pam June 9th, 2010
Saturday, June 12: Solar Array Dedication
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Soaking up the sun at UPCOB!
Join in a celebration and dedication of the solar project!
You’re invited for music, talk, refreshments, & ribbon-cutting
Mike Tidwell: featured speaker
Mike is an author, filmmaker, and the director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.
We expect a large group of neighbors and interested folks to come, and hope that our project will serve as a model for others who might be interested in a collaborative way of supporting the development of alternative energies.
pam June 9th, 2010
June 5, Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Rain Barrels: natural watering
Have you been looking for a way to reduce stormwater runoff, eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, and use less water in your garden? Rain barrels may be your answer!
On Saturday, June 5th, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) will give a FREE one-hour presentation on the use and installation of rain barrels.
The talk will take place at the church at 10am, and attendees may purchase rain barrels on site following the presentation. There is no obligation to purchase a barrel from ICPRB, but you must attend the talk to do so.
Because of limited space, pre-registration is required. For more information about the ICPRB rain barrel program and to register, please visit their website (www.potomacriver.org) and click on the rain barrel!
pam June 9th, 2010
Weekly deliveries will continue through the summer and fall. We’re celebrating the abundance of the earth as we eat local, organic vegetables (and later, fruits!)
Shares ready for pickup!
pam June 9th, 2010
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Solar Panels are now covering our south-facing roof, as installation of our new solar energy system is being completed! The 22 kW array covers the entire south face of our roof and is in the process of being connected to new meters.
Envisioned by energy-conscious neighbors in University Park and several of our members, this innovative collaboration will provide alternative energy to cover the electrical needs of the church. We are excited about this way to care for the earth as we work with our community to claim the blessings of the sun!
The project is a joint effort of:
University Park Church of the Brethren, which hosts the array and purchases the energy it produces
University Park Community Solar, a community investment group that owns & operates the system, and Standard Solar of Gaithersburg, which sold and installed it.
pam May 7th, 2010
Last Sunday, May 2, UPCOB had a strong showing of people walking on behalf of the hungry locally and around the world. It was a beautiful day for all the walkers! Here’s a group picture of UPCOB walkers. Donations are still being collected by the walkers and while a portion of the money is sent to the far reaches of the earth a percentage is also kept in Prince George’s County for the growing population of hungry and homeless. If you would like to donate to this years CROP Walk please make your check out to CWS-CROP Walk and see Erin Rutter or any of this years walkers.
This years CROP Walk had some educational pieces on the course to help make us keenly aware of water issues people face around the world. Katie makes it look easy to hold this filled 5 gallon jug of water next to her head. But Katie is athletic and really pretty strong. I have to admit this jug was on a folding chair and I could barely lift it 5 inches off the chair. It’s hard, no it’s impossible to imagine having to carry this jug 3 feet let alone 6 to 8 miles walking. It’s an incredible reminder of how those who have in the world need to help those who have not.
2010 UPCOB CROP Walkers
Katie holding a 5 gallon jug filled with water
pam May 7th, 2010
On Sunday April 24, 2010 UPCOB entered into a historic and hopefully growing movement of agreeing to purchase power in the near future from the University Park Solar LLC. Solar panels purchased by University Park Solar LLC will be installed on the south roof of the church building in the next month or so. Everyone participating in this venture is hoping that this kind of arrangement will be a model for other communities and other churches.
Keep checking back here for a posting on the installation day and celebration Sunday when the panels will be turned on and UPCOB will be solar powered!
Keith Rutter and Hooker Monroe sign the purchase power agreement on behalf of The University Park Church of the Brethren
Of interest: Md. neighborhood funds solar plant at church, By Hayley Peterson, Washington Examiner.com, April 27, 2010.
pam January 15th, 2010
Brethren Disaster Services has asked that we respond to victims of this week’s earthquake immediately with hygiene kits, even as longer term coordination of responses is being addressed. (More information will be forthcoming.)
We’d like to collect items over the next two weeks to create these kits, which will be assembled by our children during the children’s church time the next two Sundays. To contribute to the project, bring 3-5 of the following items on Jan. 17 or 24:
If your last name begins with:
A-F – hand towels (approximately 16″ x 28″ (no fingertip or bath towels) and washcloths
G-K – wide-tooth combs; bundles of bandaids (6 in a bundle); a box of gallon ziplock plastic bags
L-Q — nail clippers and bars of soap (bath size, in wrapper)
R-Z – toothbrushes (in original packaging)
Thank You!
pam January 15th, 2010
Get ready for a candlelight dinner and the tunes of the Stoney Run Band!
Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and dessert will be served in our fellowship-hall-turned-Italian-restaurant between 5 and 8 p.m.
No reservations are necessary. Donations will benefit youth attending National Youth Conference and other projects of the congregation.
We’re looking for volunteers to help shop, decorate, cook, serve, and cleanup– come join us to work and/or eat, and bring your friends!
pam January 15th, 2010
Come out of the cold…
Learn to know some new people…
Share a meal around the table…
On the evening of the 24th, small groups of folks from both our congregation and Hyattsville Mennonite will be meeting for supper in homes around the D.C. region.
To sign up to host or be a guest, go to www.hyattsvillemennonite.org, and register your preferences by January 15. You’ll be assigned a group to host or to join for dinner, and can look forward to getting acquainted better with folks who value table fellowship!
pam December 23rd, 2009
Join us for the Christmas eve service, December 24th at 7:30pm. The drama, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, will be presented by the children and youth. This heart warming story will be a wonderful way to welcome Christ this Christmas season.
We will also still continue receiving dry and canned goods for the Help By Phone food pantry. Canned goods, boxed goods, beans, rice, cereals, and other items that will remain usable for some time are welcome. Simply place your goods under the Christmas tree in the back of the sanctuary.
