how to follow God in today's world. The curriculum uses drama, music, art, games, small group discussions, service opportunities and more to help students understand the material and grow in their relationship with Christ.

Church House Rock
A Rotation Model Sunday School
Children from age 4 through Grade 6 experience the fun and learning in Church House Rock on Sunday mornings after worship. The children first all gather for special activities or songs and then go with their age group to a workshop. Workshops are offered for a specific unit of study during a month and rotate each week. Units of study may include workshops in: Games; Cooking; Science; Storytelling; Music and Movement; Theater; Art; or Movies.

Adult Christian Education
Adult Christian Education (ACE) is an opportunity for spiritual growth. ACE meets on Sunday mornings after worship and takes a variety of forms, ranging from speakers to video presentations and discussions to studies about spiritual practices.

Adult Bible Study and Small Group Studies
Adult Bible studies and small group study opportunities are offered throughout the year.

Women's Book Club
The Aldersgate Women's Book Club meets the second Thursday of the month except for summer months. Members share discussion about a new book every month.

To see more about Education opportunities, visit our Education page.

Study Groups

Men's Bible Study
This year, the Men's group will be covering a 13-sessioncourse on Romans, one of the richest books in the Bible. I'ts a great summary of what the Christian faith is all about. Each lesson is self-contained, allowing those unable to attend one meeting to still participate whenever possible without having to "catch up." The format has lots of open-ended questions that don't require any particular Biblical expertise, and the group emphasizes respect for everyone's ideas, confidentiality and support. The hope is to build community as we grow in our knowledge of the Bible.

Disciple Bible Study
Designed for people who want to know the basics of the Bible, this 32-34 week study is a mixture of Bible study, prayer and support for one another. The Disciple Bible Study literature boldly proclaims "Participants will become better teachers, better parents, better choir members, better officers in the church and better youth group members because their ministry will be inspired as well as informed." Pastor Holly Aastuen is excited to be leading this Bible Study at Aldersgate.

Covenant Group
A Covenant Group (or Covenant Discipleship Group) is a small group ministry in the Wesleyan tradition. Meeting weekly for one hour, the group covers an agenda written by them based on the General Rule of Discipleship: "To witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit." Through the process of mutual accountability and support for practicing the basics of Christian faith, members "watch over one another in love." The initial focus this year will be on the Eight Characteristics of Life and Faith.