Explore the Bible, Rainforest at VBS
Come, join
us as we venture into five Bible stories plus the rainforests!
We aim to connect you with Jesus as well as the people and
critters who live in the rainforests. Learning can be fun at
Vacation Bible School!
VBS will
take place Monday—Friday, July 14 - 18, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Children ages three through seventh grade by June 30, 2008.
Three-year-olds must be potty-trained.
Don’t
wait. Register today! Registration forms are on the table in
the narthex.
Kendrick Weaver Will Throw Out First Sermon for Summer Garden
Services
Rev.
Kendrick Weaver will return as guest preacher to open the garden
service “season” on Sunday, July 6. As in the past, St.
Matthew’s adds a third worship service during the nine Sundays
of July and August. We hold this service in the beautiful
memory garden that is dedicated to its primary caregiver, Jessie
Smith. Our additional service will begin at 7:30 a.m. on
July 6 and continue through August 31. The 8:30 and 11:00
services in the Sanctuary will continue as normal.
The routine
is simple. Please walk up the winding sidewalk from the parking
lot as though you were going to the kitchen. As you approach
the kitchen area, take a folding chair from one of the racks;
get yourself a cup of coffee, a bagel and head for the garden
area to secure a spot. If it rains, the service will be held in
Fellowship Hall.
There is no dress code.
Many people attend in shorts. The service ends promptly at 8:15
a.m., giving our pastor time to prepare for the 8:30 service.
Pastor’s
Corner—“What A Time To Be Alive!”
by Dick Stetler
Today, no
one can say that life is boring. Just think where we are seated
to witness the greatest show on earth. The United States has
successfully landed the Phoenix Mars Lander. The Democrats have
settled on an African American for a presidential candidate.
Gasoline is climbing beyond $4.00 a gallon. The Saudis are
frustrated about where to invest their wealth. The weather
patterns have changed dramatically, giving our country draughts,
wild fires, tornadoes and floods. Everyone is feeling the
financial pinch each time a purchase is made. The fleeting
thought comes to most of us, “What will our future look like?”
This is the adventure!
What we are
about to witness is the manifestation of how God has wired us.
Slowly, the playing field is being leveled as former third
world countries are beginning to produce products, goods and
services the world’s growing population needs. Cultures are
colliding in a way never before seen in human history. What
will happen as the race accelerates toward a replacement for the
oil that every culture appears to treasure? Truly necessity is
about to become once again the mother of invention. A
replacement for oil is very near.
We are
witnessing the greatest transformation of civilization that has
ever taken place. We are becoming a world economy, a world
community where a person’s ethnicity will not matter, where
individual religious practices will not matter and where
governments will be unable to control market forces that are
driving diverse cultures together. Humanity is not in control
of its own destiny. For the first time in history, super
powers are irrelevant. Forces are at work that we can
neither pinpoint nor control. What a time to be alive!
Change is
occurring at such an accelerated pace, that even our most
sophisticated methods of tracking such data cannot remain
current. We will learn that wealth does not count for much
until we share it. We will learn that when our brother and
sisters suffer, we all do. We will learn that our planet is
getting smaller and that if we abuse our space ship earth,
she will respond violently as if attempting to abort the life
forms that are out of harmony with nature.
God has
wired each of us perfectly and even though we are living in
different cultures, we will respond creatively in order to
survive and thrive in the process. An insightful teaching of
Jesus summed up our destiny when he said, “I am telling you the
truth: those who believe what I have taught will do what I do –
yes, they will do even greater things.” (John 14:12) Jesus’
teachings are remarkable in their universal understanding of
what we need to do to get where we are going.
Even
non-believers will witness this process of cultural
transformation. What a number of people neglect remembering is
that nothing can prevent the will of God from being done. What
a wonderful time to be alive! Take heart, the best is yet to
come. You will see. Roll up your sleeves, keep busy expressing
love in its many forms, rid yourselves of fear and watch God’s
will become increasingly visible. Stop staring at the trees.
Stand back so you can see the forest. Everything is
perspective. Enjoy the ride.
UMW Meetings and Upcoming Events
The United
Methodist Women have begun their summer hiatus. While most
circles will resume meeting in September, the Koinonia
Circle will meet in July and August on the third Monday
of each month. Information on the Fall studies planned by each
circle will appear in the September Circuit Rider.
If you are
interested in learning more about the UMW and the circles, plan
to attend our annual Fall Fellowship Tea to learn more
about the program and to meet women who can answer your
questions. The Tea will be on Sunday, September 14, from
9:45 to 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Also, please
note that the UMW’s 17th Annual Craft Show, our main
fundraiser, will take place on Saturday, November 8, from
10:00 to 3:00.
We are
excited to announce that St. Matthew’s will host the
Washington East District UMW Annual Meeting on Saturday,
October 18, at 9:00 a.m. Please plan to attend the program in
the Sanctuary—a wonderful speaker is scheduled. (And your
attendance at the meeting helps count toward a Mission Today
requirement!)
EXECUTIVE
BOARD: Sunday, August 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the church parlor.
KOINONIA
Circle: Monday, July 21 and August 18 at 7:30
p.m. in the parlor of the church. Babysitting will be
provided.
Youth
News
—Clare
Carhart, Youth Director
We ask that
you please pray for our Appalachia Service Project (ASP) team as
they travel and work July 13-19. On July 27, the team will make
their report to the congregation.
All youth
programs will resume on Sunday, September 7. Watch the bulletin
and the September Circuit Rider for details.
Church School Resumes Sept. 7
Church
school for children, youth and adults will resume Sunday,
September 7, at 9:45 a.m.
Watch the
bulletins and the September issue of the Circuit Rider for
registration information and descriptions of the classes that
will be offered.
Congratulations to our Graduates!
Kenny
Halleran Bowie High School
Jordan
Hill Bowie High School
Matthew
Hillsinger Archbishop Spalding HS
Christina
Rodriguez Bowie High School
Richard
Starkey St. Vincent Pallotti High School
Jennifer
Webb Georgetown Day School
Kenneth
Hyland Univ. of Maryland
Kevin
Hyland Univ. of Maryland
Anna
Jennings Towson University
Stephanie
Martin Anne Arundel
Comm. College
Brian
Patterson Univ. of Maryland
Baltimore County
Laura
Romanosky Univ. of Maryland College Park
Jason
Webb Virginia Military
Institute
"Liberia: a Country Returning from Exile” Needs Our Help
Rev.
Anthony Dioh, the director of St. Matthew’s United Methodist
School in Logan Town, Monrovia, Liberia, spoke to our
congregation on Sunday, May 18. He expressed appreciation to our
congregation for the assistance this church has given the
school. Rev. Dioh reminded the congregation that our support is
meeting a three-fold mission objective:
(1) we are helping to educate a new generation of Christian
leaders for the Church and the nation of Liberia, (2) our
congregation is helping to reclaim a lost generation, and (3)
our congregation is making new disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
It is very
hard for us to relate to the lives of our brothers and sisters
in Monrovia as we continue ours here in Maryland. Image if
everything you knew as daily happenings in your life were
suddenly taken away and you had to begin all over again.
We are
blessed with so much and as Christ taught us “of those who have
much, much will be expected.” The Missions Committee has asked
you to help educate the children of Liberia by providing
scholarship funds and school kits. This is a tremendous help in
their steps to re-claim lost generations; but they need more.
When Florie Liser visited the school in Logan Town, the
teaching staff simply asked for a World Atlas; an Algebra II
book; and one current World History Book—not 10 or 12, but
just one to teach 1,200 students.
We will
soon hear more about the collected efforts from five or six UM
churches in the US aimed at joint support for the improvement of
the Christian schools in Liberia. One of the many things on
their agenda is the purchase of a truck to deliver the books and
supplies that are now flowing into Monrovia for the Methodist
schools. We are asking for your support to begin a “Purchase the
Truck Fund”. We estimate we would need $25,000 to provide
this vehicle. Any and all contributions are building blocks to
strengthen the Liberian people returning from exile.
Peter
Saderholm’s interview with Rev. Anthony Dioh concerning the
needs of St. Matthew’s School in Logan Town can be read on the
church website at www.stmatthews-bowie.org/Missions/International/Operation_Classroom/
then select “Interview with Liberian Coordinator of Operation
Classroom”.
With gratitude for your
consideration,
Bill Greaves & Bill Schneider,
Operation Classroom, Project Leaders
UMW Reading Program EXPANDS!!!
Many women
learned more about the UMW Reading Program thanks to the display
set up by the Evening Circle in early June. Our collection of
books is about to grow much larger thanks to an
offer from the Resource Center—an assortment of 25 books for
only the cost of shipping (about $40)! The books are from the
2006 Reading List and can be read for the Reading Program
through 2010.
The books
will be located on the UMW shelves by the window in the Church
Library (Room 123). Sign-out sheets are in the gray ring binder
and Reading Program log sheets are also on the shelf.
A Mission
Today requirement can be met if at least two members
complete Plan I (or higher) and report to their circle
on one of the books that was read (please file a copy of your
report in the gray binder). Plan I requires that four
books are read by an individual in one year (September to
August), one from each category (Education for Mission,
Nurturing Community, Social Action, and Spiritual Growth).
Women who
complete a reading plan should notify Jody Kelley by September
10 in order to qualify for 2008. Stop by and sign out one of
our new titles!
Tips for Earthquake Safety
While
earthquakes in Maryland are quite rare, you may exposed to a
higher risk of an earthquake during your travels. The Disaster
Response Team (DRT) has posted on the church website some tips
for remaining safe during an earthquake. The discovery of the
“triangle of life” and how to use it to survive a building
collapse is on the website at www.stmatthewsbowie.org/DRT/cr_articles.asp;
then select “Earthquake Safety Tips.”
Disciples’ Summer Plans, Fall Kick-off
"A Course
in Miracles" will continue through out the summer months on
Thursdays evenings at 7:00 p.m. in Room 126. If you've thought
about this course and wish to join the group, please come. This
class can be joined at any time. "A Course in Miracles"
introduction booklets are available in the narthex literature
rack.
Mark your
calendars for the "Annual Disciples Feast" to be held this year
on Sunday, September 7, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. in Fellowship
Hall. This is a time when we gather for a meal and welcome each
other back to church after the summer months. Ricky J will once
again cater our main course and the Disciples will supply the
sides and desserts. Watch the church bulletin for ticket sale
dates.
Disciples
class offerings for the coming year will be available for review
and consideration. Rev. McGunigale and Irene Schneider continue
to lead "A Course in Miracles" on Thursday evenings, Ray Denmark
will lead "Disciples II" on Sunday afternoons, Bill Schneider
will lead the short course "An Invitation to Psalms" on
Wednesday evenings, we will welcome Linda Cooper our group of
course leaders.
Disciples Will Honor Cliff Jardine
One of our
Disciples members has retired and will be leaving us very soon,
moving to Williamsburg, VA. This person was instrumental in
assuring the Disciples Program stayed alive at St Matthew's when
Rev. Patti Fenske retired; now it is his time.
Cliff
Jardine's to and personal passion for program has resulted in
many coming closer to Christ and being moved to do God’s work in
our church through and mission efforts. Last year, Cliff passed
the Disciples Program over to Bill and Irene Schneider took a
seat on the Staff Parish Relations Committee, yet remained with
the program as a class leader and lead of our recent Lenten
Series Study.
We want to
honor Cliff in a special that is traditional when ending a
yearly session of Disciples I class, "The Last Supper". It is a
session where we pray, feast and celebrate God’s grace. This
special session will take place on Thursday, August 7, at 7:00
p.m. in Room 126.
If you wish
to join this event, please include your name, e-mail address,
and phone number on the Disciples clip board in the narthex. The
number of attendees is needed for preparation. Please come and
celebrate Cliff with us.
—Peace be with you,
Bill and Irene Schneider,
Disciples Program Leaders
Life Changes
Deaths
Helen
Redmond,
mother-in-law of Millie Redmond
George Owens,
father of Sandy Cohoon
Juliette Domingo,
sister-in-law of Olive Domingo
Mary
Miller, mother
of Liz Smith
Let There Be More Light (and Soon)!
After a
two-year study, the Trustees have recommended (and the Ad Board
has approved) a new lighting system for the Sanctuary. The
current system was installed in 1963, is not energy efficient,
has a high maintenance cost, and does not provide adequate,
uniform lighting over the seating areas. The new system
utilizes quartz/halogen technology in a pendant downlight in
combination with a new state of the art dimmer control panel.
This new system will provide an even and smooth spread of light
in a more cost-effective manner, and enhance other presentations
in the Sanctuary.
The
installation of the new sanctuary lighting and dimming system is
scheduled to begin the week of August 17, with completion
expected by August 26. Since scaffolding will be installed
during this time, the sanctuary will only be available for the
August 24th Sunday services. Upon the completion of the first
phase of the lighting project, an evaluation will be made to
determine what changes may be required to improve the lighting
in the choir loft area.
The total
cost (labor and materials) of this project is $52,500, and
installation is scheduled to take place in mid-August. The
Administrative Board has approved funding this project from the
church family’s invested funds. The Finance Committee would
like to defray the cost of this project by urging the
congregation to help underwrite the cost through goodwill
donations or donations in honor of or in memory of a loved one(s).
All donors will be recognized at the All Saints’ Day service the
first Sunday in November. Names of donors of one light ($2,500)
or more will be placed on a plaque in an appropriate location in
the Sanctuary.
Please
consider making a donation in a timely fashion. Donation forms
are available in the literature rack in the Narthex. Please
note your check with “New lighting system” on the memo line.
Thanks to
the members of the lighting committee for their dedication,
contributions and time spent in many meetings to insure the
success of the project. They are Barry Schuliger, Joe Anzallo,
Isaac Borocz, Clyde Draughn, Lorri Meadows and Howard Waterworth.
DRT Needs Office Assistance
The Disaster Response Team is
looking for someone with Microsoft or publishing skills who
complete the draft of our program operating procedures. Call or
email Dan Blades at drt@stmatthews-bowie.org.
...and a Grand Time was Had by All
Several
dozen St. Matthewites experienced a carefree, outdoor weekend at
Camp Harmison over the Memorial Day weekend. Don’t let the
words camp or camping scare you. There were all levels of
participation that weekend. Some were in travel trailers,
tents, vans, pop-ups, even the Inn at Berkley Springs.
Activities
were centered under a large pavilion with a wonderful central
fireplace. Attached to the pavilion is a huge kitchen with
several stoves, a freezer, refrigerators, sinks, and, of course,
a long table. Showers and bathrooms adjoin the pavilion.
The common
thread was fellowship. It was an unstructured weekend, except
for worship on Sunday morning. There were hikers, readers,
bird-watchers, fishermen, nappers, chatterers, all doing their
“thing”. Pets, on a leash, were also there. Each group brought
food and we had a potluck supper Saturday night.
There was a
76 year age range, so there is definitely a place for you and
your family on our next trip, Columbus Day Weekend, October
10-13. It coincides with the Apple Butter Festival in Berkley
Springs—so mark your calendars now!
Thank You
Your
prayers, concerns and cards have really been a comfort to me and
my family during the illness and death of my nephew, Domingo,
and my sister-in-law, Juliette Domingo. It is truly a
blessing to be a part of the St. Matthew's family.
Thanks so much,
Olive Domingo & Family
St. Matthew’s Administrative Board
will meet in Room 126 at 7:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, July 9
Lectionary Readings for July and August
These are the Scripture Readings, one or more of which is read each Sunday. The sermon will be based on one
of the readings. Reading ahead of time will help you prepare for
worship.
July 6 – 8th Sunday
after Pentecost
Genesis 24:34-38,
42-49, 58-67; Psalm 45:10-17 or Psalm 72; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew
11:16-19, 25-30
July 13 – 9th Sunday
after Pentecost
Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm
119:105-112 or Psalm 25;
Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 20 – 10th Sunday
after Pentecost
Genesis 28:10-19a;
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Romans 8:12-25;
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 27 – 11th Sunday
after Pentecost
Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm
105:1-11, 45b; Romans 8:26-39;
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
August 3 - 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm
17:1-7, 15; Romans 9:1-5;
Matthew 14:13-21
August 10 - 13th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28;
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b;
Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
August 17 – 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm
133; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32;
Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28
August 24 – 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm
124; Romans 12:1-8;
Matthew 16:13-20
August 31 – 16th
Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus
3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
The Circuit Rider is
published monthly. To
Contact Us:
phone: 301-262-1408
fax: 301-262-2148
e-mail: circuitrider@stmatthews-bowie.org
Articles are due by the 15th of each month. Please turn
articles in to the church office.
If possible, please
email them to the address above. Please
call to verify our receipt of any faxed or e-mailed articles.