 The Altar Guild is responsible for organizing the decoration of the santuary, which in the case of Christmas decorations includes calling on the men of the church to do the heavy lifting. With Christmas past, the Christmas decorations were dismantled the Saturday after New Years Day. 5 photos |  4 photos |  19 photos |  The Church School Christmas Program in the Sanctuary was a celebration of Christmas Around the World with song and story on Sunday, December 11, 2011 15 photos | |
 Choirmaster Isaac Borocz held an open house for St. Matthew's congregants to usher in the holiday season. Fun, festive decorations and good food were abundant. December 11, 2011 10 photos |  St. Matthew’s United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) held a Pot Luck event at Fellowship Hall on December 12th, 2011 14 photos |  Paster Ginger is leading an Advent study class in Fellowship Hall thorughout December. 5 photos |  A Tribute to Tavia Wyatt was held in our Sanctuary on this date. The choir sang so beautifully "Bright Morning Stars" and "River in Judea". It was breathtaking. Then Andrew Skinner, Roy Hakes from our church, and Susan Ricci-Rogel offered several pieces so well received by the audience. A reception followed. It was truly a wonderful experience. Thanks to Isaac Borocz for our new Steinway piano, dedicated to Tavia. St. Matthew's UMC Sanctuary 13 photos | |
 St. Matthew's held its 20th Annual UMW Craft Show on Saturday, November 5, from 10:00 to 3:00. In addition to 35 crafters that we present, there was a huge bake sale, free children’s craft activities on the stage, and a food concession. Event held at St. Matthews Methodist Church Bowie, Md. 20715 54 photos |  On Oct. 30 we had a great turn out for Trunk-or-Treat, despite the sleet and snow! We had a great time eating fun foods, playing Halloween games, and trick-or-treating in the church. Each child who came had a chance to take a picture with Miss Halloween, our mistress of ceremonies. A big thanks to all those who planned to hand out candy from their trunks and instead came inside and picked a doorway to hang out in! We were especially impressed by all those who decorated their doorways as well! 62 photos |  On Sunday, October 9 St. Matthew's held a Blessing of the Pets. All creatures great and small, furred or feathered, were invited to join us in our memory garden for a special service of blessing and remembrance. Rev. Ginger and Rev. Kathy led us through a prayer litany and then Rev. Ginger invited each pet and owner to come forth. Rev. Ginger and owners laid hands on their pets as they were blessed. After each pet in attendance was blessed, we remembered those pets that have gone before us. We ended with a prayer all together. Special thanks to Tim and Linda Saffell who provided many treats for all of our furry friends! 46 photos |  On Sunday, October 2 we had a terrific group of people from 8 local churches gather together to spend a few hours walking to end hunger in our 2011 Bowie CROP Walk. We had a tremendous response to our request for donations to the Bowie Interfaith Food Pantry and were able to deliver over 100 bags of groceries! We even had a surprise visit from Ted Farrar, the District Regional Director from Church World Service! Thanks to all of the walkers, sponsors and volunteers for another great year! 98 photos | |
 Mission Sunday, an annual event, was a great opportunity for the church members to see what missions St. Matthew's UMC is involved in. Stations representing different missions were set up in Fellowship Hall and in the Narthex. Many people were able to share in this rewarding experience topped off with a wonderful shared luncheon. 11 photos |  The Prince George's County Citizens Corps Council Uniting Community, and preparing the Nation Award was given to representatives of St. Matthew's United Methodist Church of Bowie's DRT team Pete Saderholm and Bill Haddock. St. Matthew's UMC 1 photo |  The "Steel Magnolias" is a group of young women who raised a great deal of money to participate in the Susan B. Koman Race for the Cure for breast cancer. The Magnolias gathered at church before their big race to receive the blessing of the pastor and the congregation. After the final blessing, when everyone sent lots of energy forward to the Magnolias, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. 6 photos |  The annual "Meet and Greet UMW Tea" was held in Fellowship Hall. Lots of women attended to find out information regarding the purpose and organization of the UMW. Snacks were provided by each Circle. It was a splendid time for gathering between the women of the church and any other persons in Fellowship Hall. New members of the UMW resulted from this annual tradition. 9 photos | |
 On August 22 we had our annual Blessing of the Backpacks (and those who carry them!) and Family Ministry sponsored a Back to School party. 16 photos |  Our high school mission trip this year was with the Appalachia Service Project (www.asphome.org). We served Logan County, West Virginia and were based in Man High School. We sent a team of 15 youth and 7 adults who spent the week repairing homes and making them warmer, safer and drier. What a great experience! 154 photos |  “Shake It Up” was the theme for this summer’s Vacation Bible School Week held on July 25-29. 19 photos |  After 17 years of service to St. Matthew's UMC, Shirley Bickel has retired. She has been an inspiration for many children to follow Jesus. St. Matthew's UMC, Bowie, MD. 14 photos | |
 Scenes from Palm Sunday as well as Valentine dinner and other scenes. 14 photos |  This was a day set aside for the people of St. Matthew's to help organize and clean up their church. Many activities were planned and executed by the many persons who contributed to this day set up by Karen Hastings and Christen Vare. 12 photos |  PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION Church school children wait outside of Jerusalem to see the promised King and Savior. EASTER SKIT 12 photos |  A gala time was had by all the participants in the Red Carpet dance sponsored by the UMW. It was held at the Crofton County Club. 23 photos |
