Welcome to Aldersgate United Methodist Church. It is our 
hope and prayer that you find this to be a place where there are obvious, tangible signs of love and grace; a place of celebration and of acceptance, and a place of peace. Our sign says it all. We really are seeking to be a place where Grace Happens every day.
The experience and definition of Aldersgate certainly begins when anyone drives or walks into the park-like setting that surrounds the church; of the quiet creek and towering evergreens, the lush cottonwoods and alders, and the paths that wind through the property. Like the church, the grounds are available to anyone; those in need of some quiet time of reflection or those in need of a fun place for the family. Even in the open gate that allows access to the wonderful playground designed for children – those in the Christian preschool here, and those coming in from the surrounding neighborhoods with their families. And once anyone moves beyond the grounds and enters into the building, it is readily obvious that this is an accepting place; truly a place where the words of our sign define who and what we are – we are a place where grace happens; where love abounds, and where hope is lived out every day.
This is a place where those currently involved seek to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ with their actions and their words. It can be readily seen in the relationships, and in conversations that this truly is a diverse group who accept and encourage each other along the paths of life and faith. There are those who are new to Christianity and who continue to question, even doubt; and those who carry a deep and lifelong faith. There are those whose lives are in turmoil, and those who support and love them through it. There are those who are young, those who are middle aged, those who are single and those who are married, those with children and those without, there are the young and not so young yet who continue to be young at heart. Within it all is an ethos of love and acceptance, no matter the person, the background, or the life or faith experience. All are welcome.
There are other, more tangible ways we live out the grace we profess. It can be seen in our involvement with organizations like “Together We Build;” a cooperative interfaith effort that brings Christians, Jews, and Muslims together to build Habitat for Humanity homes throughout the Eastside. In those two weeks of building, we of differing faiths and cultures eat together, worship together, build together, and seek to deepen relationships of love, trust and mutual respect. It can be seen in other places where monthly we feed the hungry, clothe those in need, and assist those in need of a financial lift. It can be seen in our children as they attend worship or Sunday school, where they are encouraged to ask those tough questions, challenge the pastor in fun ways, and grow in their love of God. It can be seen in our youth as they support each other through the challenges and successes of life. And as they do, they then move out into the community and world to love and assist others. It can be seen in our adults – in their priority toward hands-on mission both here and abroad, their love of their “neighbor” whoever that neighbor may be, and their intentionality in deepening their faith, and their relationships with each other.
This truly is a place of grace and we welcome you to come a stay awhile. “Take a deep breath of life,” come as you are, whoever you may be. You will be accepted. You will be loved.
For this is a place where “Grace Happens.”
Pastor Brad
Interested? Please contact Pastor Brad. We would love to hear from you.