Bring your family and friends

to this FREE event.

The

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

April 10, 2013

at Epworth United Methodist Church

Saturday, May 410:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Our parking lot will be filled

with:

Trucks

Motorcycles

Emergency Vehicles

Construction Equipment

Transportation Vehicles

Kids of all ages can climb aboard, honk the horns, and pretend to drive anything

that rolls!

Family Fun! FREE

Ice Cream

2

PersonalsOur Condolences to:

Neeraj and Susan Kanwal and family and Jamie and Don Aubry and family on the passing of Susan and Jamie’s mother, Wanda Peters, on March 8, 2013.Steve and Debbie Gullett and family and Jim and Sandi Marley and family on the passing of Debbie and Jim’s brother, Thomas Marley, Jr., on March 9, 2013.Judy Sebring, Jodi and Nick Caryer, Debbie Sebring, Christy and Andy Schober, Holly and Seth Ruggles, Tammy and Travis Rasor and their families on the passing of husband and father, Lowell (Lud) Sebring on March 16, 2013.David and Allyson France and family on the passing of Allyson’s grandmother, Betty Kehoe, on March 16, 2013.Gary and Penny McCartney on the passing of Penny’s Father, Floyd McCann, on March 21, 2013.Tim and Janice Schlachter on the recent passing of Janice’s grandfather.Glenita Domansky on the passing of her husband, Ed, on March 22, 2013.Dick and Wanda Troy on the passing of their daughter, Cheryl, on March 23, 2013.Friends and family of Pat Schafer. Pat passed away March 24, 2013.Marjory and Lloyd Wilkin on the recent passing of Marjory’s aunt.Don (Buzz) and Martha Mewhort and family and Debbie and Randy Keller and family on the passing of Don and Debbie’s mother, Ginny Mewhort, on April 6, 2013. Memorial Service is April 22 at 10:30.

MISSION TEACHING TRIP TO HAITI

Are you interested in a life-changing experience? Epworth will be sending a mission team to Haiti the week of August 31-September 7, 2013 to teach at Grace Children’s Hospital. We are looking for physical, occupational and respiratory therapists, nurses, social workers and other health-care providers who would be interested in sharing basic science information with Grace Children’s Hospital’s Community Health Workers and Nurses who are working with children with disabilities. We will be teaching in a small group setting and will travel with the Community Workers as they provide at-home rehabilitation services to the children.

This is an opportunity to see and experience first-hand what Epworth has been a part of in Haiti for more than 40 years. For more information contact Jo Hartman.

With Heartfelt Thanks, cont.I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all for prayers, cards, and visits during my hospital stay. And your support has continued as I recuperate with meals and continued help. I am now home building up my strength for the next round of treatment. I have felt your support in prayers and thoughts for my well-being. It has been a blessing to be part of this loving and supporting Epworth church family.

With heartfelt thanks – Curt Hitchner

To the Epworth Church Family,

Thank you for all the prayers, cards, calls, concerns, and visits from Pastor Bob and Pastor Keith and others during my recent hospitalization and home recovery. Your expressions of support and concern lifted my spirits and determination to recover as soon as possible. God Bless You.

Yours in Christ,Peggy Faber

Congratulations to:Holly and Seth Ruggles on the birth of their son, Sam Michael Ruggles, on March 30, 2013. The proud grandmother is Judy Sebring and the proud aunts and uncles include Jodi and Nick Caryer, Debbie Sebring, Christy and Andy Schober, and Tammy and Travis Rasor.

With Heartfelt ThanksWe would like to thank our Epworth Family and friends for their prayers and support after the death of Penny’s Father.

Penny and Gary McCartney

3

It’s Time For Project: Feed 5000(The Story of the Little Box as told from the perspective of one of the boxes)

It’s that time of year, again! Epworth United Methodist Church is once again transporting all of us boxes from the cold, lonely warehouse over to the warm, friendly Family Life Center, then up to the narthex. We are so excited, we can hardly wait to be picked by a church member, taken home and filled with 18 food and toiletry items that will then help feed a family of four for two days. Then we will travel back to church, lifted out of the car by a friendly volunteer, where more volunteers will make sure we have a blessing for the family we’re going to, get taped up and carried out to the waiting Feed Your Neighbor truck. From there, we will go downtown to the Feed Your Neighbor warehouse, where we will wait for a few weeks for all of the other boxes to join us. Then we will split into 13 groups and go to the local Toledo Feed Your Neighbor Food Pantries, where more volunteers will put us on the pantry shelves. Then we wait for a family to pick us to go to their home and enjoy our contents, helping them to stretch their food dollars for a few days. The other boxes tell us the families are always very happy and grateful to receive us, even saying Grace and Thanksgiving for the gift of the little box! Never again will we wish we were those big refrigerator boxes!

Our story of feeding 5000 local Toledoans for two days is based on Jesus’ compassion for the overwhelming crowd that had gathered to see him and experience his healing powers. More than 5,000 men plus women and children were fed to satisfaction from just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish that Jesus had blessed and the disciples then distributed to the crowd. This Bible

story is the only miracle that is told in all four Gospels!

Thanks to all who have already taken boxes and even brought us back! We boxes are so happy to be busy and helping others! If you need more of us, we are available through the church office during the week or on Sunday mornings in the narthex. Maybe your work or school group, sports team, card club, or extended family would like to fill us!

When you pick us up, a specific list of foods is given, a piece of tape to seal us up on the bottom and a blessing for the family receiving us. You can fill us for about $20. Get the whole family involved in the shopping. It’s a great lesson for the kids!

If you are unable to take one of us we understand. Community Outreach Committee has volunteers who will shop for you! Just make a check out to Epworth UMC with “Feed 5000” on the memo line and turn it in to the church office or put it in the offering plate. Last year, around 150 of us were filled this way!

On Sundays April 14 and 21, volunteers will be receiving the filled boxes. If we get too heavy, pull your car up and volunteers will be happy to unload the boxes from your car. Please bring us back open and they will close us for you.

All of us boxes would love to get filled this year so we can help our neighbors in need. Let’s all work together remembering Jesus’ example! If you have questions or want to volunteer, please contact Ellen Hurd or Feed5000@epworth.com.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study begins April 9 for 4 weeks from 9:15 – 11:00

Faith Lessons on the Life and Ministry of the MessiahFilmed on location in Israel with teacher/historian Ray Vander Laan, this video series brings God’s Word to life by weaving together the Bible’s fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts. Insights are revealed into Scripture’s significance for modern believers. These “faith lessons” afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life. Everyone is welcome to join us.

4

Co-ed Golf League FormingThe Epworth golf league will start a new season of play beginning Thursday, May 2. The league will play each Thursday evening for 16 weeks at Spuyten Duyval Golf Club, with the first tee times beginning at 5:45. This year will bring fun events during the season and an end of year celebration. The cost is $16.50 per round with the total $264.00 due at sign-up.

Two-person teams compete using handicaps, and all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Sign up with a partner or make a new friend when you are partnered with someone. This year substitutes will be ask to contribute $5 when they play.

Contact Dick Lehto for more information. League fees (payable to Epworth) may be sent to League Chairman Ray Mullins. Space is limited so sign up soon!

Plan Ahead! How Has God Gifted You?

The next Spiritual Gifts Class is coming in May. If you haven’t participated in this exciting experience of learning more about yourself, plan to do so in May.

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? All our new members are learning about their gifts; it would be a blessing if EVERY member of Epworth knew their gifts and discovered ways to use them.

The next series of Spiritual Gifts Classes will meet Wednesday evenings, May 15, 22, and 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Or you can choose the Thursday morning classes meeting May 16, 23, and 30, 10:00-noon. Register by calling Nancy or emailing marilynn@epworth.com. Babysitting can be provided if you notify the church when you register. Cost of the book is $10.

The Doug Horlick Weekly Golf Outing Friday Mornings

Join us every Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. for the Doug Horlick Weekly Golf Outing. If you enjoy a stroll or a ride in a pleasant park and golf course, join us at Ottawa Park in a non-competitive game where the scores are destroyed after each Friday! Any questions, call Dick Baker or Wendy Lawrence. Our first outing for this year is May 3. See you there!

Free Computer ClassesMonday, April 29

The Toledo Lucas County computer bus will be at Epworth from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, near the Valleyview entrance. Free computer classes will be offered including Microsoft basics, Microsoft Word, Internet 101, and others.

Plan to take advantage of these free classes and bring a friend! Contact Sherry Clark in Health Ministries at sherry@epworth.com for more information.

Reservations are NOT needed in advance!

New Member Seminar PlannedSunday, May 5

A New Member Seminar will be held on Sunday, May 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:45 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, being offered on May 15, 22, and 29, from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. or May 16, 23, and 30 from 10:00 a.m.–noon, new members will join on June 9. To register (by Friday, May 3) contact Marla Kelsey in the church office or email her at marla@epworth.com. Lunch and childcare provided with an RSVP.

Deborah CircleSaturday, April 13

We are having Deborah Circle at Martha Kreuz’s house at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13. We are having a make-up/refresher session with Patty Fretz providing instruction on making the ruffle scarves. Bring #8 inch knitting needles and a skein of Starbella yarn (all the big stores carry it—look for the bigger loops). Do not bring a dark color. Don’t want to knit? Come and visit. RSVP to Martha.

Saturday, May 11Let’s meet at 9:30 a.m. at Diana Davis’ home. Light brunch served, maybe it will be nice and we can eat outside. Plan to make luminaries for the people remembered and honored for 2013 Sylvania Relay For Life event. Please RSVP to Diana.

5

Thank You For HelpingScrapbooking for Missions

Thank you so much to all those who donated money, time, or food to Scrapbooking for Missions, an all day crop to benefit local missions. Together, we raised over $1,500 for the United Methodist Women. At the end of the year, all of the money, along with funds raised by the Art and Craft show, will be distributed to local missions. Thanks for making it so successful.

A special thanks to the Price family for helping out throughout the day. They all pulled together and helped set up, clean up, and run the event all day. I couldn't have done it without them. I also want to mention all of my kitchen volunteers who helped me feed the nearly 50 women in attendance. Joe Jefferds, Gerry and Barbara Johnstone, Polly Richardson, and Laura Ingersoll were invaluable! Thanks again and we hope to top it next year!

Sincerely,Lisa Keaffaber

Parent’s Nights OutSponsored by

Epworth’s Parent ConnectionsCalling all parents of children birth through 6th grade. Are you looking for opportunities to connect to other parents of similar aged kids at Epworth? Are you looking for chances to get out without having to feed the kids? If your answer is YES, then join us for our next event.

Friday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m.Parent's Night Out–Bowling (Southwyck Lanes) Sign up with the church office by Sunday, April 15.

Age-appropriate child care will be offered at Epworth from 6:00–9:30 p.m.

When signing up, please note the number and ages of the children for child care.

For questions about Parent Connections or other Family/Parent Opportunities, please email Pastor Keith at keith@epworth.com.

Epworth Adult SinglesAll adult singles age 30 and up are invited to participate. You do not have to be an Epworth member 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 or Miss Kate.

Tuesday, April 16, join us for Coffee & Such at Barry Bagels on Sylvania Ave and N. Holland-Sylvania Rd. at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30, Lunch Bunch meets at 12:00 at Red Lobster on Monroe Street, across from Franklin Park Mall.

Tuesday, May 14, Coffee & Such at Barry Bagels on Sylvania Ave. and N. Holland-Sylvania Rd. at 5:30 p.m.

Please let Miss Kate or Linda Coon know if you plan to attend. Don’t know till the last minute? We can always squeeze in one more.

OUR REGULAR MONTHLY meeting will be SATURDAY, APRIL 27, instead of Friday. We will have a Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) Docent tour at 11:30 a.m. The Docent tour is free of charge thanks to an anonymous donor. There is a $5 parking charge for TMA non-members. If you wish to car-pool, please let us know, and meet at the church no later than 11:00.

We will be having lunch at 1:00 p.m. at the Museum Café and welcome those that can’t make the Docent tour to join us. Afterward, there will be time to enjoy the Art Museum and enjoy the Collector’s Corner, the gift shop.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Singles Group will be preparing and serving a meal at St. Paul’s Community Center on Saturday, June 1. Scott Lenz will be chairing this project. We need volunteers to shop, cook, transport and serve. More details coming soon.

Another chance to participate is our ongoing outreach project. Bring items for our Furniture Ministry, Blessings Department to any singles activity. Especially needed, bath towels, washcloths, kitchen items, sheet sets: both twin and queen.

To RSVP to any activity, contact Miss Kate, Linda Coon, or use the Opportunities Page.

6

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.

Vacation Bible School Decorating Supplies

Education is busily preparing the decorations for this year’s Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School. We are looking for donations of the following items: 2 or 3 lb. metal coffee cans, solid color material (purples, reds, blues, silver metallic), round sleds (will be painted but can be returned to owner). These supplies may be dropped off at the church office.

Kingdom Rock PartySunday, April 14

Kids and Parents, you are invited to a special VBS Rock Party, a preview of what will be happening at Kingdom Rock this summer. Kids are encouraged to bring a friend. You can register early, get a free gift, and have some Kingdom Rock fun! Drop in to the Family Life Center Sunday, April 14, any time between 11:00-1:00.

We will have games, music, activities, and yes, even lunch. You can order a Kingdom Rock T- shirt exclusively at this Rock Party. Please sign up on the Opportunities Page of the bulletin or call the Education office so we will be ready for you!

Spring Super Saturday of ServiceSaturday, April 20, 9 a.m. - noon

Join us for coffee, juice, donuts and prayer at 8:30 at Epworth. Re-connect after you serve with burgers and hotdogs on the grill at

Service opportunities include:• Epworth exterior campus spring cleanup

• Northwest Ohio Food Bank

• Wildwood Metropark spring cleanup.

• Sunshine Campus spring cleanup.

• Epworth Furniture Ministry

• Interior painting at Epworth

These are all Family Friendly Service opportunities; preschool through 100+ can serve together. Childcare provided for littlest ones at the church if requested by Wednesday, April 17.

Spring CelebrationSunday, April 21 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Epworth Family Life Center

A time of Praise, Prayer, Fellowship and Food to celebrate spring and our Epworth

Community

Dinner: grilled chicken and beverages. Attendees are invited to bring your choice of

side dish, salad or dessert to share.

We hope to see all Epworthians from 1 month to 100!

Epworth at noon.

Kingdom Kids Raise Money for Haiti Water Filters

Thanks to all of you who helped our children raise money for clean water for Haiti. In March, with a “Noisy Collection” in worship, and weekly collections in their Kingdom classes, the children collected $490 to purchase water filters. They also made quilt squares in Thou Art that Priscilla Circle will sew into quilts to be taken to Grace Children’s Hospital by our workteam in September.

7

Epworth United Methodist Church Invites You To

Our 5th Annual Family Health FairIncluding Tai Chi and Yoga Demonstrations

Sunday, April 219:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Epworth UMC4855 West Central Ave.

Toledo, OH 43615

Come and Enjoy: Free Massages Free Health Screenings Free Snacks AND Gather a Wealth of Health Knowledge

Over 20 Community Agencies

Invite your friends and neighbors and come enjoy fun fellowship!

NEW:Try your skills at ourDisability Simulation

Stations.Educational and Fun

for ALL ages!

Popcorn

8

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 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.

NEW DATE Baby BlessingsOn Sunday, April 28, at 11:00, parents of babies up to two years old will gather to celebrate their little ones. We will talk about raising children of faith, finding God Sightings each day, and writing a Blessing for your child. The date was changed so that parents could attend the Health Fair on April 21. Call the Education office to sign up for this once a year event.

Touch-a-Truck Help NeededOur Second Annual Touch-a-Truck will be held on Saturday, May 4. We give the drivers who donate their time a free lunch while they are here. If you would be willing to help assemble those lunches on Friday, May 3, at 10:00 or 1:00, and to assemble the sandwiches on Saturday, May 4, at 9:00, please call the Education office or sign up on the Opportunities Page of the bulletin.

Hawaiian Dance Night Friday, May 10

The Special Needs Task Force is sponsoring a dance night for some group homes in our area. If you would be willing to make some light finger foods and snacks for this event, please call the Education office or sign up on the Opportunities Page. We are expecting about 50 clients and their caregivers at this event.

John Arthur Mears Student Loans

Applications are now available for this Epworth loan. Loans of up to $1,000 per year are granted to students in post-high school education. Students may receive up to $4,000 total in loans. Repayment begins 7 months after graduation and there is no interest charged for these loans if payments are made on time.

Applications are in the Education office and are due June 1. After meeting with the Student Loan Committee, loan recipients will be contacted, and funds will be sent to your school in your name.

April Body Recall at the Health FairThe Health Ministries Committee has planned a morning (April 21) when we can all come to learn about new, and long- standing ways of maintaining our wellness, fitness and health. That's why our own ministry of Body Recall will be there. As leaders, we think it's vital for individuals to be independent and live at home as long as possible. Body Recall helps people achieve these goals.

Being physically active and understanding that it doesn't need to be strenuous to be beneficial keeps you moving at a pace you can continue for years. One student (in his late 80s) recently wrote "My flexibility

is still good. With two artificial knees, a torn rotator cuff, and peripheral neuropathy in both feet, I should be practically immobile. However, Body Recall keeps me moving quite well. Coming to class provides the motivation I wouldn't have if I tried to do all the same exercises at home."

We will see you at Epworth's Health Fair. Come, get motivated to do your part to increase your wellness. It's possible! You have the power to tap the things that directly affect the quality of your life. Appreciate the wealth that fitness brings to you. We do, every day!

Brenda Kunkel, Pam Christensen, Certified Instructors

9

Health Ministries

HEALTH MINISTRIES MOMENT: DVT/PE Awareness Deep vein thrombosis (throm-BO-sis), or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Blood clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together.

A blood clot in a deep vein can break off and travel through the bloodstream. The loose clot is called an embolus (EM-bo-lus). It can travel to an artery in the lungs and block blood flow. This condition is called pulmonary embolism (PULL-mun-ary EM-bo-lizm), or PE.

The risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include:• A history of DVT.• Conditions or factors that make your blood thicker or more likely to clot than normal. Some inherited blood

disorders (such as factor V Leiden) will do this. Hormone therapy or birth control pills also increase the risk of clotting.

• Injury to a deep vein from surgery, a broken bone, or other trauma.• Slow blood flow in a deep vein due to lack of movement. This may occur after surgery, if you’re ill and in bed for

a long time, or if you’re traveling for a long time.• Pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after giving birth.• Recent or ongoing treatment for cancer.• A central venous catheter. This is a tube placed in a vein to allow easy access to the bloodstream for medical

treatment.• Older age. Being older than 60 is a risk factor for DVT, although DVT can occur at any age.• Overweight or obesity.• Smoking

Only about half of the people who have DVT have signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms occur in the leg affected by the deep vein clot. They include:

• Swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg• Pain or tenderness in the leg, which you may feel only when standing or walking• Increased warmth in the area of the leg that’s swollen or painful• Red or discolored skin on the leg• Unexplained shortness of breath• Pain with deep breathing• Coughing up blood

Rapid breathing and a fast heart rate also may be signs of PE.

Anticoagulants (AN-te-ko-AG-u-lants) are the most common medicines for treating DVT (also known as blood thinners).

These medicines decrease your blood’s ability to clot. They also stop existing blood clots from getting bigger. However, blood thinners can’t break up blood clots that have already formed. (The body dissolves most blood clots with time.)

You can take steps to prevent DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE). If you’re at risk for these conditions:• See your doctor for regular checkups.• Take all medicines as your doctor prescribes.• Get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after surgery or illness (as your doctor recommends). Moving

around lowers your chance of developing a blood clot.• Exercise your lower leg muscles during long trips. This helps prevent blood clots from forming.

10

5th AnnualFamily Health Fair

* Sunday, April 21 (see color flyer)

* 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center

* Tai Chi and Yoga Demonstations

* FREE Health and Wellness Screenings

* FREE Massages

* FREE Popcorn and Snacks!

* Many community exhibitors. Representatives available to answer questions.

* Open to the public. Invite your friends!

Health Ministries

NEW Men’s Grief GroupWe are so pleased to announce the formation of a NEW Men’s Grief Group. The first meeting will be an informal breakfast meeting with the date and time to be announced based on your responses. If you are interested, please indicate your preferred morning of the week and time on the Opportunities Page on Sunday or contact Sherry Clark at 419-531-4236.

Rex Decker will be the facilitator of this group, and the focus of the group will be on men dealing with loss, and support for men on their grief journeys.

There will also be an emphasis on the faith aspect during the grieving process and how faith comes into play during the grieving process.

This group is open to both Epworth members and the community. For more information, please contact Sherry Clark in Health Ministries at sherry@epworth.com.

NEW Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group

A new support group is being formed at Epworth for Caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease.

Debbie Bradford and Milo Bishop will be co-facilitating this group. Debbie and Milo bring real-life experience, understanding, information, and references to this group.

This group is in the beginning stages of being formed and is open to the community. The first meeting of the group will be prior to the summer and will meet on a monthly basis.

If you are in the role as a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia and are interested in this group or would like additional information, contact Sherry Clark in Health Ministries at sherry@epworth.com or Debbie Bradford. Let us know the days and times that work best for you to meet.

Make a DifferenceGive Blood!

Wednesday, May 8Health Ministries invites you to “Give the Gift of Life” at our next American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 8, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

To schedule an appointment to be a donor, please email your top two preferred times to Ernie Humbert at ernhum316@aol.com. We will do our best to accommodate your requests.

The Red Cross needs 300 donors per day to keep up with the current blood needs in Northwest Ohio. Please join us in supporting our community and making a difference!

11

Wonderful Wednesday, May 1 (Family Life Center)There will be a very Special Edition of Wonderful Wednesday on May 1, beginning with a spring picnic lunch at noon followed by a presentation by David Chilson, member of the Honor Flight Board of Northwest Ohio.

Honor Flight Northwest Ohio is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2007 to send the veterans of Northwest Ohio to Washington, DC to see the memorials built to honor their service. To date, 1,381 veterans have safely flown on 28 flights to see their memorials.

The Honor Flight Network was founded by Earl Morse in 2005. To date, this network, which is comprised of 101 regional hubs in 39 states, has flown approximately 81,000 veterans to the memorials in Washington, DC.

Mr. Chilson will show a short inspiring video and will have a large collection of photo boards showing pictures of recent Northwest Ohio participants.

Chef Les will be grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, plus all the trimmings for a delightful picnic lunch. The cost for the meal is $6. For reservations please email nancy@epworth.com or call the church office 419-531-4236. REMEMBER: Guests are ALWAYS WELCOME!

Treasurer’s ReportApril 2013

First Quarter 2013 Financial Results Shows Favorable VarianceEpworth’s income over expense for the first three months of 2013 was $46,796 better than budgeted.Receipts from pledges, contributions and offerings was $36,248 (10.0%) better than budget and expenses were $10,548 (2.9%) lower than budget as shown in the table below.

JANUARY – MARCH 2013 (1ST QTR)

BUDGET ACTUAL VARIANCE

+/(-)VARIANCE

%

RECEIPTS $362,378 $398,626 $ 36,248 10.0%* (Pledges, Contributions,

Offerings, etc.)

EXPENSES $361,348 $350,800 $ 10,548 2.9%* (Operating, Apportionments,

Benevolences)

NET INCOME OVER EXPENSE $ 1,030 $ 47,826 $ 46,796 4,543%

*Receipts from pledges, contributions and offerings, which represent 96% of budgeted income, are not received equally each month, with larger amounts received at the beginning as well as toward the end of the year, while operating, personnel and other expenses are more equally spread throughout the year.These factors can cause large variances on a month-to-month basis as is the case for the 1st quarter of this year. Nevertheless, it would appear that we are off to a good start in meeting our total budget for the year.

Results of our financial performance for the first six months of the year will be published in the July Tower.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Peter Machin, Treasurer

12

May Healing and Wholeness Service

There will be a very special Healing and Wholeness Service on Tuesday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Featuring Women of Grace: Rhoda Hess, Theresa Kushner, Lynn Dunlap, BJ Brengartner and Joyce Treat. Not pictured: Karen Landes.

Women of Grace is a group of volunteers who get together once a month to sing at the various nursing and assisted living residences in the area. They also volunteer at Hospice of Northwest Ohio under the name of Threshold Choir. Come and hear about the joys of these very uplifting ministries. Healing can come through music in times of suffering, loneliness and loss.

Robert L. Thomas, Pastor will lead in the healing prayers and preside for the Sacrament of Holy Communion, assisted by Beth Irwin, B.J. Brengartner, Dolli Darah, and Penny McCartney. Cecil Baughman will accompany the service.

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: April 16, at Karen Wykoff’s house. RSVP to Karen. May 8 will be at Diana Newland’s house. RSVP to Diana. June 20 at Christina Nishiki’s house. RSVP to Christina.

Friends in Faith Book ClubOn Tuesday, April 23, in the Volunteer Office, we will be discussing The Quality of Mercy by Faye Kellerman at 7:00 p.m. On Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Epworth Lounge we will discuss Loving Frank, an American Novel by Nancy Horan.

Friends in Faith Sunday SchoolJoin us for our 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!

April is Kroger Renewal TimeDuring April each year, those Kroger Pluscard holders that have designated Epworth Student Ministries (SWAT) as their Kroger Community Rewards Organization must renew that designation for us to continue earning money for Epworth Youth Missions. To re-register your Kroger Pluscard, please go to Kroger's website, www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com and designate Epworth Student Ministries as your rewards organization. 81972 is our organization number.

If you have any problems re-registering your Kroger Pluscard, just contact Bob Knowles or Chuck Campos for assistance.

Thanks for supporting Epworth Youth Missions.

St. Paul’s Monthly Meals 2013We are in need of volunteers to make and serve a lunch at St. Paul’s Community Center on the first Saturday of each month July to October 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.

13

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. Our Toddlers learn from Play-n-Worship lessons geared to two year olds which let them know how much we love them, and how much God loves them.

Pre-school Education 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 is currently studying 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 214Join us for our DVD series in the study of “Paul.” We will study (1) How Jesus invited this young hothead to change his life, (2) How Paul responded to God’s call to share with others the message that had transformed him, (3) How Paul the theologian unfolds a history-changing concept, and finally (4) How Paul cared for people as the pastor and mentor. We will look at the question, what does Paul’s conversion and growth in Christianity suggest about our own experience? Join us anytime; we welcome your participation.

Coffee and Conversation Class, Room 020 (Volunteer Office)The miniseries “The Bible” shown on the History Channel offered adaptations of the best-known stories in the Bible. From Noah’s Ark and Daniel in the Lion’s Den to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, this series took a walk through God’s story and the people in it. We are viewing clips from the series and discussing how stories of the Bible pertain to us today. We love new faces. We even have our own coffee pot!

Epworth Sunday Morning Education continued

14

Epworth Sunday Morning Education continued Friends in Faith, Room 101We are doing a Bible study of the life of Jonathan by author Erwin McManus called Chasing Daylight. Starting April 21, we will study from the book Favorite Bible Passages; Lessons from 26 Familiar Texts. Many of the passages will be very familiar to us, but we are encouraged to take a fresh look. The authors have written “Words for Bible Times,” “Words for Our Time,” and “Words for our Lives” with the hope that we will hear God’s message more clearly.

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.

Furniture MinistryNext pickup dates are: April 13, 27.Client selection dates are April 20, May 18.Call 567-694-3710 to arrange for a donation pickup.

Epworth has a prayer chain—a group of people willing to offer intercessory prayer for anyone who desires it. Prayer makes a difference, to both the one being prayed for and for the one who is praying. We come to care deeply for those for whom we are praying.

If you have a need for others to pray for you or for someone you love, call or email Nancy at the church office (419-531-4236 or nancy@epworth.com). She will email the prayer warriors on the prayer chain as well as all the staff members. Dozens of prayers will go to God immediately. If you feel called to pray for others, contact Nancy with your email address and you will become part of the chain.

A prayer chain is never a gossip chain. Personal details shared are only those the person wants to have shared. Prayer requests can also be for an anonymous need without any details added. God knows our every need. Yet God asks us to come humbly in prayer, putting our trust in the Lord.

Preaching Series Through May 12

What does it mean to say we trust in God? How do we know we can trust God? The upcoming 5-part sermon series “A Matter of Trust” will explore what the Bible and Christians through the ages can tell us about trusting in God.

Each week will feature sermons by Pastors Bob Thomas, Keith Luke, and Carol Williams-Young, as well as brief “Trust Talks”—first-hand stories about trusting in God by laypersons Wes Johnson, Cindy Kirby, and Carol Williams-Young.

Come now through May 12 to hear how others have learned to

live in a trusting relationship with God. Discover how you can deepen your own.

A Matter of Trust…Come to learn and to be inspired.

15

Accepting Resumes for Director of Health Ministries

and Parish VisitorStaff Parish Relations Committee is accepting resumes for Epworth’s Director of Health Ministries and Parish Visitor. This person will be the liaison to the Health Ministries Committee and is responsible for maintaining contact with members and friends of Epworth who are recently released from the hospital, in nursing homes, or at home but unable to attend services. The successful candidate will be an energetic self-starter who communicates well with our older members and is skilled in building and maintaining ministry teams. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. Please email your resume to marla@epworth.com by Monday, April 15.

Celebrating the Ministry of Carol Williams-Young

Pastor Carol will be delivering her final sermon at Epworth as our Student Pastor on Sunday May 12, at all three worship services. To celebrate her ministry among us, the Staff Parish Relations Committee will be hosting a reception all morning in the narthex to celebrate Carol’s upcoming graduation from Methodist Theological School of Ohio (May 18) and her Commissioning as a Provisional Elder (June 11 at Lakeside). Plan now to be present to offer your personal gratitude, congratulations, and best wishes to Pastor Carol. Carol's last Sunday will be June 30.Pastor Carol will begin serving as the pastor at Woodville UMC on July 1.

16

Holy Land Trip: February 2014

Pastor Bob Thomas (Epworth UMC) and Pastor Larry Clark (Sylvania First UMC) will be hosting an 11-day trip to Israel, Jordan, and Palestine during the last two weeks in February 2014. All arrangements and instruction will be provided by the Society for Biblical Studies.

(Exact departure and return dates to be determined.) The approximate cost per person will be $4,000. (The cost covers round trip air, transfers, hotels and 2 meals daily and all entrance costs. There will be minimal additional fees.)

If you are interested in participating or want more information please contact Pastor Bob at bobthomas@epworth.com or call 419-531-4236 by May 1.

A similar trip included: (Itinerary subject to change when trip is finalized.)

Day 1 Depart Detroit (DTW—subject to availability)Day 2 Arrive Amman, Orientation & IntroductionsDay 3 Theme: Christian Origins in Jordan, Field trip: Jerash (Mark 7:31), driving tour of Amman, TBA: visits with Jordanian Christians overnight in Amman Day 4 Theme: Entering the Promised Land Field Trip: Madaba (time permitting), Mt. Nebo (Dt. 34), Baptismal site, transfer to King Hussein Bridge, Jericho (Joshua 5-7, Judges 1: 27- 36), Jordan Valley overnight in GalileeDay 5 Theme: Religious Pluralism and Ethnic Diversity in Galilee Field trip: Caesarea Maritima (Acts 10: 1-9, Acts 25—26), Megiddo (Rev. 16:16, 1 Kings 9:15), 2:00 PM visit Mishmar ha Emek (Lydia Eisenburg), 4:30 PM House Hope, (Elias Jabbour) Overnight in GalileeDay 6 Theme: Jesus’ Ministry in Lower Galilee Field trip: Nazareth, 9:00 AM Sisters of Nazareth Convent, koch tombs—subject to confirmation, Basilica of the Annunciation or Church of St. Gabriel, Sepphoris, (Matt 2: 23, Luke 1: 26- 38, 4:16- 30, 1 Kings 21, John 4: 46-54) overnight in GalileeDay 7 Theme: Jesus Ministry and Resurrection Around the Sea of Galilee Field trip: boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, (John 21), Mt. of the Beatitudes (Luke 13: 10-21, Matt 5- 7, 11: 20- 24, Mark 4- 6, John 21), Mt. of Olives overnight in BethlehemDay 8 Theme: Bethlehem and its Environs at the Time of Jesus Field trip: Tent of Nations, Breaking the Silence (Tantur), Field trip: Bethlehem, Old City walking tour, Church of the Nativity (Lk 2; Mt 2), Herodion, Shepherd’s Fields, 4:30 PM Efrat Settlement, overnight in Bethlehem Day 9 Theme: Jerusalem and its Environs at the Time of Jesus Field trip: Old city walking tour, Western Wall, Temple Mount/Harem, Lithostratos, Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Mt. 27-28; John 20) Rabbi Barry Leff (Rabbis for Human rights) overnight in BethlehemDay 10 Theme: The Judean Wilderness Field Trip: Masada, Qumran, The Dead Sea, Ein Gedi (1 Samuel), Wadi Qelt overview (Mt. 4: 1-11), transfer to Allenby Bridge overnight in Amman (those enrolled in the elective return to Bethlehem) Day 11 Transfer to Queen Alia Airport, departure and return to USA Electives: The Wonders of Petra & Jordan (Available for an additional cost.)

17

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

4855 W. Central AvenueToledo, Ohio 43615-2337

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR NEXT TOWER ARTICLES - MONDAY, APRIL 29 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

4/14 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible 6:00 pm Junior High SWAT 7:30 pm Senior High SWAT 4/20-21 Sat/Sun 8:30 am 7th Grade & Confirmation Spring Retreat Camp Michindoh4/20 9:00-noon Spring Super Saturday of Service -- Our House & Community We hope to see all SWAT Families and youth4/21 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible 5:30 - 7:00 Epworth Spring Celebration! Includes dinner & SWATs with parents & families4/28 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible 6 & 7:30 SWATs in Family Life Center5/02 Thursday 5-7 pm Cinco de Mayo Mexican Fiesta -- Youth Missions Fundraiser Dinner5/05 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible 6 & 7:30 SWATs in Family Life Center5/12 Sunday Mother’s Day 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible NO SWATs Spend time with Mom!