Songs in the Air on Christmas Eve

Christmas brings out the best in us, I think, and the same can be said for Christmas music. This year, as in every year, there will be something old and something new, treasures to enhance the worship experience throughout the season and into the new year.

On Christmas Eve, the 6:30 p.m. Family Service will feature both the Children's Choir and SpiritMove. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., the Gloria Ringers will provide an extended handbell prelude for the 8:30 service, with the Chancel Choir the featured musicians at the 8:30 service. At 11:00 p.m., Suzanne Mead and Jane Thessin will provide musical highlights for that service.

All the music-makers of St. Matthew's wish you and yours a very peaceful and blessed Christmas and a prosperous and joy-filled New Year.

—Isaac Borocz, Music Director

Christmas Eve services will be held at St. Matthew’s as follows:

6:30 p.m.      Family Service

8:30 p.m.      Candlelight Service
8:00 p.m.     Prelude by Gloria Ringers

11:00 p.m.     Candlelight Service with Communion

Note:  On New Year’s Eve, an informal service will take place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

 

Advent Projects Due December 7

The UMW is collecting non-perishable food throughout December in order to provide food baskets for families in need at Christmas.  The Advent Communion Offering on Sunday, December 7, will be used to purchase turkeys and other perishables as well as gifts of clothing and a toy for each child in those families. 

Sweatshirts for school-age children—Look for a colored shape with a child's name and size in a basket in the narthex. The deadline to bring wrapped gifts to the church office is Sunday, December 7.If you have any questions, call Barbara Haddock.

Stocking Project  in its 11th Year!

This year we will again be providing toys for the children of inmates at the Prince Georges County Correctional Facility in Upper Marlboro. Some of these children literally have no Christmas because one or both of their parents is paying their debt to society.  This year we will be providing Christmas sacks for 352 children.

Please pick up a stocking tag(s), “Santa’s Elf Procedures”, and bag(s) in the narthex.  Each tag will list a child’s name, gender, age and family number.  Follow the six easy steps on the “Santa’s Elf Procedures” paper.  Most important is to have fun!  It is very important that the tag be returned with the bag of gifts!  This is the only means we have of identifying to whom the gifts should go.  If you are unable to purchase gifts for any tags you’ve picked up, please call Sharon Heidenreich so that she can make arrangements to have someone else purchase the gifts.

The bags of gifts should be delivered to the church by Sunday, December 7.  On Thursday, December 11, we will have a “stuffing party” in Fellowship Hall to put the gifts in the personalized sacks.  Please contact Sharon Heidenreich at 301-262-1408 if you have questions and watch the bulletins for further information.  Thank you.

 

Pastor’s Corner—The Bad News of Christmas

                        By Dick Stetler

It has been years since we have heard such bad news being proclaimed during the arrival of the Christmas season.  Why is this?  It has to do with the growing fears of major retailers that shoppers will be buying much less this season.  Stores were adorned with decorations in the beginning of November, long before turkey day. Sales announcing “50 to 70 percent off” are attempts by vendors to reduce their inventory of products.  As the recession spreads, people are doing less traveling affecting businesses from Hertz to Marriott.

Most of us will survive just fine with less.  Perhaps we all need a dose of less glitter and more substance.  It would do all of us well to take off the glasses that have allowed us to see Christmas as a time for open houses, parties, gift-giving and eating.  Just maybe some of us might focus on what Jesus’ coming really has meant to our lives.

We must look beyond the infant in the manger, the shepherds, the wise men and mother Mary pondering her experiences in her heart.  There is the theology featured in scores of scriptures and hymns that God sent Jesus into our midst to die for our sins on a cross.  Many of us have pondered the significance of this teaching because little has changed about our world or even within our own lives.

Might the birth of Jesus be a gift from God far more powerful than his coming into our world simply to die like a criminal who committed a capital crime against Rome?   Absolutely there is!  Jesus stands before us beckoning each one of us to become like him.  We are saved by following him, not through his death but through his life.  What his death taught us is that the end of our physical bodies is not the final outcome to life; it is merely a point of transition from one form to another.

What Jesus grew up to teach us had to do with living as the angels God designed us to be.  There is no information more significant for our lives than this.  Jesus came to teach us what it looks like to let the light of our spirits shine.  Our spirits can make visible love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, flexibility, resilience, hope, and compassion.

Jesus taught us that there is no need to struggle over the values of good and evil when we give away who we are designed to be.  Jesus made this reality visible with the loaves and fishes from a little boy while he was teaching thousands, when giving sight to someone who had been blind since birth and while in the midst of transitioning from his physical form.  If Jesus could speak today, he would say, “I am not as special as many of you suggest.  I only came to reveal what you have the potential to be.”  This understanding of Christmas is recession proof and will remain timeless in its truth.  This reality will serve us well in the New Year and beyond.

UMW Meetings

EXECUTIVE Board:  Sunday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the church in the parlor.

AGAPE Circle:  Thursday, December 4, at 9:30 a.m.  Christmas party at the home of Margie Dague; bring a $10 gift to exchange.

EVENING Circle:  Monday, December 8,  at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for our annual “Christmas Potluck” and food, fun, and fellowship.

FRIENDSHIP Circle:  Thursday, December 11, luncheon at a restaurant at 12:00 p.m. 

MARTHA Circle:  Friday, December 12, at 9:30 a.m. for brunch at the home of Beth Cammie.  Babysitting is available at the church during this circle.

KOINONIA Circle:  Monday, December 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the parlor. Babysitting is available during this circle. 

SUSANNA WESLEY Circle:  No meeting in December.

EXECUTIVE Board:  Sunday, January 25, at 7:00 p.m. at the church in the parlor.

AGAPE Circle:  Thursday, January 8, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Nancy Ciccone. Please read Chapters 4 and 5 of our study book.

FRIENDSHIP Circle:  Thursday, January 8, luncheon at 12:00 p.m. in Room 223.  We are studying Noah Built his Ark in the Sunshine by James W. Moore.

MARTHA Circle:  Friday, January 9, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor.  We will discuss Chapter 9 of our study book.  Babysitting is available during this circle.

EVENING Circle:  Monday, January 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the parlor.  We will discuss Chapter 11 of our book, When All Else Fails...Read the Instructions.

KOINONIA Circle:  Monday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the parlor.  Babysitting is available during this circle. 

SUSANNA WESLEY Circle:  Wednesday, January 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Cyndy Gann.  Please read Chapter 4 of Listening to God-Volume 1

Shirley’s Reflections—Delete Christmas?

“In light of what we’ve lost,
this may be the year
to delete Christmas.
Loans scarce as a silver dollar,
banks changing names while we sleep.
Bell ringers, homeless shelters
beseeching persons on the street
scramble for dollars or maybe more.
Funds, funds, what is Christmas
without our funds?”

I say, “This is the year
we most need to drag our mouse
to the only God of Reality.
When money is cheap,
God is extravagant.
Let us luxuriate, appreciate
the most precious, costly gift
God sends.
Delete Christmas
if we fail to open,
claim God’s gift.” 

—Shirley Klotz Bickel, © 2008

Youth News                                                                                
                                                        —Clare Carhart, Youth Director

December will be a month filled with holiday traditions for our UMYF groups.  We will be shopping for Christmas gifts for the Warm Nights residents, serving refreshments for the annual Christmas program, going Christmas caroling, and having our annual holiday party and gift exchange. 

There will be no Sunday school or UMYF on December 28 so that everyone may celebrate Christmas with his/her family.  All programs will resume on Sunday, January 4. 

Our UMYF schedule for January through June will be available at the January 4 meeting as well as on the church website.

Children Present Christmas Program

Church school children will present the story of our Savior’s birth on Sunday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.  Younger children will sing songs.   UMYF will serve refreshments in Fellowship Hall following the program. Everyone is invited.  Come and celebrate Christ’s birth with us.

Christmas Funtime and Program Rehearsal— December 13

All children in the program will be invited to Fellowship Hall to make a Christmas craft and enjoy a snack when they’re not rehearsing in the sanctuary.  Children will be notified by flyer exactly which times to come on that Saturday.   This is a dress rehearsal so it should be a good time for the kids.

 

Poinsettia Orders Due by Dec. 14

The Altar Guild is offering poinsettias again this year to beautify our sanctuary during the Christmas Season.  The following colors can be ordered:  Red or White at $11.00 each.

Dedications can be made in honor or memory of a loved one or special person.  You will find the special poinsettia envelopes and additional form in the narthex.  The form will ask you for your name, number and color of poinsettias, and to whom you wish to dedicate the flowers.  Please be sure to complete the information clearly so that we can correctly recognize the donation in the church bulletin.  Your order should be turned in to the church office or put in the collection plate on Sunday mornings.

The deadline for ordering is Sunday, December 14.  If you have any questions you may call Sharon Heidenreich at 301-262-1408.   Thank you.

 

Warm Nights Returns Dec. 21-27

On Sunday, December 21, our Warm Nights Program will start.  We expect around 30 people of all ages, sex, race, and creed to spend the next week at St. Matthew’s. 

Your help is needed in buying, preparing and serving food for our guests, staying over night at the church, assisting with setting up and breaking down the cots, and delivering the cots to the next church.  The sign-up book is in the Tower of Opportunity in the narthex.

Also needed are donations of clean, in good repair coats, sweaters, boots, shoes, and men’s trousers.  Remember, not everyone has the blessing of a warm house to live in or the privilege of a hot meal at night.  Please volunteer to make our guests feel special especially during the Christmas season. 

For more information, contact Pat Clunies.

All Women Invited to Epiphany Brunch

The United Methodist Women extend a warm invitation to all women of St. Matthew’s to attend an Epiphany Brunch in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 3, at 9:30 a.m.  The program will include devotions, the induction of UMW officers, special music and a compelling keynote speaker.  A freewill offering will be taken and the brunch will conclude by 11:30.  Join us for this morning of Christian fellowship!  Babysitting will be available at no charge. 

 

Knit Wits to Begin Ninth Year

Anyone who is experienced in the art of knitting and/or crocheting is invited to join the Knit Wits on January 7 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 126.  They will meet every Wednesday through March 25 to make charitable items for numerous groups and individuals. 

Bring your favorite crochet hooks, knitting needles and ideas and be prepared to make new friends and have lots of fun while making a difference in the lives of those who need our assistance.  Yarn and patterns are available. 

For additional information, contact Beverly Landymore.

Winter Recital on Sunday, Jan. 25

Don't miss this exciting program of instruments and voices. Come and enjoy some coffee, some fellowship with the performers, and some fine music-making. A Mystery Guest Artist will join us. All donations benefit the Tavia Wyatt Piano Fund. 

Join us in the sanctuary at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25.

Musical Theatre Troupe Auditions

The troupe just put the last play to bed and is ready to start up on the 2009 spring production. We will be presenting "Guys and Dolls". The performance dates will be March 20, 21, 22, 27,29 (the two weekends before Palm Sunday).

Jackie and Isaac will be holding tryouts in the choir room on Sunday, December 7, from 2:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Please note that the minimum age for on-stage roles and for “the pit” is set at 18 years old.

Suggestion for a Lasting Present

Purchase an age-appropriate Bible storybook or a Bible with commentary for your child or teen or grandchild. Look for a Bible your college student might open and read.  You need to examine each book rather than shop online for such a present. The Family Christian Store in the Bowie Town Center is a possible source.

First Place 4 Health Begins 3rd Session

First Place 4 Health is a Christ-centered health program for men and women of all ages.  The program  incorporates Bible study and prayer in addressing health for the whole person (emotions, mind, body, and spirit) with support and accountability through small groups.

The third session of First Place 4 Health at St. Matthew’s will begin weekly meetings on January 21.  An orientation meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 7, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 125.  If you are interested but are not available Wednesday mornings, please contact Lorri Meadows or Jody Kelley Rudd with your preferred times so that we can evaluate possible support for a second group.

Life Changes

Deaths:

Dee Dee Sisson, mother of Caitlin, Jamie and Molly. 
Jean Compton, mother of Bonnie Krum.  Minnie Mae Coe, sister of Clyde Draughn.  Mel Grier, husband of Angela.

Births:

Landon Anthony Sheetz, son of Stan and Kelly and big sister Savannah.  Proud grandparents are Rich and Fran Conner.

Lillian Hilton, daughter of George and Danielle.

Baptisms:

Matthew Harold Flammang, son of Harold and Kathi and brother of Allie; grandson of Mabel McGann.

 

Navigating the Healthcare System

All of St. Matthew’s is invited to attend a presentation on “Navigating the American Healthcare System” on Saturday, January 31, at 9:30 a.m.  Jill Carr will offer practical tips on staying well and what to do when you are not.  She will also provide information on health insurance and the federal government’s increased involvement in the quality of healthcare.

The program will be held on the top floor of the Wesley Wing.  Light refreshments will be provided.  There is no cost to attend; all are welcome.

 

Mark Your Calendar for a Dinner/Dance

Here’s an opportunity to beat the winter doldrums and just have a lot of fun!   A dinner/dance will be held at the Double Tree (formerly the Holiday Inn) on Riva Road in Annapolis on Friday, February 13, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

There will be a buffet dinner and a DJ—tickets are expected to be around $50 a person.  It is purely social (i.e., not a fundraiser) and is open to all of St. Matthew’s adults (21 and older)—singles, couples, groups.

So, mark your calendar and watch for ticket sales in mid to late January.  For further information, please contact Karen Hastings.

 

Let it Snow... What about Church?

As we head into winter, St. Matthew’s  makes preparations for severe weather.  The landscape company is set to plow our parking lot and shovel our sidewalks.  However, in the event of a substantial snow, Sunday services are sometimes cancelled in the interest of keeping our church family safe.  When this happens, a message is put on the church answering machine and on the home page of the church web site (www.stmatthews-bowie.org).  In addition, an email is sent out to those who are on the e-alert list.  If you would like to be added to the list, please contact the church office.

Keeping Advent at Home

¬     Gather around the Advent wreath each week of the season and read Scripture lessons.

¬     Decide how your family will participate in a project to help others at Christmas.

¬     Find a hill where you can look down on the city lights after dark. Talk about how Bethlehem might have looked at night.

¬     Light the Advent wreath each night at dinner and pray for people you love .

¬     Decorate a shoebox with the Advent colors (purple or blue). Place Christmas cards inside the box. Each night at dinner, draw out a card and talk about how the person who sent it has brought you joy. Pray for that person. 

Lectionary Readings for December

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.

December 7 – 2nd  Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

December 14  – 3rd  Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

December 21  – 4th Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:47-55; Romans 16:25-27;
Luke 1:26-38

Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20

December 28 – 1st Sunday after Christmas
Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Lectionary Readings for January

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.

January 4 – Epiphany Sunday
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12;
Matthew 2:1-12

January 11  – 1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

January 18  – 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20); Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

January 25 – 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31;
Mark 1:14-20