Upcoming Events and Opportunities at St. Matthew’s

Ongoing:  Feed the hungry!  Contribute non-perishable food items to the Bowie Food Pantry;

End malaria!  make a donation through “Nothing But Nets;”

Care for the earth!—and support our EEC program—by bringing your recyclable paper to the yellow/green bin in the parking lot;

Support the EEC – by bringing in Box Tops for Education, Campbell’s Soup Labels for Education, used ink cartridges, and Capri Sun empty foil packs.

Join the St. Matthew’s Family

If you are living in this area and do not have a local church home, we invite you to join us.  Our pastor will be happy to talk with you; or you may indicate your interest in joining the next Exploring Covenant
(membership)class either by marking the attendance register (“wish to join”) or calling the church office, 301-262-1408.

Today:  December 4, 2011

8:30 a.m. Worship Sanctuary

9:45 a.m. Church School Various

9:45 a.m. Advent Study Fellowship Hall

9:45 a. m. Shelter Committee Room 123

11:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Children’s Choir Room 124
6:00 p.m. Middle & High School UMYF Sanctuary

This Week: December 5 – December 10

Monday 9:30 a.m. M & M’s Card Making Room 222

6:30 p.m. Gloria Ringers Room 124

Tuesday 9:45 a.m. Pastor’s Bible Study & 11:00 a.m. Angel Gang Room 126

7:30 p.m. Membership Committee Room 126

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. UMM Breakfast meeting at Rips in Bowie

10:15 a.m. Bible Study For Health Room 126

7:00 p.m. Advent Reflections Worship Service Sanctuary

7:30 p.m. Worship Committee Room 102

Thursday 9:00 a.m. Christmas Stocking Project Fellowship Hall

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir & 8:30 p.m. SpiritMove Room 124

Friday 9:00 a.m. Sweatshirt Project Fellowship Hall

9:30 a.m. Martha Circle –Meet in Church Parking Lot

Saturday 1:00 p.m. Church School Christmas Program Rehearsals Sanctuary

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday, Dec. 11    4:00 p.m.  Church School Christmas Program in Sanctuary followed by Potluck in Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, Dec. 21  7:00 p.m.  Blue Christmas Service in Sanctuary

Inclusive… Vibrant… LIFE AT ST. MATTHEW’S

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Welcome to all who have gathered for worship today!
We extend a special welcome to all visitors.  Please let us know of your presence by filling out the attendance register that will be passed down the aisle during worship.

We offer the following assistance:  a hearing loop (“T” position); large print hymnals (available in back of sanctuary); Infant Nursery (Room 116) and Nursery (Room 109); Children’s Bulletins and crayons (available at center doors to sanctuary)

Today’s Altar Flowers are given in loving memory of Nedra Evans from Paul, Tom, Jess and Lou Ann.

Our Prayers*
When adding names to our prayer list, please specify whether you want them for one or two weeks:   John Still, Millie, Christine Furgason, Emily Long, Justine Ameral, Sandy & Richard Hill, Nancy Perry, Martha Sallet, Lurene Chen, Megan Riley Keppler, Christina Schuliger, Rose & Ugo Gervasio, Bibi Haynes, Suzanne Davis, John Skotz,   Pat & Ron Young, Wendy Hein, Betty High, *Brian Doan, *Mark Tipton & family, Mark Lineberry,  *George Pullicino & family, Stanley Goldstein, Jim & Kay Smith, *Jonathan Smock, Jo Kim, AU, Chloe, Betty Roberts,  Brett, Ruth Clark,  Sadie Harmon, Michael E., Darlene & Sam Jones, Anita Reichman, Carol Miller, Kevin McCann, Pat & Jessica Tyron, Artie Roach, Sadie Conner, Heidi Shultz, Ronnie Dicken, Melissa & Reginald Arnold, Frank, Kay & Mike League, Ashley Moukalled, Mike B., Sharon Blevins, Carol Ohlson, Stanley Bice, Christine Willis, Will Fisher, Lynn Stottlemyer, Joyce Gummel, Eric, Kim Hutton, Jillian Bergamasco & family, Zach Hammond, Mike & Pat Henderson, Tristen Dawson, David & Jody Rudd, Florence Louise Tesar, Karen Grande, Margery Furgason, Ward Bourgendine, Edith Miller, Kelsie, Rena Silbert, Eric Granahan & family, Ann Cooper, Danielle, Beth Lingg and Linda, Lesley Cogan, Steve & Sally Dale, the Priboth family,Verlinda Heppler, Mary Jo Goddard, James Blevins, Marvin Conner, Duncan Scott, Diego Norrid, Patricia Cox,  Priscilla Foote, Mary Dell Wickham, Al Mitchell, Jennie Evans, Dee Dee & Zeki, Jason Hammen, Jason Hershkowitz, LA Family, Mary McClurg, Walton family, Steve Cone and family, Ina Ray Foskey, Mitch Orlin, Mary Novicke, Shirley Egerton, Lorri Meadows, June Mathis, Bob Stoner, George Sook, Elmer Stokes, Rosemary Whitson, Randy Gann & family, Brown family, Joyce Taylor, Nicole Jones, Virginia Dahl, Ivy Morrison and family.

We are saddened to announce the passing of Tom Gann, Randy’s father, on Wednesday, November 23, in McDonough, GA.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Randy and family at 4721 Ramsgate Lane, Bowie, MD, 20715.

We  regret to announce the passing of Edna Brown, mother of Barry Brown, on Thursday, November 24, at Seasons Hospice in Northwest Hospital.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Barry at 994 Springhill Way, Gambrills, MD, 21054.

Sunday Servant Leaders (Sign-up to serve at the “Tower of Opportunity” in the narthex)

Christian Formation and Spiritual Growth

ADVENT MEDITATION BOOKLETS AND CALENDARS are still available on the table in the narthex.  Using both the booklets and calendars during your daily devotional time is a way of centering your spirit for your journey through Advent.

You’re invited to an Advent study based on the Revised Common Lectionary Scriptures.  Rev. Ginger will lead this four week study at 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Bring your Bible.  Next week’s study will be on Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 and John 1:6-8, 19-28.

More Than Just Music, NEXT Sunday, December 11, 9:45 a.m., room 124.  Bernstein’s Mass, composed for the dedication of the Kennedy Center, will be the focus of this short course.  Learn a bit about Bernstein’s attitude to music for theater and the church, about this particular composition and its place in music history.  Come one, come all!

New Parenting Class starting on Sunday, January 7, at 9:45 a.m.  The book study is titled “Parents and Grandparents as Spiritual Guides:  Nurturing Children of the Promise by Betty Cloyd.  The teacher will be Rev. Rick Miller.  The cost of the book is $12.  To reserve a book and place in the class, please contact Kathy Wadsley 301-262-1408 or kathy.stmatthews-bowie@verizon.net by December 12.

Join us on December 11 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary for the Christmas Program, Christmas Around the World.  The program features ways Christians celebrate Christmas around the world while telling The Christmas Story.  Come be a part of this joyful celebration and sing along with favorite Christmas carols.  Bring your favorite family Christmas dish and join us for a potluck immediately following the program in Fellowship Hall.  See you there!

Mission and Service

Christmas Stockings and Sweatshirts are due back TODAY!  Bring them up to the tree in the front of the Sanctuary during the offering today or place them in the boxes provided in the narthex.

Christmas Stocking Project – Please join us this Thursday, December 8, 9:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall, for stuffing of the Christmas stockings.  Bring a dish to share and join in the fun.  Questions, call Sharon Heidenreich at 301-262-1408.  See you there!

THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!   The St. Matthew’s congregation is the greatest.  Because of your quick response to the last 77 names, all the children will be getting stockings this year!  In the words of Rev. Ginger, St. Matthew’s Rocks!

UMW Holiday Food Baskets (ongoing) – St. Matthew’s will again provide food baskets for families in need at Christmas.  Donations of non-perishable food are requested throughout December to help fill the food baskets.  Specially marked bins will be in the coatroom for these donations.  If you have any questions, would like to help sort or deliver, or if you know of a family in need, please contact Margie Dague at 301-262-3829.

Stewardship

Giving Envelopes for 2012 will be available in the narthex today and December 11, then available in the church office until December 31.  If you do not currently have envelopes and would like to receive a box, please stop by the table.

Congregational Life

Youth News – This Sunday, both UMYF groups will meet at 6:00 p.m. for Warn Nights Shopping.  Please bring $10 and your permission slip.  High schoolers will receive ASP service hours for tonight.  See you there!

The Altar Guild is offering poinsettias for purchase this holiday season.  Donations may be made in honor or memory of a loved one or special person. Colors are red or white at a cost of $12 each.  Please use the special poinsettia envelopes and information form (print or write clearly) on the table in the narthex.  Fill out the form completely, then enclose it in the envelope with cash or your check made payable to St. Matthew’s UMC.  Drop it in the offering plate on Sunday mornings or in the church office during the week.  Deadline for ordering is December 11.  Contact Sharon Heidenreich at (301) 262-1408 for more information.

The Coffee Buying Club is offering the following for sale after each service TODAY!  CHOCOLATE BARS ARE BACK!  We have all your favorite varieties, plus a new, even darker chocolate bar, Organic Panama Extra Dark Chocolate.  It has a cacao content of 80%.  Wow!  Next, we have gift boxes that make delicious presents for those on Santa’s “Nice” list.  Select from the pre-made ones or configure it yourself with coffee, tea, cocoa or chocolate.  Lastly, we have received a shipment of dark chocolate miniatures.  These can be purchased separately or in decorative bags of 5 mini bars.  These make great stocking stuffers!  All product sales benefit UMCOR and all products are fair-trade and organic.

Register for Women’s Retreat – The UMW will be taking registrations for the Women’s Seaside Escape Spiritual Retreat after each service today outside Fellowship Hall.  The retreat will be on Saturday, February 11, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at West River Center located 35 minutes from Bowie.  The cost is $40 which includes lunch, snacks and materials.  Gift certificates are available – this makes a great Christmas gift for a woman in your life!  For additional information, contact Pattie Klein at 301-512-5526 or paklein58@gmail.com.

Choirmaster’s Open House, Sunday, December 11, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Isaac, Jeff and the greyhounds invite you to an open house at their home at 6505 Alexis Drive in Bowie.  Come celebrate the holidays, including Isaac’s birthday with a nibble and a sip.  All are welcome.

Christmas greenery delivery from Boy Scout Troop 1249 will be in front of Fellowship Hall TODAY, December 4, after all services.  For more information, please call Michael or Maureen Garvis at 301-805-9768.

Thank you so much for all your prayers, cards, and concerns for Tommy.  His tests came back negative for cancer.  Please continue to  pray for my mother, Betty High.  St. Matthew’s prayers really work!  Pam Hyland