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 08, 2012

8:30 a.m. Worship Sanctuary
9:45 a.m. Sunday School all ages Various
9:45 a.m. Parenting Class Room 106
9:45 a.m. “Remember When Session” (History Committee) Room 102
11:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Children’s Choir Room 124
6:30 p.m. Middle & High School UMYF Sanctuary

Coffee, Tea and Chocolate Sale after each service by Fellowship Hall

UMW Women’s Retreat Tickets on sale after each service by Fellowship Hall

This Week: January 09 – January 14

Monday 6:30 p.m. Gloria Ringers Room 124

7:00 p.m. Evening Circle Room 102
7:30 p.m. Communications Committee Room 127
Tuesday 9:45 a.m. Pastor’s Bible Study & 11:00 a.m. Angel Gang Room 126
7:00 p.m. Altar Guild Room 126
7:00 p.m. SPPRC Room 127
7:00 p.m. Hospitality Team meeting Room 125

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

7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Room 126

7:00 p.m. Christian Formation Committee Room 223

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

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

Friday 9:30 a.m. Martha Circle Room 102

6:00 p.m. Leadership Retreat at Mar-Lu-Ridge Conference Center

Saturday 8:00 a.m. Leadership Retreat at Mar-Lu-Ridge Conference Center

Mark Your Calendars!

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 08, 2012

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, AUV, Chloe, Brett, Ruth Clark,  Sadie Harmon, Michael E., Darlene & Sam Jones, Carol Miller, Kevin McCann, Pat & Jessica Tyron, Heidi Shultz, Ronnie Dicken, Melissa & Reginald Arnold, Frank, Mike League, Ashley Moukalled, Mike B., Sharon Blevins, Carol Ohlson, 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,  Mary Dell Wickham, Al Mitchell, Jennie Evans, Jason Hammen, LA Family, Mary McClurg, Ina Ray Foskey, Mitch Orlin, Mary Novicke, 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, Shirley Gergel. Eleanor Ayers, Mundunedo family, Ron & Diane, Lowe family, Beverly Westcott, Esta Keim, Ann Marie Santilli, Dave Kimmel, Christy Streetman, Dorothy & Jack Whalen, Dwaine & Lori Kronsor, Mary Hearn, Joyce Ganley.

Denotes Military

We regret to announce the death of Rev. Stanley Bice, husband of Churalene and brother-in-law of Gloria Swisher on Christmas Day.  Rev. Bice served the UMC Baltimore-Washington Conference for over 40 years.  Condolences may be sent to Churalene at 3152 Gracefield Road, Apt. 308, Silver Spring, MD, 20904, or to Gloria and Glenn Swisher, 101 Park Blvd. S.,

Apt. 308, Venice, FL, 34285.

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

Christian Formation and Spiritual Growth

The new parenting class based on the book entitled “Parents and Grandparents as Spiritual Guides:  Nurturing Children of the Promise” by Betty Cloyd starts TODAY in room 106 at 9:45 a.m.  The class will be lead by Rev. Richard Miller.  You will get the most out of this class by reading the book before each class discussion.  The cost of the book is $12 and scholarships are available.  Come join us!  We have ordered extra books in case you did not get the opportunity to register before hand.

Children’s Church volunteer leaders are needed for NEXT Sunday, January 15, during the 11:00 service.  Please sign up at the Tower of Opportunity in the narthex.

Philippians tells us “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Our newly formed Luke 8 Ministry Team is a wonderful opportunity to put your faith into action!  We are a visitation ministry formed to assist Rev. Ginger with visiting those in our church family who are ill, homebound or otherwise suffering.  We believe that by simply reaching out to people, we can help them heal.  If you would like to be a part of this ministry, our next training session will be held on February 3 and 4.  For more information or to sign up for the training, contact Jen McClurg at (301-262-1408 or jenmcclurg@gmail.com) or Karen Hastings (kdance10@verizon.net or 301-464-6961.)

Bible Study for Health will start THIS Wednesday, January 11, in room 126 at 10:15 a.m. If you are looking for a group to help you focus on your health through Scripture, prayer, lifestyle and exercise support, this is the group for you!  We meet Wednesdays mornings from 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  All are welcome to join us.  We will be picking a book to study on Wednesday.  Please contact Jen McClurg (jenmcclurg@gmail.com) with any questions.

Mission and Service

Reminder: NEXT Sunday is St. Matthew’s turn to collect for the Bowie Food Pantry.  Although numerous food drives have substantially stocked the pantry, items still needed are canned meats, peanut butter and jelly and cereal.  Donations may be placed in paper or plastic bags, in the shopping cart in the coatroom.

Fair Trade and Organic Coffee, Tea and Chocolate sales will take place after services TODAY.  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.

WHO ARE the “M & M’s” – The “M &M’s” (Mature Methodists) is a St. Matthew’s group who get together on the first Monday of the month in room 222 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to make cards for Mission Central.  You don’t have to be MATURE to join in the fun!   Bring a sandwich.  Desserts and beverages will be provided.  For more information or questions, contact Jane Dodd at 301-249-6409.

Congregational Life

Youth News – Permission slips for our Middle School Mission trip this summer will be handed out at Sunday and Youth Group today and next week.  We will be spending August 9 – 11 in Washington, DC, learning about poverty, homelessness and hunger.  If your middle schooler will not be in Sunday school or Youth Group but would like to attend this trip, please contact Jen McClurg at 301-262-1408 or jenmcclurg@gmail.com.

Both UMYF groups will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight for dodgeball.  All youth in middle and high school are invited to join us as we kick off the new year!

CIRCUIT RIDER REMINDER:  Deadline for the FEBRUARY issue of the Circuit Rider is January 15.  Please send ALL articles to circuitrider@stmatthews-bowie.org.

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.  They will be available on Sunday mornings after each service.  Contact Pattie Klein at paklein58@gmail.com or 301-512-5526 for more information.

Annual Used Book Sale – On Sunday, February 19 and 26, the St. Matthew’s UMW will hold their annual used book sale in Fellowship Hall after each service.  Please donate gently used, good readable books – NO textbooks, yellowed paperbacks or older cookbooks.  Books can be dropped off in the coat room beginning January 22 or brought to the Fellowship Hall on February 19 before the 8:30 a.m. service.  Proceeds from the book sale will support various mission projects.  Thank you for your continued support of this project.

Are you on St. Matthew’s E-alert list?  Winter is here and St. Matthew’s email alert system has been set up to keep our church family informed of weather cancellations as well as news of our church family and reminders for church events.  Emails are sent blind copy so addresses are not seen by others and they can be identified by [STM] in the subject line.  People on the email list will also receive the Circuit Rider monthly and our weekly e-news Midweek Messenger.  If you would like to be added to the email list, please call the church office or send your email address to Lorri Meadows at LKMeadows@aol.com.

Marianne Williamson author of “Return to Love” will be speaking at the Marriott Inn and Conference Center in College Park, Maryland, on March 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., on the topic “Transforming Ourselves, Transforming Our World”.  The cost to attend is $99 per person and includes lunch.  Check out the website www.BeTheChangeEvents.com for more information and to register.