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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: [email protected]
June 11, 2014
It’s not “The Great Option”...One of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible is the powerful command from Jesus to His disciples, Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”. This is known as The Great Commission and is the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Jesus didn’t tell us to do this just when we’re having a good day, or when we just received our huge bonus or commission check, or when it’s the last day of school, or during the Christmas season or whenever we think it’s an appropriate time. It was the great commission given by Jesus to all followers --- a specific calling to take specific action while on this earth, each day, every day, in everything we do and everywhere we go. We must not forget His command to us, not just through our words, but in our deeds and actions... at home, at the office, with our clients and customers, in the morning even when we’re not morning people, in the evening even when we’re not night people -- with everyone including our best friends and our “not so best” friends.
Our Epworth Student Ministries takes the Great Commission fully to heart as we prepare for our Youth Summer Mission Weeks --- our youth once again accept Jesus’ challenge. Our Junior High Students are going on a week long mission venture starting June 21 to Warren/Youngstown Ohio serving in partnership with the United Methodist Community Center, which is a sister organization to Toledo’s Friendly Center. Not only will we clean, paint and perform other needed tasks, but even more importantly
we’ll interact with the homeless teens that are cared for by the UM Community Center. We hope that our presence within that community will leave a strong message that they are not forgotten, they are loved and there is hope for a better day. Epworth’s Senior High Students were traveling to Philadelphia on July 12 for a mission week serving homeless shelters and pantries as well as the Salvation Army.
As babies are baptized, youth are confirmed and new members join our church -- each of us are asked to faithfully participate in the ministry of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service. Each of our students will be giving a week of their summer vacation SERVING as missionaries for Christ and Epworth. We ask that you PRAY for each of our youth and their adult teams as they travel and serve in Christ’s name. Our students will be giving their PRESENCE AND SERVICE and money for their expenses. YOU, as our Epworth Congregation and family, have always offered your financial GIFTS as you joyfully supported our Youth Missions while using the Kroger Plus cards, SWAT Merchant/Gift cards, attending our fund raising dinners and many further support our Youth Missions with direct contributions. The dividends and return on our investment in our youth is literally out of this world – it gives us hope for tomorrow! Thanks for your support of our Youth and our SWAT Student Ministries Please join our Youth Mission Weeks with your PRAYERS each day as our Epworth Youth serve with energy, passion and commitment while accepting Jesus’ Great Commission.
STUDENT MINISTRIES
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FURNITURE MINISTRYPickup Dates: June 14, 21, and 28
Arrange a Donation Pickup: Call 567.694.3710
Volunteer as a Free Loader: Sign up on the Opportunities Page or e-mail [email protected]
Items Needed: COMFORTERS and BLANKETS (Twin/Full/Queen)!! Also, needed are beds,
kitchen table and chair sets, and pots and pans.
2014 Statistics May YTD
Pieces of Furniture Gifted 78 330
Families Served 13 56
Adults 15 76
Children 16 84
IS YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTSELLING ITEMS ON EBAY/CRAIGSLIST? We are looking for a willing person to sell items on eBay/Craigslist to benefit the Furniture Ministry. If you are interested, please contact Barbara Gatchel at (personal information removed) or sign up on the Opportunities Page.
June 2014 WHAT’S INSIDE?...........
4 THANKS & BLESSINGS + Congratulations + Sympathies
5 NEW MEMBERS
6-7 HEALTH MINISTRIES + June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month by guest columnist, Diana Watt + Food Addicts in Recover Anonymous + Memory Care at Epworth + Facilitators Needed + Body Recall + Summer Sessions
8 TO NEW BEGINNINGS
9 REPORTS & FINANCIALS + Project Feed 5000 + Epworth Foundation
10-11 GET INVOLVED + Bible Study + Deborah Circle + July 4th Canal Days + Friends in Faith Bunco/Book Club + Adult Singles
12-13 EDUCATION + Sunday School Classes + VBS + Education Servants + E.C.E.C.
14-15 OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE + Emmaus/Chrysalis + St. Paul’s + Healing & Wholeness + Good Works + Readers, Leaders, & Musicians Needed
Backpage S.W.A.T. ACTIVITIES
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WEEKLY ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERTo sign up for the electronic weekly and monthly newsletters, e-mail Caryn at [email protected] with “Electronic Newsletter” in the subject line.
If you’d like to be informed about obituary notifications, please e-mail with “Obituary Notifications” in the subject line.
MONTHLY ACTIVITIES CALENDARHard copies are available at the kiosk in the Narthex and in the Church office. The electronic version is available at www.epworth.com.
4855 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43615www.epworth.com | 419.531.4236
July Tower Deadline: July 7E-mail articles to [email protected]
BOB THOMAS, [email protected]
KEITH LUKE, Associate [email protected]
MARILYNN SCHROEDER, Pastor of [email protected]
CECIL BAUGHMAN, Director of [email protected]
KYLE FOLGER, Contemporary Worship Leader and Audio/Visual Technician
DANA JAMGOCHIAN, Director of Christian Education
RUTH ANN JOHNSON, Associate Director of Christian Education
MARY ROESTI, Education Assistant and Drama Coordinator
FLORINE MCCAIN, Director of Early Childhood Education Center
BOB KNOWLES, Director of Student [email protected]
CHUCK CAMPOS, Associate Director of Student Ministries
BETH IRWIN, Director of Health Ministries/Parish Visitor/Communication
MARLA KELSEY, Administrative Secretary [email protected]
JANE BUECHE, Financial [email protected]
NANCY FERNANDEZ, Program [email protected]
CARYN MCDERMOTT, [email protected]
LES BELAND, Facility Maintenance [email protected]
The
Epworth Tower
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES8:30 BLENDEDA mix of traditional and contemporary styles, with Holy Communion served every week. Also available during this hour: Nursery, Toddler, and Preschool Childcare and Adult Sunday School.
9:45 TRADITIONALSteeped in the warm-hearted Methodist tradition featuring choral and organ music. Also available during this hour: Nursery, Toddler, and Preschool Childcare and Sunday School Classes for K-6, Jr. and Sr. High, and Adults.
11:00 CONTEMPORARYFast-paced and using visuals to illustrate the Bible-based sermons, this service features our praise band, Hearts Afire. Also available during this hour: Nursery, Toddler, and Preschool Childcare and W.O.W. (Worship Our Way - a children’s worship experience) for K-6.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSESPreschool, Elementary, and Adult classes at 9:45 and 11:00 AM
Youth classes at 9:45 AM, 6:00 and 7:30 PM
Nursery and toddler care during all services.
MISSIONTo make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
VISIONOur Vision is that 10 years from now, Epworth United Methodist Church will:
• Be consistently focused on significantly reaching, connecting, and discipling people in the greater Toledo area who do not have a church home.
• Be one of the most effective churches in the Greater Toledo area in this ministry with a focus on younger adults, youth, and children.
• Be continuing a significant ministry of discipling middle aged and older adults, as well.
• Have over half of the worshipping congregation under 45 years of age.
Epworth offers ongoing parenting classes and family activities. We have an awareness and support for people with special needs and their families.
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THANKS! !DEAR EPWORTH FRIENDS,Thank you for all the prayers, cards, and words of encouragement during this last year during my mother’s breast cancer and the passing of my dad. It has been a difficult year filled with many blessings. Epworth has an amazing congregation, and we feel so blessed to be part of it.BLESSINGS, RUTH ANN AND WES JOHNSON
DEAR EPWORTH MEMBERS,We want to thank you for all of the cards, thoughts, prayers,and pastoral visits given during January when both of us were in and out of Toledo Hospital. Offers of doing errands were also welcomed. The combination of these things, plus excellent medical care, have brought us back to a healthy lifestyle. Thank you again.ROGER AND JOANNE KENNEDY
Thank you to everyone who donated cookies for Graduation Sunday. A total of 650 cookies were eaten and enjoyed on Sunday, June 1st! CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE
DEAR EPWORTH FAMILY,The Community Outreach Committee would like to sincerely thank you for your participation in making the 10th Anniversary of “Feed 5000” a success! Thank you to everyone that went shopping and returned the boxes filled to the rim with food donations, and also to those that participated with monetary donations. In addition, thanks to the many weekly volunteers that helped distribute, collect, and check-in the boxes. And finally, a special thank you to Mark Hem for his sincere dedication to this project by setting-up in the Narthex all six weeks.
Epworth has once again shown its generosity to those in need. Thanks to the entire congregation for supporting this project and demonstrating compassion for others just as Jesus did when he fed 5000 people as found in Matthew 14:13-21.COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
(Please see the Feed 5000 article (p. 9) for a report on the results)
Got Thanks?If you’d like to send a thank you to be printed in the next issue of the Tower, send an e-mail to [email protected] along with your thank you note.
THANK YOU FOR SAVING LIVES!The American Red Cross thanks everyone who participated in the spring blood drive at Epworth on Wednesday, May 21. Because of your willingness to commit your time and a pint of blood, we were able to meet 114% of our goal as a host site. But more importantly, your donations saved lives. Up to three people can benefit per unit.
The next blood drive will be Saturday, August 30 in the Family Life Center as part of the Six Super Saturdays of Service. Volunteers are welcome to come and supervise the check-in desk, set up, and tear down. And, of course, your little red blood cells are welcome too – we’d love to have you as a donor! If you donate on or before Sunday, July 6, you will still be able to donate on Saturday, August 30. More information will be coming soon.HEALTH MINISTRIES
Congratulations RECENT BIRTHS.............................................................................• JOE AND MELISSA CAFFERTY on the birth of their son, Liam Charles Cafferty, born Wednesday, May 14. The proud
grandparents are Thom and Sue Cafferty.
• JASON AND RACHEL WANNER on the birth of their daughter, Cecelia Elizabeth Wanner, born Tuesday, May 20.
• JUSTIN AND DANIELLE WILLIAMS on the birth of their daughter, Caroline Joy Williams, born Saturday, May 24. The proud grandparents are Devin and Carla McConnell.
• KYLE AND BRITTANY OSBORN on the birth of their daughter, Reagan Mae Osborn, born Tuesday, May 27. The proud grandparents are Terry and Karen Knight.
Sympathies RECENT DEATHS.........................................................................................• THE SECOR FAMILY on the passing of Richard Secor on Wednesday, May 7.
• BARBARA CRAIG on the passing of her aunt, Esther Laubin on Saturday, May 17 at 100 years old.
• THE SHANECK FAMILY on the passing of Gary Shaneck on Monday, May 19.
• THE RATHKE FAMILY on the passing of David Rathke on Thursday, May 29.
THANKS & BLESSINGS
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Dena Clark(personal information removed)Dena is a Vet Tech for Humane Ohio.
Mary Hornyak(personal information removed)
Louis and Kelly Flenner(Noah, Ana, and Cameron)(personal information removed)Louis is a Product Manager for Railtech, and Kelly is a Spanish teacher at St. John’s Jesuit High School.
Teresa Meyers(personal information removed)
Ruth Petroff(personal information removed)
Bob Maki(personal information removed)
Dennis and Joan Tobias(personal information removed)Dennis is a Realtor with ReMax Masters, and Joan is a retired teacher for Springfield Local Schools.
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome
NEW MEMBERS
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JUNE IS MYASTHENIA GRAVIS AWARENESS MONTHBY GUEST COLUMNIST, DIANA WATT
Epworth Health MinistriesI’ll bet you have heard of MS (multiple sclerosis) and MD (muscular dystrophy). After all, each year our community and many others hold events like Bike to the Bay and the Jerry Lewis Telethon to help support people with these neuromuscular diseases. Now the question I have is how many of you have heard of MG? I am guessing the answer is going to be not many, but that’s ok because June is Myasthenia Gravis awareness month.
Myasthenia Gravis, or MG for short, is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease which translated from Latin literally means “grave muscle weakness”. Pronounced “My-as-theen-ee-a Grav-us”, it’s estimated that about 20 people in 100,000 in the US have MG. However, it’s probably underdiagnosed and the prevalence may be higher. Myasthenia Gravis occurs in all races, both genders, and at any age. It’s not thought to be directly inherited nor is it contagious. It occasionally occurs in more than one member of the same family.
The most common form of MG is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscle groups. The voluntary muscles of the entire body are controlled by nerve impulses that arise in the brain. These nerve impulses travel down the nerves to the place where the nerves meet the muscle fibers. Nerve fibers do not actually connect with muscle fibers. There is a space between the nerve ending and muscle fiber; this space is called the neuromuscular junction. When the nerve impulse originating in the brain arrives at the
nerve ending, it releases a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine travels across the space to the muscle fiber side of the neuromuscular junction where it attaches to many receptor sites. The muscle contracts when enough of the receptor sites have been activated by the acetylcholine.
In MG, there can be as much as an 80% reduction in the number of these receptor sites. The reduction in the number of receptor sites is caused by an antibody that destroys or blocks the receptor site. For reasons not well understood, the immune system of the person with MG makes antibodies against the receptor sites of the neuromuscular junction. The antibodies destroy the receptor sites more rapidly than the body can replace them. Muscle weakness occurs when acetylcholine cannot activate enough receptor sites at the neuromuscular junction.
Common symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis can include:
• A drooping eyelid• Blurred or double vision• Slurred speech• Difficulty chewing and swallowing• Weakness in the arms and legs• Chronic muscle fatigue• Difficulty breathing The Myasthenia Foundation of America can be found at www.myasthenia.org where patients can also find support groups for their local area. Most MG research will tell you that pain is not a part of MG, but surveys of MG patients say that over 50 percent experience pain.
There is no known cure for MG, but there are effective treatments that allow many – but not all – people with MG to lead full lives. Although the treatments will not cure MG, patients may have significant improvement in their muscle weakness. MG may go into remission for a time, during which no treatment is necessary. Rest and a well-balanced diet can help. MG affects each person differently requiring individualized treatment approaches and goals. Treatment decisions are based on knowledge of the natural history of MG in each patient and the predicted response to a specific form of therapy. Treatment goals are individualized according to the severity of the MG weakness, the patient’s age and sex, and the degree of impairment. There is much that can be done, but still much to understand. New drugs to improve treatments are needed. Research plays an important role in finding new answers and treatments for MG. I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis a year ago, although I have had some symptoms for a very long time. I haven’t gone into remission yet and am still looking for the treatment that will allow me to regain my life. Many MG patients also report that they are diagnosed with more than one auto immune disease at a time such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. I attend the praise service at Epworth and I can clap through the first song, but by the second song my muscles have weakened and then I resort to tapping my toes. The scariest parts of MG are the choking and breathing issues.
continued on the next page
HEALTH MINISTRIES
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MYASTHENIA CONTINUEDEvery meal becomes a land mine, and you never know when you will be desperately gasping for air because you once again choked on the food you are eating. MG patients must concentrate on swallowing correctly and take their time while eating or they will end up choking. There is a lot to learn about MG and lots of new treatments. A well-educated patient can help their doctor especially if the doctor is not as up to speed on MG as the patient is. Finding doctors who treat MG on a regular basis can be challenging and you must do your homework. Luckily there are national support groups and online groups where you can talk to other patients and get support.
FACILITATOR NEEDED FOR LOW VISION/MACULAR DEGENERATION SUPPORT GROUPFor several years, Epworth has hosted a Low Vision/Macular Degeneration Support Group that is open to the community. The meetings take place on the second Monday of the month at 2:00 PM. If it is in your heart to serve the visually impaired and provide a social, supportive environment for their needs, contact Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries, at [email protected] or 419.531.4236 for further details. The group is on hiatus until September, and Beth will be glad to get you oriented and assist with planning upcoming meetings.
FOOD ADDICTS IN RECOVERY ANONYMOUS (FA)Are you having a hard time controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) meets every Monday in Room 206 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Contact Stoney Griffin at 734.635.1392 for more information or visit www.foodaddicts.org.
MEMORY CARE AT EPWORTHHave you found yourself in the midst of a journey with a loved one that you wish you weren’t taking---a journey as partners in the management of mental decline? Maybe your caring partnership has a diagnosis or maybe not. But you are concerned and anxious about what you will be dealing with. You can find help and support here at Epworth.
Our Dementia Caregivers Support Group has been meeting over six months, and we invite you to join us, if even for one meeting. We study the literature for best practices and for poor practices. Yes, there are some approaches to be avoided, and they are not necessarily obvious.
More importantly, we are a forum for sharing experiences and providing personal support to one another. You are a partner in this care process, and you share with your care partner in obtaining the information and help you need now and may need in the future as you continue on this journey together.
The Epworth Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets every third Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the church lounge. Please join us. We need you, and you may find that you need us as well. Please contact facilitator Debbie Bradford for more information at (personal information removed).
SUMMER BODY RECALL PLUSFeeling energized, more alive, ready for whatever tasks (or fun) that might be ahead -- who wouldn’t want to feel like that? Our bodies are designed to MOVE, and Epworth’s Body Recall Plus classes promise to help you carefully, gently, and thoroughly move every joint in your body to its full range of motion and to promote strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Again, who wouldn’t want that?
Call Pam Christensen at (personal information removed) for the weeks of our summer schedule for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 classes. Come and find out that the “F” in fitness stands for fun and fellowship! Do call -- the goal is that you will walk out of class feeling better than when you walked in.
PHOTO: BODY RECALL +
HEALTH MINISTRIES
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To New Beginnings.......................................................
SUNDAY, JUNE 22 will be Pastor Bob’s last Sunday with Epworth. Bob, Mary Beth, and Kate will be leaving for Columbus the following day.
On June 22, Chef Les Gant will be on hand to offer some delicious treats before and after the 8:30 AM service and after the 9:45 AM and 11:00 AM services.
Please plan to join us for worship and to recognize and celebrate the many contributions that the Thomas family has made for our church over the past eight years.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29 will be Pastor Doug Damron’s first Sunday at Epworth. Please help us welcome Pastor Doug, his wife, Kim, and sons, Wesley and Clay.
Chef Les will once again prepare some delicious food for us before and after the 8:30 AM service and after the 9:45 AM and 11:00 AM services.
The 11:00 AM service will be held outside.
DO YOU KNOW?Ann Thieman, at age 93, is a faithful presence in the 9:45 worship service. Ann has been a member of Epworth for 41 years, and her smile continues to encourage everyone privileged to see her on a Sunday morning.
We thank God for her witness of faith that touches all of us.
Ann, we will miss seeing you while you are enjoying summer at your cottage in Michigan!
TO NEW BEGINNINGS
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
(Jeremiah 29:11)
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ASSETS & INVESTMENTSTotal Epworth Foundation assets at year-end 2013 equaled $1,384,571. The total value of the Foundation’s assets increased $160,026 or 13.1% over 2012. This increase was due to $10,257 of new gifts & bequests and $149,769 of investment appreciation. 29% of the Foundation’s total value was invested in fixed income investments and the remaining 71% was invested in equity investments as shown in the chart below.
EXPENDITURESThe Epworth Foundation distributed a total of $74,277 back to Epworth Church for missions, outreach, capital projects and church operations as shown in the chart below. The remaining asset appreciation was retained and reinvested.
PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A GIFT OR BEQUEST TO THE EPWORTH FOUNDATION.If you have any questions, please contact Tom Christensen, Foundation Chairman, or Peter Machin, Treasurer.
Epworth Foundation 2013 Annual Report
REPORT ONPROJECT FEED 500010th AnniversaryThis year marked the 10th anniversary of Epworth’s participation in Project FEED 5000. Epworth once again demonstrated its generosity to those in need with donations of food items and monetary donations.
All food donations received were delivered to Feed Your Neighbor at Toledo Area Ministries (TAM). Monetary donations were used to purchase food items in high demand at the local food pantries. All of the food items were then distributed to food banks in the Toledo area. TAM was so appreciative of all of the food donations received because supplies were especially low this year.
The Community Outreach Committee is very pleased to report that over the 10 year history of Epworth’s participation in FEED 5000, over 10,200 boxes of food have been donated to feed our local neighbors in need! This means your donations have fed approximately 41,000 people for over two days!! Thank you for being the hands of Christ and making a difference over the past 10 years in our local community.
Going forward, the Community Outreach Committee has decided to consider new approaches to support FEED 5000. The committee intends to continue to collect food donations, with a focus on food items most in demand at our local pantries.
The Community Outreach Committee once again sincerely thanks you for your support of Project FEED 5000 these past 10 years, and we look forward to continuing to support our local food pantries in future years.
REPORTS & FINANCIALS
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DEBORAH CIRCLE MEETINGOur next meeting will be Saturday, June 14 from 9:30 AM to noon in the Epworth lounge. We will be making luminaries for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fund raising event/luminary ceremony which will be held Friday, June 20 at 10:00 PM at the Lucas County Fairgrounds.
Donors remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those battling the disease by dedicating luminaria bags. On Sunday, June 8, luminaries will be for sale in the cloister for a $10.00 donation to the American Cancer Society. Deborah Circle will lovingly create a special one at our June meeting, or you may make your own. Questions? Contact Diana Davis by text, call, or e-mail at (personal information removed). You may also sign up on the Opportunities Page.
JULY 4TH EVENT - LEARN ABOUT OHIO’S CANAL DAYSBecause of last year’s popularity of the Fort Meigs Bicentennial Tour, the Recreation Committee has planned another July 4th historical outing at Providence Metropark across from nearby Grand Rapids, Ohio. The outing is limited to 20 people, so make your reservations soon.
We will gather at 10:15 that morning in the Canal parking lot. At a nearby shelter, Ed Danziger will provide some background on Ohio’s canal days. Then the group will board “The Volunteer,” a 60-foot replica of the boat commonly used along these waterways 150 years ago. A pair of mules will pull the boat while costumed interpreters recreate life on these vessels.
After a brown bag lunch back on land, we will stroll the tow path, tour the Ludwig sawmill and grist mill, view heritage craft demonstrations, sample goodies at the old fashioned General Store and across the river in downtown Grand Rapids (think ice cream!).
The cost for tour tickets is $6.00 for adults; $5.00 for Metroparks members and seniors (60 and over); $4.00 for children (ages 3-12); ages 2 and under are free. History will truly come to life at Providence Metropark this July 4. Please join us.
Any questions, contact Ed Danziger at (personal information removed). Attendees will receive more detailed instructions. Reservations and money due by June 29.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDYWe will be meeting the 2nd Tuesday of the month continuing through the summer. We will discuss various topics. There is no advanced preparation required, so please join us whenever it fits your schedule.
GET INVOLVED
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FRIENDS IN FAITHSUNDAY 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 are:
• Wednesday, July 16 at Ronnie Gorsuch’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Ronnie at (personal information removed).
• Wednesday, August 27 at Linda Coon’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Linda at (personal information removed).
Please bring a donation of a hygiene product (lotion, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.) or socks, scarves, gloves, aspirin, etc. for S.T.A.R.S. These items will be used to help support young girls and families who have been affected by human trafficking.
BOOK CLUBEveryone 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, June 24 - We will discuss Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson and will meet at Linda Coon’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Linda at (personal information removed).
• Tuesday, July 22 - We will discuss Monuments Men by Robert Miedsel and will meet at Linda Coon’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Linda at (personal information removed).
• Tuesday, August 19 - We will discuss Subliminal by Leonard Mldoinow and will meet at Linda Coon’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Linda at (personal information removed).
LUNCH BUNCH meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:00 noon at the designated restaurant for that month. July 8’s location will be at Outback Steakhouse (5200 Monroe Street, Toledo). RSVP to Sue Hartman (personal information removed) or sign up on the Opportunities Page.
COFFEE & SUCH meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM at Tim Horton’s (4735 Monroe Street, Toledo). RSVP to Linda Coon (personal information removed) or sign up on the Opportunities Page.
JUNE MEETING – Our Friday, June 27th meeting will be at Linda Coon’s house (personal information removed) at 6:30 PM - THIS IS THE 4TH FRIDAY, NOT THE 3RD! If your last name begins with A-M, please bring a salad or appetizer. If your last name begins with N-Z, please bring a dessert to share. We will have a special program by Ruth Rittichier. Please RSVP to Linda Coon (personal information removed).
Each month we are trying to schedule a program presented by a member of our group. It can be whatever topic of interest you have (i.e. a hobby, a trip you have taken, or any other subject for which you have a passion). Be thinking what you would like to share. We have May, June, and July already assigned!
We are also looking for Singles to host the FRIDAY MONTHLY MEETINGS. If you feel your home is not big enough to accomodate, we can always do a backyard event! Volunteer to Linda Coon (personal information removed) or sign up on the Opportunities Page.
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.
Epworth[adult Singles ]
GET INVOLVED
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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 101 - We have moved across the hall to a larger room. Now we have plenty of space to learn and play and grow. 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 in Rooms 112 & 114 - Preschool children ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten) are invited
to join us. 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.
• For the summer, the preschool children will join W.O.W. (Worship Our Way) at 11:00 in Room 114 with the elementary children. Each week, the children will learn about God’s love through age-appropriate lessons packed with hands-on learning through praise, worship, and prayer.
ELEMENTARY• Children, Grades K-5 at 9:45 in Room 205, “The Oasis” - This summer we will Caravan across the desert with
Moses and the Israelites with “WILDERNESS ESCAPE”: Where God Guides and Provides. Each week we will experience wilderness crafts, Bible stories, or games, as we learn Bible points throughout the summer.
• Sixth Grade S.L.A.M. at 9:45 - This summer, we will be meeting with Junior High in Room 003.
• 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 - For the summer, this class will meet with the preschoolers in Room 114, 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”) in Room 205, “The Oasis” - 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 - Join the class for thoughtful discussion around Adam Hamilton’s book
(and DVD), Making Sense of the Bible. You’ll be invited into a deeper appreciation of the Bible so that you might hear God speak through it and find its words to be life-changing and life-giving. We’ll consider questions such as, How and when was the Bible written? Who decided which books made it into the scriptures and why? How literally must we read it? And, is the Bible ever wrong? Bring a friend.
• Friends in Faith at 9:45 in Room 213 - Come study with us as we discuss The Miracles of Jesus. We will read the scriptures and discuss a different miracle each week. No homework or advance preparation needed. Join us!
• Coffee and Conversation at 9:45 in Room 020 - Please join us as we discuss Faithlinks, which is how to apply our United Methodist beliefs to current faith issues and world events. Each week we will discuss a different topic.
• Bible Study at 9:45 in the Library (lower level by Central Avenue door) - We are studying Kyle Idleman’s riveting new book, Gods at War. Please join us as we learn how seekers, non-Christians, and life-long Christians alike will all be moved to grow their relationship with Christ.
• Sermon Notes at 11:00 in Room 214 - We are covering a new Hamilton series called the Last 24 Hours of Jesus’ Life, a follow up to The Way. Please feel free to join us.Ep
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EDUCATION
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EPWORTH E.C.E.C.A special thanks to all of the families who sent their children to E.C.E.C. for 2013-14. Many of the children will be going to kindergarten, and others will be returning for another year at the preschool. Our wish is for all of them to have a wonderful summer reading books.
Melanie Melfi, who taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays, will become a substitute teacher for the upcoming year. We will miss seeing her each week, however, we are grateful she will be substituting in the program.
As a result of Melanie’s departure, E.C.E.C. may be looking to hire a part-time preschool teacher. Contact Florine McCain at 419.531.4236 or [email protected] if you are interested in learning more about the available position.
Preschool classes for 2014-15 begin the week of Labor Day. The morning classes are full, but a few spaces remain in the four days/week afternoon class. Contact the preschool office for additional information at 419.531.4236.
READY FOR AN AMAZING VBS WEEK JUNE 15-20!We have 175 children coming to VBS this year, including 82 preschoolers. In the past few years, we have had around 120 children with 40 preschoolers in both sessions combined. It is so wonderful to have so many children in our program this year!
WE JUST HAVE A FEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO JOIN THE FUN!
We would like to have 1 more elementary crew leader in the mornings. Also, if you can sub for us on Thursday or Friday morning, please call Dana, Ruth Ann, or Mary right away at 419.531.4236!
Thanks, Epworth, for all your support for this coming week! You have been very generous with your time, your space, and your contributions! Now we ask for your prayers this week for all the little ones who will be here learning how much Jesus loves them!
EDUCATION SERVANTSMany of you have served our children well in the past. But, there is still much more to do. The task is never-ending, and the responsibility is never over. In worship, you have heard from some amazing servants who give of their time in ways you may not have imagined. What is one more thing YOU can do to help our children on their faith journey?
It might be leading a class on Sunday morning, reading stories, singing songs, or playing games with our little ones, or calling on others to teach. It might be helping in the resource room with all the supplies and organization that is so desperately needed there, helping in the summer classes, or helping with Vacation Bible School.
The time commitment is varied. The possibilities are endless. The rewards are amazing! Please listen to God’s direction, and call the education office at 419.531.4236 for more information. We would love to talk with you more about it. To volunteer to help one week this summer, call the education office, or sign up in the hallway upstairs.
EDUCATION
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EMMAUS WALKS & CHRYSALIS FLIGHT COMING SOON!If you know someone who desires a closer relationship with God and wants to understand the life of Jesus as a servant leader – or if you feel called to this experience yourself – prayerfully consider the next Emmaus Walk or Chrysalis Flight coming this summer.
Chrysalis Flights are for teens 15 and up. It’s a three day retreat giving teens time and sacred space to learn and think about Jesus’ role in their lives. There’s a Chrysalis Flight for girls June 20-22 at Maumee UMC.
For adult women, the next Walk to Emmaus will take place here at Epworth United Methodist Church July 10-13. A men’s walk takes place in October at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan.
To learn more about Chrysalis Flights and Emmaus Walks, or to print out participant and sponsor forms, go to www.nwoemmaus.com, or contact Pastor Marilynn Schroeder at [email protected] or Beth Irwin at [email protected].
ST. PAUL’S MINISTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERSEpworth UMC has had a long-standing commitment to St. Paul’s and the community it serves. One form of support is through providing and serving the first Saturday of the month’s noon meal.
Groups, or individuals, are invited to sign up for a Saturday, and then coordinate what will be purchased, prepared, and served at St. Paul’s for that day. The typical number served at St. Paul’s is 100, with well over 1,300 meals provided in 2013 through this ministry.
There are 2 dates still available: July 5 and October 4! Jennie Vancil (personal information removed) coordinates these meals and will gladly speak to you or your group about serving at St. Paul’s.
If you, and/or your group, have served a meal at St. Paul’s in the past, thank you. Please consider supporting this ministry in 2014 and beyond.
SUMMERSAVE-THE-DATESAs you’re planning your summer vacations,
don’t forget to mark the events belowon your calendar
so you’re not missing out on the fun!
Epworth Block PartySunday, July 20 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
on the Wesley GroundsHot dogs, watermelon, and popcorn will all be
provided, along with music and games. Come for the cake walk and try to take home a cake.
Guess Who’sComing to Dinner
Patio Parties EditionSunday, August 10 at 5:30 PM
Hosts will sign up for an indoor or outdoor dinner, and guests will bring sides to accompany the main
dish provided by the host. What a great way to meet new people and mingle together over a shared
meal, inside or outside.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
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READERS, LEADERS, AND MUSICIANS NEEDEDFOR VESPERS SERVICESEpworth leads 30 vespers services per year at three assisted living communities: Sunset House, Swan Creek Retirement Village, and Kingston Residence of Sylvania. We are pleased to bring the word of God, music, and prayers of gratitude and encouragement into these communities…and our team would love to have you join us.
What are your spiritual gifts and passions? The Word of God? Music? Mercy and Hospitality? Do you like spending time with members of “our greatest generation”? Would you like to learn how to lead worship and praise or participate by reading scripture? There is a place for you on our vespers team.
Vespers services are held every other month on the third Sunday at 2:30 PM at Swan Creek. Services are held monthly at Sunset House on the first Thursday at 4:00 PM, and at Kingston on the third Thursday at 2:00 PM.
If you’d like to learn more about serving on the vespers team, contact Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries, at [email protected] or 419.531.4236. All ages are welcome and encouraged!
HEALING AND WHOLENESS SERVICEThe July Service of Healing and Wholeness will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 7:00 PM in the Webb Chapel.
Denielle Neal will share the amazing story of her daughter, Grace’s, healing miracle. Grace has autism and is not able to speak. At a special Healing Service, we prayed for Grace to “get her voice.” Four weeks later, Denielle discovered that Grace could spell using a tablet computer. Grace can not only spell, she can communicate and has a deep spiritual connection to God.
Come and hear how God is using Grace in wonderful and spirit-filled ways. (Denny and Marguerite Myers are Denielle’s mom and dad and Grace’s grandparents.) You may come to the service to pray for others, to have the community pray for your special needs, or to pray for the hurt and brokenness in the community and the world. Pastor Luke will lead in the healing prayers and preside for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Cecil Baughman will provide special music and accompany the service. Members of the Healing Ministry Team are Beth Irwin, Dolli Darah, Penny McCartney, B.J. Brengartner, Vicki Smith, and Teri Swolsky.
PHOTO: DENIELLE AND GRACE NEAL
FALL ADULT MISSION TEAM TO GOOD WORKS, INC.Epworth’s Adult Mission Team needs your Helping Hands to touch the lives of vulnerable, often voiceless people in Appalachia Monday, September 29 to Saturday, October 4.
Please join the adult work team now being formed to assist Good Works, Inc., an excellent Christian organization bringing dignity, hope, and community to those struggling with issues of poverty and homelessness in rural Athens, Ohio.
You will connect with nice folks as you work on various projects involving home maintenance or more advanced work depending on team skills. A variety of skilled and unskilled talents are needed. Your smile, interaction, and helping hands are the primary gifts needed. At the end of the week, the Epworth team will provide and serve a public meal to about 150 persons from this community.
For details, please contact Bob and Marilyn Town at (personal information removed).
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
DEADLINE FOR NEXT TOWER ARTICLES - MONDAY, JULY 7 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 [email protected] or 419.509.2353 or Chuck Campos at [email protected] or 419.902.2263.
For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37
4855 W. Central AvenueToledo, Ohio 43615-2337
Sunday, June 15 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible
Wednesday, June 18 6:00 to 8:00 PM – Fun, Food & Fellowship (F3) at Claire Coder’s house & pool
Saturday, June 21 to Junior SWAT Mission Week to Warren OhioFriday, June 27
Sunday, June 29 Junior Mission Team at 11:00 AM Worship
Saturday, July 12 to Senior SWAT Mission Week to Philadelphia, PASaturday, July 19
Sunday, July 20 Senior Mission Team at 11:00 AM Worship
Thursday, July 24 SWAT Day at Cedar Point
Saturday, August 2 to Confirmation 2014 Final RetreatSunday, August 3