Epworth connects and equipsall kinds of people to

seek, serve, and share Christ.

12:00 noon Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 p.m. Supper 6:15 p.m. Praise Practice 6:30 p.m. Bible Study - Pray for Me 7:00 p.m. Choir PracticeSunday, September 18, 2016Homecoming 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Traditional Service

upcoming eventsTuesday, September 20, 2016 6:30 p.m. Growing Christians UMW Group

September 11, 2016

2400 Devonshire Drive • Columbus, GA 31904706-322-6973www.epworthumc.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

our church staffChildren’s Director Dawn WilsonChoir Director Lyn PharrisChurch Administrator Susan SniderCustodians Martha Conklin Barbie WebbMedia & Communications Dawn Wilson Music Director Bob LeeNursery Worker Martha ConklinPastor Tony G. Crosby

Falling Towers4 …those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”

Luke 13:4-5 (NRSV) On this day 15 years ago, the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, rocked our nation to the core. Towers fell. Forts crumbled. It has been likened to my generation’s “Pearl Harbor.” One thing is for sure, the effects of that horrible morning are still felt throughout our nation. The events of that day brought about extreme patriotism and unity in the immediate aftermath. The church where I was serving at the time called a service together and had a packed house for worship that evening. People weren’t sure what the future held, but we knew things would be different and somehow we knew we needed to come together in grief. Our years without a major attack on our home soil had ended and with them a naïve sense of security was lost. A quick study of United States history reminds us that politics in our country have always been a bit rough-and-tumble, but it is supremely clear that any semblance of unity in our national dialogue evaporated quickly. I am hesitant to say we are more polarized than ever because the Civil War reminds us of the extreme consequences of political and social hostilities, but it is clear we live in a deeply divided nation. The aftermath of 9/11 remains a factor in almost all of our political conversations from immigration to religious liberty to national defense and beyond. As a country, we still have not been able to absorb the truth that nothing can keep us completely safe. Terrible things will happen and despite the best armed forces money can buy, we will and always have been vulnerable to evil in all its forms. We delude ourselves in hoping that we can keep evil at bay on foreign shores, but when it comes close to home, we panic and make hasty and short-sighted policies to somehow keep it from happening again. Many make the case that America had 9/11 coming to us. Some say it is judgement against our national sins. Others say our foreign policy gave rise to the ideologies that threaten us. Regardless of any perspective, however plausible, we must acknowledge that bad things happen in the world because evil exists. It will come to all our doorsteps in due time. Falling towers and crumbling fortresses are not only the stories of nations, but they are also our own personal stories. All of us have had our personal “terror” attacks. Our parents divorced. We lost our jobs. Our spouse cheated. Your child died. The towers and fortresses in your life you thought were rock solid crumbled. You tried to blame something or someone (maybe even God) and you have tried ever since to make sense of what happened. You wanted to know if it was punishment. Today’s scripture seems simple, but it contains giant truths. None are worse offenders than others. Just because the tower fell on you doesn’t mean you are a worse sinner than someone else. But even in the face of this pastoral word, Jesus reminds us that all are sinners and must repent or face eternal death. Perhaps falling towers, however indiscriminate, serve to warn us of the long-term realities of evil. But for those who know Christ, the empty tomb stands forever to remind us of the victory of resurrection. So when the towers fall and the fortresses crumble, remember that our God is a mighty fortress--a bulwark never failing. The Lord of hosts is with us!

In Christ,

contact usdawn@epworthumc.comsusan@epworthumc.comtony@epworthumc.com

Pastor’s Home (706) 327-2927Pastor’s Cell (706) 329-2484

Church Website: www.epworthumc.comChurch (706) 322-6973

The sanctuary flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Hank Guilbeaut by Jeanne Guilbeault

this coming WeekSunday, September 11, 2016 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Traditional Service 1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall ReservedMonday, September 12, 2016 6:30 p.m. New Life UMW Meeting 6:30 p.m. UMM Meeting Tuesday, September 13, 2016 6:30 p.m. Youth Bible StudyWednesday, September 14, 2016 8:00 a.m. Classical Conversation

sunday school at 10:00 amTHE CHILDREN’S CLASSES Kindergarten - 2nd Grd.: Debra Johnson3rd - 5th Grd.: Margaret Gosden

THE FRIENDSHIP CLASS Study: the Mountain of God Teacher: Class

THE JOY CLASS Study: I Love Growing Older, but... Teacher: Anne Wilson

THE NATHAN PATTERSON/WESLEY CLASS Study: Class not meeting Teacher:

THE NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS Study: If You’re Going the Wrong Way... Teacher: Leslie Morris/Melonie Phillips

THE “NO NAME” CLASS Study: John - Ch. 5 Teacher: Ron Sawyer

THE QUESTORS CLASS Study: Genesis Teacher: Rev. Tim Paulk

THE SEEKERS CLASS Study: Light Up Your Life Teacher: Bruce Zimmerman

YOUTH Study: Psalm 46:1-11 Teacher: Leslie Morris

those Who serve sunday, september 11, 20169:00 a.m. Worship Service: Greeter: Barbara Stubbs Usher: Randy Morris Acolyte: Hayden Wilson Children’s Church: Jeanne Guilbeault11:00 a.m. Worship Service: Greeter: Lillian Wooldridge Ushers: Steve Whittington Acolyte: Ema Cheraisi & Emma Knight Children’s Church: Janet Cheraisi Nursery Volunteer: Vicky GriffinFinancial Secretary: Shawn JandreauTurn Key: John Daniel

our steWardshipSeptember 4, 2016

Tithes & Offering: $7,693.00Received To Date: $227,471.87Needed To Date: $232,004.93 Building Fund: $0

ATTENDANCE:Sunday School: 72 Worship: 9 a.m. 26 11 a.m. 79

105

What’s happeningSPRC Meeting - Saturday, September 10, at 4 p.m. in the Questors classroom.Praise Practice - Saturday, September 10, at 7 p.m. New Life UMW Meeting - Monday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m., at the home of Sandra Burns.UMM Meeting Cancelled - for September.Wednesday Supper & Study - September 14, at 6 p.m., for dinner and at 6:30 p.m., we conclude our study on Pray for Me by Bishop Kenneth Carter. Make supper reservations by signing up on the information board. Menu: Chicken Tetrazzin, veggies, salad, garlic bread and dessert. There will be no supper or study on September 21.Homecoming - Sunday, September 18, at the 9 & 11 a.m. services; a covered-dish meal at noon.If you are able to volunteer with decorating, setup, clean-up and/or tear down, please sign up on the information board. Welcome Service and Reception - for Bishop and Mrs. Bryan on Sunday, September 18, at 4:00 p.m., at Mulberry Street UMC, Macon, GA.Lay Leadership Meeting - Monday, September 19, at 6:30 p.m. , in the Questors classroom.Growing Christians UMW Meeting - Tuesday, September 20, at 6:30 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Reachers UMW Meeting - Tuesday, September 27, at 7 p.m., in the Questors classroom.Volunteers Needed - If you feel led to volunteer, please contact the church office. Positions available: Turn Key, Usher, Nursery helper, Children’s Sunday school teacher and Children’s Church teacher.

foundOne each: black, purple, cream umbrellas, black/brown animal print reading glasses, red eye glass case, several sets of keys, a toy, bracelet and sunglasses. Come by the church office to verify and retrieve your items.

missionsSeptember Mission Focus - We are collecting donations throughout the month for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to support the flood relief within the US. 100% of our donations will go directly to the need. Mark your offering envelope with “UMCOR.”Helping Hands Ministry - Sponsored by the UMW. Are you living alone and need someone to help with little things around the house or do you need a ride? Are you able to help with this ministry? Pick up a form from the information rack or in any online bulletin. Give it to Becky Britton or Barbara Stubbs or the church office.A Taste of Epworth Cookbooks - are $5 each. Pick up your copy(s) from the WWC. Can Recycling - leave aluminum cans outside the back kitchen door. They will be picked up and recycled by the HIS Group for missions. Feeding Our Neighbors at Rose Hill UMC - We will provide supper on Tuesday, September 27. Preparations will begin at 5 p.m. We will serve at 5:45 p.m. If you want more information about serving, contact Debra Johnson or Becky Britton.

thanks We have been so humbled by the magnitude of love, kindness and support that has been shown to our family as we have faced the loss of our beloved Joel. We have felt your prayers lift us up. I don’t know how we would have made it without each of you. Love, Donna & James Faircloth, Lee & Becky Spencer and Shea & Jamie Spencer Thanks everyone for all the cards, food, calls and prayers during my time with my elbow surgery. Could not have made it without my church friends. All of you are very special. Love you all, Sue Vining

youthYouth Bible Study - Tuesday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m., in the Youth room. Epworth Fall Volleyball - Next games are Thursday, September 15, at 7 and 7:45 p.m., at Cornerstone Church on Lloyd Rd., Columbus. Please see Dawn Wilson to join.Youth & Children Sunday School Classes - For a great lesson, wonderful fellowship in a Safe Sanctuaries approved environment, classes are by age/grade beginning at 10 AM, every Sunday.

memorialsGiven to the Discretionary Fund in memory

of Earl Marchbanks by Buddy & Susan Dunn.Given to the Discretionary Fund in memory

of Doris Sawyer by HIS UMW Group.Given to the Discretionary Fund in memory

of Joel Spencer by Carolyn Gambill.Given to the Prayer Shawl Ministry in

memory of Doris Sawyer by Carolyn Gambill.Given to the Prayer Shawl Ministry in

memory of Joel Spencer by Doug & Suzy Revell.

epWorth prayer listChurch FamilyKristi Miller Blount King Gladys Plant Trudy Harris Vanessa DeSoto Betty Sawyer Thrower Family Kittye Crockett Sibyl Wells Keri McElvey Jan Shackelford Helen PharrisFred & Emilie Carswell Joyce Hickson Donny Davis Scott & Sheila Dunn Barbara Watson Bill Dozier Annette Taff Martha ConklinJudy Scanling Spencer Family Faircloth Family Sue ViningDoug Franks Extended Church Family Steve & Carol Guilbeault Michael Taff David Olson Doyle Adams Dotty Baker Ricky Clark Robbins Family Andrew WadeDr. Drew Williams Alverta Champagne Laurie Osteen Jayce Foster Preston Silvernail Dora Spires Willie Ryles Judy Patterson Brian Tench Shirley Mann Cassie Prochaska Billy Hill Ken Green Kim Jordan Charlie Rolling Clyde HuttoDorothy Ogg Susan Simpson Elaine Miller Bruce Chapman Joyce Kuester Marilyn Buck Danny Chidester Kristy StierTyrone Mims Stephanie Bryan Glen Horace Daniel Jim & Marian YoungRalph & Sandy McGough Bill & Pat Waldo Billy & Judy Dunn Henry Dunn/Job Robin Grantham Diane Wiggins Joseph McKey Jim Weatherington

Nursing Homes/Homebound Asheville, NC - Susan Squiers River Towne Center - Jerry WilliamsCovenant Woods - Nelle Lloyd Phenix City Health Care - Anne Whitehurst Magnolia Manor - Doris Halouska, Savannah Grand - Linda Coleman Judy MayOxton Place - Doris Toney, Wesley Glen (Byron, GA) - Nancy Hiller Cammie Van Over

(Please continue to pray for our homebound folks. They would love a visit.)

Updating Prayer List: If anyone on the prayer list needs to be removed or someone needs to be added,

please call, email the church office or leave a note with updates. Help us minister to you effectively by

calling the church office about yourself or a family member. Thank you for your help.

Helping Hands MinistrySponsored by Epworth UMW

Are you living alone? Do you need someone to help you with replacing light bulbs?AC filters? Batteries in a smoke detector? Have you given up driving? Do you need a ride to the doctor? Grocery store? The local drug store?

Helping Hands Ministry may be just for YOU! Epworth’s UMW will connect you with volunteers at Epworth to help you with these tasks. If you have questions, feel free to ask Becky Britton or Barbara Stubbs more about this new ministry for those who live alone.

Complete one of the forms at the bottom of this sheet if you want to be part of this ministry. Put the form in the collection plate, give to Becky Britton or Barbara Stubbs personally or to Susan Snider in the church office.

Those who need HELP:

Name:______________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________

Home phone:____________________________Cell phone:_______________________

Those who will VOLUNTEER to help:

Name:_______________________________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________

Home phone:___________________________Cell phone:_________________________