United Parish of Bowie UPdate

January 25, 2012 UPB NEWS UPDATE

2012-01-26T01:03:00.000-05:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

~ Ephesians 4:4-6

What do you remember about your own baptism? About the baptism of a child, perhaps your own child or a friend's child? When is the last time you remember an adult being baptized?

What does it mean to be baptized? Between now and Sunday I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on your understanding of the meaning of baptism and the significance of the baptismal vows. During worship you will have the opportunity to reaffirm your baptismal vows. This is a service you will not want to miss.

So come and see. Come and be renewed for "you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of the one who called you out of darkness into God's marvelous light." (~1 Peter 2:9)

Blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields

UPB Gap Minister

Office phone: 301-249-6411

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Adult Education (9:45 AM)

Worship (11:00 AM)

Scripture Readings: Micah 6:6-8 and Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16

Sermon: "Remembering Your Baptism"

A LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEK OF JANUARY 30 – February 4

Tuesday, Jan 31 Called Board meeting (7:00 PM)

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Newsletter articles due

SEEDS (6:00 – 7:15 PM)

Choir Rehearsal (7:30 PM)

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, Feb. 22 Ash Wednesday Service (7:30 PM)

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

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

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.

January 29 cereal, oatmeal

February 5 peanut butter, jelly

February 12 canned meat such as beef stew, chicken breast meat, chicken and dumplings.

February 19 canned beans - any kind

February 26 toilet paper

March 4 fresh fruit/Fresh vegetables

SOUPer BOWL SUNDAY: February 5

On Sunday February 5th, 140 million Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game. There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Please join young people around the country as they demonstrate God's love by loving their neighbors through the SOUPer Bowl of Caring. It's a simple, yet significant act of caring for others. Bring cans of soup or drop $1 (or more) in the soup pot as you leave worship on February 5th. Our young people are developing hearts for giving that can last a lifetime. Please support their efforts.

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.

January 18, 2012 UPB NEWS UPDATE

2012-01-20T11:56:00.000-05:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers.

~Hebrews 13:2a

Extend hospitality to strangers.

Romans 12:13

Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

~1 Peter 4:9

This past week I meet with pastors and their leaders from 12-15 different churches within National Capital Presbytery. This two-day workshop, entitled The Acts 16:5 Initiative, included some impressive presentations and lively discussions. One of the questions addressed was: "Is your church friendly?" To which we responded, "Of course, our congregations are friendly. No doubt about it!" Then came a more difficult question: "How does being a friendly church become "strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily" (Acts 16:5)?

Before we answered that question, we considered the definitions of friendliness and hospitality.

Friendliness says: "Hi, how are you doing?"

Hospitality says: "Would you come into my life?"

We see ourselves as being friendly and hospitable when we invite our family and friends to join us for lunch, to come to the house for an evening meal, to attend a special party or celebration, or to attend church related, cultural or sporting events. But biblical hospitality is more. Biblical hospitality from the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains gives the following definition for hospitality:

to receive and show hospitality to a stranger,

that is, someone who is not regarded as a member of the extended family or a close friend.

As we discussed at this session, sharing biblical hospitality is more than inviting someone you know or is a family member to do something together. Biblical hospitality is even far more that saying to someone you don't know: "How are you?" "Tell me a little bit about yourself." Biblical hospitality is a heartfelt invitation to someone you don't know or have just met, inviting them to become involved in your life.

Biblical hospitality says "Come and see." "Come, join with me as we stand around the coffee pot and talk with others." Biblical hospitality says to someone you don't know very well or have just met, "Come and be a part of my life – let's go together to the Men's Night Out" or "How about if I pick you up and we go together to Ladies Night Out"…or any other church related ministry/activity." Biblical hospitality says, "Let's walk our journeys together: Let's laugh together, cry together, play together, pray together, grow in faith together."

Our dynamic presenter, Stan Ott, shared a story about a congregation where he once served. It was an active congregation, one where deep, life-long friendships developed and grew. It was a place where everyone in the church knew that year after year the same five couples went to Colorado to go skiing.

Now it just so happened that within the year, a new couple joined the church. They were eager to become involved, to feel accepted. In a casual conversation, a discussion occurred as to whether or not the new couple would be joining the others when they went skiing. While the couples felt they should have invited the new couple to join them, they decided not to do so.

Long story short: the new couple felt excluded, like they could not break into the inner circle. Yes, the church was friendly, but the church did not practice biblical hospitality; and in the end, the new couple left the church shortly thereafter.

As we learned at this conference: growing, thriving, vibrant churches are friendly places, but more importantly they share and live and share and enjoy biblical hospitality.

In the couple of weeks I have been with you, I have observed how you are a friendly congregation. I've not been here long enough to know if you practice Biblical hospitality. My prayer is that you do.

If you would like to hear more about the workshop, I would love to discuss it with you.

Blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields

UPB Gap Minister

Office phone: 301-249-6411

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2012: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Adult Education (9:45 AM)

Worship (11:00 AM)

Scripture readings: Psalm 62:5-12 and Mark 1:14-20

Sermon: "Let's Go Fishing"

Ministry Team Chairs Meeting (immediately following worship service)

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 JANUARY 13-28

Tuesday, Jan. 24 On the Border Mexican Restaurant, 16403 Heritage Boulevard Bowie, MD 20716 (6:30-8:30)

Wednesday, Jan 18 SEEDS (6:00 – 7:15 PM)

Choir Rehearsal (7:30 PM)

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.

January 22 canned fruit and applesauce

January 29 cereal, oatmeal

February 5 peanut butter, jelly

February 12 canned meat such as beef stew, chicken breast meat, chicken and dumplings.

February 19 canned beans - any kind

February 26 toilet paper

March 4 fresh fruit/Fresh vegetables

SOUPer BOWL SUNDAY: February 5

On Sunday February 5^th, 140 million Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game. There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Please join young people around the country as they demonstrate God's love by loving their neighbors through the SOUPer Bowl of Caring. It's a simple, yet significant act of caring for others. Bring cans of soup or drop $1 (or more) in the soup pot as you leave worship on February 5^th. Our young people are developing hearts for giving that can last a lifetime. Please support their efforts.

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.

January 11, 2012 UPB NEWS UPDATE

2012-01-12T19:52:00.001-05:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

Philip found Nathanael and said to him,

"We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote,

Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth."

Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

Philip said to him, "Come and see."

~ John 1:45-46

I had the great opportunity to experience your special ministry SEEDS for children and youth this week. Why did I go? Someone said to me, "Come and see." But I'm not the only one who was invited to "Come and See." One of the children invited a friend: "Come and see" what we experience at SEEDS --- and the friend came along with two other siblings.

In his book God's Downward Mobility, Nathan Williams tells of two men who had been business partners for over twenty years. They met one Sunday morning as they were leaving a restaurant. One of them asked, "Where are you going this morning?" "I'm going to play golf. What about you?" The first man responded rather apologetically, "I'm going to church." The other man said, "Why don't you give up that church stuff?" The man asked, "What do you mean?" "Well, we have been partners for twenty years. We have worked together, attended board meetings together, and had lunch together, and all of these twenty years you have never asked me about going to church. You have never invited me to go with you. Obviously, it doesn't mean that much to you."

UPB means a lot to you! Think about it. Who might you invite to "Come and See" when you come to worship, to Sunday School, to a special time at the church? Who just might be waiting to be asked to join you in a time of worship and fellowship? Who might just be waiting to "Come and See" what's so special about UPB? Who might just be waiting to be asked to become a member of UPB? Who just might be waiting to be introduced to Jesus Christ? Who might you invite to "Come and See"?

Here's my invite to you: This Sunday, "Come and See" and join us for Sunday School AND worship. Interested in becoming a member of UPB? If so, "Come and See" me or one of UPB's Board members, or the person sitting next to you and that person will direct you to a person who can assist you.

Blessings.

~ Rev. Jeri Fields

UPB Gap Minister

Office phone: 301-249-6411

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

A LOOK AT SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2012: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Adult Education (9:45 AM)

Worship (11:00 AM)

Scripture readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and John 1:43-51

Sermon: "Come and See"

A LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEK OF JANUARY 16-21

Tuesday, Jan 17 Men's Breakfast (7:45 – 8:45): Bob Evans (4308 Crain Hwy)

Wednesday, Jan 18 SEEDS (6:00 – 7:15 PM)

Choir Rehearsal (7:30 PM)

Thursday, Jan. 19 DeMatha String Ensemble (7:30 PM)

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.

January 4, 2012 UPB NEWS

2012-01-05T20:45:00.001-05:00

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

UPB Update week of 12-18-11

2011-12-17T00:41:00.001-05:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

I hope things are going well for you this week! It's hard to believe that this is the last week at the United Parish for me. My household goods are all on a truck en-route to WA. My home is nearly entirely cleaned up and cleaned out. So far I only have two packages of things I've found that will need to be mailed separately.

I will miss you. It's hard to express how much you, as the people of the United Parish, have meant to me and my family. I will always remember you fondly and am grateful for my time here!

In addition to my last day; this Sunday is also the first ever presentation of Carriers of the Light at the United Parish! I've been asked to remind you that if you have a part in the presentation, please be at the church at 9:15 to prepare. Everyone else can show up at the regular time to engage in worship and to enjoy the presentation.

God Bless You and have a very Merry Christmas!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 12-11-11

2011-12-09T20:36:00.001-05:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

I hope things are going well for you during this Advent Season. Someone reminded me this week of a Christmas poem I wrote (with the help of Dr. Seuss) way back when I first started doing these weekly announcements... I thought I'd reprint it the night before we do our Christmas decorating at church as an invitation to come decorate tomorrow morning!

To set the scene… the Grinch had stolen all of the gifts and festive décor from the good little Whos in Whoville in hopes of destroying their Christmas merriment. He was just about to finish the deed by pushing the sleigh with the loot over the edge of Mt. Crumpet… When he paused for a moment to listen for the misery of the Whos who were without presents on Christmas Day, this is what follows:

" "he did hear a sound rising over the snow.

It started in low. Then in started to Grow…

But the sound wasn't sad!

Why, this sound sounded merry!

It couldn't be so!

But it was merry, very!

…

Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small

Was singing without any presents at all!

He hadn't stopped Christmas from coming!

It came!

Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,

Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"

"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!"

"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"

And he puzzled three hours till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."

"Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!""

He was right, I might add, Christmas surely means more

Than what can be bought in a mall or a store

Yet, the Who-celebration as good as it was

Still left something missing, or wanting because:

The child in the manger was nowhere around

The BEST news of Christmas was not to be found.

Not in decorations, not in the feast

Not near the Grinch as he cut the roast beast

So I thought to myself, that this story might

Be nearly perfect as a way to invite

Come to church, celebrate this Sunday Morn

As we sing and we tell of the Christ child born

Come decorate, celebrate, give thanks and proclaim

The season has reason we all know his name

The BEST news of Christmas, we strive to know well:

Jesus Christ is God with us —Emmanuel!

This Sunday in worship we'll be reading Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and Luke 1:46-55 in worship this week and I'd encourage you to spend some time praying with the passages to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

After church on Sunday there will be a congregational meeting to elect two new board members. And then the dress rehearsal of the Christmas program...

And, the following Sunday (the 18^th) will be the presentation of Carriers of the Light during the worship service. Plan to come and begin the celebration of the birth of the Christ!

This Wednesday is the final Advent M,M, &M for the year (Meals, Music and Memories). Come enjoy each other's company for dinner, singing and remembrances of Christmases and sharing traditions. Dinner's at 6:00 and we're done at about 7:15.

And also, This coming week will be my last week at the United Parish. My last worship service will be on the 18^th. I am and always will be grateful for my time here, the learning that's gone on and the relationships that have been built! I will miss you and I trust that God will continue to do great things in and through the United Parish!

Many Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 12-4-11

2011-12-01T15:39:00.001-05:00

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 had a wonderful weekend of giving thanks and beginning the waiting and preparation of the Advent season.

This year the church is celebrating Advent with all of the usual things and also a new program that involves food, friends, telling stories, and singing Christmas carols... what could be better? Come join us Dec. 7^th and 14^th for: Meals, Memories and Music—an advent celebration. Bring a potluck dish! Dinner will begin at 6:00pm. Stories and songs will start at 6:40. Get in touch with Diane if you've got questions or suggestions.

This week both the men's and women's fellowship groups had meetings planned... The Men's night on Tuesday was a good meal among good company and the ladies night out looks like it will be great fun too... On Friday they're heading to the Mormon Temple in Kensington to see the Festival of Lights and over 100 crèches from around the world. The plan is to meet at 7 pm at Dina's house. Give her a call if you plan to attend.

This Sunday in worship we'll be reading Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8 in worship this week and I'd encourage you to spend some time praying with the passages to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

A couple of weeks ago, at the Congregational Meeting, Alex Barbato, Elsie Carroll, Tom Chin, Marva Connolly, and Herb Sheppard were elected to the "Board Nominating Committee". They are in the process right now of soliciting nominees to fill the Board seats being vacated in January by Penny Simpson and Herb Sheppard. If you have any questions or an interest in joining the Board (they meet one evening a month) please contact any of the Committee members. There will be a Congregational meeting on Dec. 11 (Next week) to elect the new board members.

And on a personal note: this Sunday is going to be my family's last Sunday at UPB. We had a baby doctor's appointment this week and the doctor recommended that Rebecca not wait any longer than she has to before she flies out West... So please plan to come and say goodbye to Rebecca, Natalie, Michaela and Benjamin on Sunday. (I will be here for two more weeks, but they will be leaving on Monday.) A number of people have asked to get an all church photo on Sunday after the service that will include them so that will be part of the plan!

If you want to look further out on the calendar, the website is a great resource. Please get in touch anytime regarding your hopes, dreams, and ideas for the future of UPB, let me know what's going on in your life or if you just want to talk.

Many Blessings,

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

Winter 2011 UPB Newsletter

2011-11-22T21:54:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends and Members of The United Parish,

The winter newsletter is here! I've attached the pdf version to this email. Hard copies will be available on Sunday and will also be posted to the website soon.

Thank you to all those who contributed to the newsletter. Happy reading!

Peace,

Dina Bickel

UPB Update week of 11-27-11

2011-11-22T11:32:00.001-05:00

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're having a wonderful Thanksgiving week so far. After turkey and football, or whatever your particular Thursday traditions, I hope you'll plan to join us at church for the first Sunday of Advent! We'll be reading 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 and Mark 13:24-37 in worship this week and I'd encourage you to spend some time praying with the passages to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

This week choir practice is on Tuesday and if you're interested in attending a Thanksgiving Eve worship service, there are many around town... the last few years a group of us from UPB have gone to All Saints Lutheran for a traditional, Christian, Communion service. That service will be held again this year at 7:30pm. Also at the same time and with a different style and understanding of worship, the Bowie Interfaith clergy group is hosting an interfaith service at Temple Solel. The theme of "Faith and Hope Respond to Economic Anxiety" will be addressed. Both services will have a free-will offering to benefit the Bowie Food Pantry.

The newsletter will be coming out soon and that will have more info on upcoming events and activities at UPB, so keep an eye out in your inbox!

Last Sunday at the Congregational Meeting, Alex Barbato, Elsie Carroll, Tom Chin, Marva Connolly, and Herb Sheppard were elected to the "Board Nominating Committee". Over the next couple of weeks they will solicit nominees to fill the Board seats being vacated in January by Penny Simpson and Herb Sheppard. If you have any questions or an interest in joining the Board (they meet one evening a month) please contact any of the Committee members.

My family and I are headed up to Pittsburgh today to celebrate the life of my grandmother who passed away on Sunday afternoon. We should be back Wednesday night, but will be mostly unavailable until then. I will return messages when I get a chance. Thanks for your prayers for my extended family.

Grace and Peace to you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 11-20-11

2011-11-17T11:40:00.001-05:00

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 your week is going well.

This week in worship since it's the week before Thanksgiving, we're going to be remembering to be grateful... and I am starting early! Thanks to everyone who kept things running smoothly while I was out of town... Thanks to Pastor Jeri for leading worship last Sunday... Thanks to everyone who filled boxes for Operation Christmas Child... Thanks to everyone who helped fill baskets for Shaw Community Thanksgiving... Thanks to everyone who's helping to prepare the Family Crisis Meal this Sunday... Thanks to everyone who participated in this fall's SEEDS session (which ended last night)... Thanks to Jan and Gene for opening their home tomorrow night for Book Club... Thanks to Shirley for teaching the Adult Education course (based on Philip Yancey's book What Good Is God?) which is wrapping up this weekend... Thanks to everyone who's participating in the Christmas Presentation and especially those who are leading it (Practice is in the sanctuary 9:45-10:45 Sunday Morning)... And, most importantly, thanks to God for working in us and through us to do great things in the world, may we always be open to what God is up to!

This Sunday we'll be reading 1 Chronicles 16:8-11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 in worship. I'd encourage you to read the passages, and pray with them to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

If you haven't yet filled out the Bible Study Survey, please click on the link and take a couple of minutes to do so. It will help the team figure out what, when and how to offer a midweek Bible Study at UPB. Thanks!

If you want to look further out on the calendar, the website is a great resource. Please get in touch anytime regarding your hopes, dreams, and ideas for the future of UPB, to let me know what's going on in your life or if you just want to talk.

Grace and Peace to you!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 11-13-11

2011-11-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

Thanks to everyone who helped out at the workday last Saturday, the church looks great!

Last week Shirley led a wonderful discussion for adult ed based on Philip Yancey's new book What Good Is God? In Search of a Faith That Matters. I'd encourage you to come check out the course from 9:45-10:45 in the classroom over the next couple of weeks!

And from 9:45-10:45 in the sanctuary everyone who's part of the Christmas presentation will be meeting for practice!

The Mission and Service committee asked me to let you know that Sunday is the day to bring Operation Christmas Child boxes and Non-perishables for the Shaw Community Thanksgiving baskets!

Next week there are a few things on the schedule: Tuesday morning Men of the church will meet for breakfast at Bob Evans in Bowie at 7:45. Wednesday evening is the last SEEDS meeting for the fall session and Friday the book club will meet at the Barbato's home.

Rebecca, the kids and I are in Washington state for a little bit of househunting the rest of the week so Rev. Jeri Fields will be leading worship at UPB on Sunday where you'll be reading Hebrews 12:1-2a and Matthew 14:22-33. I'd invite you to take a few minutes to read the passages and pray with them to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

And as always, if you want to look further out on the calendar, the website is a great resource. Please get in touch anytime regarding your hopes, dreams, and ideas for the future of UPB, let me know what's going on in your life or if you just want to talk.

Grace and Peace to you!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

Re: UPB Update week of 11-6-11

2011-11-04T14:41:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder that I forgot to put in the weekly announcement... daylight savings time ends this week! Don't forget to change clocks back... otherwise you might show up for Adult Education quite a bit early!

Peace,

Dan

On Fri, Nov 4, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Dan Holland <dan.upb@gmail.com> wrote:

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, it's been a very full week this week with the announcement of my departure. I am grateful for the support I've received and the conversations I've had with people. If you would like to talk to me, I'd be happy to meet with you. Feel free to call to set up a time.

Last week we had a wonderful Consecration Sunday celebration! Thanks to everyone who provided food, and to all who contributed time and energy to setting up and cleaning up.

Last week's workday that was rained/snowed/winded out has been rescheduled for tomorrow! Please make plans to come beautify the church and grounds. We'll start at 9:00am.

Thank you to everyone who submitted Newsletter articles. If you haven't yet done so and plan to, please let Dina know that a submission will be coming and get it in ASAP.

Ladies Night Out is scheduled, at Du Claw restaurant in Bowie Town Center Tonight! Come at 7 p.m. to relax and enjoy each other's company. Tables have been reserved so please call or e-mail Shirley B. if you plan to participate.

And Sunday Morning Shirley is starting a new Adult Education course using Philip Yancey's new book What Good Is God? In Search of a Faith That Matters as a discussion starter. The course will run three weeks until the start of Advent.

In worship this Sunday we'll be reading Philippians 3:4b-14 and Matthew 21:33-46. I'd invite you to take a few minutes to read the passages and pray with them to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

Prayer requests: Mr. Mcfarland is at home and still regaining strength. Robin is in Philly continuing treatment for headaches and my grandma seems to be quite a bit better. Please keep all of them in your prayers; in addition to, of course, the church as we face a time of transition coming soon.

And as always, if you want to look further out on the calendar, the website is a great resource. Please get in touch 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

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.
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UPB Update week of 11-6-11

2011-11-04T14:26:00.001-04:00

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, it's been a very full week this week with the announcement of my departure. I am grateful for the support I've received and the conversations I've had with people. If you would like to talk to me, I'd be happy to meet with you. Feel free to call to set up a time.

Last week we had a wonderful Consecration Sunday celebration! Thanks to everyone who provided food, and to all who contributed time and energy to setting up and cleaning up.

Last week's workday that was rained/snowed/winded out has been rescheduled for tomorrow! Please make plans to come beautify the church and grounds. We'll start at 9:00am.

Thank you to everyone who submitted Newsletter articles. If you haven't yet done so and plan to, please let Dina know that a submission will be coming and get it in ASAP.

Ladies Night Out is scheduled, at Du Claw restaurant in Bowie Town Center Tonight! Come at 7 p.m. to relax and enjoy each other's company. Tables have been reserved so please call or e-mail Shirley B. if you plan to participate.

And Sunday Morning Shirley is starting a new Adult Education course using Philip Yancey's new book What Good Is God? In Search of a Faith That Matters as a discussion starter. The course will run three weeks until the start of Advent.

In worship this Sunday we'll be reading Philippians 3:4b-14 and Matthew 21:33-46. I'd invite you to take a few minutes to read the passages and pray with them to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

Prayer requests: Mr. Mcfarland is at home and still regaining strength. Robin is in Philly continuing treatment for headaches and my grandma seems to be quite a bit better. Please keep all of them in your prayers; in addition to, of course, the church as we face a time of transition coming soon.

Grace and Peace to you!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

Tomorrow's Workday Postponed

2011-10-28T10:37:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, I hope you're doing well.

The weather report says tomorrow is supposed to be cold and miserable, so we're going to do the workday next Saturday (the 5th) instead of tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who planned to come out and I hope you'll be able to make it next week!

Peace to you,

Dan

--
Pastor Dan Holland
United Parish of Bowie
301.249.6411 - office
www.unitedparishbowie.org

Re: UPB Update week of 10-30-11

2011-10-27T10:34:00.001-04:00

Correction: The Ladies Night out to Du Claw is Friday the 4th of November... not the 2nd. Sorry for any confusion

Blessings,

Dan

On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:07 PM, Dan Holland <dan.upb@gmail.com> wrote:

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 this week is treating you well.

This Sunday is Consecration Sunday. I hope you're planning to make it for the worship service and the luncheon immediately following. As an act of worship during the service you will be invited to offer your estimate of giving card for the 2012 calendar year. I would encourage you to prayerfully consider how you might be able to financially support the ministry of the United Parish next year... and I also want you to know that regardless of the size of your pledge, you are an important part of the United Parish family... so no matter what, I hope you will come to celebrate! If you haven't RSVP'd to the Consecration Sunday Celebration Luncheon, reply to this email and let me know that you're coming.

In part to get ready for Consecration Sunday, this Saturday morning (the 29^th) will be a work day at the church, so if you're able, plan to come lend a hand! We'll get started at 9:00am and plan to finish around noon.

November 1, we'd like to have all the submissions for the Advent version of the UPB Newsletter in to Dina, so please plan accordingly!

November 2, Ladies Night Out is scheduled, at Du Claw restaurant in Bowie Town Center. Come at 7 p.m. to relax and enjoy each other's company. Tables have been reserved so please call or e-mail Shirley B. if you plan to participate.

A team from the Christian Spiritual Formation committee is gathering info as we consider the possibility of a mid-week Bible Study to start in January. They've put together a quick survey and would appreciate your input. It will take three minutes of your time (or less) to fill it out and your input will dramatically help the guide the team's thinking. Please click on the link above to let us know your thoughts. They'd like to receive input by Nov. 1.

This Sunday we're taking a little break from Adult Education for Consecration Sunday, but on the 6^th of November, a new course, being facilitated by Shirley B. will begin using Philip Yancey's new book What Good Is God? In Search of a Faith That Matters to spur discussion. The course will run 3 weeks until the beginning of Advent.

In worship this Sunday we'll be reading 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 and Matthew 23:1-12. I'd invite you to take a few minutes to read the passages and pray with them to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

Prayer requests: Mr. Mcfarland has been in the hospital all week. He's expected to head home on Thursday, but he Alice and Bill would appreciate your prayers. Also my grandma is not doing great... she broke her hip a week and a half ago and has since had complications with other medical issues... please keep her in your prayers too.

And as always, if you want to look further out on the calendar, the website is a great resource. And, it's always good to hear from you! Please get in touch 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

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.

UPB Update week of 10-30-11

2011-10-26T23:07:00.001-04:00

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 this week is treating you well.

This Sunday is Consecration Sunday. I hope you're planning to make it for the worship service and the luncheon immediately following. As an act of worship during the service you will be invited to offer your estimate of giving card for the 2012 calendar year. I would encourage you to prayerfully consider how you might be able to financially support the ministry of the United Parish next year... and I also want you to know that regardless of the size of your pledge, you are an important part of the United Parish family... so no matter what, I hope you will come to celebrate! If you haven't RSVP'd to the Consecration Sunday Celebration Luncheon, reply to this email and let me know that you're coming.

In part to get ready for Consecration Sunday, this Saturday morning (the 29^th) will be a work day at the church, so if you're able, plan to come lend a hand! We'll get started at 9:00am and plan to finish around noon.

November 1, we'd like to have all the submissions for the Advent version of the UPB Newsletter in to Dina, so please plan accordingly!

November 2, Ladies Night Out is scheduled, at Du Claw restaurant in Bowie Town Center. Come at 7 p.m. to relax and enjoy each other's company. Tables have been reserved so please call or e-mail Shirley B. if you plan to participate.

A team from the Christian Spiritual Formation committee is gathering info as we consider the possibility of a mid-week Bible Study to start in January. They've put together a quick survey and would appreciate your input. It will take three minutes of your time (or less) to fill it out and your input will dramatically help the guide the team's thinking. Please click on the link above to let us know your thoughts. They'd like to receive input by Nov. 1.

This Sunday we're taking a little break from Adult Education for Consecration Sunday, but on the 6^th of November, a new course, being facilitated by Shirley B. will begin using Philip Yancey's new book What Good Is God? In Search of a Faith That Matters to spur discussion. The course will run 3 weeks until the beginning of Advent.

In worship this Sunday we'll be reading 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 and Matthew 23:1-12. I'd invite you to take a few minutes to read the passages and pray with them to prepare yourselves for Sunday.

Prayer requests: Mr. Mcfarland has been in the hospital all week. He's expected to head home on Thursday, but he Alice and Bill would appreciate your prayers. Also my grandma is not doing great... she broke her hip a week and a half ago and has since had complications with other medical issues... please keep her in your prayers too.

And as always, if you want to look further out on the calendar, the website is a great resource. And, it's always good to hear from you! Please get in touch 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

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.

UPB Update week of 10-23-11

2011-10-20T11:30:00.001-04:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

I hope you are all having a wonderful week! We are enjoying the brisk air and the leaves changing color... In my book, this is a wonderful time of year here.

Last week's Leadership Retreat generated some good discussion about where we are as a church and where we hope to be. The Board, Committee Chairs and other interested persons gathered to talk about what we have appreciated over the last year, what has been frustrating and also what we would like to see happen at the church. If you have any input that you'd like to offer, please email it to me or stop by my office sometime! Toward the end of the day, the leadership of the church acknowledged progress toward the three goals we set in 2009 and we also reaffirmed them as areas we would like to continue to emphasize in the coming future.

- To be a community of believers who are growing spiritually

- To be committed to local service and world wide mission

- To increase active participation in the life and ministry of the United Parish

As part of the Stewardship emphasis, last Sunday during worship, Sue gave us a little insight into why she does all that she does for the church and how that service has impacted her life. Thanks for sharing Sue! And I hope that everyone else is taking some time this week to consider what might be a faithful response to the ways we each have been blessed by God. If you haven't RSVP'd to the Consecration Sunday Celebration Luncheon, please plan to attend and let us know that you're coming! You should have received an RSVP card in the mail toward the end of last week, if you didn't (or can't find it) there are more at the church. I hope everyone will plan to come and it will be great to have everyone celebrate with a meal together on the 30^th after worship.

The Adult Education course on the Meaning of Communion is continuing this Sunday morning before church. If you're interested and didn't make it last week, let me know you're coming and I'll get some of the info to you that I gave to the rest of the class so that you can be up to speed.

This Sunday the Ladies of the church (and Herb) are planning to go sailing. Let Jan B. know if you're interested in details. Tuesday the Men are scheduled for a dinner out at Glory Days in Bowie and Next Saturday Morning (the 29^th) will be a work day around the church, so if you're able, plan to come lend a hand! And on November 1, which is not too far off in the future, we'd like to have all the submissions in for the Advent version of the UPB Newsletter, so please plan accordingly!

In worship this Sunday we'll be reading 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and Matthew 25:14-30. I'd invite you to take a few minutes to read the passages and pray with them to prepare yourselves for Sunday. It's also a Chat-n-Chew after worship so if your last name begins with H-Z, please plan to bring a little something to share!

Many Blessings!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 10-16-11

2011-10-13T22:44:00.001-04:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

We had an informative discussion about children and communion after worship last Sunday. I hope that some of you who were asking good questions (and others, whether you were at that discussion or not) might make it to the Adult Education course focusing on the meaning and practice of communion this Sunday. It meets at 9:45 and there is child care available.

Keep an eye out for the first letter of the Stewardship Season... it should arrive Friday or Saturday... in it you'll find an RSVP card for the Consecration Sunday Luncheon to be held October 30 after the worship service. Take a moment to fill it out and bring it on Sunday, it will be great to have everyone come together to celebrate!

This Sunday in worship we'll be reading Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 and Matthew 22:34-46. Take a few minutes to read the passages and pray with them to prepare yourselves for the service.

And in the next couple of days there are a few opportunities to look forward in the life of the congregation... I'd encourage you to be a part of whatever interests you and get in touch with me if you need any more info! Friday evening at the Barbato's home, people will gather to talk about possibilities for Ladies' Night Out... Saturday morning the Parish Board, Committee Chairs, and other interested folks will get together to set some direction and make some plans for the coming year(s)... and Sunday after the worship service the Christian Spiritual Formation Committee will be meeting... Lots of good stuff going on at the United Parish this week!

Many Blessings!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 10-9-11

2011-10-06T14:08:00.000-04:00

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'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

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.

UPB Update week of 10-2-11

2011-09-27T23:51:00.001-04:00

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're having a wonderful week!

I'm headed out of town tomorrow early morning and won't be back in the office till Tuesday. The Rev. Anne Troy of the Shaw Community Ministry will be the guest pastor on Sunday and she'll stick around after worship to meet with the Service and Mission Committee and anyone else who's interested in learning more about Shaw. She'll be preaching on the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) so take a few minutes to reflect on the story to prepare yourself for worship. Also this Sunday the Ndonue family will join us for worship before they head to Cameroon for Fred's memorial service. They will be presenting a song in memory of Fred and in gratitude for the support of the United Parish. I know it's not a regularly scheduled chat-n-chew, but if you're so inclined, it might be nice to have some food after worship to welcome our guests.

There are a few things going on this week that I'd encourage you to check out if you haven't yet... SEEDS meets tomorrow from 6-7 and Choir rehearses starting at 7:30. The Barbato's are hosting book club on Friday at 7. On Tuesday next week Men's Breakfast meets at the Bowie Bob Evans at 7:45am.

There's been a discussion going on for a few months about the role of children in worship and whether we should invite/allow them to receive communion. We'd like to hear input from the members and friends of the church so we've scheduled an open forum for October 9^th after worship... no decisions will be made at the meeting but it's an opportunity to make sure voices get heard. And then following up, the next two weeks of Adult Education will be a course on the meaning and practice of Holy Communion.

On the 15^th, we are hosting a United Parish Leadership Retreat from 9am-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). Please let me know if you plan to come!

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.

Grace and Peace to you!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 9-25-11

2011-09-22T13:44:00.000-04:00

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're doing well this week!

Last week we kicked off the Adult Education with an interesting discussion about Jesus' parable of the landowner. This week's focus will be on questioning authority… it will be based on Matt. 21:23–32. For the worship service we'll focus on that same text from Matthew and Exodus 17:1-7. (You can find the Scripture lessons by clicking on the link 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.)

We had a wonderful time at SEEDS last week and this week. If you have kiddos who may like to participate and haven't yet come to check it out, please plan to come next week! The session runs Wednesday evenings from 6-7 through Nov. 16^th. (And by the way, we're still in need of volunteers to make food for the program! A signup sheet will be at church on Sunday…)

Next week Men's Night Out will be on Tuesday evening at Glory Days in Bowie at 6:30 and the UPB book club will be meeting at the Barbato's home on Friday at 7pm. Both are great opportunities to invest in and get connected to the community of UPB.

For a number of years the United Parish has supported the Family Crisis Center for victims of domestic violence with monthly meals. For those of you who are interested, I was asked to provide you with details of another way to help out and learn about what they're up to:

The Family Crisis Center's 30th year anniversary event is quickly approaching… Here's what you need to know to be a part of this wonderful event:

1. The event is being held at the Sheraton North in Beltsville, Maryland on October 13, 2011 at 6:00pm, and dinner will be served.

2. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at Eventbrite (http://fccofpgc-autohome.eventbrite.com/ ), through their website www.familycrisiscenter-pgco.org or through the mail. Contributions are tax deductible.

And, 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.

Many Blessings to you and those you love!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 9-18-11

2011-09-14T15:32:00.001-04:00

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! It's nice to have a beautiful sunny, uneventful week after the recent floods, hurricanes and earthquakes!

Thank you to everyone who pitched in to celebrate Rally Sunday last week. Ironically after seeing the roadside banners we had two people stop by on Monday to ask what Rally Sunday is… I explained and invited them to come check out the church even if it's just a "normal" Sunday when they can make it.

Of course this Sunday is the beginning of the Adult Education season and the start of the Fall Sunday School Curriculum for the children and youth. If you are interested in having a dialogue about the scripture passage I'll be preaching on, please, come check out the Adult Ed course offering. Also this Sunday, in the worship service, we'll get to meet our new puppets in the Children's Sermon that Shirley has prepared! The texts for the day are Matthew 20:1-16 and Exodus 16:2-5, 11-15. (You can find the Scripture lessons by clicking on the link 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.) and in our effort to serve, this Sunday we're also providing a "Tailgate" themed meal for the Family Crisis Center.

The midweek SEEDs family ministry program kicks off tonight! We hope to see you all here… The session will run every Wednesday evening from 6-7 through Nov. 16^th. Come enjoy dinner, worship fun and games with other families and kiddos!

This coming Tuesday Men's Breakfast is scheduled at Bob Evans at 7:45am and the Prayer group will meet at my house at 7:00 pm. I'd encourage you to consider coming to either or both as a good opportunity to connect with other members and friends of UPB!

I hope you're enjoying the sunshine!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.

UPB Update week of 9-11-11

2011-09-10T14:32:00.001-04:00

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 just received an email from someone that asked about the weekly announcement… Oops… I was having an internet issue when I wrote it and so I shelved it for a while… and then just plain forgot to get back to it to send it out... Thanks for understanding!)

Well no locusts this week- as many on facebook theorized- but there may be a few folks out there who are interested in building an ark… This is a year we won't soon forget!

This Sunday is Rally Sunday! Come connect with friends new an old. During the service we'll take a couple of minutes to remember the events of 10 years ago, we'll commission the committee chairs and also the CYF teams for the year. After the service we'll enjoy the "Walking Tacos" that were such a hit for last year's Rally Sunday and have a chance to learn of many of the upcoming opportunities in the life of the church! The texts for the week are Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 18:15-20. (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.) And in case you missed worship last week, remember, worship is back at 11:00 for the school year!

And don't forget those of you who are teaching Children's Sunday School, serving in the Nursery, helping with SEEDS or working with youth, the CYF training that was postponed due to Irene has been rescheduled for this Sunday at 9:00am. We look forward to seeing you there!

For adults and children, we've decided to emphasize a unified system of Bible Study for the Sunday School curriculum this year… The fall curriculum will start for all age groups on Sunday the 18^th and the classes will be focusing on the texts of the Revised Common Lectionary in age appropriate ways. Just one more way we're living our mission: United in Christ: Our Mission—To Serve. 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. (Children will be invited to class this Sunday but the fall curriculum starts next week.)

We've been looking forward to it all Summer and it's almost here! The midweek SEEDS family ministry program will start up this coming Wednesday! From 6-7pm come enjoy dinner, worship, fun and games with other families. We're very excited for another wonderful season of Seeds!

A number of people have asked if there is a way to donate to the benefit for Todd Painter without actually attending the benefit… There is! Check here: http://beatdowncancer.com/ And for those of you who are able, there is a benefit with dinner, dancing, games, raffles, and a silent and live auction. Tickets are $65 per person $120 couple and the event will run from 7:00 P.M. - Midnight.

Everyone remembers where they were nearly 10 years ago when the word of the events of 9/11 was being broadcast over every imaginable medium… I've heard many stories in the last few weeks and would be interested to hear yours if you would like to share it with me. Other resources and stories can be found all over the internet… I've been looking at many here and am grateful for them.

May God bless you this and every day!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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

2011-08-31T15:32:00.001-04:00

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.

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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Fall 2011 UPB Newsletter

2011-08-26T19:54:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you're ready for the storm that's coming. At this point, I'm planning to be at church Sunday morning unless things proceed worse than expected.

And, the fall newsletter is ready! I've attached the pdf version to this email, there will be some hard copies available on Sunday for those of you who prefer to see it that way and it will be posted on the website soon!

Thanks to Dina for Editing and everyone who turned in submissions for the newsletter.

Peace to all, even in the midst of the storm!

Dan
--
Pastor Dan Holland
United Parish of Bowie
301.249.6411 - office
www.unitedparishbowie.org

UPB Update week of 8-28-11

2011-08-25T08:28:00.001-04:00

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 certainly been an interesting one with the earthquake and threat of a hurricane on its way. We plan to be prepared as possible and I recommend that you do too, even though I do hope the storm doesn't affect us too much and that I'll see all of you on Sunday… I look forward to hearing the earthquake stories too!

Choir has begun! For you who haven't yet participated, they are always in need of voices and people who enjoy making "a joyful noise to the Lord!" And choir is definitely made up of a dedicated, fun-loving, wonderful group of people… so if you have any inkling of desire to "Sing to the Lord a new song" give Diane a call or show up one Wednesday evening!

Of course other things are gearing up for the fall at UPB also. Rally Sunday (where we'll commission the committee chairs for the year during worship and have an opportunity after the service to enjoy food, fellowship and a ministry fair to communicate plans for the coming year) is coming on September 11… The SEEDS midweek family ministry starts on Wednesday the 14^th and both the children and adult Sunday School programs start for the year the following Sunday (the 18^th). So mark your calendar and plan to be there!

This week's Scripture lessons are: 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) I'd invite you to spend some time praying with the readings to prepare yourselves for worship on Sunday.

May God bless you richly this (and every) week!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 8-21-11

2011-08-18T17:19:00.001-04:00

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! Next week will bring changes for many of us as the school year officially gets underway and we begin the process of establishing routines for the new school year. (This is the beginning of Kindergarten for our oldest so I'm seeing it all in a new way…)

Accordingly, this Sunday will be Back to School Sunday. The children and youth are encouraged to bring their backpacks or school bags to worship as we will take some time during worship to pray for them and the start of the school year. After the service on the 21^st there will be a parents meeting to connect with other parents, to hear about the Children, Youth, and Family programs for the year at UPB, and to ask any questions you may have.

There will also be a Spiritual Formation Committee meeting after church to plan and vision a bit about that ministry area as well.

Choir starts rehearsals August 24^th and will be singing in worship for the first time after taking a break for summer on September 11^th… which is also Rally Sunday where we'll commission the committee chairs for the year during worship and have an opportunity after the service to enjoy food, fellowship and a ministry fair to communicate plans for the coming year.

This week's Scripture lessons are: Isaiah 51:1-6 and Matthew 16:13-20 (I was asked to start supplying the references for those who prefer to look them up on your own… you can also find the Scripture lessons by clicking on the links) I'd invite you to spend some time praying with the readings to prepare yourselves for worship on Sunday.

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). Let me know if you want to participate and we may get a group together.

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 8-14-11

2011-08-11T08:24:00.001-04:00

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! Yesterday through tomorrow I'm away in North Carolina at a continuing education event organized by my seminary program classmates. It's wonderful to be surrounded in prayer as we glean insight from each other's experience since we graduated and it's also great to do role plays and skills practice too (of course there's a little fun scattered throughout too!)

Tomorrow I'll be back in plenty of time to head out to the Baysox game and consider this your personal invitation to come enjoy an evening at the ballpark with some of your church family members. The game starts at 7:05 and we'll meet in the bleacher seats just past third base.

And, believe it or not, it's time to start thinking about the fall and the program year at UPB… Sunday August 21st will be Back to School Sunday. The children and youth will be encouraged to bring their backpacks or school bags to worship as we will take some time during worship to pray for them and the start of the school year. After the service on the 21^st there will be a parents meeting to connect with other parents as well as to hear about and ask questions about the upcoming program year. August 24^th, Choir will begin rehearsing for the year after a well deserved Summer break, September 4^th we'll switch back to an 11:00 starting time for church, September 11^th will be rally Sunday where we'll commission the committee chairs for the year during worship and have an opportunity after the service to enjoy food and talk with people about plans and ideas for the year and about where you might want to be involved in them!

For many years, on the 3^rd Sunday of every month, we have provided meals to the Family Crisis Center (safe house for victims of abuse, and the primary service provider to families experiencing domestic violence in Prince George's County). The Service & Mission Committee has decided on a more coordinated effort by creating a theme to the meals and ask those who sign up to bring a dish corresponding to the theme. The theme for August is "Barbecue" so this Sunday, please sign up to make one of your favorite summer recipes and remember what a blessing our meals are to the women and children at the Crisis Center!

The scripture readings for this Sunday can be found here and I'd invite you to read through the scriptures and pray with them to prepare yourself for Sunday!

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 8-7-11

2011-08-04T19:34:00.001-04:00

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 hard to believe we're in August already... and I have to admit it's been nice to have a break from the sweltering heat this week so I hope everyone's taking the opportunity to enjoy the slightly cooler weather.

A week later I still find myself remembering the kiddos from Art and Music Camp and what a wonderful experience it was… So, once again, a big thank you goes to everyone who helped make the Art and Music camp happen. You are awesome!

Friday next week we're headed out to the Baysox game! I hope you can all make it for an evening at the ballpark. And I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday for the worship service and communion!

The scripture readings for this Sunday can be found here and I'd invite you to read through the scriptures and pray with them to prepare yourself for Sunday!

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 7-31-11

2011-07-28T16:03:00.001-04:00

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! It has been an amazing week at the Art and Music Camp here at the church! All the singing and games and art and drama have combined to make it so that things are definitely livelier than a normal week at the church. It's been fun to hear back from participants and families about their experience… One mom shared that she asked her daughter if she liked Art and Music camp… her daughter replied, "I don't like Art and Music camp… I LOVE Art and Music Camp!"

If you want to stop by and see it in action, tomorrow is the last day to do so. And for those of you who aren't able to stop by during the week, on Sunday we'll be incorporating pieces of the camp experience into the service in a variety of ways. And after the service, we'll be hosting an ice cream social to celebrate. And again, a big Thank You goes out to everyone who's been a part of planning and volunteering for camp.

Also, sadly, Sunday is the last day the Fuqua family is in town, so come to say goodbye to them as they move off to Kansas… They will be missed around here!

The scripture readings for the service can be found here. (We've used both the parable of the good Samaritan and the passage about the fruit of the Spirit during the camp this week!). I'd invite you to read through the scriptures and pray with them to prepare yourself for Sunday!

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 7-24-11

2011-07-21T20:17:00.001-04:00

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'm back from vacation! We had a wonderful time connecting with family, old friends and even a couple new ones. My sister's wedding was beautiful and it was great to have a getaway on the beach… very different than what's going on at the beaches around here… Last week the high for the day in the beach town where we stayed was in the mid-50s; tomorrow will be double that if you include the heat index! I hope things have gone well for you over the couple of weeks I was gone and I look forward to checking in with folks I haven't yet had the opportunity to. I wanted to say a great big thank you to everyone who helped keep things running smoothly at the church while I was gone. I heard good things about the guest preachers and wanted to give a big thanks to them too!

Next week is the Art and Music camp and it is going to be a wonderful group of volunteers and kiddos coming together to make it happen. So keep the whole thing in your prayers… good weather, no injuries, a fun time had by all, and even that some of the folks from the community might be interested in what's going on at the church because of their experience at the A&M camp! Thank you to everyone who's been a part of planning and volunteering for the Art and Music camp, it's been a lot of work and hopefully beginning next week and for a long time to come we'll see the fruit of your effort!

This Sunday is a chat-n-chew Sunday so if your last name begins with an H-Z please bring a little something to share after the service. Also, Sunday's scripture readings can be found here. We'll be reading the second half of the gospel lesson (we did the first half last week) and the passage from Romans. I'd invite you to read through the scriptures and pray with them to prepare yourself for Sunday!

Keep Kathy M. in your prayers for quick recovery from her surgery and keep Mitch and Amy in your prayers as they prepare for their big move soon, and remember if you have neighbors who live alone, you may want to check in on them in this heat.

I missed you while I was away and I look forward to seeing those of you I haven't touched base with yet!

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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UPB Update week of 6-26-11

2011-06-24T15:08:00.000-04:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

This is going to serve as the UPB Update for this week and the next two! I'll be around Sunday but early next week I'm headed out to the Seattle area to join up with my family for vacation, my sister's wedding and a family reunion at the beach! I'm excited to go visit - and thanks in advance to everyone who will help keep things running smoothly around here while I'm gone!

Here's the low-down on the events of the next couple of weeks:

- Tonight is the Baysox game! It looks like it's going to be a wonderful evening so come, bring a friend if you want, we'll meet down the third-base side in the general admission seats.

- This Sunday is a Chat-N-Chew after church so if your last name begins with H-Z please bring a treat to share. Also after church the Christian Spiritual Formation Committee will be meeting so if that's an area of the ministry that interests you, please come be a part of the discussion.

- The Men's Evening Group will be going for a sail in Annapolis Tuesday June 28th @ 6:30 PM. Please advise Herb if you're interested in attending so that details can be provided.

- Book Club is scheduled to meet at Jan and Gene's home on July 1. Get in touch with Jan for details.

- The youth are headed to Six Flags on July 20^th! Please let me know if you're planning to come!

- Art and Music camp is coming soon and there are still some spots left. So if you know anyone who might be interested, pass on a Registration form.

- And The Mission and Service committee asked me to let you all know that Operation Backpack 2011, hosted by Central Union Mission, is underway. This is our opportunity to help underprivileged children in the Washington DC area go back to school with confidence! You can help make this a reality by donating any of the following items by July 31: Backpacks, pens, pencils, pencil cases, crayons, markers, loose-leaf paper, composition books, binders, highlighters, index cards, etc. A copy of the school supply list by grades is on the table in Narthex.

- (Feel free to get in touch if you need contact info for any of the events.)

The scriptures for this Sunday can be found here and here. For 7/3 the scriptures can be found here and here and for 7/10 the scriptures can be found here and here.

If you want to look further out on the church calendar, check here. The website is a great resource for info about the church and activities. 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 about other things that are going on in your life.

I will miss you while I'm gone and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 6-19-11

2011-06-16T22:42:00.001-04:00

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 been a little quiet at my house with my fam out in Seattle this week.

It was great to have a Pentecost picnic at the park last week! Thank you to everyone who came and brought food and made a wonderful day out of it.

This Sunday before worship (9:45) we're going to have an Adult Ed Forum to look forward to next year's course offerings. On Tuesday morning (7:45) Men's breakfast will meet at Bob Evans in Bowie. And Prayer Group will meet in the evening (7:00) at my house. And on Friday next week we're headed to the Baysox game. If you want to look further out, check the calendar.

Pass on a Registration form for the Art and Music Camp to anyone you know who might be interested. We're a little more than half way full so if you're planning to come and haven't signed up yet, please do!

As always, the website is a great resource for info about the church and activities. 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 about other things that are going on in your life.

Blessings on your week!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 6-12-11

2011-06-09T14:57:00.000-04:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

Hello everyone! It was nice to celebrate the "birthday" of the United Parish last week for Charter Sunday. It was good to look back at the original charter document and remember the reason the church was formed in the first place:

The United Parish of Bowie affirms the centrality of the God disclosed in Jesus the Christ. We seek to experience, understand and act out the meaning of this affirmation in our life together and in the world.

And my question for reflection today is: What does it mean for God to be central to your life? I'd invite you to think and pray about that as you go through the day and whatever it may bring for you.

The big announcement for today:

Don't forget!!! this Sunday we're meeting at Allen Pond at 11:00 for an informal worship service with a picnic to follow… We'll be meeting at the West Pavilion… if you enter the park from Northview Drive, The West Pavilion is to the right of the first parking lot on your right. It's a short concrete path from the parking lot to the pavilion. There's a nice little field right there and a horseshoe pit too if you want to bring some sort of activities. Since it will be Pentecost, the message for the day will focus on the work of the Holy Spirit and the scripture passages we'll look at can be found here. We'll read the Acts and Numbers passages on Sunday, you may want to check out all of them for your personal prayer and preparation!

Thanks to Amy (CYF Chair) for pulling together a brunch to honor and thank the Children's and Adult Education teachers for the year and thanks to all the teachers who helped out!

Book club meets tomorrow night at the Barbato home. And there are a few other things to look forward to soon… An Adult Ed Forum before worship (9:45) on Sunday the 19^th… Prayer Group on the evening of the 21^st at my house. June 24^th we're headed to the BaySox game and Herb has offered a "three hour (give or take) tour" of the Chesapeake for Men's night out on the 28^th. Feel free to call or email for more info on any of the activities listed here or on the calendar.

We are at about ½ capacity for UPB's first Art and Music Camp. If you need a Registration form, it's up on the website if you're interested in attending or know someone who might be, pass the word! Feel free to pick up a flyer from the narthex and post it anywhere that might invite members of the community to participate as well! If you'd like to help out by distributing flyers to the neighborhoods around the church, please let me know. I hope to gather a few folks and do that next week!

I hope you have a wonderful day and a wonderful week!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 6-5 NEWSLETTER LINK

2011-06-01T16:09:00.000-04:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great long weekend for Memorial day and that your air-conditioning has worked the rest of the week!

Dina has been hard at work editing the Newsletter and now it's posted online for your reading pleasure. There are a lot of good things going on at the United Parish so explore the newsletter and engage in the community of UPB! (There will be a few printed copies at the church on Sunday for those of you who prefer to read it that way.)

We have wonderful fellowship events planned for the next two Sundays here at church! The church received it's charter June 5^th 1977 so this Sunday is the actual anniversary of the charter…. It wasn't the beginning of the church but it was when be became official, so the first Sunday of June, every year we celebrate the birthday of the United Parish and this year we'll have cake after the service! Also this Sunday we're going to say thank you to the teachers of the Christian Ed courses… from preschool through Adults, if you've taught this year you're welcome to come to a brunch in your honor before church! (The Adult Education Theology 101 course had one more class scheduled but decided to end a week early to not conflict with the Teacher appreciation brunch… so no Adult Ed this week!)

Next week (June 12^th) we're having a Pentecost service at the Park! We'll meet at the usual time of 11:00 but instead of meeting at the United Parish Building, we'll be at the West Pavilion at Allen Pond Park. Then we'll stick around at the park for games and a picnic lunch after the service. Everyone's welcome.

Next week a couple of things on the calendar… Tuesday the 7^th Men's Breakfast meets at Bob Evans 7:45 and Book club is meeting at the Barbato home on June 10^th7:00 pm. Feel free to call for directions or more info.

Registrations have begun flowing in for UPB's first Art and Music Camp. If you need a Registration form, it's up on the website if you're interested in attending or know someone who might be, pass the word! Feel free to pick up a flyer from the narthex and post it anywhere that might invite members of the community to participate as well!

The scripture lesson for the sermon on Sunday can be found here. Take a few minutes to read it and pray with it to prepare yourself for Easter 7/Chartering/Appreciation Sunday!

Blessings to you this and every day!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 5-29-11

2011-05-26T16:21:00.001-04:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

Hello everyone! I hope things are going well for you! If you've been around the church in the last couple of days you've certainly noticed something new… The parkinglot is done! (well almost) The asphalt is down and is able to be driven on. Soon the parking bumpers will be back in place and the lot will be striped as well. It looks great! (I've attached a photo for you who are on the email list so you can see just a little bit of it) Thanks to Dave, Becky and especially Tom for making it happen!

I hope you have a wonderful three day weekend planned for Memorial day and I hope that part of you plan involves coming together for worship on Sunday! It's a relatively slow week next week as far as church activities go. We have Prayer Group at my house on Tuesday evening at 7:00 and the usual Choir Practice on Wednesday. Book club got pushed back one week so they won't be meeting until the 10^th (so there's still time to read the book if you haven't.)

Sunday the 5^th of June is the anniversary of the Charter of the United Parish so plan to stick around after the service to celebrate and on the 12^th (Pentecost) we're going to hold the worship service at the west pavilion of Allen Pond Park with a lunch afterward.

Last night was the last night of the first year of the SEEDS midweek family ministry program and it was a blast! Thanks to all who came and all who made SEEDS possible by providing dinners and a variety of leadership talents… you are awesome.

UPB's first Art and Music Camp is scheduled for July 25-29. Registrations are up on the website if you're interested or know someone who might be, pass the word! Please pick up a flyer from the narthex and post it anywhere that might invite members of the community to participate as well!

This Sunday is a chat-n-chew Sunday so if your last name begins with an H-Z please bring a little something to share after the service. Also, Sunday's scripture readings can be found here. We'll be reading the gospel lesson from John and focusing on Paul's imagery of the Unknown God from the Acts passage. I'd invite you to read the scripture passages and pray with them to prepare yourself for Easter 6!

Remember in everything to pay attention… you just never know where God is going to show up!

Blessings to you this and every day!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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UPB Update week of 5-22-11

2011-05-19T13:31:00.000-04:00

United Parish of Bowie

United in Christ – Our Mission: To Serve

Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ

The Journey Toward Sunday

Hello everyone! I hope things are going well for you and that you are taking time to notice God's presence and abundance in your life! We have some good things going on at UPB and there are lots of ways to get involved... here are a few:

The Children Youth and Family Committee has put together a short survey to gather information from everyone in the congregation to help discern their goals and programs for the coming year. Here is a link to the online version of the survey whether you take in online or have a paper copy, please complete it by Sunday! Also, if you missed the first two CYF forums, please plan to attend the last one to continue the discussion of how we can fulfill our baptismal vows to the children, youth, and families of the United Parish of Bowie: it will be immediately following church on Sunday May 22nd (coffee and treats provided). Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

The Adult Ed course Theology 101 (Part 1)- resumes this week after taking a week off to support the CYF forum last week.

Men's Fellowship Dinner will be this coming Tuesday at 6:30 at On The Border in Bowie.

Next Wednesday is the final SEEDs (midweek family program) Silly Song Spring Session, and is also the last SEEDs of the school year. Thank you to everyone who has helped out by leading the children and youth in various songs games and activities and also to those of you who provided food! This first year of SEEDs was a wonderful experiment and we look forward to the possibilities of next year!

We've been invited to take part in a Community service opportunity with the city of Bowie that may even have a bit of outreach potential. They're looking for "Road Guards" for the Bowie Memorial Day Parade next weekend (on May 28^th). From what I understand the job would entail having a front row seat for the parade at one of the side roads where you would also be responsible to block traffic while the parade marches by. Robin has volunteered to be the point of contact with the City. If you're interested let her know… if there are a few folks we'll probably get shirts that identify us as UPB and wear them as we enjoy the parade day!

This Sunday is a chat-n-chew Sunday so if your last name begins with an H-Z please bring a little something to share after the service. And, Sunday's scripture readings can be found here. We'll be reading the gospel lesson from John and focusing on what Peter meant by living stones. I'd invite you to read through the scriptures and pray with them to prepare yourself for Easter 5!

I hope you have a great week and that you have your eyes opened to the ways God is at work in and around us all!

Grace and Peace to you!

Pastor Dan

Office phone: 301-249-6411

Email: pastordan@unitedparishbowie.org

On the web: www.unitedparishbowie.org

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.