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

EPWORTH ARTIST SERIES PRESENTS

A WINTER JAZZ SOIREE FEATURING

ERIC DICKEY JAZZ QUINTET

FEB 21 // 6:30 PM // FAMILY LIFE CENTER

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 Winter Jazz Soiree.

Eric 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.

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.”

SPRING into

HEALTHSPRING into

HEALTHEpworth’s

Annual Health FairSunday, May 4

8:30 AM to 12:30 PMFamily Life Center

Save the Date! 24 areahealth & wellness

vendorsto answer your

questions

EpworthGroups & Ministries:Alzheimer’s Support

Dementia SupportGrief Support for Women

Special Needs Support Ministry Stephen Ministry

Demonstrations by:Body Recall Plus

YogaWest African Dance

FitnessChair Massages

February 12, 2014

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CongratulationsLily Joan Wilson, born Friday, November 15, 2013, to Bryan Wilson and Dana Vancea. The proud grandparents are Gary and Susan Wilson.

Bianca Shea Bragg, born Monday, December 23, 2013, to Jacob and Hannah Bragg. The proud grandparents and great grandmother are Scott and Tamera Shaffer and Dina Shaffer, respectively.

Ana Maria Elizabeth and Cameron George Flenner, born Wednesday, January 29, to Louis and Kelly Flenner. Noah is the proud big brother, and Sheri Fick is the proud grandma.

Avery and Alexis Krueger, born Wednesday, January 29, to Gordy and Michelle Krueger. Payton is the proud big sister.

CondolencesThe Davies family on the passing of Margaret Davies on Tuesday, January 14.

The Patterson family on the passing of William Patterson on Saturday, February 8.

The Norris family on the passing of Gary Norris’ mother on Sunday, February 9.

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

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Table of ContentsHealth Ministries................................................................page 4Sunday Activities and Education.............................page 6-7 CDO Registration..............................................................page 10For Parents/Kids..............................................................page 10Adult Singles......................................................................page 11Friends in Faith.................................................................page 11S.W.A.T. Activities......................................................back page

Church Office Hours

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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Upcoming

Lenten Preaching Series

“One Moment Please”

begins

Ash Wednesday, March 5

at 7:30 PM

THANKS! !UMW Mission Giving

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of all those involved in the Arts and Crafts Bazaar in November and the Scrapbooking Event in February, Epworth’s UMW was able to fulfill its annual goal of giving to local and church missions to the tune of $18,940. The list of 2013 recipients are:

• Beach House• Church Women United Thrift Shop• Epworth Furniture Ministry• Epworth John Mears Student Fund• Epworth Good Samaritan Fund• Friendly Center• Good Works• Mildred Bayer Clinic• Monroe Street UMC Neighborhood Center• St. Paul’s Community Center• Toledo Area Ministries – Feed Your Neighbor• Toledo Area Ministries – House My People• Toledo Area Ministries – Second Chance for Life• Toledo Campus Ministries• UMCOR (UM Committee on Relief)• UMW Maumee Watershed District• YMCA Battered Women’s Shelter

THANK YOU for DONATING!A big thank you to all who donated blood during the Emergency Blood Drive for the American Red Cross on Wednesday, January 29. We met our goal of 24 units, and each unit was gratefully received by the Red Cross.

Remember, you can donate every 56 days. Plan on rolling up your sleeve for the NEXT Epworth Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 21 in the Family Life Center. As long as you donate on or before March 26, you will be able to donate on May 21.

Furniture MinistryPickup Dates: February 22 and March 1, 8

Arrange a Donation Pickup: Call 567.694.3710

Volunteer as a Free Loader: Sign up on the Opportunities Page

Items Needed: COMFORTERS and BLANKETS (Twin/Full/Queen)!!Also, needed are beds, kitchen table and chair sets, and pots and pans.

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Heart Attack Symptoms Differ in Men and Women

Epworth Health MinistriesYou’re experiencing unusual feelings in your chest, your arm, your back, your neck. Is it just a strain? Muscle fatigue? Or are you having a heart attack?

Veins and arteries can narrow over time from buildup of plaque – including fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or cutoff completely.

According to the American Heart Association, symptoms of a heart attack can differ in men and women. Most people are familiar with shortness of breath, sweating, or chest pain, but in women, the symptoms can be different and subtle.

Women are more likely than men to have heart attack symptoms without chest pain. For women, heart attack symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in chest or upper

abdomen

• Pressure in the upper back • Extreme fatigue

Symptoms of a heart attack in men may include:

• Chest discomfort lasting longer than a few minutes or pain going away and then coming back

• Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or chest pain

• Discomfort in other areas of upper body

• Pain in one or both arms, back pain, neck or jaw or stomach pain

• Shortness of breath (with or without chest discomfort)

• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness

• Chest pain or discomfort can come on slowly or suddenly and lasts more than a few minutes

• Men sometimes have more severe chest pain than women

• Some men experience no chest pain at all

Perhaps the best thing to remember is that if you are having these symptoms, DO NOT HESITATE! Call 911. Don’t attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Call within 5 minutes of feeling symptoms.

Relax, and have someone gather your medications to take with you. You can also chew a 325mg non-coated aspirin tablet. Chewing an aspirin gets into your system quickly and works to stop your blood from clotting.

Source: Information from American Heart Association (www.heart.org)

Epworth is equipped with an AED – Automatic Electronic Defibrillator. The white box located in the narthex houses the AED, which can be used in a heart emergency.

Special training is required to use the AED, and many staff members, ushers, and other members of the congregation have received AED and CPR certification.

If you are interested in receiving training and certification, contact Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries, at beth@epworth.com or 419.531.4236. If there is enough interest, a class will be arranged.

Caring for the CaregiverReturns in March

In March, Epworth will again host Caring for the Caregiver: Finding the Blessings, presented by Hospice of Northwest Ohio in partnership with the Area Office on Aging. This workshop takes place over three consecutive Tuesdays – March 11, 18, and 25 – from 3:00 to 4:30 PM.

Participants will learn to cope with changes, losses, and life transitions; create positive caregiving experiences; talk about end-of-life care; and more. Caring for the Caregiver is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Call Nancy in the church office to reserve your space: 419.531.4236.

ifstmnowyzP W QjeI

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Grief Support for Women – An InvitationIn 1991, my father passed away unexpectedly at the age of 47. I thought I had all the time in the world with him, and it ripped the rug out from under our family. All of us struggled – together and on our own – to process the loss and try to move on. It sounds easy to say it that way, but it was far from easy. Grief doesn’t move in straight lines. Losing Dad colored everything I did for the better part of ten years.

I had wonderful friends who were willing to let me cry on their shoulders, but after a while, I felt like I was bothering them with my grief, and I clammed up. I felt I was “strong enough” to handle it on my own. What I really did was prolong recovery. Looking back, I realize if I’d had the benefit of a guided support group I might have healed faster.

If you are a woman who has experienced the death of a loved one – a spouse, sibling, child, close friend, parent, grandparent, or other relative – come to Epworth’s Grief Support Group for Women. Your stories, emotions, and experiences will be in safe hands with facilitators Karen Landes and Jennifer Church. Participants will be able to share with and learn from other women experiencing grief. The 12-week series includes working with Understanding Your Grief by Alan D. Wolfelt. You’ll look at stages of grief, identifying “normal” grief versus depression, self-care and spirituality, and more.

Also, there’s no “statute of limitations” on grief. Whether the death of your loved one occurred two months ago or years ago, if it’s heavy on your heart, consider Grief Support for Women. There are other members of Epworth who have participated in the group and benefited greatly and would be glad to talk with you further. And feel free to invite your best girlfriend, sister, mother, or aunt to participate with you. Grief Support for Women begins Monday, March 17 at 6:30 PM in the lounge. To register for the class, e-mail me at beth@epworth.com or call my office at 419.531.4236.

God bless you, Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries

Dinnerand a

BOOKPlease join us Saturday, March 8 at 6:30 PM in the Family Life Center for Dinner and a Book.

Bring a dish to share inspired by a book you have read.

Did you read a baseball memoir? Bring hot dogs, peanuts or crackerjacks!

Sample corn cakes from Twelve Years a Slave.

Whether you enjoy history, crime novels, fiction, or non-fiction, there will be good food and fellowship.

Maybe you will find your next favorite book! (We hear the Bible is on the bestseller list!)

The more the merrier, so bring a friend or neighbor.

RSVP to Ronnie Gorsuch (personal information removed) or to Christy McConnell (personal information removed).

Let us know if you are bringing a main dish, a side, or a dessert, as well as the title of your book.

Child care provided if requested by March 5.

Epworth United Methodist Church Artist Series presentsChildren’s Choir of Northwest Ohio

Lisa Alleman, director // Sunday, March 2 at 4:00 PM

Children’s Choir of Northwest Ohio aims to “free the musician within” by providing an extracurricular music education experience that brings 3rd through 10th grade children from many different schools together to advance their singing talents, sing beautiful music together, develop friendships and team-building skills, and perform throughout the Toledo area.

Highlights of past seasons include collaborations with Perrysburg Symphony Chorale, Junior Choral Society, Lourdes University Community Choir, Maumee Community Band, The Ohio Northern University Steel Drum Band, and singer/songwriter Kerry Patrick Clark.

Children’s Choir of Northwest Ohio has been the invited guest choir at the 2010 Southeast Ohio Children’s Choir Festival, the children’s chorus in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and sung with national recording artist, Kenny Rogers, on his annual Christmas show. This concert is free and open to the public.

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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.

First Saturday Lunch at St. Paul’s As God’s people we are called to serve others. Serving the First Saturday Lunch at St. Paul’s is a long-standing commitment of the Epworth UMC congregation.

Groups or individuals are invited to sign up for a First Saturday. It involves purchase and preparation of the meal, prior to serving at St. Paul’s Community Center, on the First Saturday of the month.

Please contact Jennie Vancil at (personal information removed) if you are interested in signing up as a group or as an individual, to serve this ministry.

Baby Blessing MilestoneParents and babies up to one year old are invited Sunday, March 16 at 11:00 AM in Room 020 (the Volunteer Office). Gather with other parents as we celebrate Epworth’s children, walk with you as you begin your child’s faith journey, and stand beside you as you write a blessing for your child.

A light brunch will be served. Siblings will be cared for during this time. Please reply by Monday, March 10 to Dana in the education office at 419.531.4236 or at dana@epworth.com.

Lenten StudyFor Children, Youth, and Adults

The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesusby Adam Hamilton

Travel with Adam Hamilton as he retraces the life and ministry of Jesus. Using historical information, archaeological data, and stories of the faith, Hamilton follows in the footsteps of Jesus from his baptism to the temptations to the heart of his ministry, including the people he loved, the parables he taught, the enemies he made, and the healing he brought.

This 40-day focus will help you grow deeper in your faith, learn more about the life of Christ, spend time daily reading and reflecting upon the Scriptures; Cost of the study guide is $12.00, or you may purchase it as an e-book. If you are ordering a guide, we need your sign up by Sunday, March 2.

Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 at a cost of $6.00 per person or a family rate of $20.00. Whether you are doing the Lenten study, another class, or you just want to come and enjoy the fellowship while eating, everyone is welcome. For those who can’t make it before class starts at 6:30, you may request a carryout box. We will need reservations for dinner each week.

Classes offered: Adult & Children - Wednesdays beginning March 12 at 6:30 PM; Youth - Sundays during morning and evening classes. Tuesday morning Bible study will be doing the Lenten study, as well.

Sign up for the Lenten study and/or dinner on the Opportunities Page or by e-mailing Ruth Ann at ruthann@epworth.com.

If you would be interested in leading the special activities for the children’s classes, for a week or two, or for the whole 6 weeks, please see the following article.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Children’s LeadersWednesdays, March 12 through April 16

If you find you are already in worship or classes on Sunday mornings but would like to lead our children, we have just the spot for you! During Lent, we will offer a Lenten series for children, youth, and adults on Wednesday evenings following dinner.

Beginning March 12 through April 16, we will offer special children’s classes that coordinate with what the adults will be studying (The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton). Each week, we will have crafts, activities, and stories provided during the hour-long experience.

If you would like to lead a class or two, or even all six, please call the education office or sign up on the Opportunities Page.

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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 FEBRUARY we will be learning about FAITH, believing in what you

can’t see because of what you can see. Our Learn to Serve Mission Project will be collecting paper products for the Friendly Center. Thanks to the congregation for accepting the challenge to bring in paper products too! So far, the congregation is ahead 5:1, but the children still have three more weeks to contribute. There is a mountain of white in the Oasis right now!

• 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 - In February, we will complete our study, “Praying God’s Way,”

as we grow in our faith. Beginning February 23, we will begin a seven part series entitled, “The Three Faiths of Jerusalem.” We will consider: “Do these religions, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim, have points of view in common?, and What are their differences? What can they show us about God?.” Each session will begin with a DVD presentation from the Day of Discovery series followed by discussion of the points made in the presentation. Grab some coffee and join the lively discussions as, together, we develop a 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 - Please join us as we discuss Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children by Linda Smith and Cindy Coloma.

• 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!

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Healing and Wholeness ServiceThe March Service of Healing and Wholeness will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 PM in the Webb Chapel.

EleSondra DeRomano, Founder of S.T.A.R.S. will share her testimony for this special service. EleSondra has been working untiringly with at-risk women/girls, regardless of what they are at risk of, be it exploitation, domestic violence, rape, or in some cases drug abuse. She couples her brutally honest style and extraordinary background to create an atmosphere of hope for women and children who are forgotten or abandoned by society.

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.

Cecil Baughman will provide special music and accompany the service. Pastor Thomas will lead in the healing prayers and preside for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Members of the Healing Ministry Team are Beth Irwin, Dolli Darah, Penny McCartney, B.J. Brengartner, and Vicki Smith.

Janice Harris from the Stephen Ministry will be our presenter for the March 5, Wonderful Wednesday Luncheon at 12:00 PM in the Family Life Center.

Janice will talk about Epworth’s Steven Ministry and will explain the extensive training and supervision each of our Stephen Ministers receives. She will also describe

the ways Stephen Ministry can be a real help for those going through one of life’s many ups and downs.

Chef Les will be preparing a delicious Jigs Dinner in honor of St. Patrick’s Day for only $6.00. The program will follow lunch. (We are collecting travel size personal hygiene items for St. Paul’s.) Invite your friends and neighbors!

Contact Nancy in the Church office at 419.531.4236 or nancy@epworth.com to make your reservation by Monday, March 3.

Wonder ful WednesdayMARCH LUNCHEON

EleSondra DeRomano will also be speaking on Sunday, March 2 at 9:45 AMin the Family Life Center. The Adult and Youth classes invite anyone

who would like to join us to hear EleSondra’s story.

Low Vision/Macular DegenerationSupport Group Spring Meetings

Our Low Vision/Macular Degeneration Support Group meets on the second Monday of the month at 2:00 PM. Meet others who also have low vision and learn from each other, as well as hear from unique speakers. Join us at our next meetings:

• March 10 - Speaker Geoff Scott, “The Senior Bodyguard”, will talk about keeping yourself physically safe in order to maintain your independence. Geoff is a former U.S. paratrooper, having also served in Presidential Honor Guards and as a private bodyguard, but he has a special mission for the care and safety of seniors.

• April 14 - Ken Serey returns to talk about new technology to help those with low vision.

• May 12 - Our speaker is to be determined, but this last meeting of the season will include a luncheon.

To RSVP for any of the meetings (or to arrange transportation), contact Beth Irwin at 419.531.4236 or beth@epworth.com. This support group is open to the public, so invite friends!

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Spiritual Gifts Class Begins Very Soon!Don’t miss this winter opportunity to learn more about how God has gifted you and what you can do with those gifts! After staying indoors so many cold and snowy days in January, use this chance to do something good and fun for yourself. It will make the rest of winter seem to go faster!

Classes begin Monday evening, February 17 and meet for 3 Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Or, you can choose Tuesday mornings beginning February 18 meeting for 3 weeks from 10:00 AM to noon. Child care is available if you e-mail marilynn@epworth.com immediately. The cost for your book is $10.00.

Lent begins with a service of introspection and reflection on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Pastor Thomas will deliver the evening message entitled:

One Moment Please: REPENTThe liturgy will include the sacrament of Holy Communion and the traditional administration of ashes. Scripture by Heart presenters will participate in the service. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Cecil Baughman, will sing. In the words of the liturgy for the service, “I invite you…to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word.”

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.

Women’s Emmaus Walks,Boys’ Chrysalis Flight - Registering 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 for adults and Chrysalis Flights are for teens.

The next Emmaus Women’s Walk is scheduled at Bryan Wesley United Methodist Church February 20-23. The next Boys’ Chrysalis Flight takes place at Maumee United Methodist Church March 21-23. A Girls’ Chrysalis Flight will take place this summer.

To learn more, contact Beth Irwin at beth@epworth.com or Pastor Marilynn Schroeder at marilynn@epworth.com or 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 forms are available online now!

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Suffering from...

Cabin Fever?

Get a babysitter andjoin us for some fun!

Euchre Night at the Luke’sSaturday, February 22

from 6:00 PM to ???Come out and play some uncompetitive euchre. You don’t need a partner - you will play with lots of different partners. This is a night of fun, food, and cards - No serious players allowed! LOL. If you don’t play euchre, that’s OK! Just come out and enjoy the conversation and laughs. Dinner will be provided, but please bring your own beverages. Because of the timing of this event, we will not be providing babysitters. Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 19.

Toledo Walleye GameFriday, March 14 at 6:00 PM

Come cheer on the Walleye! We’ll meet before the game to snack and chat at the venue - more details to follow - and then we’ll cheer on the Toledo Walleye against the Kalamazoo Wings! Cost of tickets will be avaialble soon. Because of the timing of this event, we will not be providing babysitters. Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 11.

Please RSVP for EITHER/BOTH events to Nancy at the church office (nancy@epworth.com) or Cindy Franklin (personal information removed). You may also sign up on the Opportunities Page.

Parent Connections is a great way to make some new friends and to reconnect with those around you. Come out and join the fun. Contact Cindy Franklin (personal information removed) for further information.

Epworth’s Children’s Day Out is a supervised playcare for two and three year old children. The program provides them with an opportunity to participate in activities, crafts, stories, art, and playtime while developing social skills in a safe and caring environment.

The program operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 11:30 AM, September through May. Tuition is $50.00 per month for one morning per week. The registration fee is $30.00 per child or $45.00 per family. To register for Fall 2014, a child must be age two by September 30, 2014. If your child turns two after that date, they may register and start later in the year when they do turn two years old. Registration for Fall 2014 begins March 3 for families with a child currently enrolled in CDO. On March 9, Epworth families may register. Families currently in our preschool, ECEC, may register beginning March 10, and the community may register beginning March 17. Registration forms are available on the kiosk in the narthex, outside the CDO classroom, in the education office, or on our website at www.epworth.com. Please contact the education office if you have any questions.

Save the Date!Epworth’s Skating Party at

Tam-O-Shanter is Friday, March 7.

Watch bulletin for details!

Feeling... Dramatic?

Calling all class clowns, theater brats, show offs, public speakers, and the overly dramatic! Have you ever watched one of the dramas at church and thought, “I could do that”? Like Ezekiel, the Epworth

Drama Team uses the medium of drama to get across the powerful message of God (Ezekiel 4,5). In 2013, our team performed 24 different pieces during worship to bring to life sermon topics and scripture. That means this growing ministry needs plenty of volunteers to play the various characters!

The Drama Ministry is currently seeking people of all ages and levels of experience to join our team. If you think God is calling you to dramatically impact His kingdom, please contact Mary in the church office at 419.531.4236 or at mary@epworth.com for more information on how you can be a part of this fun ministry.

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Friends in FaithSunday School

Join 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, 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).

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, 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 book is an eye-opening story of our country’s commercial sex trade. One of the characters in the book is, in fact, a local resident who tells her story of how she escaped the life and is now working to rescue other girls who are manipulated, abused, and tortured at the hands of the pimps who control them.

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

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.

COFFEE & SUCHTuesday, February 25 at 5:30 PM

Barry Bagels (4024 N. Holland Sylvania Road)

LUNCH BUNCHTuesday, February 18 at Noon

Red Lobster (4990 Monroe Street)

FEBRUARY REGULAR MEETINGFriday, February 21

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.

Please RSVP to Miss Katefor any or all events/meetings at

(personal information removed).

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR NEXT TOWER ARTICLES - MONDAY, MARCH 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

Sunday, February 23 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible 6:00 PM – Junior SWAT; 7:30 PM – Senior SWAT

Sunday, March 2 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible 9:45 AM – Confirmation Class #4 6:00 PM – Junior SWAT; 7:30 PM – Senior SWAT

Tuesday, March 4 5:00 PM – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Wednesday, March 5 7:30 PM – Ash Wednesday Worship – Confirmation Element

Friday, March 7 to 7:00 PM – Confirmation Retreat D BeginsSunday, March 9 12:30 PM – Confirmation Retreat D Ends

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