# LLMs-Full.txt - Full Content for Project Pages # Generated on: 2026-08-05T02:47:58.967Z # Total pages: 54 --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/worship-event ### Title: Sunday Events ### Page ID: 5385382 ### Content: # Adult Sunday School # SUNDAYS FROM 9:00 - 10:30 # Worship Service # SUNDAYS FROM 10:30 - 11:30 # Coffee & Conversation # SUNDAYS AT 11:30 Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - Aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/) - [About Us](#) - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees) - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe) - [History](/history) - [Ministries](/ministries) - [Children](/children) - [Youth](/youth) - [Adults](/adults) - [Events](/events) - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar) - [Sermons](/sermons) - [Give](/give) - [Contact](/contact) - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees) - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe) - [History](/history) - [Children](/children) - [Youth](/youth) - [Adults](/adults) - [Home](/) - [About Us](#) - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees) - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe) - [History](/history) - [Ministries](/ministries) - [Children](/children) - [Youth](/youth) - [Adults](/adults) - [Events](/events) - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar) - [Sermons](/sermons) - [Give](/give) - [Contact](/contact) - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees) - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe) - [History](/history) - [Children](/children) - [Youth](/youth) - [Adults](/adults) --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/home ### Title: Home ### Page ID: 5355252 ### Content: ###### **YOUTUBE** ###### **TRUMPET CALL** ###### **CONNECTION FORM** ## "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" ###### Jan 11, 2026 ###### Burt Todd ## Welcome! We're so glad you're here! ### Christmas Eve Service ### Aldersgate Barnabas Committee ### Midweek Lipreaders ## WORSHIP ###### **Sundays at Aldersgate** ###### **Sunday Schedule** ###### **What We Believe:** # **EVENTS** #### Church Choir Practice ##### Date: Every Wednesday, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm #### SPRC Meeting ##### Date: Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm #### Celebration Conference ##### Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Can't make it to church? We livestream every Sunday Worship Service on our YouTube channel. Aldersgate sends out a monthly newsletter. You can view the current and past Trumpet Calls right here. We’re glad you have chosen to be our guest. Fill out this connection form to let us know how we can best serve you. **As United** **Methodists**, we are the church with "Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors".    **John Wesley often stated**, "The world is our parish". We invite everyone  to come, worship with us and grow in the love of God, self and neighbor.    **Our purpose is twofold** -- to grow spiritually as followers of Jesus Christ and to live as Jesus' disciples making a difference in our homes  and in our contemporary world.  We will hold an **All-Church “Celebration Conference” on Wednesday, January 28 at 5:30 PM and share a meal** prepared by our Administrative Council. This meeting covers the following reporting and celebrations: Pastor's Report, Committee Reports, Finance Report/Budget approval, 2026 Goals/Dreams/Projects, Ratification of Charge Conference Votes, etc.  **Each month we will be featuring a different mission. This month’s mission will support** The focus of this group is on the members and friends of Aldersgate; specifically, those who are shut-ins or are residing in our care facilities. The work of this group is to visit these individuals and share the love of God and the care of Aldersgate people. Cards and well-wishes are written at each meeting and plans are always made to find ways to meet those who are now unable to travel outside of their home. In their own words, “we wish to bring them a feeling of belonging and an unfailing faith. It is important that we bring them a little sunshine, a break in any lonesomeness, an avenue to express any occurrences that bring them happiness or unhappiness that they need to express. Our visits are a chance for them to talk, to reminisce, or express whatever they are pondering.” Barnabas are the card-writers of our community. This lost art continues as members of Aldersgate receive cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. "The Midweek Lipreaders meet on Wednesdays **at 10:00 AM** - beginning January 14 - and will explore ***Parables from the Back Side*** by J. Ellsworth Kalas. The book presents new insight into twelve of Jesus' parables by entering them through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens" or the eyes of a minor or unsympathetic character.  This class is based on Godly conversation fueled by “Sacramental Methodist brew.”  Because of holidays and other activities, the weekly schedule changes from time to time, but these are the basic events each Sunday. Watch the church worship program, newsletters, bulletin boards, and Sunday announcements for changes. From its beginnings with John Wesley and the Methodist circuit riders, The United Methodist Church has focused on bringing the Word of God to all of God’s children. We do this by preaching and studying God’s Word as set forth in the Bible, observing the sacraments, praising God in work and song, living in Christian fellowship, and by reaching out to all persons, no matter their age, gender, race, economic, social or other status. Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Watch](javascript: void\(0\);) - [Notes](https://s3.amazonaws.com/account-media/31233/uploaded/o/0e20779537_1768418525_order-of-worship-1-11-2026.pdf) --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/reset-password-page ### Title: Reset password page ### Page ID: 5355257 ### Content: Reset Password Reset Password --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/what-we-believe ### Title: What We Believe ### Page ID: 5355258 ### Content: ## The People Called Methodists ## Aldersgate Church ## What We Believe ###### **Mission Statement** ###### **Welcoming Statement** ###### **Open Communion** From its beginnings with John Wesley and the Methodist circuit riders, The United Methodist Church has focused on bringing the Word of God to all of God’s children. We do this by preaching and studying God’s Word as set forth in the Bible, observing the sacraments, praising God in work and song, living in Christian fellowship, and by reaching out to all persons, no matter their age, gender, race, etc.o.nomic, social or other status. Aldersgate UMC is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God. In The United Methodist Church, pastors and participants serve as partners in ministry. More than 14 ministry teams and 150 members make up the ministry of this congregation. We encourage you to find a way to participate that suits you. Look for information at the Welcome Center or [*contact the office*](/contact) for more information. The average weekly in-person attendance of the church is 95; on-line worship is 47. We offer an in-person worship that is informal at 10:30 AM. This service is broadcast live and one can access any recorded services on our [*YouTube channel*](https://www.youtube.com/@buttealdersgateumc6731/streams). Many activities and events take place each week at the church. You can find more information about these events in the [*Events tab*.](/events) Welcome home to Aldersgate, a community growing in Christ, led by the Holy Spirit: ***Welcoming*** to all, ***Gathering*** in relationship to inspire and nurture a spirit of compassion, and ***Serving*** each other, the community and the world, wherever there is need. Aldersgate UMC affirms that all are made in the image of God, having sacred worth & dignity. Each person has a unique story, whether it is by circumstance or choice. With many gifts and passions, we come, as we are, to journey together following Jesus Christ. Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/our-staff-and-committees ### Title: Our Staff and Committees ### Page ID: 5355259 ### Content: ## Our Staff ###### **PASTOR SUE MCNICOL** ###### **VICKI KESTLE - *Treasurer*** ###### **KARIANN THAUT - *Admin. Assistant*** ###### **FRED CRASE - *Music Director*** ###### **ED DOBB - *Custodian*** ## Committees ##### **ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL** ##### **STAFF / PASTOR-PARISH RELATIONS** ##### **Board of Trustees** ##### **Committee on Finance and Memorials** ##### **Barnabas Committee** ##### **Member / Nurture Team** ### Committee Calendar #### SPRC Meeting ##### Date: Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm #### Ad. Council Meeting ##### Date: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm #### Barnabas Meeting ##### Date: First Monday of the month, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm **MEMBERS:** Brad Belke, Vicki Kestle, Kariann Thaut, Jean Frank, Janet Helfrich, Dave Duffy, Peggy Ryan, Debbie Higbie, Terri Belke, Jyl Duffy, Debbie Todd, Bonnie Canty, Bruce Schuelke, Kathy Davis, and Jill Graff. **WHAT THEY DO:** The Administrative Council ensures that all items of the Charge Conference are fulfilled throughout the year. In fact, the purpose of the Council is to act as the Executive Body for the Charge Conference. Since Charge Conference only meets once a year, the Administrative Council meets as needed throughout the year fulfilling all items listed in the Visions and Goals of our Charge Conference document. As with any policy-making body there are items that come up that may not have been foreseen during Charge Conference. The Administrative Council acts upon those items to ensure timely use of our church building, our resources, and to make sure that the church is following the principals of *The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.* **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** A typical meeting of the Administrative Council usually lasts an hour with reports given by heads of each ministry team. Since this body acts as the Executive Body for the church there have been occasions where meetings have lasted longer than an hour. Usually we come to an agreement or we table the discussion until more research is to be had. The Administrative Council typically meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 7 pm in the overflow room. This date was chosen to ensure that our decisions would be reflected in the following month’s newsletter. **MEMBERS:** Brad Belke, Barbara O’Brien, Nita Kingsbury, Becky Rolich, Kathleen Finch, Jyl Duffy, Arlene Timmer, Cheryl Wegley, and Riley Lubick. **WHAT THEY DO:** The Staff / Pastor-Parish Relations Committee or S/P-PRC for short operates as BOTH a personnel committee and a committee that works with the pastor. As a personnel committee the S/P-PRC meets with all paid staff members of the church. When there is a vacancy this group also makes the hire and sets the salaries (with approval of charge conference) for these hired personnel. Switching gears, the S/P-PRC is the official body that works with our Bishop to ensure we have pastoral leadership. When there is a change in pastors it is this committee that meets with the District Superintendent to talk about the change and who shall be the next pastor. This is also the only committee that is allowed to share joys and concerns with the District Superintendent. The pastor is not hired by the church. The pastor is appointed by the Bishop to our congregation and it is through the District Superintendent that our wishes are made known. Since we own a parsonage as the home resided by the pastor, this committee works with our Trustees. A 6-member team (three from each committee) meets with the pastor once a year to ensure that the parsonage meets the minimum standards set forth by the Mountain Sky Annual Conference. Jim Axelson, Pat Gibson, and Barb O’Brien represent the S/P-PRC on this subcommittee. One other aspect of this team is to discern the call into ministry of any individual. The pastor makes the initial visit and then once this individual feels they are ready for the next step, it is the S/P-PRC that meets and approves of the candidate for continuation. **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** The Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee does not have a set time to meet. It is usually as needed by the Conference or when concerns are valid. Due to the nature of the work all discussions are confidential. **MEMBERS:** Check Kestle, Ronda Cherry, Bob Worley, Amy McNichols, Debbie Fisher, Karen “Sarge” Sargeant, and Ryan Belke. There is one vacancy. **WHAT THEY DO:** The make-up of this team is the most detailed of all of the committees in the church. According to *The Book of Discipline* there can only be a maximum of nine members where 1/3 (3 people) of the membership is made up of lay women and 2/3 (6 people) have to be members of the church. It is the only committee that requires a quorum (a majority) to meet. The Trustees can still gather but no official decisions can be made unless a majority of the members of the Trustees are present. The Committee on Trustees has such requirements because it is the incorporated body of the church and thus works with the Secretary of State to ensure that the congregation is current on all legal matters such as its incorporation and with its insurance. Think of the Trustees as the Board of Directors. It is a misnomer that the Trustees only handle the property of the church. The Trustees are in charge of all assets of the congregation. These assets include the church’s endowment, its finances, and the buildings and grounds that the congregation owns. A member of the Trustee’s sits on the Endowment Committee and also on the Committee on Finance for this very reason. The Committee on Trustees works closely with the Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee to ensure that the Parsonage meets all minimum standards set by the Mountain Sky Annual Conference. Three members (Bruce Schuelke, Deb Fisher, and Amy McNichols) make up one-half of this sub-committee. **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** Business meetings of the Trustees usually focus on property issues since it is the most visible asset. Meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm and meet in the Conference Room. **MEMBERS:** Kariann Thaut, Vicki Kestle (Treasurer), Bruce Schuelke (representing the Trustees), Brad Belke, Gerry Allen, Barry Kippen, Bill Rhoads, and Phylis Rice. **WHAT THEY DO:** The goal of this ministry is to ensure that all of our bills are paid at the end of the year. Our discussion focuses on stewardship and specifically the acknowledgment that what we have all comes from God (Psalm 50.10). We believe it is a blessing that we receive a paycheck and a retirement account and have food in our bellies, a warm place to sleep. When we understand that all of this comes from God we feel we have done the work of the Lord who loves us. Our stewardship moments are an acknowledgment of just this. The committee also looks at the expenses of the church to ensure that we are using your gifts responsibly. Financial reports that include income and expenses or in church speak – gifts and obligations – are commonplace at our gatherings. It is always our goal that our tithes and our gifts meet the obligation of the budget. However, the committee acknowledges that there are shortfalls. Since it is the obligation to raise the needed funds for the church, members of this committee do focus on fund-raisers. The work of acknowledging memorial gifts falls under this ministry team. We have a dedicated volunteer who works on acknowledging all gifts to the church. It is also our policy that all gifts to the Memorials of the church that are undesignated – meaning that no decision has been made to these funds – are forwarded to our Endowment. This only takes place after a six-month grieving process. **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** Meetings for this ministry team usually take place once-a-month on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm and held in our overflow room **MEMBERS:** Peggy Ryan, Carol Brown, LaVerne Henrich, Cherilyn Lambert, Anita Richard, Carol Rhoads, and John Rich. **WHAT THEY DO:** The focus of this group is on the members and friends of Aldersgate; specifically, those who are shut-ins or are residing in our care facilities. The work of this group is to visit these individuals and share the love of God and the care of Aldersgate people. Cards and well-wishes are written at each meeting and plans are always made to find ways to meet those who are now unable to travel outside of their home. In their own words, “we wish to bring them a feeling of belonging and an unfailing faith. It is important that we bring them a little sunshine, a break in any lonesomeness, an avenue to express any occurrences that bring them happiness or unhappiness that they need to express. Our visits are a chance for them to talk, to reminisce, or express whatever they are pondering.” Barnabas are the card-writers of our community. This lost art continues as members of Aldersgate receive cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** Meetings for the ministry of Barnabas are on the first Monday’s of the month at 11 am. **MEMBERS:** Terri Belke, Kathleen Finch, LaVerne Henrich, Lauren Kippen, Barbara O’Brien, Marilyn Parrett, Georgia Quilici, Donna Shovlin, Marylyn Shovlin, and Fran Warner. **WHAT THEY DO:** The focus of this group is on the members of Aldersgate. We are always looking for ways to enhance the communal “feel” of the congregation. Member / Nurture organizes our coffee hour; members distribute bulletins and communion to those in our nursing facilities, and they organize special meals to bring our community together. When we have cake (i.e. to celebrate our graduates) after church it is often at the direction of Member/Nurture. We work closely with other ministry teams to make sure that everyone feels Welcomed Home to Aldersgate. **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** The group only meets as necessary or when getting ready for an event. **MEMBERS:** Jyl Duffy, Roberta Dobb, Sharon Miller, Shirley Rognstad, Pat Gibson, Nancy Sullivan, Mary Jo Turner, Chris Hassler, Andi Kankelborg, and Elaine Schnell. **WHAT THEY DO:** The focus of this group is on those who reside outside the walls of our church. Our aim is to be the hands of Jesus in our work and through our mission dollars. In these efforts we realize that we cannot do it all, however, we can concentrate our mission work on a monthly basis. Each month we have selected various missions that are either local or global and we support them wholeheartedly. Some of these missions are supported through the dollars, cents, and checks placed in the “pink” basket that represents the mission of the month. Some of our missions are supported by a special plea for coats or teddy bears or paper products or school supplies. We are a giving church and our mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus never ends. **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** The group only meets as necessary or when getting ready for a mission project. **MEMBERS:** Jill Graff, Brad Belke, Marcia Lubick, Lara Robins, and Sheryl Tremis. **WHAT THEY DO:** The focus of this group is found in our name – Christian Education. We take seriously this role and do our best to provide ministry to the children and youth of our congregation. Our work is continually evolving. Each year we look at the congregation and decide what would be best for our population. Due to our numbers, Kid’s Night meets on the first Sunday of each month from 4 pm to 5 pm followed by dinner. Due to our numbers, Youth Group meets from 3 pm to 5 pm on the first three Sundays of the month. The only meal provided is shared with the Kid’s Group on the first Sunday of the month. We also work to make sure that we provide for Vacation Bible School in the summer and a Christmas program in the winter. Some of you caught our production of the Living Nativity. In addition, they provide for Christian Education needs of our special adults and support, as best we can, the adult Sunday school class that meets at 9 am on Sunday mornings.  **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** The group only meets as necessary or when getting ready for a mission project. **LAY ADVOCATES:** Terri Belke, Jyl Duffy, and Peggy Ryan **WHAT THEY DO:** The Lay Advocates position was created in 2018 to supplement and assist the Lay Leader by establishing a group of lay people to assist with projects and special events, support the committees of the church, and step in where necessary to ensure the success of the church. At its creation we have always had 3 Lay Advocates. Each Lay Advocate is assigned to one of our missional committees and they also serve on the Administrative Council. **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** The Lay Advocates do not meet at a subscribed time but are in constant communication as to the needs of the church Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/ministries ### Title: Ministries ### Page ID: 5355260 ### Content: ### Our Ministries ###### [**CHILDREN**](/children) ###### [**YOUTH**](/youth) ###### [**ADULTS**](/adults) No matter your stage or season of life, we want you and your family to join us! Your family is always welcome here at Majesty. Children bring wonderful gifts to worship and their presence and participation is encouraged. During worship, children ages 0-6 are welcome to play in the nursery downstairs. Children above 6 years must remain upstairs during worship. A Fun Bag full of items to be used during worship is located at the entrance of our sanctuary. Please return the bags to be used for next week. If you spend any time around our church at all, you'll quickly learn one thing: we love students. They're smart. They're funny. They're bold. And they're bursting with potential. We truly believe that the middle and high school students in our midst are world changers in the making. That's why student ministry is such a huge part of what we do at our church. We want to guide our students in developing a personal faith in Christ as they step into their specific roles in the story He's writing with their lives. We work hard to create environments that engage students in good conversation about God, encouraging them to ask questions, search out answers, and truly learn to listen to His leading in their lives.  Don't worry, all the good stuff at our church isn't just for the under 18 crowd! We have plenty of engaging events and gatherings designed to build the faith and community of our adults as well. Young or old, Christian or not, single or married, man or woman—we've got a place for you! Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/give ### Title: Give ### Page ID: 5355261 ### Content: ## Give to the work of Aldersgate Church ## Giving Online Explained by Our Youth Group ## Our Plan of Ministry ###### **make time for God** ###### **NURTURE PERSONS** ###### **WITNESS OUR FAITH IN SERVICE**            To live out our mission to be in ministry to the people of Butte and Silver Bow County the leadership of Aldersgate United Methodist Church has constructed a bold plan to make a difference in our local community and in the world. We celebrate a wonderful past year and commit ourselves to even more lives Welcomed Home to Aldersgate. Join us in this journey. On an average week, 90 people gather in person to praise God and hear God’s life changing message. In addition, an average of 40 views on our website and YouTube channel. Since COVID, we are committed to a ministry that reaches those mobile enough to come to church and those who worship in far-off places. In fact, at least 30% of our viewership comes later in the week. We are quickly becoming a society where worship takes place on one’s phone or laptop or computer screen. This ministry pays for all copyright licenses, training for our camera operators, logistics for our engineers, and all worship staff. Worship, in the digital age, is more complicated, but we are committed to being here when you cannot be here in person. Your gifts allow us to reach people all over the world. “Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my.” Actually, it was more like “dinosaurs, and spooky creatures, and fun games, oh my.” Our first all-church night was a huge success. On Sunday, October 30th, we entertained close to 80 people with a Halloween party. We had games, prizes, and plenty of food. Each 5th Sunday of the month features an all-church event with activities for all. Your donation to this ministry nurtures a platform where all feel Welcomed Home. 100 items of food, $79 in cash, $1100 for clean water, pennies and nickels and dimes and dollar bills for Intermountain, backpacks and school supplies, travel reimbursement for those who shared their message, and on and on. Our church is committed to service beyond our walls. These examples are just a few moments where we reached beyond ourselves to serve God in places most needed. Our mission dollars go to serve those with the least but who need the most. Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/contact ### Title: Contact ### Page ID: 5355262 ### Content: ### Come Worship With Us! **WELCOME HOME TO ALDERSGATE!** Every Sunday our worship leader makes this statement to the congregation. It is catchy and easy to remember but it is a statement that we live into. Home is a place of safety, security, and love. When we say these words - WELCOME HOME TO ALDERSGATE - we mean it. We'd love to hear from you. Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/events ### Title: Events ### Page ID: 5355263 ### Content: ##### [The Ding-a-lings Handbell Choir Pracitice](/event-detail?mc-slug=24286644-2026-02-15-the-ding-a-lings-handbell-choir-pracitice "The Ding-a-lings Handbell Choir Pracitice") ##### [Fat Tuesday Potluck](/event-detail?mc-slug=24280123-2026-02-17-fat-tuesday-potluck "Fat Tuesday Potluck") ##### [Church Choir Practice](/event-detail?mc-slug=24169701-2026-02-18-church-choir-practice "Church Choir Practice") ##### [Ash Wednesday Service](/event-detail?mc-slug=24268954-2026-02-18-ash-wednesday-service "Ash Wednesday Service") ##### [SPRC Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=24169916-2026-02-18-sprc-meeting "SPRC Meeting") ##### [Ad. Council Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=24262094-2026-02-25-ad-council-meeting "Ad. Council Meeting") ##### [Barnabas Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=23626220-2026-03-02-barnabas-meeting "Barnabas Meeting") ##### [Sandwich Ministry](/event-detail?mc-slug=23625471-2026-03-04-sandwich-ministry "Sandwich Ministry") ##### [Trustees Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=23929397-2026-04-14-trustees-meeting "Trustees Meeting") Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Featured Events](/events?mc-view=featured) - [Event List](/events?mc-view=list) - [Full Calendar](/events?mc-view=calendar) --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/event-detail ### Title: Event Detail ### Page ID: 5355264 ### Content: ## Women's 4th Day ##### Every Wednesday, 8:00 am - 9:00 am ###### Women Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/sermons ### Title: Sermons ### Page ID: 5355265 ### Content: # Sermons #### ["Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=guess-whos-coming-to-dinner) ###### Date: Jan 11, 2026 #### ["It's AH-HA Sunday!"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=its-ah-ha-sunday) ###### Date: Jan 04, 2026 #### ["Reflections, Stories and Scripture: Welcome HOME!"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=reflections-stories-and-scripture-welcome-home) ###### Date: Dec 28, 2025 #### ["Let It Be Us"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=let-it-be-us) ###### Date: Dec 21, 2025 #### ["Being Patient"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=being-patient) ###### Date: Dec 14, 2025 #### ["Let in the Light"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=let-in-the-light) ###### Date: Dec 07, 2025 #### ["A Time for Preparation"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=a-time-for-preparation) ###### Date: Nov 30, 2025 #### ["Jeremiah - More than Just a Bullfrog"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=jeremiah-more-than-just-a-bullfrog) ###### Date: Nov 23, 2025 #### ["Wisdom in our Midst"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=wisdom-in-our-midst) ###### Date: Nov 16, 2025 ## Christmas Eve Service Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/groups ### Title: Groups ### Page ID: 5355267 ### Content: # Groups #### [Committee on Finance and Memorials](/group-detail?mc-slug=committee-on-finance-and-memorials) ###### Meeting Time: 12:00 am #### [Board of Trustees](/group-detail?mc-slug=board-of-trustees) ###### Meeting Day: Tuesday ###### Meeting Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm #### [Staff / Pastor-Parish Relations](/group-detail?mc-slug=staff--pastor-parish-relations) ###### Meeting Time: 12:00 am #### [Ad. Council](/group-detail?mc-slug=ad-council) ###### Meeting Day: Wednesday ###### Meeting Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm #### [Midweek Lipreaders](/group-detail?mc-slug=midweek-lipreaders) ###### Meeting Day: Wednesday ###### Meeting Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/) - [About Us](#) - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees) - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe) - [History](/history) - [Ministries](/ministries) - [Children](/children) - [Youth](/youth) - [Adults](/adults) - [Events](/events) - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar) - [Sermons](/sermons) - [Give](/give) - [Contact](/contact) - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees) - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe) - [History](/history) - [Children](/children) - [Youth](/youth) - [Adults](/adults) - [Home](/) - [About Us](#) - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees) - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe) - [History](/history) - [Ministries](/ministries) - [Children](/children) - [Youth](/youth) - [Adults](/adults) - [Events](/events) - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar) - [Sermons](/sermons) - [Give](/give) - [Contact](/contact) - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees) - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe) - [History](/history) - [Children](/children) - [Youth](/youth) - [Adults](/adults) --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/group-detail ### Title: Group Detail ### Page ID: 5355268 ### Content: ## Committee on Finance and Memorials ###### Category: Committee ###### Status: Open ###### Childcare Provided: No **MEMBERS:** Kariann Thaut, Vicki Kestle (Treasurer), Bruce Schuelke (representing the Trustees), Brad Belke, Gerry Allen, Barry Kippen, Bill Rhoads, and Phylis Rice. **WHAT THEY DO:** The goal of this ministry is to ensure that all of our bills are paid at the end of the year. Our discussion focuses on stewardship and specifically the acknowledgment that what we have all comes from God (Psalm 50.10). We believe it is a blessing that we receive a paycheck and a retirement account and have food in our bellies, a warm place to sleep. When we understand that all of this comes from God we feel we have done the work of the Lord who loves us. Our stewardship moments are an acknowledgment of just this. The committee also looks at the expenses of the church to ensure that we are using your gifts responsibly. Financial reports that include income and expenses or in church speak – gifts and obligations – are commonplace at our gatherings. It is always our goal that our tithes and our gifts meet the obligation of the budget. However, the committee acknowledges that there are shortfalls. Since it is the obligation to raise the needed funds for the church, members of this committee do focus on fund-raisers. The work of acknowledging memorial gifts falls under this ministry team. We have a dedicated volunteer who works on acknowledging all gifts to the church. It is also our policy that all gifts to the Memorials of the church that are undesignated – meaning that no decision has been made to these funds – are forwarded to our Endowment. This only takes place after a six-month grieving process. **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** Meetings for this ministry team usually take place once-a-month on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm and held in our overflow room Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/ministry-content-widget-page ### Title: Ministry Content Widget Page ### Page ID: 5355269 ### Content: #### [Committee on Finance and Memorials](/group-detail?mc-slug=committee-on-finance-and-memorials) #### [Board of Trustees](/group-detail?mc-slug=board-of-trustees) ###### Meeting Day: Tuesday ###### Meeting Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm #### [Staff / Pastor-Parish Relations](/group-detail?mc-slug=staff--pastor-parish-relations) #### [Ad. Council](/group-detail?mc-slug=ad-council) ###### Meeting Day: Wednesday ###### Meeting Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ## [Committee on Finance and Memorials](/group-detail?mc-slug=committee-on-finance-and-memorials) ## [Committee on Finance and Memorials](/group-detail?mc-slug=committee-on-finance-and-memorials) ## [Committee on Finance and Memorials](/group-detail?mc-slug=committee-on-finance-and-memorials) ###### Status: Open #### [Committee on Finance and Memorials](/group-detail?mc-slug=committee-on-finance-and-memorials) #### [Board of Trustees](/group-detail?mc-slug=board-of-trustees) ###### Meeting Day: Tuesday ###### Meeting Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm #### [Staff / Pastor-Parish Relations](/group-detail?mc-slug=staff--pastor-parish-relations) #### [Ad. Council](/group-detail?mc-slug=ad-council) ###### Meeting Day: Wednesday ###### Meeting Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm #### [Midweek Lipreaders](/group-detail?mc-slug=midweek-lipreaders) ###### Meeting Day: Wednesday ###### Meeting Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am #### [Women's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=23657896-2026-01-21-womens-4th-day) ##### Date: Every Wednesday, 8:00 am - 9:00 am #### [Midweek Lipreaders](/event-detail?mc-slug=24169662-2026-01-21-midweek-lipreaders) ##### Date: Every Wednesday, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm #### [Church Choir Practice](/event-detail?mc-slug=24169701-2026-01-21-church-choir-practice) ##### Date: Every Wednesday, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm #### [Men's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=23657905-2026-01-21-mens-4th-day) ##### Date: Every Wednesday, 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm ## [Church Choir Practice](/event-detail?mc-slug=church-choir-practice) ##### Every Wednesday, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm #### ["Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=guess-whos-coming-to-dinner) ###### Date: Jan 11, 2026 #### ["It's AH-HA Sunday!"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=its-ah-ha-sunday) ###### Date: Jan 04, 2026 #### ["Reflections, Stories and Scripture: Welcome HOME!"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=reflections-stories-and-scripture-welcome-home) ###### Date: Dec 28, 2025 #### ["Let It Be Us"](/sermon-detail?mc-slug=let-it-be-us) ###### Date: Dec 21, 2025 ###### Date: Jan 11, 2026 ###### Speaker: Burt Todd Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - [Women's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=womens-4th-day "Women's 4th Day") - [Midweek Lipreaders](/event-detail?mc-slug=midweek-lipreaders "Midweek Lipreaders") - [Church Choir Practice](/event-detail?mc-slug=church-choir-practice "Church Choir Practice") - [Men's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=mens-4th-day "Men's 4th Day") - [SPRC Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=sprc-meeting "SPRC Meeting") - [Adult Sunday School](/event-detail?mc-slug=adult-sunday-school "Adult Sunday School") - [Worship](/event-detail?mc-slug=worship "Worship") - [Coffee and Conversation](/event-detail?mc-slug=coffee-and-conversation "Coffee and Conversation") - [Women's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=womens-4th-day "Women's 4th Day") - [Midweek Lipreaders](/event-detail?mc-slug=midweek-lipreaders "Midweek Lipreaders") - [Church Choir Practice](/event-detail?mc-slug=church-choir-practice "Church Choir Practice") - [Celebration Conference](/event-detail?mc-slug=celebration-conference "Celebration Conference") - [Men's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=mens-4th-day "Men's 4th Day") - [Ad. 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Council Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=ad-council-meeting "Ad. Council Meeting") - [Adult Sunday School](/event-detail?mc-slug=adult-sunday-school "Adult Sunday School") - [Worship](/event-detail?mc-slug=worship "Worship") - [Coffee and Conversation](/event-detail?mc-slug=coffee-and-conversation "Coffee and Conversation") - [Women's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=womens-4th-day "Women's 4th Day") - [Sandwich Ministry](/event-detail?mc-slug=sandwich-ministry "Sandwich Ministry") - [Midweek Lipreaders](/event-detail?mc-slug=midweek-lipreaders "Midweek Lipreaders") - [Church Choir Practice](/event-detail?mc-slug=church-choir-practice "Church Choir Practice") - [Men's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=mens-4th-day "Men's 4th Day") - [Adult Sunday School](/event-detail?mc-slug=adult-sunday-school "Adult Sunday School") - [Worship](/event-detail?mc-slug=worship "Worship") - [Coffee and Conversation](/event-detail?mc-slug=coffee-and-conversation "Coffee and Conversation") - [Women's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=womens-4th-day "Women's 4th Day") - [Barnabas Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=barnabas-meeting "Barnabas Meeting") - [Women's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=womens-4th-day "Women's 4th Day") - [Midweek Lipreaders](/event-detail?mc-slug=midweek-lipreaders "Midweek Lipreaders") - [Church Choir Practice](/event-detail?mc-slug=church-choir-practice "Church Choir Practice") - [Men's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=mens-4th-day "Men's 4th Day") - [Adult Sunday School](/event-detail?mc-slug=adult-sunday-school "Adult Sunday School") - [Worship](/event-detail?mc-slug=worship "Worship") - [Coffee and Conversation](/event-detail?mc-slug=coffee-and-conversation "Coffee and Conversation") - [Women's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=womens-4th-day "Women's 4th Day") - [Midweek Lipreaders](/event-detail?mc-slug=midweek-lipreaders "Midweek Lipreaders") - [Church Choir Practice](/event-detail?mc-slug=church-choir-practice "Church Choir Practice") - [Men's 4th Day](/event-detail?mc-slug=mens-4th-day "Men's 4th Day") - [SPRC Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=sprc-meeting "SPRC Meeting") - [Adult Sunday School](/event-detail?mc-slug=adult-sunday-school "Adult Sunday School") - [Worship](/event-detail?mc-slug=worship "Worship") - [Coffee and Conversation](/event-detail?mc-slug=coffee-and-conversation "Coffee and Conversation") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/protected-collection-item ### Title: Protected Page ### Page ID: 5355270 ### Content: In order to view the page, please enter the password below: --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/finance-event ### Title: Finance Event ### Page ID: 5399700 ### Content: ## Finance Committee Meeting ##### Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ###### Category: Committee Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/ad-council ### Title: Ad. Council ### Page ID: 5399855 ### Content: ## Ad. Council Meeting ##### Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ###### Category: Committee **MEMBERS:** Brad Belke, Vicki Kestle, Kariann Thaut, Jean Frank, Janet Helfrich, Dave Duffy, Peggy Ryan, Debbie Higbie, Terri Belke, Jyl Duffy, Debbie Todd, Lauren Kippen, Bruce Schuelke, Kathy Davis, and Jill Graff. **WHAT THEY DO:** The Administrative Council ensures that all items of the Charge Conference are fulfilled throughout the year. In fact, the purpose of the Council is to act as the Executive Body for the Charge Conference. Since Charge Conference only meets once a year, the Administrative Council meets as needed throughout the year fulfilling all items listed in the Visions and Goals of our Charge Conference document. As with any policy-making body there are items that come up that may not have been foreseen during Charge Conference. The Administrative Council acts upon those items to ensure timely use of our church building, our resources, and to make sure that the church is following the principals of *The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.* **WHAT A MEETING LOOKS LIKE:** A typical meeting of the Administrative Council usually lasts an hour with reports given by heads of each ministry team. Since this body acts as the Executive Body for the church there have been occasions where meetings have lasted longer than an hour. Usually we come to an agreement or we table the discussion until more research is to be had. The Administrative Council typically meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 7 pm in the overflow room. This date was chosen to ensure that our decisions would be reflected in the following month’s newsletter. Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/youth ### Title: Youth ### Page ID: 5453886 ### Content: **Aldersgate Youth Group** will meet on the **2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays** of each month from **6-8 PM** in the church youth room (downstairs). **Join us on Sundays, November 9, November 16, and November 23.** We will continue meeting for **TGIW** (our weekly Wednesday after-school “hang out group”) on **Wednesdays from 3-5 PM**. **For more information, contact the church office at 406-782-2425 or chat with our fearless leader, Jill Graff, at Sunday worship.** Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - Calendar - List --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/trumpet-call ### Title: Trumpet Call ### Page ID: 5489408 ### Content: # Trumpet Call Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-june-2024 ### Title: Seth's Message - June 2024 ### Page ID: 5740315 ### Content: This month we begin a series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Our first team is the Administrative Council. This body is made up of the leadership in our church. The Administrative Council ensures that all items of the Charge Conference are fulfilled throughout the year. In fact, the purpose of the Council is to act as the Executive Body for the Charge Conference. Since Charge Conference only meets once a year, the Administrative Council meets as needed throughout the year fulfilling all items listed in the Visions and Goals of our Charge Conference document. As with any policy-making body there are items that come up that may not have been foreseen during Charge Conference. The Administrative Council acts upon those items to ensure timely use of our church building, our resources, and to make sure that the church is following the principals of *The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.* A typical meeting of the Administrative Council usually lasts an hour with reports given by heads of each ministry team. Since this body acts as the Executive Body for the church there have been occasions where meetings have lasted longer than an hour. Usually we come to an agreement or we table the discussion until more research is to be had. The Administrative Council typically meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 7 pm in the overflow room. This date was chosen to ensure that our decisions would be reflected in the following month’s newsletter. Members of the committee are Jackie Timmer, our chairperson; Brad Belke, Vicki Kestle, Kariann Thaut, Jean Frank, Janet Helfrich, Dave Duffy, Peggy Ryan, Debbie Higbie, Terri Belke, Jyl Duffy, Debbie Todd, Lauren Kippen, Bruce Schuelke, Kathy Davis, and Jill Graff. Next month we will look at the ministry team known as the Staff / Pastor – Parish Relations Committee. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-june-2024 ### Title: Brad's Message - June 2024 ### Page ID: 5740525 ### Content: Your Lay Leader is really tired and is running on fumes.  I am still failing retirement, working an average of 50 hours a week during the month of June.  I have also dealt with surgeries on both legs, a new hernia, a back injury, an allergy to Latex, and Terri had Covid.  There was also numerous meetings as usual and a training at the Search and Rescue.  All in all, a full month.  So, I have decided to cut myself a break and recycle part of an old Trumpet Call article for the June Trumpet Call, especially since it is sync with my recent writings on Lent. Those of you who have been around for a while know that my favorite gospel is the Gospel of Luke.  Luke 24:5-6 is one of my especial favorites,  **“*Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, he is risen!*”**  I can just imagine the angel perplexed that so many people who had spent so much time with Jesus could be surprised by his resurrection.  I can imagine the women and the disciples trying to grasp the magnitude of what had just occurred.  Jesus did what?  These simple followers had moments to grasp what had just occurred.  We, who have had 2000 years to hear about it, read it, discuss it, aren’t doing much better.  Knowing what we know, that “**He is Risen**”, why do we routinely act as if Jesus was dead, like the resurrection didn’t occur?  Which leads me to my title for this article.  Do you behave like you are dead or alive?  If Jesus came back today, would he look for you among the living or the dead?  If you don’t know the answer to that question, it’s time to change things in your life and take a Walk with Jesus.   After all he has “**Risen Indeed**”. May each and every one of you remember every day that Jesus has risen indeed and live every day alive, awake, and joyful,  focused on the miracle of his Resurrection. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/annual-conference ### Title: Annual Conference ### Page ID: 5740563 ### Content:            The Mountain Sky Annual Conference will meet June 20th through the 23rd in Casper, Wyoming. It was the goal of Bishop Karen Oliveta to meet in each of the states that she serves. Last year at Annual Conference it was announced that the only holdout was Wyoming … thus our trip to Casper this year. The theme for Annual Conference is The Journey is Our Home. This will be our Bishop’s last held Annual Conference as she will retire when her term ends in September. This year there will be several personal things of note for me. First, my wife will be joining me. She will be attending a work-related conference early in the week in Denver and then will join me in Casper. Her aunt and uncle also live in Casper so we will be doing some visiting and she plans to see several of her clients through tele-health. At the conclusion of Annual Conference we will drive to Lincoln, Nebraska where we will be helping my parents get ready to move into an Independent Living Center. The other personal note is I will be officially transferring my membership from the Great Plains Annual Conference to the Mountain Sky Annual Conference. The link to watch Annual Conference will be available at a later date. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-july-2024 ### Title: Seth's Message - July 2024 ### Page ID: 5740627 ### Content: We continue our series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Last month our focus was the Administrative Council. This month we look at the long-sounding committee called Staff / Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. I am biased but this group of people is the most important committee of the church – specifically because they approve of my salary. In essence the Staff / Pastor-Parish Relations Committee or S/P-PRC for short operates as BOTH a personnel committee and a committee that works with the pastor. As a personnel committee the S/P-PRC meets with all paid staff members of the church. When there is a vacancy this group also makes the hire and sets the salaries (with approval of charge conference) for these hired personnel. Switching gears, the S/P-PRC is the official body that works with our Bishop to ensure we have pastoral leadership. When there is a change in pastors it is this committee that meets with the District Superintendent to talk about the change and who shall be the next pastor. This is also the only committee that is allowed to share joys and concerns with the District Superintendent. The pastor is not hired by the church. The pastor is appointed by the Bishop to our congregation and it is through the District Superintendent that our wishes are made known. Since we own a parsonage as the home resided by the pastor, this committee works with our Trustees. A 6-member team (three from each committee) meets with the pastor once a year to ensure that the parsonage meets the minimum standards set forth by the Mountain Sky Annual Conference. Jim Axelson, Pat Gibson, and Barb O’Brien represent the S/P-PRC on this subcommittee. One other aspect of this team is to discern the call into ministry of any individual. The pastor makes the initial visit and then once this individual feels they are ready for the next step, it is the S/P-PRC that meets and approves of the candidate for continuation. The Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee does not have a set time to meet. It is usually as needed by the Conference or when concerns are valid. Due to the nature of the work all discussions are confidential. Members of the S/P-PRC are: Lauren Kippen (chairperson), Brad Belke, Jim Axelson, Pat Gibson, Barbara O’Brien, Bonnie Canty, Nita Kingsbury, Becky Rolich, and Jyl Duffy. There is one vacancy. Next month we will look at the ministry team known as the Committee on Trustees. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-july-2024 ### Title: Brad's Message - July 2024 ### Page ID: 5740639 ### Content: Before the disciples met Jesus, they all probably knew what to expect from their future, how their lives were going to unfold, and based on what they saw they probably would have laughed or scoffed at anyone who suggested that they would be part of an ongoing creation story that would last for more than 2000 years.   I suspect that Peter and Andrew would never have dreamed of a life where they were not fisherman or where they did not live and die within a few miles of Galilee, unremarked and unrenowned.  Yet that story changed when Jesus walked by the shore one day and simply said “*follow me*”. So, follow they did.  Which leads me to my next observation, did they have any idea where they were following, or even who they were really following?  Based on history and the common understanding of the time, it always seemed to me like they expected this Messiah to be like King David; you know chariots, swords, restoring the kingdom of Israel to glory.  I think you see that in the triumphant entry on Palm Sunday and maybe again in the story of Judas. And then the whole Kingdom thing disappears when their Rabbi is arrested, crucified and buried.  Because that’s the end, right?  I mean it has always been the end before, because the death of the hero has always been the ending point in any story.  An ending point where the apostle’s future must look like that of a simple fisherman once again.  But wait, the story keeps changing on them.  No matter what evidence they had in front of them, no matter what was expected, something else, something stronger and more beautiful was happening.   Something they never could have expected, because they found themselves swept away into something wholly unexpected, into a new story, God’s story.   A place where grief and death were real enough, it just turns out death isn’t as real as resurrection. It’s so easy to surrender to grief and death, to surrender to the tragedies, hardship and bad diagnosis that surrounds us as the end of our story. Maybe that makes us a little strange.  Because somehow, we became the people for whom the story *is n*ever finished.  We are the people for whom there is always more, the people for whom the creation process never ends.  We are the people of hope, even when life seems hopeless, because we know there is always more.  Because we know that after the suffering of the cross – there was more – after he was laid in a tomb - there was more – and after the resurrection, there was more. We as Christians do not base our hope on chariots, or power, or riches, because we know that all our hope is based on the God of an empty tomb.  An ongoing creation story of birth, death, resurrection, love, and redemption, which is still as real today as it was 2000 years ago. And that is not only the rest of the story, but also the best of the story. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/connection-form ### Title: Connection Form ### Page ID: 5753381 ### Content: Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/sermon-detail ### Title: Sermon Details ### Page ID: 5797392 ### Content: ## "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" ###### Jan 11, 2026 ###### Burt Todd ###### [Luke 14:15](https://aldersgate-umc-2.cloud.bible/ASV/luke/14/15) Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Watch](javascript: void\(0\);) - [Notes](https://s3.amazonaws.com/account-media/31233/uploaded/o/0e20779537_1768418525_order-of-worship-1-11-2026.pdf) --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/children ### Title: Children ### Page ID: 5807229 ### Content: Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-august-2024 ### Title: Seth's Message - August 2024 ### Page ID: 5810141 ### Content: We continue our series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Last month our focus was the Staff / Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. This month our attention is on the Committee on Trustees. The make-up of this team is the most detailed of all of the committees in the church. According to *The Book of Discipline* there can only be a maximum of nine members where 1/3 (3 people) of the membership is made up of lay women and 2/3 (6 people) have to be members of the church. It is the only committee that requires a quorum (a majority) to meet. The Trustees can still gather but no official decisions can be made unless a majority of the members of the Trustees are present. The Committee on Trustees has such requirements because it is the incorporated body of the church and thus works with the Secretary of State to ensure that the congregation is current on all legal matters such as its incorporation and with its insurance. Think of the Trustees as the Board of Directors. It is a misnomer that the Trustees only handle the property of the church. The Trustees are in charge of all assets of the congregation. These assets include the church’s endowment, its finances, and the buildings and grounds that the congregation owns. A member of the Trustee’s sits on the Endowment Committee and also on the Committee on Finance for this very reason. The Committee on Trustees works closely with the Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee to ensure that the Parsonage meets all minimum standards set by the Mountain Sky Annual Conference. Three members (Bruce Schuelke, Deb Fisher, and Amy McNichols) make up one-half of this sub-committee. Business meetings of the Trustees usually focus on property issues since it is the most visible asset. Meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm and meet in the Conference Room. Members of the Committee on Trustees are: Bruce Schuelke (chairperson), Check Kestle, Ronda Cherry, Bob Worley, Amy McNichols, Debbie Fisher, Karen “Sarge” Sargeant, and Ryan Belke. There is one vacancy. Next month we will look at the ministry team known as the Committee on Finance and Memorials. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-august-2024 ### Title: Brad's Message - August 2024 ### Page ID: 5810172 ### Content: Well, it is Summer, days are longer, it is unbearably hot and smoky, there are bugs everywhere, the air conditioning is on max, and for the first time in memory I am ready for winter.  Early evenings, temperature I can control with coats, no smoke, no out of state tourists, no voracious bugs, no feeling that I am missing summer if I am not outside every minute.  I think most of all I would like a new season to my spiritual life.  In all the noise of summer I lost track of who I served and with all the old problems, all the new problems, all the kids’ problems, the work problems, and the church problems, I was too busy worrying and I lost track of what was really important.  Several years ago, when a service at Clark’s Park was cancelled because of the weather, Pastor Matt invited the congregation to take an active part in the service, asking us to share where we saw Jesus in our day-to-day experience recently.   Various members shared where they had seen Jesus and the members of the congregation who were present heard some incredible stories about where members had experienced Jesus’s presence this summer.   It was an amazing, blessed experience. Afterwards I was thinking about the members and the stories we heard, and then I wondered about the members who were present who did not share an experience where they saw Jesus recently.  Some members I know are afraid to speak in crowds, and some I know have been going through tough times, but what about the rest?  So, then I wondered, how often do we miss seeing Jesus in our day to day lives because we simply aren’t looking for his presence?  We miss him because we are so busy with the mundane, we don’t have time to look for the miraculous, and how sad is that? I have been sick at the time of this writing for over 3 weeks, and I am afraid that I missed everything of beauty around me because I couldn’t focus on anything but my own misery.  This week I am resolved to take the time to look around and see where Jesus is, to see what he is doing, and to jump in and help, or reflect, or give, or work, or witness, or worship.   Because I know when I don’t see him, when I don’t feel his presence, that not only is he still present, but that I am the one missing out.   So, let us all start a new spiritual season, remember to look around and focus on what is truly important, confident that if we do so we will see his face.  Amen. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/midweek-lipreaders ### Title: Midweek Lipreaders ### Page ID: 5887800 ### Content:  The Mid-Week Lipreaders - a lay-led Bible study - has finished their study of the Book of James, and will begin a new book titled "Galatians through Colossians, and Philemon."  All are welcome to a little mid-week conversation and coffee with the Apostle Paul. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/history ### Title: History ### Page ID: 5922745 ### Content: ### 1873-2023 ### A brief history of the Methodist Church's service ### and ministry in Butte, Montana ### Mountain View Church ### St. Paul Church ### Grace Church ### Mount Bethel Church ### Trinity Church ### Unity Church ### Saint George / Silver Bow Chapel ### Scandinavian Church ### Wesley Chapel ### **Bellevue / Lowell Avenue Church** ### Italian Mission ### **Shaffer Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church** ### Aldersgate United Methodist Church ### The Butte Deaconess Hospital ### Mountain View Social Development Center [Shaffer Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church (1892- 1964)](#pM6yX8r5e5y5_pM6yX8r5e5y5) The first prospectors arriving on the present site of Butte were recorded in 1864. There were just a few cabins scattered along Silver Bow Creek in which lived a few placer miners who had come over from Alder Gulch to look for gold. There was not much to be found in the bed of the creek, but views of ore were found, specifically copper. The first formal "Methodist" religious services, of which we have a record, were held in Butte in early 1873 by Reverend Hugh Duncan, who was then serving as pastor of the Deer Lodge Mission. (A Marion J. Hall, who later served as the Methodist pastor and evangelist, is credited with the first “street meetings" in Butte.) Scotsman Duncan came to the United States in 1853. His son later wrote that "after a day of hard work he would study his lessons by the light of a candle, reading good literature and studying with a definite end in view, in the light of his accomplishments in later years." He was a licensed preacher for the Methodist Episcopal Church and helped start churches and Masonic Lodges wherever he went. Rev. Duncan is considered the first Methodist preacher in Montana to make this state his permanent home. At the first gathering in 1872 of the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Denver in 1872 Rev. Duncan was assigned to Deer Lodge and Missoula. Hugh was a miner, farmer, rancher, and preacher and came to the booming mining community of Butte to lead worship and lay the groundwork for a new church; this was in addition to his pastoral work in Salmon City, Idaho, some 160 miles away. In 1875, Duncan, was appointed solely to work in Butte. The community was growing with mining interests all around. In 1876 the name of Butte first appears in the official minutes of the Rocky Mountain Conference. W.C Shippen was sent from Helena to Butte. He stayed only a year, and the work was combined with Fish Creek in the Jefferson Valley. The following year, Francis Asbury Riggin, was made pastor of the circuit. This was the same year for the formation of the Montana Annual Conference. In 1887, the first meeting of the Montana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church took place at Mountain View Church. In the February 5th, 1890, edition of the *Montana Advocate* (the periodical of the Montana Methodists – which was published out of Butte), Francis Asbury Riggin writes: *"My first appointment to preach in Butte carried me over the main Divide of the Rocky Mountains on horseback 30 miles, in the Fall of 1877. When I arrived, there was no church nor parsonage to receive me. Nor was there any organized work. I put my horse in the livery stable and went to the hotel and registered. I hunted up a place to preach and was informed that the only suitable place was a dance hall owned by Judge Loeber. He told me that his rate for the use of the hall on Sunday was $5. This would not put it in condition, and I must sweep it and light it and make the fires. This I was thankful to do. I had a good congregation. I paid the* *$5 out of my own pocket, I paid my bill at the livery stable for my horse, I paid my hotel bill; it all amounted to $10. I received no compensation."* *"I couldn’t stay long but I went to the townsite Co. plat and selected six lots for a church. These were the nearest vacant lots to Main Street. I agreed to pay for them when the deed was furnished. On my return I found that they were sold to another and conveyed. After preaching a few times with a similar experience as narrated above I found a stopping place at the home of Brother A.T. Rundel and sons, and others, and the hotel bill was wiped out, but the livery bill and the hall bill went on. I made another attempt to purchase two lots, this time in the block where the Presbyterian Church now stands, having agreed on the price before the conveyance. Another offered better inducements and got the lots."* *"In the meantime, our congregation steadily increased, filling frequently the spacious hall which would seat more people than any church edifice now in Butte. When the new schoolhouse was built, we moved to that building, upstairs; we got its use by paying the same rent. As it paid Paul even if it robbed Peter, we felt glad to aid the school fund".* ​The Rev. Francis Asbury Riggin was holding services in a two-story school building later occupied by the Public Library. The upper floor was used for all kinds of public purposes and on Sunday afternoon there was held a Union Sunday School. This is the birth of Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church and the first Protestant congregation in the community. F.A Riggin writes*: "Our labors culminated in a gracious revival in the spring of 1878 in which I was aided by my colleague and brother, W.W. Van Orsdel. There were about 50 conversions. At this time, we organized a church and a Board of Trustees. I obtained the promise of two lots where the church now stands, borrowed the money out of the bank of Clark & Larrabie on my own responsibility and paid for them. Their cost was $150. We took up a subscription for a church … The first church was built on these lots and later a parsonage."* Between 1880 and 1883 the first church building was completed, and a parsonage built. Riggin writes*: "The trustees selected from our plans the present building. When the bids were examined the contractor, whose bid was accepted backed out. We began the building by working in the subscribers who promised work. The first day revealed the fact that it would take too long that way. We finally got the cellar excavated, the foundation laid, and the superstructure begun. We asked for bids for its completion and after one was accepted, the contract made and the bidders had signed, the trustees who were not church members, feeling that they would become personally responsible, declined to sign it. I wouldn’t insist on the other members doing so but pocketed the contract and met its conditions during the progress of the enterprise until our term of three years expired."* (He refers to the term of his pastorate, 3 years being the limit then.) *"Then the building was so far completed that we held our conference of 1880 in it … The enterprise cost me twice as much as I received during my pastorate from the charge for the three years while I was there, and while it was not the comfortable charge that it is now, I have had some consolation in the promise of the Savior as contained in Mark 10:30, some of which I have already obtained."*’ One of the ‘prominent Montana men’ to help build the Mountain View Church was Patrick Carney. He later became nationally famous for raising potatoes in the Jefferson Valley where he supplied "great big baked potatoes" on the dining cars of the Northern Pacific railway. He relates how the trustees of Mountain View faced a problem: *"… the lots where the church now stands could be gotten for nothing and two blocks down the hill there were two other lots for sale for $300. They chose the free lots. The Baptists later bought the other lots; but as a result, ‘successive generations of Methodists have had to toil two blocks further up the hill.’"* This conflicts with Riggin’s version of his paying the $150 cost … Riggin probably kept his part confidential at the time and both versions make a great story! Early-day Presbyterian minister, J.R. Russell also relates that the four congregations that had shared the Union School (Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodist Episcopalians, and Southern Methodists) all used the new Mountain View facilities for a time. He relates that "it was only partially completed, and muslin took the place of glass for windows." ​The building was totally paid for by 1885, over the protests of the “official members.” These were some of the most prominent and wealthy people in Montana, who protested the fact that missionary aid money paid off the remaining debt. In 1887 the first annual session of the Montana Annual Conference was held at the Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church. For many years, this congregation was the largest in the Conference. Out of this congregation, Dr. Phoebe A. Ferris, went to India and later China as a medical missionary and the women’s fellowship continued supporting her missionary work until her retirement. She returned to Butte in the 1920’s to run the Deaconess Hospital (link to ()) In 1899, Governor Rickards reported that "Methodism was never so prosperous nor more promising than now." ​The present structure, located at 301 North Montana, was begun in 1898. During its construction, services were held in the courthouse and gatherings of over 1000 worshipers were not uncommon. On February 25, 1900, just 2 days less under year after it was decided to build, the first worship service was held in the new, beautiful, conveniently arranged and elegantly furnished church. The total cost of the church, complete with organ, stained glass windows, carpeting, seats, and so forth, was $25,000. The cornerstone laying was quite an event, with Senator Clark, Ex-governor Rickards, and the ‘most beloved person in Montana’ Brother Van (Rev. Wm. Wesley Van Orsdel) all giving speeches from a platform adorned with freshly cut pine trees and an American Flag flying twenty feet above the crowd. The grand gothic style was probably designed by Butte architects Link and Donovan and the complex geometrical and floral designs of the stained-glass windows suggests that they were built by the then flourishing Butte Art Glass Works. Copper King and later U.S. Senator, W.A. Clark was then the president of the church’s Board of Trustees and Butte's first mayor, Henry Jacobs, was also a Trustee. In the early 1940's the windows flanking the organ were given as memorials and constructed by the J.&R. Lamb Studios of New York. A spectacular organ was installed in 1949, by Kilgen Co. at a cost of $12,000. In 1964, the church purchased property at the corner of Montana and Centennial. Unfortunately, due to unmanageable financial circumstances, the plans for the new building and the property were shelved, and the land was sold. In 1966, the four existing Methodist Churches in Butte laid plans for a larger parish. Three pastors were assigned to the parish: Marion Hixon, Robert Link, and John Pugh. The parsonage, located just north of the church, was sold to help purchase three new parsonages. The parish dissolved in 1980 with Bob Craver retaining his appointment with Mountain View and Trinity (also known as the “hill” churches). Bob’s grandparents had been members of the church and Bob joined the congregation in 1944. In 1999, the church celebrated 100 years in its current building. Unfortunately, the size of the building and the upkeep of a structure that lasted over 100 years made it difficult for the congregation to continue. The Foundation fund that was established in 1937 was beginning to run out. The congregation voted to close and a final ceremony was held on July 5, 2015. The remaining members were hosted by a celebration at Aldersgate Church. The closing orders of the congregation were read by the Montana West District Superintendent, Kama Hamilton Morton, who lived in Butte when her father served the Aldersgate congregation.  On April 23rd, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. Although, we did not gain access to the interior, we heard stories from Sue DeBree, a former pastor, along with other members of this vital congregation. We learned of the massive granite stones that line the church and the former parsonage; both locations are listed on the National Historic Registry. Dave Goodwin, current owner of the facility, has promised us access to the interior at a later date. ​In 1840, the Methodist Episcopal Church, like many denominations in the United States split over the issue of slavery. It would be almost 100 years (1939) before the denomination would come back together, long after the results of the Civil War. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South worked almost exclusively in the southern United States, but in certain parts of the north, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South was active. One of these locations was Montana. The Reverend L. B. Stateler brought Southern Methodism to Montana when he arrived at Virginia City in 1864. First services in the Bitterroot valley were held in 1870 and G. O. Hilton was appointed first pastor at Corvallis in 1871. The work of the denomination flourished in Montana, which was far from the original home of the church in the Deep South, due to pioneer preachers like Stateler. They worked tirelessly amongst mining communities finding families who sought worship in their own communion (or denomination) but pastors and churches from their own denominations were few and far between. ​In 1871, the Western Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South mentions the appointment of F. E. Taylor to the Silver Bow station of the Deer Lodge District. There is no evidence, however, that Rev. Taylor ever made it to the area. In 1878, Edwin J. Stanley is listed under appointment of the new Butte Circuit. 1878 is the first year of the newly created Montana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 1879, Bishop J. C. Keener preached in Butte just before holding Annual Conference in Willow Creek. In a 13 year period, Butte hosted Annual Conference; showing the growth of the congregation. In 1885, we find the first mention of a congregation in Anaconda. In 1899, a new building was erected on the site of the existing church structure (google maps). Noted architect William White designed this majestic, multi-gabled church of stone and brick, built at a cost of $16,000. Gothic lancet windows, stained glass, Romanesque arches, and wood tracery in the gable windows showcase White’s meticulous attention to fine detail. A steeple above the entry and pyramidal roof once crowned the two corner towers, visible in the 1905 sketch. Rev. Settle arrived from Missouri to serve the Saint Paul’s congregation in 1899. He was instrumental in the construction of the building located at the corner of Galena and Idaho. After his first year of ministry, Joseph Settle saw the need for a hospital. A commodious building was secured, and, on June 29, 1899, the work of remodeling it was institute, and in due time it was admirably arranged and equipped as a hospital. The institution was called Saint Paul’s hospital. The short-lived hospital stood at the southeast corner of Gold and Montana Streets, 502 S. Montana. It was only listed in the city directories from 1900-1902, even though *Western Resources Magazine* in 1901 reported that “the sum of $500 has recently been spent in the operating room alone … For a dollar a month … one can have medical treatment, board, nursing and surgical attendance, and furthermore the choice of thirty doctors.” Rev. Settle was the President and General Manager of the hospital, also known as Johnston House. The hospital, however, was “entirely non-sectarian, Jew or Gentile, Christian or unbeliever, all receiving the same skilled, considerate, conscientious care.” Sisters Hospital, which became St. James, was already in operation and was much larger, so it may have forced St. Paul’s hospital out of business. ​The congregation moved to a small building on Wharton Street (location unknown). Pastors are listed as serving the St. Paul congregation around the time of 1940. The congregation ceases to be in the records until 1954 when the other Methodist Episcopal Church, South congregation (Lowell Avenue) changes its name to Saint Paul. ​By 1918, the church was owned by mortician (and later Silver Bow Sheriff) Larry Dugan, a sympathizer with the incendiary Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). The building then housed the *Butte Daily Bulletin* (later known as the *Butte Strike Bulletin*), a radical newspaper voicing policies of the anti-Anaconda Nonpartisan League, published by William F. Dunne. On September 13, 1918, local police and federal troops under Major Omar N. Bradley raided the *Bulletin*, arresting twenty-four men and thwarting a miners’ strike. It is now on the National Historic Registry. The boards over the current location were placed to preserve the windows. On April 30th, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. Although, we did not gain access to the interior, we learned from a current member of Aldersgate that her grandparents were married in this building; and to prove it she showed us the marriage certificate, signed by Chas. A. Rexroad, St. Paul’s ME Church, So. The public also heard about the history of our two Methodist denominations and the speculation that Saint Paul’s was seen as a rival of the “other” Methodist Church (Mountain View) just up the street. ​Grace Church began in the fall of 1879 as a mission of the Mountain View congregation to the communities of South Butte and Meaderville. Those on the official board were Bros. Van Orsdel, the Rev. F.A. Riggin, and former governor Rickards. In 1886 the site of the church, on Arizona and East Second Streets, was purchased by Rev. F.A. Riggin and Rev William E. King. The first pastor, W. F. Hawk, was appointed in 1888 and the building’s cornerstone was laid on April 11, 1889. The cost was $2500 and the citizens of Butte provided $1000. Up until 1899, Grace and the Unity Church shared a pastor. August 1899, Grace became a separate charge, and the church grew rapidly. More room and facilities soon became necessary and in 1902 the building was enlarged and remodeled. At various times over the ensuing years Grace Church shared its pastor with other Butte Methodist churches including, at various times, Silver Bow, Wesley Chapel, Unity, and St. Paul’s. Reformer Carrie Nation spoke at Grace church during her Butte visit in January 1910. Grace was one of the churches where Mrs. Nation did “a land-office business” selling her books and hatchet pins, although when she was on the streets of Butte and in saloons, her welcome was more ridicule than enthusiasm. After her lecture at the Grace Church, she marched up Arizona Street to the red-light district where she pleaded with working girls to give up their “life of shame,” but she left the A.B.C. Saloon (corner of Wyoming and Mercury) to the orchestra playing “What The Hell Do We Care.” In 1939 the Silver Bow Park Methodist Church consolidated with Grace and the name was changed to Grace-Silver Bow Methodist Church. In 1941 the parsonage on Arizona Street (north of the church) was remodeled for use as a Sunday School and named Freeman Hall. The home west of the building was purchased for the parsonage. It was the Grace-Silver Bow congregation that assumed the leadership of building of a new church on the “flats” … this is our current Aldersgate congregation. In 1960, the Grace Methodist Church building was sold to the Church of God and the proceeds were used in the debt retirement of the new Aldersgate Church and its parsonage. The building is now a private residence. On May 7th, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. Several former members shared about the two east-side doors, one led to the sanctuary and the other led to Sunday school rooms that also offered overflow to the sanctuary. Grace operated as a center for youth and Sunday school to people in the community and was also a place of weddings during the construction of Aldersgate’s sanctuary. We also learned that on the southern side of the building was the location of the organ, this is evident on the outside of the building. ​​In 1883 Mount Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church was started in Walkerville on Clark Street. George C. Stull was appointed the pastor and also served Mountain View. J.W. Bennett then was appointed and worked on the construction of a church building and parsonage. In 1906 the Anaconda Mining Company donated property and the congregation to an existing structure on Main Street. This building, one of the oldest in Butte, was built before 1881 and had served as a general store, a grocery store, and a Catholic Church. During the years of the pastorate of Rev. Frederick T. Spencer (1907-1910), a great revival with over 100 converts who joined the church. In 1922 the basement was converted into a social hall. In 1961, Helen A. Handlin was sent from the church as a missionary nurse to Mexico. In 1966, the four existing Methodist Churches in Butte laid plans for a larger parish. Three pastors were assigned to the parish: Marion Hixon, Robert Link, and John Pugh. The last Sunday School Christmas Program was held in 1970 with the congregation uniting with Trinity Church in 1970 On April 16th, 2023, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. Clark Grant, the latest owner, listened to several members of Mount Bethel describing their recollections. We learned that a caretaker lived in the western end of the building. Other remembrances were of the location of the piano in the sanctuary. It was pointed out that Mount Bethel was the place of worship for all protestants in Walkerville. ​Trinity United Methodist Church was organized as the Centerville Methodist Episcopal Church in 1884 in a rented building on the corner of East Center Street and Wells Street, when Reverend J. W. Bennet gathered a group of 25 young people for Sunday School. They had been meeting for some years in the schoolhouse before Rev. Bennet was appointed. During a lively Christmas program in 1886, the floor collapsed, and members decided it was time to build a church. In 1887, the present site on the corner of LaPlatte and Main Street, was donated by the Butte & Boston Mining Company and construction began with completion by Christmas of 1889. The new building included something quite remarkable for the early 1890's: electric lights, donated by Senator Lee Mantle. In 1896-1897, the original wood-frame building was raised up and a basement built to accommodate the fellowship hall. It was given a brick veneer and a vestibule with choir rooms added. As more time went by, an organ was purchased, a furnace replaced stoves, and memorial windows were dedicated to those who helped to place the Church on the Hill. When Rev. Vigus left in 1891, the church was debt free; had 200 members, 175 listed in the Sunday School and 23 recorded in the choir. ​Situated at the border of two working class communities (Centerville and Walkerville), Trinity church was known as one of the "miner's churches," as opposed to the "Mine Owner's church" of Mountain View. Its mission was to the early Cornish miners. In 1966, the four existing Methodist Churches in Butte laid plans for a larger parish. Three pastors were assigned to the parish: Marion Hixon, Robert Link, and John Pugh. The parish dissolved in 1980 with Bob Craver retaining his appointment with Mountain View and Trinity (also known as the “hill” churches). In 1970, the church united with Mount Bethel to become Trinity United Methodist Church. After a decline in membership and due to the aging of the building, the congregation was closed on July 15, 2015. Several members transferred to Aldersgate. The Sandwich ministry of the current Aldersgate congregation is a remnant of this congregation’s commitment to mission. On April 16th, 2023, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. Rick Chappel, co-owner, opened up the building to some 50 people of the community. Sue DeBree, a former pastor, was on hand to share in her recollections. We learned how the interior stairs were a later addition after the basement was placed underneath the building. We were treated to stories of community dinners and locations of “family” pews. Unity Methodist Episcopal Church was begun in 1887 by a half-dozen people meeting in a room over a saloon in Meaderville. In 1889, the church was built on Meaderville’s Main Street and was enlarged in 1896. The mining industry encroached on the church building and in 1906 construction was begun on lots donated by the Boston and Montana Mining Company. This location was still on Main Street but east of Silver Bow Creek, between the communities of Meaderville and McQueen and across from the Franklin School. The cornerstone was laid on August 19, 1907, by the Montana Grand Lodge of A.F and A.M. and the Montana State Band played with the Men’s Glee Club singing. The church succumbed to the industrial advances of the mining industry. The Anaconda mining company purchased the entire neighborhoods of Meaderville and McQueen and subsequently set for the destruction of the building (the current Berkley Pit would be the location of these neighborhoods). On March 15, 1964, the final service of Unity Methodist Church was held. The organ and the pews were taken to the Lake County Community Church in Ronan and the proceeds from the sale of the church ($15,000) were used for the building of the Aldersgate parsonage on Kossuth Street. ​On May 7th, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. We met in the viewing stand of the Berkeley Pit as our location is underwater. We learned from Donna Shovlin, long-time member of the church, that the building was created with three rooms in the basement for the pastor. Unity was always shared with another Methodist church, so the pastor never lived in the basement. The rooms became locations for Sunday school space and where Santa was hidden during the Christmas program. Donna reported that one lucky child was always chosen to go “find” Santa. The congregation was home for people in the East Butte, Meaderville, and McQueen neighborhoods. The men from this congregation personally helped with the building of Aldersgate. ​The congregation was known as Saint George Methodist Episcopal Church went it was started in 1890. The Order of St. George was a fraternal organization amongst the Cornish immigrants to the area and influenced the naming of the church. The building was located on the northeast corner of Silver Bow Boulevard and Adams Street. In 1919, three lots were purchased on Grand Avenue and in 1921, the one-room building was moved to the corner of Grand and Thornton with it facing Thornton Avenue. It was often called the “little White Church”. The name was officially changed to Silver Bow Chapel and a kitchen was added to the building. The congregation served the “flats” area of Butte and grew to the point where the Sunday School gradually outgrew the building. The church maintained an active Epworth League, a junior choir of boys and girls who sang on the radio, and a very active ladies group, known as the Friendship Circle. In 1939 the congregation merged with Grace Church and the united congregation was known as Grace Silver Bow Methodist Church. The Sunday school unit continued to meet at various locations (Grace, Unity, and Saint Paul) until the Social Hall of the Aldersgate church was completed in 1958. ​The former building was sold to the Bible Baptist Church and moved to Hannibal Street, where it was remodeled. The building is now used by Heritage Bible Church. On April 23rd, 2023, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. The current location of Heritage Bible Church is under remodel. Several members of the public shared their recollection of attending youth group when the church was located on Grand Avenue. Pastors who served the Saint George / Silver Bow congregation: ​The church was still a functioning congregation until the late 1920’s. In the 1932 Journal of the Western Norwegian Danish Conference, it was reported that the Butte congregation was closed due to “meager support.” The [northwest corner](https://www.google.com/maps/place/101+W+Copper+St,+Butte,+MT+59701/@46.016153,-112.538027,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x535b09b6b45f5b93:0xefe37bfd163890d3!8m2!3d46.016153!4d-112.538027!16s%2Fg%2F11c2htr05w?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (101 W. Copper) held the Scandinavian Methodist Episcopal Church, built between 1891 and 1900. You can see its 45-foot tower at left center in the photo here. (Along the left edge is the O’Rourke apartments; at center, to right and in front of the church is the Bail Bonds/Union building; the mine complex in the distance is the Original.) The church was actually on the second floor, with housekeeping rooms on the first level. Butte architect Pete Godtland says his mother worked there. The building was still standing in 1957, but the upper floor was vacated before 1951 and the building was being used as a two-flat apartment on the first floor only. As early as 1892 a pastor was appointed by the Montana Conference to the Butte Scandinavian Church. It was later known as the Norwegian Danish Church. On April 23rd, 2023, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. Very little is known of this congregation. We do know that the neighborhood (just south of the historic Original Mine) was home to an active Scandinavian community. Across the street to the east sat the former location of Gold Hill Lutheran Church. Our records were updated as we gained access to a picture of the building that was taken in 1976. The location is now a vacant lot. ​Wesley Chapel began in 1897 as a mission Sabbath School in the Parrot Flats neighborhood. It was known as the East Side Mission until 1900 when the name was changed to Wesley Chapel. In 1911 a facility was built at 1000 Talbot Avenue (later Mercury Street) and it shared a pastor with several other Methodist churches and then was served mainly by local church lay preachers. In 1941 the Pentecostal Church rented the building and later purchased it. The building was destroyed by the Anaconda Company with the expansion of the Berkeley Pit. On May 7th, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. We met in the viewing stand of the Berkeley Pit as our location is underwater.  The first mention of the Lowell Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, South is in 1907 when the Rev. Howard Davis served a location called “4th Avenue South Side”. There is information in the record that a Methodist Episcopal Church, South operated on Whitman Avenue. We believe this is the start of the Bellevue and then Lowell Avenue congregation. In 1920 the congregation moved to 1701 Lowell Avenue where the name became Bellevue. The first mention of a name change to Lowell Avenue is in 1924. In 1954, the building was “modernized”’ and renamed St. Paul’s Methodist Church. As the congregation was never large and the opportunity to join in with several other Methodist congregations, it was decided in 1959 to merge with Grace, Unity, Silver Bow, and Wesley Chapel and form Aldersgate Methodist Church. The building sat vacant for several years and in 1965 was sold to the Pentecostal Church and is now known as “The Rock”.  On April 30th, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. JC McPherson, current pastor of the Church on the Rock invited us in to listen to the stories. We heard about the balcony and how it was always the place for music. We learned that this location was built for the new neighborhood on “the Flats” of Butte. We also gained a sense of why the name changed to Saint Paul’s. When the other Saint Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church, South closed, members transferred to what was then referred to as Lowell Avenue. When the church was remodeled the older members who were part of the original Saint Paul’s suggested that their name be changed to Saint Paul’s because it sounded more “church-like.” Pastors who served the Bellevue / Lowell Avenue congregation: In 1911 an Italian Methodist Mission was established near Silver Bow Creek in Meaderville (on land donated by the Anaconda Company). It sometimes is referred to as the Epworth Italian Mission. The construction of the St. Helena’s Roman Catholic Church drew the Italian population of Meaderville and McQueen away from the Mission and it was deemed by the Montana conference to close. The land and building was donated back to the Anaconda Company which in turn gave it to the Butte Mines Band. On May 7th, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. We met in the viewing stand of the Berkeley Pit as our location is underwater. ​The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) grew out of the Free African Society (FAS) which Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and others established in Philadelphia in 1787. When officials at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church pulled blacks off their knees while praying, members of the FAS decided to transform transform their mutual aid society into an African congregation. In 1794 Bethel AME was dedicated with Allen as pastor, and eventual Bishop. During the 1890s, the A.M.E. Church became a presence in several growing Montana cities, and congregations were established in Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, Anaconda, and Butte. In 1894, the Colorado Conference of the A.M.E. Church came to Montana, bolstering the efforts of all these congregations. That same year, black communities were courted by both Marcus Daly and William Clark in the competition to designate the state’s capital, with a rail excursion to Anaconda and baseball games in Helena. Clark launched *The Colored Citizen*, newspaper in Helena that lobbied unabashedly for Helena as state political headquarters. In fact, Rev. Charles Cushingberry of the Butte A.M.E. Church got caught up in the contest, coming out strongly against Helena in such a way that it was alleged he was seeking payment for his support, and he was forced to resign his post. In 1892, the first building was located at the corner of Idaho and Mercury (google maps – current fire station). In 1901, Shaffer Chapel vacated the building to Bethel Baptist, the only other black congregation in town. ​The new building (and one currently standing) was constructed as a gift from Copper King, W.A. Clark, as a gift to the block population of Butte. He also donated the carpet and chairs. The church was known as Shaffer Chapel, named after Cornelius T. Shaffer, who was elected Bishop in 1900. He arrived in 1902 to dedicate the building. To help retire the debt, Edith Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt’s wife, donated a globe to be auctioned off. On March 6, 1913, Booker T. Washington, visited Butte and delivered a speech at the Auditorium in the old Butte Public Library on West Broadway Street to “a large audience about equally divided between the white and black races,” according to the Butte *Miner*. The presentation was followed by a banquet in Washington’s honor at Shaffer Chapel AME Church. The congregation ceased to exist in 1964 as the number of African-Americans dwindled starting after World War II. The building at 602 South Idaho is listed in the National Register as a contributing building within the Butte-Anaconda National Historic Landmark district. It gains further significance for its association with the history of the African American community in Butte and Montana, as well as its association with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The building historically known as Shaffer’s Chapel is the only remaining church building in Butte that once hosted an all-black congregation, and was one of the only public centers of the African American community during the twentieth century. In addition, Shaffer’s Chapel is one of only 31 extant buildings out of 103 original structures identified as having significance to the history of African Americans in Butte. On May 7th, as part of 150 years of Methodism in Butte celebration, the public was invited to the location of this historic site. This congregation did not feed into the existing Aldersgate church. We honored its history as a significant witness to the African-American population of Butte. Those who gathered noted the significant history of this congregation, yet no plaque to honor it, yet it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aldersgate is dedicated to purchasing and placing the plaque for all to see. Pastors who served the Shaffer Chapel AME congregation: In 1925, the subject of establishing a more centralized Methodist congregation was first addressed. It was to be known as the Butte City Parish of the Methodist Episcopal Churches. The Depression of the 30s and the start of the World War in the 40’s shelved he plan until a later decade. In 1952, five churches (Grace, Unity, Silver Bow, St. Paul's, and Wesley Chapel) again recognized the need to plan for a new church to serve the growing areas to the south of Butte and this time incorporated the Methodist Church Extension Association of Silver Bow County. In 1954, additional property at Grand and Thornton Avenues was purchased (along with land already owned by the Silver Bow congregation) as a site of the new church with a formal merger of Unity, Saint Paul’s, and Grace took place on April 27, 1958 In September of 1965 the four remaining Methodist churches of Butte (Mountain View, Trinity, Mt. Bethel, and Aldersgate) started the discussions for a combined parish. These plans were finalized on April 17, 1966 with work to begin on September 1, 1966. A team of three pastors were assigned to serve the Butte Methodist Larger Parish. In 1967, one of the pastors, John Pugh, was instrumental in starting regular Radio broadcasts of the Mountain View worship services on KBOW 550 AM. At that time Mountain View was chosen to host the radio broadcasts because it not only had the magnificent Kilgan pipe organ, but it also had the largest choir of any of the other churches. In 1970, Mt. Bethel merged with Trinity and two pastors were appointed to the Parish. Worship Services were held at three congregations, with church schools organized at Mountain View and Aldersgate. Youth groups, women’s groups, prayers groups, and study groups functioned mainly at Aldersgate. The Butte Methodist Larger Parish existed for 15 years, but due to the decline of population of Butte and the difficulty of maintaining the original vision of the Parish it was dissolved on December 31, 1980. Lyle Hamilton was appointed as the first “solo” pastor (after the dissolution of the Parish) and to this date is the longest serving pastor of Aldersgate. Jerry Bechtel was appointed in 1993 to replace Jim Stewart who left the ministry. Growth in attendance and commitment to financial stewardship increased dramatically. Communion every Sunday became a mainstay for worship and many individuals attended the Walk to Emmaus program through Jerry’s leadership. Esther Angel, was hired as an associate in Jerry’s final year, which turned out to be a blessing. Jerry became ill and Esther continued on as the pastor for the charge. Unfortunately, Esther became ill and she was replaced by Jim Heikes. This was a time of economic decline for the community, and this was mirrored in the congregation. Dave Andersen served until his retirement in 2017. This was a time of financial stability and increased participation of the church in the community. He was replaced Melissa Engel, in her first full-time appointment. Melissa became the first pastor to live in a parsonage in some time. She left the ministry in June 2019, and the church was left without an appointed pastor for 6 months. 14 members of the congregation led worship and kept the ministry of Aldersgate vital. Significant improvements to the church building and the parsonage took place during this period. Sue McNicol from Helena served as an interim pastor until Matthias Krier was appointed full-time. Matthias’ tenure was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, and he retired after two years. In 2022, Seth Leypoldt, from Nebraska was appointed to Aldersgate. Seth added an emphasis of children and youth to his ministry and work began on establishing a secure financial footing for the congregation. Upon his arrival, work soon began for the big celebration of 150 OF METHODISM IN BUTTE to be celebrated on May 21, 2023. The home deaconess institution was established in Chicago by the Methodist Episcopal Church to advance the health and well-being of the community with a compassionate and spirit. The work in Montana was started in 1903 in Great Falls. Other Deaconess Hospitals were built in Glasgow and Bozeman. These institutions were all built by popular subscription of people interested in the welfare of the community and work of the health care personnel. The Butte hospital campaign proposed to show the world that Butte citizens would come together to build an institution that is “not to preach but to practice.” On May 21, 1917, the hospital campaign started and was supported by physicians, working people, and representatives of every line of activity in Butte. By 1918 the funding had been secured and the Methodist Church completed the building at the cost of $100,000 on Stuart Avenue. Miss Ida Hills, a graduate of the Great Falls Deaconess Hospitals’ Nursing Program became the first superintendent. From 1922-1924, the hospital was run by Dr. Phebe Ferris, a Butte native and member of Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church. She had recently returned from her missionary work in India and China. In 1928, the hospital closed due to financial reasons. The building was later used by the Seventh Day Adventist Church as a nursing home, called the Summit Valley Sanitarium. In 2022, it was for sale (google maps link) after being a private residence. Since 1981, the Mountain View Social Development Center has operated as a place where adult persons with developmental disabilities find friends, find help with need, and find opportunities for recreational and learning experiences. It was founded by Rev. Bob and Donna Craver during their ministry at Mountain View. They had a developmentally disabled child and were deeply concerned about providing quality living and learning experiences for other disabled adults. The Center has been located at different places over the years. The Center began in the home of the Craver’s and started with four clients. It was soon moved to the Mountain View United Methodist Church and was funded by the Yellowstone Conference. As the program grew, the Center moved to the newly vacated Blaine School in Walkerville (google maps link). Donna Craver served as the Executive Director for 14 years. Lisa Kopp succeeded her in 1994. ​In 1996, the program moved to its current location in the education wing of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Funding comes from clients who qualify for state assistance. Mountain View Social Development Center provides day program services to individuals with developmental disabilities who are over 55 years of age. Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-september-2024 ### Title: Brad's Message - September 2024 ### Page ID: 5951089 ### Content: If you have been reading the Lay Leader’s column in the Trumpet Call very long you know that I have been trying to expand my reading and understanding of the Gospel teachings by looking at the message from how I is by holding the scripture up like it’s a gem and then examining all the different facets of the gem so they can decipher all the different meanings of the scripture. To be frank, I honestly don’t know if this is how Jewish people study the scripture, but it’s what I was told, and since I have been doing it seems like the words have far more meaning than when I simply accepted them at face value. So, let’s look at a scripture from Mark, chapter 7, ***“…Jesus \[went\] into the region of the Decapolis. There*** ***some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they*** ***After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus*** ***put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue.*** ***He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which*** ***means “Be opened!”). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened,*** Simple enough, a guy was deaf, some people brought him to Jesus, he was healed, and he was no longer deaf and dumb. Good story, good miracle, but…   If I am looking at this as if it were a gem, a gem with 58 facets or more, what else is taking place here? What haven’t we Terri and I have been watching the mini-series the Gospel over the last couple of months and there is this sequence where two followers, Barnaby who is crippled asks that his friend Shula, who is blind, be healed, which Jesus does, restoring Shula’s sight after 10 years of blindness.  Good story, good miracle, end of story but….  Then Shula asks that Jesus heal Barnaby, who declines, no don’t worry about me, maybe later, but not today, you’ve already done so much.   And the TV Jesus says, okay some other time then, and the two followers walk away rejoicing over the woman’s healing. But then starts to ask a question and Jesus holds up a hand and then says, “*there it* *is*”, and then the second follower Barnaby suddenly realizes as he is walking He throws his crutch away, lifts Jesus in the air, starts dancing, and now The same week I am thinking about this scripture and the story from the Chosen, God sticks another facet from this scripture in front of me. The topic in the Guide to Prayer for the week is “Do you want to Get Well?”   let me quote the article therein from Pastor “*Do you want to get well? Is a shocking question. Of* *course I want to be well! But then on closer reflection I am forced to ask, Do* *I really want to get well? At times I am so attached to my illness (today we* *could also say addiction) that I prefer illness to health. Possibly my illness* *(addiction) keeps me from facing the real problem or my real self. My illness* *could be the crutch I have used to hide or circumvent deeper spiritual problems.”*      Whoa, well that is uncomfortable. That is three different thoughts on one scripture, one simple, one with a happy ending and then a third with a question that requires some serious thought.  All this thinking could tire a person out and Mark in light of what Pastor Job had to say when Pastor Weber throws this The scripture says that “***There some people brought to*** people? Who are these some people, friends, family, neighbors, and are they asking Jesus to heal his problem, or their problem? Are they just tired of *be clear: the text doesn’t say one word about what the deaf guy wanted.”*  So, Pastor Weber asks the hard question, were these people avoiding looking at their own issues by helping someone else. “*Hey Jesus – we, the people who are just fine, brought you the “broken” guy* went on to say that “*We tend to let the obviously broken people carry all* *the brokenness for us. It’s quite the convenient system really.  Like when someone is obviously an active* *alcoholic, we are thrilled not to have to look at our own drinking.”*  *“This system we have where we all agree on who the real* *drunk is and who the real liar is and who the real emotionally needy person is* *now you could turn to the person next to you and give them the first names of* *who of the designated drunks and liars and needy people in your unit are. And* *like any dysfunctional system, it works. You know, until Jesus shows up and* says*, “I can’t help feeling like it would have been more realistic if all of* *the THEYs who brought the deaf man to Jesus would have also sought healing for* Good question. And then Weber goes a step further to support her idea. She notes that Jesus then removed the deaf man from the supposedly well people, touched him, looked to heaven, sighed, and said, “BE OPENED.”  No casting out demons or sickness, no attempt to identify what’s wrong and curing it, Jesus just says be opened.  So, she asks if perhaps spiritual healing has more to do with being opened than it does with being cured. “*But Jesus says* *to us, be opened. Be opened to knowing that your own brokenness doesn’t need to* *be hidden behind someone else’s. Be opened to the idea that you are stronger* *than you think. Be opened to the idea that you aren’t as strong as you think” “Be* *opened to this whole Gospel of Jesus Christ thing actually, actually, actually* *being real. And actually, being FOR YOU. Because maybe that’s what healing* *really is. Because the radical reign of God that Jesus ushers in destroys the* *systems of designated sick people and designated well people so that all that* *is left is a single category of people – children of God.”*     Four facets of one verse, four gospel messages to be considered. All obviously having the possibility of merit and truth, all worthy of consideration, all calling on us to be better than we have been. And that is only four out of 58 (or more) possible facets. Maybe there is a reason the Jews - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-september-2024 ### Title: Seth's Message - September 2024 ### Page ID: 5961875 ### Content:   We continue our series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Last month our focus was the Committee on Trustees. This month our attention is on the Committee on Finance and Memorials. The goal of this ministry is to ensure that all of our bills are paid at the end of the year. Our discussion focuses on stewardship and specifically the acknowledgment that what we have all comes from God (Psalm 50.10). We believe it is a blessing that we receive a paycheck and a retirement account and have food in our bellies, a warm place to sleep. When we understand that all of this comes from God we feel we have done the work of the Lord who loves us. Our stewardship moments are an acknowledgment of just this. The committee also looks at the expenses of the church to ensure that we are using your gifts responsibly. Financial reports that include income and expenses or in church speak – gifts and obligations – are commonplace at our gatherings. It is always our goal that our tithes and our gifts meet the obligation of the budget. However, the committee acknowledges that there are shortfalls. Since it is the obligation to raise the needed funds for the church, members of this committee do focus on fund-raisers. The work of acknowledging memorial gifts falls under this ministry team. We have a dedicated volunteer who works on acknowledging all gifts to the church. It is also our policy that all gifts to the Memorials of the church that are undesignated – meaning that no decision has been made to these funds – are forwarded to our Endowment. This only takes place after a six-month grieving process.   Meetings for this ministry team usually take place once-a-month on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm and held in our overflow room Members of the Committee on Finance and Memorials are: Dave Duffy (chairperson), Kariann Thaut, Vicki Kestle (Treasurer), Bruce Schuelke (representing the Trustees), Brad Belke, Gerry Allen, Barry Kippen, Bill Rhoads, and Phylis Rice. Next month we will look at the ministry team known as Barnabas. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/we-have-a-new-bishop ### Title: We Have a New Bishop ### Page ID: 5961884 ### Content: On July 12th of this year, the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church met in Spokane, Washington. At that meeting of delegates from Annual Conferences in the Western part of the United States Bishop Kristin Stoneking was elected Bishop. Soon after, she was assigned to the Mountain Sky Annual Conference which covers Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and a tiny sliver of Idaho. On September 1st, Bishop Stoneking officially became our Bishop. On September 8th at 3:00 pm, she will be officially installed as our Bishop at a ceremony that will take place at the Bozeman United Methodist Church. We are all invited for this unique opportunity to welcome Bishop Stoneking to our Conference and to our state --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/history-event-coming-to-town ### Title: History Event Coming to Town ### Page ID: 5961885 ### Content:   The quadrennial (every four years) United Methodist Historical Convocation will be held in Bozeman, Montana from September 10-13, 2024 and hosted by the Western Jurisdiction and the Mountain Sky Commission on Archives and History. On Wednesday, September 11th, this group of about 60 individuals from various locations in our nation will descend on Butte as part of this Historical Convocation. They will be led around to several spots here in Butte that have historical significance to Methodism - the Italian Mission at the Berkeley Pit, the Scandinavian Methodist Church, Trinity and Mount Bethel (both listed on the National Historic Registry), Mountain View and its parsonage, Saint Paul’s, and Shaffer’s Chapel AME Church. These locations are also listed on the National Historic Registry. A lunch of pasties will be provided at our church for our guests. A short program led by our pastor will follow before our participants return to Bozeman. The theme of the convocation is ethnic heritage. Butte America is perfect for this presentation. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-october-2024 ### Title: Brad's Message - October 2024 ### Page ID: 6084478 ### Content: Archie Bunker (if you are under 50 and don’t recognize the name, google it) used to sing the theme song for the TV show, “All in the Family” with his tv-wife Edith.  The theme song was called “Those Were The Days,” and lamented how things in the old days were better than now.   As I age, I find myself sometimes remembering those old days with nostalgia.  Things like being able to shop in Butte (Herbergers, Sears, Hillsteads, Weins, Richards & Rochelle, JC Penney, Albertsons, Buttreys, Bob Wards, Fran Johnsons, Phil Judds, and on and on) and not have to leave town to shop except at Walmart.  I remember restaurants that were a pleasure to dine at like the Top Deck, the Bronx, the Acoma, Lisa’s Lamplighter, Rays Place, Taco Johns (Potato Oles), the Road Runner, Mings, all gone and missed by me (especially Mings).  Even when I think about the law business, I tend to remember certain Judges, Clerks and Court personnel perhaps more fondly than I should.  Why?  Why do we romanticize about the past and try to remember the good old days?  You know if I stop and think about it, were those old days really so good?  When I really think about those days, I recall we didn’t have any money to shop with or eat out with anyway.  So, did stores and restaurants really matter?  And was work better?  It probably wasn’t, although I think we had more characters at the Courthouse then than we have now.  I was reading a column by Pastor Weber the other day and she said people who long for the good old days are stealing from themselves.  She said we need to stop “*longing for what is gone and notice more deeply every good thing that is now.*”  Good things like kids and grandkids, friends, and family, all the things we ignore or downplay when we romanticize the past.  She went on to quote Ecclesiastes 3, “*There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens;”*  I guess she is right; we do need to look around and see what’s new, watch to see what’s happening now, and then willingly and joyfully take part in every new thing.  On the other hand, I might trade a grandkid or two to have Mings Moo Shu Pork again.  Amen. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-october-2024 ### Title: Seth's Message - October 2024 ### Page ID: 6084487 ### Content: We continue our series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Last month our focus was the Committee on Finance and Memorials. This month our attention is on the Barnabas Committee. The focus of this group is on the members and friends of Aldersgate; specifically, those who are shut-ins or are residing in our care facilities. The work of this group is to visit these individuals and share the love of God and the care of Aldersgate people. Cards and well-wishes are written at each meeting and plans are always made to find ways to meet those who are now unable to travel outside of their home. In their own words, “we wish to bring them a feeling of belonging and an unfailing faith. It is important that we bring them a little sunshine, a break in any lonesomeness, an avenue to express any occurrences that bring them happiness or unhappiness that they need to express. Our visits are a chance for them to talk, to reminisce, or express whatever they are pondering.” Barnabas are the card-writers of our community. This lost art continues as members of Aldersgate receive cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. Meetings for the ministry of Barnabas are on the first Monday’s of the month at 11 am. Members of this team are Jean Frank (chairperson), Peggy Ryan, Carol Brown, LaVerne Henrich, Cherilyn Lambert, Anita Richard, Carol Rhoads, and John Rich. Next month we will look at the ministry brought to us by the Member / Nurture Team. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/worthy-in-jesus-bible-study ### Title: Worthy in Jesus Bible Study ### Page ID: 6084489 ### Content:            On October 27th we begin a 5-part series led by the author and lecturer Brene Brown. She has authored more than 10 books, provided lectures on *The Oprah Show*, TED Talks, and You Tube, and is an inspiration to many. You have probably heard of Brene Brown or at least one of her phrases and just did not know it. Leah Pritchard is a Christian, a mom, and a wife of a missionary. When she was in China she found herself in a very lonely position. She picked up one of Brown’s books, *The Gifts of Imperfection,* and was transfixed. The book seemed to answer so many of the difficult questions she was asking. Brene Brown is a Christian and one can find references to scripture and God and a relationship with Jesus throughout her work; but that is not Brown’s entire focus. Pritchard decided to take Brene Brown’s important work and turn it into a Bible Study. In fact, the study book is called *Worthy in Jesus: Unofficial Study and Discussion Guide for the Gifts of Imperfection****.*** So, starting on the day of the LIFE CHANGING LESSONS series, we will start our lessons with Pritchard and Brown. Classes will take place during our regular Sunday School hour from 9:00 to 10:00 and then we will offer the same course immediately after church and end around 1 pm. This is to accommodate the changed youth schedule that that now meets in the early afternoon. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/committee-calendar ### Title: Committee Calendar ### Page ID: 6104872 ### Content: # Committee Meetings ##### [Barnabas Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=23626220-2026-02-02-barnabas-meeting "Barnabas Meeting") ##### [SPRC Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=24169916-2026-02-18-sprc-meeting "SPRC Meeting") ##### [Ad. Council Meeting](/event-detail?mc-slug=24262094-2026-02-25-ad-council-meeting "Ad. Council Meeting") Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Featured Events](/committee-calendar?mc-view=featured) - [Event List](/committee-calendar?mc-view=list) - [Full Calendar](/committee-calendar?mc-view=calendar) --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/adults ### Title: Adults ### Page ID: 6115100 ### Content: ## Midweek Lipreaders ## Growing in Christ Class "The Midweek Lipreaders will reconvene **October 1 at 10:00 AM**, studying the book ***"Spiritual Practices"*** in a new twelve-week series.  The book is part of the series *"Knowing - Growing - Going"* published by the Rose Discipleship Series and focuses on the Christian disciplines that grow our faith, strengthen us during trials, and promote communion with both God and man.   This class is based on Godly conversationfueled by “Sacramental Methodist brew.” Aldersgate UMC - 1621 Thornton Ave, Butte, MT 59701 - aldersgatech@outlook.com - (406) 782-2425 - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Home](/ "Home") - [About Us](# "About Us") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Ministries](/ministries "Ministries") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") - [Events](/events "Events") - [Committee Calendar](/committee-calendar "Committee Calendar") - [Sermons](/sermons "Sermons") - [Give](/give "Give") - [Contact](/contact "Contact") - [Our Staff and Committees](/our-staff-and-committees "Our Staff and Committees") - [What We Believe](/what-we-believe "What We Believe") - [History](/history "History") - [Children](/children "Children") - [Youth](/youth "Youth") - [Adults](/adults "Adults") --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-december-2024 ### Title: Seth's Message - December 2024 ### Page ID: 6504242 ### Content: We continue our series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Last month our focus was on the Member / Nurture Team. This month our attention is on the Missions Committee. The focus of this group is on those who reside outside the walls of our church. Our aim is to be the hands of Jesus in our work and through our mission dollars. In these efforts we realize that we cannot do it all, however, we can concentrate our mission work on a monthly basis. Each month we have selected various missions that are either local or global and we support them wholeheartedly. Some of these missions are supported through the dollars, cents, and checks placed in the “pink” basket that represents the mission of the month. Some of our missions are supported by a special plea for coats or teddy bears or paper products or school supplies. We are a giving church and our mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus never ends. The group only meets as necessary or when getting ready for a mission project. Members of the team are Debbie Todd (chairperson), Jyl Duffy, Roberta Dobb, Sharon Miller, Shirley Rognstad, Pat Gibson, Nancy Sullivan, Mary Jo Turner, Chris Hassler, Andi Kankelborg, and Elaine Schnell. Next month we will look at the ministry brought to us by the Christian Education Committee. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-december-2024 ### Title: Brad's Message - December 2024 ### Page ID: 6504265 ### Content: In 1998 the members at Aldersgate were still putting together Advent and Lenten Devotional Booklets.  Sometime when I need inspiration I still visit their pages.  This devotion was submitted by Margie Breen.  “ **I KNEW YOU WOULD COME”    by Elizabeth King English** Herman and I locked our general store and dragged ourselves home. It was 11:00 p.m., Christmas Eve of 1949. We were dog tired. We had sold almost all of our toys; and all of the layaways, except one package, had been picked up. Usually we kept the store open until everything had been claimed. We wouldn’t have waken up happy on Christmas knowing that some child’s gift was still on the layaway shelf. But the person who had put a dollar down on that package never returned. Early Christmas morning we and our twelve-year-old son, Tom, opened gifts. But I’ll tell you, there was something humdrum about this Christmas. Tom was growing up; I missed his childish exuberance of past years. As soon as breakfast was over Tom left to visit his friend next door. Herman mumbled, “*I’m going back to sleep. There’s nothing left to stay up for*.” So, there I was alone, feeling let down. And then it began. A strange, persistent urge. It seemed to be telling me to go to the store. I looked at the sleet and icy sidewalk outside. *That’s crazy*, I said to myself. I tried dismissing the urge, but it wouldn’t leave me alone. In fact, it was getting stronger. Finally, I couldn’t stand it any longer, and I got dressed. Outside, the wind cut right through me and the sleet stung my cheeks. I groped my way to the store, slipping and sliding. In front stood two boys, one about nine, and the other six. *What in the world?* *“See, I told you she would come*!” the older boy said jubilantly. The younger one’s face was wet with tears, but when he saw me, his sobbing stopped. *“What are you two doing out here*?” I scolded, hurrying them into the store. “*You should be at home on a day like this!”* They were poorly dressed. They had no hats or gloves, and their shoes barely held together. I rubbed their icy hands, and got them up close to the heater.  “We’ve been waiting for you,” replied the older boy. “My little brother Jimmy didn’t get any Christmas.” He touched Jimmy’s shoulder. “*We want to buy some skates. That’s what he wants. We have these three dollars,”* he said, pulling the bills from his pocket. I looked at the money. I looked at their expectant faces. And then I looked around the store. “*I’m sorry*,” I said, *“but we have no*\-” then my eye caught sight of the layaway shelf with its lone package. “*Wait a minute,”* I told the boys. I walked over, picked up the package, unwrapped it and, miracle of miracles, there was a pair of skates! Jimmy reached for them. *Lord, let them be his size.* And miracle added upon miracle, they *were* his size. The older boy presented the dollars to me. *“No*,” I told him, *“I want you to have these skates, and I want you to use your money to get some gloves.*” The boys just blinked at first. Then their eyes became like saucers, and their grins stretched wide when they understood I was giving them the skates. What I saw in Jimmy’s eyes was a blessing. It was pure joy, and it was beautiful. My spirits rose. We walked out together, and as I locked the door, I turned to the older brother and said, *“How did you know I would come?”* I wasn’t prepared for his reply. His gaze was steady, and he answered me softly. *“I asked Jesus to send you*.” The tingles in my spine weren’t from the cold. God had planned this. As we waved good-bye, I turned home to a brighter Christmas. My Christmas Wish for all of you this year is that you recognize God’s Plan this Christmas and go wherever he sends you.  Amen --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-january-2025 ### Title: Seth's Message - January 2025 ### Page ID: 6593329 ### Content: We continue our series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Last month our focus was on the Missions Committee. This month our attention is on the Christian Education Committee. The focus of this group is found in our name – Christian Education. We take seriously this role and do our best to provide ministry to the children and youth of our congregation. Our work is continually evolving. Each year we look at the congregation and decide what would be best for our population. Due to our numbers, Kid’s Night meets on the first Sunday of each month from 4 pm to 5 pm followed by dinner. Due to our numbers, Youth Group meets from 3 pm to 5 pm on the first three Sundays of the month. The only meal provided is shared with the Kid’s Group on the first Sunday of the month. We also work to make sure that we provide for Vacation Bible School in the summer and a Christmas program in the winter. Some of you caught our production of the Living Nativity. In addition, we provide for Christian Education needs of our special adults and support, as best we can, the adult Sunday school class that meets at 9 am on Sunday mornings. The group only meets as necessary. Members of the team are Janet Helfrich (chairperson), Jill Graff, Brad Belke, Marcia Lubick, Lara Robins, and Sheryl Tremis. Next month we will look at the ministry brought to us by the Committee on Nominations. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-january-2025 ### Title: Brad's Message - January 2025 ### Page ID: 6593333 ### Content: Wouldn’t it be an interesting change of pace if the service at Aldersgate was led by whoever feels like it that week?  Of course, the problem might be that no one feels like it and we all go home early or someone like Chuck, Burt, or Brad ends up speaking out of a sense of duty, whether they really felt like it or not.   But wouldn’t it be cool if everyone were bursting with something that God had showed them that week and wanted to share? So, this week I am looking through the Gospel of Luke, because let’s face it the first two chapters of Luke is where the Christmas story lives, only this time I read on into chapter 4.  The story of Jesus’ first sermon, where Jesus had just come back from 40 days in the Wilderness, returns to his hometown of Nazareth, enters the temple, is handed the scroll of Isaiah, and reads these words from Isaiah *“**The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”* And then Jesus rolls up the scroll and sits down. Every eye in the synagogue is on him and I am sure everyone is stunned and like, wait a minute, what just happened?  And then Jesus says to them, “*Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”* So, then I wondered what would happen if Jesus came to Aldersgate on Sunday and preached?  Maybe, just maybe, our Lord would say something like, **The Spirit of the Lord has anointed him to bring good news to the poor:**  1) healthy food instead of hamburger helper with no hamburger to the hungry; 2) All your student loans will be forgiven; 3) there will be clean water for the people of Flint Michigan, Browning Montana and Haiti; 4) that the Officers and Boards of all the  Fortune 500 companies have elected to distribute all their own pay raises, bonuses and stock options to the poor; and, 5) we will be granted the understanding that our value has nothing to do with the balance in our bank accounts. **The Spirit of the Lord has sent him to release the captives:**  1) to free the addicts from the needle and the bottle and the computer; 2) to understand our own self worth and cure depression; 3) to bring rest to the sleep-deprived caregivers; 4) to remove the bitterness from those who can’t let go of the past, and 5) to forgive the sinner. And then I realize his message is going over 15 minutes and I wonder if Jesus realizes how we do things here.  And then I imagine him looking at me, reading my thoughts and giving me the most loving “seriously?” look ever and then everyone is laughing.  And then I see Gabriel and Daniel walking up to Jesus and offering him suckers they got from Ms. Jackie, and he gladly taking them before continuing. **I have** **come to bring recovery of sight to the blind**:  1) to forever change the way we see people who are different than us;  2) To show us the ways that our sin tears at the fabric of everything; 3) To help us “see” glimpses of heaven in the here and now; and, 4)  To allow us to see ourselves as God see us, that there really is no “them” there is only an “us”.  And then he sits down. And the whole church is staring at him, and no one moves or says anything and then he says, “People, stop looking at me – you have what you need. Today the scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Today. At this very moment. And I envision our minds and hearts and eyes are open, the doubts gone, the resentments vanished, and the good news of God fulfilled in our hearing.  And we were there. So today my prayer for each of you is that you carry both the Christmas Story and the message of Jesus with you into the New Year.  Amen. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-february-2025 ### Title: Seth's Message - February 2025 ### Page ID: 7015291 ### Content: We continue our series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Last month our focus was on the Christian Education Committee. This month our attention is on the Committee on Nominations. This is a group that only meets at one time of the year, but when they meet they are busy. Our entire purpose is to discern the abilities and capabilities of the congregation to staff all of our ministry teams. We meet in the preparation leading up to charge conference and in many cases our work is finished after one, two, and sometimes three meetings. We usually start with the leadership and then focus on the committees that are required by our *Book of Discipline* (Staff-Parstor / Parish, Finance, and Trustees), and then every other committee. Our goal is always to find just the right people who have the gifts and graces for each position in the church. Once all we have staff each committee we forward our report onto the Administrative Council who then forwards the decisions to Charge Conference. The chair of the committee is the pastor and this is a requirement of the *Book of Discipline.* Committee members are: Brad Belke, Janet Fletcher-Rich, Marcia Lubick, Janet Axelson, Betty Banderob, Heather Marsh, Lauren Kippen, Roberta Dobb, and Isaac Hoffman. Next month we will look at the ministry brought to us by the Lay Advocates. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-february-2025 ### Title: Brad's Message - February 2025 ### Page ID: 7015292 ### Content: I believe that God loans us time, talent, and treasure, and how we use these gifts determines our recognition and reward in heaven.  The wise use of our talents here on earth determines how many crowns we are rewarded at the judgment, crowns being another word for blessings we receive for our service to others in their time of need. Some of you, most of you probably, realize that I like to win. Which is a polite way to say that I am a poor loser.   But the truth is I don’t want to get into heaven by the skin of my teeth, or as the scripture said, “*as one escaping through flames*”.  I want a crown.  Actually, I want as many crowns as I can get.  Because when I stand at the seat of judgment, I want my God and Savior to exclaim for all to hear that I was a good and faithful servant. Which brings us full circle to the title of this message and the story of the ten talents.  I want to be Ten Talent Christian. I want to be recognized for taking the 5 talents I was given and investing them wisely.  And then I want to leave the seat of judgment with the crowns of blessing as my reward, a true ten talent Christian.  At the second judgment of believers, I want to be awarded the *Crown of* *Self-control* for avoiding temptation and sin. I want to be awarded the *Crown of* *Influence*, for praying for others, for giving my time and money, and for forgiving those around me that trespassed against me. I want to be awarded the *Crown of* *Righteousness* for running the race to which I was assigned and eagerly waiting for God’s return. And finally, I want to be awarded the *Crown of Life* for having used wisely all the talents that God entrusted to me and then being acknowledged as a good and faithful servant, by my Lord and Savior. Today my prayer for all of you, is that you will decide to use your talents wisely, and act with resolve to run the race and live as true Ten Talent Christians.  So that on the day of Judgment, our Lord and Savior will say to each of you, *“Well done, good and faithful servant, come and share your master’s happiness*.” --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-march-2025 ### Title: Seth's Message - March 2025 ### Page ID: 7015295 ### Content: We continue our series of articles about how our church works. Each month we will look at one of the ministry teams, who is on the team, what they do, and how often and when they meet. Last month our focus was on the Committee on Nominations. This month our attention turns to our Lay Advocates. The Lay Advocates position was created in 2018 to supplement and assist the Lay Leader by establishing a group of lay people to assist with projects and special events, support the committees of the church, and step in where necessary to ensure the success of the church. At its creation we have always had 3 Lay Advocates. Since 2022 the Lay Advocates are Terri Belke, Jyl Duffy, and Peggy Ryan. The Lay Advocates do not meet at a subscribed time but are in constant communication as to the needs of the church. Each Lay Advocate is assigned to one of our missional committees and they also serve on the Administrative Council. Next month we will look at the ministry brought to us by the Committee on Endowment. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-march-2025 ### Title: Brad's Message - March 2025 ### Page ID: 7015296 ### Content: My son Ryan tricked me into buying a Garmin “watch.”  It is a “watch” in that it tells time.  The problem is that it also talks to my phone, keeps track of my location, tells me my altitude, and worst of all keeps track of how “many steps” I take.   I mean I feel bad enough that I have not been in a gym in 30 years, that my exercise machine is now where we hang ironed clothes and that my pedal bike is strapped to the rafters in the garage, safely out of sight and out of mind.  No, now I have to feel bad about how many steps I take every day.  And since the thing is on my wrist and actually buzzes for attention, I can’t ignore it like the pedal bike in the rafters.  Not if I want to know what time it is, and if you know me, you know I have to know what time it is, so I am constantly looking at this “watch” and it is telling me how many steps I have or haven’t taken all day long.  Anyway, it quickly became clear that the only logical thing to do was to sell it, so I tried.  No luck.  It seems Verizon gives “watches” that chart your activity away for free and everyone my age already has one they have locked away in a drawer somewhere and as a result no one wants to pay actual money for mine.   So, it appears I am stuck with this thing, and because I am an overachiever I now have to try and get my 10,000 steps in each day.  The whole thing has become like a competition.  Except it doesn’t make any sense because some days I get 4,000 steps and some days I get 10,000 and frankly I can’t figure out why.  It seems to me like I am going the same places and doing the same things I always do, so why is there a 6,000 step difference some days? By now you are probably wondering how any of this is spiritual and why you are reading it when you could be concentrating on getting your steps in?  Well, this is why, some days I feel like praying and some days I don’t.  Some days I have mustard seed faith and some days I don’t.  And like the steps I take or don’t take each day, I don’t always know where my prayer and faith life is going to be from one day to the next.   It seems to me that our spiritual lives have seasons; seasons of growth, seasons of abundant life, seasons of rest, and other seasons that feel like the worst part of winter.  Rationally it should be easy to get our steps in spiritually during periods of growth and abundant life and yet sometimes when I look at my spiritual “watch” I feel like I get more steps in during the harshest times of winter.  Why is that?   A long time ago I discovered that I, like many people, learn more from hardship than I do from comfort.  And while my life is still a lot like a roller coaster, I have learned that the ups are still good, and the downs just aren’t as bad.  It seems like everything has kind of levelled out. It also seems clear to me that Prayer does not always have to be on your knees.  I think the best prayer can be simple conversations as you drive or sit, or walk, with your Creator.  Isn’t that an admission by itself of your faith?  This walking, talking relationship with God?  I still think prayer can be a time for stepping out and asking God for help for those you love.  It can be a discussion with God about the future and your concerns for your children and grandchildren.  It can be a time to express your worries about the state of the world.  It can be a time to argue or cry out in anger, or it can be a time for gratitude, even if it is only that you are still stepping. All of that is to say, all the faith you need is already present.  Present no matter what your feelings are and present no matter how many steps you are getting in at that particular season of your spiritual life.  So maybe our prayer for today doesn’t have to be about how to increase the number of steps we take today.  Maybe our prayer today only needs to be about making sure that every step we take is a step in the right direction. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-april-2025 ### Title: Seth's Message - April 2025 ### Page ID: 7015300 ### Content: I am taking a month’s break from our articles about the ministry teams of the church to share a few different notes. The month of April has several noteworthy items to share. I think you will understand. Next month will be an article about the Committee on Endowment. As I turned the calendar to my favorite month of the year (I turn 52 on April 3rd) I thought about Holy Week and Easter. This year we will be hosting a Good Friday service on April 18th at 7:00 pm. This will be a special service. When I was in college I became good friends with Shawn. His father was a pastor in the Church of the Brethren and through Shawn I learned about the sacrament of Foot Washing. In the United Methodist Church we only have two sacraments: Holy Communion and Baptism, but in the Church of the Brethren they add Foot Washing. I am so grateful to Shawn for sharing with me the liturgy of this special service. In addition to Shawn, I remember my friendship with Jim. He was a member of a church I served and he too was raised in this same denomination. The community we lived in did not have a Brethren congregation but he was active where I was the pastor. Jim assisted me one year in this special Good Friday re-enactment of the sacrament that he grew up with. He also taught me about the Love Feast. “The Sacrament of Foot Washing must have a Love Feast following the service,” Jim would tell me. Since we do not have a functioning kitchen we will be modifying our form of the Love Feast; instead of a pot-luck meal we are asking you to bring a dessert to share. So, on Good Friday, we will participate in the Sacrament of Foot Washing and follow it up with Love Feast by sharing together dessert. Easter is April 20th. Join us for a special celebration as we remember the Resurrection of Jesus. On another note, last Sunday it was announced that I will be transitioning to a new appointment come July 1st to the Stevensville United Methodist Church. As of the writing of this article your new pastor has not been determined. I am confident in Bishop Stoneking that she will appoint the right candidate. I want to thank everyone for welcoming us into your state and into the parsonage here in Butte. We loved Montana so much that we purchased a home in Lolo in January. This is the place we want to retire. Thank you for the past three years. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-april-2025 ### Title: Brad's Message - April 2025 ### Page ID: 7015301 ### Content: I don’t like surprises, I like to know what to expect, to know what happens next.  Which may mean I am afraid of being surprised.  My preference is to repeat something that worked before rather than risk the unknown. We like the familiar and as a result, I think sometimes we can become overly familiar with Gospel stories like the raising of Lazarus, so much so, that we really aren’t listening when we hear them again.  Because as we read John 11, “*Now a man named Lazarus was sick”,* we already know how the story ends.  *Ok, that’s the story where Jesus raised the dead guy!*   Wouldn’t it be nice to hear this story again for the first time? Because when we already know what is going to happen, we tend to forget that for Mary, Martha, and the disciples, no one, NO ONE, was expecting resurrection.  Because resurrection is not what happens next.  What happens next is a grave, a lot of tears, food from friends and neighbors, flowers, and then no surprise, Lazarus is still dead. Because staying dead is what we expect dead people to do.  But for Jesus to tell them to roll away the stone and call Lazarus by name, and then for Lazarus to rise up, that was not what happens next, surprise. I think we often get in a rut where we assume that all we have to do, to be good Christians, is apply the formula of believing and behaving a certain way and then we can live with nothing but certainty.  Terri and I are watching the Chosen series again and I think my favorite part is the surprise the characters show when the unexpected happens.  I think watching it again I have learned that being a person of faith doesn’t mean you get to be certain.  It means that you need to be on the lookout for the unexpected, the surprises, the thing that is not supposed to happen next.  If anything, it means that like Mary and Martha, you get to be surprised. What if faith, real faith is about recognizing that when something is not expected, then perhaps it is a God thing? What if faith, real faith is about recognizing that when something is not expected, then perhaps it is a God thing?  I think having a God of resurrection means that the story is seldom over when we think it is.  I think we must wait to see the unexpected, with all who have lost faith, all those who walked away in sadness and grief, with the women at the tomb, and the men who hid in fear.  We have to wait for the unexpected, wait for what happens next, wait for the surprise, and then together we can confess, embrace, and shout from the mountain tops, the great mystery of faith: **Christ has died,  Christ is risen,  Christ will come again.** So, as we move together through Lent towards Easter let us not assume that we already know how the story goes.  Let us agree to let go of what we expect and prepare to be surprised.  Surprised by empty tombs, surprised by the thing you never saw coming.  Surprised by how you can lose something or someone which you thought you could not live without and then find yourself living anyway.  Surprised that people love you.  Surprised that the tears still come when you hear the Gospel story.  Surprised, as we say, at empty tombs because while it may be Friday, as believers we know that Sunday is coming. I believe that this is how the God of resurrection is wanting to be known, because the unexpected is happening everywhere, faith just lets us recognize the surprise of it. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-may-2025 ### Title: Brad's Message - May 2025 ### Page ID: 7524125 ### Content: Easter Sunday 2025 at Aldersgate was special with beautiful music, a message of hope, wonderful decorations, flowers, and everyone dressed up in their Sunday best.  This type of celebration seems to be what is expected by popular church culture in America on Easter Sunday.  And don’t misunderstand me, I love the Easter celebrations. But in reality, the actual gospel story is practically the opposite of how we celebrate the most important event in history.  It is not a story of Easter bunnies, chocolate, singing, flowers, or fancy clothes.  In fact, the Easter story is downright messy.  It is a story about flesh and blood, dirt, pain and most critically, it is about how God brought redemption to a world in a way no one expected. As I was reading the resurrection story on Easter, I was thinking about the first person at the tomb on Sunday morning, and wondering what Mary Magdalene expected to find when she arrived?  And then I wondered why she didn’t recognize Jesus when they came face to face in the garden?  Was it because her life experience told her that it couldn’t be Jesus, because she had watched him die on Friday?  Or was it because Mary didn’t see a Jesus dressed for Easter Sunday service but instead was looking at a Jesus that had been whipped and then beaten, crucified, and buried for several days? One of the first times I came to grips with what Jesus suffered was when I saw Mel Gibson’s movie *the Passion*.  The true horror of the whipping, the beatings and the crucifixion struck home, and it was clear the cleaned-up versions we see in modern churches bear little resemblance to what really occurred.  And what really occurred was that the Creator God, who was tired of being limited by our interpretation of his nature, decided to enter this world in the least impressive manner possible, in a filthy stable.  Then later, after he gathered a group of followers, several of whom were sketchy characters at best, he started travelling the countryside, turning water into wine, eating with the wrong people, angering the financial and religious establishment, and generally proclaiming a whole new way of thinking and living.  He touched the unclean, used spit and dirt to heal the blind, and made statements that subverted the status quo, like “the first shall be last and the last shall be first,” and “sell all your have and give it to the poor.” And maybe the thing that really upset people, especially the religious institutions, wasn’t the question, “Is Jesus like God?”  Maybe the question that upset them was, “What if God is like Jesus?”  What if the best way to understand God is not through religion, not through a sin and punishment program, but through an actual person who did it right?  What if the best way to know God is to look at how God revealed himself through Jesus?  Because that seems to change everything.  If what we see in Jesus is God’s true nature revealed, then what we are dealing with is a God who is unafraid to change the entire dialogue (no swords or chariots, tanks, or jets) and write a whole new story, not in a pretty clean version, but a story like real life, a story written in flesh and blood.  A story where God gets his hands dirty for us, a story where God rises to new life with dirt still under his fingernails and is mistaken for a gardener.  So, while in 2025 we may try and clean up the Easter story so that visitors will be impressed on Sunday, the God of Easter, the God who brings life out of death, just doesn’t seem to care about appearances.  May be the true God is not satisfied with making you look good, or appear nicer, because that’s not what resurrection really looks like.  Because the gospels just don’t seem to describe to me a God who is concerned about appearances.  The gospel story describes a God who is concerned about making you new, making you a new creation.  And in my experience new doesn’t always look perfect, new usually involves work and pain, because like the resurrection story, new can be messy. **Alleluia, Christ is Risen!** **Christ is risen Indeed**! --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/seths-message-may-2025 ### Title: Seth's Message - May 2025 ### Page ID: 7524127 ### Content: As I write this article we are in the final days of confirmation (please see the accompanying article). One tradition that I always implement on our final class is something I call “Playing Church”. Depending on how much time we have and the number of confirmands we play act the very structure of the church. Some years we have an Administrative Council chair, a Finance Chair, Trustees Chair, etc. We go over the church budget, the Nominations process, how decisions are made, etc. This year our time and numbers were limited so we focused on one area that was very pertinent to our current time … how pastors are appointed in The United Methodist Church. So, we had one confirmand who was the Bishop / District Superintendent, the other confirmand pretended to be the S/P-PRC chair, and I acted as Pastor Seth and Pastor Sue … and then we went through the process. It got me thinking that I should share with you how this went. Let me begin by saying that I have been a pastor for 26 years and will be moving on to my 6th appointment. In that time, I have worked with 7 Bishops, 9 District Superintendents in 3 Annual Conferences. The process is different with each Bishop and in each Conference but the results are still the same, the appointment of a pastor. What we talked about in Playing Church was unique to this year. To begin, in January, we decided to buy a home in the Bitterroot valley community of Lolo. This would be the place we would retire. I knew going into 2025 that I would be moving from Butte, I just didn’t know where. Sarah and I had many conversations and were prepared that I could be appointed anywhere in the four states of our Conference (Montana, Utha, Colorado, and Wyoming). In February, the District Superintendent (DS) met with the chair of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPR) and several other leaders of Aldersgate. I was not available for the meeting, so the DS scheduled a meeting with me at a later date. I was told that Butte would be moving to a part-time pastor and we talked about “possibilities.” I shared that I needed a full-time appointment. Remember, the confirmands were play acting this whole scenario. I then mentioned that on the Conference web-site was a place where appointments were announced and what places were available. I asked the confirmands, “how many times do you think I check that web-site?” And the response was, “all the time!” On Monday, March 17th, I was in Lolo and the DS called me and said that the pastor in Stevensville was moving to Colorado. I was speechless. I did not think it was possible that I would be appointed to a church in the Bitterroot valley. Now here is where the play-acting and reality combine. I accepted the appointment, met with the Stevensville committee a week later, and then our PPR chair (Bonnie Canty) read the letter to the congregation.   I could not share with the confirmands how the process worked with Sue McNicol, but I did share with them (something we play acted) that the PPR committee had a meeting with the District Superintendent where she introduced Sue and it was announced that she would be appointed half-time here and half-time in Dillon. Then the following Sunday the letter was read by the PPR chair. Could this process change in the future? Yes! We have a new Bishop. I expect that the next time there is a change in pastors for either Aldersgate, or Dillon, or Stevensville that the process will be different but the results will still be the same. The appointment process goes back to Francis Asbury who led the Methodist Episcopal Church in the early years of our nation’s founding. Is the process perfect? No! Can we do better? I believe so. Will there ever be a better way of selecting, choosing, appointing, calling a pastor? I believe so. However, this is the process we have in the Mountain Sky Annual Conference for 2025. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/brads-message-june-2025 ### Title: Brad's Message - June 2025 ### Page ID: 7558353 ### Content: I am going back to Denver where I grew up for the first time in over 25 years in a couple of weeks.  I am wondering how much change will have occurred in that 25-year time period and how that will affect me.  I grew up in Denver and worked as an armored car guard there for several years during college, so I knew every street of the Denver Mile High area from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs.  When I was last there in about 2000, I was amazed by the changes and by the money and affluence that existed in evidence all around me.  Which brings me to the topic of this month’s article. When I think of the Sermon on the Mount I usually think about Matthew’s version of Jesus’s message found at chapter 5 of his Gospel.   There is, however, another somewhat different version, which is found in chapter 6 of the gospel of Luke.  The obvious difference is that Matthew’s version is much longer, but that doesn’t strike me as the most important difference.  No, Luke adds something to Matthew’s more comforting version that could cause us concern.  Because Luke has a corresponding list of “woes” in addition to his list of “blessings.”    (Note: For the scripture, I did not follow the text in Luke which listed all the blessings first and then listed all the woes, but I grouped each individual blessing with the corresponding woe) **“Blessed** are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”  “But **woe** to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” **“Blessed** are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.” **“Woe** to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.” **“Blessed** are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” **“Woe** to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.” **“Blessed** are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and      reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” **“Woe** to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” At first glance it seems like there is a corresponding woe for every blessing and that the very things that bring us blessings are the same things that bring us woes.  But after thinking about this for a while, I decided there is a more important distinction.  What do all the blessings have in common?  They are in tune with God.  What do all the woes have in common?  They are about seeking Self. What do all the woes have in common?  They are about seeking Self.  If you think about this line of reasoning the message appears clear, we are blessed when we are in tune with God, regardless of our circumstances in this life, and we find woe when we satisfy Self instead of serving and desiring God. When Jesus blesses the poor and hungry, the grief stricken and the scorned, he is not saying that we should all aspire to poverty, hunger, sorrow, or scorn.  He is saying that he is with us, even when it seems that the world has deserted us.  He is saying that God loves us, even when everyone else hates us, and that as believers we find blessing in seeking God and in loving those whom God loves, no matter the cost. When Jesus announces woe to those who are wealthy, eat well, and enjoy fame and approval from people, he is not saying that wealth, good food, and popularity are bad things.  He is saying that when we start to take material blessings for granted, or worse, think that we have somehow acquired these gifts by our own efforts, we abandon God, and our self-importance will be our spiritual downfall.  I decided that what Luke is telling us is that when we are hungry for God, we want the things God wants.  When we are seeking God, we share the pain and sorrow God feels for people who are suffering.  When we are focused on spiritual matters, money loses its power over us. As we practice generosity, we lose the desire to accumulate more than we need, and we may even find that we need considerably less than we have.  When we stand up for justice, and act with love and generosity, we affirm that every person, regardless of condition is loved by God, and worthy in God’s sight. Because this is the key:  We are sinners who have been forgiven and graced into salvation.  That grace has nothing to do with what we do, and everything to do with who God is.  A God who loves us enough to forgive us for being self-satisfied, for growing fat while others go hungry, for hoarding assets while others have nothing. Yes, God even loves us enough to forgive us for everything we have ever done to separate ourselves from his salvation.  We need only ask for his forgiveness. --- ## URL: https://www.aldersgatebutte.org/article-details ### Title: Article Details ### Page ID: 8361072 ### Content: ## Example Article ###### Date: Mar 31, 2022 ###### Category: Community, Resources, A few hours a week, Classroom Partnership ###### Author: Pastor Jennifer Hill ##### Together, we can help young people reach their full potential and create a better future for themselves and their families. The Video could not be played. Please [download it here](https://historian.ministrycloud.com/r/eyJzaXRlX2lkIjoiMzEyMzMiLCJhcnRpY2xlX2lkIjoiNTg4MDE1IiwibWVkaWFfaWQiOiIxMjI5OTY4MyIsIm1lZGlhX2Zvcm1hdCI6IjEwNSJ9/http://account-media.s3.amazonaws.com/31233/h264-720/0/0e16915031_1703019714_0e91906441567627217forest-trees.mp4). We are looking for a patient and caring individuals to join our team of elementary school tutors! As a tutor, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people, help them improve their academic skills, and create a positive and supportive learning environment. Whether you have experience working with children or are simply looking for a way to serve God and His people, we invite you to consider becoming an elementary school tutor. This is a great opportunity to use your gifts and talents to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people, while building relationships and fostering a sense of community within our church. As a tutor, you will work one-on-one with students to provide individualized support and guidance, help them with homework assignments and projects, and provide encouragement and motivation to help them succeed. You will also have the opportunity to build relationships with the children and their families, and to make a lasting impact on their lives. If you're interested in becoming an elementary school tutor, we invite you to contact us today to learn more and get involved. 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