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.

Today:  January 01, 2012

10:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary

This Week: January 02 – January 07

Monday CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING CLOSED

Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Angel Gang Room 126

7:30 p.m. Membership Committee Room 126

Wednesday 10:15 a.m. Bible Study for Health Room 126

1:00 p.m. Knit Wits Room 126

2:30 p.m. Crochet-O-Rama Room 127

6:30 p.m. Council on Ministries Committee Leaders Room 102

7:00 p.m. Council on Ministries Sanctuary

Thursday 9:30 a.m. Agape Circle at the home of Margie Dague

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

Friday 7:00 p.m. Musical Troupe Rehearsal Fellowship Hall

Saturday 9:30 a.m. UMW Epiphany Brunch Fellowship Hall

6:00 p.m. Children & Families Movie Night Fellowship Hall

Mark Your Calendars!

Friday, Jan 13 – 15   6:30 p.m. Leadership Retreat at Mar-Lu-Ridge
Monday, Jan 16 Church Office Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Wednesday, Jan 18 7:00 p.m. Administrative Board Meeting Fellowship Hall
Sunday, Jan 22 9:45 a.m. Green Church Study Fellowship Hall

Inclusive… Vibrant… LIFE AT ST. MATTHEW’S

Sunday, January 01, 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)

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’s Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God.

Our Prayers*
When adding names to our prayer list, please specify whether you want them for one or two weeks:   John Still, Millie, Emily Long, Justine Ameral, Sandy & Richard Hill, Nancy Perry, Lurene Chen, Megan Riley Keppler, Christina Schuliger, Rose & Ugo Gervasio, Bibi Haynes, Suzanne Davis, John Skotz, Wendy Hein, Betty High, *Brian Doan, *Mark Tipton & family, Mark Lineberry,  *George Pullicino & family, Stanley Goldstein, Jim & Kay Smith, *Jonathan Smock, AU, Chloe, Brett, Ruth Clark,  Sadie Harmon, Michael E., Darlene & Sam Jones, Anita Reichman, Carol Miller, Kevin McCann, Pat & Jessica Tyron, Sadie Conner, Heidi Shultz, Ronnie Dicken, Melissa & Reginald Arnold, Frank, Mike League, Ashley Moukalled, Mike B., Sharon Blevins, Carol Ohlson, Stanley Bice, Christine Willis, Will Fisher, Lynn Stottlemyer, Joyce Gummel, Eric, Kim Hutton, 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, Lesley Cogan, Steve & Sally Dale, the Priboth family,Verlinda Heppler, Mary Jo Goddard, James Blevins, Duncan Scott, Diego Norrid, Patricia Cox,  Priscilla Foote, Mary Dell Wickham, Al Mitchell, Jennie Evans, Jason Hammen, Jason Hershkowitz, LA Family, Mary McClurg, Ina Ray Foskey, Mitch Orlin, Mary Novicke, Shirley Egerton, June Mathis, Bob Stoner, George Sook, Elmer Stokes, Rosemary Whitson, Brown family, Nicole Jones, Ivy Morrison and family, Dawn S., Robert & Phyllis McNeill, Anne Kress, Bonnie Jones, Linda Kolzow, Goddard & Calvin family, Shirley Gergel. Eleanor Ayers, Devu Pullanchodan, Jisha Raveendran, Mundunedo family, Ron & Diane, Lowe family, Beverly Westcott, Esta Keim, Ann Marie Santilli, Dave Kimmel.

*Denotes Military

We are saddened to announce the passing of Christine Furgason, who transitioned to life eternal, Thursday, December 22.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Justine Ameral at 10702 Begonia Ln, Bowie MD, 20720 or Margery Furgason at 4141 North Rockdon Ave, Rockford, IL, 61103.  The memorial service for Christine will be held at St. Matthew’s on Friday, January 6, 2012, at 11:00 a.m.

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

Christian Formation and Spiritual Growth

Pastor’s Bible study will NOT meet this week.  The study will resume on January 10th at 9:45 a.m. in room 126.

ALL Sunday School Classes will resume NEXT Sunday, January 8.  Children’s Church will resume on January 15.

ANGEL GANG WILL MEET this Tuesday, January 3 at 11:00 a.m. in room 126.

New parenting class will begin Sunday, January 8 at 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  The book is entitled “Parents and Grandparents as Spiritual Guides:  Nurturing Children of the Promise” by Betty Cloyd.  The class will be lead by Rev. Richard Miller.  The cost of the book is $12 and scholarships are available.  To register e-mail Rev. Kathy at kathy.stmatthews-bowie@verizon.net.

Mission and Service

Please continue to support the Bowie Food Pantry during the holiday season.  Although numerous food drives have substantially stocked the pantry, items still needed are canned meats, peanut butter and jelly and cereal.

Fair Trade and Organic Coffee, Tea and Chocolate sales will take place after services on January 8.  You can enjoy chocolate that makes you feel as good as it tastes!  Stop by to view a short video about the link between chocolate and child slave labor.  Fair Trade certification strictly prohibits slave and child labor.

Congregational Life

Youth News – UMYF will NOT meet this evening.  We will resume on Sunday, January 8 at 6:30.  Enjoy your family!

Knit Wits – You’re invited to join in the fun and fellowship as they knit or crochet items for groups or individuals who need items to comfort them.  Our first session will begin THIS Wednesday, January 4, 1:00 p.m. in room 126.  Bring your crochet hooks or knitting needles, your ideas and most of all your enthusiasm.  Patterns and yarn are available.  For more information, contact Beverly Landymore, 301-262-3463 or BML7739@verizon.net.

All Women are invited to an Epiphany Brunch.  The United Methodist Women extend a warm invitation to all women of St. Matthew’s to attend an Epiphany Brunch in Fellowship Hall THIS Saturday, January 7, at 9:30 a.m.  A freewill offering will be taken and the brunch will conclude by 11:30.  Join us for this morning of Christian fellowship!  Babysitting will be available at no charge.

Join us for the St. Matthew’s Women’s Retreat at the West River Retreat Center on February 11, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The cost of $40 includes lunch, refreshments and materials for each session.  What could be more soothing and calming to your soul than a day at the seashore?  How about a day that’s spent making new friends, reconnecting with old and studying and reflecting on God’s word?  Our retreat uses beach images to recharge us spiritually and relationally.  Through sessions of Bible study, reflection, and discussion, we’ll discover the depth of God’s love, strength and compassion.  Each session uses an item you’d find at the beach to make that connection metaphorically.  DEADLINE for purchasing tickets is January 22 and will be available on Sunday mornings after each service.  Contact Pattie Klein at paklein58@gmail.com or 301-512-5526 from more information.

Calling all long-time members of St. Matthew’s – The History Committee is looking for members of our church who have been here since the 60’s and 70’s.  There will be a meeting to remember the good old days of beginning our church and helping it to grow.  Please come to the Parlor in between services on January 8.  Refreshments will be served.

The church office and building will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 2, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 3 at 9:00 a.m.