The

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

January 16, 2013

Brrrrrrr, it’s cold outside so . . .

Come one, come all to

Epworth’s Family Fun Night!

A night full of indoor fun for all ages!

When: Saturday, February 2, 2013

6:30-8:00 p.m.

Where: Epworth Family Life Center

Snacks, crafts, prizes, and games

including “Minute to Win It” challenges

Bring your friends and family!

Don’t miss this fun evening!

2

Personals

Jazz SoireeFeaturing

Erik Dickey, Jazz Quintet

Friday, February 8, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.,

in the FLCPastor Bob and Mary Beth Thomas will team up with the Epworth Artist Series to present the Jazz Soiree featuring the Eric Dickey Jazz Quintet on Friday, February 8, from 7:00 p.m.-9 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

Erik Dickey is a long established jazz artist in the vibrant Toledo jazz community. He brings together local and international musicians to provide entertaining evenings filled with the dynamic rhythms, harmonies and improvised melodies that are the hallmark of that uniquely American art form, Jazz. Erik and his quintet can be seen at many venues in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

Please bring heavy hors d’oevres, or a finger food dessert to share. Beverages will be provided. A free-will offering for missions will be received to benefit the United Methodist orphanage in Kamina, Democratic Republic of Congo.

For reservations: Please call Marla at 419-531-4236 or email marla@epworth.com

Wonderful Wednesday Luncheon

Brenda Kunkel will present a brief program and demonstration on the health benefits of Body Recall at the February Wonderful Wednesday luncheon on February 6, at noon in the Family Life Center. Come and hear how regular low-impact exercise can help you keep the flexibility and strength you need for

a healthy life.

Chef Les will be preparing a delicious meal of Pork Roast, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Cole slaw, and Cheese Cake. Cost for the meal is $6. Please call Nancy at the church office or email her at nancy@epworth.com for your reservation.

Body Recall-Lifetime FitnessBody Recall for Lifetime Fitness is a great class for you if you want to stay fit and enjoy an active lifestyle. Classes are filled with exercises that keep those muscles strong that you use for living every day.

It’s easy to “hunker down” in Toledo’s winter weather, but a regimen of movement is evidence that life can be easier than if you live a more sedentary lifestyle.

Weight lifting for arm strength will be emphasized this month. Participants will be bringing cans to class to use as weights before sending them off to the Feed Your Neighbor Pantry. Whether or not you are a class member, this is a good month to bring food to Epworth each time you come, and place it in the box in the narthex marked Feed Your Neighbor.

If you are interested in building your arm strength, sign up for classes which meet in the FLC each Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9:00 and 4:00, by phoning Nancy in the office; 419 531-4236.

Our Condolences to:Nick, Jon and Rachel Loch and family on the passing of Jan Loch on January 8, 2013.

Lois Brock, Teri Swolsky and family on the passing of Tom Brock on January 4, 2013.

Thanks to EpworthThanks to Epworth for the care, prayers and thoughts as we recently dealt with health issues. The meals provided by Epworth members were so very much appreciated and came at a time they were most help-ful!Sincerely, Peggy and Dick Cook

Congratulations to:Penny Pritchard and Mark Ferris on the birth of their granddaughter, Madeline Louise Moshea, on December 12, 2012 (12/12/12), to Ryan and Jenny Moshea.

3

Epworth Artist Seriespresents

University of MichiganMen’s Glee Club

Friday, February 1, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary

Founded in 1859, The University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club is one of the oldest collegiate choirs in the United States and the oldest continually-run student organization on the Michigan campus. Long acclaimed as one of the finest male choirs in the world, the Glee Club has achieved this stature by sustaining and respecting the traditions which have been established during its 152 year history. The graduate and undergraduate members of the Glee Club, chosen by audition at the beginning of both the Fall and Winter terms, represent a wide spectrum of majors in a majority of the University’s 19 schools and colleges. The Glee Club has become renowned for its wide repertoire of music that incorporates selections from different musical styles and periods including Renaissance motets, Romantic anthems, opera choruses, folksongs, spirituals, contemporary works, and, of course, Michigan songs.

We will need housing for these young men, If you can help, please call Cecil Baughman or email cecil@epworth.com. This is a FREE event and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken in support of one of our ministry partners.

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

OR Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner- Adult(s) with family? “Tye Die” (paper plates)

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

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.

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

4

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 meets on Tuesday, January 22, at 12:00 at the Hong Kong Buffet, 3015 Glendale – in the Wal-Mart Plaza. Please plan to join us. You may contact Miss Kate by calling the church office. Look for more announcements for Lunch Bunch. ON FEBRUARY 5 WE WILL MEET AT 5:30 p.m. at Barry Bagels, 4024 N Holland Sylvania Rd. (behind Handel’s) for coffee and such. THIS IS A SLIGHT CHANGE FROM OUR REGULAR SCHEDULE AND IS A TRIAL. We are attempting to offer a mid-week opportunity for food and fellowship for those singles that are unable to make our Lunch Bunch meetings at noon. We will continue to offer this alternative if there is enough interest. On Friday, February 15, we meet at 6:30 at Linda Coon’s, for our regular monthly meeting. This will be an important meeting as we need to set up our community outreach projects for the year. Bring an appetizer or dessert. Beverages will be provided. Call the church office.

Epworth Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC)

Registration for the 2013-14 school year begins on January 28, 2013 for children currently enrolled at ECEC, followed by children of church members, siblings of current and former ECEC students and children currently enrolled in CDO on February 4. 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.

Advent Giving THANK YOU!

Each year the members and friends of Epworth share their abundant blessings with those in our community that are in need. This year was no exception! During this Advent Season you touched so many lives with your generous donations. Here are some of the things you helped to provide:

•320 overflowing Advent Bags delivered to St. Paul’s Community Center, Friendly Center, YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, Mildred Bayer, Sunshine and FOCUS.

•59 Gifts were delivered to the children of the Friendly Center for their Annual Children’s Christmas Party.

•35 hams were donated to St. Paul’s Community Center to provide a special Christmas meal.

•$3,555.51 was collected by our own Epworth “Bell Ringers” that manned the kettle for three days at The Anderson’s to help the Salvation Army extend caring and hope to those in need.

•23 families were personally contacted and provided groceries and gifts through the Adopt-A-Family program.

•A total of 468 hats, mittens, scarves and socks of all sizes – Men’s, Women’s and Children’s, were placed on the Giving Tree and delivered to various agencies.

•You gave the Heifer Project $3,943.21 so needy rural families may have a chance to improve their lives with animals to raise and offspring to share with others in their community.

The Community Outreach Committee would like to thank EVERYONE for their gifts and prayers this Advent Season and throughout the Year.

5

Spiritual Gifts Class Coming This February

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, Feb. 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. Babysitting can be provided if you notify the church when you register.

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, contact Marla Kelsey in the church office or email her at marla@epworth.com.

For Busy Moms! Sunday, January 20

4:30-6:00 p.m.EASY, QUICK, HEALTHY MEALS

Mom’s Group will get many ideas for cooking easy freezer meals that can be prepared ahead of time and used on those hectic days when baby is fussy and the 2-year-old is having tantrums and the 4-year-old needs to be transported to all kinds of activities.

Moms of babies, toddlers and preschoolers are invited to the Mom’s Group meeting on Sunday, January 20, 4:30-6:00 p.m. to get great recipes and step by step instruction sheets from Elly Gwyn, our “Grub Club queen.” Mom’s Group is also a great time to talk with other moms about anything and everything that is on your mind. Call Pastor Marilynn if you have questions about the group.

Parent’s Night Out

Sponsored by Epworth’s Parent Connections. Calling all expecting parents and 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, answer 300 questions, or finding a babysitter? We have planned some events and activities that provide those opportunities. Age-appropriate child care and fun will be provided for each of these events at the church, if requested in advance.

“Parent’s Night Out”- Dinner Shorty’s BBQ, February 9

Join us for dinner and fun at Shorty’s BBQ on Saturday, February 9, at 6:00 p.m. Sign up in the Opportunities Page or with the church office (nancy@epworth.com) by Monday, February 4. Age-appropriate childcare will be offered at Epworth. When signing up, please note the number and ages of the children for childcare. Don’t worry about your little one(s)—they will have plenty of fun activities to do. The nursery will be open for those who are very little too!

For questions about Parent Connections or other Family/Parent Opportunities, please email Pastor Keith at keith@epworth.com or contact Nancy in the Epworth church office.

MILESTONESChildren in First Grade and their parents are invited to their Milestone on Baptism on Sunday, January 27, at 11:00. We will look at the sacrament of Baptism, and how and why we do this.

Children 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.

Furniture MinistryNext pickup dates are: January 26 and February 9, 23.Client selection dates are: January 19, February 16.

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

6

Health Ministries

February 4 April 1March 4 April 29

Free Computer Classes at Epworth!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 three visits, but there are still four more opportunities for FREE classes at Epworth:

The classes will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Toledo-Lucas County Library’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

THIRD ANNUAL HEART DAY FEBRUARY 3, 2013

Health Ministries committee is sponsoring our third annual “Heart Day” at Epworth on Sunday, February 3rd., from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Heart Day was established to promote awareness of heart disease and to promote the prevention of heart illness. The focus of this year’s Heart Day is on “Women’s Heart Health”. See the article on page 7 in this Tower for more information on heart screenings that will be offered at Epworth on Heart Day.

THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF CARING HEARTS MINISTRY

Heart Day is also a special day because it marks the third anniversary of our Caring Hearts Ministry! The Caring Hearts Ministry was established in 2010 as a means of keeping our homebound members connected to Epworth.

With the Caring Hearts Ministry, Epworth volunteers (or Caring Hearts) are matched up with Epworth homebound members. The Caring Hearts volunteers visit their homebound member at least once a month and essentially “bring Epworth home to our homebound.”

Our homebound members look forward to visits from their Caring Heart, and our Caring Heart volunteers have expressed they have “received back far more than they have given.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Caring Hearts Ministry, please contact Sherry Clark in Health Ministries at sherry@epworth.com.

VALENTINES FOR SOME SPECIAL MEMBERS

Heart Day will also give the congregation an opportunity to send special ‘valentine messages’ to our homebound members and members with health issues.

Visit the table in the narthex on Heart Day to send some messages, thoughts, and prayers to our homebound members and members with illness. Perhaps you know a member experiencing a difficult time and would like to let them know they are in your thoughts and prayers. Heart Day is the perfect time!

Health Ministries will have “heart cards’ available in the narthex on Heart Day for you to send as many messages as you would like! Visit the Health Ministries table in the narthex on February 3, and you will receive a treat for each message you send!

impairments, including Macular Degeneration. These two stations include large keyboards and magnifiers. The 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-serve 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

7

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

Friday, February 15, 2013

HEART DAY: Focus on Women’s Heart HealthSunday, February 3, 2013, at Epworth

Health Ministries

The Health Ministries Committee invites you to our Third Annual Heart Day on Sunday, February 3, from 9:00 a.m. to noon which will include a focus on Women’s Heart Health.

Wear RedIn conjunction with the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day, a part of the Go Red ForWomen movement, we invite all women (and men!) of Epworth to

wear red on Sunday, February 3 to help raise awareness about women’s heart health and stand in the fight against this No. 1 killer of women. Those wearing red will receive a complimentary Red Dress pin from the AHA.

American Heart Association (AHA) will be herePlease plan to visit the American Heart Association information table on Sunday, February 3, between 9:00 a.m. and 12 noon to learn more about heart disease in women. A representative from the AHA will be available to answer questions and will provide a variety of educational materials on women’s heart health, including risk factors, warning signs, nutrition, exercise and more.

Heart Screenings by ProMedicaIn addition, since it’s important to know and understand your “numbers” for a healthy heart, ProMedica representatives will be performing the following screenings for women in Room #101 on Heart Day:Blood Pressure---FreeBlood Sugar screening---FreeTotal Cholesterol (including HDL)----$10You will receive a record of your “numbers” along with recommended ranges for comparison. Hope to see you on Heart Day, and please contact Health Ministries committee member Dolli Darah for more information.

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, 2013, 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, handouts, continental breakfast, and lunch. All of this is included for $10 per person!

Health Ministries will be reserving tables so Epworth members and their invited guests can sit together! Please RSVP to Dolli Darah by calling the church office. Make checks payable to Epworth UMC with “Heart of the Matter” on the subject line. RSVP to Dolli no later than

Friday, February 8, 2013.

Save the date and watch the Tower and future bulletins for more information!

8

Epworth to Send 7 to the Sticky Faith CohortDirected by Fuller Youth Institute

In order to begin to seriously work to accomplish the goals the Administrative Council set as a result of the Doug Anderson consultation, Epworth will send a delegation for training and then establish a “Sticky Faith Cohort” here at Epworth.

The Barna Group research indicates that 40-50% of youth group graduates don’t stick with their faith and fail to connect with a faith community after high school. Accordingly, the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) studied youth around the country during their first three years in college to try to help families and churches instill in young people a faith that lasts, or Sticky Faith.

Over the past three years, FYI has been sharing their Sticky Faith data and its implications via three Sticky Faith Cohorts, which are dynamic learning groups of 15-20 innovative churches committed to dialogue and to apply the research and data to their individual church settings to offer more transformative youth and family ministry. During the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Cohorts, 57 church teams have gone through this cohort process. Participating churches range geographically from West to East coast, though usually 1/3 are from California where FYI is located. Denominational backgrounds have included Presbyterian, UMC, Nazarene, Lutheran, Congregational, Covenant, Church of Christ and various non-denominational churches.

The Cohort participants will gain new ministry paradigms based on research insights, as well as ways to modify existing ministry programs to increase transformation and help:

a. empower parents in their own child’s faith development

b. involve the entire church in intergenerational ministry to children and teens

c. foster students’ faith identity development

d. move beyond the “gospel of sin management” to the Biblical gospel

e. structure children and youth ministries environment to facilitate growth

f. facilitate change in children and youth ministry and the entire church

With the coaching of FYI, Epworth church will develop a highly personalized Breakthrough Plan based on the context of each Cohort participant. FYI provides the template for this Breakthrough Plan after the first summit gathering in February 2013 and a subsequent webinar. Throughout the year, the FYI Team will offer personalized consulting by phone. A second Cohort Summit gathers in Pasadena in October 2013.

In addition to being sharpened by FYI, Epworth will be connected to other leading churches in the 2013 Cohort and previous Cohorts. Participating churches frequently note this connection with “like-minded” churches is one of the highly-valued aspects of the Cohort Process.

The Epworth Cohort Core Team that will be attending the two three-day Cohort Sessions in Pasadena, California are:

Pastor Bob ThomasPastor Keith LukeBob Knowles - Cohort FacilitatorChuck Campos

Dana JamgochianMary RoestiDoug Gorsuch

Additionally a larger Epworth Cohort Team will be formed here and will be instrumental in implementing the Breakthrough Plan developed for Epworth in the 2013 Cohort Process.

9

A Gift of Hope with Wingsby Melissa Hinnen, from Global Ministries

Following an outpouring of pennies, dollars, and Congolese Francs, the people of North Katanga are about to receive a gift of hope with wings.

For months, an aviation team, coordinated by the General Board of Global Ministries, has been looking for an airplane that would meet the needs, in a sustainable way, of rural villages in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The team traveled recently to Norway to inspect and purchase a Cessna Caravan.

But the Cessna Caravan is more than just a plane; it bears on its wings the promise of Good News, hope, and healing. This “flying clinic” will bring a team of doctors and pastors to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the people it serves. With the density of rain forests, scarcity of resources, and lack of infrastructure, aviation is the only means of accessing hundreds of remote villages.

Gaston Ntambo is one of three missionary pilots in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is part of a supply line that enables emergency medicine and other items to be delivered where needed. For Captain Ntambo, flying is more than a passion, or even a career. It’s his ministry. “The best part of my life is when I’m coming down with a patient and I’m close to landing where I know they’ll get help, and they’re still alive.”

Ntambo will take a flight-training course that will prepare him to fly the Caravan when it arrives at the end of the rainy season this spring. In the meantime, the plane will be flown to a long-standing mission aviation partner in Ohio for refurbishing.

The West Ohio Annual Conference raised more than $1.5 million for the Wings of the Morning aviation ministry, including a $1million miracle offering at their annual conference in June. The Greater New Jersey Annual Conference raised over $320,000 and the Arkansas Annual Conference raised another $100,000. Individuals and churches, across the country, including Church of the Resurrection in Kansas, contributed as well. Twenty-five thousand dollars was raised within the North Katanga Conference – a region of the world where the average income is less than $10.00 a month. In total, $2.1 million was raised, including $250,000 in a West Ohio long-term maintenance endowment.

According to George Howard, who leads the Mission and Evangelism unit at Global Ministries, “The new Caravan will increase the capacity of the leaders in North Katanga to respond to humanitarian and evangelistic opportunities.” Noting that the plane will strengthen the United Methodist connection, he continued, “Instead of bringing one person out of a village for health treatment, the plane will be able to deliver a medical team to treat hundreds and to prepare health workers. At other times, teaching teams will provide leadership training for pastors and leaders.”

After receiving word that the money had been raised to buy the new plane, Ntambo wrote, “You have just opened the biggest door for mission work… You touched and changed my life with your mission work when you sent me my very first pair of shoes at 9 years of age, Today you are sending me home with the a perfect airplane to go and make a difference for our people. Thank you for believing in us and for saving North Katanga Wings of the Morning flight ministry.”

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.

10

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.

If you have noticed the pastors leaving the sanctuary during worship through the back doors of the chancel, you have probably wondered why.

The pastors have gone to the sacristy which is behind the sanctuary to wash their hands immediately before serving Holy Communion. Pastors shake a lot of hands through the course of a Sunday morning and we are all glad for that friendly outreach. It is also a reassurance, especially during the winter cold and flu season to know that their hands, which have touched so many others, are thoroughly washed before handling the bread and cup for the sacred meal.

Also, the stewards who participate in Communion use hand sanitizer immediately prior to serving. We know that God cares not just for our souls, but for the health of our bodies, also.

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.

Kingdom Opportunities

If 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 February, 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.

11

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 opportunity is on February 18. Please call the church office if interested.

Friends in Faith Book ClubJanuary 29, 2013, we will meet at Linda Coon’s house. Our book selection is The Life of Pi by Yann Mar-tel. Dessert is served up along with lively discussion! Even if you haven’t read the book, perhaps you’ve seen the movie and would like to join the discussion. Everyone is welcome!

On 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.

Friends in Faith Sunday SchoolFriends in Faith will start the New Year with a new study, Radical Hospitality, from the Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation Series by Robert Schnase. We meet every Sunday morning in room 101 at 9:45 a.m. New members or visitors are welcome at any time!

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

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.”

LOVE OUR LAMBS

Preschool needs loving arms and warm hearts to care for our 3, 4, and 5 year olds at 9:45 in March or April, and at 11:00 in January or 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.

12

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 11:00

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.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 of current issues and challenges to the Christian faith as set forth in “Faith Links,” a weekly Methodist publication. Topics change from week to week and all are welcome to join in the discussion. (The coffee’s pretty good too!)

Friends in Faith and Coffee and Conversation, Room 101Friends in Faith will start the New Year with a new study, Radical Hospitality, from the Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation Series by Robert Schnase. New members or visitors are welcome at any time!

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.

13

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.—6:45p.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 have special activities upstairs.

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.

Epworth Ends 2012 with $42,000 Favorable Variance

Epworth ended 2012 financially some $42,000 better than expected when compared to the budget for the general operating and benevolence fund adopted by the Administrative Council last February, reports Church Treasurer Peter Machin.

Income of $1,364,000 exceeded budget by $10,000 and expenditures of $1,357,000 were $32,000 below budget, accounting for the favorable $42,000 variance, he explained, noting that these are rounded figures with only minor adjustments expected at the final closing.

The original budget for 2012 assumed that it would be necessary to draw up to $35,000 from the unrestricted and undesignated fund balance, representing

accumulated surplus from previous years. The favorable experience made this unnecessary and instead added $7,000 to the fund balance.

The Finance Committee is now preparing the 2013 budget for consideration by the Administrative Council at its February 11 meeting. The Stewardship Committee is wrapping up the pledge campaign, with the expectation that the total will be about $1,150,000, close to the 2012 actual collection of $1,153,000.

Pledge payments represent 85% of general fund income, with unpledged contributions, special offerings, funds from the Foundation and other miscellaneous income providing the remaining income, the treasurer pointed out.

14

Questions about Epworth Student Ministries? Call Bob Knowles 419.509.2353 or Chuck Campos 419.902.2263

4855 W. Central AvenueToledo, Ohio 43615-2337

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR NEXT TOWER ARTICLES - MONDAY, JANUARY 28 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

1/18-20 Fri-Sun Junior SWAT Winter Ski Retreat – Harbor Springs Michigan1/20 Sun 9:45 am Junior & Senior Donuts & The Bible NO SWATs (Returning from Winter Retreat)1/25-1/27 Fri-Sun Confirmation Retreat C Friday 5:00 pm – Sunday 12:30 pm1/27 Sun 9:45 am Junior & Senior Donuts & The Bible 6 & 7.5 SWAT’s2/03 Sun 9:45 am Junior & Senior Donuts & The Bible No SWATS - Super Bowl Sunday Home Parties2/10 Sun 9:45 am Junior & Senior Donuts & The Bible 12:30 Senior Youth Leadership Team Meeting with Lunch 6 & 7.5's SWATs2/12 Tues Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - FLC 5-8 pm - Confirmation Element2/13 Wed Ash Wednesday Worship - Confirmation Element2/15-2/18 Fri-Mon Sr SWAT Winter Retreat – Harbor Springs Michigan2/17 Sun 9:45 am Junior & Senior Donuts & The Bible No SWATs (returning from Winter Retreat)