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 September 18th, 2009
The Sabbath Economics study group will begin meeting again NEXT SUNDAY, September 27 immediately following the service in the library with a brown bag lunch, so please come join us and bring a lunch - especially if you weren’t able to attend the first series because of the early hour. During the first series of meetings we had a Bible study on the theology of economics, or, simply put, God’s economics. Now we will explore how we can begin to live out that theology by interpreting these teachings for our own times and lives. See you then!
pam June 8th, 2009
Join us on Saturday, June 20 and give a little attention to your own health! Try some ways of tending body, mind, and spirit; learn from those trained in
- Blood pressure and cholesterol screening: blood glucose checks (provided by Doctors Hospital)
- Yoga
- Reflexology
- Salsa Dancing
- Nutrition & local, organic foods - “Master Gardener: Grow It, eat it” (Vegetable gardening in small spaces) provided by UMD Community Nutrition & Urban Gardening Program
- Tai chi
- Mental Health awareness
- Retirement lifestyles (provided by Renaissance Gardens at Riderwood, Silver Spring)
- …and more!
For Kids:
- morning and afternoon performances of “Kids on the Block,” a puppet show about bullying and ways to prevent it
- interactive Internest safety space
- games
- make and eat healthy snacks
We’ll have a lunch grill going with grilled veggies, buffalo burgers and other alternatives to the usual will be available. Stop in for a visit!
Saturday, June 20 11am to 3 pm
outside and in at Tuckerman St. and Route 1, Hyattsville
University Park Church of the Brethren
4413 Tuckerman Street, Hyattsville MD 20782
for more information call 301-864-4328
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
pam December 4th, 2007
O.K., so we won’t say anything about nutrition. But with Christmas around the corner, time may be short for baking all those great varieties of homemade cookies you’d love to have on hand. Here’s a solution:
- Sign up at the back of the sanctuary (or by calling the office) to participate in a cookie exchange.
- Choose your favorite variety of cookie, bake lots and lots of that one, and bring most of them to church on December 16
- Exchange (in batches of ½ dozen) with others bringing different kinds of cookies
- Go home with just as many cookies as you brought, but with lots of new varieties!
A list of those who would like to bring & exchange cookies will be posted in the sanctuary in December – or call the church office at 301-864-4328 to get your name on the list. (The number of cookies you need to bring will be determined by how many participate)
