BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY JULY 2014 THE IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE STUDY

Transcription

1 JULY 2014 THE IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE STUDY The late biblical scholar William Barclay states in the introduction of his biblical commentary, the Daily Study Bible Series, that the aim of Bible Study is to know Jesus Christ more clearly, to love Him more dearly, and to follow Him more nearly. That s it! That s truly what it s all about. Bible Study for all ages leads to a closer walk with Jesus Christ. We believe that our vision as a faith community called Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ includes scholarship (the study of God s Word) that produces focus in our lives, focus in our walk with God, focus in our hopes and dreams, focus in our challenges and all aspects of our lives. Make plans to attend a Bible Study learning opportunity during the summer. Make sure that your children attend Vacation Bible School, and make sure to include God s Word in your daily devotion. Check out the 2014 Monthly Memory Verses, and sign up for the UCC s Still Speaking devotional at You ll receive a new Bible verse and reflection every day in your . Finally, it s important for all of us to study the Word in order to know God s will for our lives. The Scripture states, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 NRSV) We need God s Word, not only in worship, but also in study. : Adult Bible Class from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Men s Bible Study: 9:30-10:45 a.m. Thursday Bible Study: 6:30-8:00 p.m. BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY July 10th: The Called People July 17th: God Hears the Cry July 24th: God Sends the Law July 31st: When God Draws Near

2 MISSION AND VISION OF THE CHURCH MISSION OF THE CHURCH The Mission of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ is: To worship God and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to labor for peace and justice so that the world may become the kingdom of God on earth; To foster within its membership, by its teaching and its ministry, the spirit which was in Christ; To be to its membership and the community a source of spiritual refreshment, guidance, transformation, comfort and support; To impress upon its membership the need for mutual loyalty and charity; To teach its young people the noble traditions of its past; to point them to the possibilities of its future, and to give guidance in the building of Christian character; and To educate and develop its members for consecrated and sacrificial service. VISION OF THE CHURCH so we, who are many, are one body in Christ and individually we are members of one another. (Romans 12:5 NRSV) Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ is a progressive Christian community called by faith, led by hope, and united by love to build strong and committed disciples for Jesus Christ and to be a spiritual presence locally and globally in service to humanity. This vision is lived out through our focus on relationship with the Lord, which produces perspective; scholarship in study of the Scriptures, which produces focus; stewardship awareness in our giving and sharing which produces trust; and fellowship with our sisters and brothers in Christ, which produces unity. Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it, for there is a vision for the appointed time (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NRSV)

3 2014 MONTHLY MEMORY VERSES (FROM THE NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION) GOD S AMAZING LOVE January: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16) August: If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (I Corinthians 13:1) February: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. (Psalm 100:1) March: Worship the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with singing. (Psalm 100:2) September: And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (I Corinthians 13:2) April: Know that the LORD is God. It is He that made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm 100:3) May: Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. (Psalm 100:4) June: For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures for ever, and His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:5) July: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 1 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one s life for one s friends. (John 15:12-13) October: If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (I Corinthians 13:3) November: Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (I Corinthians 13:4-7) December: And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13:13) JULY LECTIONARY READINGS JULY 6TH FORUTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9-12 New Testament: Matthew 11:16-19, Epistle: Romans 7:15-25a JULY 20TH SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament: Genesis 28:10-19a New Testament: Matthew 13:24-30, Epistle: Romans 18:12-25 JULY 13TH FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament: Isaiah 55:10-13 New Testament: Matthew 13:1-9, Epistle: Romans 8:1-11 JULY 27TH SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament: I Kings 3:5-12 New Testament: Matthew 13:31-33, Epistle: Romans 8:26-39

4 On Saturday, May 31, 2014, Wesley Harris, Haki Johnson, Michael Robinson, Jr. and Eric Washington, Jr. became Eagle Scouts at the Eagle Court of Honors ceremony. Eric Washington, Jr. The response from Eagle Scout Eric Ricky Washington, Jr., is included below. Good morning everybody. I would first like to start with a story. It s my first day working at Boy Scout camp and as I wait on the pool deck, Tim, the pool director, walks up to me and introduces me to two scouts from a Troop with disabilities. He tells me that it is my responsibility to teach these youngsters how to swim. After I introduce myself, I run into Tim s office and explain that I am not prepared to teach these kids. However, Tim simply tells me that I can do it. Although I do not know what to expect, trusting in myself, I go back outside and round up my two scouts. I lead them to the pool, and with just a slight hesitation, we jump in. While the chlorine water rushes up our faces, I show them the proper technique on the freestyle swim. Now it s their turn. One kid catches on quickly and starts to swim quite well; however, the other kid doggypaddles over to the wall and calls for me. He tells me that he does not want to put his head under water. I tell him to try. He says he can t. I tell him he can. But he refuses. The next two days the kid doesn t show up. I feel terrible and unaccomplished, so I talk to Tim to see if he can talk to their scoutmaster. Finally, on Thursday I see not just one, but both of my friends alongside their scoutmaster, walking towards the pool. When they get to the pool, I am overwhelmed with excitement. As they enter the pool area, their scoutmaster approaches me and hands me a toy. He tells me that if I drop this into the water, my buddy will grab it. So, after we get into the pool, I drop the toy under water, and before I can even tell him to grab it, he ducks his little head under water, sinks down, and grasps it with a tight grip. I was amazed. After he ducks his head under water once and realizes that the water is not bad at all, he starts bobbing his head in and out of the water for three minutes straight. All I can see are laughs and giggles on these two amazing scouts faces. By the end of the last day, both of the scouts were swimming, quite impressively as a matter of fact. To see these kids who have physical limitations complete the tasks that some fully healthy people can t even complete is mind-boggling. I tell this story because it accurately reflects how scouting has helped me grow and what scouting is all about. However, when most people think of Boy Scouts, they think of guys who tie knots and make fire while camping. While this aspect of Boy Scouting does indeed exist, the real treasure of Boy Scouting is learning how to help others. This is why our scout slogan is do a good turn daily. Today I along with three other great guys will embark on a journey after eagle; a journey that will be filled with struggles but will also be filled with success. Our success will be a product of the special environment and the hardworking role models of Troop 544. All I can say is Troop 544 is a very special troop. Now before I make this speech as long as the scout master minute that my father would turn into ten minutes, completely contradicting the term scout master minute, I would like to conclude by thanking everyone who has made such a positive impact in both my scouting career and life. Thank you to every scout master and assistant scout master who has taught me wrong from right and has disciplined me into a responsible young man. Thank you to the Troop committee. You all do so much planning and organizing and really make the Troop activities enjoyable. Thank you to all of the members of Peoples Church for dealing with us, because we can be a very loud troop at times. Thank you to all the scouts in Troop 544 for making my time memorable. Thanks to all of the past Eagle Scouts who motivated me. Thank you Ms. Wilson and Ms. Bowie for getting me through the tiring Eagle Process. Thank you Mr. Johnson for being a wonderful project coach and for being understanding every time I changed my project. Thank you to Mimi Sokol, John Jolley, and Paul Rosenbaum for being positive role models in my life and writing me letters of recommendation. Thank you Ms. Sharkey for being incredibly kind and flexible, and making what could have been a very difficult process a lot less stressful. And last but certainly not least, thank you Mom and Dad. Without you guys constantly pestering me to finish, I do not think I would be where I am today. You guys have always been there for me and I am truly indebted to all of the hard work you have put into making me the best man I can be. I love you guys so much. Thank you.

5 JUNEHIGHLIGHTS 2014 CONFIRMATION PENTECOST SUNDAY The Confirmands: Ella Amira DeBose, Cleland Elliot Hodges, and Nina Ngozi- Chukwu Emmanuella Ezewuiro Fathers Day Guest Speakers Deacon Rick Lee & Rev. Dr. Anthony Carpenter. Central Atlantic Conference Meeting at University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware Pony rides were a popular attraction at the Church Festival

6 Church Festival attendees grooving to the DJ s beats Fonzie the Clown with some children at the Church Festival We encourage our members and friends to be generous in giving to the Church General Fund. Our doors are open six days a week. We operate with a ministerial team, staff, and volunteers. Our facility doors are open to members, church groups, and the community as a part of our mission and vision for service. Pray and consider becoming a tither. Your generous giving keeps our church empowered to help so many in our community. Online Giving is also available on the website! Go to and click Online Giving Is Peoples Church in your will? To let us know of your planned gift or if you are considering making one, contact our Senior Minister at michaelcmurphy@ymail.com or (202) ALL JULY AND AUGUST OFFERINGS SUPPORT THE CHURCH GENERAL FUND. REMEMBER TO SEND YOUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS TO THE CHURCH WHEN YOU VACATION THIS SUMMER. THANK YOU! BOARD OF TRUSTEES POINT OF CONTACT ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES: Brenda Ewing (202) b-ewing@earthlink.net Orren Cohill (240) orrencohill@yahoo.com BANKING ISSUES: Jeffrey Banks (202) stainedglassjeff@gmail.com BUDGET ISSUES: Steven Bullock (202) steven@bullockslaw.com FACILITIES ISSUES: Esther Williams Yarborough (202) SongirlDC@aol.com INVESTMENT ISSUES: Vence Bonham (517) bonhamv@gmail.com WEBSITE ISSUES: Carolyn Veiga (240)

7 General Information WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK NEWS: our website address is if you have any questions. The website is constantly updated, so click the refresh button when you visit. The Prodder, Website and Facebook Fan Page exist to further the social connect with Peoples United Church of Christ s membership and the community to promote outreach and notice of important church events. The social networking tools are designed for easy mass communication and media sharing. Through the website, members and users can access the Online Giving page to donate to the General Fund; members/ users can view the Events Calendar to participate in the life of the church; members can also advertise church events on the Facebook Fan Page. The website is the new front door of the church, and allows members/ users to interact, communicate, and connect to foster connectivity and community. The Website address is Prodder Guidelines: All announcements and flyers must be submitted by the third Tuesday of the month by 12:00 noon. Announcements and flyers can be ed to Ms. Karen Lawrence, Executive Assistant, at klawrence@peopleschurchucc.org, to the church account, info@peopleschurchucc.org, or faxed to (202) Do not mail information. Announcements should be no more than 90 words and should be informational about Peoples Church events or members and their families. Announcements may be edited. If you would like to have a flyer inserted in the Prodder, please contact Ms. Lawrence for more information. MINISTERS ADDRESSES: Rev. Dr. Michael C Murphy, Senior Minister: michaelcmurphy@ymail.com Rev. Leslie Dowdell Cannon, Senior Associate Minister: ldcannon@peopleschurchucc.org CHURCH MODERATOR S ADDRESS: Yvonne Hinkson, Church Moderator yhmoderator@gmail.com Facility Reservations: If you wish to reserve space for an event and/or activity, please contact Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, at the church office on (202) or yhunter@peopleschurchucc.org to complete a reservation contract. Facility reservations can also be made online through the church s website: Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis; however, religious events and funerals take precedence. Peoples Church is a multiuse venue so reservations are necessary to ensure competing needs are met efficiently and to specification. Member and non-member reservation fees are available. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF (202) (202) Fax info@peopleschurchucc.org (National Setting) Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, yhunter@peopleschurchucc.org Ms. Karen Lawrence, Executive Assistant, klawrence@peopleschurchucc.org Mr. Frank Blakeney, Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Gerald Ford, Maintenance George Porter, Maintenance HOURS OF OPERATION SUMMER CHURCH BUILDING HOURS: Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesday: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. : 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

8 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Church School Pre-K Adult Bible Class Men s Bible Study Youth Ministry GROW Ministry Prayer Meeting Prayer Meeting Bible Study 2nd and 4th 4th Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Elmes Center Nursery Corbin Lounge Small Lounge Youth Lounge Room 203 A & B Small Lounge Corbin Lounge Corbin Lounge Chancel Choir Fellowship Choir Rhythmic Choir Men s Chorus Children s Choir Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday CHOIR REHEARSALS 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CHURCH BOARDS MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULES Board of Christian Education Board of Trustees Christian Social Action Church Council Board of Deacons 1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday 2nd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday Saturday Before the 1st 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 noon PEOPLES NEIGHBORHOOD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Hours of Operation: : 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 1:15 p.m. Tuesday: By Appointment Call (202) Saturday: 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ALTAR: To order a designer floral arrangement to remember your loved one or recognize a special day, contact Vernandi Richardson (301) or Diane Miller (202) for additional information. Celebrating Our July People

9 STUDENT RECOGNITION SUNDAY 2014