September 12, 2010
 

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.  The next class will start October 3, 9:45- 10:45 a.m., room 102, and continue for five weeks.

We regret to announce the death of Ann Fauconnet’s sister, Elizabeth Gibbs, on Saturday, September 4.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Ann and Pete

 We are saddened to announce the death of Margaret Lampman, Sylvia Covington’s mother, on August 31.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Sylvia.

 

Christian Formation and Spiritual Growth

Children's Church starts today!  We invite all children ages 7 through fifth grade to join us for Children's Church during the 11:00 service today.  Please have your children join us at the altar after the Scripture Lesson and we will follow the light to Room 126 where we will have an age appropriate sermon and a chance to share our joys and concerns with each other.  Please note that you will need to come to Room 126 after the service to pick up your child. 

At last! Church school classes for all ages begin TODAY at 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.  Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. for children (three by December 31 and potty trained through fifth grade) in the Wesley Wing on the lower level and the main level.  Be sure to get to class on time, kids, because you’re having donut treats in your classrooms today.  Parents, be sure to pick up your kids at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays so teachers can go to worship or join their families as planned.  All classes will be studying about the Old Testament people who answered God’s call to do God’s work.

Middle school and High school Sunday school classes will start TODAY!  The middle school class will be studying pictures of God and how we can learn more about God through every day objects.  The high school class will be studying the Psalms.

Sunday morning enrichment classes for adults will begin TODAY at 9:45 a.m.  Check out the enclosed brochure for descriptions of the offerings this semester.  Grab your coffee in Fellowship Hall and take it to class with you.

 

          Three and Four year olds                       Room 22

          Kindergarten and First grade                  Room 24

          Second and Third grade                         Room 23

          Fourth and Fifth grade                           Room 223

          Sixth through Eighth grade                     Room 222

          Ninth through Twelfth grade                  Room 226

          Adult Enrichment Classes                      Rooms 126, 127 & 227

 

Mission and Service

“READ TO FEED” – Reading will be lots of fun this fall for those children that enroll in a service project of helping others called “Read to Feed.”  With the money they raise from each book they read, families will receive an animal from Heifer International that will help end hunger.  Readers can also enroll at today’s “Feast For The Soul.”  Stop by our table and find out how you can make a difference.  Parents and grandparents, we are counting on you to sign up your young readers, kindergarten through the sixth grade.  ALSO, as another phase of this project, we are gathering used children’s books for a Book Exchange to begin next Sunday, September 19.  Leave your used books in the coatroom.  Paperbacks will be sold for 25 cents and hardbacks for 50 cents.

The Missions committee will have the “Big Thunder Tote Bags” available for sale at the coffee hour between services today and at the “Feast for the Soul”.  The cost of the bags is $3 each or 2 for $5.  Profits from the bag sales will go to the Bowie Food Pantry.

DON’T FORGET to bring items for the Bowie Food pantry.  They are EXTREMELY low on all food items.  They especially need dried pasta/rice items such as spaghetti, noodles, rice, “helper” sides, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes.  All items can be placed in the grocery cart in the coatroom.

 

Stewardship

Environment Stewardship group – Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., room 226.  Ken Shilling will speak about his recently installed solar.  Come with questions for him.  Following the presentation will be a discussion on other tough energy saving decisions we face.  Everyone is welcomed!  Contact Elizabeth Buckner for more information.

 

Congregational Life

Middle School and High School UMYF starts tonight!  We invite all sixth through twelfth graders to join us at church tonight at 6:30 for the start of our year!  Tonight will be welcome night with games and snacks and our high schoolers will elect a Youth Council.  Parents, please pick up your youth at 8:15.  We hope to see you there!
 

REMINDER:  Deadline for the OCTOBER Circuit Rider is September 15.  Email your items to Lorri Meadows at circuitrider@stmatthews-bowie.org.

UMW Tea – The United Methodist Women (UMW) invite all women of St. Matthew’s to attend a Meet and Greet Tea in Fellowship Hall  NEXT SUNDAY, September 19, between worship services (9:30 – 10:45).  Come and be a part of the fun as we greet each other; discuss the programs, activities, and missions of the UMW; and enjoy fellowship with other women in the church.

Parents of college students - please contact the front office, 301-262-1408 or email Jen McClurg with your child's mailing address.  We would like to keep in touch with them during the school year and let them know that their church family is always thinking about them and praying for them! 

DO YOU PLAY THE PIANO?  Have you always wanted to play with/for the Chancel Choir?  Lori Robertson, our able accompanist for the past five years, will be taking a well deserved break this year.  The Chancel Choir is looking for someone(s) new to accompany the choir.  Don’t be shy!  Talk to Isaac in person, e-mail him or call to find out how you can be a part of this.

Treat yourself to energetic and meaningful Christian songs on CDs  left over from our VBS this summer.  These songs can be sung anytime of the year.  One CD per family please. CDs are on the table in the narthex.

 

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.

 

Today:  Sunday, September 12

     8:30 a.m.      Worship                                         Sanctuary

     9:45 a.m.      Sunday School Classes                     Various rooms

    11:00 a.m.      Worship                                         Sanctuary

    11:30 a.m.      Children's Church                             Room 126

    12:30 p.m.      "Feast For the Soul"                         Fellowship Hall

     6:30 p.m.      Middle School and Sr. High UMYF         Sanctuary

Purchase tickets for “Destiny’s Calling” benefit concert following both services

This Week:  September 12 - 18

Monday       9:30 a.m.      “M & M’s” Mission Group                      Room 222
                 6:45 p.m.      Gloria Ringers                                    Room 124
                 7:30 p.m.      Evening Circle                                   Room 102
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
                 7:30 p.m.      Board of Trustees                              Room 127
Wednesday  7:00 p.m.      Disciples IV                                       Room 227
                 7:00 p.m.      Finance Committee                            Room 127
                 7:00 p.m.      Environment Stewardship Group           Room 226
                 7:00 p.m.      Musical Troupe Rehearsal                    Fellowship Hall
                 7:00 p.m.      Susanna Wesley Circle at the home of Pat Bond
                 7:30 p.m.      Early Education Board                          Room 126
Thursday     4:00 p.m.     Altar Guild                                          Sanctuary
                 7:00 p.m.     Chancel Choir & 8:30 p.m. - SpiritMove    Room 124
Saturday     3:00 p.m.     Altar Guild Sanctuary
                 7:00 p.m.     “Destiny’s Calling, We Must Answer” concert    Sanctuary
 

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday, Oct. 2          9:00 a.m.   “Fall Into Service”                   St. Matthew’s
Sunday, Oct. 10       12:30 p.m.   CROP Hunger Walk                   St. Matthew’s
 

Attendance Last Sunday	8:30 – 117	11:00 – 157	Total – 274
YTD Offerings	Budget:  $511,452	Actual:  $503,151	(-$8,301)