United Methodist Church

Laurel police report felonies, arrests and property crimes. Prince George's County police report violent crimes and property crimes. Anne Arundel County police report major crimes. Howard County police report major crimes, break-ins and car thefts. City of Laurel Ninth Street, 200 block, Jan. 11. Police on routine patrol observed riding lawn mower tractor and snow blower outside building, and identified them as items reported stolen Jan. 8 from St. Mark's United Methodist Church.

Rev. Millard Byrd Knowles, pastor of Old Otterbein United Methodist Church from 1992 through 2006 and later pastor of visitation/pastor emeritus at Perry Hall United Methodist Church, died Thursday following a series of strokes. He was 82. "He could tell any biblical story with an emotion and a passion that made you feel like you were right there," said Rev. Jeff Paulson, a longtime friend and colleague of Mr. Knowles, who had a doctorate in biblical storytelling from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

The Rev. Edwin Austin Schell, a retired pastor who was a historian with an "encyclopedic knowledge" of his United Methodist Church, died Nov. 25 at St. Agnes Hospital after suffering a fall. He was 88 and lived in the Charlestown Retirement Community. Born in St. Louis, he worked for the streetcar company there as a young man and developed a lifelong interest in public transit. He moved to Washington, D.C., and worked in scheduling administration for Capital Transit. He joined Calvary United Methodist Church and was encouraged to enter the ministry.

Donate blood at the Red Cross blood drive Sunday, Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to noon at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 10755 Scaggsville Road. For information about the blood drive and to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, use sponsor code 13952, or go to http://www.eumclaurel.org .

The First United Methodist Church is offering its Blue Christmas remembrance service Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary at 424 Main St. With a more quiet, somber feel than the traditional Christmas worship service, the remembrance service is for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, have suffered separation or divorce, have lost their job or unable to conceive a child. Scripture, music and meditation will focus on the comfort God offers during dark times. Becky Boeckman, director of pastoral care, 301-725-3093.

Community United Methodist Church of Maryland City is hosting a Trim the Tree party Sunday, Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at 300 Brock Bridge Road. Join in dinner, kids' crafts, Santa and decorating and preparing the church for Christmas. All welcome. 301-725-4918.

The United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church of Laurel will hold their annual ham luncheon Thursday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall, 424 Main St. Menu includes ham, green beans, homemade potato salad, apple sauce, rolls, desserts, coffee and tea. Tickets are $7. To purchase tickets in advance, call Lois Hamilton, 301-498-9736 or the church office, 301-725-3093. Tickets will also be sold at the door, and carryout will be available.

Soaring temperatures can't keep Betty Cain out of the kitchen at Lansdowne United Methodist Church at 114 Laverne Ave. Two Wednesdays a month, she and her seasoned crew of prep chefs dish up tasty, free suppers that are open to the community from 5-6 p.m. Menus are based on what is seasonal, especially as summer vegetables ripen. And the church's dining hall is refreshingly cool. Walk in July 27 and Aug. 10 to savor the bounty. For more information, call Betty at 410-242-9156.