Holy Smokes - We had an exciting Sunday
During this past Sunday morning's worship service we had a fire alarm go off and some smoke in the building. But thankfully everyone is OK.

The source of this excitement was a plastic drain pan in the furnace, which melted onto the heating elements. Besides the lingering smell of smoke and a couple of cold rooms, we're up and running.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who remained calm - exited the building - and kept moving away from the doors so others could exit as well. Everyone did an outstanding job.

We should also thank God for working it out so that all the adults were in one worship service and all the children in one location. On a regular Sunday getting the message out to exit the building and where to locate the children would not have been impossible.

Small Groups Resuming
I am thankful to be part of a congregation that not only invites others to church – as important as that is – but is also intentional in making disciples of Jesus Christ who grow in their faith.

Aldersgate has been passionate about helping disciples grow and deepen their walk with God for a long time. As such, we keep offering important opportunities through our Sunday school classes, adult ministries and small groups to walk, swim and dive deeper into the faith.

This month (February) we’re launching nine new small groups. All but two of them have a different theme, study material, and level of intensity. Some require little preparation; others have a healthy expectation that you will do your homework.

Wherever you are on your journey, you should be able to find a group that will help you grow closer to God and live your faith as a true disciple of Jesus.

See pages 4 and 5 of the February newsletter for a description of the offered small groups. Or click on the Small Groups button on the left side of this page. You can register by calling the church office, in the narthex, or at our website www.godiscloser.org.

Haitian Relief
If you’d like to donate to aid with earthquake recovery for the Haitians, make your check to the church and mark your envelopes “Haitian Relief”. All monies collected will go to the United Methodist Core of Relief which will then send 100% of it to aid the Haitians.