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:  Sunday, November 20, 2011
8:30 a.m. Worship Sanctuary

9:45 a.m. Church School (all ages) Various

11:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Children’s Choir Room 124
11:30 a.m. Children’s Church Room 126
12:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Feast with the Beasts Fellowship Hall
5:00 p.m. Shelter Meal

5:30 p.m. Esther Circle Room 102

6:30 p.m. Middle & High School UMYF Sanctuary

This Week:  November 21 – November 26

Monday 6:30 p.m. Gloria Ringers Room 124
7:00 p.m. Koinonia Circle Room 102

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

7:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Room 127

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

7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Service at Temple Solel, 2901 Mitchellville Rd

Thursday THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY OFFICES AND BUILDING CLOSED

Friday THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY OFFICES AND BUILDING CLOSED

Saturday 9:00 a.m. Altar Guild Sanctuary

Mark Your Calendars!

Wednesday, Nov. 30     7:00 p.m. Advent Service Sanctuary

Sunday, Dec. 4               Christmas Stockings and Sweatshirts due

Thursday, Dec. 8           9:00 a.m. Christmas Stocking Stuffing Fellowship Hall

Friday, Dec. 9                9:00 a.m. Sweatshirt Wrapping Fellowship Hall

Saturday, Dec. 10          1:00 p.m. Christmas Program Rehearsal – Sanctuary

Sunday, Dec. 11 LAST DAY for Poinsettia orders - 4:00 p.m. Church School Christmas Program – Sanctuary followed by Potluck in Fellowship Hall

Inclusive… Vibrant… LIFE AT ST. MATTHEW’S

Sunday, November 20, 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 and in cherished memories of the love and life of Roy M. Thompson from the Thompson and Sturgill family.

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, Pat Cone, 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, Don Walton, Jo Kim, AU, Chloe, Betty Roberts,  HB, Ruth Clark, Joseph Krivak, Jean, 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, Barbara Morris, Kay & Mike League, Christian Schott, Ashley Moukalled, Mike B., Sharon Blevins, Carol Ohlson, Stanley Bice, Maysen Duran, Christine Willis, Will Fisher, Tommy Hyland, Betty Williams Samuels, Lynn Stottlemyer, Joyce Gummel, Kim Hutton, Jillian Bergamasco & family, Zach Hammond, Mike & Pat Henderson, Tristen Dawson, David & Jody Rudd, Florence Louise Tesar, Ginny Mone, Karen Grande, Margery Furgason, Ward Bourgendine, Edith Miller, Dolores Lowe, Kelsie, Jonathan Hathaway, Rena Silbert, Eric Granahan & family, Ann Cooper, Danielle, Paulette Wood, Sharon, Beth Lingg and Linda, Lesley Cogan, Steve & Sally Dale, the Priboth family,Verlinda Heppler, Mary MCA, 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.

* denotes deployed Military personnel

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

Christian Formation and Spiritual Growth

You’re invited to an Advent study based on the Revised Common Lectionary Scriptures.  Rev. Ginger will lead this four week study, beginning November 27, at 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Bring your Bible.  Explore what it means that Jesus is God’s Son and the creative tension of living in a world caught between what is and what is promised to be.  Find the healing capacity of hope to sustain us in times of trouble and learn how to make a space for God.  The first week study will be on Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, and Mark 13:24-37.

Mission and Service

Bowie Food Pantry – DON’T FORGET to continue to bring items for the Pantry.  TODAY IS OUR OFFICIAL SUNDAY TO SUPPORT THE FOOD PANTRY.  ITEMS ESPECIALLY NEEDED:  canned fruit/applesauce, canned mixed vegetables, dry beans, baked beans, oatmeal, tea bags, toilet paper, fresh fruit and vegetables (bagged or loose), and items for Christmas baskets.  A huge and heartfelt thank you to all who donate food items or contribute money to the pantry.  We would not be able to keep up with the increased demand without your support!

HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES ARE IN FULL SWING!

UMW Holiday Food Baskets (ongoing) – St. Matthew’s will again provide food baskets for families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Donations of non-perishable food are requested throughout November and 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.

Christmas Stocking Project – DON’T FORGET to pick up a stocking tag from the basket in the narthex.  There are still plenty of names to choose from.  350 children are depending on us!  Bags should be returned to the church NO LATER than Sunday, December 4.  For more information contact Sharon Heidenreich at 301-262-1408 or 301-805-8873.

NEW Sweatshirts for School Children – Look for a colored shape with a child’s name and size on the small Christmas tree in the narthex.  A specially marked box will be in the narthex for these gifts.  Deadline to bring the wrapped gifts to the church is Sunday, December 4.  Please no holiday sweatshirts.  Contact Barbara Haddock at 301-262-0904 for more information.

Congregational Life

Youth News – Both UMYF groups will meet tonight.  Middle school will be discussing Random Objects and High school will be talking about “How do you pray, anyway?”  Just a reminder – there will be NO Sunday school or UMYF next week for Middle or High school.

Thanksgiving Feast With the Beasts – Children and families are invited to the Thanksgiving Feast with the Beasts, sponsored by the Children and Families Council, TODAY, in Fellowship Hall following the 11:00 worship service.  Children are invited to bring a stuffed animal.  Please bring non-perishable food items for the Bowie Food Pantry and to help fill the Thanksgiving basket.  Our stuffed friends will have a “picnic” on a blanket while families eat lunch together at tables.  The child friendly menu will feature chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, raw veggies and dessert.  A Thanksgiving story and crafts will help us share and give thanks.  See you there!

Join us for the annual Bowie Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service which will be held THIS WEDNESDAY, November 23, at 7:30 p.m., at Temple Solel located at 2901 Mitchellville Road in Bowie.  The theme of “Faith and Hope Respond to Economic Anxiety” will be addressed by members of the interfaith clergy group.  An interfaith choir will sing and an offering of staple goods and money will be taken for the Bowie Interfaith Food Pantry.

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.

THANK YOU!  One of the great blessings of our church family is the extraordinary artistry with which our Altar Guild, ably led by Judy Shickel and Sharon Heidenreich, cares for and dresses our sanctuary.  On this day and in the weeks to come, the skill and dedication of our Altar Guild is on full display.  Many thanks to Judy and her whole team for the beautiful Thanksgiving display and—in advance—for coordinating, decorating, and organizing all our special Advent and Christmas worship displays and needs.

St. Matthew’s is going to a Fragrance Free Environment – Many of us are sensitive and even experience allergic reactions to various scents and chemical odors.  Because of this, we are asking you to be considerate of your fellow worshippers by refraining from using cosmetic fragrances and colognes when in our sanctuary.  Thank you.

Communications Needs You Now! – With the Advent Season coming up we need your help.  We need photographers, photos, stories and all sorts of content to help us tell our story the best way we can.  This opportunity is open to all.  To help you we now have 2 Flip video cameras to use for recording church events and activities and more tools for you to use on the way.  Training is available.  For more information, contact George Wood georgewood@stmatthews-bowie.org or 301-262-5835.