GET Connected

Small Groups

Making friends with folks at Aldersgate is easy. We invite you to become part of our family and join us for fun and fulfilling activities! Read Aldersgate’s Safe Sanctuary covenant.

You’re invited to join a “Small Group” at Aldersgate. Be blessed! Small group participation enables you to really get to know others in the Aldersgate family and learn the many ways we can live out our faith. Click to view the Small Group Directory. Check out the online calendar for meeting times and locations.

If you need more information on any of the groups listed or have an idea for for an additional small group, please contact The Small Groups Coordinators.

Checkerboard Dance is held four times throughout the year at 6:30 p.m. for people from our area with physical and mental challenges, ages 15 and older. Aldersgate’s high school students assist with the dance each month. This is a fun outreach ministry that we have the privilege of being a part of!

History of the Checkerboard Dance

In 1971, youth leaders Jim & Kelly Truitt and John & Joan Hogan decorated tables in Fellowship Hall with checkered table cloths so youth and guests could party and dance from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on the checkered floor tiles. It was a fun night for all, a great community service project for Aldersgate youth, and a much needed social activity.

Fellowship Hall gets wonderfully decorated in a theme – sock hop, luau, country-western, or traditional holiday themes of Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day. The youth and guests dance to the tunes of Elvis, Johnny Cash and now the Back Street Boys – all played by disc jockey, fellow Aldersgater and Mary Campbell Center resident, Michael Luternau. The dance floor hops with the twist, the chicken dance, the macarena and the electric slide.

Whether the tunes and dances are old or new, one thing’s sure, Checkerboard represents a longstanding tradition at Aldersgate and another shining example of Aldersgate Church Sharing God’s Grace and Gifts.

For more information or to become involved, contact the church office at 302-478-2575.

The Men's Fellowship Group is open to men of Aldersgate church and the community and has 3 specific purposes. The first is to provide fellowship for men of all ages. The second is to provide an opportunity for men to serve God in community outreach. The third purpose is to provide an educational program to assist men in their faith journey. For more information about this men's ministry contact ammensgroup@aldersgatede.org

United Methodist Men (UMM) is held on the third Tuesday of the month at 11:45 a.m., except during the months of June, July and August.

The program generally begins with a time of Devotion, followed by a sandwich lunch. When lunch is complete, there is a short presentation of a topical subject, which relates to various subjects impacting the Christian Community.

For more information, call the church office at 302-478-2575 or email umm@aldersgatede.org.

United Methodist Women (UMW) strive to inform, inspire, involve, and include all women of the Wilmington community to grow through education, stewardship, service and fellowship.

The fellowship base is broadened through UMW-sponsored events held during the year.

Circles meet regularly at church or in members’ homes, allowing members to establish meaningful relationships:

Abigail - Meeting time to be determined.

Esther - Second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m.

Hannah / Multi-tasking Moms - Twice monthly day & evening.

Martha - Second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m.

Rebekah - First Thursday of the month at 1 p.m.

Ruth - Second Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m.

Sarah - Second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Here’s what women are saying about UMW:

“UMW helps forge new friendships, fulfill spiritual needs, and serve women and children. Please join us.” Ellen Leonzio

“UMW enables us to serve women and children all over the world. As we enjoy fellowship, friendship and fun, we are also able to bring blessings to others in so many ways. It is truly amazing what UMW accomplishes each year.” Kathy Daum

"Our UMW Circles provide an opportunity for fellowship, a chance to learn about our UMW Mission activity, a chance to support those missions, and always to be a spiritual support for each other." Pat Overdeer

"UMW is a wonderful way to make great friends while we work together to gain our mission goals. Our Martha Circle has taken on a special project that has brought needed help to young mothers locally and has brought us much satisfaction and pleasure." Joy Thompson

For more information, contact the UMW President.