United Parish of Bowie (UPB)
Sunday Service: 10:00 AM
LEADERSHIP COMMITTEES
As a Union Church in the Reformed tradition, we believe that God has called the members of the United Parish of Bowie both to be and to do.
United in Christ, Our Mission: To Serve
At UPB, we believe the church is the body of Christ in the world. Every member and friend of the church is a vital part of the ministry. We have organized into committees to carry out the ministry of the church. As we move forward, it is important to work together to discern the direction of the ministry as we faithfully follow Gods's call by evaluating what we have done and imagining what we might do to serve God's people locally and globally.
Parish Board
Acts 20:28 "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the Church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."
The Parish Board faithfully represents the practical needs and fosters the spiritual growth of the congregation in its mission to serve Christ.
Functions
- Provide monthly guidance and oversight of the congregation
- Delegate duties and powers to committees
- Recommend an annual budget to the congregation for approval at a congregational meeting
- Organize and conduct an annual ministry evaluation
Children, Youth, and Family Committee
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
The Children, Youth, and Family Committee (CYF) provides opportunities for children, youth, and their families to participate in the life of the United Parish of Bowie. it also provides opportunities for the adults of the church to participate in the lives of the children and youth.
Functions
- Coordinate the Christian education program for children, including the recruitment and training of teachers
- Plan and coordinate Vacation Bible School
- Plan and organize events that are specifically designed for children, youth, and/or families, including mission trips and service projects
- Plan and coordinate regularly scheduled Youth Group meetings and activities
- Coordinate childcare for Sunday morning worship and other events
- Coordinate with the Pastor to conduct Confirmation classes
Mission and Service Committee
Galatians 6:2 "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
The Mission and Service Committee provides opportunities to help others in need through hands-on service and giving to communities outside of the church: locally, regionally, and globally.
Functions
- Coordinate a variety of local and regional service opportunities, such as Bowie Food Pantry, Family Crisis Center, Central Union Mission, Warm Nights, and Christmas in April
- Coordinate participation in global financial support activities, such as One Great Hour of Sharing and Living Waters International
Communications Committee
Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my heart and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
The Communications Committee informs and educates church members, friends of the church, and the larger community about the ministry and mission of the United Parish of Bowie.
Functions
- Prepare the bulletin for Sunday worship and special services
- Construct the quarterly newsletter to include articles and highlights from the congregation and church committees
- Collaborate with the pastor and church committees to develop banners and other advertising materials for events and activities
- Manage content and host church website and calendar
- Provide advisory and editorial services to other committees to develop communications that attract visitors and increase membership
Membership and Fellowship Committee
Romans 12:5 "So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
The Membership and Fellowship Committee provides congregational care and opportunities to connect among members and friends of the United Parish of Bowie, and facilitates an atmosphere that is welcoming to newcomers and appreciative of the people who give of themselves in ministry.
Functions
- Plan and coordinate ongoing fellowship groups and activities, such as Women's Night Out, Men's Breakfast, Book Club, and Chat and Chews
- Plan and coordinate Consecration Sunday luncheon, Lenten Dinners, Kickoff Sunday, and other fellowship and community-oriented events throughout the year
- Coordinate meals/visitations for those in need
- Coordinate with the Pastor to conduct membership classes
- Plan and coordinate Periodic retreats with other committes
Stewardship and Finance Committee
Proverbs 27:18 "He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit; And he who cares for his master will be honored."
The Stewardship and Finance Committee manages facilities, finances, and church records.
Functions
- Oversee the maintenance and beautification of the church building, property, and grounds
- Organize the Fall and Spring clean-up days
- Manage the church membership and financial records
- Coordinate the annual Stewardship Pledge Campaign
- Coordinate the use of the facilities by community groups
Christian Spiritual Formation Committee
Psalm 100:1-3 "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; Come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
The Christian Spiritual Formation Committee (CSF) builds a culture and environment that encourages the spiritual growth of everyone who walks through the doors of the United Parish of Bowie.
Functions
- Plan and coordinate meaningful Sunday morning and special worship services to include the choir, special music, children and youth, and members of the congregation
- Coordinate and develop the choir
- Coordinate adornment of the sanctuary including vestments, flowers for the Communion table, and decor for special seasons and services
- Coordinate Adult Education programs and recruit leaders/teachers
- Provide a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth: Bible study, prayer groups, and Lenten and Advent programs
- Organize and maintain the church library