Take time with other students and community members to center your life in the love of Christ through worship.

Join us for an informal communion service and time for conversation

2/23, Sunday, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Garden Chapel & Lounge, Memorial Chapel

on the theme of Encountering God, based on

1 Kings 19: 1-15

Matthew 17: 1-13 (The Transfiguration)

Also Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.

UCM is co-sponsoring an Ash Wednesday Service Noon, 2/26 in the Garden Chapel with the Lutheran Campus Ministry, the Episcopal Anglican Campus Ministry, and the United Methodist Campus Ministry.

UCM welcomes all and is supported by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the United Church of Christ.

Greetings everyone!
This Wednesday’s 2/19 Power of Purpose dialogue, L3 Interns Jennifer and Samantha will be discussing how culture affects religion. Come join us to see different culturally diverse practices and share your experiences!
How does culture impact your religious or spiritual identity and your sense of calling or purpose?
Free Lunch included!!
Time: 12-2 pm
Location: Nanticoke Room, Room #1238, Stamp Student Union, UMD  
Friends and roommates always welcome.

Join us this Sunday 6 – 7:30 p.m. for a social time in Memorial Chapel Lounge and informal communion worship in the Garden Chapel. All are always welcome!

2/2 to 2/9-Safe Haven Program for the Homeless, Community Service at Berwyn Presbyterian Church, near campus. If interested in helping to prepare a meal at the church and for more info, contact Chaplain Holly ulmer@umd.edu

2/6, 2^nd Look Fair, Stamp Union, 10 am-3 pm, Come visit us at our UCM table!

2/16, Informal Communion Service and Gathering, 6-7:30 pm, Garden Chapel & Lounge, Memorial Chapel

2/12, L3: Listen, Learn, Lead, 12-2pm, Launch of semester discussion series: Religion and Race, includes free lunch, ALL are welcome, Stamp Student Union, Nanticoke Room

“There are miracles all around, miracles yet to be found; Hid in every heart is an answered prayer; like a candle’s flame Hope will lead us there.”

   Words from “The Miracle Hymn”, Max Lucado’s “The Christmas Candle” movie.

A miracle was born 2000 years ago, a babe lying in a lowly manger because there was no room for his parents at the inn.  Christ the Lord, Emmanuel, God with us in human form, the Prince of Peace.

Miracles still happen today as we welcome Christ into our hearts, minds, and souls, and receive the Love God has for us.

It is a miracle that we can be an answered prayer for someone else by providing much needed kindness or help while another is in distress. For one person receiving bread and a place to sleep is the miracle; for another someone to sit and keep watch during a difficult illness; for another the gift of friendship in a season of loneliness; for another the gift of welcome; for another the gift of taking a stand against racism or prejudice ; and for yet another the gift of deep listening and understanding.

How are we called to incarnate the love of Christ for someone this Christmas?  Be the much needed “present” for someone else that will be more beautiful than any present one could find beneath a Christmas tree? The miracle someone is hoping for, the miracle someone may not even realize they need?

And who will be the miracle God is sending to us this Christmas carrying Christ’s love, bringing healing, new life and hope as we go into a new year and decade?

May we be open to receive the precious gifts God has for us this season, the most precious one of all, Christ the Lord.

UCM and our L3 program are wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and a new year bright with hope.

Jesus Christ is born!

Chaplain Holly

The words of the great Howard Thurman:

I Will Light Candles This Christmas

Candles of joy, despite all sadness,

Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,

Candles of courage for fears ever present,

Candles of peace for tempest tossed days,

Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,

Candles of love to inspire all my living,

Candles that will burn all the year long.

Sunday, 12/8 we are meeting at the Chapel, side entrance, at 6 p.m. to walk to town to have an end of semester dinner celebration. Hope you will join us. Friends always welcome.