February 15, 2012 UPB NEWS UPDATE

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,  ² for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.  ³ This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  ⁵ For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, ⁶ who gave himself a ransom for all-- this was attested at the right time. ~1 Timothy 2:1-6   ^NRSV

How many of you read the newspaper each day? Some of you may physically hold a newspaper in your hand as you drink your first cup of morning brew, while others now read the news from an Ipad, a Kindle, a Nook, a smartphone, some other handheld device,  or your computer. Others may get their glimpse of the world by watching the morning, mid-day, evening and/or nightly news. Some stay tuned to their favorite radio/talk show. However, you learn about what is going on around you and in the world, I think most of us would agree that much of the news is troubling; that it is difficult to find refreshing stories of God's grace and presence anywhere in the news.

So what are we, as Christians, called to do when we hear about so much pain and tragedy throughout the world? Some will feel compelled to broadcast their views via FaceBook or another social network. Others may become directly involved in a situation in an attempt to evoke change. Others may think, I'm only one, so what difference can I possibly make? --- then with a sigh or shaking of the head read the next headline.

The good news is there is something each and every one of you can do. YOU can pray prayers of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, and intercession as you read the newspaper. One format to pray through the newspaper is with breath prayers.

What is a breath prayer? A breath prayer is a short prayer that includes calling upon God and making a request or declaration. As you breathe in, the first few words call upon the names of the Lord: Merciful God; Jesus, my Savior; Come, Holy Spirit; Eternal God; …. You get the idea.  There is no limit to the number of adjectives and descriptive phrases that can be used to focus on God's presence and who God is to you at any given moment in time. Then, as you breathe out, pray your request or declaration: Thank you for _____. Forgive me for _____. Give our government leaders courage and wisdom. Let peace replace violence in _____

*    (Breathe in) Healing God, (Breathe out) provide ways to eliminate the children's cancer drug shortage.

*    (Breathe in) I thank you ever-present God for athletes like Tebow and Lin who openingly share their faith in you. (Breathe out) Keep them strong in their faith and message about You, so that others may come to know and love you.

*    (Breathe in)  Redeeming and sustaining God, you know how my heart aches when I read about the situation in Syria: "neighborhoods shelled indiscriminately, hospitals used as torture centers, children as young as 10 years old chained and abused. (Breathe out)  May this violence and all crimes against humanity cease!

Breath prayers can be prayed everywhere, even while at a traffic light or while standing in a line someplace. I encourage you to use breath prayers throughout the day, not just reading about the news. And when you do, I would love to hear about your experience.

Blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields

   UPB Gap Minister

   Office phone: 301-249-6411

   On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012: Transfiguration Sunday

Adult Education (9:45 AM)

Worship (11:00 AM)

Scripture:       2 Corinthians 4:3-6

                        Mark 9:2-9

Sermon:         "Listen to Him"

Called Board meeting immediately following the service

Spiritual formation Committee meeting immediately following the service

Communications Committee meeting immediately following the service

A LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 25

Tuesday, Feb. 21             Ladies' Night Out: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner at the home of Barbara Trafton (5:30)

                                         Choir practice (7:30)

Wednesday, Feb. 22       Ash Wednesday Service with Imposition of Ashes (7:30 PM)

                                             Scriptures:  Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

                                                                  Psalm 51

                                                                  Matthew 6:1-6, 16, 21

                                            

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, March 4             Called Congregation meeting immediately following the service: Purpose of meeting is to vote on the budget

Saturday, March 10         Pull out your chili and cornbread recipes for UPB's participation in "Warm Nights" hosted by Village Baptist Church!  On Saturday, March 10, 2012, UPB will provide Chili, Cornbread, salad and dessert to support Prince George's County Hypothermia Program, Warm Nights. Warm Nights operates during the winter months (mid November to March) to provide overnight shelter to individuals needing to escape the cold temperatures. Individuals stay at area churches and are provided meals.  A sign-up sheet will be passed during church.

Sunday, March 11           Daylight Savings Time Changes (Be sure to get up at 2 AM to spring forward)

Saturday, March 24         Spring Clean-up date

Thursday, April 5             Maundy Thursday Service (7:30 PM)

Friday, April 6                  Good Friday Service (7:30 PM)

April 29                            Talent Show

                                         Do you or your child have a special talent you would like to share? Are you a juggler, comedian, magician, or musician? More details to follow.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOOD DRIVE

To support the Bowie Food Pantry after the holidays when their donations tend to slow down, the Mission & Service Committee invite you, the congregation, to participate in a focused food drive.  While we support the Bowie Pantry all year, this is an opportunity to put more focus on it for the next 7 weeks.  To ensure a variety of items, we have designated certain foods for each week based on input from the pantry. 

February 19     canned beans - any kind

February 26     toilet paper

March 4           fresh fruit/fresh vegetables

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