WELCOME TO UNIVERSITY PARK CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN WEB SITE. We hope this will help link you to our congregation and its activities. We invite you to explore some of what makes us who we are, and to be in touch if you have questions. Thanks for stopping by — join us in person soon!

Coming October 5: SHAPED BY COMMUNITY: Global foods, service, and communion

pam September 24th, 2008

10:50 a.m.  Along with several friends from Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren, we’ll be celebrating World Communion Sunday and Love Feast during morning worship.  Our observance will include a time of preparation, a simple meal of dishes from the continents of the world, hand or footwashing in recognition of the call to serve and be served, and the sharing of bread and cup.  We welcome your attendance!  (All elements of this service will take place on the sanctuary level of the building to make it more accessible to any who can come.)
Wellness Fair Washout

pam September 24th, 2008

Much to our disappointment, severe storm warnings related to Hurricane Ike prompted our decision to cancel the Wellness Fair on September 6. We’ll be rescheduling the new and enhanced Fair (adding some elements to what was previously planned ) in the spring!
Wellness Fair

kim August 6th, 2008

Saturday, September 6
in the parking lot at Tuckerman and Route 1.

Come by between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and give a little attention to your own health!

Kids are invited to morning and afternoon performances of “Kids on the Block,” a puppet show about bullying and ways to prevent it.  Children’s opportunities also include an interactive Internet safety space, games and snacks.

You’ll have chances to try and/or learn about a variety of ways to tend to body, mind, and spirit, including:
  *salsa dancing
  *nutrition & local, organic foods
  *yoga
  *pastoral counseling
  *reflexology
  *belly dancing
  *tai chi
  *mental health awareness

…and more!

Grilled veggies and other healthy snacks will be available.
Stop in for a visit!

A Good Time Had By All

pam August 6th, 2008

Photos of the July 2008 Song and Story Fest, attended by Kim, Kate and Erin. Check out this link for pictures - http://www.flickr.com/photos/29270882@N02/sets/72157606561181478/

Annual Conference Worship

pam August 5th, 2008

Small Photo Essay of the Annual Conference Sunday worship service held in Richmond, Virginia. We had a really strong presence of the UPCOB congregation go down for the day. Participants attended the morning worship and afternoon workshops.  Check out this link for pictures - http://www.flickr.com/photos/29270882@N02/sets/72157606563827465/

A little simple living advice

pam August 5th, 2008

We all are looking to do what we can to help the environment and make the world a better place. I recently heard a piece of information I thought I would pass on. So the question is: Should I drive with my windows down or use the air conditioner? Which is better for the environment? I heard an answer to this question on TV by Brendan Koerner, columnist for Slate.com’s The Green Lantern. Here’s his answer. If you are driving 45 mph or less - use the windows; if you are driving 45 mph or more use the air conditioner because at that point the drag caused by the windows being open is making your car use more gas to move forward. There you have it. One little way to move toward simpler and greener living. I know as 21st century Christians we all need to keep good stewardship of all of our resources including money and energy in mind in our daily lives. ~ Pam Rutter

SENSING THE SPIRIT, MOVING FORWARD

pam May 27th, 2008

(a congregational mini-retreat)
 
As the summer begins, we’ll be taking some time on an extended Sunday morning to talk, pray, discern, and worship together.  Each voice is important, and everyone’s presence invited.
 
Sunday, June 8
9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
(snacks and child care provided)
 
Stan Dueck, Area 1 Congregational Life Consultant will lead us in discerning and naming directions for the future.  We’ll be paying attention to
…describing ourselves
…determining focus for the coming five years
…creating a clear statement for Hyattsville Mennonite Church about what form(s) of collaboration we’d like
to consider with them
 
Come listen for the Spirit, share your perspective, and take the next steps on our unfolding congregational journey!
Spiritual Growth Opportunities During Lent…

pam February 3rd, 2008

1) Consider using the daily calendar (see below) as a guide to mindfulness through the season
2) Join in one or more Lenten Ember Nights, planned for occational Wednesdays through the season (The ancient tradition of ember days encourages time set aside to tend the coals of the spirit)

Wednesday, February 6: Shared Prayer (Ash Wednesday focus) 6:30 pm at the church

Wednesday, February 27: Ember Night supper 6:30-8:00 pm (eat a simple meal with several other, and take part in a Lenten activity) Email or sign up at the back of the sanctuary if you would like to participate.

Wednesday, March 12: Come to the church for dessert and a short reflective experience with a Lenten Gallery of Art 7:00-8:00 pm (art works are being chosed by Kim’s Italy/Greece colleague group, and will be presented as part of their joint project)

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Valentine’s Spaghetti Supper

pam January 30th, 2008

Saturday, February 9 is the date for the annual Valentine spaghetti supper.  Volunteers and attendees are both needed!  As we transform our fellowship hall into an Italian bistro for the evening, we’ll be tasting one of the best sauces around, greeting friends and neighbors, and listening to the cool sounds of “Shades of Blue,” a jazz combo made up of friends at Hyattsville Mennonite.  The supper will invite contributions which will benefit the Witness Commission of UPCOB.  Plan to join in the fun! Spaghetti will be served from 5-8 pm.

Sunday, January 27 Don’t Miss This Opportunity

pam January 24th, 2008

Dr. Dale W. Brown, noted Brethren author, teacher, and theologian, will be presenting at 9:30 in adult education, and preaching in worship at 10:50 on Sunday, January 27.  Most recently, Dale has published “Another Way of Believing:  A Theology for Brethren,” and “Biblical Pacifism.”   He will be speaking about war, terrorism, and peacemaking from a Brethren perspective.  After teaching for 32 years at Bethany Theological Seminary, Dale and his wife Lois now live in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.

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