Other United Parish of Bowie Newsletters
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United Parish of Bowie Home Page| United Church of Christ | Presbyterian |
|---|---|
| Carl O. Bickel, Ph.D.
Pastor Office phone & fax (301)249-6411 Home phone (301)249-5885 | |
| MITCHELLVILLE AND MT. OAK ROADS
Church School 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. |
email pastor@unitedparishbowie.org
web page http://www.unitedparishbowie.org |
| If you are new to the Bowie area, we invite you to worship with us at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. We are affiliated with both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). and the United Church of Christ. |
Christianity can be expressed in at least four ways. First is the Christianity of capitulation. These Christians receive their marching orders from the secular culture. They may go to church, but what really shapes their thinking and behavior is the images and models promoted by the cultural trend-setters. A second style is found among those who live in a spiritual and intellectual ghetto. Their flight from the world recovers a form of life of an earlier time. The Amish are a classic example.
A third group lives uneasily in both worlds -- the everyday world of work and civic life -- and their "Christian" world. There is a split within these people. One is never sure which part of them is winning the battle for their souls. A fourth group lives in both worlds but seeks to draw its identity and strength from the world of their Christian commitments. They are, as the writer of John's Gospel puts it, "in the world but not of the world."
To maintain this fourth stance, it is absolutely imperative that they belong to a spiritual support and learning group, or at a minimum be active participants in a church. Without such engagement, they will not be able to maintain this style.
To live as a Christian today and also to be a fully responsible member of society is no easy task. It cannot be achieved simply by reciting the mantras of those who shortcut thought by an appeal to simple and easy answers. Such engagement with the world will happen only by tough and persistent Bible study, intense sharing with other Christians, and engagement in the world. Such Christians are the salt that transforms society. May we all do this difficult task of being salt. To do such we need each other, serious Bible study, humility, persistence, and above all the help of God.
Carl O. Bickel, Pastor
The worship service on Sunday, December 21, will consist of carol singing interspersed with readings and choral anthems by the choir. This is our third year for such a special service, and it is a wonderful way to celebrate the majesty of God's gift of Jesus Christ.
Following the children's Christmas program at the church on Sunday, December 14, at 6 p.m. and then refreshments, all are invited to go caroling at Larkin Chase. The church sang at Larkin Chase two years ago during the Christmas season, and it was a most enjoyable experience. We are looking forward to another good experience this year.
The children of the church are busy memorizing their lines for our Christmas Program. Marian Coombs has graciously volunteered to write and be our Christmas Program director this year. The program is scheduled for Sunday, December 14 at 6 p.m. We are practicing for this program every Sunday after church from 12 noon to about 1 p.m. There will be hot chocolate and cookies immediately after the Christmas Program before we go caroling at Larkin Chase. If you would like more information about the Christmas Caroling, Shirley Bickel is coordinating this project.
The children are also busy collecting food, especially snacks, as part of a community service project. This food drive will continue until Sunday, December 14th. The children have also made Christmas cards for war veterans in the Veterans' Hospitals. The children and youth of the United Parish are full of energy and enthusiasm. We have been truly blessed with a great group of young people.
Lisa Ferrer
Director of Christian Education
Reading Bible stories with our children can be a very special time of asking questions and affirming our faith. Now is an ideal time for purchasing a gift that will last throughout the year. Do you have a Bible storybook suitable for your child's age? Is your preteen reading both Old and New Testament stories from a Bible they understand?
Have you seen the New International Version of The Life Applications Bible for adults and youth? I use this particular Bible often for my daily Bible reading, and it's very helpful because of the commentary on the bottom of most pages. Each book has a synopsis at the beginning, and there are maps and a concordance as well. It costs $39.99 (plus tax) at Cokesbury (410-788-1900) in Baltimore or the Christian Book Store (800-564-3508) in Annapolis.
If you have a toddler in the house, be sure to examine The Toddler's Bible. The Kid-Builder Bible is appealing to five-year-olds and older ones because of its pictures and short stories. Our daughter was very interested in The New Adventure Bible when she was in the eight to twelve year age. The NIV Teen Study Bible has charts, maps, helps and questions to ponder. For two to seven-year-olds The Beginner's Bible is a good choice with its ninety-five stories. These Bibles for children and teens run in the $18. to $25. price range.
Shirley Bickel
The Christmas Eve services are highlights of the church year. At the 7:30 service, we celebrate the coming of the Savior into the world by the lighting of candles, congregational singing, choral and brass presentations, vocal and instrumental solos. A meditation by Pastor Bickel is included, and a festive singing of "Joy to the World" marks the celebrative conclusion to the service. A nursery is provided for the 7:30 service. The 10:00 service includes singing and a meditation by Pastor Bickel followed by the celebration of Holy Communion. You, your family and friends are invited to these celebrations of Christ's birth.
The Community Service Committee meets on the third Tuesday night of the month at the home of Susan and Tim Frank. Our long-time chairperson, Ingrid Swanson, is taking a leave of absence to catch up on her other obligations.
We hope to bring ideas for service to the members of the congregation. Look in the bulletin for opportunities to serve. Tim Frank has stepped into the shoes of Scott Prothero and will be in charge of Christmas in April. This has been the Church's best-attended form of community service. Tim is also helping us explore possibilities to help Habitat for Humanity.
We're providing Christmas bags again for the Central Union Mission. We collected clothing, etc. before Thanksgiving to prepare eight Christmas bags this year.
Because the Bowie Pantry was fairly full on our last delivery, and because a Bosnian family arrived in Annapolis to join family members there, we are taking them a one-month donation from our food basket, as well as the Nov. 1 One Great Hour of Sharing collection.
We've been taking a meal once a month to the Family Crisis Center of Prince George's County for over seven years. Our last delivery included a trunkload of handmade bags and decorated bags filled with toiletries and a lot of plastic pumpkins filled with treats and toothbrushes. These were from Mrs. Sword's class at Heather Hills Elementary School in honor of Make a Difference Day, October 25.
If you know of a need or if you want to be involved in the work of the committee, get on board with the Community Service Committee.
Nancy Snyder, Chair -- Community Service Committee
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