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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 www.ucc.org. You’ll
receive a new Bible verse and reflection every day in your email.
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.
Sunday: 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”
MISSION AND VISION OF THE CHURCH
MISSION OF THE CHURCH
VISION 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;
“…so we, who are many, are one body in Christ and individually
we are members of one another.” (Romans 12:5 NRSV)

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.
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)
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 August: “If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but
Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.’”
may have eternal life.’” (John 3:16)
(I Corinthians 13:1)
February: “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the September: “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand
earth .”(Psalm 100:1)
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to
remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
March: “Worship the LORD with gladness; come into His (I Corinthians 13:2)
presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:2)
April: “Know that the LORD is God. It is He that made us, and October: “If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over
we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain
nothing.” (I Corinthians 13:3)
pasture.” (Psalm 100:3)
May: “‘Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with November: Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or
praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.’”
boastful or arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way;
(Psalm 100:4)
it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in
wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things,
June: “For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures for
believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
ever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
(I Corinthians 13:4-7)
July: “This is my commandment, that you love one another
December: “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three;
as I have loved you. 1No one has greater love than this, to lay
and the greatest of these is love.’” (I Corinthians 13:13)
down one’s life for one’s friends.’” (John 15:12-13)
JULY LECTIONARY READINGS
JULY 6TH
FORUTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Old Testament:
New Testament:
Epistle:
Zechariah 9:9-12
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Romans 7:15-25a
JULY 13TH
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Old Testament:
New Testament:
Epistle:
Isaiah 55:10-13
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Romans 8:1-11
JULY 20TH
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Old Testament:
New Testament:
Epistle:
Genesis 28:10-19a
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Romans 18:12-25
JULY 27TH
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Old Testament:
New Testament:
Epistle:
I Kings 3:5-12
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Romans 8:26-39
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.”
JUNEHIGHLIGHTS
2014 CONFIRMATION
PENTECOST SUNDAY
The Confirmands: Ella Amira DeBose,
Cleland Elliot Hodges, and Nina NgoziChukwu Emmanuella Ezewuiro
Fathers’ Day Sunday
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
Church Festival attendees grooving to
the DJ’s beats
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
www.peopleschurchucc.org
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
[email protected] or
(202) 829-5511.
Fonzie the Clown with some children
at the Church Festival
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) 365-5932
[email protected]
Orren Cohill
(240) 461-3308
[email protected]
BANKING ISSUES:
Jeffrey Banks
(202) 640-8228
[email protected]
BUDGET ISSUES:
Steven Bullock
(202) 437-2648
[email protected]
FACILITIES ISSUES:
Esther Williams Yarborough
(202) 291-1949
[email protected]
INVESTMENT ISSUES:
Vence Bonham
(517) 256-3574
[email protected]
WEBSITE ISSUES:
Carolyn Veiga
(240) 441-5707
General Information
WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK NEWS: our website
address is www.peopleschurchucc.org. Email
[email protected] 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
www.peopleschurchucc.org.
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
e-mailed to Ms. Karen Lawrence, Executive Assistant, at
[email protected], to the church account,
[email protected], or faxed to (202) 726-9301.
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’ EMAIL ADDRESSES:
Rev. Dr. Michael C Murphy, Senior Minister:
[email protected]
Rev. Leslie Dowdell Cannon, Senior Associate Minister:
[email protected]
CHURCH MODERATOR’S EMAIL ADDRESS:
Yvonne Hinkson, Church Moderator
[email protected]
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) 829-5511 or email [email protected]
to complete a reservation contract. Facility reservations
can also be made online through the church’s website:
www.peopleschurchucc.org. 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) 829-5511
(202) 726-9301 Fax
[email protected]
www.peopleschurchucc.org
www.ucc.org (National Setting)
Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist,
[email protected]
Ms. Karen Lawrence, Executive Assistant,
[email protected]
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.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Church School
Pre-K
Adult Bible Class
Men’s Bible Study
Youth Ministry
GROW Ministry
Prayer Meeting
Prayer Meeting
Bible Study
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
2nd and 4th Sunday
4th Sunday
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
CHOIR REHEARSALS
Chancel Choir
Fellowship Choir
Rhythmic Choir
Men’s Chorus
Children’s Choir
Thursday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
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 Sunday
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:
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Tuesday: By Appointment Call (202) 726-3198
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) 552-1762 or Diane Miller
(202) 291-2064 for additional information.
Celebrating Our
July
People
STUDENT RECOGNITION SUNDAY 2014