Can You Devote Sunday Mornings to Study, Worship and Friendship?

Church school for children, youth and adults will resume Sunday, September 7, at 9:45 a.m.

Church school parents are invited to A Get-Acquainted Meeting in the sanctuary with their children (threes by December 31st through fifth graders) at 9:45 on September 7, the first Sunday after Labor Day. Our new curriculum will be introduced, and everyone can meet the church school staff before the children go to their classes.

If you are interested in adult classes, join us after a cup of coffee at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary to meet our adult leaders and hear about the enrichment courses that will be offered at 9:45 a.m. on Sundays this semester.  Four different topics and leaders will be presented. Don’t miss out.

Adult Enrichment Courses

If you need some new fuel for you life, join us for an adult course.  Where are you in your relationship with Christ?  Is that relationship growing or are you stuck with a college student’s understanding of the Old and New Testaments?  Is the Bible providing guidance for your life at home and in your career?  Perhaps this is a period in your life when you feel too busy making a living to probe deeply into what you really believe.  In your alone time how do you interpret God’s claim upon your life?  Come, join one of our adult groups and consider what it means to be a maturing child of God.

The New Testament—An Academic Overview 
This is an opportunity to learn what modern scholarship has to say about the New Testament. In each class we will watch a thirty-minute video lecture by Professor Bard D. Ehrman of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lectures will include themes of each Gospel, the “historical” Jesus, Paul’s Letters, the Book of Revelation, and “Do We Have the Original New Testament?” The class will discuss our reactions to Professor Ehrman’s presentations.
Leader: Jim Wiedman
Location: Room 126

Getting To Know John Wesley
Many of us have only a nodding acquaintance with the founder of Methodism and would like to know more but don’t want to make a tremendous project of it.  Come on Sunday mornings and explore with me a small book, Three Simple Rules, which Bishop Reuben P. Job has written about the three simple rules of John Wesley.  The latter part of the semester we will use a different text, John Wesley: Holiness of Heart & Life by Bishop Charles Yrigoyen. This second small book tells us of Wesley’s tireless efforts and his theology. 
Leader: Jane Dodd; Location: Room 127

Spirituality Course
Class chooses the book it will discuss.
Facilitator: Beth Obear
Location: Room 23

Parables From The Back Side 
Jesus used parables to communicate a religious principle, a spiritual truth or moral lesson.  We will study at least 12 of his 40 parables to understand the lesson for his hearers then and the truth for us today.  By looking at minor or unsympathetic characters we will look for fresh insights for our living today. Through the parables we will understand more completely what it means to follow Jesus and to seek the kingdom of God.  In addition to the Bible, we may read Parables from the Back Side by J. Ellsworth Kalas.
Leader:  Steven Pennington
Location: Room 225

Get Prepared for Emergencies/Disasters

In observation of National Preparedness Month, St. Matthew’s Disaster Response Team has organized a day-long program on Saturday, September 27, to help church members become better prepared for emergency situations.

Agencies involved in disaster preparedness will participate in work sessions, displays and demonstrations in the church’s Fellowship Hall, church classrooms, and even in the parking lot.

The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is open to all of St. Matthew’s as well as the Bowie community.  Dan Blades, coordinator for the Disaster Response Team, urges all to attend, “because you never know when a major emergency might hit the Bowie area, and information available at this event could come in handy when someone is coping with a major disaster.”  He said the format for the day “is designed so that anyone attending any part of the event has the opportunity to see demonstrations and displays, interact with emergency experts, avail themselves of free literature, and learn more about how to prepare themselves and their families for emergency situations.”

Bowie Mayor Fred G. Robinson will open the day with a welcome message from the city.  Vernon Herron, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety/Director of Homeland Security, will be the Keynote Speaker.  Seminars will be held at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm, with presenters from the City of Bowie, Maryland’s Emergency Management Agency, Maryland Insurance Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Noah’s Wish, the University of MD, the county’s Office of Emergency Management and Fire/EMS Department - and our own Disaster Response Team.

There will be instruction on proper use of fire extinguishers, ladders and portable generators, as well as displays of fire equipment.  American Red Cross representatives will instruct how to create home emergency plans. Twelve different seminars are planned, including senior safety, pet survival, insurance, gas and electric safety, special needs populations, understanding weather reports, and Bowie’s heating/cooling centers and Alert System.  Food, snacks and beverages will be for sale as a fund-raising effort by the church’s youth.

Volunteers are needed the evening of September 26 and on the day of the event to set up classrooms and Fellowship Hall, ready them for Sunday morning use afterwards, serve as hosts, and to carry out other tasks.  Please email or call Dan Blades or Bruce Thoman to assist us.  See church web site for more details.

Pastor’s Corner—If You Were Away

                                                                                   —Dick Stetler

It is not difficult to realize that fall is here.  The newspaper supplements are crammed with advertisements for back-to-school clothes for the tweens featuring models that have a strange look-alike appearance to Hannah Montana.

The weather has been remarkable for people who love sand in their sandals or the crisp air of the evening at their mountain cabin.  Rain has fallen often enough that very few people have had to water their grass.  It has been a grand time to be away from school, work and the church as many people have hit the road for their long awaited vacations.

Yet, life back at the ranch has moved forward.  The 7:30 a.m. garden services have hit record numbers of people attending, starting off with Kendrick’s first official appearance since his leaving us.  The first service had 115.  Kendrick was ordained at Annual Conference and then got married at Wesley Seminary’s chapel.  His mother performed the ceremony.

Spirituality 601 has averaged 32 come-and-go students who have wanted to dig deeper into their quest to understand the difference between the physical reality everyone experiences and the invisible world of spirit that not everyone understands and yet surrounds all of us.

Shirley Bickel and the Education Committee coordinated another successful Vacation Bible School that averaged each evening 90 children and 50 adults.  The chancel, narthex and many classrooms were transformed into a rain forest.  A lot of work combined fun with learning to create a remarkable week.    

Twenty-two adults and young people returned from their Appalachian Service Project (ASP) in the area of Beckley, West Virginia for another successful adventure in making repairs on the houses belonging to people with very limited financial resources.        

A massive sanctuary lighting renovation began on August 18.  No longer will worshippers feel as though they are either sitting in the dark or under a sun lamp on Sunday mornings.  The $52,000 project has been the dream of many in the congregation for years.  That day has finally arrived.        

Isaac has his eye on a previously owned Steinway piano for the sanctuary that will cost just a little under the amount of the new lighting system.  A significant amount of money has already been raised in the Tavia Wyatt piano fund but more is needed.  Anyone interested in investing in this dream may contact Isaac.  This piano is a bargain since new Steinways are well into six figures.     

The Theater Troupe is gearing up for their fall production of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”  The cast has been chosen and the troupe will be working on producing a delightful drama that will be entertaining for every age group.

If you have been away for whatever reason, return with a friend.  Attending to the needs of our spirit is as vital as daily exercise and monitoring more carefully our diets.  Everything around us is teaching us how to perceive life’s events.  People come to church to get a quality faith lift.  Again—when you do, bring a friend.

UMW Meetings and Upcoming Events

The UMW is kicking off a new program year with a Fellowship Tea on Sunday, September 14 (see article on page 4).  The circles are resuming their monthly fellowship meetings.  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 Kelleyd Rudd. 

Other upcoming events this Fall include hosting the Washington East District UMW Annual Meeting on October 18 and our 17th Annual Craft Show on November 8.  Watch for additional details in the newsletter, bulletins and UMW minutes.  If you would like to be added to distribution of the UMW minutes, please contact Kathy Hillsinger.

EXECUTIVE Board:  Sunday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the church parlor.

AGAPE Circle:  Thursday, September 4, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Judy Schickel.  We will do a summer sharing and pass out our new study book, When All Else Fails...Read the Instructions by James Moore.  (Jane Anderson is the circle leader.)   

EVENING Circle:  Monday, September 8, at 7:30 at the home of Mabel McGann.  Mary Margaret King is the co-hostess.  We will be continuing our study with Chapter 9 of the James Moore book, When All Else Fails...Read the Instructions.  (Jo Ellen Thompson is the circle leader.) 

FRIENDSHIP Circle:  Thursday, September 11, luncheon at 12:00 p.m. in Room 223 of the church.  (Mickey Fisher is the circle leader.) 

MARTHA Circle:  Friday, September 12, at 9:30 a.m. at the church in the parlor.  We will catch up from our summer hiatus and resume our study with Chapter 7 of Discovering God’s Will for Your Life.  (Jenny Garmon and Linda Harbaugh are the circle leaders.) 

KOINONIA Circle:  Monday, September 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the church parlor (Room 102).  We will begin the workbook Living Free by Beth Moore.  (Karen Laumoli is the circle leader.)  Babysitting is available during this circle. 

SUSANNA WESLEY Circle:  Wednesday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Pat Bond (circle leader).  Our study is Listening for God, Volume 1, Chapter 2.

 

Youth News                                                                                                    
                                                      —Clare Carhart, Youth Director

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 7.  That is the day that all middle school and senior high activities will resume. 

We will offer Sunday school from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) on Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.

All youth in middle school and high school are welcome as well as their friends.  One need not be a St. Matthew’s member to participate in any or all of our programs. 

We have a variety of lessons, games, activities, and service projects planned for the upcoming months.  Hope to see you there.

 

Music News and Notes
                                                        —Isaac Borocz, Music Director

With the early occurrence of Labor Day on September 1 this year, the music program has a bit of a jump on things. Often the Chancel Choir doesn't make its debut until the second Sunday of September, but they'll be back in harness on the 7th.And all the other groups likewise begin rehearsing very early this year.

As in years past, the rehearsal schedule is as follows:

Children’s Choir:  SUNDAYs during 11:00 worship (beginning September 14);

Youth Choir:  SUNDAY afternoons 5.30-6.30 p.m. (beginning September 14);

Gloria Ringers:  MONDAY evenings 6.45-8.00 p.m. (beginning September 15);

New Day Ringers:  MONDAY evenings 8.00-9.00 p.m. (beginning September 15)  note:  organizational meeting only with actual rehearsals beginning September 22);

Chancel Choir:  THURSDAY evenings 7.00-8.30 p.m. (beginning September 4);

SpiritMove:  THURSDAY evenings 8.30-9.30 p.m. (beginning September 4).

Please feel free to come to any or all (!) of these rehearsals. The more, the merrier.

I would also invite anyone who is interested in accompanying the Chancel Choir and/or SpiritMove to get in touch. An extra pair of hands is always a blessing. Call me if you are interested.

 

Bowie CROP Walk Returns Oct. 19

The Missions Committee is pleased to announce that CCPC will take on the leadership of the 2009 Bowie CROP Walk which raises funds to feed the hungry each year.  Please watch for additional information in upcoming weeks.

Ushers Needed

If interested, contact Ray Denmark following a worship service.

Usher Schedule for September

	8:30 a.m.	11:00 a.m.
September 7
	Margie Dague *Loring Dague Dan Blades Pat Clark Pat Clunies	Dottie McHenry *Donna Lane Frank Lane June Mathis Tom Page
September 14
	Bob Matthews * Marvin Conner Liz Herrera Betty High Pam Hyland	Skip Mead * Maxine Russell Henrietta Briggs David Carr Lew Dodd
September 21
	Melissa Neace * Sharon Jahn Barbara Layton Beth Lingg Bud McGee	Al Mitchell * Colleen Cronlund Marty Cronlund Olive Domingo June Mathis
September 28
	Jerry Benitez * Eric Wolfe Dick Baker Dan Blades Pat Clark	Mike League * Karen Doan Kirk Doan Renee Doan Tom Page

Fellowship Tea for Women on Sept. 14

The United Methodist Women invite all women of St. Matthew's to attend a tea in Fellowship Hall on September 14 between worship services.  Come and learn about the activities for the upcoming year such as the November 8 craft show, brunches, and informative meetings. 

If you are looking for a small group setting for spiritual growth and fellowship, you can also find a circle that fits your schedule.  Members from each circle will be there to talk with you about the details of each group. 

For further information, please call Jody Kelley Rudd.

Disciples Classes Begin in September

Disciple classes will begin in September.  If you are interested in exploring spirituality, the “Word” or a “specific book of the Bible”, check out the classes offered through the Disciples program.  Class sign-up sheets with start dates can be found in the narthex.

“A Course in Miracles” will be led by Rev. Christina McGunigale and Irene Schneider on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in Room 126 (ongoing).

“Disciples II” will be led by Ray Denmark and Irene Schneider on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. in Room 127  for 32 weeks.

“An Invitation to Psalms” will be led by Bill Schneider on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Room 127 for 8 weeks.

‘08 Disciples Feast Cancelled

The Annual Disciples Feast, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, will not be held this year.  Plans are to resume the feast in 2009 along with the introduction of new 8-week courses. 

Disciples Testimony

I have been asked to say a few words about what the Disciple program means to me.  Last year I thought about joining the Disciple class but I was concerned that the other students in the class would be so knowledgeable about the subject that I would feel out of place. This year I did not let those concerns keep me away and I am so glad I did not deny myself the opportunity.

I thought the Disciple class would be good for me but I never expected to enjoy this class so much. Not only did I develop friendships with other students and our instructors but I also realized the people of the bible were real people with real problems and much of the time their lives in turmoil. Disciple class brings so many facets to the study of the bible including history of the region and exploring how the borders of countries changed with new governments and political ideas.  People and stories in the bible become much more than words or ideas that happened a long time ago.

Many times during the class our discussions would wander into issues going on in our lives. We covered morality, difficulties when people have different objectives and changes going on in our country today. Amazingly all these issues affected the people in the bible as much as they do us today.  And they settled them the same way we do today with words if they were lucky, actions when they were not and wars when both sides believed they were right and words no longer worked.

This fall I will begin another Disciple class, meet new friends and make new discoveries.  As much as Disciple class is exploring our past it is also mapping out our future and I can’t wait to begin!

          —Beverly Cronin

Life Changes

Deaths:

Joseph Strohmer, father of Clare Carhart;
Megan Henry, mother of Gemina Archer-Davies and Ayo Mseka;
John Malloy, husband of Nancy and father of Lori Robertson;
Betty DeJournette, mother of Lisa DeJournette;
Marlene Holmgrain, wife of Floyd Holmgrain.

Births:

Matthew Harold, son of Kathi and Harry Flammang and big sister Allie.  Proud grandmother is Mabel McGann.

Alyssa Jael,  daughter of Diana and Shurn Scatliffe.

Baptisms:

Ava Christiana Negron, daughter of Felix and Kim Hatton Negron.

Many Thanks...

We would like to thank everyone from St. Matthew’s for all the cards, phone calls, and loving support during Eric’s surgery and after.  It’s great to belong to such a warm and caring church family.  Eric is well on the road to recovery.  Thanks so much.

                                   —The Heidenreichs

Thanks from Billie Page

“Therefore …pray for one another, so that you may be healed.  The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” 

James 5:16

This congregation is righteous and powerful!  With your cards full of prayers and love – I feel divine life flowing through me, renewing and healing me – spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically!!! 

My family and I are very grateful for your concern! (Don’t stop now!)  We thank you and God bless you!

—Billie Page

Thanks from Jessie

Special thanks to all who helped prepare the Memory Garden for the outdoor services—Pat Cone and Sandra Hill for providing plants and labor; Sandra’s son, Mike, of Chesapeake Landscaping, for donating plants; and ever-faithful Eleanor Judy, Dare Draughn, Helen Hirzel, Pam Waterworth, and Gary Moorehead for their efforts to weed, plant and prune.  There is still much to be done—please join us on our next workday!           

—Jessie Smith

 

“First Place” Begins Fall Session

First Place is a Christ-centered health program for men and women of all ages.  Using a support system that incorporates Bible study, scripture memorization, prayer and balanced eating and exercise plans, First Place provides the opportunity to change your life, not only physically but spiritually and emotionally. 

An orientation meeting for the fall session will be held on Wednesday, September 3, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 125.  The 13-week session will begin Wednesday, September 17, at 10:15 a.m. Please contact Lorri Meadows or Jody Kelley Rudd for more information.

 

Environmental Group Meets 9/15

The St. Matthew’s Environmental Group will have its first meeting of the season on Monday, September 15, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 126.

This will be a planning session--we'll be talking about priorities for this year and ways to improve our website. For more information, call Elizabeth Buckner.

 

Sincere Thanks

The family of Mrs. Megan Henry would like to express sincere thanks to St. Matthew’s for your kind expression of sympathy on the passing of our mother.  Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered.

—Gemina Archer-Davies and Ayo Mseka

Videographer Needed!

St Matthew's has formed a task force to develop a DVD of our church life that will be used to show what we are about, what we do, and how wonderful it would be to belong. As we progress with the development, we are in need of a videographer that can capture in digital format specific events and the church itself.   Please contact Irene Schneider or Jen McClurg at 301-262-1408 if you can help or know of someone that can.

New Communion Response

Beginning on Sunday, September 7, we will begin using the setting of the Communion Responses by Franz Schubert. These can be found on pages 21 and 22 of the Hymnal. This is a setting in which there is no call-response, unlike the other settings we have used. Everyone sings everything (even the repeats) right from the beginning.

 

Farewell from Sally Stumpf

The first time I walked into St. Matthew’s I had tears in my eyes, and found myself looking up to see if the roof was going to fall in on me.  I was a lost sheep and it had been a very long time since I had been in a church.

St. Matthew’s became a very large part of my life over the past 13 years, and now that I am leaving to go to Georgia to spend my last years with close family, I am sad to leave, but am looking forward to seeing what new adventures and challenges that God has planned for me.  I only hope I am worthy of His expectations.

I will be going to a retirement community called The Haven at Slater Mill in Douglasville, Georgia.  When I get my computer set up and a phone in place, I’ll forward that information to the church office.

Thank you all for the friendships and love you have given me.  Please keep in touch, and if you are ever in the Atlanta area, please let me know.  God bless you all.

—Sally Stumpf

UMVIM Team Forming for November

St Matthew's will be sending a UMVIM team of 15 volunteers to Gulf Port, Mississippi in November. This team will be working on the “Katrina Relief Project”.  A case worker from UMCOR reports: “To date, over 140,000 faith-based volunteers in Mississippi have saved over $90 million in construction labor costs for Mississippi residents.”  The three UMCOR-sponsored camps in Mississippi are still getting about 300 new requests for assistance each month.  The camps are currently funded through April 2010.

If you are moved to join this team or future teams, contact Irene Schneider or Jody Rudd, Coordinators, at UMVIM@stmatthews-bowie.org or isregionalvim@comcast.net.

Continued Need for Flood Buckets

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is in great need of flood buckets. In the past two months, distribution has depleted the supply at the Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La. Congregations and individuals are urged to send completed buckets, bulk materials or a contribution to purchase supplies. To purchase items for each bucket requires $45. Checks can be made out to St Matthew's UMC with Missions/UMCOR-Flood Buckets in the memo line. One hundred percent of every donation goes to support recovery efforts.

EEC Staff Survivor Will Walk for Leukemia

Can you help please?  Please help support Cindy Cox (an employee of the EEC) as she walks in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Light the Night” walk on September 28. Cindy will be in remission for two years this September! Can you help celebrate please?

Checks can be made payable to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A donation box is in the narthex.  Donations can also be made online at http://www.active.com/donate/ltnBaltim/2403_Cynth930

Feel free to contact the EEC office with any questions.  Thank you!

Fall Camping Dates are Set

Mark your calendar for St. Matthew’s Fall Camping Trip!  It will be Friday to Monday, October 10-13 at Camp Harmison in West Virginia.  Camp Harmison is located 6 miles from Berkeley Springs WV, and is about 2.5 hours from Bowie.  Directions will be in the narthex or you can call Bill Haddock for more information.

Lectionary Readings for September

These are the Scripture Readings, one or more of which is read each Sunday.  The sermon will be based on one of the readings.  Reading ahead of time will help you prepare for worship.

September 7 – 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149 or Psalm 148, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20

September 14 – 18^th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 14:19-31, Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-25

September 21 – 19^th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 or Psalm 78, Philippians 1:21-30,
Matthew 20:1-16

September 28 – 20^th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32