UPB Update week of 9-4-11 (Worship @ 11:00)

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 you are having a wonderful week… It's long and dark for some of us…  We are still without power at home and I understand at least a few of you are too (of course you may not receive this email, but know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you when you eventually do receive it…)

Amazingly the power never went off at church and we had a few die-hards who made it to worship in the midst of the wind and rain on Sunday morning.  I thought it was an unusual enough week –with both an earthquake and hurricane-  that it might be helpful for people to process, share stories and wonder together where God is in the midst of unusual happenings in lieu of the normally scheduled sermon.  However, the readings, especially the Gospel text, have been influential enough in the history of Christianity and how people understand faith that I think it's important to revisit them this week… so, barring more natural phenomena that raise questions of faith for many folks, the plan for this week is that I'll preach the sermon I prepared for last week on Jeremiah 15:15-21 and  Matthew 16:21-28.  (You can find the Scripture lessons by clicking on the links or by opening up your Bible and I'd invite you to spend some time praying with the readings to prepare yourselves for worship on Sunday.)

Irene postponed reestablishing normal school routines for many of us (parents, teachers, students, etc.) but at UPB we're still looking forward to the kickoff of the new program year.  First things first… Worship moves back to 11:00 This Sunday!!! 

Rally Sunday will be on September 11, where we'll commission committee chairs for the year and have an opportunity to enjoy food and celebrate community afterward.  (We will also have some time during the service to remember the events and feelings of 9/11 ten years ago).

Sunday school will start for adults and children on September 18^th.  Adults will meet from 9:45-10:45 and children will start in the service and be invited to leave for classes after the choir anthem.

And the midweek Seeds family ministry program will start up on Wednesday September 14^th from 6-7pm.  We're very excited for another wonderful year of Seeds!   

Choir has already begun practicing but it's never too late to lend your voice for the purpose of singing God's praise!  Call Diane E. or show up on a Wednesday evening at 7:30 to investigate whether Choir is a good fit for you!

There is a benefit being held for Todd Painter (former member at UPB who's battling cancer) on Saturday, September 10^th at the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards in Baltimore. There will be dinner, dancing, games, raffles, silent and live auction, 50/50 raffle, family fun & kids corner.  Tickets are $65 per person   $120 couple and the event will run from 7:00 P.M. - Midnight.

We have been invited to participate in the Bowie CROP Walk on October 2 at 1:00 pm at St. Matthews.  (CROP= Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty).  So far I've heard back from a couple of interested folks and I think it would be fun to get a whole group to raise money, raise awareness and walk together.

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 what's going on in your life.

May you not require electricity to let your light shine!

Peace,

Pastor Dan                                              

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web:  www.unitedparishbowie.org

 

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