In June 1962, at the Virginia Annual Conference of the Methodist Church held in Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. Owen Kelly, District Superintendent of the Charlottesville District, attempted to secure the appointment of a minister to the proposed new Aldersgate Methodist Church in Charlottesville. This proposed new church was the outgrowth of interest on the part of a number of laymen in the District, as well as Dr. Kelly and other ministers. In October 1962, Bishop Paul N. Garber, Virginia Conference, appointed Rev. Claude Reed, Jr., to the Aldersgate Methodist Church in Charlottesville. On November 1, 1962, Rev. Reed and his family moved to Charlottesville. The entire program of the new church was underwritten by the District and Conference.

Between November 1, 1962 and the first of January 1963, Rev. Reed and Dr. Kelly were able to secure the Greenbrier Elementary School for Sunday morning church school and worship service. In a survey of the area of Charlottesville and subdivisions north of the U.S. 250 By-pass on December 2, 1962, 80 laymen from the area Methodist Churches visited approximately 900 homes and polled the occupants about their church relationship and interest in a new Methodist church. The survey revealed that approximately 16% of those living in this area were either Methodist-related families or interested in a new Methodist church.

On Sunday Morning, January 6, 1963, the first church school session was held. Classes were offered for all age groups, including a nursery for infants and toddlers. Immediately, the men of the congregation indicated an interest in a building program, organized a Methodist Men's group, and were chartered by the Board of Lay Activities of the Methodist Church.

Dr. Kelly, District Superintendent, and Rev. Reed presided at the Chartering Service held on March 24, 1963 at which time 66 persons were received as Charter Members of the Church. Immediately following the service, a Quarterly Conference was called, and officers and stewards of the Church and a nine member Building Committee were elected. In September 1963, the ladies of the Church organized the Women's Society of Christian Service.

In the early Fall, the Building Committee presented the congregation with a written report of its proposals. It was authorized to retain the services of a church architect in Richmond, Virginia, to begin preliminary plans for the first unit of the proposed new church facilities to be erected on 3.8 acres of land located east of U.S. 29 North on Rio Road in Albemarle County. The land had been purchased by the Charlottesville District for $19,000 and was presented to the congregation of Aldersgate as a gift by the District. These actions of the District had been authorized by the District Conference meeting at Crozet in January 1963.

On December 8, 1963, Dr. Hugh Burleigh, who succeeded Dr. Kelly, as District Superintendent of the Charlottesville District the preceding June, met with the congregation for a Quarterly Conference at which time the preliminary plans as proposed by the Building Committee were approved and the Committee was authorized to proceed with working drawings and firm bids for construction. R. E. Lee and Son Construction Company submitted the bid of approximately $85,000 for the first unit, a two-story brick building consisting of sanctuary on the main level and multi-use lower level. The Virginia National Bank agreed to loan the Church $60,000 at 5.50% interest on a 17-year Deed of Trust. The Virginia Annual Conference Board of Missions donated $24,000 to be applied to the construction costs. The total building budget, including architectural fees and furnishing, was $100,000. Construction began in May 1964, and on December 4, 1964, there were 232 persons present to hear Dr. Burleigh preach the first sermon in the new Church building.

In October 1966, the Church purchased a parsonage located at 3515 Marlboro Court, Charlottesville. Rev. Reedcontinued as Pastor of Aldersgate until 1970 when Rev. Carroll Goodridge came to Aldersgate. Rev. Goodridge served until 1973.

In April, 1968 The Methodist Church united with The Evangelical United Brethren Churches to become The United Methodist Church.

In the early 1970's, Aldersgate received $4,700 from the Virginia Department of Highways for a portion of land fronting along Rio Road and also sold to Hill and Irving Funeral Home 1.55 acres of land for $52,000 with the option to repurchase the property at a future time and at a price not to exceed 10% appreciation per year.

In 1973, Rev. William Mahon was appointed to Aldersgate and served as pastor until 1975. He was succeeded by Rev. Carl J. Yow in 1975. Rev. Yow served only one year as Pastor before taking disability leave.

In June 1976, the incumbent Bishop, Kenneth Goodson, appointed Rev. Amos S. Rideout, Jr. to the pulpit of Aldersgate. From 1976 through 1984, Aldersgate grew substantially with 270 persons joining the Church. Two new young adult Sunday school classes and a part-time secretary were added as well as a Memorial Fund established. A Building Fund, and a Local Benevolence Fund were established and annual overnight planning retreats for the Church Administrative Board were commenced.

With the coming of the Charlottesville Fashion Square Mall in 1980, the opportunity to re-purchase the 1.55 acre parcel of land owned by William Hill was given to Aldersgate. This purchase was approved by the congregation, and approximately $9,000 was raised by the end of 1979 for this purpose. It was further decided to offer for sale a portion of this re-purchased property; however, in 1981, this portion of land was refinanced through a bond issue program that was completed in November 1981. Subsequently, at a Church Conference on April 21, 1983, the membership decided against selling this property, the major factor being the growth potential of Aldersgate. Two new church school classrooms were constructed by the United Methodist Men in 1980 by partitioning an area of the lower level. One of these rooms, in addition to serving as a classroom, became the new church library.

On October 11, 1981, Aldersgate held its first Homecoming Service with more than 200 persons in attendance. The speaker for the morning was Rev. Hasbrouck Hughes, with each of the former ministers taking part in the service. In the afternoon, Rev. Claude Reed, spoke on Aldersgate: Its Birth and Early Years.

In the early 1980's, the congregation voted to establish a Building Committee to study the building facilities needed to house the Church's growing needs. In the fall of 1983, the Charlottesville District Building and Locations Committee approved in principle a plan for Church expansion. On March 25, 1984, a ChargeConference was called for the purpose of taking action on the Building Committee's suggested plans for expansion and the financial means to implement these plans and the vote was unanimous in favor of expansion. The Charge Conference gave its approval to the request that the Office of Finance and Field Service of the United Methodist Church be engaged to conduct a Building Fund Drive which was accomplished in May 1984 with $133,000 being pledged to be paid over a 36-month period.

On March 20, 1985, a Charge Conference unanimously passed a motion to employ Northway Construction Company to perform a feasibility study for a church expansion program with an estimated cost of $250,000 to design and construct the facility on the existing property. The Charlottesville District Building and Locations Committee approved the preliminary plans on December 2, 1985. On Sunday, June 29, 1986, District Superintendent, Rev. E. Thomas Murphy presided over the groundbreaking ceremony at the conclusion of the Worship Service. On Sunday, April 12, 1987, the first service was held in the new sanctuary with Bishop Robert M. Blackburn bringing the morning message and declaring the opening of the new sanctuary, dedicating it to "the preaching of God's word, the due administration of the Holy Sacraments, the conversion of sinners, the edification of believers and the salvation of the word ..." In 1988, the United Methodist Men volunteered many hours to divide the old sanctuary into classrooms. On Sunday, December 4, 1988, Aldersgate celebrated its 25^th Anniversary. Included in the morning program was a trip to the parsonage for a Note Burning and Dedication of the parsonage followed by an Open House.

In 1989, a new Pastor, Rev. John Dyksen was appointed to Aldersgate. He served four years. On Sunday, June 4, 1989, the cornerstone for the new sanctuary was dedicated. In 1990, the Facilities Task Force Committee initiated the planning and construction of the Fellowship Hall on the lower level of the Sanctuary.

In June 1992, Bishop Thomas E. Stockton appointed Rev. James Righter as Pastor of Aldersgate. Rev. Righter, who served one year, was instrumental in bringing about the early payoff of the Bond Program and the refinancing of the Church's loan with the Board of Global Missions of the United Methodist Church.

In June 1993, Rev. James E. Cooke came to serve as Pastor of Aldersgate. Rev. Cooke retired July 1, 1995, and he and his wife, Pat, remained in the community and active in the Church until their move to Richmond.

A kitchen adjoining the fellowship hall and a new playground were completed in 1994. Planning began for renovating the old fellowship hall into classrooms and the old sanctuary into a library, a choir room, and offices for Church staff members.

In July 1994, the Agape Class sponsored the Fifty-two Voices of America youth in concert at Aldersgate. A Greeter Program for Worship Services and Sunday school was begun. In December 1994 the Administrative Board approved the appointment of a Long Range Planning Committee to present a plan for future growth for Aldersgate. Emphasis was to be placed on providing facilities, staff and ministries (programs).

Rev. Willard Wash was appointed Pastor of Aldersgate in June 1995. Renovation was completed on the old fellowship hall making it into a choir room/library, classrooms, and offices for Church staff members. The United Methodist Women presented four banners, one each for Lenten Season, Easter, Pentecost and Advent, to hang in the pulpit. A second Worship Service was added in November 1996. In June 1997, a three-octave set of Malmark handbells was purchased with funds from the Bruder Bequest, and the Youth Handbell Choir (Asbury Ringers) began practice under the direction of Norman Allen that fall.

In June 1997, Rev. Ralph Rowley was appointed Pastor at Aldersgate. At the September Administrative Board meeting, Rev. Rowley recommended and received approval to establish a Joel Committee that would "review the current and future mission of the Church and develop a five to ten year plan, addressing the programs and ministries, facilities and staffing of the Church." The Joel Committee presented its report focusing on the critical needs for new and enhanced ministries and needs for expanding church facilities and staffing for growth to the Administrative Board in June 1998. At the Annual Charge Conference in October 1998, Rev. Rowley reported a membership of 584 persons. At the recommendation of the Joel Committee a Church Council-type structure of church leadership combining the Administrative Board and Council on Ministries was implemented in January 1999. This group recommended the appointment of a committee to discuss the purchase of an adjoining parcel of land, and, in February 1999, an Ad Hoc Committee was appointed to study the establishment of an Endowment Fund.

A Child Safety Committee was established to develop a Child Safety Policy along with guidelines for training both volunteers and paid staff. This Child Safety Policy was later revised to include "Building Safety for Children." Easter Services included a "Stations of the Cross" service with paintings that had been rendered by members. Maundy Thursday Services this year included "Table for 12" Communion Service.

On May 23, 1999, the Church celebrated Aldersgate Sunday to commemorate John Wesley's 'heart warming' experience in London on May 24, 1738. There were 387 persons present to hear Rev. Amos Rideout, former Pastor, preach at the Worship Service, and Charter Members in attendance were recognized. In the summer of 1999, an architect specialist in Church Architecture and Design was hired to evaluate and make recommendations for the Church's facilities needs. The recommendation was for a 600-seat sanctuary connecting to the present building at the sanctuary's end bordering on Rio Road with the existing sanctuary becoming a fellowship hall.

At a joint Church Council Meeting/Charge Conference in August 1999, a resolution was passed establishing an Endowment Fund Program and a Permanent Endowment Fund Committee. On two occasions work groups from the Church traveled to areas that had been ravaged by Hurricane Floyd to help with home repairs, taking with them on each occasion Mission Kits that had been prepared by the congregation. Growth in ministry included a Homebound Ministry for shut-ins, Prayer Chain, Disciple Bible Study Classes and the establishment of an Aldersgate Web Page. Services were tape recorded with tapes being made available to those unable to attend Worship Services.

At the annual Charge Conference in the fall, it was reported membership was now 656 members with average attendance at Worship Services 288 persons.

Aldersgate marked the millennium with a New Year's Eve Service at midnight followed by a continental breakfast. Early in 2000 the Church entered into a covenant relationship with Missionaries Charles and Patty Maddox. In February, a Building Fund was established for a new sanctuary. Easter Sunday Worship Services in 2000 had a record attendance of 565 persons. That fall, staff positions for a Director of Spiritual Growth and Youth Ministry and a Minister of Congregational Care were approved. Andrew Pearson was appointed Director of Youth Ministries and Rev. Jeanette Buys was appointed Minister of Congregational Care. The sanctuary was made handicap-accessible, and a sound room for audio-ministry was added at the rear of the sanctuary. At the Charge Conference in October 2000, membership was reported to be 685 persons. An Ad Hoc Site Planning Committee was appointed to study future expansion of the Church facilities and investigate the acquisition of land for additional parking. By March of 2001, Church membership had increased to 700 members. The Building Committee began its two-phase implementation to discuss with the congregation the facilities needs and consult with architects.

Rev. Dr. Matthew W. Jones, IV was appointed Pastor at Virginia Annual Conference in June 2001. Major renovations and refurbishing were completed on the parsonage in the summer of 2001. A separate library with a computer workstation for volunteer use was established in a previous classroom space. Modular units were placed at the rear of the church building for Sunday school classroom space and opened in January 2002. The Church narthex was refurbished with additional lighting and tables and an audio-visual room was completed. At a Charge Conference in October 2002, a Building Committee was elected to study the future expansion of the Church facilities. The Committee recommended construction of a 500-600 seat sanctuary and was charged with the responsibility of launching a Capital Funds Campaign, and developing preliminary architectural plans, cost estimate and financial plan to present to the District Board of Church Location and Building.

In 2003, emphasis was placed on spiritual growth. In addition to several short-term Bible study groups, members participated in the Disciple Bible Study Series and the Alpha series. Other new ministries were initiated, including an emphasis on improving the health of people in the church and community through a program of health ministries. Stephen Ministry was offered for lay care to church members. Invitational evangelism was expanded through direct mail advertising and a park bench advertisement in front of a local grocery store. Aldersgate participated in the Methodist Hour on PAX-TV.

During the summer of 2003, sixteen Aldersgate seniors participated in Camp Young at Heart, a three-day, interdenominational retreat. The program offered a variety of topics including Bible study, genealogy, and painting. A Youth Council was appointed to oversee the planning and implementation of programs for the youth. Two new Sunday School classes were formed; one to address the needs of young adults and the second one, Drifters, for individuals who might not be able to attend Sunday School on a regular basis.. The Lyric Choir became a permanent part of the 8:30 worship service. Members donated school supplies for the Back to School mission project.

During the worship service on September 18, 2003 the mortgage note for the second sanctuary was burned.

A facilities needs assessment was conducted and based on those results, a Charge Conference was held and approved the expansion program to include the construction of a 500 seat sanctuary. A part-time Associate Pastor, Rev. Christopher Fuss, was appointed. Membership increased to over 790. Members initiated an outreach program, Action in Reading, to provide literacy opportunities for children living in an income restricted apartment complex near the Church. The Church Council established an ad hoc committee to study volunteerism in our church. At the recommendation of the committee, Church Council hosted a Time and Talent Fair during the Sunday School hour in the fall. Each Council committee and work area team provided information on their activities as well as opportunities for Church members to participate. Members were then asked to complete a Time and Talent Survey to express their interest in the various committees and teams.

On May 1, 2005, Commitment Sunday was held to support the Sanctuary Building Fund. In August, a charge conference was held to approve the building of a new sanctuary. A construction contract was signed with Coleman Adams Construction Company and a ground-breaking ceremony was held on December 21, 2005.

The next year, our worship experience was enhanced with a new grand piano donated by Church members. Senior members participated in Camp Young at Heart in conjunction with Broadus Memorial Baptist Church and other area churches. The Church Council sponsored a new church pictorial directory.

The Building Committee continued to meet regularly with local government to receive approval to begin construction of the new sanctuary. Church Council established an ad hoc committee to investigate the possibility of a contemporary worship service. The Church's website continued to be improved with the adoption of a new domain name, CVAUMC.ORG, and the addition of digital recordings of the weekly sermons.

Rev. Jones initiated a new program, "Coffee with the Pastors" to orient newcomers and persons interested in learning more about Methodism and the programs and goals at Aldersgate. Our local and global mission projects continued to receive support during 2006.

That same year the Church expanded its support of PACEM by joining Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in hosting the overnight lodging to the homeless for one week with two meals per day, showers, and laundry services included. Evening activities included Bible Study, movies, cards, chess, television, reading materials and haircutting. We maintained our covenant relationship with Charles and Patty Maddox at Sager Brown, Louisiana as well as our participation as a Global Mission Partner. Through the Virginia Conference Volunteers in Mission, our Church sent a team of nine members to Biloxi, Missippi to help in restoration of a home devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Aldersgate also joined Heifer International.

In October, the Church held its first Aldersgate Fest consisting of a luncheon, silent auction of items and services donated by local businesses, vendors' booths, and activities for children. The Festival was well received by the entire community and brought church members and members of the community together for a day of fun and festivities.

In 2007 the Aldersgate church family and community watched excitedly the construction of the new sanctuary. The progress of the construction process was digitally recorded and placed on the website as well as entered into the Church's archives. Lay leadership, ushers, greeters and acolytes received training and retraining to prepare for the transition into our expanded worship center. The last worship service in the old sanctuary was held on December 16. The first worship service was held in the new sanctuary on December 23. The new facilities include a portico and a spacious entrance on the lower level and the sanctuary, narthex and parlor on the upper level. Furnishings for the new facilities were donated by Church members and friends in memory and honor of loved ones. The narthex area includes art prints depicting chronological events in the life of Jesus. This project was made possible through funds from a Religious Art Fund established in honor of Rev. Jeanette Buys, a retired minister.

A new Sunday School Class for Adults was begun as an outgrowth of a Bible Study using the Efird Bible Study Series. The mission team supported community mission projects. The Church hosted a week of lodging for PACEM program for a second year in February. Approximately 50 homeless men were housed overnight for one week through the PACEM program. Each individual was provided lodging, an evening meal and a bagged lunch. The Church provided 250 students from a local elementary school needed supplies for school. Clothing, baby needs, hygiene items, shoes and school supplies were collected and given to the local National Guard Armory for shipment to an orphanage which they had adopted in Iraq.

Upon the retirement of Charles and Patty Maddox, Aldersgate began a covenant relationship with Clara Biswas. The Church provided monetary support for her work in Cambodia along with additional gifts for her specific mission projects.

Grace United Methodist Church closed on June 6, 2007 and its membership was transferred to Aldersgate.

For 2008, the Church Council decided it would continue discussion of the needs of our growing church by utilizing Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase. In February, a Contemporary Worship Service was introduced with music provided by Aldersgate's own praise band.

Over the years, Church members have participated in a mission trips to Russia, Haiti, Mexico and Cambodia. Church members have generously supported the local community with the annual Angel Tree Project at Christmas, annual CROP Walks in October, LOVE, INC, gleaning for apples for the Blue Ridge Food Bank, Christmas in April Project, blood drives, Habitat for Humanity, Alliance for Interfaith Ministries, bagging groceries for the local Emergency Food Bank, and most recently, a children's clothing closet.

Aldersgate is a family oriented church seeking ways to engage people of various ages and stages of life and backgrounds in meaningful ministry. As such, it has embraced the United Methodist Campaign "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors." The Aldersgate Church family now totals more than 900 Christian disciples who seek to do God's will through worship, fellowship, prayer, study, stewardship and ministry to God's people.

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Music Ministry

At Aldersgate, music has always been central to worship and fellowship. In 1967-68 Lee Moyers volunteered to direct the Sanctuary Choir whose maximum membership was 9. Mrs. Margil Coyner, Mrs. Jean Stewart and Mrs. Lynn Brewer volunteered at the organ and the piano. Mrs. Coyner and Mrs. Stewart began a children's choir.

In 1969, the Claude Reed asked Ken Argenbright to take the directorship of the Sanctuary Choir, a position he held until February 1992. During this time the Choir grew from 9 members to 33 members. As well as providing regular worship music, the Choir provided Christmas and Easter Cantatas. Don Seay served as Organist from 1988-1992 and Mrs. Suellen Good served as Pianist.

Mrs. Mary Bosch assumed Choir leadership from 1992-1994, followed by Miss Amy Tyree from 1995-1998. During this time Aldersgate was fortunate to obtain the services of Norman Allen as Organist.

In 1998, Charles J. Torian, Jr. was hired to direct the Music Ministry at Aldersgate and his wife, Theresa, to lead the Children's Music with Norman Allen as organist. At that time there were three musical groups performing at Aldersgate, the Sanctuary Choir, the Joyful Noise Singers and the Wesley Ringers. In 2003, Normal Allen retired and Theresa became the organist. At the present time, Aldersgate is blessed with two handbell choirs (Asbury Ringers and Wesley Ringers), an instrumental ensemble, two adult choirs (Sanctuary Choir and Lyric Choir), a Youth Choir, Joyful Noise Singers and a developing praise band. Catherine Lamb serves as accompanist for the Youth Choir. As of January 2008, the total membership in the musical groups at Aldersgate stands at 105.

Youth Ministry at Aldersgate

Youth Mission Statement: To grow together through Christ by serving others, bonding with Christian friends, and discovering our faith.

Aldersgate has provided opportunities for youth to engage in fellowship, study and service beyond the Sunday worship experience. With the support of the Council on Ministries and Administrative Board, parents and volunteers served as counselors to plan and implement weekly programs and activities designed to provide opportunities for spiritual growth and involvement in the life of the church. During the ensuing years, the youth program has transitioned to meet the needs and interests of growing numbers of young people. They have participated in many aspects of the music program with the adult choir, instrumental music group and hand bell choir organized in 1997. Youth have regularly served as ushers for worship, participated in leading worship services, and sponsored parties for the children of the church. Each year, a youth is appointed to serve on the Church Council.

The youth have participated in mission projects including FredCamp, the annual CROP Walk, sponsoring a canned food drive, Salvation Army bell ringing, a soup kitchen, Teens Opposing Poverty (TOP) and raking leaves for Church members in the fall. The youth sponsor a "Parents Night Out" for baby and child sitting. The junior and senior high youth have participated in week long summer mission trips to help meet the home repair needs of the elderly, infirmed and poor with organizations such as Appalachia Service Project, Jeremiah Project and Group Workcamps Foundation. Aldersgate has encouraged youth participation in Virginia Conference activities including Voices of Youth, Youth Engaged in Service and Junior and Senior High Conference Youth Retreats.

In June 2000, the Church Council voted to add a part-time Director for Youth Ministries. This position provides leadership and guidance to the program for both the junior and senior high students. The junior and senior high youth meet regularly on Sunday evenings for study and fellowship. Participation has ranged from 15 to 35 youth. Also, the pre-youth (grades 3-5) meet once a month for fellowship and service projects under the guidance of parent volunteers.

United Methodist Women

All women at Aldersgate are welcome to share in Christian fellowship. The Aldersgate Unit of Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) was organized in 1964 with Gwen Smythers serving as President. Currently there are two active circles of United Methodist Women. The Mary Evelyn Mills Circle and the Susannah Wesley Circle meet regularly. They support local, district activities as well as ministries throughout the United States and the world conference. The main goal through the years has been and is mission to those in need. Funds have been raised for many projects within the Church.

In the early 1980's, Aldersgate UMW supported the "Wells in Africa" project, which gave the people of Africa much easier access to water. Aldersgate UMW supports ongoing projects of the Henry Fork Center, Red Bird Mission, Wesley Center, Family Services, Henderson Settlement, Blackstone Assembly Center, Bethlehem Center, Ferrum College, Monticello Area Community Action Agency, Kings Way Prison Ministry, Shelter for Help in Emergency, Meals on Wheels, Thomas Jefferson Food Bank, University of Virginia Hospital Hospitality House, and Emmaus with Child. In the local Church youth scholarships are provided to Westview Camp. Members oversee the clothing closet for children. In 2006 and 2007, the UMW of Aldersgate provided financial assistance to the Youth Mission projects in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia.

United Methodist Men

In early 1963, the men of Aldersgate indicated an interest in a building program, organized the Methodist Men, and were chartered by the Board of Lay Activities of the Methodist Church. Members are dedicated to Christian growth in their own lives and service to the church and the community. Through the years, the United Methodist Men have undertaken numerous building projects, provided many hours of service in maintaining the Church property, purchased a piano for the fellowship hall, and supported local mission projects.

In recent years the Aldersgate United Methodist Men have provided financial support to the scouting program and youth mission projects by hosting pancake breakfasts. Each spring members volunteer at Westview on the James for a designated improvement project. They have contributed extensively to the landscape maintenance and improvement of the Church property.

In 2004, Rev. Christopher Fuss, who was serving as minister at Westover United Methodist Church in Greene County, requested the assistance of the Aldersgate United Methodist Men's group to provide assistance with the refurbishing of the church's chapel built in 1912. Over 35 people from Aldersgate rallied with the rural church to make necessary wall repairs and paint the church.

When an interest was expressed in supporting a Boy Scout Troup, an organizational meeting headed by Ron Wiley, Sr. and Merrill Bishop was held in late 1998. In January 1999, Troop 119 held its first meeting with six leaders and six boys. The Troop, sponsored by the United Methodist Men at Aldersgate, includes 8 current leaders and 35 boys. Troop 119 has 8 Eagle Scouts and several boys working on their Eagle projects.

Sweet Wednesdays

In 2007, a small group of Aldersgate women launched a new faith-based group called Sweet Tuesdays. It is based on the concept of Richmond native Kim Newlin's Sweet Mondays, an opportunity to share their life experiences. The AUMC group of five to ten women meets monthly in a member's home for an evening of Christian fellowship. The group invites women of all ages to join their monthly session.

Memorials and Gifts

Members and friends of Aldersgate have been generous in contributing many of the furnishings for the original sanctuary in 1963, the second sanctuary in 1987, and the new sanctuary. Many of these gifts are considered essential to our worship service. Other gifts have varied from providing aesthetic improvements to the Church property to necessary furnishings for the various programs and activities of the Church and its missions. In addition each year during Advent and Lent, members contribute funds for the purchase of Mission Kit supplies which are delivered to Annual Conference for distribution. A registry of memorial gifts and gifts given in honor is maintained by the History and Archives Committee.

History and Archive Committee

The History and Archive Committee gratefully acknowledges the work of Eleanor Carter who wrote Aldersgate United Methodist Church, The First 30 Years in 1993. In celebration of the 40^th anniversary of Aldersgate, the history was updated in 2003. This edition is presented and published in recognition of 45 years of ministry and for the March 3, 2008 Consecration Ceremony of our third sanctuary. We appreciate the contributions of those who assisted in compiling the information and publishing this document.

Linda Tyree
Nancy Berman
Charlotte Mabry