Leisure/Sports Ministry

The Leisure Ministries program at Aldersgate is designed to promote a wide variety of activities with special emphasis on spiritual and physical enhancement. It is our long-term goal to create a program which meets the needs of all age levels, as well as interest levels. We hope that you will find something of interest here that will help draw you closer to God and to the church as a whole. Perhaps you may find that you have a particular interest or gift that you would like to share.

Basketball

Our basketball season is currently finished.  We will reopen for the 2022-2023 season in September of 2022.  

We play as a part of the Breakaway Sports Ministries League.  They host teams for the following ages:  K5 – adult men’s teams.  They do not have women’s teams yet, but that may change in the near future.

League information can be found at www.breakaway-ministries.org.  This is where all team and schedule information is located during the season.  If you need further information, contact Ruth Hughes at 244-1820 ext. 204

Recreational Facilities

Aldersgate UMC has two fully enclosed playground areas. The “Sand Lot” is designed for our younger pre-school children and the “Play Zone” is equipped for our K5 and elementary age kids. They are located at the back of the church property – across the drive from the gymnasium. There is also a nice clearing area for group games.

On the right side of the playground is our organic garden. We have a number of raised beds which are used by program participants to grow food and flowers. Anyone is welcome to claim an open bed for themselves or their family.

To the left of the playground is the Mr. Jerry Smith House. This building houses our youth and scouts, but can also be used by groups. It has two fire pits, 4 picnic tables and we have outdoor games available such as Bocce, Croquet and Cornhole. It makes a lovely place to enjoy a picnic.

If you are more into t-ball, softball or soccer, then check out our small ballfield beside the upper parking area. It makes a great place to run and play. Next to the field is our Gaga pit. If you have never played, it is like a controlled dodge ball.

When the weather is too rough to play outside, then come in to our full regulation sized basketball court with adjustable backboards for our younger players. If basketball isn’t your sport, we do have a net system that can accommodate volleyball for both kids and adults.

All of these recreational resources are available on a reservation basis. They are great places for birthday parties and family get-togethers. If you are 21 years or older, contact the church office (864-244-1820) for available times.

Asbury Hills UMC Summer Camp

These summer camps offer students a huge range of opportunities. With names like Core, Element, Fusion, Drenched and Altitude, how can you go wrong! Camps are available for rising 2nd graders through high school. There are also great leadership opportunities for the summer like becoming a counselor in training. Be sure to check out their website or see Ruth Hughes for a brochure. If you are already scheduled to attend camp, please contact Ruth Hughes at rhughes@aumcsc.org so she can add that information to the church list.