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 youth ASP trip—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:  Sunday, June 19

8:30 a.m.         Worship                                                           Sanctuary

11:00 a.m.       Worship                                                           Sanctuary

This Week:  June 20 – June 25

Monday           7:00 p.m.         Koinonia Circle                                                           Room 102

Tuesday           9:45 a.m.         Pastor’s Bible Study                                         Room 126

11:00 a.m.       Angel Gang                                                      Room 126

12:00 p.m.       Care and Concern Team                                              Room 126

7:00 p.m.         Housing Corporation                                       Room 127

Wednesday      9:00 a.m.         UMM Brunch Bunch meet at Rips in Bowie

6:30 p.m.         Stewardship Committee                                               Room 126

7:00 p.m.         Debt Retirement Committee                             Room 102

7:00 p.m.         History Committee                                           Room 125

Thursday         9:00 a.m.         Youth Fun Day                                                            Room 222/226

7:00 p.m.         Disciples                                                          Room 126

Mark Your Calendars!

Inclusive… Vibrant… LIFE AT ST. MATTHEW’S

Sunday, June 19, 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 with us 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 106); 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, Christine Furgason, Emily Long, Justine Ameral, Eicher family, Sandy & Richard Hill, Liz Hanna, HB, Pat Cone, Nancy Perry, Martha Sallet, Lurene Chen, Megan Riley Keppler, Christina Schuliger, Patricia Cox, AU,  Rose & Ugo Gervasio, Bibi Haynes, Suzanne Davis, Monica Chaney, John Skotz, Louise & Jim Mott, Foote family, Pat & Ron Young & family, Wendy Hein, Chloe, Betty High, Carolyn Menne, Edna Brown, David Gray Ross, CM, ODavid Becker & family, Raina Mooberry, Meta Klein, NCH, Laurie Guild, Amy McLean, Dennis Conner, HG, Carhart family, OMark Tipton & family, Austin Ehly, D.K., Cheryl Peckenpaugh, Linda & Bobby Crawford, Mary Goyen, OBrendan Timmons & family, Patti Fenske, Stacye Palmer, Logan & family, Pat Christman, Eric Chamberlain, Jim & Kay Smith, Malcolm, John & Marie Jack, Ken & Frances Schillinger, Alice Ford, Shirley Gergel, Mary Ann Anzallo, Connie Humphreys, Steve Hauk, Kathy Pearson, family of Carol Deiso, Marilyn Dahl, Betty Williams Samuels, Janice Kerns, Mark Lineberry, Scot Dahl & family, Jo Kim, Mike & Pat Henderson.

*O denotes deployed Military personnel

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

Christian Formation and Spiritual Growth

The Pastor’s Bible Study has begun a new chapter – well, actually a whole new book!  This group meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. and is studying the book of the prophet Isaiah.  Join us!  Please Note: The Pastor’s Bible Study will resume meeting THIS TUESDAY June 21, at  9:45 a.m. in room 126.

Join us for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) which will be held July 25 – July 29, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. here at St. Matthew’s.  This year’s theme is “Shake It Up – God Has a Recipe For You!” Registration forms are in the alcove in the narthex.  Three-year-olds (need to be potty-trained and three by September 1, 2010) through seventh graders are eligible.  Contact Christin Vare 301-860-1296 (thevares@verizon.net)  or for more information Karen Hastings 301-464-6961 (kdance10@verizon.net).

Mission and Service

St. Matthew’s designated collection day for the BOWIE FOOD PANTRY is TODAY; however, drop-offs can be made at any time to the shopping cart which is located in our coat room.  All types of items are needed, especially canned fruit, beef soups and cereal.  Your faithful support of the Food Pantry is greatly appreciated. As always, monetary donations are welcome – write your check to St. Matthew’s UMC and put “Food Pantry” on the memo line.

Clifford Knoll, a member of our church, is bound for Miracia Hospital in Merger, Haiti, a town on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince on June 21 – June 28.  This UMVIM trip is headed by David Graves of Bowie United Methodist Church and has a total of twelve team members.  Cliff will be helping to make the hospital more operational by helping to repair equipment and complete electrical work.  This will include installing solar panels for a refrigerator that will allow medicines to be stored on site, troubleshooting a diesel generator with hopes of getting it to work for occasional power and begin electrical wiring of the third and final building of the complex.  He will also help with worship by providing accompaniment with guitar and his delightful insights and heart warming spirit.  We ask that you join us in his commissioning today and continued prayers during his faith journey.

If you wish to make monetary donations for Spring Storm 2011 online through UMCOR/BWC you may go to http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donnations/umcor/donate.cfm?code-3021326 (be sure to click on the ability for St. Matthew’s to receive credit).  Monetary donations may also be made through St. Matthew’s by making your check payable to St. Matthew’s UMC and putting “Spring Storms Fund code#221” or UMCOR disaster Relief Kits on the memo line.  STMDROH (St. Matthew’s Disaster Response/Outreach HUB) is also a collection point for the conference wide UMW projects related to UMCOR kits. Once we have received enough kits to fill the church truck, we will organize a day of kit assembly and verification.  Watch for future details and dates in the parish notes.  Please contact Irene Schneider 301-262-4691 with any questions.

Congregational Life

Youth News – All middle and high schoolers are invited to join us THIS Thursday, June 23, to hang out with your UMYF friends.  Parents can drop youth off between 9 and 9:30 a.m. and pick up between 5 and 5:30 p.m.  A permission slip is required for this event – please check the church website for details.  Bring a swimsuit and $15.

Children’s Church – Children’s Church has ended for the summer.  Thanks to all our volunteers and their efforts.  We will resume again in the fall.

It’s not too late to make a love offering for Shirley Bickel who will be leaving St. Matthew’s at the end of June after 17 years of devoted Christian service to the Christian Education Program.  Offerings will be accepted through the end of JUNE. Please make checks payable to St. Matthew’s and put “Fund Code 341- Shirley Bickel” in the memo line.  You may drop it in the offering plate on Sunday mornings or leave it in the church office.

If you know of someone who does custom framing other than Michael’s or A. C. Moore’s and would be willing to do it for a discounted price, please contact Shirley Bickel at 301-262-1408 or sbickel.stmatthews-bowie@verizon.net.  The Christian Formation Committee is purchasing some religious prints that will need framing.

We are trying to find a home for the two trees that are currently in the back of Fellowship Hall.  Please call Jessie Smith at 301-262-8842 if you are interested.

COMMISSIONING OF VIM TEAM MEMBERS FOR HAITI

Leader:            All who take upon themselves the name of Christ are called into ministries of love and service by the example of Christ.  As Cliff Knoll, together with the people of Bowie United Methodist Church, begins his work among the people of Haiti, we pray the blessings of God and this community upon his endeavors.

People:            We recognize you as an ambassador of this congregation in ministry with the people of Haiti and dedicate you to service in the name of Jesus Christ.  Through our prayers we will be united with you in your work.  May God richly bless your labors.

Leader:            Let us affirm out belief in the responsibilities of Christian service.

All:                  We believe in God, Creator of the world; and in Jesus Christ the Redeemer of Creation.  We commit ourselves to the rights and dignity of all persons and to the improvement of the quality of life.  We dedicate ourselves to peace throughout the world and to the rule of justice and law among all nations.  We believe in the present and final triumph of God’s Word in human affairs, and gladly accept our commission to manifest the life of the gospel in the world.