God has called us to build a community that invites, welcomes, loves and accepts all people
for the purpose of being transformed into deeply committed Christians.


Our Mission is “To make disciples of Jesus Christ by Loving God, others, and self.”



Outreach    Community Building    Visitors    Seniors    Youth    Children & Families    Week Ahead    Other   

7108 Fern Circle, Middletown, MD 21769-7427
301-371-5550 (voice)       301-473-8090 (fax)       MtownUMC@aol.com        www.mumcmd.org


September 6 & 7, 2008


Outreach

Food Bank Donations Needed!

Please drop off your food donations in the box in the lobby (across from the coat closet). Canned goods, cereals, soup, juice, all-in-one meals, peanut butter, jelly and paper goods are needed!

THANK YOU to everyone who donated all the wonderful baby items. Your response was AMAZING! Madeline is now working with a young women who is in need of all kinds of furniture. If you can help please call Madeline Burke.

MUMC Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on Monday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. If you made a shawl over the summer, please bring it Monday night. This is an ongoing ministry to make Shawls for our shut-ins and seriously ill members. All knitters and crocheters are welcome to join this ministry. For more information contact Paula Biggs or Peggy Bishop

John Schol, Bishop of the Washington Area of the United Methodist Church will be at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Frederick on Thursday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m. All laity are invited to attend and meet our bishop.

Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness in our area. The Middletown project, 213 Jefferson Street, is sponsored and managed by churches in Middletown Valley, including MUMC. Sponsorship includes volunteer management, labor and financial support. This month’s Love Offering will go directly to the Middletown Habitat project. Volunteers (no construction experience needed) can work all or any part of Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Diane Lowe, our parish nurse, will be available in the church office for blood pressure screening!


Community Building

MUMC’s Music Programs start this week!

There is a place for everyone in one of MUMC’s music programs. Choirs are offered for children ages 4 through high school and Adults. If singing is not your thing, you may want to try ringing handbells or playing in the church orchestra. There are also opportunities for vocalists and instrumentalists with the Living Stones and the Living Waters which provide music at the 9:45 a.m. worship service. Please pick up a music opportunity handout in the church lobby to find out all the specific details or contact Pam Mathews.

Krispy Creme Doughnuts are COMING

They will be available between services on Sunday, September 14th, for $8 a dozen. Proceeds benefit VIM team Africa.

Family Ministry Director

MUMC is seeking a Family Ministry Director with a strong Christ-centered connection who is creative and outgoing. This is a part time paid position (10 hours/week) responsible for family outreach (both within the congregation and in the community) with active involvement in hospitality, evangelism and our children’s programs which serve families with children from birth to age 12. For more information, contact Rev. Susan Halse or Amy Byard.

Sign up in the lobby to join a potluck dinner group which meets in the homes of participants starting in September and then monthly through December. Each of the four persons/couples in the group hosts one of the dinners and provides the main dish and drinks, while the other participants provide the sides/dessert. Dinners will be scheduled by the group members. Sponsored by the fellowship ministry.

The UMMen Small Group Study will meet Sunday, September 7th from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in room 206S. The group is studying “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” a book written by Philip Yancey. All men of the church are invited to attend this study group. For more information, contact Ron Forrester.

Calling All Scrap Bookers
Our group will have its 1st fall meeting on Friday, September 12th from 6:00 p.m. until midnight. All are welcome and there is no cost to join. Bring your supplies and spend the evening working on your albums and fellowshipping! Friends are welcome! RSVP to Heather Smith. Can’t make this one? Join us October 10th, November 14th and December 5th.

Get Acquainted Luncheon
For persons interested in exploring membership at MUMC, meet and eat with us this Sunday, September 7th at noon in the Social Hall. Childcare is available. This time of fellowship will provide the opportunity to learn more about the United Methodist Church in general and our congregation in particular. We believe this will equip you to be more involved in ministry with us.

MIDDLETOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ORNAMENT HAS ARRIVED

The Adult Ministries fundraiser is currently underway. Please take a look at the 3-dimensional, 24k gold-flashed brass ornament of MUMC on display at the Information area in the lobby. This beautiful gold ornament comes in a red gift box with a clear see-through lid. Order your ornaments this weekend and nex weekend (September 6th & 7th and 13th & 14th). Pickup on the following two weeks (September 20th & 21sup>st and 27th & 28th). Great gift idea for family, friends, and those in our congregation who have moved away. Only $12 each!

United Methodist Women sponsors 4 Circles which meet monthly. Come experience fellowship, Christ-centered spiritual growth and encouragement in our shared journey of faith at every season of our lives.

Circle Meetings - Monthly Women’s Get Together’s
JOIN US in the Gathering Room!!

Hope Circle - 2nd Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Serendipity Circle - 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Friendship Circle - (WILL MEET September 18th this month) 2nd Thursday at 9:15 a.m.
Faith Circle - 4th Monday at 10:00 a.m.


For more information about the UMW, contact Lisa Coles.


Children & Families

Welcome Back!!
A New Year of Sunday School Classes
Begins this weekend (September 7th) during the 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.
All Classes are Open to EVERYONE!!!
Register in the lobby or classroom!


9:45 a.m. Classes
•  Ages 3 year old through 5th grade - Meet in downstairs preschool area
•  Middle School - 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Classes - Meet in the Education Building
•  High School Classes - Meet in the Church Parsonage basement
Middle and High School classes use a combination of small group discussion, Bible reading, activities, mission projects, games and videos during class.
•  Adult Classes - Meet in Room 204S (Bible Study) and Gathering Room (Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White)

11:00 a.m. Classes
•  Combined class for ages 3 through 9 years - Meet in the Sanctuary and then go to class
•  Brand New! Tweens class for ages 10 through 13 years - Meet in the Sanctuary and then go to class
•  "In His Steps" - Focus on Core Purpose of our Faith (Gathering Room)
•  Adult Class - Meet in the Gathering Room (Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White)

Bible Sunday

Fourth Graders (or older, who have not received a Bible) are invited to receive their very own Bible at the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, September 28th. We have the following 4th graders on our rolls, if your child is not listed (or is older and would like to receive a Bible), please contact the church office, 301-371-5550.
Jake Buchanan, Jared Carlson, Julia Cipolla, Andi Cregan, James Dent, Jonathan Dent, Shannon Duley, Evan Falcinelli, Abby Farrand, Sidney Hohl, Robbie Houck, Claire Hunt, Emma Hunt, Heather Irvine, Haley Johns-Barylski, Garrett Johnson, Alex Kleinhanzl, Kaley Laughlin, Jacob Main, Braden Martin, Davis Monhallon, Robert Prescott, Ricky Schmidgall, Kristyn Staley, Alyssa Talerico.

The MUMC Health Ministry will present a special 6-week health series at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays in the Social Hall (September 21st through October 26th).

Expert speaker presentations will touch on topics such as:
• Long-term care for myself and/or loved ones
• Financial aspects of long-term care
  • Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; catastrophic accidents; severe and/or chronic illness
  • Care options
  • Spiritual, ethical, and emotional decisions


Thanks !!!

Lucille Martin would like to thank all her church friends for the lovely cards sent to her this past week for her birthday!


Looking Ahead to Fall - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Sunday, September 7th9:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. - Sunday School for ALL AGES Begins
 12 Noon - New Member Luncheon
Week of September 8thSmall Group Ministry Begins
Sunday, September 21st  2:00 p.m. - Six week Health Ministry Series Begins
 “What Do I Do Now: Navigating Life’s Changes: Am I Prepared?”
 Special Speakers will address topics such as:
 
  • Long Term Care
  • Elder Law
  • Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and other chronic illnesses
  • Finances
  • Spiritual, ethical and emotional decisions
  •  5:00 p.m. - Confirmation Parent/Child/Sponsor Meeting
    Sunday, September 28th4th Grade Bible Sunday
     Sunday School Teacher Dedication/Appreciation


    Senior News

    S’AGES - Monday, September 8th at Noon - Birthday club for Seniors and Retirees. Our faithful ladies will be back to fix our lunch.


    S’AGES Two - will not meet this month.


    Faith Circle - Monday, September 22th at 10:00 a.m. - We’ll discuss the next chapter in our book. ALL are Welcome to join!!.


    Van-Goers - Thursday, September 25th at 9:30 a.m. - Tour the new Frederick News Post building with lunch afterward. Tour conducted by our own church member, Myron Randall.


    Transportation Needs - (Doctors, groceries, etc.) Call Carol Anne Rowe to make arrangements.


    For more information about our Senior Groups, contact Kitty Kefauver.




    Youth Group Schedule


    Sunday, September 7th from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. - Youth Group

    Parent/Youth (8th - 12th Grade) Small Group - The next meeting is Wednesday, September 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Jr/Sr High Rooms in the Education building.

    Contact Beth Tice or Chris Bishop at chris@lifeforceyouth.com for information about our youth group OR check out the Youth Web site at Lifeforceyouth.com.


    The Week Ahead

    Sunday, September 7th

    Family Ministries Camping at Greenbrier State Park

      8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.    Worship

      9:45 a.m.    Sunday School for All Ages

    11:00 a.m.    Sunday School for All Ages

    11:00 a.m.    "In His Steps"

    11:00 a.m.    Living Waters Rehearsal - Music Room

    12:00 noon    New Member Lunch - Social Hall

    12:00 noon    Nursery Committee - Room 204S (Library)

    12:30 p.m.    UMMen Small Group - Room 206S (Classroom)

      6:00 p.m.    Small Group - Room 206S (Classroom)

      6:00 p.m.    Youth Group - Social Hall/Kitchen


    Monday, September 8th

      9:15 a.m.    Yoga (Morgan) - Sanctuary

    12:00 noon    S'Ages One - Social Hall

      6:00 p.m.    Charles Wesley Choir - Music Room

      6:45 p.m.    John Wesley Choir - Music Room

      7:00 p.m.    Trustees - Room 204S (Library)

      7:30 p.m.    Youth Choir - Music Room

      7:30 p.m.    Hope Circle - Gathering Room


    Tuesday, September 9th

      6:00 p.m.    Art for the Spirit - Room 206S (Classroom)

      7:00 p.m.    Stewardship-Circle Leaders Meeting - Social Hall

      7:30 p.m.    Serendipity Circle - Gathering Room


    Wednesday, September 10th

      9:15 a.m.    Pilates (Morgan) - Sanctuary

      4:30 p.m.    Yoga (Trexler) - Sanctuary

      6:15 p.m.    Handbell Choir - Social Hall


    Thursday, September 11th

      7:00 p.m.    Boundaries for Adults - Gathering Room

      7:30 p.m.    Adult Choir - Music Room

      7:30 p.m.    Living Stones - Sanctuary


    Friday, September 12th

      9:00 a.m.    Friday Morning Study - Room 206S (Classroom)


    Saturday, September 13th

      5:00 p.m.    Worship Service - Sanctuary

    Sunday, September 14th New Members Join

      8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.    Worship

      9:45 a.m.    Sunday School for All Ages

      9:45 a.m.    Parenting Class - Gathering Room

    11:00 a.m.    Sunday School for All Ages

    11:00 a.m.    Living Waters/Orchestra Rehearsal - Music Room

      6:00 p.m.    Youth Group & Parent Meeting - Social Hall/Kitchen

      6:30 p.m.    FUEL Worship Service - Sanctuary)




    FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR

    Flowers on the altar are given in celebration of the 2nd wedding anniversary of Margo Trexler and Bob Clayton.




    New Stewardship Sermon Series Begins Next Weekend

    Living in Response to God’s Extravagant Love
    DateTheme Preacher
    September 13th - 14th“Accept the Invitation to a Life of PRAYER” Bill Bennett
    September 20th - 21st“Accept the Invitation to be PRESENT in the Community” Susan Halse
     
    Giving in Response to God’s Extravagant Love
    September 27th - 28th“Accept the Invitation to give our GIFTS” Chris Bishop
    October 4th - 5th“Accept the Invitation to SERVE Christ in others” Susan Halse
    October 11th - 12th“Accept the Invitation to COMMITMENT” Susan Halse



    Just a friendly reminder:
    The deadlines for MUMC publications are the 3rd Sunday of the month for the
    Newsletter (mumcnewsletter@aol.com) and 9:00 a.m. Wednesday mornings for the
    Weekly Bulletin (Mtownumc@aol.com). Please submit your articles either by e-mail
    or leave them in the church office. Thanks!!!


    Welcome to All Visitors!

    Please stop at the visitor information desk in the church lobby to find out more about the programs and ministries of this church.

    You are invited to stop by the social hall before or after worship services to enjoy a time together that is intended to nourish both the body and soul.

    Families are invited to use the “Family Area” in the back corner of the sanctuary, or the nursery/childcare is available. Please ask an usher for help finding the childcare rooms.

    Restrooms / family restrooms are located across the lobby and down the hall.

    Hearing Assistance equipment is available for use during the service. Please see an usher in the back of the sanctuary.

    New to Our Church? New to Faith? Have Questions?

    MUMC’s “In His Steps” series is designed to emphasize the core purposes in our journey of faith. “In His Steps” includes the following:

    Step 1 - Knowing Your Church Family - September 7th and November 9th

    Step 2 - Becoming Deeply Committed Christians - September 21st and November 23rd

    Step 3 - Identifying your Ministries - December 7th

    Step 4 - Sharing Your Faith - December 21st

    Each class is offered every other month for 1 hour on Sunday at 11:00 a.m., call the office at 301-371-5550 or sign up in the lobby.


    Rev. Dr. Susan Halse, Pastor
    Rev. Chris Bishop, Associate Pastor
    Rev. Bill Bennett, Deacon

    E-Mail Our Pastors and Sunday morning messages!

    To contact Susan/Bill/Chris confidentially, or to leave a message regarding Sunday morning services/activities,
    e-mail your questions, comments or concerns to: mumcpastor@hotmail.com

    This will be checked on Sunday mornings if you are trying to contact the church on the weekend!



    To Contact the MUMC church office

    Call 301-371-5550         Fax 301-473-8090

    Church E-mail              Mtownumc@aol.com

    Preschool                     MUMCPreschool@aol.com 301-371-8681

    Kids Club/PTO            MUMCKidsclub@aol.com  301-371-8680

    MUMC website           www.mumcmd.org

     

    Altar Flowers

    If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please check the flower chart in the lobby (on the bulletin board across from the restrooms in the hall). Please sign your name as well as the occasion or person you would like to recognize. If you would like it listed in the bulletin, please call Mary in the church office by Wednesday morning.

     

    Baptisms and Weddings

    Please contact Mary Payne, church secretary, to schedule all weddings and baptisms.