March 28, 2012 UPB NEWS UPDATE

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

 

As he [Jesus] came near and saw the city [Jerusalem], he wept over it, 42 saying, "If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.  ⁴³ Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side.  ⁴⁴ They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God." ~ Luke 19:41-44

 

As you prepare for Palm-Passion Sunday, place yourself in the footsteps of Jesus, who knows what the week ahead of him entails. What do you suppose Jesus was thinking and why? What caused Jesus to weep and why?

 

As you continue your Lenten journey towards Jerusalem, towards the cross, what do you suppose Jesus sees that causes him to weep as he looks over your community? Bowie, MD? Prince George's County? The state of Maryland? The United States? The world? What makes you weep? How will you respond?

 

 Lenten blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields

  UPB Gap Minister
  Office phone: 301-249-6411
  On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, April 1, 2012: Palm-Passion Sunday

No Adult Education  this week

 

Worship (11:00 AM)

The format of today's worship will be completely different. Come and see. Come and experience a time of remembering Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with the waving of palms, and his journey through the week that led up to his crucifixion.  The word of God will be proclaimed through prayer, dramatic readings that accentuate the scripture passages, music that includes the chimes and choir and your voices.

 

Our new Nursery Attendant will be introduced at the beginning of worship. Parents, please remember to sign your child(ren) in and out of the nursery.

 

Called Board meeting to follow the service.

 

Easter baskets: This is the last week to bring items for the Easter Baskets for the children staying at the Family Crisis Center (FCC) ...small toys, individually wrapped candy, small books, etc.  Judy Farrell will deliver the baskets to the FCC after church on Sunday

A LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEK OF April 1- April 7

Tuesday, April 3                Men's Breakfast (7:45-8:45 Am) at Bob Evans: 4308 Crain Hwy, Bowie

Thursday, April 5               Maundy Thursday Service (7:30 PM) – Lord's Supper celebrated

 

Friday, April 6                    Good Friday Service (7:30 PM) – A Tenebrae service focusing on the seven last words of Jesus from the cross.

Monday, April 16               New Bible Study to begin (2:00 – 3:30 and repeated 7:00-8:30) Weekday Bible Study: "Ten Keys for Unlocking the Bible" For additional information contact Shirley Bickel or Nikki Hillary.

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

 

Celebration of life service for Bill McFarland

The service will be held at the church at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 31. A reception will immediately follow the service.

If desired, memorial gifts may be sent to

United Parish of Bowie

P.O. Box 1571

Bowie, MD 20716

for Youth Bible Memorial Fund

Also, some wonderful pictures are posted on http://www.mem.com. Type in McFarland and then follow the directions to lead you to William Andrew McFarland's obituary. Refer to menu on left, especially the tabs "Movie" and "Images" to experience Bill McFarland's life, so obviously filled with much love.

 

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.
 

In case of inclement weather or an emergency, please follow our status on

·         WTOP radio in DC

·         WJLA– ABC 7 in DC

·         WJZ-TV CBS in Baltimore

·         UPB web site: www.unitedparishbowie.org

·         United Parish of Bowie on Facebook

·         Message left on church phone

·         Other contacts include: Tom Chin, Robin Burgess, any member of the Board, or Pastor Jeri

Of course many of these contacts are dependent upon power, so when in doubt, use your good judgment and keep in prayer all those who are impacted by the given situation.

 

Please help keep this email list up-to-date. If we don't have the best email to reach you let us know.

Likewise, if you don't want to receive the weekly announcements, let us know.

Either way, you can reply to this email and we'll respect your preferences.

March 21, 2012 UPB NEWS UPDATE

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ
 

The Lord will guide me continually.

~Isaiah 58:11a

Ever watch Dancing with the Stars? Sometimes I marvel at the beauty of the grace and harmony between the dancers.  When the dance comes together there is an indescribable sense of beauty.  Energy flows. Twirling and spinning seem effortless.  Jumps and twists that seem physically impossible are completed successfully. As difficult steps are accomplished there is great trust in the one who is leading. When the partner falls down or makes a mistake, there is reassurance and encouragement for the next dance step.

Dancing, as an art, requires practice and discipline.  Relationship building is important. It necessitates trusting the one who leads and knowing there is forgiveness and a new beginning when one falters.  Such is life when we are dancing with God.

 

A friend recently sent this to me and so I thought I would share it with you.

Dancing With God

(Author unknown; received from a friend.)

When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" dance."
God, you and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.

 

As you continue your Lenten journey towards Jerusalem, towards the cross,

what is your dance with God like?

Lenten blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields

UPB Gap Minister

Office phone: 301-249-6411

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, March 25, 2012: Fifth Sunday of Lent

Adult Education (9:45 AM)      24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton:  The

                                                Torture and Humiliation of the King

Worship (11:00 AM)

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Sermon: "What's Written on Your Heart"

Baptism

Receiving new members

 

If all goes as planned, your new Nursery Attendant will be introduced at the beginning of worship. Come meet and welcome her.

Chat and Chew after the service with those whose last names begin with H-Z asked to bring something to share

 

A LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEK OF MARCH 26 – MARCH 31

Wednesday, March 28      Lenten Dinner Devotionals (Dinner at 6:00, devotional study at

                                          6:45):24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton:

                                          Christ the Victor

                                         Choir practice (7:30) 

SAVE THE DATE

  Saturday, March 24          Spring Clean-Up date (9:00 AM)

  Saturday, March 31          Celebration of Life Service for Bill McFarland (11:00 AM)

  Thursday, April 5              Maundy Thursday Service (7:30 PM) – Lord's Supper celebrated
 
Friday, April 6                   Good Friday Service (7:30 PM) – A Tenebrae service focusing on
                                         the seven last words of Jesus from the cross.

Monday, April 16              New Bible Study to begin (2:00 – 3:30 and repeated 7:00-8:30)
                                         Weekday Bible Study: "Ten Keys for Unlocking the Bible" For
                                         additional information contact  Shirley Bickel or Nikki Hillary.

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.
 

Wednesday Evening Lenten Dinner Devotionals (Dinner at 6:00 and study at 6:45)

 24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton

  March 28       Christ the Victor
 

Sunday Morning Adult Education

24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton

March  25      The Torture and Humiliation of the King
April 1            The Crucifixion
April 8            Easter! No Adult Ed
April 15          Christ the Victor

In case of inclement weather or an emergency, please follow our status on

·         WTOP radio in DC

·         WJLA– ABC 7 in DC

·         WJZ-TV CBS in Baltimore

·         UPB web site: www.unitedparishbowie.org

·         United Parish of Bowie on Facebook

·         Message left on church phone

·         Other contacts include: Tom Chin, Robin Burgess, any member of the Board, or
       Pastor Jeri

Of course many of these contacts are dependent upon power, so when in doubt, use your good judgment and keep in prayer all those who are impacted by the given situation.

 

Please help keep this email list up-to-date. If we don't have the best email to reach you let us know.

Likewise, if you don't want to receive the weekly announcements, let us know.

Either way, you can reply to this email and we'll respect your preferences.

March 14, 2012 UPB NEWS UPDATE

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith.

Test yourselves.

~2 Corinthians 13:5a

When you say you love the Lord, when you say you are a follower of Jesus Christ, what does that mean to you? For me it means I must practice spiritual disciplines such as quiet time with God in prayer, reading the Bible; regularly worshiping God; daily recognizing the presence of God in my life and in the world; sharing in acts of kindness in the name of Jesus; being a faithful steward of the resources I have received from God. It's about building a relationship with God and then being obedient. For me there is a direct correlation between my being a faithful disciple and the extent to which I am disciplined in the faith. And some days I pass the discipline and discipleship test and other days I fail miserably.

Discipline and discipleship must go hand in hand. Without the practice of Christian spiritual disciplines, discipleship just does not exist because what we do has little to do with our faith in Jesus Christ. Discipline without discipleship means we fail to respond to the relationship established with God during time spent with God for God; and in the end we fail to walk the talk.

Lent is a time of self reflection, a time of self-assessment, a time to examine the extent of one’s Christian spiritual disciplines and walk as a faithful disciple. I like what Henri Nouwen says:

Discipline is the other side of discipleship. Discipleship without discipline is like waiting to run in the marathon without ever practicing. Discipline without discipleship is like always practicing for the marathon but never participating.

It is important, however, to realize that discipline in the spiritual life is not the same as discipline in sports. Discipline in sports is the concentrated effort to master the body so that it can obey the mind better. Discipline in the spiritual life is the concentrated effort to create the space and time where God can become our master and where we can respond freely to God's guidance.

Thus, discipline is the creation of boundaries that keep time and space open for God. Solitude requires discipline, worship requires discipline, caring for others requires discipline. They all ask us to set apart a time and a place where God's gracious presence can be acknowledged and responded to.

What life-changing disciplines are you embarking upon during this season of Lent? How does practicing these disciplines or not practicing these disciplines impact your discipleship – the ways you love God and follow Jesus? How does God know you love him? When and where and how do you follow Jesus? How are you doing in walking the talk?

Yes, Lent is a time of self reflection, a time of self-assessment, a time to examine the extent of one’s spiritual disciplines and walk as a faithful disciple.

In the journey of Lent, ever moving toward the cross, may each be strengthened in the assurance of God’s steadfast love, knowing that when we stumble and struggle to get back up, God still loves us and will guide and direct us into the next phase of the journey. Thanks be to God!

 Lenten blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields
UPB Gap Minister
Office phone: 301-249-6411
On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, March 18, 2012: Third Sunday of Lent

Adult Education (9:45 AM)
24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton: Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate

Worship (11:00 AM)

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-21

Sermon: “Lifted Up”

Fellowship and Membership Ministry team will meet after worship

Family Crisis Center Meal

A LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEK OF MARCH 19 – MARCH 25
Wednesday, March 21     Lenten Dinner Devotionals (Dinner at 6:00, devotional study at
                                         6:45) 24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton : The 
                                         Crucifixion
                                         Choir practice (7:30)

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, March 24          Spring Clean-Up date

Saturday, March 31          Celebration of Life Service for Bill McFarland (11:00 AM)

Thursday, April 5              Maundy Thursday Service (7:30 PM)– Lord’s Supper celebrated

 Friday, April 6                   Good Friday Service (7:30 PM) – A Tenebrae service focusing  

                                          on the seven last words of Jesus from the cross.

Monday, April 16               New Bible Study to begin (2:00 – 3:30 and repeated 7:00-8:30) 

                                          Weekday Bible Study: “Ten Keys for Unlocking the Bible” For

                                          additional information contact Shirley Bickel or Nikki Hillary.

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.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Dinner Devotionals (Dinner at 6:00 and study at 6:45)

24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton

March 21       The Crucifixion

March 28       Christ the Victor

Sunday Morning Adult Education

24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton

March  25      The Torture and Humiliation of the King
April 1            The Crucifixion

April 8             Easter! No Adult Ed

April 15           Christ the Victor

In case of inclement weather or an emergency, please follow our status on

·         WTOP radio in DC
·         WJLA– ABC 7 in DC
·         WJZ-TV CBS in Baltimore
·         UPB web site: www.unitedparishbowie.org
·         United Parish of Bowie on Facebook
·         Message left on church phone
·         Other contacts include: Tom Chin, Robin Burgess, any member of the Board, or Pastor
      Jeri

Of course many of these contacts are dependent upon power,

so when in doubt, use your good judgment and

keep in prayer all those who are impacted by the given situation.

Please help keep this email list up-to-date. If we don't have the best email to reach you let us know.

Likewise, if you don't want to receive the weekly announcements, let us know.

Either way, you can reply to this email and we'll respect your preferences.

March 7, 2012 UPB NEWS UPDATE

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

 

In this season of Lent…

 

May God bless you with discomfort...
at easy answers, hard hearts,
half-truths ,and superficial relationships.
May God bless you so that you may live
from deep within your heart
where God's Spirit dwells.

May God bless you with anger...
at injustice, oppression,
and exploitation of people.
May God bless you so that you may
work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears...
to shed for those who suffer from pain,
rejection, starvation and war.
May God bless you so that you
may reach out your hand
to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with
enough foolishness
to believe that you can make a difference
in this world, in your neighborhood,
so that you will courageously try
what you don't think you can do, but realizing,
in Jesus Christ you'll have all the strength necessary.

May God bless you to fearlessly
speak out about injustice,
unjust laws, corrupt politicians,
unjust and cruel treatment of prisoners,
and senseless wars,
genocides, starvations, and poverty that is so pervasive.

May God bless you that you remember
we are all called
to continue God's redemptive work
of love and healing
in God's place, in and through God's name,
in God's Spirit, continually creating
and breathing new life and grace
into everything and everyone we touch.  

Amen.

(A Franciscan benediction)

 

How is God blessing you and how will you respond?

Lenten blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields

   UPB Gap Minister

   Office phone: 301-249-6411

   On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, March 11, 2012: Third Sunday of Lent

Adult Education (9:45 AM)    24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton: The Garden of Gethsemane along with Condemned by the Righteous

Worship (11:00 AM)

Scripture:       Psalm 19 and John 2:13-22

Chat and Chew after the service with those whose last name begins with A-G asked to bring something to share

A LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEK OF MARCH 12 – MARCH 17

Tuesday, March 13           Board meeting (7:00)

Wednesday, March 14     Lenten Dinner Devotionals (Dinner at 6:00, devotional study at 6:45): 24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton: Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate and  with The Torture and Humiliation of the King

Choir practice (7:30)

SAVE THE DATE

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)

Monday, April 16               New Bible Study to begin (2:00 – 3:30 and repeated 7:00-8:30) Weekday Bible Study:  "Ten Keys for Unlocking the Bible"

  For additional information contact Shirley Bickel or Nikki Hillary. 

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. 

Wednesday Evening Lenten Dinner Devotionals (Dinner at 6:00 and study at 6:45)

24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton

Mar. 21           The Crucifixion

Mar. 28           Christ the Victor

Sunday Morning Adult Education

 24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton

Mar. 18           Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate

Mar. 25           The Torture and Humiliation of the King

Apr. 1              The Crucifixion

Apr. 8              Easter!  No Adult Ed.

Apr. 15            Christ the Victor

 In case of inclement weather or an emergency, please follow our status on

·         WTOP radio in DC

·         WJLA – ABC 7 in DC

·         WJZ-TV CBS in Baltimore

·         UPB web site:  www.unitedparishbowie.org

·         United Parish of Bowie on Facebook

·         Message left on church phone

·         Other contacts include: Tom Chin, Robin Burgess, any member of the Board, or Pastor Jeri

Of course many of these contacts are dependent upon power, so when in doubt, use your good judgment and keep in prayer all those who are impacted by the given situation.

Please help keep this email list up-to-date. If we don't have the best email to reach you let us know.

Likewise, if you don't want to receive the weekly announcements, let us know.

Either way, you can reply to this email and we'll respect your preferences.