Open to All
Perhaps you have
seen one of the billboards or TV spots with the slogan, “Our
Hearts, 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!”
John and Marie Williams
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