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Open to All Perhaps you have seen one of the billboards or TV spots with the slogan, “OurHearts, Our Minds, and Our Doors are Open – The People of the United Methodist Church.” As a relative newcomer, I can personally vouch that openness to all kinds of folks is no mere slogan at Aldersgate. This is by far the most hospitable congregation with which I have served. We are proud of our United Methodist heritage and approach to ministry. Proud because that tradition affirms diversity. You will never hear another denomination bashed at Aldersgate. We recognize the baptism and receive members from other denominations as if they were transferring from another United Methodist Church. We welcome all persons to the Lord’s table when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. We have a deep respect for all other Christian bodies. We avoid labels like “liberal” or “conservative” at Aldersgate. We respect diversity in matters of opinion. We are a multi-cultural, racial and generational congregation. In our diversity, we are one in Christ. That is what matters. Aldersgate is also diverse in our approach to worship. For those who value traditional worship we have services at 8:15 and 11:00. For those who are touched by the fresh expressions of contemporary worship, we have an exciting praise service at 9:30. Our diversity is expressed in other ways. We have large, strong ministries to families with children and youth. There is a substantial program of hands-on volunteer ministries to the poor right here in Slidell. There are varied ministries of spiritual formation and study for all ages and interests. Through our Care Team, members and pastors work together to provide support to persons in crisis. These are but a few of our ministries. It won’t take you long to discover Aldersgate is truly like a family, rich in the relationships that matter most. Growing together in Christ, we worship, we serve, we laugh, we study, we cry, we learn, and we reach out to the world with the life-transforming love of God. If you have been searching for a place to be at home, the people of Aldersgate United Methodist Church would say again, “Our Hearts, Our Minds and Our Doors Are Open – Welcome Home!”
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