The

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

December 19, 2012

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

7:00 p.m.—Contemporary Service, featuring Hearts Afire and the Epworth Youth drama team. A special Christmas Eve drama entitled Angels??? Come and be dazzled by the lights, sounds and drama of Christmas. You will sing the carols of the season set to lively accompaniments. Kyle Folger will play the acoustic guitar to accompany the congregational song, Silent Night, during a special candlelight experience led by Pastor Thomas.

9:00 p.m.—Traditional Candlelight Service, featuring tenor Brad Pfeifer singing Jesu Bambino. Cecil Baughman will accompany as the congregation sings the lovely Christmas Carols. The Christmas Story from Luke 2

will be told by our Scripture by Heart presenters. Pastor Thomas will deliver the evening message entitled "Jesus Is the LIGHT of the World." The service will conclude with the beautiful candlelighting service and the singing of Silent Night.

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

Upcoming Preaching Theme: (begins January 13—February 19)

Prayer

Wellness

Worship

Service

Hope

From Start to Finish:Building a Better Year

“Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.” I Corinthians 9:24

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Personals

Congratulations to:Heather and Chad Plantz on the birth of their son, Carter Williams Plantz, on November 26, 2012.

Our Condolences to:Johan and Abby Aasbo and family on the passing of Abby’s father on November 21, 2012.

Friends and family of Libby Sido. Libby passed away on November 27, 2012.

Scott and Stacey Anderson and family on the passing of Stacey’s father on December 10, 2012.

Thanks, Groundskeepers!The people who volunteered their time and talents to take care of the grounds this year at Epworth is much too long to list here but we want you to know how much whatever you did was appreciated. Whether you weeded, planted, trimmed, raked—it made Epworth beautiful. It is a lot of hard work but with the many hands that contributed their talent, time and effort, we were able to keep the weeds at bay and the flowers blooming! See you in the spring!

Emmett BeaversBeautification Committee Chairman

Epworth Christmas CardThank you to all that participated in Epworth’s annual Christmas Card. The proceeds from the card allowed us to make a donation to our sister church, The University Church, in the amount of $865.82.

Another thank you to those that submitted artwork for consideration and to Doris McEwen for the beautiful tree drawing selected for the front of the card.

Thank You for Christmas Cookies for our Homebound

The Susanna Circle and Health Ministries THANKS all of you for your generous donations of Christmas cookies for our homebound members. Because of your graciousness, we are able to deliver the Christmas gift of Joy to our Homebound members with gifts of your delicious, homemade cookies and treats!

Advent Thank YouThank you to everyone who has donated to Epworth’s Advent Activities so far this season. Through your gifts and your prayers you have helped share God’s unbreakable gifts of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace to members of our community. We have delivered the Advent Bags to each of the agencies, however please drop off any bags that you might still have. We will make sure they get where they need to be. Full details of all donations and Advent activities will be in the January Tower.

Mildred Bayer Thank YouThrough the generous donations from the Epworth’s Christmas Concert attendees, we raised just over $1,300 for the Mildred Bayer Clinic via the free-will offering. What a blessing this donation will be for our long-time partner in service. The Community Outreach Committee would like to thank the Artist Series as well as the Chancel Choir, Epworth Orchestra and the Academy Brass for such a wonderful program and for the opportunity to raise awareness of the Mildred Bayer Clinic within our community.

Deborah CircleSaturday, January 12

Deborah Circle will be at Patty Fretz’s house, at 9:30 a.m. Patty will provide a light brunch and teach us how to make those fun spiral 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. Patty will provide yarn for $5 if you would prefer. Don’t want to knit? Come and visit.

“Tuna Sundays”January 6 and 13

The Community Outreach Committee will be collecting cans of tuna on Sundays, January 6 and January 13, to help stock the shelves of the Monroe Street Neighborhood Center Bridge Ministry. They run an emergency food pantry for the families in their zip code and like to include a protein source like tuna. After the holidays, donations are scarce, and we would like to help them replenish their shelves. So, please consider donating 1, 2, or 10 cans of tuna to help our neighbors in need. A box will be located in the narthex to collect the tuna.

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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, so keep an eye out on the Opportunities Page in your bulletin. 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.

Winter SoireeFeaturing

Erik Dickey, Jazz QuintetFriday, February 8, 2013, at 6:30 p.m., in the FLC

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.

This event is FREE and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken in support of one of our ministry partners.

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Spiritual Gifts Class Coming This February

Are you interested in learning about the way God has designed you with spiritual gifts, a personal style and a passion for serving the Lord? Then mark your calendar to participate in our next class, which will be February 19, 26 and March 5. Watch for details in the next Tower.

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.

As we get back to our regular schedule following the holidays, our Lunch Bunch resumes Tuesday, January 8, 2013. We will meet at 12:00 at the Longhorn Steak House, 4155 Talmadge (across from Franklin Park). Please let us know if you plan to attend. Contact Miss Kate or Linda. If you find at the last minute you can join us, please do. We always have an extra chair.

We meet again on Tuesday, January 22 at 12:00 at the Hong Kong Buffet, 3015 Glendale in the Wal-Mart Plaza. Please plan to join us.

Our regular monthly meeting will be Friday, January 18. This will be a GAME NIGHT. We will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Charlie’s, 6945 W Central, across from Lowe’s. This will be a fun evening as we order off the menu for dinner and then, let the games begin! If you have a favorite board game, bring it. We will have Scrabble, Mexican Train, Uno, maybe a table of Canasta to brush up on that game as we begin to start a Canasta Group. RSVP to Linda.

Did you get a lot of gifts for Christmas and realize you have duplicates or just decided to clear out your utensils and mixing bowls you don’t use anymore? Please bring a household item to donate to the Blessings Department at our Furniture Ministry. Items always needed: sheets (especially queen sets), blankets, bath and kitchen towels, kitchen items, small appliances, etc. This is a great ministry as we assist people who are finally becoming independent and getting on their feet.

Christianity’s Family TreeThe traditions of eight other Christian denominations are examined. This study by Adam Hamilton gives a brief history, outlines major beliefs, and describes some things we can learn from that tradition to strengthen our own Christian faith. Class begins Wednesday, January 9, at 6:30 p.m. for 5 weeks. Cost of the participant guide is $10.50. Laura Switzer will teach the class.

Begins January 9at 6:30 p.m.

We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

FPU classes meet for an hour and a half each week for nine weeks beginning January 9. John Irwin will be leading the class. If you have questions, please contact Ruth Ann in the Education office or email ruthann@epworth.com. You may sign up by emailing Ruth Ann, calling the church office, or sign up on the Opportunities Page. Cost of the member kit is $75 due upon registration. Scholarship money is available. Once you have purchased a member kit you may attend classes anywhere at no extra charge. To have your kit at the first class, please register by December 26.

Mark Your Calendars Family Fun Night will be held Saturday, February 2, in the Family Life Center at 6:30. More details to follow, but it will be a great time for all!

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

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

Body Recall for Lifetime Fitness

Why use Body Recall classes as a way to stay “fit for life?” Because classes focus on getting the body well and keeping it well so that students can remain independent and enjoy life for as long as possible.

Body Recall classes began nearly 30 years ago here at Epworth, and the underlying principles of movement and philosophy are still sound. Movements are designed for balance and coordination, body alignment and good body mechanics, range of motion for muscles and joints, muscle strength—the list goes on. Students of Body Recall soon discover that the exercises are not intimidating and that the results of their efforts are a response they can enjoy immediately!

No special equipment is necessary to stay fit, just getting YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT working well is the key to lifetime fitness!

Brenda Kunkel and Pam Christensen are certified and seasoned teachers of Body Recall, and new classes begin January 7. Sign up by phoning Nancy in the office (419-531-4236) or leave a message and an instructor will be in touch. Classes meet three times a week (M, T, Th,@ 9, 10, and 4) for 45 minutes. Not much effort to get and stay fit for life! Cost is $54.

For Busy Moms!Sunday, January 20

Mom’s Group, meeting on Sunday, January 20, 4:30-6:00, will discover ways to make freezer meals that can be used when baby is fussy or your preschooler is demanding your attention. Grub Club queen, Elly Gwyn, will give step-by-step instructions and great recipes to make simple healthy meals real fast. Time at meetings always includes discussion on any and all topics you are interested in at the moment.

Babies are, of course, welcome to come with you to the meeting. Child care is available as well, if you call the church or email Dana at dana@epworth.com by Wednesday, January 16.

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.

NEW: LOVE OUR LAMBSPreschool needs loving arms and warm hearts to care for our 3, 4, and 5 year olds at 11:00 in January. 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.

Epworth Early Childhood Education (ECEC)We said goodbye to our dear friend Alta Richter Monday, December 17. She has begun her new position in the library at Ottawa Hills High School. Alta worked many hours in the ECEC office and substituted in the preschool classrooms for the past fifteen years. She was dedicated to the preschool and was a wonderful ambassador for ECEC.

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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, 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 in the cloister 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 ScreeningsIn addition, since it’s important to know and understand your “numbers” for a healthy heart, the following screenings will be available for women in Room #101 on Heart Day: Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Cholesterol and Blood Glucose.You 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. 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!

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Health Ministries

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

Health Ministries Moment: Surviving the Holiday Eating Frenzy!As the majority of us know only too well, any attempt at healthy eating goes sailing out of the window during the holiday season. We tend to conveniently forget about our health and diet, and instead, take the opportunity to over-indulge in every way possible. It is not hard to understand why people fall into such bad habits during the holiday season. Everywhere you go there is somebody waiting to thrust a glass of wine or a box of chocolates in front of you. Surely it would be rude to refuse? And, anyway, it is the holidays... Your trip to the local supermarket turns into an adventure. You find yourself in a maze of aisles displaying a range of colorful, tempting goodies that are excitingly packaged and screaming at you to buy them and eat them... Even visits to friends and family are unsafe. You suddenly find the table laden with all manner of goodies, and you resign yourself to the fact that you might as well give in.All this, coupled with the huge dinners, parties, and festivities of the holiday season makes maintaining control a huge challenge. As soon as Thanksgiving rears its over-indulgent head, the nation attempts to buy and eat as much unhealthy, rich food as possible.

Tips on Eating Healthily During the Holiday Season

1. Review your cooking methods: There are many healthy ways in which food can be prepared. 2. Invest in lower fat ingredients for cooking.3. Eat regularly: If you are going to a big party or dinner, don’t starve yourself all day in anticipation. 4. Prepare for outings: If you have some big nights out and meals planned over the holiday season, try and compensate by having some healthy eating days leading up to the event. 5. Balance your meals out: Don’t be tempted to fill up your plate with purely rich, calorie-laden food. 6. Be wary of sugary foods: Always remember that rich, sugary foods have a nasty habit of making us crave yet more rich and sugary foods. 7. Stock up on healthy snacks: When you go shopping, be sure to throw some healthy snacking items in to your cart. 8. Moderate alcohol intake: Don’t forget that alcohol is fattening too. 9. Be assertive: Don’t feel as though you have to say yes to everyone who offers you food and drink. 10. Leave what you don’t want: Don’t feel obliged to clear your plate. 11. Exercise regularly : Check out the Body Recall class at Epworth. (Call the church office at 531-4236 for more information).

Free Computer Classes at Epworth!

Epworth has partnered with the Toledo-Lucas County Library Outreach Services to offer FREE computer classes at Epworth on the following Mondays in 2013:

January 7February 4March 4

April 1April 29

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, open to the public, and 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.Alice Keigley

enjoying the Cybermobile

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Our new outdoor sign with its digital display of church activities is making an impact in our community. This sign is proving to be the catalyst we had hoped it would be to help folks driving on Central Ave. know that Epworth Church is welcoming them into our fellowship. Here are examples of ways the sign has been invitational:

A woman seeing the veterans’ healing service announcement called the office for

information and attended the service.

Persons not related to Epworth participated in these classes because they saw them

advertised on the sign: Financial Peace; Marriage class; World Religion class; Caregivers class. In fact, the majority of participants in the Caregivers Class were non-members who became aware of the class by driving by Epworth. One woman told the story of making a wrong turn and accidentally driving down Central (which she never does), seeing the sign, and thus taking the class.

Seeing “Trunk or Treat” on the sign, a woman brought her trunk decorated and

ready to hand out candy because, as she said, “I just love Trunk or Treat! And this is the best one I have been to.”

A woman came into the church one evening, inquiring about the Chili Cook-off she saw

on the sign, asking if it was for the public and could she bring chili. She ended up bringing a huge pot of chili and serving it all evening.

Our sign is a blessing to the community as well as to our church. Not only are people being served by the invitation to be part of the many opportunities at Epworth, but they are also glad for the chance to be in mission with us.

Sunshine Inc. Group Home Partnership

Sunshine has been creating community alongside people with developmental disabilities in northwest Ohio for 62 years and in partnership with Epworth for many of those years. Sunshine has approached Epworth’s Community Outreach Team with an opportunity to partner with one of their specific group homes, which is near the church.

To begin this partnership, we are looking for a few people who might like to volunteer to visit the group home a couple times per month on an ongoing basis. We are, at this time, seeking people who can make this an ongoing commitment to build relationships with the residents in a less formal setting. An informational meeting will be held with the staff at Sunshine before this relationship begins, to answer any questions you might have. If you are interested, please sign-up on the Opportunities Page or contact Nancy in the church office.

Treasurer’s Tips1. Tax Tip - If you itemize deductions on

your income tax return, don’t forget that donations and contributions to Epworth are tax deductible. Epworth’s “Record of Contributions” statement that summarizes your Epworth giving will be mailed by mid-January, showing your total giving for 2012. However, this will not show the value of gifts of goods, such as food for Feed your Neighbor, which are deductible. This data can then be used in preparing your 2012 tax returns.

2. Stock Giving Tip – If you are planning a year-end gift of stock, please notify the Business Office or have your financial advisor call the Business Office and we will review the information needed to make sure the stock gift process goes smoothly. Each year we have gifts of stock transferred to our account with no identification of the donor.

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BUNCOOnce every month the Friends in Faith women gather at one of our homes for an evening of fellowship, food and Bunco. The hostess of the month provides the main course and everyone else is asked to bring a side dish, appetizer or dessert to share. We also request

you bring kleenex to be donated. We start at 6:30 p.m. The next opportunity is January 15, 2013, at Ronnie Gorsuch’s house. RSVP to Ronnie.

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

Friends in Faith Book 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!

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

Save the DateThe date is set, dress shopping has begun, and our very own Abby Wasylkowski is getting married. On Saturday,

December 29, Abby will marry her best friend, Rev. Kris Schondelmeyer (Associate Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church). The wedding will be at Christ Presbyterian Church in the Sanctuary at 3:30 p.m. A dessert reception will be held that same evening at 7:00 p.m. in Hansen Hall at Christ Presbyterian. The congregation is invited to celebrate with Abby on her special day. In preparation for the wedding, and to RSVP, you may speak with Abby directly or visit www.abbyandkris.com.

Furniture MinistryNext pickup dates are: January 12, 26 and February 9, 23.Client selection dates are: January 19, February 16.

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

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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 11:00

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.

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DEADLINE FOR NEXT TOWER ARTICLES - MONDAY, JANUARY 7 AT NOON

4855 W. Central AvenueToledo, Ohio 43615-2337

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDToledo, OhioPermit No. 23

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

www.EpworthSWAT.com

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

Epworth Student Ministries

12/30 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible - Jr & Sr SWAT Rooms NO 6 nor 7.5’s SWAT’s --- Holiday Break1/06 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible - Jr & Sr SWAT Rooms 6 & 7.5’s SWAT’s - Wrestling with the Bible1/13 Sunday 9:45 am Junior & Senior Sunday morning classes - Donuts & The Bible Confirmation Class #3 9:45 am 12:30 Senior YLT Meeting with lunch 6 & 7.5 SWATs - Wrestling with the Bible1/18-20 Fri-Sun Junior SWAT Winter Ski Retreat – Harbor Springs Michigan1/20 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible - Jr & Sr SWAT Rooms NO SWATs --- return from Winter Retreat1/25-1/27 Fri-Sun Confirmation Retreat C Friday 5:00 pm – Sunday 12:45 pm1/27 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible - Jr & Sr SWAT Rooms 6 & 7.5 SWAT’s - Wrestling with the Bible2/03 Sunday 9:45 am Donuts & The Bible - Jr & Sr SWAT Rooms No SWATs - Super Bowl Sunday Home Parties