January 4, 2012 UPB NEWS

January 4, 2012 UPB NEWS

 

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

 

For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand;

It is I who say to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."

~Isaiah 41:13

 

Behold! God is doing something new at UPB.  And when God does something new, there can be excitement, as well as fear and anxiety. Let's be honest, change oftentimes produces a lot of anxiety. Perhaps this is why "Do not be afraid" and "Do not fear" are used nearly 100 times throughout the Bible.  The message is clear: God will help you during this time of transition!

 

So, as you begin a new chapter in the life of the congregation you so love, "Do not be afraid."  "Do not fear." God promises to hold your hand, to help you.  Together with God's grace, the leadership of your Board that will be commissioned this Sunday, your prayers and concern for one another, know and believe that you will continue in your mission to serve as the people of God and to be God's children who are loved more than you can even begin to imagine.

 

Therefore, when you feel anxious, when things are not going just as you had planned and dreamed and hoped, remember the following that was once shared with me by a good friend:

 

God's strength behind you

God's concern for you

God's love within you

Are all that is needed for your journey.

 

I look forward to being with you on a half-time basis through April. Please call me or stop by the Office to introduce yourself or to talk. Generally, I will be in the office late Wednesday afternoon and early evening. As a suggestion, call in advance to make sure I am there or to schedule an appointment.

 

Blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields

   UPB Gap Minister

   Office phone: 301-249-6411

   On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

 

 

 

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012: BAPTISM OF THE LORD SUNDAY

Scripture readings: Isaiah 42:1-9 ^NRSVand Mark 1:1-11 ^{NRSV & NLT}

Sermon: "Sent on a Mission"

Celebration of the Lord's Supper

Commissioning of the Board and recognizing those whose term just expired

 

Chat and Chew after the service with those whose last names begin with A-G asked to bring something to share.

 

A LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEK OF JANUARY 8-14

SEEDS and YOUTH Fellowship will resume on Wednesday, January 11

See other announcements in the bulletin