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WELCOME!
Laurel Presbyterian Church welcomes all who want to share and experience God's love and grace in a community of faith. We believe that God provides us opportunities to grow in faith and discernment through shared experiences of grace in times of joy and sorrow. We also believe that the Holy Spirit calls us to use this faith and discernment to reach out to share hope and joy with all people. Ultimately, our response to this calling defines us as a church.
From Amy:
There has been much debate lately about marriage equality for all couples, as states have been putting this to a vote. Maryland is likely to join them come November, so I thought I would weigh in with my two cents.
I have nothing profound to say, other than this issue should have absolutely nothing to do with churches or clergy. Why? Because really, clergy shouldn't be agents for any state business, period. It is a long-outdated tradition harkening back to when church officers were controlled by the state, and when marriages were about the transfer of property.
Here's a simple, but elegant solution, which I understand is how it is done in many other countries: Want to get married? Get yourself a civil union, a legally binding ceremony presided by a judge, who is, by definition, an agent of the state, much like adoption or citizenship, and therefore should not discriminate. Then, if you want a religious ceremony blessing your covenant of marriage, have a religious wedding presided by clergy. Many, many people only seek a "church wedding" because that's how you do it, not because they practice a particular faith. This way, clergy get to decide who they will work with based on faith; the state by law cannot discriminate against anyone. It's a win-win.
But it probably won't happen that way. Oh well. Two cents doesn't buy you anything anymore anyway.
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THIS WEEK AT LPC
SUNDAY, MAY 13
- Stephen Ministry, 8-10 am, Room 103
- Sunday School Graduation practice, 9-10 am, Sanctuary
- Sunday School, 9-10 am
- Worship Service, 10:30-11:30 am, Sanctuary
- Worship & Music Committee, 11:45 am-1 pm, Library
- Iglesia de Diós de Laurel, 2:30-5:30 pm, Sanctuary
- Elizabeth House, 4:30-7:30 pm
- Senior High Youth, 6-8 pm, Room 209
MONDAY, MAY 14
- Alcoholics Anonymous, 8:30-10 pm, Room 209
TUESDAY, MAY 15
- Iglesia de Diós de Laurel, 7:30-9 pm, Room 108/110
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
- Communications Committee, 7-9 pm, Library
THURSDAY, MAY 17
FRIDAY, MAY 18
- Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, 7-9 pm, Room 200
SATURDAY, MAY 19
- Repertory Opera Company auditions, 9am-noon, Sanctuary
- Repertory Opera Company auditions, 2-6 pm, Sanctuary
- Repertory Opera Company concert, 7-10 pm, Sanctuary
SUNDAY, MAY 20
- Sunday School Graduation, 9-10 am, Sanctuary
- Sunday School, 9-10 am
- Worship Service, 10:30-11:30 am, Sanctuary
- Education Committee, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Library
- Iglesia de Diós de Laurel, 2:30-5:30 pm, Sanctuary
- Middle Youth, 6-8 pm, Room 208
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COMING UP IN 2012
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THURSDAY, MAY 24
Seniors' Movie Matinee. Bernice Bobs Her Hair will be shown following a covered dish luncheon. Bernice, who is sweet, but dull, comes to visit her cousin, who tries to transform her. The old cars and lifestyle of years gone by are fascinating.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 3
Contemporary Service. This service centers on congregational worship with an abundance of music that praises God. It focuses on leading worship with contemporary style music using guitars and keyboards. Currently, this service is blended into the traditional Presbyterian Service context.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 3
Congregational Conversation. Session has scheduled a Congregational Conversation following worship to discuss options about future uses of the manse. Come with your questions and insights!
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SUNDAY TBA
Vocation Sunday.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 16
Annual Seniors' Dinner. Congregational Life will again host. Anyone 60 years of age or older is invited to attend. The meal will be prepared by Joe Bellofatto, along with entertainment provided by the Repertory Opera Company of Washington .
Contact Kristy at office@ laurelpresbyterian.org or Linda Bellofatto to RSVP.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 17
Silent Cake Auction. Bid on amazing cakes made by LPC's finest bakers! Great for Father's Day gifts! Bidding will be in the Narthex before and after the service.
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JUNE 21-24
Massanetta. Middle Youth will be attending Massanetta Springs Youth Conference in Virginia! This 4-day camp is full of high energy and fun with hundreds of middle schoolers learning about each other and God. Contact LPCYouthCoordinators@gmail.com
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JULY 15-21
Montreat. Senior High Youth will be attending Montreat Youth Conference in North Carolina! This week-long camp gathers thousands of Presbyterian teens together in a beautiful mountain setting to further their faith. Contact LPCYouthCoordinators@gmail.com.
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SUNDAY TBA
Church Picnic.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Seniors' Outing to Ford's Theatre.
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SATURDAY TBA
Fall Work Day.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
31st Annual LPC Bazaar. Come early to shop at one of your favorite booths – White Elephant Finds, gently used books, Children’s’ Toy Corner, and of course the handmade crafts created by our church members. Take a chance on winning one of the fantastic door prizes. Stay for lunch and enjoy a great inexpensive meal and the fellowship of our members and neighbors.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25
Seniors' Outing to Patuxent Wildlife Center.
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SUNDAY TBA
Lay Sunday.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Thanksgiving Dinner. Congregational Life provides the basics (turkey, stuffing, drinks) while the rest of the food is pot-luck with a Thanksgiving theme. This event provides a great opportunity for informal fellowship whether you organize your own table, or decide to be placed with those you'd like to get to know.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Youth Lock-In.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Christmas Pageant. Each year, we invite our children to share the spirit of Christmas. Whether we adapt a well-known story, or write one from scratch, our children love to have the stage to deliver the story of our Savior's birth, kid-style. Our youth, ages 2-18, participate in a variety of ways including speaking parts, both large and small, musical performance, stage crew, and fill-in. There is a role for any child who wishes to participate.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
Christmas Music Service.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve Services. Christmas Eve we celebrate with two worship services. Both include the traditional re-telling of the Christmas Story, and familiar Christmas hymns, the sharing of communion, Silent Night in soft light. More ...
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2013
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JANUARY 8-FEBRUARY 12
Theology at the Movies. For six weeks at the beginning of the year, experienced leaders guide us through discussions and debates about films and their connections and relevance to our faith and Christian experience.
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JANUARY 18-27
New Orleans Rebuilding Mission. Mad carpentry skills? None at all? Doesn't matter. If you have the desire, if you can take the time, RHINO wants you! Join folks from LPC as we journey to New Orleans to work a week with Habitat for Humanity building homes and transforming lives in response to the call of the Spirit. You'll work hard, sleep well and deepen friendships. Oh, and the Po'Boys aren't too shabby either.
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FEBRUARY 17-MARCH 3
Winter Haven. We participate in a local initiative with other congregations to provide shelter for homeless women in the worst of the winter weather.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Annual Youth Group Spaghetti Dinner. Please come join us for delicious spaghetti, with breadsticks and salad generously provided by Olive Garden, and help send our youth to Massanetta and Montreat this summer! Contact LPCYouthCoordinators@gmail.com.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 10
2013 Mission Trip Report, 10:30 am..
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SUNDAY TBA
Easter Music Service.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 28
Maundy Thursday and "Stripping the Church" Service. Each year, the Thursday before Easter, we gather in a worship service to celebrate Jesus' last night. We sit around tables and wash one another's hands, just as Jesus washed his disciples' feet. More...
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DATE TBA
Pancake Dinner. All you can eat pancakes, plus great fellowship, raffle items, and a great cause -- a Youth fundraiser! This is to help offset the expense of the youth summer retreats.
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SATURDAY TBA
Spring Work Day.
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SATURDAY TBA
Rebuilding Together. Contact LPCYouthCoordinators@gmail.com.
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Laurel Presbyterian Church | 7610 Old Sandy Spring Road | Laurel MD 20707 | 301-776-6665

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