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:  February 05, 2012

7:30 a.m. Superbowl Subs Kitchen

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. Shelter Committee Room 123
9:45 a.m. History Committee “80’s” Room 102
11:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Children’s Choir Room 124
11:00 a.m. Youth Choir Fellowship Hall
1:00 p.m. Middle and High School UMYF meet at Acorn Hill Park

UMW Dinner Dance tickets, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper tickets and Fair Trade and Organic Coffee and Tea Club items on sale after each service by Fellowship Hall

This Week: February 06 – February 11

Monday 9:30 a.m. M & M’s (Mature Methodists) card making Room 222

6:30 p.m. Gloria Ringers Room 124

Tuesday 9:45 a.m. Pastor’s Bible Study & 11:00 a.m. Angel Gang Room 126
7:00 p.m. Children and Families Council Room 125
7:30 p.m. Membership Committee Room 126

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

10:30 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 125

7:00 p.m. Musical Troupe Rehearsals 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

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

Saturday 9:30 a.m. Musical Troupe Rehearsals Fellowship Hall

9:00 a.m. UMW Women’s Seaside Escape Retreat at West River

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday, Feb 12 12:00 p.m. Family Valentine Day Party Fellowship Hall
Sunday, Feb. 19 9:30 a.m. UMW Book and Jewelry Sale Fellowship Hall
Monday, Feb. 20 CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING CLOSED

Inclusive… Vibrant… LIFE AT ST. MATTHEW’S

Sunday, February 05, 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 and in loving memory of June and Wyatte DeLoache by the Jennings family.

Our Prayers*
When adding names to our prayer list, please specify whether you want them for one or two weeks:   John Still, Millie Hobbs, Emily Long, 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, *Mark Tipton & family, *George Pullicino & family, Stanley Goldstein, *Jonathan Smock, AUV,  Brett, Ruth Clark,  Sadie Harmon, Michael E., Darlene & Sam Jones, Carol Miller, Heidi Shultz, Ronnie Dicken, Melissa & Reginald Arnold, Frank Lane, Mike B., Joyce Gummel, Eric, Kim Hutton,   Tristen Dawson, David & Jody Rudd, Karen Grande, Kelsie, Rena Silbert, Eric Granahan & family, Danielle, Lesley Cogan, Steve & Sally Dale, Verlinda Heppler, James Blevins, Duncan Scott, Diego Norrid, Mary Dell Wickham, LA Family, Mary McClurg, Mitch Orlin, Mary Novicke, Bob Stoner, George Sook, Elmer Stokes, Rosemary Whitson, Robert & Phyllis McNeill, Kress family, Mundunedo family, Lowe family, Beverly Westcott, Dave Kimmel, Christy Streetman, Dorothy & Jack Whalen, Dwaine & Lori Kronsor, Mary Hearn, *Jason Webb, Laurie Clark, Bob King, Ilana Rothberg, Harold Jennings, Joyce Taylor, Don & Betsy Gerland, James Goddard, Ava DelRicco, Jackie Hammond, Sara Ward, Wendy Waller, Chad Esh, Charlotte Seigler, Daniel Broxterman, Richard Conner, Carl Pekala, Zeki & Dee Dee, Reynolds family, Ann Nitsch & family, Tracy Bowman, Ray Strawser & family, Bill Schneider, Arjay Sexton, Ruth Kominicki, Jane Miller, Ann Fauconnet, Stanley A. Jacknewitz, Bob Matthews, Carol Galden, Dr. Carol Pressey.

*Denotes Military

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

Christian Formation and Spiritual Growth

Lenten Study:  Ways to Pray – Explore different ways to pray using basic practices of Christian spiritual formation such as prayer, meditating on the Lectionary Scriptures, journaling and soulful listening.  Each week in class, learn and practice a different way to pray.  Come nurture your relationship with God and grow in your faith and discipleship.  Rev. Kathy Wadsley will lead the six week study, starting on Sunday, February 19, at 9:45 a.m., in Room 113, and ending on Sunday, April 1.  Bring your Bible.  All are welcome.

Children’s Church – Volunteers needed during the 11:00 service each week except for Communion Sundays.  Parents whose children participate in Children’s Church are encouraged to volunteer.  Contact Rev. Kathy for more information or sign up at the Tower of Opportunity in the narthex.

Mission and Service

This Sunday’s Communion offering is designated for Human Relations Day.  It supports vital community ministries that teach and advocate for justice, especially among people struggling to survive in the margins of society.

Fair Trade and Organic coffee, tea and chocolate sales will take place after both services today.  All your favorites will be available including coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa mix and olive oil.

Who are the M & Ms? – The M & Ms (Mature Methodists) meet the first Monday of each month from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Room 222.  The group creates new cards using old greeting cards plus adding a message.  The cards are sent to Mission Central where they are included in materials that are sent all over the world.  Occasionally the group helps the office or a committee on a as needed basis.  Attendees bring a sandwich.  Dessert, coffee, friendship and humor provided.  You DON’T have to be a Mature Methodist to join in the fun!  Join us THIS Monday, February 6 at 9:45 a.m.  Look forward to seeing you there!

Groups needed to sponsor Shelter Meal – Is your group looking for a worthwhile and rewarding project?  St. Matthew’s provides the Prince George’s County Shelter meal the third Sunday of the month.  It is time now to prepare the schedule for 2012.  There is an immediate need for February and March.  Other months are still needed as well.  If your group can provide a great Sunday supper and spread some St. Matthew’s warmth, please contact Marian Eisinger, 301-805-8625 or teisinger@comcast.net.

Stewardship

What is Green Church? – It’s about people; people who make up the church, the Body of Christ.  All Creation reveals God’s glory and offer praise to the Creator, but sin, the way we treat Creation, casts a shadow on the festivities.  Green Church is about people who can make a difference in preserving God’s Creation.  The next session will be on February 12, at 9:45 a.m., in Fellowship Hall and will explore our God-given role as stewards of creation as well as discover how to reclaim it.

Congregational Life

Youth News – Both UMYF groups will meet from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Acorn Hill Park (at the intersection of Stonybrook Drive and Sage Lane) TODAY for our annual UMYF Superbowl.  Please wear weather appropriate clothes.  There will be NO evening UMYF.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be on Tuesday, March 8, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., in Fellowship Hall.  Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children.  (Children 2 and under are free).  All proceeds will help send our youth on their ASP mission trip this summer.
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 coatroom 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.

Fabulous Used Jewelry Sale returns February 19 and 26 after each service in Fellowship Hall.  Please place donated jewelry, scarves and purses in the box provided in the coatroom.  All items will sell for $3.00 and will help to defray printing costs of our 2013 50th Anniversary Memorial Book.

Family Valentine Party – Children and their families are invited to the Family Valentine Party on Sunday, February 12 after the 11:00 worship service until 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Enjoy light refreshments, make valentine cards to share with your family and make a Lenten devotional egg for your family.  Everyone is welcome.  Bring your friends.
–Sponsored by the Children and Families Council.

Black and White Society Ball Dinner/Dance sponsored by the UMW, Saturday, February 24, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the Crofton Country Club – It’s that time of year again.  So men, get out your Top Hat, White, Tie, and Tails (or regular suits) and Ladies, get out your Black and White Gowns (or other frocks) and join us for a fabulous evening.  This fun evening is designed for ALL adults – singles, couples and groups.  Tickets are $50 per person and include your choice of entrée, appetizers, salad and dessert.  Only two weeks left to purchase tickets.  This is a wonderful chance for you to spend some quality time with your church family, so don’t miss out!  Please contact Karen Hastings at 301-464-6961 with any questions.  See you there!

Parent Reminder

• Nursery I in Room 116 is for infants and toddlers who are not potty trained.
• Nursery II in Room 109 is for two-year-olds who are potty trained through first grade.

As per our Safe Sanctuary policy, a volunteer is needed to help the Nursery Team Leader in each room at each hour.  Please volunteer by signing up at the Tower of Opportunity in the narthex.  Help us have a red carpet welcome for our existing and new families!