The Christian Spiritual Formation committee is interested in obtaining new hymnals. Glory to God is an updated version of our maroon hymnal. There are many additional songs included in this hymnal that we have been singing from inserts. We would like to invite you to help us purchase these hymnals. Each hymnal would cost $23.00. If you are interested or have additional questions, please let Diane Eades know. 

Food Pantry

The Bowie Food Pantry’s greatest needs this month are:

☆Spaghetti sauce

☆canned meat and fruit

☆Reduced sodium soups

☆Peanut Butter 

☆paper products 

☆Rice

Easter Baskets

Additionally the Bowie Pantry is accepting Easter Baskets for children this year for their families in need. We will provide the baskets.  If the congregation could please bring candy, pencils, puzzles, books, etc to fill the baskets, that would be greatly appreciated. Baskets will be delivered on April 3^rd.

We’ll also be collecting money donations so the pantry can purchase discounted grocery gift cards.

Liturgists Needed

Liturgists are needed during each service. If you would like to be added to the list of people who are available, please let Diane Eades know.

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Sunday March 19
The Power of the Holy Spirit

Sunday March 26
Why Are We Sitting Here?

Palm Sunday April 2
The Pathway to Salvation

Easter April 9
In the Twinkling of an Eye

Tech Help Wanted

Volunteers are needed for the team that puts together PowerPoint slides for worship. Speak to Mary Jo Munnelly or Mike Mehl from the Communications Committee if you are ready and willing to serve!

Living Waters for the World

is a PC(USA) non-profit that works to provide clean water to those without. Outside the door to the sanctuary is a jar for your donations. To learn more about their worthwhile mission go to: livingwatersfortheworld.org

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

Items for News and Notes

If you have an item for News and Notes, please send it to upbchurch@gmail.com. Use the subject NEWS AND NOTES so that it will not be overlooked.

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/@unitedparishofbowie5937

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are a few alternatives:

• Mail a check to the church (United Parish of Bowie, P.O. Box 1571, Bowie, MD 20717)
• Send money through your bank’s online bill pay feature
• Zelle provides a fast, safe, and fee-free way to send money from your bank account. The United Parish account name is upbchurch@gmail.com
• PayPal supports one-time or recurring payments (through your bank’s online bill pay feature).  Since PayPal charges a 3% transaction fee to UPB, please consider increasing your offering by 3% or using the other payment options.

It is important to the Board that our congregation is kept informed on discussions that are taking place and decisions that are being made for the good of the United Parish of Bowie. Minutes of the board meetings, along with agendas, monthly financial statements and the pastors report, are kept in a binder in the church library.
In the past few months, the Board has been at work in several different areas including:

• The Children’s Christmas Program was performed and was once again successful
• Regular donations of food are made to the Bowie Food Bank. In addition, Thanksgiving and Christmas donations of gift cards and a special “Souper” bowl collection of canned goods was made to help those in need in the community.
• Cathie Lambert completed her term on the board in December and has agreed to continue as the treasurer of the church. Mary Jo Munnelly was welcomed back onto the board.
• An Adult Ed class was held in January covering “Reading the Bible Again for the First Time”
• Annual Congregational Meeting held and budget for the year approved
• Rev. Dean McDonald covered as our gap pastor for 5 months. Her last Sunday serving our congregation was February 19th.
• On February 26th, Rev. Caroline Wilson was welcomed to UPB and began her service as our interim pastor
• Membership roles were updated and work is now being done to update the directory
• UPB website updated
• Sue Kennedy is continuing as Vice Moderator of the Board
• Some large maintenance issues were worked on including a plumbing leak and also painting and new carpeting for the office, pastor’s office and library
• New Senior Buddies program started to check in on members of the congregation who may be sick or in need of some help

The Board is meant to represent the membership of the United Parish of Bowie. Please feel free to contact any Board Member or Pastor Caroline with your ideas, suggestions and/or concerns. Board members for 2023 are Jan Barbato, Diane Eades, Judy Farrell, Sue Kennedy, Mary Jo Munnelly, Linda Rawlings and Sherita Williams.

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 12. Remember to set you clocks forward one hour.

March Worship Schedule

Sunday March 12
On the Third Day

Sunday March 19
The Power of the Holy Spirit

Sunday March 26
Why Are We Sitting Here?

Food Pantry

Your contributions of rice and other staples are always needed and appreciated by the Food Pantry.

Tech Help Wanted

Volunteers are needed for the team that puts together Power Points for worship. Speak to Mary Jo or Mike from the Communications Committee if you are ready and willing to serve!

Living Waters for the World

is a PC(USA) non-profit that works to provide clean water to those without. Outside the door to the sanctuary is a jar for your donations. To learn more about their worthwhile mission go to: livingwatersfortheworld.org

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/@unitedparishofbowie5937

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are a few alternatives:

• Mail a check to the church (United Parish of Bowie, P.O. Box 1571, Bowie, MD 20717)
• Send money through your bank’s online bill pay feature
• Zelle provides a fast, safe, and fee-free way to send money from your bank account. The United Parish account name is upbchurch@gmail.com
• PayPal supports one-time or recurring payments (through your bank’s online bill pay feature).  Since PayPal charges a 3% transaction fee to UPB, please consider increasing your offering by 3% or using the other payment options.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your patience, perseverance, support and good spirit extended as I endeavored to “mind the gap” these past 4+ months. It isn’t easy to get used to a new pastor coming on the scene, bringing new ideas and ways of doing things – and who makes a lot unintentional mistakes!

I give thanks for your love for each other, and for the talents you share so generously. I will miss our worship time together under that wonderful yellow sanctuary ceiling.

My prayers for UPB will continue as you and Caroline move into the future. May the Spirit bless you with clarity and courage. Trust God’s promise spoken to Isaiah in 41:10:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

February Worship Schedule

Sunday February 19
Transfiguration Sunday

Sunday February 26
We welcome the new Interim Pastor

Food Pantry

Your contributions of rice and other staples are always needed and appreciated by the Food Pantry.

Tech Help Wanted

Volunteers are needed for the team that puts together Power Points for worship. Speak to Mary Jo or Mike from the Communications Committee if you are ready and willing to serve!

Living Waters for the World

is a PC(USA) non-profit that works to provide clean water to those without. Outside the door to the sanctuary is a jar for your donations. To learn more about their worthwhile mission go to: livingwatersfortheworld.org

Bible Study

Bible Study will resume on February 19^th. Chapter 9 in Reading the Bible Again for the First Time will be our focus for the last class.

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

Thanks

To all who made my time at UPB so enjoyable and memorable!

With affection, in Christ,

Dean

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqDRraxyFzFTQNz9ppOuWg

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person, but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are several ways to do so. You can mail a check to the church. You can give online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KJTC62AUPNWCE&source=url . You can also set up a payment through your banks online bill pay feature. Paypal charges the church approximately 3%, so please consider either consider giving through one of the other two ways or adding 3% to your offering to offset the fee.

In Sunday’s sermon I spoke about our need for increased “understanding” when it comes to matters of faith. That’s what the current Bible Study group is doing. We are exploring the metaphors and deeper meanings of various texts – Old Testament and New. By asking questions about the historicity of a text, its context when written, and the layers of various interpretations over time, we can grow in understanding how the Bible speaks to us today.

Take the story of Jesus walking on the water, for instance. We wonder why Matthew, Mark and John included it in their gospels, and Luke did not. Do the story’s symbolism and metaphors speak deeply to us no matter if it literally happened or not? Is there truth in the story even if the story isn’t literally true? In the New Testament, why are there so many references to the Old Testament; what was the writer wanting us to connect with?

Like Jacob wrestling with the angel, when we “wrestle” with the texts we come to new awareness of God. I have enjoyed taking “soundings” of the scriptures by being with the class. The Bible never stops amazing me with its sophistication, and its ability to nurture discipleship.

Remember my phone is 415.747.1662; my email is dean.mcdonald@me.com Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

February Worship Schedule

Sunday, February 12
Le Quan Turner, Guest Pastor

Sunday February 19
Transfiguration Sunday

Sunday February 26
We welcome the new Interim Pastor

Interim Pastor

The search has ended! The Board is pleased to announce that The Rev. Caroline Wilson will begin on February 21, with her first Sunday being February 26^th. Everyone will be receiving more information about Caroline in the days ahead.

Food Pantry

Your donations of sundry food items are always appreciate, but bags of rice will go toward fulfilling UPB’s commitment to stocking the “rice shelf” at the Pantry.

Living Waters for the World

is a PC(USA) non-profit that works to provide clean water to those without. Outside the door to the sanctuary is a jar for your donations. To learn more about their worthwhile mission go to: livingwatersfortheworld.org

Bible Study

Bible Study will not meet on the 12^th, but will resume on February 19^th. Chapter 9 in Reading the Bible Again for the First Time will be our focus for the last class.

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

Thanks

To the painters, curtain-makers, furniture movers and window-shade installers who have done a GREAT job of redecorating the office, pastor’s study and library!

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqDRraxyFzFTQNz9ppOuWg

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person, but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are several ways to do so. You can mail a check to the church. You can give online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KJTC62AUPNWCE&source=url . You can also set up a payment through your banks online bill pay feature. Paypal charges the church approximately 3%, so please consider either consider giving through one of the other two ways or adding 3% to your offering to offset the fee.

In Matthew 12: 33, “Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened’.” It means, of course, that you and I are to be like yeast in the world; upbuilding the church, communities and relationships – near and far.
Well, I wonder if Jesus ever made bread from scratch? Besides the fact that he left out the other necessary ingredients like water, a bit of sugar, salt and a fair amount of time, he makes bread baking sound like a cinch. Well, I have aspired to be a baker ever since high school home economics classes, and believe me, I’ve had my share of successful loaves, but some have been real flops. Some never rose, some tasted blah; some were too dry or others had raw dough hiding in the middle. A friend recently gave me sourdough starter and my attempts with it haven’t come near to my hopes. She told me last night that I really ought to carefully measure the ingredients by ounces/grams on a kitchen scale in order to get the best results. All of my precise cup and spoon measurements have evidently not been good enough.
All this goes to say that sometimes we can make good, honest efforts that fall flat. Raising bread or upbuilding communities and relationships is not easy. I’m glad God knows our hearts, and gives us an “A for effort,” even when we fall short or even completely fail. God’s tender, gentle mercy can enable us to try once again and persevere; or, on occasion, to be tender and gentle with ourselves and one another when the time comes to stop trying.
Meanwhile, I’ll give the sourdough and myself another chance.

Remember my phone is 415.747.1662; my email is dean.mcdonald@me.com Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

February Worship Schedule

Sunday, February 5
Fasting and Feasting
Communion

Sunday, February 12
Le Quan Turner, Guest Pastor

Sunday February 19
Transfiguration Sunday

Sunday February 26
We welcome the new Interim Pastor

Interim Pastor

The search has ended! The Board is pleased to announce that The Rev. Caroline Wilson will begin on February 21, with her first Sunday being February 26^th. Everyone will be receiving more information about Caroline in the days ahead.

Food Pantry

Your donations of sundry food items are always appreciate, but bags of rice will go toward fulfilling UPB’s commitment to stocking the “rice shelf” at the Pantry.

Living Waters for the World

is a PC(USA) non-profit that works to provide clean water to those without. Outside the door to the sanctuary is a jar for your donations. To learn more about their worthwhile mission go to: livingwatersfortheworld.org

Bible Study

Bible Study will resume on February 5th. Chapter 8 in Reading the Bible Again for the First Time by Marcus Borg will be our focus.

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

Thanks

Chefs and bakers who contributed to a great Chat ‘N Chew last week.
Nurses, caregivers, physicians’ assistants and doctors who attend to us when we are sick.

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqDRraxyFzFTQNz9ppOuWg

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person, but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are several ways to do so. You can mail a check to the church. You can give online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KJTC62AUPNWCE&source=url . You can also set up a payment through your banks online bill pay feature. Paypal charges the church approximately 3%, so please consider either consider giving through one of the other two ways or adding 3% to your offering to offset the fee.

Ever since worship concluded on Sunday, I have been humming or singing “The Summons” by John Bell. The first line, to jog your memory, is “Will you come and follow me, if I but call your name?” It was written by John Bell and Graham Maule in 1987. I don’t know Graham, but John is a Presbyterian minister Jim and I know from the Church of Scotland. Besides being a contemporary composer, he travels the globe leading worship workshops. John is a master of getting groups to sing new hymns without an accompaniment; even in harmony. He is extremely winsome and talented.

“The Summons” is set to a lovely, lilting Scottish melody. Interestingly, according to the latest PC(USA) hymnal, the first four stanzas “are understood to be in the voice of Christ, with the fifth reflecting the individual singer’s response” to Christ’s call to ministry.

One of the things I so appreciate about the text is that it stresses the close relationship we can have with Christ if we do follow him, and how our openness to his way challenges us to love, care and work more devotedly for others.

Here’s a link to hear it sung by the Notre Dame Folk Choir (you may wish to skip the ads): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLRDXK0z67c

Remember my phone is 415.747.1662; my email is dean.mcdonald@me.com Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

January Worship Schedule

Sunday, January 22
Martha’s Model

Sunday, January 29
Blessed Are You
Congregational Meeting

Interim Pastor

The search has ended! The Board is pleased to announce that The Rev. Caroline Wilson will begin on February 21, with her first Sunday being February 26^th. Everyone will be receiving more information about Caroline in the days ahead.

Annual Meeting

The congregation’s annual meeting will be held on January 29^th, after worship. There will be a Chat ‘n Chew when the business is completed. Please be in touch with someone on the Membership and Fellowship Committee if you wish to bring a treat to share.

Food Pantry

Your donations of sundry food items are always appreciate, but bags of rice will go toward fulfilling UPB’s commitment to stocking the “rice shelf” at the Pantry.

Living Waters for the World

is a PC(USA) non-profit that works to provide clean water to those without. Outside the door to the sanctuary is a jar for your donations. To learn more about their worthwhile mission go to: livingwatersfortheworld.org

Bible Study

Please join us in our after-church discussion of Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but not Literally by Marcus Borg. Chapter 8 is our topic for the 22nd.

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

Thanks

To the offices and library painters.

For the new, faster office computer and those who use it.

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqDRraxyFzFTQNz9ppOuWg

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person, but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are several ways to do so. You can mail a check to the church. You can give online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KJTC62AUPNWCE&source=url . You can also set up a payment through your banks online bill pay feature. Paypal charges the church approximately 3%, so please consider either consider giving through one of the other two ways or adding 3% to your offering to offset the fee.

Happy New Year!

The star that led the Magi was our focus Sunday in worship. It continues the theme of light that is so strong throughout Christmas into Epiphany. In Luke1 we hear the elderly Zechariah’s prophecy about his newborn son, John the Baptist:

“Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: ‘And you, child will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’”

Jesus gives us all the gift of light. In Genesis, the very first words uttered by God are “Let there be light.” Light is creation’s opening act. It is our blazing sun, a mammoth ball of energy in which creation continues. There is at least one point on which the ancient Hebrews and modern physicists agree: we cannot talk about the beginning of the universe without first talking about light. To the people who populate the pages of the Bible, light was important and powerful. It could save you. So, naturally, “light” entered the people’s poetry and their theology. “Your word,” says the psalmist, “is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.”

Our Christmas lights have been taken down, but Christ’s light continues to shine ever so brightly!

Remember my phone is 415.747.1662; my email is dean.mcdonald@me.com Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

January Worship Schedule

Sunday, January 15
Created For

Sunday, January 22
Martha’s Model

Sunday, January 29
Blessed Are You
Congregational Meeting

MLK Jr. Day Events

The Interfaith Clergy of Bowie are planning a Saturday (14^th) afternoon works project, a Sunday afternoon worship service (15^th), and a Monday (16^th) trip to the Holocaust Museum. Details are pending and will be posted when available.

Food Pantry

Your donations of sundry food items are always appreciate, but bags of rice will go toward fulfilling UPB’s commitment to stocking the “rice shelf” at the Pantry.

Living Waters for the World

is a PC(USA) non-profit that works to provide clean water to those without. Outside the door to the sanctuary is a jar for your donations. To learn more about their worthwhile mission go to: livingwatersfortheworld.org

Bible Study

Please join us in our after-church discussion of Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but not Literally by Marcus Borg. Part Two about the Old Testament is our topic for the 15^th.

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

Thanks

To those who are “on call” with our security alarm company.

To the Board for their work as the Search Committee for an interim pastor.

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqDRraxyFzFTQNz9ppOuWg

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person, but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are several ways to do so. You can mail a check to the church. You can give online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KJTC62AUPNWCE&source=url . You can also set up a payment through your banks online bill pay feature. Paypal charges the church approximately 3%, so please consider either consider giving through one of the other two ways or adding 3% to your offering to offset the fee.

Happy New Year!

Our new year’s day included a call from a good friend who reported the death of her husband, and a mutual friend with whom we worked way back in 1971-72 while in southern California. It was a blow. Both were fine men of faith who worked for justice and right relationships. Both were kind and supportive to us personally. We grieve.

We had been invited to a party later in the afternoon, so we moved from that sad phone call right into a festive apartment filled with happy conversation. It was a jolt. But isn’t that how life goes? Our lives take twists and turns, reach highs and lows, often in quick succession. Of course, Jesus experienced these swift changes just as we do; he went from being heralded entering Jerusalem to his betrayal and execution within a week. At least two things can bring consolation as we deal with such juxtapositions in life. First, we can savor all the joyous times, letting them sink into our awareness for being so precious. Our hearts can be grateful. Second, we can look for the hope or the blessing sometimes hidden even in the most difficult times. Often there is a glimmer of grace in what is bad news. Our phone call yesterday with our widowed friend was a sacred conversation, full of good memories and a celebration of lives well-lived despite its sorrow. We gave thanks for it, and for the lively gathering of friends who were so glad to be together. Life is good, thanks be to God!

Remember my phone is 415.747.1662; my email is dean.mcdonald@me.com Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

January Worship Schedule

Sunday, January 8
The Year of Our Lord

Sunday, January 15
Created For

Sunday, January 22
Martha’s Model

Sunday, January 29
Blessed Are You

MLK Jr. Day Events

The Interfaith Clergy of Bowie are planning a Saturday (14^th) afternoon works project, a Sunday afternoon worship service (15^th), and a Monday (16^th) trip to the Holocaust Museum. Details are pending and will be posted when available.

Food Pantry

Your donations of sundry food items are always appreciate, but bags of rice will go toward fulfilling UPB’s commitment to stocking the “rice shelf” at the Pantry.

Bible Study

A group is forming to begin meeting in the library after church on January 8^th. Please join us even if you have not shown interest previously. We will be using Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but not Literally by Marcus Borg. Order your new or used copy on Amazon. Please read the “Foundations” portion at the beginning of the book, before the 8^th. (Pages 3-36) Be ready to share what was one thing you learned in your reading.

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

Thanks

To those who will help to take down the pretty Christmas decorations.

To those who bringing rice to fulfill our obligation to the Food Pantry.

To those who are arranging for new, needed carpeting and painting.

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqDRraxyFzFTQNz9ppOuWg

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person, but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are several ways to do so. You can mail a check to the church. You can give online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KJTC62AUPNWCE&source=url . You can also set up a payment through your banks online bill pay feature. Paypal charges the church approximately 3%, so please consider either consider giving through one of the other two ways or adding 3% to your offering to offset the fee.

Christmas music is playing downstairs. I can hear it up here in the office where I am working, yet where I can also avoid grazing on all the various baked goods that are so tempting down below.

One of Jim’s parishioners gave him a homemade pound cake at Thanksgiving, which he put in the backseat of his car to bring home. He discovered it back there just a few days ago. We wondered if it would still be good, so we did a quick taste test. It had been well wrapped in foil, and the garage temperature had kept it cold. It was delicious!

I hope you each experienced – or will experience – a nice little surprise like this around the holiday!

But how can we be happily surprised, and not know think about the entire Christmas story? It is filled with example after example of unexpected, good news: first to Mary, then Joseph, and then to the shepherds. God’s big surprise is sending his Son to the whole world as a baby born into poverty. How amazing, how astonishing, how wonderful; the best gift ever!

Remember my phone is 415.747.1662; my email is dean.mcdonald@me.com Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

January Worship Schedule

Sunday, January 1
New Year’s Day Communion
Images of the Season: Hearts

Sunday, January 8
The Year of Our Lord

Sunday, January 15
Created For

Sunday, January 22
Martha’s Model

Sunday, January 29
Blessed Are You

MLK Jr. Day Events

The Interfaith Clergy of Bowie are planning a Saturday (14^th) afternoon works project, a Sunday afternoon worship service (15^th), and a Monday (16^th) trip to the Holocaust Museum. Details are pending and will be posted when available.

Food Pantry

Your donations of food items are always appreciate, but bags of rice will go toward fulfilling UPB’s commitment to stocking the “rice shelf” at the Pantry.

Bible Study

A group is forming to begin meeting in the library after church on January 8^th. Please join us even if you have not shown interest previously. We will be using Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but not Literally by Marcus Borg. Order your new or used copy on Amazon. Please read the “Foundations” portion at the beginning of the book, before the 8^th. (Pages 3-36) Be ready to share what was one thing you learned in your reading.

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

Thanks

To those who bought and displayed the beautiful red and white poinsettias.

To the outstanding musicians on Christmas Eve who made the service so lovely.

To those who contributed to UPB with special Christmas donations.

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqDRraxyFzFTQNz9ppOuWg

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person, but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are several ways to do so. You can mail a check to the church. You can give online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KJTC62AUPNWCE&source=url . You can also set up a payment through your banks online bill pay feature. Paypal charges the church approximately 3%, so please consider either consider giving through one of the other two ways or adding 3% to your offering to offset the fee.

We have lots of books in shelves of all sorts around our house; I can’t think of a room that doesn’t have some reading material in it. They are loosely organized; so loosely that we often spend too much time searching for a particular one we want. Some closets store books, too. Tucked away in a green and red box in the basement closet are our Christmas books. They have been pulled out now, and carried upstairs for us to enjoy during Advent and Christmas. Most of them are children’s books that are showing signs of their age; some have yellowed, brittle pages or their covers show a lot of wear, or even some stains from dirty little fingers. They are beloved – like the raggedy Velveteen Rabbit.

Here is a meditation for Christmas Day in one of those books written by the author, Kathleen Norris. She uses Psalm 96:11-13 for her main inspiration.

The Prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 2:10-13) instructs us to “sing and rejoice” because God has chosen to dwell among us. But the prophet also reminds us to be silent before the Lord. This is not a contraction, but wisdom. Israel is often instructed to sing, and to worship God with loud, exultant praise. But we are also asked to hear God’s word and for that our silent attention is required.

In the jubilant observation of Christmas Day, it is good to recall that we are celebrating not only the birth of Christ, but the revelation of God’s great love for all of creation. God has sent us a savior, Jesus Christ. And we can rejoice, with John the Baptist (John 3: 31-36), that God has “placed all things in his hands.” We can take the time to stand with the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, taking heart and believing that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”

Our Christmas Eve service will be both meditative – with lessons that span the scriptures; and also jubilant – interspersed with wonderful anthems by the choir, and carols by those of us in the congregation. Let us rejoice together that night, and in awe-filled silence reflect on the great gift God has given us in Jesus Christ!

Remember my phone is 415.747.1662; my email is dean.mcdonald@me.com Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Worship Schedule

Saturday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Lessons and Carols

Sunday, January 1
New Year’s Day
Images of the Season: Hearts

NOTE FOR CHRISTMAS DAY, Sunday, December 25th:

1. Members have been invited by Pastor Caroline Wilson to join with the Christian Community Presbyterian Church at their Christmas day service. The church is located at 3120 Belair Drive, Bowie. Phone 30l.262.6008. The service begins at 10:00 a.m.
2. Members have been invited by Pastor Andy Kort at First Presbyterian of Annapolis. The church is located at 171 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD. 410.267-8705, The service begins at 10:00 a.m. The Hillman parking garage is under construction, so plan to leave in plenty of time to find a parking space. This link has parking information.
3. We have been invited by Pastor Clara Young to Greenbelt Community (UCC) Church where services will begin at 10:15 on Christmas morning. The church is located at 1 Hillside Road in Greenbelt. The phone there is 30l.474.6171.
4. National Capital Presbytery is hosting an online service that can be viewed on Christmas morning. A link will be made available once received.
5. We have been informed that the NCP will not be streaming an online service this year.

Food Pantry

Your donations of food items are always appreciated. Bags of rice will go toward fulfilling UPB’s commitment to stocking the “rice shelf” at the Pantry. Your checks made out to UPB earmarked “Food Pantry” will enable the pantry to buy discounted grocery gift cards.

Bible Study

A group is forming to begin meeting in the library after church on January 8^th. Please join us even if you have not shown interest previously. We will be using Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but not Literally by Marcus Borg. Order your new or used copy on Amazon. Please read the “Foundations” portion at the beginning of the book, before the 8^th. (Pages 3-36) Be ready to share what was one thing you learned in your reading.

Prayer Group

Join us on Zoom at 7:30 each Tuesday night on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/159967508?pwd=VFlySnpyc2xZb3ZQUkdaZ0w5ZU5rZz09

We Care for One Another

Bill Wallace is at Future Care Capital Region, 1051 Brightseat Road in Landover. Cards would be appreciated.

Please reach out to other members and friends, too, who are home-bound in recovery from illnesses or surgeries, including Betsy Burian and Joey Drown.

Thanks

To the cast, tech team, film crew, those who brought treats and the producer/directors of the terrific Christmas Play! It could not have been a more perfect addition to our worship!

YouTube Channel

We are posting our virtual worship to our YouTube channel each week in case you miss worship – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqDRraxyFzFTQNz9ppOuWg

Giving

If you are unable to join us in person, but would like to continue to make your tithe or offering, there are several ways to do so. You can mail a check to the church. You can give online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KJTC62AUPNWCE&source=url . You can also set up a payment through your banks online bill pay feature. Paypal charges the church approximately 3%, so please consider either consider giving through one of the other two ways or adding 3% to your offering to offset the fee.