Issue 5
May 2009
Pastor’s Message
WHEN FAITH AND FOCUS
INTERSECT
The Beacon
ST. PAUL AT OXON HILL
A CONGREGATION OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Eugene Peterson writing in his contemporary rendering of Romans 12: 1-2 says this:
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your
everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work-,
and walking around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can
do for him. Don’t be so well adjusted to your culture that you fit
into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on
God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize
what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the
culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings
the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
I am glad to report that the first quarter of 2009 has been an outstanding example of
how faith and focus intersect to create a positive outcome. While many churches have
reported financial shortfalls during the first three months of this year, St. Paul actually
reported an increase in giving. There are several factors contributing to this good report. We challenged our church family to prioritize their giving to God to share their
resources and many of you placed God at the top of your giving priorities. Thanks be to
God! To be more specific, we have actually witnessed many people increasing their
weekly minimum gift (proportional giving) to fifty dollars or more. Additionally more
people are tithing (giving at least 10 percent) of their income and others have moved
beyond tithing and are giving at the level of First-Fruits (10 percent +). First Fruits,
tithing and proportional giving all represent a generous response to God’s provision in
our lives.
Another important dynamic at work is the success of our new leadership structure that
we implemented January 1, 2009. Full implementation of our Alignment, Investment
and Maturity strategy is resulting in a combined focus toward achieving our strategic
objectives as a church family. Those objects for 2009 are:
◦ Moving From a Membership to a Discipleship Model
◦ Increasing Our Christian Stewardship of Time, Talents, Gifts, Service
and Witness
◦ Developing A Missional Heart For Outreach to Our Community
◦ Engaging Our Community Through Evangelistic Witness
(continued on page 2)
Special points of interest:
Inside this issue:
2009 Church Council
4
Lay Leader’s Corner
4
• Library Corner
• Café Agape
Christian Education/Spiritual Formation
5&6
• Women In White Worship and Pledge Service
• Graduations and Awards
Risk Taking Mission & Service
7
• Scholarships/Summer Jobs/Internships
Radical Hospitality
8
• Call for “Highlighters”
SHARE Menu and Schedule
9
• Message from TCRC
(continued from page 1)
Moving To A Discipleship Model
Some members have accused me of trying to destroy the traditional Sunday School. I am leading us into a different model of Spiritual Formation. Some of our old models of teaching are now obsolete. When you have been
doing something the same way for fifty years, but the method is not producing growth, it is time to change the
method. Our newer classes are reporting a significant increase in first time attendees and visitors are excited
about our interactive learning opportunities.
Our mid-week day time Bible Study has the largest attendance of all of our Bible Study classes, and it includes
several persons from throughout the community. We will continue to add additional learning settings for people
who are new to the Christian faith because that’s where our growth opportunities are.
Increasing Our Christian Stewardship
We are going to need to raise about $40,000 above our present budget needs to fully implement a new audio-visual
ministry throughout our facility. This project will bring screens and other technologies into our main sanctuary,
our fellowship hall and our classrooms. Audio Visual technology of today is what the library has been to so many
of us throughout our lives; a window into the world. I have enough faith in God and trust in you to catch this vision and generously support it. Let me say again that these special gifts cannot be taken from our regular generous
giving, but must be above and beyond our current tithes and offerings. Some members have already caught this
vision and are supporting with generous financial support – thank you for funding the vision. Some of you are saying, but pastor what about the on-going maintenance needs of our church? They will always be there and careful
planning and stewardship by our Trustees and Finance ministries will see to it that our on going maintenance needs
get taken care of.
More information is on the way regarding our stewardship education and execution plans. Next month we have a
budget summit scheduled and our leadership teams will begin the hard work of prioritizing our spending for 2010
and beyond.
Developing A Heart For Missional Outreach
Your generous support of our local schools, our clothing and food bank, our participation in the SHARE program,
the generous support our United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women provide to local and global needs
and your weekly support of emergency housing, utilities and other support systems are nothing short of phenomenal. Warm Nights, our week of housing homeless families, was a great act of radical hospitality. In the weeks
ahead you are going to be asked to partner with several of the shoe stores in our community as we buy shoes for
needy school aged children. Your monthly support of our Conference Apportionments is another significant way
that we help people who are less fortunate than we are. St. Paul is a giving church and it shows in your commitment to reach out and touch the lives of people in need.
Engaging Our Community Through Evangelistic Witness
Our Communications ministry has been working with a new vendor to create for St. Paul an interactive first class
website that will launch soon. There have been a lot of hours spent behind the scenes creating what we believe will
become a great portal for members, seekers, visitors, and others to interact with St. Paul. Recently we have begun
to attract convention visitors who are attending events at the National Harbor. This is not by accident. We are developing an intentional outreach strategy to invite visitors and staff of the National Harbor to St. Paul. When we
experience the completed project you will be proud of the extraordinary efforts of our Communications Ministry.
Growing disciples constantly seek opportunities to expand God’s Kingdom. In 2010 we should expect our worship
attendance to increase at least by 100 persons weekly. If you haven’t noticed, we are already experiencing consistent growth in both of our Sunday worship services.
Page 2
THE BEACON
(continued from page 2)
Our Commitment to Grow
Here is what visitors say that would be the tipping point for them to join our ministry. More diverse music. What we do now in music is good; the addition of our new youth choir is a hit. Now we need to add
a young adult/contemporary choir to our music ministry. More ministry opportunities for young families.
Our nursery needs to be spruced up; mid-week evening offerings need to provide child care, and we must
increase our daytime offerings for seniors. While technology won’t solve all these problems, with our
projected interactive learning offerings, broadcast of worship services, digital and downloadable media;
we are moving in the right direction. But at the end of the day, there is nothing like “High Touch”. High
touch occurs when people come through our doors and experience the love of Christ through warm and
sincere fellowship and life transformation.
You Can Make A Difference
Somewhere in all of the words that you have read is an invitation from God for you to personally get involved in one of the many growth opportunities at St. Paul. If you have been serving, thank you. Perhaps you are ready to take on a new challenge. I am also aware that people sitting on our pews have boatloads of experience and know of persons or organizations who can assist us in achieving our strategic objectives. Please be an angel and help facilitate those connections. If you are just attending on Sunday,
but have not yet found a place to serve between the Sundays’ please contact me at 301.567.4433 or
rsmothers@stpumcmd.org and let’s talk about your involvement in this ministry.
Eugene Peterson again helps us in his contemporary version of the Scriptures as recorded in Matthew
28:18-20:
“God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and
near, in this way of life, marking them by baptizing in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this,
day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
In Awe of God's Faithfulness,
Pastor Smothers
ISSUE 5
Page 3
CHURCH COUNCIL
Brenda Mason
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded and from the one who has been
entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:47)
Much is being asked and much has been done by the members of the Church Council. The Council has completed
the first quarter with “plenty of good news.” Many of the building issues have been addressed. Yes, we know that
there is more to do, but the Trustees keep chipping away and crossing off their list of items to be completed. The
Finance area has given the church very good news. The ministry area chairs are working diligently in their respective work areas. Radical Hospitality reported on a very successful first quarter, including the work of the Hospitality ministry, Warm Nights, Birthday Committee and congregational care. Our Passionate Worship team continues
to enhance our worship experience. They reported much positive feedback regarding the Lenten season series of
worship services. Intentional Faith Development continues to expand the spiritual learning experience here at St.
Paul and has begun the first phase of standing up our web page enterprise. The audio visual ministry is also in the
midst of improvements in that area. Risk Taking Mission and Service continues to expand its mission of outreach
through Café Agape, gaining new partners in health and wellness programs, and the tutorial program. The Lay
Leadership Committee is working to find willing and qualified candidates to fill vacant positions in the church.
We applaud the Committee for its continuing work.
I am pleased to announce that Mr. Ricky Hill is the new Vice Chairman of the Church Council. His nomination
was confirmed by the Council at it’s April 28 meeting. A hearty welcome to Mr. Hill.
Next Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m.
LAY LEADER’S CORNER
Gwendolyn Terrell
Blessings and peace to each of you!
I am sure you are aware of how swiftly the time is passing. It seems that January was just here and we were preparing to begin our goals and objectives for 2009. Well, look, here we are now ready to evaluate the progress
we’ve made. We’ve come this far by faith, and faith will certainly carry us on toward our goal.
So, why not evaluate yourself. How are you doing on this “spiritual journey”? Have you joined one of the small
group classes? Have you attended Sunday School or the “Early Bird” classes? Have you attended a Church Council meeting? Have you attended a Finance Ministry meeting? The church needs your input! The church needs
your ideas and service. Come to find out how you can help your church to move ahead! Each member of St. Paul
is asked to find out how you can join and help.
Remember, you are one of Christ’s ambassadors. Therefore, it is your Christian duty to lead others to the Savior so
that they become citizens of the eternal kingdom we represent.
There has been nothing but high praises for services that began Ash Wednesday at St. Paul. Some of the faithful
members attended all of the Wednesday services. Then on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter (6:30 a.m. and
11:00 a.m.) services—the praises continued to be shouted. Oh! The Sunday School classes even showed how
excellently they can perform. Thank you to every single person that participated for any occasion
during the season (Lent and Easter).
As always, keep a prayer on your lips and love in your heart for our church, as well as churches
all over the world.
Don’t forget our sick and shut-in.
God bless you!
Page 4
THE BEACON
Christian Education
Spiritual Formation
Deborah Johnson
GET CONNECTED!
We welcome you to get connected in May! We have four new Spiritual Formation study groups starting on May 6.
We will have a kick-off starting May 6 with a light dinner and information session starting at 6:15 p.m. Prayer Connection will start at 6:45 p.m. and classes begin at 7:15 p.m.. This session of Wednesday evening classes will last
eight weeks.
Companions in Christ will focus on Parts 4 and 5. Each part is free standing. You may join this group even if you
did not participate in Parts 1-3. Part 4 will focus on the Responding to Our Call and Part 5 will focus on Spiritual
Guidance.
Serving From the Heart, Finding Your Gifts and Talents for Service focuses on identifying and exploring your
spiritual gifts. During this class you will study how to hit your S.T.R.I.D.E. as you serve God.
Three Simple Rules to change your world is the second topic in the Baltimore Washington Conference Adventure
Immersion Series. In this call, the study focuses on John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules: Do No Harm, Do Good and
Stay in Love With God.
Leadership Disciplines – This is a Four week study exploring leadership principles.
Continuing Study
Sunday School classes begin at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday. There are classes for grades Pre-Kindergarten through
Adults. We also have Disciple I and Disciple II classes that meet during the Sunday School hour.
Early Bird Bible Class meets on 9:45 a.m. each Sunday. The current topic is Spiritual Warfare.
Journey of a Lifetime Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.. This class focuses on an in-depth walk
through the Bible studying people, places and times related to the Scripture study.
Four of our existing ministries now include intentional faith building Bible study as part of their ministry meeting.
They are Finance, Liturgical Dance, United Methodist Men and Ushers.
Are you looking for a CONNECTIONS opportunity that meets your schedule and your interests? The Spiritual Formation team would like to hear from you. It is possible to have classes on other days of the week and at other times.
Call or email Deborah Johnson with your suggestion (301-567-4433 or djohnson@stpumcmd.org)
.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
Phillippians 4:8 (NIV)
ISSUE 5
Page 5
SPIRITUAL FORMATION/CHRISTIAN EDUCATION,
Continued from page 5
Shout Hallelujah for the Sunday School Easter Program
A huge Praise God and thank you to the entire Sunday School family for the presentation on Easter Sunday of “The
Holy Week in Story and Song”. Evelyn Burns, Assistant. Superintendent of the Sunday School was the director
and guiding force of the team for this event. Each team leader took the lead in adding their vision to the outline Sister Burns provided. Thank you also to the parents, the support team, and especially to you. Your presence added to
our joy. Praise God!!
Vacation Bible School – July 27-31, 2009
The theme for Vacation Bible School is “On The Move, God’s Grace From Place to Place”. Vacation Bible
School is for everyone, in every age group. There will also be a multi-generational class where several age groups
will study together. This year we will have at least one early bird class (4:00 PM) and move the meal time to 6:15
PM. Our studies will take us on a Spiritual walk through subjects of justice, greatness, blessings, truth and reconciliation. We will also take a tour of several cities through film, storytelling, and drama. Sign up sheets for team
members are posted on the bulletin board and in the Education Resource office. Registration will take place in late
June.
Upcoming Events
Next Spiritual Formation Team Meeting is June 18th at 6:30 PM.
**********************************
LIBRARY CORNER
submitted by Arnette C. White
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
BOOK HIGHLIGHT
“Seasons of a Woman’s Life”
by
Lois Evans
First Lady Evans divides her book into three parts: The Season of Seed-Planting, The Season of Growth, and The Season of
Harvest.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto
him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
VISIT YOUR LIBRARY
CHURCH LOWER LEVEL
Page 6
THE BEACON
RISK TAKING MISSSION AND SERVICE
Pat Jackson
Glassmanor Elementary School
1011 Marcy Avenue
Oxon Hill, MD 20744
Pat Jackson
Saint Paul United Methodist Church
6634 Saint Barnabas Road
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Dear Saint Paul United Methodist Church
Yes, We Can is our 2009 theme!
As the Principal at Glassmanor Elementary School located in Oxon Hill, MD, I believe we can. Many of the children in our community come from needy families living in neighborhoods plagued by drugs and violence. Some come from broken homes with abusive,
neglectful, and/or absent caregivers. The majority of the parents are hardworking people who have the best of intentions for their children,
but do not have the time or education to maximize their input into their children’s education.
Consequently, we are reaching out to the community. Specifically, we are seeking volunteers to provide services such as parenting skills, financial management, and public health. Also, we are looking for volunteers/instructors to help organize or direct parents to
community after school activities, such as dance, chess, soccer, or after school computer or language classes.
We look forward to speaking with you or a representative of your organization, and availing ourselves of whatever services you
are able to offer.
Sincerely,
Diane Jones, Principal
If you are interested in participating in our Educational Outreach Program,
Contact Pat Jackson,
Risk Taking Mission and Service Ministry Area Chair, 301-292-2972
ISSUE 5
Page 7
TANNER COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER—PANTRY
Verdelle Sands
Thanks for your continued support!!!!
The forty-four SHARE packages received this year and the contributions received from benevolent offerings and donations have helped the Pantry continue to give to “all who come” a bag or two of groceries.
Patronage has increase due to our weakened economy. The Pantry recently served twenty-seven families
in a three hour period. The volunteers met the challenge without skipping a beat. The first quarter’s performance report reflected the increasing number of families who are in need.
The Pantry has received financial support this year from individuals, church benevolent offerings and social organizations. Employees of IRS offices in Oxon Hill have committed to a 2009 contribution. We will
receive it at their annual picnic. The State has not named fiscal year 2009 grant recipients.
The clothes closet is an added resource for Pantry patrons. A lady came wearing thongs in March and left
wearing shoes and a smile.
Thanks for your donations.
RADICAL HOSPITALITY
Reverend Johnsie W. Cogman
Bishop Robert Schnase, in his book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations – Cultivating Fruitfulness, provides
us the following definitions:
“Christian hospitality is the active desire to invite, welcome, receive and care for those who are strangers so that they
find a spiritual home and discover for themselves the unending richness of life in Christ. Radical hospitality describes
that which is drastically different from ordinary practices, outside the normal, that which exceeds expectations and
goes the second mile.” (p.7)
As I pondered these definitions, I began to think about things we do every day. Then I asked myself, how can we transition from regular hospitality to RADICAL hospitality? Here is a very small list of things we already do; I solicit your
assistance in making the list even longer. Fill in the blanks and put your ideas in the Radical Hospitality box in the
mail room or slide them under my office door. You may even e-mail me your ideas at jcogman@stpumcmd.org. I am
eager to hear how we can impact the lives of God’s people by practicing RADICAL hospitality daily!
- Rev. Johnsie W Cogman
Regular Hospitality
Hospitality
◘ Smiling while inviting someone to church
☺ Smiling while you ride together to church
◘ Eating a meal with someone ill
☺ Cooking, delivering and eating together
◘ Giving a hymnal to a church guest
☺ Opening the hymnal to the page then giving
◘ Telling someone where the restroom is
☺ Showing someone where the restroom is
◘ Smiling at a mother with a crying infant
☺ Assisting the mother with the crying infant
◘ Celebrating children in Sunday School
☺ Picking up children to bring to Sunday School
◘ Sharing scriptures with a youth
☺ Buying a Study Bible for a youth
_______________________________
____________________________________
________________________________
____________________________________
Page 8
THE BEACON
SHARE Menu for the Month of May
Value Package
$19.50
Split Chicken Breasts
Beef Hot Dogs
Smoked Sausage w/ Cheddar Cheese
Roast Beef Deli Meat
Orders must be placed and paid by Sunday, May 3, 2009.
Delivery date is Saturday, May 16. Orders must be picked
up at the designated time of 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Orders not
picked up will be donated to some needy family or individual. Orders cannot be left in the refrigerator or freezer at St.
Paul. Orders cannot be held over.
Order Dates
Frozen Peaches
Sunday, April 26, 2009 after each service
Chicken Hot Pockets
Saturday, May 2, 2009—9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Potatoes/Onions
Sunday, May 3, 2009 after each service
4—6 other fruit, vegetable and
grocery items
May Grill Special
$19.50
1 lb. Sirloin Steaks
1 lb. Boneless Pork Chops
1 lb. Boneless Chicken Breasts
Note: Additionally, envelopes will be provided on the easel in the hallway. You may complete the order form, put
it in the envelope with the exact amount and place it in
the collection plate or turn it in to the office (when it is
open).
1 lb. Lean Hamburger
2 lbs. St. Louis Ribs
4 Convenient Payment Methods: EBT/Food Stamp, Debit/Credit Card,
Cash, or Money Order
ANNOUNCEMENT
If you’d like to receive all future editions of
The Beacon
electronically, please provide your name and e-mail address
and place the completed form in the box provided in the Narthex
You’ll be the first to receive The
ISSUE 5
Beacon
Page 9
Café Agape Presents
An Evening of Jazz and Blues
with
Lori Williams Chisholm
www.lorijazz.com
Lori Williams and Friends Jazz Combo
Straight Ahead and Contemporary Inspirational Jazz Music
May 15, 2009 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Friday Night Jazz & Fish Fry
Donation: $5.00, plus the cost of food.
“CAFÉ AGAPE” is a contemporary community outreach ministry of St. Paul United Methodist Church. “Agape” is a Greek word
translated in the New Testament of the Bible as "love" or "charity." Once each month, “CAFÉ AGAPE” creates a place of love and
fellowship for all ages. Everyone can come and enjoy themselves, music, poetry, dance, good conversation and great food!
St. Paul United Methodist Church
6634 Saint Barnabas Road -- Oxon Hill, MD-- (301) 567-4433
Rev. Dr. Rodney Thomas Smothers, Senior Pastor
COME OUT FOR GREAT MUSIC AND FOOD!!
Page 10
THE BEACON
THE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
will celebrate their 29th
WOMEN IN WHITE
Worship and Pledge Service
TODAY
Sunday, May 3, 2009
4:00 p.m.
St. Paul at Oxon Hill
Theme: Who’s at the Table—All God’s Children
Come out and bring your family, friends, and colleagues
See how the United Methodist Women answer the biblical and contemporary question,
“Who’s at the table?”
Guest Speaker: Reverend Carletta D. Allen
Locust United Methodist Church, Columbia, Maryland
Musical Selections by our Special Youth Guests!
You will be spiritually enriched
Sister Jean Ivory, Chair
Sister Carolyn Tyson, Co-Chair
Sister Arlene Grose, President
Reverend Dr. Rodney T. Smothers, Pastor
ISSUE 5
Page 11
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Gloria Terrell
Esther Pugh
5106 Stonecat Court
5107 South Barnaby Road
Waldorf, MD 20603
Temple Hills, MD 20748
Rhonda and Lamont Jamerson
6114 Rose Bay Drive
Forestville, MD 20747
OUR SICK AND SHUT-IN
Anna Benbow
Lola Branch
Joan Byrd
Yvonne Frederick
James Harris
Lavette Johnson
Please call, visit and pray for our sick and shut-in. Telephone numbers and addresses are available
from the church office
Heartfelt prayers and sincere sympathy are extended to:
Gloria Wines on the death of her niece, Sylvia Wilson and her brother, James Reid
Elton Lassiter on the death of his grandmother, Cora Mae Lassiter
Cheryl Sultzer on the death of her cousin, Christine Waters
Page 12
THE BEACON
MAY BIRTHDAYS
Rhonda Jamerson
2
Reverend Peter Ortiz
14
Michelle Fitts
2
Mary Peterbark
14
Bradford Lassiter
2
Tane’ishia Tyler
16
LaTia Kirby
3
Audrey Challenger
17
Odessa Holliman
4
Franeka Kirby
17
Euthina M. Dorsey
4
Doris Toliver
17
Judy Adams
5
Franklin Kirby
18
Cleopatra Brooks
6
Rayleigh Payne
18
Kellie Buck
7
Sheniqua Harris
19
Eloise Russell
7
Nicole Hazel
19
Ruth Derr
8
Bernice Thompson
22
Patricia Sparger
8
Thelma D. Wike
22
Richard Jackson
9
Lola Branch
24
Terrence J. Watson
10
David Holliman
28
Marcell Brown
11
Eartha Chisolm
31
Sallie Lassiter
12
Chad Smith
31
Robert Gaines
13
PRAYER LIST
God of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our church and community, and for all
who are in need of prayer. Amen
Nathaniel Baccus
Sylvia Nichols
Yvonne Johnson
Maggie Bassil
Carrie Reid
Leatha Davis
Albert Savoy
Pauline Wisdom
Lucille Jones
Kathy Tyson Martin
Frankie Holmes
Nia Neloms
Betty Crichlow
Eddie Dorsey
Urseline Simms
Rev. Dr. Charles A. Johnson, II
Sandra Craggette
Joan Byrd
Bishop James E. Tyson
James Harris
Oswald Washington
ISSUE 5
Page 13
Quincy (Austin) Benbow is graduating from Bishop McNamara High School and will
be attending Penn State University
Cari F.Adams is receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Medicine, with
a Minor in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh
Michelle Ellis is receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology, concentration in
Criminal Justice from Towson State University
Molton Carlton Turner is receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management
Information Systems from Livingstone College
may
26th
Community Award
Deidra Norman who recently received the “Justice for Victims of Crimes Award”
All articles and information for the June
New Job!!
Beacon
Billy Cogman on his new position at the Department of Homeland Security
Colonel Michael B. Black as he assumes command of the White House
Communications Agency
Retirement
Pearline Wells on her retirement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation
may be submitted by
e-mail to
Elaine44@directv.net or
admin@stpumcmd.org
Women’s Day Celebration
at
Union United Methodist Church
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Sunday, May 17, 2009
3:00 p.m.
Special Guest Speaker: Sister Gwendolyn Terrell
Lay Leader
St. Paul @ Oxon Hill
Page 14
THE BEACON
RETREATS/INTERNSHIPS/JOBS
Summer Camp Jobs
Manidokan is currently looking for summer camp staff during the summer season, from June 8 through August 14. Available
positions include: resource counselors, kitchen aides, chaplain, nurse and program director. Visit the retreat and camping ministry website at http://www.bwcumc.org/camping for a job application or contact Manidokan at 301-834-7244 for more information.
Morehouse Summer Program
Morehouse Summer Program at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia will be offering a Summer Institute (Project Identity)
for African-American males entering the 10th and 11th grades. Requires three weeks at Morehouse, June 7—28, and includes
Creative Writing, SAT Prep, Debate, Pre-Calculus, Leadership Development, and enrichment activities. $400 fee includes
meals, housing and activities. For more information go to: http://www.morehouse.edu/projectidentity/index.html
Summer Camp
On July 15-19 the program “ENCOUNTER ‘09” is scheduled to take place at the Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center. This
program is a youth group retreat with bands, inspirational speakers, small group workshops and experiential learning opportunities. The cost is $60 per person. For more information go to: http://www.bwcumc.org/encounter or call 301-834-7244.
DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES
DEEPENING YOUR EFFECTIVENESS WORKSHOP: This workshop will explore how a local church critically assesses
existing ministries to determine if they are effective. What the objectives are of each primary ministry, what are criteria and
measurements for effectiveness of primary ministries and how to develop a discipleship pathway in the church on Saturday,
May 9th from 9:30 to 3:30 pm at the Conference Center. Cost is $80 and includes lunch and material. Contact Tonia Bennett at
800-492-2525, Ext. 480, or tbennett@bwcumc.org.
I AM MISSION 2: For youth and young adults to learn about giving back to the Community and Volunteers in Mission. I Am
Mission will meet Saturday, May 23, at McKendree-Simms-Brookland UMC in Washington, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Program includes speakers on opportunities for mission and how to start and fund VIM trips. Registration is $10 per person. Contact Sandy Ferguson at sferguson@bwcumc.org.
WEB MINISTRY TRAINING
United Methodist Communications is offering a free online course on Web ministry. The self-directed, five-part online course
is designed to provide foundational information and the biblical and theological basis for developing a Web ministry for the
local church. To learn more or to register for this online course, go to http://web.umcom.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=13149.
For more information, contact Cheryl A. Hemmerle at 888-278-4862 or e-mail to training@umcom.org.
EXPLORATION 2009 is scheduled for November 13-15, 2009 in Dallas, Texas. This is an opportunity for Youth and Young
Adults to explore a call to ministry. The event is for high school seniors through young adults aged 24, who are considering a
call to ordained ministry as a Deacon or Elder in the United Methodist Church. For more information, or to register, visit: http://
www.gbhem.org/exploration or http://www.explorecalling.org.org.
UM WEB SITE OPENS: The United Methodist Church launched http://www.10thousanddoors.org/ April 20, as part of the Rethink Church
campaign. The Web site is dedicated to helping young adults (18-34) find new ways to connect to the church, offers hundreds of virtual doors
that visitors can enter to allow them to make a difference in their lives and the world. The Talk Door allows dialogue with others. The Watch
Door includes videos about people in local communities. Visitors can join social networks and engage in real-time conversation through the
Friend Connect door.
THE BEACON
Page 15
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Scholarships Office of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is now accepting online
applications. In 2008 the Scholarships Office awarded more than $4.5 million to 3,200 plus students. Because of
expecting a record number of applications this year GBHEM strongly urges applicants to complete the application
process early. To learn about the scholarships available and complete an application, go to http://www.gbhem.org/,
click on loans and scholarships.
Free Graduate School at Wake Forest University
A great opportunity to get a FREE education and get PAID while you’re doing it! The Master of Art in Management
program is designed specifically for liberal arts majors only. The MA degree program is a 10 month intense study of
the basic functional areas of business. After graduation and working for approximately two years, all MA graduates
are eligible to apply to Wake Forest as part of the MA/MBA joint degree program and get the MBA in one year. The
new Dean, Steve Reinemund, has created a new scholarship for diverse students pursuing the MA degree called the
Corporate Fellowship. The Corporate Fellowship provides full tuition and a $21,000 stipend to cover living expenses. Additionally, each Corporate Fellow will participate in a practicum. For details and further information,
please contact Derrick S. Boone, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Marketing, Wake Forest University at
derrick.boone@mba.wfu.edu
Harvard University Science Endowment
Harvard University has a massive science endowment for African American high school juniors/seniors who are interested in majoring in the sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, etc. A 4- year tuition-free education at Harvard University (regardless of parents’ income). The professor to contact for more information is Professor Gregory Tucci,
tucci@fas.harvard.edu or call 617-496-4668.
Bike To Work Day 2009
Friday, May 15th
Bike to Work Day is a FREE event and open to all commuters. Join thousands of area commuters on
May 15, 2009 for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work! Meet up
with your neighbors at one of the 26 pit stops all over the region, and ride to work or into the city
with experienced commuter convoys. Go to waba.org or call 202-518-0524 to register.
You’ll receive a free T-shirt, and a chance to win prizes while making the Washington region a better
place to ride.
Page 16
THE BEACON
“An Opportunity to Serve”
Share your spiritual gifts of hospitality and service at the
Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference
“...serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received”
1 Peter 4:10
Volunteers are needed from June 4th—June 6th
“Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord…”
Ephesians 6:7
Highlighters will help make Annual Conference a pleasant experience for all members and guests.
They will greet and direct persons to the places they need to be, answer general questions, or direct to others who can better assist them. Volunteers are needed for Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Annual Conference—June 4-6, 2009—in Baltimore, Maryland at the Marriott Baltimore
Waterfront Hotel. All Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and meals for the day. Youth volunteers
ages 16-18 will receive community service hours—forms will be available.
Orientation will be held on Saturday, May 30 at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront Hotel, 10:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Complete the Registration Form and:
email: bwchighlighters@verizon.net
mail:
Ebenezer United Methodist Church
Attn: Highlighters—Michelle Miles
4912 Whitfield Chapel Road
Lanham, Maryland 20706
FAX:
(301) 577-8747
RSVP by May 11, 2009
ISSUE 5
Page 17
ST. PAUL at OXON HILL
A Congregation of the United
Methodist Church
6634 ST. BARNABAS RD
OXON HILL, MD 20745
Phone: 301-567-4433
Fax: 301-567-0056
Email: admin@stpumcmd.org.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own
understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Our mission is to
make disciples of
Jesus Christ for the
transformation of
the world.
ISSUE 5