UPB Update week of 10-9-11

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're enjoying the beautiful fall days this week.  The cool crisp air has reminded me that the season is changing... I've heard other parents talking about their kid's Halloween costumes, the leaves will soon be in full color... every year we get this amazing process of transformation... we know it's coming and I'm aware that it would be a good practice for us to enter it intentionally, keeping our eyes open to see how God might speak to us in the midst of the season change going on around us.

Thanks to everyone who stepped up to allow me to get out of town last week without worrying too much about UPB!  I heard bits and pieces of feedback about Sunday and special thanks to Rev. Troy for coming to lead worship in my absence. 

This Sunday I'll be focusing on Matthew 22:15-22 and Psalm 24.  I'd invite you to read and pray with the scripture lessons to prepare yourselves for Sunday.  This Sunday after church is the regularly scheduled chat-n-chew so if your last name begins with A-G, please bring a little something to share.  And this Sunday is also the start of the annual stewardship focus. Mark your calendar now for the October 30^th Consecration Sunday Lunch immediately following the service.  Right now it's just a quick save the date... more info will follow... 

After you get some chat-n-chew food and check in with folks on Sunday, we'll also be having an open forum about children receiving Communion at the United Parish.  The forum isn't going to be a place where decisions are made, but rather an opportunity to hear the opinions and perspectives of anyone who wants to share... so if you have preferences on the matter or if you would like to hear what others have to say, stick around after church and join the discussion.  The following two weeks of the Adult Education class will be focused on the meaning of communion so if you'd like to learn more, please come to class on the 16^th and 23^rd as well!

And I also wanted to give you a heads up about next weekend... there  are a few opportunities to make your voice heard as we look forward to the congregation's life together: on Saturday the 15^th, we are hosting a United Parish Leadership Retreat at the church from 9am to Noon.  The board and committee leaders will be meeting along with anyone else who's interested in helping to set the direction of the church for the coming year(s).  Friday evening at the Barbato's home a group will be meeting to enjoy one another's company and plan Ladies Nights out... and on Sunday after worship the Christian Spiritual Formation committee will be meeting.  If any of those spark your interest, feel free to get in contact with me to get more info!

There's lots of good stuff going on at UPB this Fall and, as always, if you want to look further out on the calendar, the website is a great resource.  And, of course, feel free to get in touch with me anytime regarding your hopes, dreams, and ideas for the future of UPB, or to let me know what's going on in your life.

Grace and Peace to you!

Pastor Dan                                              

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web:  www.unitedparishbowie.org

 

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