Sunday Morning Offerings

Christian Enrichment classes meet from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. The beginning and ending dates of each class vary. Childcare is available during the church school hour.

On the Road to Rome:  Paul's Message for Us
No one could doubt that it takes a great deal of dedication, work, and love to nurture a child.  How about nurturing a new religion?  As we continue to explore the growing pains of the new Christian faith, join us as we read Paul’s letters to the Romans.  Paul’s letters to the Romans will be explored in the context of Rome’s culture at that time.  As we study Paul’s journey to Rome, we will seek to interpret his message for our living today.

LEADER: Jeanne McWilliamson       PLACE: Room 227      
RESOURCE:  Basic Bible Commentary for Romans

The Shift:  Taking Your Life from Ambition to Meaning
How and why should we move from an ego-centered living and struggle to a life based on experiencing meaning and feeling purposeful.  When we experience low points, these low points can provide the energy for moving to a life of meaning and purpose.  We all have the choice of whether or not to return to the Source who created us.  This book is a companion piece to the movie, "The Shift."  Our shift can eliminate our feelings of separateness and illuminate our spiritual connectedness.

LEADERS: Beth Obear          PLACE: Room 127      
RESOURCE:  "The Shift: Taking Your Life from Ambition to Meaning"
                 by Wayne Dyer      

Spirituality Course
In A Handbook for the Spirit a collection of 25 essays edited by Richard Carlson, Ph.D. and Benjamin Shield, Ph.D. an extraordinary group of thinkers and teacher...celebrate their personal experiences of the divine. Each author shares what it is like to have a personal relationship with a higher spirit, how this relationship developed, and how it manifests in his or her life, relationships, and career...the authors offer insight into how readers can enhance their connections with a higher source. This collection offers both hope and purpose.

FACILITATOR: Beth Obear   PLACE: Room 123 (Library)      DATE: September 20

How Archeology Helps Us Understand the Bible
Who were the ancient Israelites and where did they originate? What can archeology tell us about how they lived?  Why wasn’t the Babylonian Exile the end rather than the beginning of Judaism?  These questions and more will be discussed in combination with readings from the Old Testament and the video (illustrated with pictures and maps), “How Archeology Illuminates the Bible” by William G. Dever, Professor of Near Eastern Archeology.  Some of these lectures may be challenging as we explore how we as Christians respond to some modern academic views of the Bible.

LEADER: Jim Wiedman        PLACE: Room 126     
RESOURCES:  "How Archeology Illuminates the BIble" video lectures and the Bible

Short, Short-Term Classes in Music

The following one-day classes will be lead by Isaac Borocz at 9:45 a.m. in Room 124.

Vivaldi, "Gloria in D Major" on December 12, 2010.

Bach, "Cantata 81" "Jesus sleeps..." on January 30, 2011.

Vivaldi, "Stabat Mater" on March 20, 2011.

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New Members' Classes

Exploring Covenant 
"Exploring Covenant" is our "membership" class and it provides an environment to consider whether God is calling you to take the step into covenant with St. Matthew's.  The course will invite your questions as you learn a bit more about the ministries and resources for spiritual growth and service that exist here.  A wide range of topics will be addressed including history and theology of the United Methodist Church, worship and sacraments, spiritual gifts and lay leadership, discipleship, covenant, and whatever issues are most important to you!  Exploring Covenant will meet from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. during the months of October and May.  Please call the church office (301-262-1408) for information.

Leader:     Reverend Ginger Gaines-Cirelli

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Weekday Offerings

Disciple Bible Study Classes

If you're interested in a Disciples class, please contact Irene Schneider by email (disciples@stmatthews-bowie.org).  There are 31-week studies and 8-10 week study programs which assist persons interested in in-depth Bible study.

Pastor's Bible Study
Using The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary as a guide, this class is currently studying the book of I Kings.  The format of the class is conversational and allows participants to "drop in" as they are able—in other words, come when you can!
Leader:         Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli 
Resource:      The Bible 
Location:       Room 126 
Date & Time: Tuesdays, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

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The "Angel Gang"  
This group's mission is to draw on their common experiences as they assist others who are faced with challenges to their wellness. The group's focus is laughter, fellowship, and story-telling.  Everyone is welcome.
Leader:         Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli
Location:       Room 126 
Date & Time: Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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United Methodist Women's Circle Studies

An invitation to attend any of the circle meetings is extended to all women. For specific information, please call the leader of the circle in which you are interested or contact Jody Kelley.

AGAPE CIRCLE  
Leader:          Jane Anderson 
Resource:        Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To by Anthony DeStefano
Location:        In members' homes 
Date & Time:   First Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m. 

EVENING CIRCLE 
Leader:          Jo Ellen Thompson
Resource:         Listening for God, various authors
Location:        St. Matthew's, Room 102 (Parlor)
Date & Time:   Second Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m. 

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Leaders:         Mickey Fisher 
Resource:         TBA
Location:        Local restaurants 
Date & Time:   Second Thursday of the month, 12:00 noon 

MARTHA CIRCLE
Leader:          Linda Harbaugh, Pam Waterworth
Resource:        Living Above Worry and Stress
Location:       St Matthew's, Room 102 (Parlor)-Babysitting provided
Date & Time:  Second Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m. 

KOINONIA CIRCLE
Leaders:        Mary McClurg, Debbie Pierson
Resource:        Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs
Location:       St Matthew's, Room 102 (Parlor)-Babysitting provided
Date & Time:  Third Monday of the month, 7:00 p.m. 

SUSANNA WESLEY CIRCLE 
Leader:         Pat Bond 
Resource:      What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey
Location:       In members' homes 
Date & Time:  Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 p.m.

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