The

Epworth TowerEpworth United Methodist Church | 4855 W. Central Ave. | Toledo, OH 43615Church Phone: 419.531.4236 | Church Fax: 419.531.7487Website: www.epworth.com | E-mail: epworth@epworth.com

Because...We v You!THE KINGDOM KIDS

~ want to treat you to a ~

TAILGATEPARTY

Super Bowl Sunday, February 210:45 AM to 1:00 PM in the Family Life Center

Top your chili, taco chips, hot dogs, or salad with your favorite toppings!Add beverages and light desserts, and it’s a PARTY!

Be our guest for this FREE meal on us, and let us serve you. Sign up on theOpportunities Page or call the church office. What a great way to connect

with all of your Epworth friends that you haven’t seen lately.

Jan 15,2014

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CongratulationsBrad and Linda Durdel on the birth of their daughter, Ava Marie Durdel, on Thursday December 19.

Joseph and Megan Lindsey on the birth of their daughter, Liza Lindsey, on January 8.

CondolencesThe Bollin family on the passing of Fred Bollin on Sunday, December 15.

The Beavers family on the passing of Emmett Beavers, Sr. on Saturday, December 21.

The White family on the passing of Bill White on Wednesday, December 25.

The Troike family on the passing of Roc Troike on Wednesday, December 25.

PERSONALS

Epworth Electronic MailYou can now sign up to receive electronic mail from Epworth. An email newsletter is sent on a weekly basis that is user friendly. Just go to the subject you are interested in and click. This newsletter also gives you a link to the most current Tower. Get on this list today and keep current with all the Epworth activities!

To sign up, please e-mail caryn@epworth.com with “Epworth Electronic E-mail List” in the subject line.

To sign up for any obituary notifications, please e-mail with “Obituary Notifications E-mail List” in the subject line.

Copy of the Monthly CalendarIf you would like a hard copy of the monthly calendar, you can pick one up from the kiosk in the Narthex on Sundays or in the Church office during the week.

The calendar is always available on www. epworth.com.

WWW

Like us on Facebook!www.facebook.com/EpworthToledo

Follow us on Twitter!@EpworthToledo

Share your Epworth event photos with us!#EpworthToledo

Table of ContentsSunday Activities and Education..............................page 4-5

Adult Singles........................................................................page 6

Friends in Faith....................................................................page 7

Health Ministries...........................................................page 8-9

New Member Seminar/Spiritual Gifts Classes......page 11

For Parents/Kids..............................................................page 12

Treasurer’s Report.........................................................page 14

S.W.A.T. Activities......................................................back page

Church Office Hours

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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THANKS! !I want to thank my Epworth family for all the cards, visits, prayers, meals, and thoughts as I continue to recover from my recent hospital stay.

Special thanks to Pastor Bob, Pastor Keith, Pastor Marilynn, Beth Irwin, the Epworth Singles Group, and the Tea Ladies for a wonderful “Tea Party” at the hospital.

I can’t say enough how blessed I am to have the support of Epworth.

~ Linda Coon

We wish to thank the members of Epworth for all the love and support Bill and our family have received - especially during these last few years.

Bill and I considered Epworth our second family, and we appreciate so much the cards and smiles and words of encouragement.

We are part of a very special church.

~ Evelyn White and family

Wings of the Morning Thank You Gift…Take a moment to look through the beautiful thank you book we received for our part in the recent Wings of the Morning campaign to purchase the new plane for Gaston in the Dominican Republic of Congo.

The photo book is on the table outside of the main office at the Central Avenue entrance. The beautiful photos tell the story of the difference the United Methodist Church is making in the lives of our sisters and brothers in the DRC.

Furniture MinistryPickup Dates: January 16, 25and February 1, 8, 13, 22

Client Selections: January 18and February 15

Arrange a Donation Pickup: Call 567.694.3710

Items Needed: bath towels and pots and pans

Advent Giving Thank You !The Community Outreach Committee would like to thank the congregation and friends of Epworth for their overwhelming response to this year’s Advent Giving Program. You have touched so many lives right here in our own community with your generous donations. Here are some of the things you helped to provide:

• 314 overflowing Advent Bags were delivered to St. Paul’s Community Center, Friendly Center, YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, Mildred Bayer, Sunshine, and FOCUS.

• 21 hams were donated to St. Paul’s Community Center to provide a special Christmas meal. This is in addition to the 48 turkeys donated for their Thanksgiving meal.

• Many Epworth “Bell Ringers” manned the shiny red kettle for three days to help the Salvation Army extend caring and hope. This year, with the matching funds from The Andersons, we collected $39,475.04. That is a truly amazing amount that will be used to help people in Toledo with warm meals, dinner baskets, grocery vouchers, warm blankets, and coats.

• 16 families were personally contacted and provided groceries and gifts through the Adopt-A-Family program.

• Over 450 hats, mittens, scarves, and socks of all sizes were placed on the Giving Tree and delivered to various agencies throughout Toledo.

• You gave Heifer Project $2,067.46 so rural families in need may have a chance to improve their lives with animals to raise and offspring to share. This total includes the funds from the Sunday School Ark Banks our Epworth kids helped collect.

• 65 wrapped presents went to the Friendly Center for the children they serve.

We also would like to thank our own Epworth Elves for making weekly deliveries to all the agencies so that the Narthex was kept clear of the many donations…we could not have done all this without your generous support.

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Volunteer on Sunday Mornings Love Our Lambs

The Preschool Wing needs loving arms and warm hearts to care for our 3, 4, and 5 year olds at 9:45 and 11:00. You can help with snack, read Bible stories, play games, and share your love of God. How can you GENEROUSLY impact a young child’s life? Easy-to-lead, hands-on materials are all ready and waiting for you. All we need is you! Call Mary in the Education office or sign up on the Opportunities Page.

Serving Generously: You Can Change a Child’s LifeEach week our children depend on you to lead them closer to Jesus. We all are responsible for their faith journey and each small step on that journey. Please consider how you can serve in the education ministry for a week, a month, or the whole school year. We have many ways to help; some may only take a few minutes out of your week or your Sunday.

We are especially looking for 11:00 leaders in preschool and W.O.W. If your children are being cared for and nurtured spiritually while you are in worship or Sunday school at 9:45, won’t you consider staying an extra hour to be with those children whose parents taught your children and are worshipping at 11:00? Please sign up on the Opportunities Page or on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

Why? by Adam Hamilton - A New 4-Week StudySundays, starting January 19 at 11:00 AM in Room 214

WHY? - When physical disaster strikes; when violence, abuse, and neglect occur; when war tears apart nations, where is God? If God is all-powerful, and if each one of us is a beloved child of God, then how can God allow tragedy and suffering to infest his creation? When we lift our prayers to God, and no answer seems to come; when we earnestly, honestly seek to know the will of God for our lives, yet can’t seem to figure it out; when God seems far away, where is God? If God counts the hairs on our head, and knows every sparrow that falls, why is finding and understanding God’s will so difficult at times?

In Why? Making Sense of God’s Will, best-selling author Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to understand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, Hamilton addresses how we can comprehend God’s plan for the world and ourselves. Sessions include: Why do the Innocent Suffer?, Why do My Prayers Go Unanswered?, Why Can’t I See God’s Will for My Life?, and Why God’s Love Prevails.

This 4-week study includes a participant’s book and weekly DVD session. Participant book is $8.00 (paperback) or $8.51 (eBook). Please sign up on the Opportunities Page or e-mail Ruth Ann at ruthann@epworth.com if you would like to order a book.

The Kingdom kids are collecting paper products for the Friendly Center as their Learn to Serve mission project for January and February. They will be bringing in toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels each week and “papering” the Friendly Center with love.

They are challenging the congregation to match their gifts by bringing in these items on February 2. In this year of record snow falls, let’s see how high Epworth can pile the paper products in the great Epworth White Out!

Upcoming Preaching Seriesstarts January 19

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NURSERY & TODDLER• Childcare is available at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 in the nursery• Sing-n-Worship at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 in Room 110 - Our toddlers learn from lessons geared to

two year olds, which let them know how much we love them and how much God loves them.

PRE-SCHOOL• Play-N-Worship at 9:45 and 11:00 in Rooms 112 & 114 - Preschool children ages 3-5 (not yet in

kindergarten) are invited to join us Sunday morning in rooms 112 & 114 for Play-N-Worship. Each month the children will explore a new Bible Point through stories, songs, and play. The children will also memorize a Bible verse, learn an action prayer, and collect a Pennies for Jesus offering to buy children’s Bibles to send with our mission teams.

ELEMENTARY• Children, Grades K-5 at 9:45 in Room 205, “The Oasis” - We will be exploring the Bible Virtues

in large and small groups through drama, music, Bible storytellers, and DVDs. Then we move to the Kingdom rooms each week in small groups for more activities surrounding our basic truths and Bible stories. NEW STORIES EACH WEEK!

• Sixth Grade S.L.A.M. at 9:45 in Room 206 (second floor in the Kingdom hallway)• Youth Donuts and the Bible at 9:45 - Junior High in Room 003 at the far end of the Family Life

Center; Senior High in Room 215. • Children, Grades K-3 at 11:00 WOW (Worship Our Way) in Room 205 - This class meets in Bible

Time Players (Room 205) directly following the Pastor’s Children’s Moment. Each week the children will learn about God’s love through age-appropriate lessons packed with hands-on learning through praise, worship, and prayer.

• Children, Grade 4 and up at 11:00 (“B’Tween Me & God”) - We invite kids grade 4 and up to join us in the sanctuary and worship. Sit together with a group of friends or join your family. Ask an usher for the special green “B’Tween Me & God” bulletin inserts created just for you each week. These sheets are filled with questions and insights to help engage you in worship. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, and you don’t even need to turn these in to anyone at the end of the day because worship is B’Tween you and God!

ADULT• Adult Bible Study at 9:45 in Room 214 - During January we will focus on “Praying God’s Way”

as we grow in our faith. An excellent DVD sets the stage for dynamic class conversation as we delve into questions like: “If God knows our thoughts, why should we pray?,” “Is there a proper way to pray?,” “Will God really answer all of our prayers?,” and “What if it doesn’t seem like he’s listening?” Grab some coffee and join the lively discussions as we together develop deeper understanding of the Scriptures. Meet new friends on your journey. Know that you will be welcomed!

• Friends in Faith at 9:45 in our new room - Room 213 - We are studying Favorite Bible Passages by Brady Whitehead, Jr., and Howard Ham. This series covers 26 Favorite Bible Passages from the Old and New Testament. The series covers the words for Bible Times, Our Times, and Our Life so we will fully understand the scripture from multiple perspectives, especially how it applies to our life and current times.

• Coffee and Conversation Class at 9:45 in Room 020 - We are reading and discussing the book, Now That They Are Grown: Successfully Parenting Your Adult Children by Ronald J. Greer. Copies of the book will be provided. Please feel free to join us.

• Not a Fan Bible Study at 9:45 in the Library (lower level by Central Avenue door) - All are welcome no matter where you are in your walk…God has something special for you in this study. If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan---or perhaps someone who doesn’t even care about the difference? “Not a Fan” invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. This is designed to be a 6 week study. We pray we will see you there!

• Sermon Notes at 11:00 in Room 214 - The topic for discussion will relate to the sermon of the day, guided by the weekly Sermon notes. Feel free to drop in any time. The discussion is always interesting!Ep

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COFFEE & SUCHTuesday, January 28 at 5:30 PM

Barry Bagels (on Sylvania Avenue and Holland Sylvania Road, behind Handel’s).

JANUARY REGULAR MEETINGFriday, January 17 at 6:30 PM

Charlie’s Restaurant (6945 W. Central Avenue). Bring your favorite game to share and play!

LUNCH BUNCHTuesday, January 21 at Noon

Original Pancake House (3310 W. Cenral Avenue - across from Costco).

FEBRUARY REGULAR MEETINGFriday, February 21 at EUMC’s Jazz Soiree at 6:30 PM.

Please bring an appetizer to share as we listen to the wonderful jazz music.There is no cost for the event, but a freewill donation will be collected for Imagine No Malaria.

We will have reserved tables for our Singles group.

*Remember - this year we did not adopt a family, so please bring donations for the Furniture Ministry’s blessings department (towels and pots and pans are needed most) to any of the Singles events. Let’s

shower them with love from the Singles!

Please RSVP to Miss Kate for any or all events/meetings at (personal information removed).

Epworth [adult Singles ]Adult singles ages 30+ are invited to participate. You do not have to be a member of Epworth to join in the Christian Fellowship, meet new friends, and enrich your Christian journey while helping those in need through our outreach projects.

For more information, contact Linda Coon (personal information removed) or Miss Kate (personal information removed). You may also sign up for any of our activities on the Opportunities Page inside your weekly Reminders Bulletin.

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Friends in Faith Sunday SchoolJoin us for Sunday School in Room 213. We meet every Sunday morning in Room 213 at 9:45. Check the Sunday Morning Education Section for information about our current study. New members or visitors are welcome at any time.

BUNCOOnce every month the Friends in Faith women gather at one of our homes for an evening of fellowship, food and Bunco. The hostess of the month provides the main course and everyone

else is asked to bring a side dish, appetizer or dessert to share. We start at 6:30 PM. The next opportunities to join us is:

• Monday, January 20 at Christina Nishiki’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Christina at (personal information removed).

• Wednesday, February 19 at Martha Kreuz’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Martha at (personal information removed).

• Tuesday, March 18 at Karen Knight’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Karen at (personal information removed).

• Tuesday, April 15 at Karen Wyckoff’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Karen at (personal information removed).

Friends in Faith Book Club Everyone is welcome to join us for the Book Club. We serve up lively discussion and dessert with every meeting beginning at 7:00 PM! The next opportunities to join us are:

• Tuesday, January 28 - We will discuss Killing Jesus, by Bill O’Reilly and will meet at Linda Coon’s house (personal information removed).

• Tuesday, February 25 - We will discuss Renting Lacy by Linda Smith and will meet in the Epworth lounge.

Linda Smith founded Shared Hope International, a nonprofit organization to rescue and restore women and children in crisis. This is an eye-opening story of our country’s commercial sex trade.

In the book, Smith tells the story of girls who are trapped in the life of manipulation, abuse, and torture at the hands of pimps who control them. One of the characters in the book is, in real life, a local Toledo resident who was able to escape the life and is now also working to rescue the victimized children and put an end to human trafficking. A fact that most people don’t know is Toledo is ranked number 4 in the country for underage human sex trafficking. Please read this book and help bring awareness to this problem we face.

Friends in Faith has 3 copies of this book that will be loaned out on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Ronnie Gorsuch at (personal information removed) if you would like to borrow a copy. It is also available for sale on Amazon.com.

• Tuesday, March 25 - We will discuss The Book Thief by Markus Zusak in the Epworth church lounge.

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Celiac Disease (Gluten Intolerance)

Epworth Health MinistriesRecently, there has been much publicity about food allergies and gluten-free diets. This article is a brief explanation of gluten intolerance and its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Gluten is a type of protein found in several commonly eaten grains, namely wheat, rye, barley, and some less common grains. Celiac disease is an immune system disorder, wherein the lining of the small intestine is damaged when foods containing gluten are consumed, resulting in the body’s inability to absorb the nutrients needed to stay healthy. In other words, the body attacks itself when gluten is consumed. It is related to several other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type-1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and lupus. These conditions and others can occur simultaneously in a person with Celiac disease. Because of the malabsorption of nutrients, Celiac disease can also lead to anemia and osteoporosis.

The symptoms of Celiac disease can be many and usually vary from person to person, often resulting in years of misdiagnoses before Celiac disease is finally identified. The more common symptoms, which range from mild to severe, are gas, bloating, and other

gastrointestinal problems, joint pain and weakness, feelings of tiredness, problems with memory and concentration, a severe skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis), and growth problems or failure to thrive in children. One, some, or all of these symptoms can occur in the same person to varying degrees.

Celiac disease can be accurately diagnosed only by blood antibody tests in addition to an endoscopy and biopsy. These tests must be performed while a person is still eating gluten-containing foods in order to obtain accurate results.

There is no known cure for celiac disease and the only effective treatment is maintaining a strict gluten-free diet, which allows the damaged intestine to heal. Failure to maintain a gluten-free diet will cause the damage to return. This is true even if very small amounts of gluten are consumed. Eating a gluten-free diet is not as difficult as it sounds, as vegetables, fruits and nuts, dairy products, and meats are all naturally gluten-free in their unaltered forms. There are many substitutes for the wheat, rye, and barley grains, which can cause trouble. Rice, buckwheat (not a true wheat), corn, and quinoa are some of the more common ones. Many gluten-

free breads, flours, and breakfast cereals are now on the market, which can be substituted for the gluten-containing ones. More and more gluten-free products are appearing on grocery shelves each year, and many restaurants now offer gluten-free choices. The FDA has now issued strict requirements for claiming that a product is gluten-free.

Some hidden gluten-containing products to be aware of include lipstick and lip balms, over-the-counter and prescription medications and supplements, and communion wafers. (Epworth UMC provides gluten-free communion wafers for those who need them.) Successfully maintaining a gluten-free diet requires the careful reading of all ingredient labels and allergy statements when grocery shopping and knowing which sources of gluten to watch for. There are many websites online that list gluten-containing ingredients, along with substitutions, recipes, gluten-free products, and other information to help maintain a healthy, gluten-free diet.

Online sources for this article: The Celiac Disease Foundation; The National Institutes of Health, The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, and WebMD.

Caring Hearts Ministry Celebrates Fourth YearOne of the many ministries through office of Health Ministries is Caring Hearts. Members of Epworth volunteer their time and hearts to the service of those from the congregation who are not able to be at church, or who could simply use a friend during a difficult time.

Caring Hearts are asked to make a minimum of one phone call and one visit per month to their Caring Heart partner, but friendships often grow beyond that, with get-togethers happening much more often. Everything occurs at the timing and pace of the Caring Heart pair.

A common question about the Caring Heart ministry is “how is it different from Stephen Ministry?” The Caring Hearts are more of a social and companionship ministry and a way to bring church and fellowship to those who cannot get out and about easily. Stephen Ministers are specially trained members of Epworth who walk alongside someone experiencing a difficult time in their lives. An individual’s relationship with a Stephen Minister is completely confidential

If you’re interested in becoming a Caring Heart, or know of someone who might enjoy having a devoted regular visitor from Epworth, contact Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries, at 419.531.4236 or beth@epworth.com.

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URGENT! Blood Donors Needed!Recent severe weather forced the cancelation of more than 250 American Red Cross blood drives. Many more units in storage had to be discarded. The Red Cross is in critical need of ALL blood types.

Epworth United Methodist Church is hosting an Emergency Blood Drive on Wednesday, January 29 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM in the Family Life Center. If you donated on or before December 4, 2013, you are eligible to donate on the 29.

To reserve your donation time, contact Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries, at 419.531.4236 or beth@epworth.com.

Save the Date!Fourth Annual Heart Day in February!

The Health Ministries Committee is making plans for our 4th annual Heart Day at Epworth on Sunday, February 9 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Heart Day began as a way to promote awareness of heart disease and the prevention of heart illnesses.

Stop by Room 101 and visit the American Heart Association (AHA) table to learn more about heart disease from educational materials and ask questions. An AHA representative will be on hand.

In addition, representatives from ProMedica will perform the following screenings:

• Free Blood Pressure Screening• Free Blood Sugar Screening• Total Cholesterol, including HDL (cost is $11.00)

Send some Love!While you’re getting YOUR heart checked, send a heart to someone special! Health Ministries will have special valentines for Epworth members who are hospitalized, recovering, or who are homebound and unable to be at church. Stop by the table, fill out the cards, and share some love with your Epworth family.

Women’s Grief Support Group MeetingsFor women who are mourning the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or close relative or friend, Epworth offers a special grief support group. Meetings begin Monday, February 17 at 6:30 PM in the lounge and will continue for 12 weeks. The book Understanding Your Grief by Alan D. Wolfelt will be used as a guide for discussion, but the best resources for encouragement and healing are the participants themselves. The book is available through the support group facilitators.

Whether the loss is recent or occurred many months ago, if it’s weighing on your heart, you may benefit from the compassionate support of women who are experiencing similar losses. Grief Support for Women is also open to the community, so if you have a friend or neighbor struggling with the death of a loved one, please let them know about the group. For additional information or to register for Grief Support for Women, contact Jennifer Church at (personal information removed).

Home Health Care AgencyInformation Available

If you or a loved one could use some help around the house – either with activities of daily living or health care – but you’re not sure where to start, information on multiple Toledo-area home health care agencies is available in the Health Ministries Office. Please contact Beth Irwin at beth@epworth.com or 419.531.4236 for more information.

Help with Hot Meals Needed

During this time of year, the Health Ministries Office gets many requests for help with meals for many different reasons. In some cases, the meals are for those who don’t cook much for themselves and cannot get out to go to the store. Our Caring Hearts and other volunteers would love to deliver a serving or two of a home-cooked dish to those in need.

We also use a meal scheduling site called Take Them a Meal to create meal delivery schedules for specific timeframes to those who may be recovering from surgery, illness, or accidents and could use a little extra help with meal preparations.

The next time you’re whipping up a batch of your family’s favorite soup or casserole, consider ladling out a serving or two into a separate container for delivery to someone who’s homebound. Label the container with the date and contents, and place it in the freezer in the Epworth kitchen.

And if you would like to be on the contact list for Take Them a Meal, contact Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries and Parish Visitor, at beth@epworth.com or 419.531.4236.

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Wonder ful Wednesday FEBRUARY LUNCHEONOur first Wonderful Wednesday Luncheon of 2014 will be on Wednesday, February 5 at noon. Come and hear a first-hand report from the Medical Mission to Haiti: Jo Hartman, Rob Wilson, Ann Mullins, Jennifer Gwin, and Pastor Keith Luke will share stories and photos about their October 2013 medical mission to Port au Prince, Haiti.

Chef Les will be cooking a delicious meal, so please join us! Invite your friends and neighbors! Cost for lunch is $6.00. Contact Nancy in the Church office at 419.531.4236 or nancy@epworth.com to make your reservation by Monday, February 3.

Healing and Wholeness ServiceOn Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00 PM in the Webb Chapel, Bob Town will share his testimony at the Healing and Wholeness Service. This is free and open to the public.

The quiet meditative service gives participants the opportunity to focus on the power of God to heal whatever physical, emotional, or spiritual disease or brokenness we are experiencing. The service will also include simple songs, scripture, communion, and individual healing prayers.

Each Service of Healing and Wholeness includes music, scripture, prayer, time for meditation and quiet, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and intercessory prayers and anointing with oil. Pastor Bob Thomas leads the service assisted by the Healing and Wholeness Team: Dolli Darah, BJ Brengartner, Penny McCartney, and Beth Irwin. Cecil Baughman accompanies the service.

Jazz Soiree featuring the Erik Dickey Jazz Quintet

Back by popular demand, the Eric Dickey Jazz Quintet will return to Epworth on Friday, February 21 at 6:30 PM in the Family Life Center. Pastor Bob and Mary Beth Thomas will team up with the Epworth Artist Series to present the Jazz Soiree.

Erik Dickey is a long established jazz artist in the vibrant Toledo jazz community who studied at Bowling Green State University. He brings together local and international musicians to provide entertaining evenings filled with the dynamic rhythms, harmonies, and improvised melodies that are the hallmark of that uniquely American art form, jazz. Erik and his quintet can be seen at many venues in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Please bring heavy hors d’oevres or a finger food dessert to share. Beverages will be provided. A free-will offering for missions will be received to benefit “Imagine No Malaria.”

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New Member Seminar PlannedA New Member Seminar is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, from 11:00 AM to 2:45 PM. You’ll gain an overview of the United Methodist Church and get a chance to meet other new members and our pastoral and program staff.

After completing this seminar and the three-session Spiritual Gifts classes (see article below for additional information and dates), you will be received into church membership on Sunday, March 9.

Register by Friday, February 7 by contacting Marla in the church office at 419.531.4236 or marla@epworth.com. Lunch and childcare will be provided with an RSVP.

Why Should You Know Your Spiritual Gifts?“The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.” from the book How Many People Does It Take to Make a Difference? by Dan Zadra.

You are encouraged to join the many Epworth folks and all of our new members in discovering how God has gifted you and how God wants you to use those gifts. The Spiritual Gifts Class is a personal opportunity to do something for you, to learn something about yourself, and to discover fresh enthusiasm for serving the Lord.

Don’t miss the next series of classes! It’s a great way to spend time just for you on these cold and dark winter days. Choose the time best for you:

Evenings: Mondays, February 17, 24 and March 3 from 7:00 to 9:00 PMMornings: Tuesdays, February 18, 25 and March 4 from 10:00 AM to Noon

The cost for your book is $10.00. Register by signing up on the Opportunities Page or by contacting Nancy at the Church office at 419.531.4236 or nancy@epworth.com. Childcare will be provided if requested.

Friendly Faces Wantedfor Monthly Vespers Services

Lay servants from Epworth United Methodist Church have been leading Vespers worship services at Sunset House on Indian Road for several years, and we’ve recently expanded the ministry to Kingston Residence of Sylvania. Swan Creek Retirement Community has also asked us about providing leadership for Vespers services. Vespers services vary in content but generally focus on a short message, familiar hymns, readings, and prayer. They are about 30 minutes long and provide a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and bring God’s message to the community.

We are planning our Vespers Service schedule for 2014 and are looking to add to our list of lay servants for this ministry. Services take place on the first Thursday of every month at 4:00 PM at Sunset House, the third Thursday of every month at 2:00 PM at Kingston Residence of Sylvania, and Sundays at 2:30 PM at Swan Creek Retirement Village.

If you would like to be a part of any of these Vespers services, please contact Beth Irwin at beth@epworth.com or 419.531.4236.

Emmaus Walks, Boys’ Chrysalis FlightRegistering Now

You may have heard people talking about Emmaus Walks and Chrysalis Flights. What are they? They are spiritual retreats, opportunities for faith exploration and renewal, and for taking a closer look at the servanthood of Jesus.

These Walks and Flights help individuals grow closer to

Jesus and become disciples and servants within the church. Though you participate as a group, the experience is still personal and unique for everyone.

Emmaus Walks are scheduled at Bryan Wesley United Methodist Church February 13-16 for men and February 20-23 for women. The Boys’ Chrysalis Flight takes place at Maumee United Methodist Church March 21-23.

To learn more, contact Beth Irwin at beth@epworth.com, Pastor Marilynn Schroeder at marilynn@epworth.com or by calling the church office at 419.531.4236. You can also visit the website of the Northwest Ohio Emmaus Community at www.nwoemmaus.com.

And for those who have already participated in a Walk or Flight, volunteers are always appreciated at future events. Sign-up online today!

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ATTENTION ALLSCRAPBOOKERS!!

Announcing UMW’s 10th annual all day crop called “scrapbooking for missions”. On Saturday, February 1, we will be gathering in the Family Life Center at Epworth UM Church for a full day of scrapbooking from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM for a fee of $30.00 per person. A continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served. Drinks and snacks will also be provided. There will be door prizes, giveaways, and we’ll even play scrapbook bingo for prizes.

We will have a massage therapist on hand to help you release your muscle tension and get your creative juices flowing. Also joining us will be Jill Obliziak of Creative Memories, Amanda Wilt of Close to My Heart, Glenda Hotchkiss of Stampin’ Up, Sarah Jamgochian Evener of Thirty-One Gifts, Lisa Kernes of First Impressions, and Sandy Mallet with her creative layouts.

Reservations will need to be paid in advance and forms can be picked up in the church office during the week. You may also pick up registrations in the cloister on Sundays starting January 12. Call Lisa Keaffaber at (personal information removed) for more information. This will be open for anyone who wants to join us, so ask all of your scrapbooking buddies to come along. As always, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to local missions!

Are you looking for a fun way to connect with other members of Epworth? Do you have younger children, infants through grade school? Then we have just the group for you!

The Parent Connections Committee has simple objectives: To help parents make time for themselves

and to expand their friendships at Epworth. We even provide free babysitting and fun activities for the kiddos during most of our events! It’s a chance to get out and mingle with other adults – and maybe even re-energize your own relationship.

Save the dates below and look for more events and details in the Tower, Bulletins, and E-mails!

Euchre Night at the Luke’s Walleye GameSaturday, February 22 Friday, March 14

Would you like more information on events happening with Parent Connections? Would you like to be added to the Parent Connections e-mail list? If so, please contact Cindy Franklin (personal information removed).

Epworth Early Childhood Education Center has been in operation since 1982 and continues to have success preparing children for kindergarten. There are half-day sessions that meet for two (TTh) or three (MWF) mornings/week or four mornings or afternoons/week (MTWTh).

Registration for the 2014-15 school year begins January 27 for children currently enrolled at ECEC, followed by children of church members, siblings of current and former ECEC students, and children currently enrolled in CDO on February 3. We open to the community on February 10. Children need to be three-years-old by September 30, 2014 and potty trained by the start of the school year in September. Guided tours are available for parents who want to visit the preschool. If interested, call the ECEC office at 419.531.7632 or e-mail Florine McCain at florine@epworth.com.

We welcome you to be part of the Epworth Early Childhood Education Center.

The annual Epworth Grape Seminar is scheduled for Saturday, February 22 at 7:00 PM at the home of Peter and Barbara Machin (personal information removed). The program will again be presented by Dan Thomas, grape connoisseur from the Andersons.

Bring a hearty appetizer to share and join the fun. Cost per person will be between $8-$10. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, February 18 by signing up on the Opportunities Page or by contacting Peter and Barbara at (personal information removed). Hope we’ll see you there!

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Scrapbooking for MissionsSaturday, February 1, 2014

9:00am to 8:00pmEpworth United Methodist Church

4855 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 43615

Cost: $30.00

100% of the money raised will be donated to local non-profit agencies(please ask for a list of agencies).

$30.00 Registration Fee Includes:

Registration:Pay in advance by cash or check to reserve your spot. You can register in the office at Epworth United Methodist Church or mail your registration to the church. You may also contact Lisa Keaffaber at (personal information removed). Sorry, no refunds. We will try to accommodate all seating requests as best as possible.

Consultants that will be available during the crop:

Registration FormName: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________(This will put you on the e-mail list for the crop next year. It will not be sold or given away to any 3rd party.)

I would like to be seated with: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to Epworth United Methodist Women.To register by mail, please send payment and registration form to

Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 43615.

Thank you very much!

4 feet of cropping spaceHourly door prizesBingo games Garage sale tables

Free gift for all who attendMake and takesLayout contest

Continental breakfastPotato bar lunchLasagna dinnerSnacks and drinks(coffee, tea, juice, and water)

Jill Oblizajek – Creative MemoriesAmanda Wilt – Close to My HeartSarah Jamgochian-Evener – Thirty-One Gifts

Sandy Mallet – Unique Page KitsGlenda Hotchkiss – Stampin’ UpMelody DeMars – Massage Therapist

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Treasurer’s Report for 2013January 2014: Epworth Ends 2013 with $5,979 Favorable Variance

Final results are in. Epworth ended its 2013 financial year with a favorable variance of total resources over total expenses in the amount of $5,979 better than budgeted. (Please see the table below). The original 2013 general operating budget as approved by the Administrative Council was a negative $25,000 of resources over expenses.

2013 2013 %Resources Budget Actual Variance Pledges $1,145,000 $1,152,731 0.7% Unpledged Contributions $110,000 $114,277 3.9$ Holiday and Loose Offerings $52,500 $43,907 (16.4%) All Other $61,500 $93,006 51.2%Total Resources $1,369,000 $1,402,545 2.6%

Expenses Programs $89,750 $81,366 (9.3%) Facilities $265,000 $257,308 (2.9%) Administration $42,500 $39,534 (7.0%) Personnel $766,121 $762,577 (0.5%) Apportionments $190,845 $190,845 0.0% Outreach and Missions $60,000 $60,100 0.2% All Other $5,784 $6,212 7.4%Total Expenses $1,420,000 $1,397,942 (1.6%)

Resources Over/(Under) Expenses ($51,000) $5,979Transfer from Prior Years’ Surplus $26,000 $ -Total Year Surplus/(Deficit) ($25,000) $5,979

The original budget for 2013 assumed that it would be necessary to draw up to $26,000 from our unrestricted and undesignated fund balance, representing accumulated surplus from previous years. 2013’s favorable experience made this unnecessary and instead added $5,979 to the fund balance.

Currently, the Stewardship Committee is wrapping up the annual Stewardship Campaign. Concurrently, the Finance Committee is now preparing the 2014 budget for consideration by the Administrative Council at its February meeting. Expected total 2014 pledges will be about $1,150,000, an amount that is virtually the same as total pledges received in 2013. With the reality of flat revenue and slightly increasing expenses anticipated in 2014, it will be challenging to develop a balanced budget for 2014.

Next month’s Tower will contain a report on the results of the Stewardship Campaign for 2014, as well as a recap of the 2014 general budget approved by the Administrative Council.

We continue to be blessed by the generous giving of our committed congregation. Rest assured, our staff and program committees are doing their best to be good steward of these resources.

Peter Machin, TreasurerJanuary 2014

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2013 Trustee Capital ProjectsThe following list of Trustee Projects is provided as a 2013 Capital Project report to the Epworth Congregation. A large number of activities were addressed last year including:

1. Reinforcing the walls of the Family Life Center at $62,000.2. Replacing our old and inefficient boilers at $70,000.3. Upgrading our Valley View entrance at $30,000.4. Repairing and improving handicapped access at our Central Avenue and lounge entrances at $4,800.5. Repairing the HVAC computerized control system at $2,600.6. Replacing defective audio components in our Family Live Center at $1,500.7. Selected landscape and tree service projects at $5,000.8. Replacing the keyboard used for contemporary worship at $4,000.9. Improving a christian education audio-visual projection capability at $4,000.10. A major clutter clean-up activity.11. A variety of repair and maintenance services related to our plumbing, electrical, painting, waste

recycling and disposal, and roofing needs. The financial support, volunteer time, and the patience of the congregation in addressing and completing this work is recognized and appreciated. The Epworth TrusteesJohn Ingersoll, Chairman

United Methodist Women’sArts & Crafts Bazaar

2013 TotalsThe final total for the United Methodist Women’s annual Arts & Crafts Bazaar that raises money for local non-profit organization’s missions was $16,098.25. This includes $768.00 raised by Priscilla Circle at their December “Mini Bazaar.”

The November 2 Arts & Crafts Bazaar raised $15,330.25 after expenses.

Thanks to all who supported these events with their time, monetary and/or item donations, and purchases. Your efforts will provide much needed and appreciated support for local missions.

Church Staff InformationRobert L. Thomas PastorKeith Luke Associate PastorMarilynn Schroeder Pastor of DiscipleshipCecil Baughman Director of MusicKyle Folger Contemporary Worship Leader and Audio/Visual TechnicianDana Jamgochian Director of Christian EducationRuth Ann Johnson Associate Director of Christian EducationMary Roesti Education Assistant and Drama CoordinatorFlorine McCain Director of Early Childhood Education CenterBob Knowles Director of Student MinistriesChuck Campos Associate Director of Student MinistriesBeth Irwin Director of Health Ministries/ Parish Visitor/CommunicationMarla Kelsey Administrative Secretary Jane Bueche Financial SecretaryNancy Fernandez Program SecretaryCaryn McDermott Publications SecretaryLes Beland Facility Maintenance Technician

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR NEXT TOWER ARTICLES - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 AT NOON

Non ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDToledo, OhioPermit No. 23

Epworth Student Ministries

Our Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

www.EpworthSWAT.com

Questions about Epworth Student Ministries? Contact Bob Knowles atbobknowles@epworth.com or 419.509.2353 or Chuck Campos at chuck@epworth.com or 419.902.2263.

For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

4855 W. Central AvenueToledo, Ohio 43615-2337

Friday, January 17 to SWAT Winter RetreatSunday, January 19

Sunday, January 19 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible NO Junior or Senior SWAT - Returning from Winter Retreat

Friday, January 24 to 5:00 PM - Confirmation Retreat C BeginsSunday, January 26 12:30 PM - Confirmation Retreat C Ends

Sunday, January 26 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible 6:00 PM – Junior SWAT; 7:30 PM – Senior SWAT

Sunday, February 2 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible NO Junior or Senior SWAT - Super Bowl Home Parties

Sunday, February 9 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible 12:30 PM - Senior Youth Leadership Team Meeting with Lunch 6:00 PM – Junior SWAT; 7:30 PM – Senior SWAT