Aldersgate Celebrates 60 Years in Alexandria

From Aldersgate United Methodist Church:

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, will mark its 60th anniversary during a church-wide celebration October 23. American theologian, ethicist and public intellectual Stanley Hauerwas, named Time’s best theologian in 2001, will preach all weekend services.

During each service, the Aldersgate Choir also will sing a commissioned work composed for the church by famed conductor and composer Rene Clausèn. Immediately following the 11:15 a.m. traditional service, a picnic extravaganza will follow featuring BBQ food, music by the Clay Mottley Band, and activities such as a moon bounce for youth. All are welcome to the celebration.

“We are honored to have served as a center of worship and service for this community over the past 60 years, but we’re just getting started,” said Rev. Dennis Perry, lead pastor. “As we continue to grow our ministry, we look forward to many more years of significant service to God and our neighbors.”

Aldersgate was founded October 21, 1956. The church, located at 1301 Collingwood Road in Alexandria, has grown steadily since its early days, especially in the past decade. The church has a larger chapel, community center, and new education wing on its campus, and has recently expanded its congregation into Kingstowne. The Collingwood campus also is home to a day school.

Members volunteer through Aldersgate for organizations such as a local Habitat for Humanity and provide meals for the hungry in the surrounding area through multiple avenues. In total, the church and its 2,000 members provide support and services to 200 organizations locally and globally. Notably, Aldersgate has partnered with the Highland Support Project to expand its mission and services to the White Mountain Apache reservation in Arizona as well as the indigenous highlands of Guatemala.

More information about the church’s 60th anniversary is available here or by emailing sixtieth@aldersgate.net.

Image via Aldersgate United Methodist Church.