Mission for Belair Village United Parish planned through co-sponsorship by the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the United Church of Christ (UCC), and the Episcopal Church
Long range goal: To build a church in proximity to the planned new Town Center
1970
Belair Village United Parish meetings began with the calling of Rev. Richard Schellhase
Worship services generally prepared by church members and incorporated activities for entire families to participate
Congregation met in various places (Member homes, Collington Plaza, Fire Hall, Heather Hills School)
1971
Church re-named as United Parish of Bowie (UPB)
Purchased the “Church House” in Bowie, MD (corner of Philmont and Pennant Lanes), via a financial gift from the Westminster UCC
Church house used for church activities, and as a meeting facility for community groups
Play Day established to provide educational experiences to pre-school children in a loving Christian environment, while encouraging independence and friendship-building
1972
Rev. Schellhase resigned
Rev. Harry Applewhite (UCC Associate Conference Minister) arrived to serve as interim minister
UPB supported by the National Capital Presbytery and Potomac Association of the UCC, following departure of the Episcopal Church
1973
Rev. Carl O. Bickel from Illinois began serving as Pastor following a Call by the UPB search committee
Worship services held in church house, centered around contemporary hymns
UPB formed a choir and commenced Children's Sunday School following steady congregational growth
1974
Rev. Bickel introduced a lectern and began preaching sermons, with Shirley Bickel playing piano for the worship services
Christian Education and Stewardship Committees created
UPB participated in Vacation Bible School in conjunction with St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Village Baptist Church, and All Saint’s Lutheran Church
1976
Worship services moved to Pointer Ridge Elementary School to grow congregation and provide easier public access
Family worship occurred during the first half of the service
Children transported to church house for Christian Education during second half of service, while Adult worship continued at school
1977
UPB chartered on June 5
UPB congregation surpassed 100 members
1979
UPB attained self-supporting status
Building committee created to identify a site for a permanent church facility
1980
Church facility site purchased in Bowie, MD (corner of Mt. Oak and Mitchellville Roads)
Groundbreaking ceremony conducted at current church site
1985
Church building completed at a cost of $450,000 for land, building, and furnishings
Church house sold at corner of Philmont and Pennant Lanes
First service held at current church location
1989
UPB Community Service Committee began preparation of meals for the Family Crisis Center
Organized first Wednesday Lenten Dinners
2006
Rev. Dr. Carl Bickel passed away after long battle with cancer
Rev. Laura Collins retained as temporary supply Pastor
Rev. Dr. Michael Parker hired as interim Pastor
2008
Rev. Dan Holland from Washington began serving as Pastor following a Call by the UPB search committee
2011
Rev. Dan Holland departed UPB to become Pastor at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church in Washington
2012
Rev. Jeri A. Fields hired as interim Pastor
2014
Rev. Chris Deacon from Illinois began serving as Pastor following a Call by the UPB search committee