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:  Sunday, November 06, 2011

8:30 a.m. Worship Sanctuary

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

9:45 a.m. “Enough” Stewardship class Fellowship Hall

9:45 a.m. Shelter Committee Room 123

11:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Senior High School UMYF Sanctuary

This Week:  November 07 – November 12

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

6:30 p.m. Gloria Ringers Room 124

7:00 p.m. “Enough” make-up session Room 126

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

7:30 p.m. Membership Committee Room 125

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

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

2:30 p.m. Crochet-O-Rama Room 126

7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Room 102

7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Room 127

7:30 p.m. Missions Committee Room 126

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

Friday         CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED FOR VETERANS DAY

9:30 a.m. Martha Circle Room 102

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday, Nov. 13 4:00 p.m. Tavia Wyatt Piano Dedication Sanctuary
Sunday, Nov. 20 12:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Feast with the Beasts Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, Nov. 23 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve service at Temple Solel

Inclusive… Vibrant… LIFE AT ST. MATTHEW’S

Sunday, November 06, 2011

*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 “Enough:  Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” study and worship sessions continue TODAY in Fellowship Hall between services.  The fifth and final session will be “Defined by Generosity.” Make-up for this final session will be held on Monday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. in room 126.

What’s Next? – Everyone has been asking, “What are we going to study next after the ‘Enough” study is over?”  You can help us decide that by filling out the class evaluation today.  You are 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.

Mission and Service

Bowie Food Pantry – DON’T FORGET to continue to bring items for the 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).  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 Food Baskets (ongoing) – Donations of non-perishable food are requested throughout November and December in order to provide food baskets for families in need at Thanksgiving and again at Christmas.  A marked box will be in the coatroom for donations.  This project is organized by the United Methodist Women.  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.

Congregational Life

Youth News –   Both UMYF groups will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the church.  Middle school will be playing Sardines and High school will be doing Tournaments and T-shirts.  All youth in middle and high school are invited to join us for a fun-filled night!

Confirmation Meeting, NEXT Sunday, November 13, 12:30 p.m., room 222 for all 8th graders and their parents.  Any other youth older than 8th grade who have not been confirmed are invited to attend with their parents as well.  If you cannot make the meeting but are interested in being in the confirmation class this spring, please contact Jen McClurg.

HELP!  Landscaping Day at St. Matthew’s – THIS  Saturday, November 12, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., we need help moving 25 plants from the east side of the church to the front of the church.  Contact Howard Waterworth at 301-731-3063 if you can help us out with this worthy cause.

Thanksgiving Feast With the Beasts – Children and families are invited to the Thanksgiving Feast with the Beasts, sponsored by the Children and Families Council, on November 20 following the 11:00 worship service in Fellowship Hall.  Children are invited to bring a stuffed animal.  Please bring non-perishable food for the Bowie Food Pantry and 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 features chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, raw veggies and dessert.  A Thanksgiving story and crafts will help us share and give thanks.  If you would like to help with this event, please contact Rev. Kathy Wadsley atkathy.stmatthews-bowie@verizon.net. or 301-262-1408.

The annual Bowie Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 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.

REMINDER:  Combined December/January Circuit Rider – The FIRM deadline for this double issue will be November 15.  Please submit articles to Lorrie Meadows at circuitrider@stmatthews-bowie.org.

Are you on St. Matthew’s E-alert list?  Winter is coming 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.

2010 MEMORIAL DEDICATION