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Epworth Tower Epworth United Methodist Church Church Phone: 419-531-4236 Website: www.epworth.com Fax: 419-531-7487

November 28, 2012

Advent and Christmas at EpworthThe Sunday morning Preaching themes for December 2, 9, 16 and 23:

Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace

Special Features of Epworth’s Advent Celebration include: Sunday, December 9 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.—Children’s Christmas Musical Star of Wonder

Tuesday, December 18 Longest Night Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel

Christmas Eve, Monday, December 245:00 p.m.—Children’s Service, Small One: Everyone Has a Gift To GiveThis service will feature our Children’s Choir and involve children at the heart of the evening. The 45-minute service will center around the manger in Bethlehem—through music, the scripture story, the message with the children by Pastor Keith, and the Disney Christmas classic Small One. Childcare available in nursery for those under two years old.

7:00 p.m.—Contemporary Service, featuring Hearts Afire and the Epworth Youth drama team. A special Christmas Eve drama entitled: Angels??? Come and be dazzled by the

lights, sounds and drama of Christmas. You will sing the carols of the season set to lively accompaniments. Kyle Folger will play the acoustic guitar to accompany the congregational song, Silent Night, during a special candlelight experience led by Pastor Thomas.

9:00 p.m.—Traditional Candlelight Service, featuring tenor Brad Pfeifer singing Jesu Bambino. Cecil Baughman will accompany as the congregation sings the lovely Christmas Carols. The Christmas Story from Luke 2 will be told by our Scripture by Heart presenters. Pastor Thomas will deliver the evening message entitled "Jesus Is the LIGHT of the World." The service will conclude with the beautiful candlelighting service and the singing of Silent Night.

11:00 p.m.—Candlelight Communion Service, featuring the traditional scripture texts, Christmas Carols and the Chancel Choir singing Angel’s Carol. Pastor Thomas will deliver the Christmas Message. The evening will conclude with the sacrament of Holy Communion and the traditional candlelighting service with the singing of Silent Night. Come and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the sanctuary decorated for this holy night and illuminated by hundreds of glowing candles.

Advent Giving See page 7 for all Epworth’s Advent Giving Opportunities during this special time of year.

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PersonalsCongratulations to:

Emmett Beavers and Sylvia Clark on the birth of their grandson, James Patrick Beavers, on October 19, 2012, to Timothy and Jian Gu Beavers.

Our Condolences to:Kay Heinrichs and family on the passing of her brother, Robert Gordon, on October 20, 2012.

Jerry Wing and family on the passing of his wife, Janet, on November 17, 2012.

With Heartfelt ThanksThank you to everyone for prayers and condolences regarding my brother’s passing.

Kay Heinrichs

Deborah Circle Christmas Brunch

Saturday, December 8Share the Christmas spirit! Join us at Laura Switzer’s home at 9:30 a.m. for brunch. Please bring a dish to share for the brunch. If you want to participate in an ornament or gift exchange (it’s optional), bring an ornament or gift valued at $10 (ornaments will exchange for ornaments and gifts for gifts).

RSVP to Laura Switzer.

BabyboomersSaturday, December 15

It’s that “party of the year.” The one you don’t want to miss. The gift exchange alone will bring smiles to carry you through to the new year. And what party would that be? The Babyboomer Christmas Party, of course! This annual party at Arnie and Patty Fretz’s will be on Saturday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m.

Santa’s sack will be full of the wrapped presents you provide for the white elephant gift exchange. Do not go and purchase a present! EACH person needs to go to the basement, attic, back bedroom, wherever you put those gifts you received but no longer want and select one to become someone else’s treasure! Also bring hearty hors d’oeuvres to share and a can of meat (your choice) to donate to the Feed Your Neighbor box.

Invite someone new to join you! RSVP and questions to Janet Foster.

Wonderful Wednesday Luncheon, December 5

Cecil Baughman, Epworth’s Director of Music, will bring his Christmas Extravaganza for the December 5, Wonderful Wednesday Luncheon at 12:00 noon. Cecil will play the warm and wonderful songs of the season along with all the fun and festive tunes we love so well—in the way that only Cecil can!

Call your friends and sign up early! You won’t want to miss this Epworth holiday tradition. Lunch will be served at noon and Chef Les will be preparing turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, assorted pudding desserts, and beverages for only $6. The program will follow lunch.

We are still collecting travel-size personal hygiene items for St. Paul’s. For reservations call Nancy in the church office at 419-531-4236, email nancy@epworth.com, or sign up on the Opportunities Page.

The Widowed, Sunday, December 2The Widowed will meet for the last time this year Sunday, December 2, at Bravo’s at 11:30 a.m. Please call Sue Moesser for your reservation.

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15thAnnualGingerbread House Workshop

Sunday, December 22:00-4:00 p.m.

in the Family Life CenterJoin in the decorating fun! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors—the more the merrier! But, we only have room for 100 houses so don't delay, reserve yours now.

Cost of $10 per house must be received to finalize reservations. Please bring extra edible decorations to share!

Afternoon Knitting GroupPlease join us the second Monday of each month from 2-4:00 p.m. in the lounge for knitting and great fellowship. Work on your own project, for charity, or for next year’s

Art and Craft Show. Our next get together is Monday, December 10. Any questions? Call Susan Sanzenbacher Smith.

Priscilla Circle Mini-BazaarSunday, December 2

Priscilla Circle invites you to our Mini-Bazaar in the lounge on Sunday, December 2, 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. We have stocking stuffers, Christmas decorations, household items, children and baby gifts and much more. The proceeds from our sales go to United Methodist Women for local mission work. Thank you for your continuing support in making this our most successful year so far. We are always welcoming new members and if you are interested in finding out about Priscilla Circle, call Kay Hitchner.

Lessons and Carols with Music by John Rutter

Featuring The Academy Brass Quintet

and theEpworth Chancel Choir

Wednesday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m.

This concert features the Chancel Choir, Epworth Orchestra and The Academy Brass Quintet. We’ll sing favorite Christmas carols and feature the Christmas

music of John Rutter. This concert is free and open to the public.

A free will offering will be taken to support the Mildred Bayer Clinic, one of our long-time ministry partners.

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What gifts will you give this Christmas? Come with us on an Advent journey exploring the spirit of Christmas. Reflect on the unbreakable gifts that God has given us: hope, love, joy, and peace. And remember God’s greatest gift comes to us as a baby and leads us through all the days of our lives.

The pastors will be preaching on the gifts that really make a difference and last a lifetime. Children, youth, and adults will all be participating in this study in their classes.

This series will be offered for adults on Sundays in rooms 213, 214 and 020 at 9:45, and room 214 at 11:00, beginning December 2 for four weeks. Also, on Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m. in room 214 beginning December 4 for three weeks. You are welcome to join any of them. Cost of the study guide is $4.00. Please sign up by emailing Ruthann@epworth.com or by calling the church office.

Epworth Adult Singles MinistryLunch Bunch will meet at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 11 at Rosie’s Italian on McCord Rd. at Nebraska. We will be putting together our schedule for the new year, so let us know if you have suggestions. To save a seat, please contact Miss Kate or Linda. Bring a friend to spark up the conversation.

Our regular meeting Friday, December 21, will be at 6:30 p.m. at Linda Coon’s and will be an abbreviated meeting due to the Christmas holidays. Bring cookies or light dessert to share. I will provide sandwiches. We will be planning our programs for the new year and your input is needed. To RSVP, contact Linda.

If you are going to be in town Christmas Eve, please plan to attend one of the Christmas Eve services at Epworth and remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

A Service of Healing and Wholeness Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m.

For many people, Christmas is a bittersweet time of year. It is a time for remembering both persons and events that have been a part of our lives in the past, but that are now changed or gone. This is a time of year with the longest nights, so the Healing and Wholeness Service for December will be a quiet meditative worship experience for remembering God’s goodness even in the hard times, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

The candlelight service will be on Tuesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel and will include a series of scripture readings with times

for reflection and meditation interspersed with carols and songs. Pastor Thomas will preside for the sacrament of Holy Communion and will lead the congregation in the healing prayers assisted by Beth Irwin, B.J. Brengartner, Ann Koffman, and Penny McCartney. Cecil Baughman will accompany the service.

If you need a quiet time for reflection and prayer during this busy and hectic season, come to the Longest Night Service. Please invite a friend or family member who is struggling with the holidays this year to join you on Tuesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a brief time for refreshment and conversation following worship. This lovely service is a unique and special worship/spiritual renewal experience.

Furniture MinistryNext pickup date is December 8.Client selection dates are December 15.Call 567-694-3710 to arrange for a donation pickup.

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THANK YOU Epworth and FriendsThe Epworth United Methodist women want to thank each and everyone for all the incredible help we received for our 2012 Art and Craft Show. The Art and Craft Show made over $14,000! We could not have done it without the over 250 volunteers and all the bidders and buyers. Your continuous support allows us, in turn, to support local, regional and global missions. We strive to make a difference in the world, and with the help of you, we are able to provide for some of the practical needs of people: food, shelter, medicine and education. It is your help that allows us to continue our missions. We are grateful for the generosity of your time, effort and love—all for others. Epworth, YOU ARE THE BEST ! Nancy Pollock and Karen KnowlesCo-chairs of the 2012 Art and Craft Show

A big thank you to all of you who donated items or services to our Silent Auction! It was a huge success because of your generosity. If you need a tax deductible receipt, please contact Karen Knight or Val Hendricks.

Epworth United Methodist Women would like to acknowledge and thank the following businesses for their donations to our 2012 Silent Auction!Ballet Theatre of Toledo

Barry’s BagelsBob’s Best SalsaBuckeye CableCafé MarieCharlie’s Pizza and Ice CreamChateau Chantal WineryCindy Kirby, AttorneyCountry GrainsCreative HeadlinesDave’s Performance FootwearEyeglass World

Fifth Third BankFraming By Mary FigginsIlluminationsJo Jo’s PizzeriaKrogerLisa’s ManicureMain Street SalonMemory TransfersMike’s Auto DetailingOhio ArtOrganic Bliss

Pet Nanny, Lisa KeaffaberSweet Shalom Tea HouseTangles Salon and SpaThe AndersonsThe Beauty BarThe Pinnacle Eye GroupThe UPS Store/Starlight PlazaToledo Mud HensTomase Dental CareUT Women’s Basketball

Mom’s Group Meets Sunday, December 16

Mommies of babies and toddlers, take a break from Christmas turmoil and gather in the quiet of the church lounge with other moms who are sharing your experiences raising little children. Every third Sunday of the month mothers of children ages 0-3 meet to brag about their kids, share worries and concerns, and seek ideas and insight from other moms. Pregnant moms come, also!

Conversations are rich with enthusiasm and excitement as babies are in arms and toddlers play at mom’s feet or in the nursery. No matter the announced topic, moms talk about anything and everything!

Come December 16, 4:30-6:00 p.m. to the lounge to talk Christmas! If you have extra cookies you have baked, feel free to bring them to share.

St. Paul’s Monthly Meals 2013Over 1,500 meals were prepared and served by Epworth members and families at St. Paul’s, with many thanks to all of the groups that served in 2012! We are in need of volunteers to make and serve a lunch at St. Paul’s Community Center on the first Saturday of each month for 2013. This is a great ministry and the perfect project for families, Wesley Groups, Sunday School classes, Share Groups and committees.

Please contact Jennie Vancil if you are able to contribute, prepare or serve a lunch for St. Paul’s, which provides and important service to the homeless in our community.

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WOW Praise Crew Leaders NEEDED

Attention Students 6th Grade and OlderAre you interested in helping with children grades K-3 during the 11:00 service? We are looking for student crew leaders for the WOW Sunday school class. Our hope is that you would pick just one week each month to serve. Do you remember your VBS crew leaders when you were younger? This is your chance to return the blessing and be a role model. If you think this is something you would like to do, please contact Dana or Mary in the Education office for more information or sign up on the Opportunities Page.

NEW: LOVE OUR LAMBSPreschool needs loving arms and warm hearts to care for our 3, 4, and 5 year olds at 11:00 in December. Please consider helping in this area. The 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.

Body Recall: For Lifetime Fitness, at Epworth

Keeping people motivated and moving is the goal! We want people to get fit, stay fit, and keep in the flow of life until they can’t any longer!

A wide range of people from 50’s to 90’s find classes stimulating and encouraging, and exactly what they need to provide them with benefits for the highest quality of life; and blessings every day. Whether it’s a nagging backache, a chronic illness, or just aging and getting out of the habit of a more active lifestyle, classes seem to give students more than just a reason to get up and get going! There is an uplift in spirit and in physical support (not just from the teacher but from other students).

Some students face a wide range of challenges, while others seem free of them, but all students seem to “bloom where they are planted” and nourish the seeds of fitness week after week.

Whether young or older, now is the time to sign up, or give the gift of a class to someone you care about. New sessions begin in January. It’s a great time to start, but if you’re unsure this is a class for you, just phone Nancy in the church office, and she’ll put you in touch with Brenda or Pam. Both are certified instructors. The class is on lifetime fitness, and you’ll recall parts of your body which may have worked perfectly as a youth, but years have made movement more difficult. Not after Body Recall! You’ll wish you’d started years ago! Call 419-531-4236 to sign up.

St. Paul’s Meal Sunday, December 9,

Sign up in the cloister on SundayTwice a year, Epworth comes together as one to contribute, prepare, and serve a hot Sunday dinner to approximately 150 homeless persons. We need everyone to check the sign-up sheets in the cloister to see how you can be a part. Many ingredients need to be donated, people are needed to prepare the meal Saturday, December 8, at 8:00 a.m., and others are needed to serve the meal at St. Paul’s Community Center on Sunday, December 9. Please be a part of this mission and sign up to help. If you have any questions, call Brian Lochbihler.

Meals for our Epworth FamilyEpworth is now using A New and IMPROVED way to connect Epworth members and friends who WANT to prepare a meal for Epworth members and friends who NEED some help with meals because of illness, hospitalizations, new babies, etc. We are using an easy-to-use internet scheduling service that will let volunteers know about a need and sign up online. If you are willing to prepare a meal on an occasional basis, please sign up Sunday on the Opportunities Page, or please email Marla at marla@epworth.com.

When a need arises, the church staff will send an email to willing cooks and they can choose the day they are able to provide and deliver a hot meal to a family who has a special need. Your willingness to serve by preparing a simple meal means so much to those going through a tough time. God’s blessings are multiplied when we share and care.

Third Grade MilestoneAll third graders and their parents are invited to their Milestone on Sunday, December 16, at 11:00 in Thou Art, room 203.

We will be learning who Jesus is, and why and how we worship Him. Please sign up by calling the church office, or signing up on the Opportunities Page in the bulletin.

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Advent GivingCollecting Bags

We will be collecting bags of goods once again for FOCUS, Friendly Center, Mildred Bayer Clinic, St. Paul’s Community Center, Sunshine and YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter. Beginning Sunday, November 25, bags will be available in the cloister with a list of requested items attached. Please take a bag (or 2 or more), fill and return under the Christmas tree in the narthex on or before Sunday, December 16. See page 8 for more information on these agencies.

Hams for ChristmasSt. Paul’s Community Center is in need of hams for the special Christmas Dinner they will serve to a large gathering of hungry folks in our community. Our goal is to provide 40 football-sized hams. Hams can be placed in the refrigerator in the kitchen (please mark “St. Paul’s Ham”) from Saturday, December 1, through Thursday, December 20.

Salvation Army Bell RingersAs a Salvation Army “Bell Ringer” you are helping to transform lives at their point of greatest need. Epworth will be manning the kettle at The Andersons General Store (Talmadge and Monroe) in one-hour shifts on Wednesday, December 12; Thursday, December 13; and Friday, December 14. This is a wonderful service project for anyone—individuals, families, Wesley and youth groups, Sunday School classes, etc. Please sign up in the cloister.

Heifer ProjectDonor cards can be sent to the person(s) you name, showing that you made a symbolic gift (of a heifer, goat, flock of chicks, etc.) in the name of the person you designate. This is a great gift idea for those hard-to-buy for people on your list. The Heifer giving model provides a wonderful lesson for children. Stop by the information table in the cloister November 25, December 2, 9, and 16. See more on the Heifer organization on page 13.

Adopt-a-FamilyAdopting a family allows us the opportunity to provide gifts and food to families that might otherwise not have a Christmas. The names given Epworth are recommended by the Salvation Army and FOCUS. If your family, class or Wesley Group would like to participate, please contact Kristi Hoffman. See page 8 for more information on Adopt-a-Family.

The Giving TreeYour donations of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves of all sizes and colors will help the children from Toledo’s inner city schools stay warm and comfortable this winter. Donations will also go to YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter and the Friendly Center. Please place items on the tree in the narthex beginning Sunday, December 2. Please have your donations on the tree on or before Sunday, December 16. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Ingersoll.

The Friendly Center Family Christmas Party

The Friendly Center will be hosting a Christmas party for the children December 15. Presents are needed for boys and girls aged newborn through 12 years old. The value of the gift should be $10. Please wrap the gift and include on the tag whether it is for a boy or a girl and the appropriate age range. There will be a box in the cloister to place the gifts. Please have your gifts in the box on or before Sunday, December 9. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Ingersoll.

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Advent Giving RecipientsLast year our Epworth family supported local agencies during our Advent Giving program by collecting over 200 grocery bags filled with “wish list” items. With today’s economy, these charities have shared with the Community Outreach Committee that their donations are down, but their needs and requests for assistance are greater than ever.

The following information shares with you a little about the agencies we support and their mission in our community:

FOCUS (Family Outreach Community United Services, Inc.)FOCUS is an interfaith not-for-profit agency working to end homelessness by promoting dignity, hope and independence. FOCUS offers transitional and permanent housing plus life skills and job development programs to help people overcome homelessness.

The Friendly CenterThe Friendly Center is a multi-purpose community serving both children and adults of the North Toledo area. It offers a wide range of programs including recreation and education. It also provides linkages to various social service programs.

Mildred Bayer Health ClinicThe Mildred Bayer Health Clinic’s purpose is to deliver medical, dental and ophthalmic service to the homeless population of the greater Toledo Area.

St Paul’s Community Center St Paul’s Community Center provides services for the homeless and indigent. They promote self-sufficiency and assist clients in making positive independent life changes. Their atmosphere is one of caring and concern.

Sunshine Sunshine creates loving communities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. They provide residential, family support, clinical and vocational services.

YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter The YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter supports women and their children as they begin new violence-free lives. The Shelter offers a crisis intervention and 24-hour hotline. Support groups and Outreach programs are provided for women at the Shelter and in the community.

You will find the Advent Giving Bags in the cloister. The “wish lists” attached to the bags are suggestions by the agency of their needs. Feel free to pick and choose any item or items from the list. There is no right or wrong way to fill the bag! We hope you consider picking up an extra bag this year. Also, maybe support an agency you really didn’t know that much about until this article! If you have any questions, please contact Laura Ingersoll.

Adopt-a-Family InformationThis year many Toledo area families will be struggling to provide Christmas to their children. The Adopt-a-Family program gives us the opportunity to provide gifts and food to families recommended by the Salvation Army and FOCUS. The Community Outreach Committee has received names of families from these two agencies. They range from single adults to families with one, two, three or more children ranging in ages from newborn to teenagers.

When you adopt a family, you are asked to provide three or more gifts for each child plus a food gift certificate for the family’s Christmas dinner. Gift

suggestions are provide for the FOCUS families. The Salvation Army asks that we contact the adult in the family for suggested gifts for the children. The gifts need to be delivered to the family no later than December 16. If you are unable to personally deliver the gifts, please contact me so that I can arrange for delivery. Having delivered gifts last year, I can assure you that it was one of the highlights of my Christmas season.

If your family, class, Circle, Wesley group or Share group would like to participate, please contact Kristi Hoffman.

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Health Ministries

Each month a member of the Health Ministries Committee researches a topic and writes an article for our “Health Ministries Moment” article in the Tower. The Health Ministries Committee would like to hear from YOU on what topics you are interested in for 2013. Please email your topic ideas to Sue Shuman. The committee looks forward to hearing from you!

Health Ministries Moment: Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Tis the season for cold and flu prevention! As the cold weather creeps in, it’s time to step up our healthy lifestyles to keep coughs and colds from ruining the beautiful holiday season.

1. Wash and disinfect. Wash your produce. This isn’t just a pesticide issue, it’s a germ one. Pickers, packagers, shoppers and cashiers all touch your produce before you do.

2. Wash your hands. This is especially important after you shake hands, handle groceries, use gym equipment, read a used book or magazine in a waiting room, take public transit, or are about to eat something. Health Ministries committee provides individually-wrapped antibacterial hand wipes in the narthex at Epworth.

3. Treat your body well. Cold preventers are encouraged to keep up with their regular exercise routines to keep their immune systems strong. Adequate sleep will ensure your body has the energy to fight off a bug attacking your system.

4. Take zinc and eat wisely. Vitamin G blog reports a new study has found zinc to be essential for our immune systems to destroy germs that cause illness. Chow down on cashews, black beans and oysters, or take a supplement. Be careful with doses—too much can be toxic. Eating Well magazine suggest fighting colds with a diet that includes Vitamin D, green tea, probiotics and soluble fiber. And don’t forget the chicken soup! Scientists have confirmed its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Be well and Happy Holidays.

Cybermobile at Epworth!Epworth has partnered with the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Outreach Services to provide free computer classes for our members, the Macular Degeneration group, and our neighboring community.

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s (T-LCPL’s) Cybermobile was at Epworth on November 12, and it will be at Epworth on the following Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: December 10, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, and April 29.

The Cybermobile is a “computer bus” equipped with eleven desktop computers and a large screen Smartboard. There are also two adaptive workstations with larger keyboards and magnifiers for visually impaired patrons. The Cybermobile is also wheel-chair accessible.Alice Keigley

enjoying the Cybermobile

The programs offered will include the following: basic computer use, basic and intermediate Internet 101, Microsoft Word (all PC’s will have Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), email, and job resources.

For more information, contact the Library’s Outreach services at 419-259-5350, or contact Sherry Clark, Health Ministries Director at Epworth, at sherry@epworth.com.

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Epworth UMC expresses love for our neighbors through ‘Good Works’

Recently, our Epworth team of fourteen adults had a powerful and highly productive week, thanks to the guiding hand of Good Works, an outstanding Christian organization that, for 32 years, has been serving the vulnerable, often voiceless and powerless people living in rural Appalachia. Our team thanks the Epworth community for your support and prayers as we reached out to touch the lives of nice folks struggling with issues of poverty and homelessness.

Psalms 41:1 says “Blessed is he who has regard for the poor.” Indeed God’s word guides us to passionately reach out and intervene on behalf of those in need. We quickly learned that while our work was very important, it was our heart-felt love for our neighbor that mattered most.

The Good Works staff prayed that our team would receive the love of Jesus so deeply into our lives that it would propel us to love God fully and to totally act out our love for neighbors! We certainly felt God’s love and gave our very best to honor Him. Upon returning home, Epworth received this lovely “thank you” note from a member of their community.

10 October, 2012

To all of our brothers and sisters at Epworth UMC,

Greeting from Athens on this blustery, fall-ish October day! The sun has come out at last, making it a truly beautiful autumn afternoon, and making my heart fill with joy and gratitude. It is a pleasure and an honor to live here and be a part of this community! One of my main roles is as a Care-giver at the Timothy House, building relationships with and supporting our neighbors who are staying there. I love it, and I’m amazed at what God is doing in our lives!

I want to express my sincere gratitude for what your community is doing in support of us. From financial gifts to visiting work groups--what encouragement! Thank you for choosing to be part of this community. It really is a good thing when we can unify ourselves as One Body under the head of Christ.

I pray that you are well and that you are having joy in our God today.

In peace, Anne Wilson

Grief Group for WomenEpworth’s fall session of its grief group for women began meeting on September 10 and will be wrapping-up its fall session at the end of November after meeting for 12 consecutive Mondays.

Epworth is very blessed to have Karen Landes and Jennifer Church facilitate this group. Their compassion, dedication, organization, and understanding/empathy

have resulted in so many Epworth women members and women of the community being helped with their grief journey.

Karen and Jennifer plan to offer another session of the Grief Support group for women in the spring. If you are interested in participating, please contact Sherry Clark, Director of Health Ministries at sherry@epworth.com.

Health Ministries Cont.

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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 also request

you bring kleenex to be donated. We start at 6:30 p.m. The next opportunities are: December 12, Christmas Bunco at Lin Bingham’s house. RSVP to Lin. Please bring an inexpensive gift for the exchange game. January 15, 2013, at Ronnie Gorsuch’s house. RSVP to Ronnie.

Friends in Faith Kleenex MinistryWe are collecting Kleenex again for Harborside Healthcare/Sylvania, 5757 Whiteford Road. Many of the residents there do not have the resources for incidentals, so our simple gifts are so much appreciated. Please bring a box of Kleenex to any Friends in Faith event or leave your donation in the church office. Since Christmas of 2008 we have delivered 1,000 boxes of Kleenex, 802 toothbrushes and 680 tubes of toothpaste. Contact Lin Bingham if you would like more information or would like to help with the next delivery. We make a visit to each resident in the facility when we make a delivery and the residents really look forward to seeing us!

Friends in Faith Book ClubWe invite you to join us for our Book Club discussions. On December 11, we will discuss The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher at 7:00 p.m. in room 213 (NOTE new location). Dessert will be served along with lively discussion. Everyone is welcome!

Friends in Faith Sunday SchoolWe usually meet in room 101 at 9:45, however, we will join the Coffee and Conversation Class in room 020 for the Advent study starting December 2. See page 4 for more information.

As you have heard people talk about the Emmaus Walk, the “strange” word Emmaus actually refers to a town listed in the Bible as the place the resurrected Christ revealed himself to two disciples as they broke bread together at the dinner table after having walked with them from Jerusalem to Emmaus. (Luke 24) Conversations at Epworth about the Walk to Emmaus refer to a three-day experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that is an opportunity for you to recognize God’s grace and love in fresh and

powerful ways. If you have felt your faith getting a bit stale, or you have unanswered questions about the claims of other believers, or you have felt God urging you to grow as a Christian, the Emmaus Walk is for you. Ask anyone who has attended a Walk or talk to Pastor Marilynn if you wonder if

this is for you. Then register to attend a weekend and experience three days of singing, learning, laughing, worshipping, reflecting, and praying in small groups. You will be glad you did!

Sixth Grade Coat CollectionSixth grade will again be collecting new or gently used coats to be distributed to area centers. Be sure to check the pockets and that they are clean. Bring them to the boxes around the church December 2-January 6. Your donation will help keep someone in Toledo warm this winter.

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Epworth Sunday Morning Education ProgramNursery, Toddler, and Pre-school

Nursery and Toddler childcare meet at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 in the pre-school wing.

Pre-school Education 2012-2013 Preschool children ages 3-5 years-old not yet in kindergarten are invited to join us Sunday morning in rooms 112 and 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 Pennies for Jesus offering to buy Children’s Bibles to send with our mission teams. This exciting new approach to preschool education will have your child singing, praying, and worshiping all week long!

Elementary (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade) at 9:45Each week we all begin in room 205 at 9:45 to experience the Oasis, a place to refresh and renew your spirit through music, drama, and prayer. Then at 10:00, we move to other rooms with shepherds for games, cooking, art, and science activities. In December we will support the Heifer Project.

In December, we will use the Advent book Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break, emphasizing gifts God has given us that we can give to others that are not material gifts, but gifts of love and service.

Elementary (Kindergarten through Third Grade) at 11:00

WOW (Worship Our Way)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.

Sixth Grade SLAM class at 9:45 in room 206.

Donuts and the Bible Junior High, Room 003 off the FLC Senior High, Room 215

Adult Education at 9:45 a.m.Adult Bible Study Class - Room 020Our class will be reading and discussing Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break, moderated by different classmates.

Friends in Faith and Coffee and Conversation, Room 020During the Advent study, Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break, Friends in Faith will be meeting with the Coffee and Conversation class in room 020. Please join us for the study.

Adult Education at 11:00 a.m.Sermon Notes Discussion, Room 214 The topic for discussion each week relates to the sermon of the day, guided by the weekly sermon notes. Feel free to drop in any time. The discussion is always interesting. Beginning December 2 for 4 weeks we will be exploring the spirit of Christmas through the study Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break. Join us at 11:00 a.m. for lively discussion and study.

Save the DateThe date is set, dress shopping has begun, and our very own Abby Wasylkowski is getting married. On Saturday, December 29, Abby will marry her best friend, Rev. Kris Schondelmeyer (Associate Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church). The wedding will be at Christ Presbyterian Church in the Sanctuary at 3:30 p.m. A dessert reception will be held that same evening at 7:00 p.m. in Hansen Hall at Christ Presbyterian.

The congregation is invited to celebrate with Abby on her special day. In preparation for the wedding, and to RSVP, you may speak with Abby directly or visit www.abbyandkris.com.

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Heifer Project Help “Fill the Ark”

What is Heifer International?Heifer International, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to ending world hunger and saving the earth by providing livestock, trees, training and other resources to help poor families in the USA and around the globe. Since its inception in 1944, Heifer has been a force for making people self-reliant.

How does the program put faith into action?The Heifer project puts faith into action with its time-proven principle of “passing the gift.” That is, every family who receives livestock agrees to pass on one or more of its animal’s first offspring to another neighbor in need. Your donation pays for livestock and technical training in animal management and care. Your gift is used to purchase heifers, llamas, goats, tree seedlings, honey bees, pigs, and chickens—to name a few. The partnership between Heifer International and Epworth spans over a decade.

ADVENT AT EPWORTH

Decorating the church with flowers for the Christmas services is a project of the Worship Work Area. We are offering you two ways to participate in the Christmas celebration:

• If you would like to honor or memorialize a loved one you may contribute to the Christmas Display and your commemoration will be listed.

• If you would like to contribute and be able to take home a plant, please check the appropriate box.

You may mail the form with your check to the church office or place in the offering plate on Sunday. Any over-subscription of flowers will be placed in a “floral fund” for use through the year.

If you have chosen to support a plant, please pick up the plant AFTER the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service. Thanks again for your support of this Epworth Ministry.

Indicate the number of flowers you want:

_____ 7” Red Poinsettias ($15) _____ 6” Red Poinsettias ($10)

_____Christmas Display ($25)

Donor:_____________________________________________________(Please Print Clearly - as you wish to be listed)

Telephone#________________________________________

In Memory of:_______________________________________________or

In Honor of:_________________________________________________(Will be listed in the bulletin on Sunday, December 23

Make checks payable to Epworth United Methodist Church

ORDER DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10

How does Heifer evaluate the results of the program?Recipient groups define their own needs, set goals, and plan appropriate strategies to achieve their goals. Heifer provides guidelines for planning the project (including the passing on the gift process), screening recipients, monitoring farmers’ progress, and conducting self-evaluations. Groups are responsible for submitting semi-annual monitoring reports to Heifer.

May I dedicate my gift?Yes. Donor cards can be sent to the person(s) you name, showing that you made a symbolic gift (of a heifer, goat, flock of chicks, etc.) in the name of the person you designate. This is a great gift idea for those hard-to-buy for people on your list. The Heifer giving model provides a wonderful lesson for children.

Stop by the information table in the cloister December 2, 9, and 16.Mission Work Area

ORDER DEADLINE IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 10

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DEADLINE FOR NEXT TOWER ARTICLES - MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT NOON

4855 W. Central AvenueToledo, Ohio 43615-2337

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDToledo, OhioPermit No. 23

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

www.EpworthSWAT.com

Questions about Epworth Student Ministries? Call Bob Knowles or Chuck Campos

Epworth Student Ministries

11/30-12/2 Fri-Sun Confirmation Retreat B Friday 7:00 pm – Sunday 12:30 pm12/2 Sunday 9:45 am Junior & Senior Sunday morning classes - Donuts & The Bible 6 & 7.5 SWAT’s12/09 Sunday 9:45 am Junior & Senior Sunday morning classes - Donuts & The Bible 12:30 pm YLT, Family Christmas Caroling 4 – 6:30 pm NO 6 nor 7.5’s SWAT’s due to Caroling earlier in the day12/16 Sunday Jr & Sr SWAT combined Christmas Party -- 6:00 - 8:00 pm - FLC12/23 Sunday 9:45 am Jr & Senior Sunday morning classes - Donuts & The Bible NO 6 nor 7.5’s SWAT’s --- Christmas & New Year’s Break12/24 Monday Christmas Eve Worships 5, 7, 9 & 11 pm...... 7:00 Youth & Family oriented12/30 Sunday 9:45 am Jr & Senior Sunday morning classes - Donuts & The Bible NO 6 nor 7.5’s SWAT’s --- Christmas & New Year’s Break20131/18-20 Fri-Sun Junior SWAT Winter Ski Retreat – Harbor Springs Michigan1/25-1/27 Fri-Sun Confirmation Retreat C Friday 5:00 pm – Sunday 12:30 pm2/15-2/18 Fri-Mon Sr High Winter Retreat – Harbor Springs Michigan