The

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

February 6, 2013

How many Pancakes can you eat?Tuesday, February 12, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

February 13 at 7:30 p.m.Lent begins with a service of introspection and reflection on Wednesday, February 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Pastor Thomas will deliver the evening message. Pastors Thomas, Luke and Schroeder will lead the liturgy for service, which will include the sacrament of Holy Communion and the traditional administration of ashes. The Chancel Choir under the direction of Cecil Baughman will sing “Jesu, Word of God Incarnate.” 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.”

Epworth's 26th Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be on Tuesday, February 12, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Epworth's Family Life Center. We hope your friends and family join our SWAT youth and their families for this “all-you-want-to-eat” event featuring Epworth’s famous pancakes (Bob Evans) and sausage served with applesauce and beverages. The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12 and children under 4 are FREE. There is also a special family household rate of $20. You don't need to purchase dinner tickets in advance—just come and purchase your tickets at the door. Make it your family tradition to support this major YOUTH MISSIONS FUND-RAISING effort for our summer Junior and Senior High Mission Workteams. We hope you tell everyone about

this event and come bringing your family, friends, business associates and neighbors for a wonderful evening of good food and good fellowship. Carryout is also available at no extra charge.

Group reservations are available. Planning on coming with your Wesley Group, a Sunday morning group or any group of people wanting to share a table(s)? Please send an email or call Nancy in Epworth's office and we'll have your group table marked and waiting for your pancake pleasure!

We hope to see you, your family, neighbors and friends at Epworth’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 12. Come HUNGRY! Thanks for supporting Epworth's Youth Missions.

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Personals

March 6 Wonderful Wednesday Luncheon

Our Condolences to:Terry and Karen Knight and family on the passing of Terry’s father, Dick Knight, on January 16, 2013.

Fred Boysen on the passing of his brother-in-law, Charlie, on January 28, 2013.

Thanks to EpworthThe Board of Directors and staff of the Monroe Street Neighborhood Center would like to thank Epworth for the generous donations of 433 cans of tuna for our food pantry. Many families will be served with this donation.

Clara Petty, Director

We’re looking for some “Radical Hospitality Helpers”

Would you be interested in helping keep our sanctuary pews refreshed each week? Can you help us straighten up the pew racks? This opportunity only takes a half hour each week. Please call Nancy in the office, or email her at nancy@epworth.com if you can help.

Spiritual Food Comin’ Right Up! Thanks from Collingwood Presbyterian!

The Community Dinner Committee of Collingwood Presbyterian Church would like to thank so many Epworth folks for their help on Sunday, January 27. A whole posse of happy, helpful people came to help us serve our neighborhood in our monthly dinner. Your sixth graders brought coats, hats and mittens to give away. Adults and kids alike brought wonderful cookies to hand out. And everyone brought their Christian, loving hearts and hands to serve food for those who came: some came in need, and some just for fellowship.

Collingwood has been serving the neighborhood of the Old West End and near North End for only 13 months, and our dinners have grown to serve nearly 100 every month. We work entirely from congregational support, serving home-made food with a theme for each dinner. We try to have live music for our guests, and we provide prayer and a human touch for all. For the February 24 dinner, the theme is chili of many types, cornbread, salads and desserts. We reach out for you to come dine with us at Collingwood on the final Sunday of each month, from 4-5:30. Thank you for your help again and again!

Roberta Thornton, Monica Pritchard, and Lynn LaPlante, co-chairs of CPC’s Community Dinner Committee (419-243-3275)

With Heartfelt ThanksDear Epworth Family,Since my fall, and subsequently, broken ankle, I have been so blessed to receive good thoughts, prayers, cards and visits from my Epworth family. You can’t imagine how much that has lifted my spirits and helped my healing process. Thank you SO MUCH!

Renee Wuokko and family

Come and hear about Epworth’s trip to Good Works in Athens at the March Wonderful Wednesday luncheon on March 6 at noon in the Family Life Center.

Chef Les will be preparing a delicious meal for $6. Please call Nancy at the church office or email her at nancy@epworth.com for your reservation.

Annual Grape SeminarThe annual Epworth Grape Seminar is scheduled for Saturday, February 16, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., at the home of Peter and Barbara Machin. The program will again be presented by Mr. Dan Thomas, grape expert and connoisseur from The

Andersons. Bring an appetizer to share and join the fun. Cost per person will be between $8-$10. Please RSVP by no later than Tuesday, February 12. Sign up by calling the church office.

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Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner- Adult(s)? “Black Tie” (china plates)

OR

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner- Adult(s) with family? “Tie Dye” (paper plates)

What do I bring?- guests bring a dish to share – you’ll be told what- hosts provide the entrée and beverages

How do I sign up for this?- contact Nancy at the church office 419- 531-4236 or nancy@epworth.com (RE: Guess Who?)- or sign up Sunday on the Opportunities Page of the bulletin.- RSVP by Sunday, February 24

What is this? - fun dinner with a twist- enjoy the evening with 6 to 8 adults or 2 to 3 families (you choose)- dine in someone’s home (a secret) - meet others (also a secret)

When is this?- Sunday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m.

Where is this?- it’s a secret! That’s the twist! - you’ll find out the day of the event

Who is coming?- it’s a secret! Didn’t you read the title?- you’ll find out at the event

Wednesday Evening Soup Supper and Vespers for Lent 2013

You are invited to gather each week in Lent for a Wednesday evening Soup Supper followed by a Vesper Service in the Family Life Center. The first Soup Supper and Vesper Service will be on Wednesday, February 20. The Soup Suppers will be served from 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m. The menu will be soup, bread, fruit/cookies and beverage. A free will offering will be received.

Pastor Thomas and Pastor Schroeder will be leading the Lenten Vesper Series, which will begin at 6:45 p.m.(also in the Family Life Center) on February 20 and 27, March 6, 13, 20. The Vesper Series will feature a Reader’s Theater presentation each week from Max Lucado’s book No Wonder They Call Him the Savior.

The services will include simple songs, special music by various Epworth musicians, scripture readings, and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Plan now to make the Lenten Vespers a part of your spiritual discipline for Lent 2013 in preparation for a glorious and spiritual celebration of the Lord’s resurrection on EASTER, March 31.

Families with children are welcome. We will have childcare for babies through preschool. Elementary children will grow closer to Jesus as we journey through Lent together with age-appropriate activities.

Are you willing to host this exciting dinner at your house? Please contact Nancy in the church office and let her know (nancy@epworth.com).

?BUT, Casual Dress

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Spiritual Gifts Class Begins February 19

What are your Spiritual Gifts? Wouldn’t you like to be aware of the special ways God has gifted you in order for you to make a difference in the world? We are usually aware of our talents and our interests, but spiritual gifts are unique abilities that come from the Holy Spirit to all believers. Why? So that we can use them for God’s purposes. But if we don’t know what they are, they tend to be under-used!

Learn about your gifts. Come to the Spiritual Gifts Class that meets Tuesday evenings, February 19, 26, and March 5, 7:00-9:00 p.m. You’ll be glad you did! Register by calling Nancy or emailing Marilynn@epworth.com. The cost of the book is $10. Babysitting can be provided if you notify the church when you register.

Epworth Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC)

Registration for the 2013-14 school year has begun for children currently enrolled at ECEC, children of church members, siblings of current and former ECEC students and children currently enrolled in CDO. We open to the community on February 11. Children need to be three-years-old by September 30, 2013, and potty trained by the start of the school year in September. If interested, call the ECEC office at 419-531-7632 or send an email to florine@epworth.com. We welcome you to be part of the Epworth Early Childhood Education Center.

Furniture MinistryNext pickup dates are: February 9, 23.Client selection dates is February 16.

Call 567-694-3710 to arrange for a donation pickup.

Healing and Wholeness Service

for February 12 On Tuesday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Webb Chapel, Linda Tippett will share her testimony at the Healing and Wholeness service. Linda will share how God’s healing grace comes through simple acts of caring. The quiet meditative service gives participants the

opportunity to focus on the power of God to heal whatever physical, emotional or spiritual disease or brokenness we are experiencing.

The service will also include simple songs, scripture, communion and individual healing prayers. B.J. Brengartner, Beth Irwin, Ann Koffman and Penny McCartney will provide leadership for the service. Pastor Luke will lead the healing prayers and the sacrament of Holy Communion. A free-will offering will be received for Epworth Health Ministries.

Time to Lace up Those Skates!Friday, March 15

Come one, come all to Epworth’s annual skating party at Tam-O-Shanter, sponsored by the Recreation Committee.

This year’s festivities will be held on Friday, March 15, from 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. with:

pizza and pop being served from 6:30–7:30

and skating from 7:30–9:00.

The cost is $5 per person with a maximum of $10 per family.

Come and bring your friends and family to this fun event!

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 just email renee@epworth.com and put “Epworth Electronic Mail” in the subject line. If you have been getting this mail already and want to continue, there is no need to sign up again.

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Epworth Adult SinglesThe Epworth Adult Singles Group is a place to mingle with other singles for Christian fellowship and to strengthen us on our Christian journey. We also participate in many community service projects. You do not need to be a member of Epworth to become involved and we welcome new members.

LUNCH BUNCH will meet Tuesday, February 19, at noon at The Classic Cafe on Sylvania Ave. and McCord. Lunch Bunch will meet again on Tuesday, March 5 at the Olive Garden on Talmadge at noon. Contact Miss Kate, or sign up on the Opportunities Page. We will meet as a group at the Jazz Soiree on Friday February 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. We will NOT meet on Friday, February 15 as previously planned.

New Member Seminar PlannedSunday, February 10

A New Member Seminar will be held on Sunday, February 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You’ll gain an overview of the United Methodist Church and get a chance to meet other new members and our pastoral staff. After completing this seminar and the three-session Spiritual Gifts classes, which meet on February 19, 26 and March 5, new members will join on March 10. To register (by Friday, February 8) contact Marla Kelsey in the church office or email her at marla@epworth.com.

Scout Sunday, February 10Epworth celebrates Scout Sunday on February 10. Please wear your Scout uniform or something denoting Scouting that day if you are/were involved in these wonderful organizations.

Mark Your CalendarsThis year’s Vacation Bible School, “Kingdom Rock,” will be Sunday through Thursday evening, June 16-20, and Monday through Friday morning, June 17-21.

Watch for a special VBS Rock Party preview in April.

Kindergarten MilestoneChildren in Kindergarten and their parents are invited to their Milestone on Prayer on Sunday, February 10, at 11:00. We will learn different ways to pray and also learn The Lord’s Prayer.

Please call the Education office to sign up.

Parents, Kids and Money Matters WorkshopTuesday, March 5

All elementary children and their parents are invited to an evening workshop concerning managing money and being good stewards of what we are given. In this workshop, you will reflect on the values you want your children to learn, and use practical tools to teach your children how to share, give and spend their money. This will be held March 5 in the Family Life Center. A light dinner will be served at 6:00. The workshop begins at 6:30 and will end by 7:30. This is a free event, and is open to the community, BUT YOU DO NEED A RESERVATION TO ATTEND. This is a great opportunity for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts working on badges. Childcare will be provided for younger children if requested. Please call the Education office for more information or to sign up your family.

Kingdom OpportunitiesIf you haven’t had the privilege of teaching a class in our elementary Kingdom classes, now is your chance to serve. We are looking for teachers for April and May. The teachers have a different group of children each week, led by their shepherd. All of the lessons are planned for you, and all of the materials are ready for you. The children would love to get to know you! Please sign up by calling the Education office.

LOVE OUR LAMBSPreschool needs loving arms and warm hearts to care for our 3, 4, and 5 year olds at 9:45 and 11:00 in March, April, and May, and at 11:00 in February. 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.

Deborah Circle - Save The DateMark Saturday, March 9, on your calendars for the next Deborah Circle meeting. Details to be announced soon.

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Health Ministries

Free Computer Classes at Epworth!

Epworth Women: Health Ministries Invites you toGet to the “Heart of the Matter”

Friday, February 15, 2013

Epworth has partnered with the Toledo-Lucas County Library Outreach Services to offer FREE computer classes at Epworth. The computer bus has already been at Epworth for four visits, but there are still three more opportunities for FREE classes at Epworth:

March 4 April 1 April 29

The classes will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Toledo-Lucas County’s “very high-tech computer bus!” This bus is equipped with everything you need to become computer proficient! You will find eleven desktop computers and a large interactive Smartboard. Two of the workstations are adapted for those with visual impairments, including

Macular Degeneration. (These two stations include large keyboards and magnifiers.) They bus is also wheel-chair accessible.

Some of the programs offered include the following: basic computer use, Microsoft Word (all of the computer stations will have Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), using email, and Internet 101.

The classes are free and open to the public. No reservations are taken in advance. The classes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact the Library’s Outreach services at 419-259-5350, or Sherry Clark in Health Ministries at Epworth at sherry@epworth.com.

Join your fellow Epworth ladies to learn about women’s heart health at the annual “Heart of the Matter” program presented by ProMedica Northwest Ohio Cardiology Consultants on Friday, February 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons in Perrysburg.

The event will include many key expert speakers, over 40 vendors, door prizes, and handouts. The cost for is $10 per person.

Health Ministries will be reserving tables so Epworth members and their invited guests can sit together! Please RSVP to Dolli Darah. Please make checks payable to Epworth UMC with “Heart of the Matter”

on the subject line. Please RSVP to Dolli no later than Tuesday, February 12. Continental breakfast and lunch are also included! Invite your family and friends to join you!

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Health Ministries

GRIEF SUPPORT FOR WOMENNew Session Starting Soon!

“Caring for the Caregiver” Workshops Coming in March

Are you a “Caregiver” tending to the needs of a loved one or friend? No matter what form your efforts take, caregiving can have a profound personal effect on your life and how you feel as you commit your time, energy, and emotion to your responsibilities. If you feel overwhelmed, burnt-out, isolated, or even if you would just like to learn helpful hints from others who are also caregiving, this program would probably be very beneficial to you!

“Caring for the Caregiver” is a 3-part series of workshops that will be hosted by Health Ministries and presented by Hospice of Northwest Ohio at Epworth. The workshop dates are on the following Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Epworth: March 12, March 19, and March 26. You may register for classes now by calling the church office at 419-531-4236.

These classes are open to the community, and class size will be limited to a maximum of 12 caregivers. A r r a n g e m e n t s can be made for respite care

for your loved one in order for you to attend the workshops if needed. Please let us know if you need this assistance at the time of registration.

If you are interested in this workshop, or would like some more information, please contact Sherry Clark in Health Ministries at sherry@epworth.com.

A new session of the “Grief Support for Women” series will begin on Monday, March 4. The Grief Support group will meet on Mondays at Epworth from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for 12 weeks, with this session concluding on Monday, May 20.

We are so grateful to have Karen Landes and Jennifer Church facilitating these meetings and the discussions. Karen and Jennifer bring compassion, caring, support, and hope to the participants of these sessions.

Losing a loved one can leave you in a dark and lonely place; grief can be overwhelming. This group will provide a supportive environment for participants to share their challenges and begin the process of healing.

“Grief Support for Women” will be using the book Understanding Your Grief by Alan Wolfelt as a springboard for reflection and discussion. However, the primary “authors” of this journey will be the participants themselves. The cost for the book and

materials is $25. A check can be made to Epworth UMC, and the book and materials will be available at the first meeting.

We hope you will consider joining this group on the journey from grief to growth.

This group is open to the community and registration is limited. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Sherry Clark in Health Ministries at Epworth at sherry@epworth.com or at 419-531-4236.

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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 April to November for 2013. This is a great ministry and the perfect project for families, Wesley groups, Sunday School classes, Share groups and committees.

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

Mom’s GroupMoms, have you ever wondered about what’s really in the skin products you are using on your children like diaper crème, baby wash, or sunscreen? Do you want a safe, natural alternative? Come to Mom’s Group on Sunday, February 17, 4:30-6:00 p.m. and hear from Annette Lazenby as she shares information about ways to keep your children safe from chemicals. (If you are interested, Annette can also show you the natural products sold by Arbonne.) There will, of course, be time for discussion about anything and everything, so as always bring any questions or concerns you have about raising your children and we can discuss them as a group.

RSVP to dana@epworth.com by Wednesday, February 13, if you desire child care. Naturally, babies are always welcome to stay with moms in the meeting. We hope to see you there and bring a friend!

Leaders, Susan Smith and Abby Aasbo

HEALTH MINISTRIES MOMENT: ARTHRITISArthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or many joints. The major complaint by individuals with arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected.

According to government figures, arthritis affects about 36 percent of overweight American adults. Healthy body weight is important to the health of your overall body, including your joints. Joints that are stressed and strained by bearing the burden of excess pounds show more wear and tear, inflammation, and stiffness, leading to arthritis pain.

The following lifestyle changes may help to reduce arthritis pain:

Exercise: Get plenty of daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Low-impact exercises are best, such as walking.

Eat a healthy diet: Stick to low-fat, low-calorie foods, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Omega-3 fish oil: Oils of fish have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Manage Stress: Feeling stressed and depressed over arthritis is common, but such emotional reactions may actually intensify your arthritis pain and inhibit you from activities that may benefit you, such as exercise.

Helpful Tools: Consider installing door handles (rather than door knobs), use assistive devices if necessary, use electric brooms or kitchen tools if that makes tasks easier, and install hand rails and other aides that may assist with your daily living.

Health Ministries

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Treasurer’s Report

Epworth Ends 2012 with $14,950 Favorable VarianceFinal results are in. Epworth ended its 2012 financial calendar year with a favorable variance of income over expenses of some $14,950 better than budgeted. The original 2012 general operating budget as approved by the Administrative Council was a negative $8,000 while actual income over expenses was plus $6,950, thus yielding the $14,950 favorable variance.

The original budget for 2012 assumed that it would also be necessary to draw up to $27,000 from our general fund balance, representing accumulated surplus from previous years. The favorable experience made this unnecessary and instead added $6,950 to the fund balance.

As previously reported, the Finance Committee is now preparing the 2013 budget for consideration by the Administrative Council at its February 11 meeting. Concurrently, the Stewardship Committee is wrapping up the annual Stewardship Campaign. Expected total pledges will be about $1,150,000, slightly less than the 2012 actual pledge collections of $1,153,000. This slight decline in pledges will present some challenges to develop a balanced budget for 2013.

Generally speaking, pledge payments represent 85% of general fund income, with unpledged contributions, special offerings, funds from the Foundation and other miscellaneous income items providing the remaining income.

Next month’s Tower will contain a report on the results of the Stewardship Campaign for 2013 as well as a recap of the 2013 general budget approved by the Administrative Council.

We continue to be blessed by the generous giving of our committed congregation. Our staff and committees are doing their best to be good stewards of these resources.

Peter Machin, Treasurer

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

p.m. The next opportunities to join us are: February 18 at Judy Sebring’s. RSVP to Judy, and March, 14 at Linda Coon’s house. RSVP to Linda.

Friends in Faith Book ClubOn Tuesday, March 5, in the lounge, we will meet at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Killing Kennedy by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. Dessert is served up along with lively discussion! Everyone is welcome!

On Tuesday, April 23, in the Volunteer Office, we will be discussing The Quality of Mercy by Faye Kellerman at 7:00 p.m.

Friends in Faith Sunday SchoolStarting February 3, Friends in Faith began the 10-week Bible study of the life of Jonathan by author Erwin McManus called Chasing Daylight in room 101 at 9:45 a.m. New members or visitors are welcome at any time!

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Epworth Sunday Morning Education Program

Nursery, Toddler, and Pre-schoolNursery 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.

Elementary (Kindergarten through Third Grade) at 11:00WOW (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.Parents Unite, Room 213Parents Unite will begin the new year with the HomeBuilders series “Raising Children of Faith.” Join us for a great discussion about such topics as “Building Character in Your Children” and “Helping Your Children Walk with God.” We’ll also share some ideas for getting the kids involved at home, and they’ll never know they’re doing “Sunday School homework!” Drop off the kids, grab your caffeine of choice, and be there!

Adult Bible Study, Room 214The “Promises of God” is an excellent seven-week DVD series where you will add your voice as the class considers questions like: What happened in the garden, what were the long-term effects on God’s creation? How does God’s sweeping plan of redemption affect our lives? How are we called to respond to God’s promise in our communities? The study will stir your mind and add perspective to your faith journey. Listen to God in a new way as you jump-start the new year. No preparation is needed. Bring a friend!

Coffee and Conversation Class, Room 020 (Volunteer Office)Come and join in a lively discussion about money! From ancient times and into the future, money has driven and will drive both the secular and the sacred worlds. From birth, throughout life, to death, and even beyond death, money is a force in everyone’s life. We will be discussing the book, Money and the Meaning of Life, by Jacob Needleman. (The coffee’s pretty good too!)

Friends in Faith, Room 101Starting February 3, Friends in Faith began the 10-week Bible study of the life of Jonathan by author Erwin McManus called Chasing Daylight. In this inspiring book the author uses the biblical account of Israel’s war with the Philistines (1Samuel 13-14) and the characters of Jonathan and Samuel to demonstrate the difference between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. Through this story, McManus artfully illustrates the eight characteristics of an adventurer’s heart, what he calls the “Jonathan factor.” He uses powerful examples from his own life, along with fresh biblical teaching to assert that God crafts divine moments specific to each of us—priceless opportunities for us to actively engage in God’s big picture plan.

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Feed Your NeighborOur Epworth community has supported the local ministry Feed Your Neighbor (FYN) for many years. Its mission is to ensure that all people in Toledo have adequate food to eat by providing a supply of food to those in need and advocating for policies that would eradicate food insecurity in the community, the nation, and the world. FYN is a ministry of the non-profit organization Toledo Area Ministries (TAM) and has fed over 70,000 people each year through its food pantries and outreach programs.

Year-round support from Epworth comes from funds provided by our Community Outreach and from the countless donations of non-perishable food items from members of the Epworth community. Our Project Feed 5000 (which starts in the spring) also benefits FYN pantries all over the city. However, monies to support this agency have dwindled, but demands to feed the hungry are enormous and continually growing. You can help sustain this local mission by donating non-perishable items.

The following items are examples of non-perishables that are always needed: peanut butter, canned fruits/vegetables, canned meats, spaghetti/noodles, rice/pasta, soup/crackers, cereal, and macaroni and cheese.

Please bring your donation in any Sunday to the FYN box located outside the chapel entrance. Volunteers will deliver the non-perishables to the pantry at Epiphany Lutheran Church. Thank you for your on-going support of the Feed Your Neighbor program.

Feed 5000 Spring DatesMark your calendars! Boxes will be distributed for Feed 5000, the annual church-wide food drive March 17, 24, and 31. Collection will be April 7, 14, and 21. Look for more information as these dates get closer!

Epworth Sunday Morning Education continued

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.

The Epworth Women’s Grief Group ended its 12-week session in November which was led by Karen Landes and Jennifer Church. But these participants discovered the support they received from each other was so helpful, they decided to meet regularly on their own as a social support group. It’s wonderful to know there are other members of the church and of our community who not only have similar needs as you have, but can be helpful friends to you.

A new Women’s Grief Group begins in March (note article on page 7) for anyone who is dealing with the emotional turmoil of having lost someone dearly loved.

We all have needs, but if we keep them hidden under our “Sunday morning smiles,” then we cannot be of help to one another. Though our needs vary, there are many different kinds of groups at Epworth and surely one of them will provide friends who have much in common with you. If such a group does not yet exist, there are persons on staff that will help you start the kind you need. Contact Pastor Marilynn if you haven’t found the group that is helpful to you at this point in your life. God has given us one another and we are amazing gifts to each other.

Afternoon Knitting, Monday, February 11Afternoon knitting will meet this month on Monday, February 11, in the lounge from 2-4:00 p.m. All are welcome. Any questions? Contact Susan Sanzenbacher Smith.

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

4855 W. Central AvenueToledo, Ohio 43615-2337

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Epworth Student Ministries

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

www.EpworthSWAT.com

2/10 Sunday 9:45 am Jr & Sr Donuts & The Bible 12:30 Youth Leadership Team Meeting with lunch 6 & 7.5's SWATs2/12 Tuesday Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 2/13 Wed Ash Wednesday Worship - Confirmation Element2/15-2/18 Fri-Mon Sr SWAT Winter Retreat – Harbor Springs Michigan2/17 Sunday 9:45 am Jr & Sr Donuts & The Bible No SWATs -- Sr SWAT Winter Retreat 2/24 Sunday 9:45 am Jr & Sr Donuts & The Bible 9:45 am Confirmation Class #4 6 & 7.5 SWATs3/03 Sunday 9:45 am Jr & Sr Donuts & The Bible 6 & 7.5 SWATs3/08-10 Fri-Sun Confirmation Retreat D Friday 7:00 pm - Sunday 12:303/10 Sunday 9:45 am Jr & Sr Donuts & The Bible 6 & 7.5 SWAT’s