united parish of bowie

Articles

When I don't service my car at the required intervals, it doesn't seem to make much immediate difference. The car still runs and gets me where I'm going. If I only change the oil and get a lube job sporadically or when I feel like it, no immediate harm seems to be done.

Yet, not taking care of my car does, over time, do damage. So it is with worship. We can miss worship for awhile, and our lives may not seem drastically and immediately affected. The of our house doesn't immediately begin to leak, and the mortgage still gets paid; the children seem about the same. Yet over time, great damage can be done.

Marva Dawn has written the following:

The character-forming potential [of worship] is subtle and barely noticed, and yet worship creates a great impact on the hearts and minds and lives of a congregation's members. Indeed, how we worship both reveals and forms our identity as persons and communities. (Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down, 1995)

I don't think the above quote is too strong. Sincere and regular engagement in worship forms our character far more profoundly than we often think. We are shaped by who or what we worship. Saving time by worshipping less is like being too busy to change the oil in our cars it means our engines will prematurely burn out.

Carl Bickel, Pastor, United Parish of Bowie

A Youth Committee has been meeting since last Fall to assess our youth program and to see what changes or additions should be made. The Committee is taking a look at developing a new outreach program for junior high young people on Wednesday afternoon. Many other churches have been consulted regarding what they are doing in youth work. We have had conversations about a jointly sponsored program with the South Bowie Community Center. Members of the Committee are Brian Hunt and Jan Barbato, co-chairs, Donna Hanner, Nan Hathaway, Chad Bickel, Kathy Busch and Carl Bickel.

The Parish Board has applied for a seminary student from Wesley Theological Seminary to work with our church about 8 hours a week. We would also have a Committee meet with the student once a week. This service to our church would be part of the student's seminary training, and there would be no cost to the church. Our application has been submitted for the Fall of 1998. There is no guarantee we will have a student, but it is a possibility.

Chad Bickel is one of 12 young people who, under the sponsorship if Intervarsity, are on a mission in Moldova, which was a part of the former Soviet Union. The students are seeking to start a Christian group at the University of Moldova. They will be meeting with and living with the Moldovan students on an intense schedule.

The group plans to return to the United States on August 1. The United Parish contributed over $2,000 for Chad's trip, which was over half the cost. Please keep Chad and the students in your prayers.

Karla Roskos, who attends the United Parish and is the Director of the Baden Medical Clinic in Southern Prince George's County, has been named as one of the 100 outstanding women in Maryland by the Daily Legend, a business and legal journal published in Baltimore. Karla is recognized for her competence in providing medical care to the underserved. Her achievements come despite her own serious and multiple medical problems. Congratulations, Karla!

Kory Roskos, son of Karla Roskos, graduated from the Law School of the University of Illinois. He is presently studying for the Illinois bar exam. Congratulations to Kory.

CHAT AND CHEW Because we provide the Family Crisis Center meal on the third Sunday of the month, the Chat and Chew Sunday will now be on the second Sunday of each month. Please remember to bring a little snack to share during this time of fellowship.

Michael Parker was ordained at the United Parish of Bowie approximately two years ago. Since that time he has served the Presbyterian Church as a missionary to Sudan. He has been a teacher at Niles Theological College in Khartoum. He is now on leave for several weeks and will be preaching at the United Parish on July 13 and August 10. Following the 10 a.m. worship service on the 13th, we will have a dialogue with Mike about Sudan and then join together in lunch. Plan to participate on these important Sundays.

SLOGAN FOR THE CHURCH Members of the church are having much fun coming up with a brief slogan which describes what our church is or what it hopes to be. Please make your submissions to Linda Hutchinson or in the box in the narthex. Place your name on the slogan if you wish. The Outreach Committee will review the slogans anonymously (only Linda will know the author) and will make a recommendation to the Parish Board.

Vacation Church School, jointly sponsored by St. Edward's Catholic Church, Village Baptist, and the United Parish of Bowie will be held July 28 through August 1. Registration forms are at the church or you may phone the church at 301-249-6411 to receive one.

 

DURING JULY AND AUGUST THE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE WILL BE AT 10 A.M.

The children will leave the worship service after the opening part to attend a combined class during July. Children will remain in the worship service during August.

Other United Parish of Bowie Newsletters

---

    Return to the United Parish of Bowie Home Page