United Parish of Bowie
United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve
Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ
The Journey Toward Sunday
Hi everyone, I hope things are going well for you this week.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. We have a special children's sermon that's earlier in the service than usual… so if you're a child, or have children who might be interested, make sure to be there to celebrate with Palms and songs of Joy over Jesus' triumphal entry! Later in the week we will continue the remembrance of Holy Week with a Maundy Thursday service of communion and a Good Friday service to remember the betrayal, desertion and the trek to the Cross. Both services will start at 7:30 and the choir will sing at each. We will also have special musicians joining us for Good Friday. And then of course next Sunday is Easter! And we'll celebrate the risen Christ! I hope everyone will make it to hear the story, remember the last days of Jesus and celebrate the Resurrection!
Last night, we were joined via video conference by Susan Sanders, the administrator of the One Great Hour of Sharing for the United Church of Christ. She was not able to join us in person as had been planned, but it was still good to hear about how the offering is being used around the world. And a very big thank you goes out to the organizers and the providers of all of the Lenten Dinner series meals! You guys are awesome!
We have a couple of other upcoming local mission opportunities:
In addition to the monthly meal for the Family Crisis Center, we'll also be providing 20 Easter Baskets for the children at the Family Crisis Center. We are still looking for donations of individually wrapped candies, small toys and games, coloring books and crayons, plastic Easter eggs, etc. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please see Mary Jo or Nancy at church on Sunday. The meal and the baskets will be delivered this Sunday so if you have stuff to donate… don't delay!
Christmas in April is right around the corner. We know the house where we'll be working and there is much to be done… from plumbing and electrical work to installing new cabinets, and from cleaning to taking care of plants, there is something for everyone! Mark your calendars for April 30th and come help out a local neighbor in need. Sign-ups will be at the church for the next couple of weeks or you can talk to Herb S. for more information.
United Parish supports the United Campus Ministry at College Park with a financial donation every year and two of our members have been on the board of UCM and now we have the opportunity to learn more and be a part of supporting them directly. They are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner and Benefit Concert on April 29th. I'd encourage you to attend if you are able to learn about the impact they're making at UMD. It looks to be fun and I'm sure they would be appreciative of whatever support you're able to give.
And there are also fellowship opportunities:
Ladies Night is tomorrow (Friday April 15th) at the church. It's going to be a Zumba Demonstration with dessert to follow! Please wear comfortable "workout type" clothing and bring water.
Men's night out is April 26th, this time we're headed south (not literally) to On The Boarder in Bowie.
And The SEEDs (midweek family program) Silly Song Spring Session starts Wednesday April 27th. And I, for one, am looking forward to it! We'll get together, have food, fun and sing old favorites and a few new silly songs too!
Rebecca YG has asked for prayers for her Dad who is at AAMC right now. He is doing better and wants to be back at home (understandably). They are looking for someone to help out with care for him and providing for his safety for a few hours a day… so if you're interested in a part time job or know someone who is, you can contact Rebecca or if you don't have her contact info, let me know and I'll get you in touch. (She's also open to hearing recommendations pro/con for nursing rehab facilities in the area if you have one).
This Sunday's scripture readings can be found here and here. Take a moment to pray with them to prepare yourself for Palm Sunday and Holy Week.
As always, if you want to look further out on the calendar, the website is a great resource. And feel free to get in touch with me regarding your hopes, dreams, and ideas for the future of UPB, or to let me know about other things that are going on in your life.
May God's peace and blessing be with you this and every day!
Pastor Dan
Office phone: 301-249-6411
Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org
On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org
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