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S U N D A Y . F E B R U A R Y 1 4 . 2 0 2 1
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Join us for worship Sunday mornings at 10am. We are live streaming on YouTube. Click the YouTube icon to find the link.
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Our hymn during the Ash Wednesday service is
"Near to the Heart of God" - UMH #472
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REFLECTIONS ON ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT
By Pastor Sonny Reavis
Ash Wednesday marks the start of a 40 day countdown to Easter; providing a season to focus on intentional acts of devotion to strengthen our relationship with God.
The Ash Wednesday worship service is typically an intimate service where we come face-to-face with our mortality by the smudge of an ashen cross marked on our foreheads. With social distancing practices and a responsibility to minimize gatherings, we will livestream our Ash Wednesday service on February 17 at 7pm.
For those who would like ashes for yourself and your family, we will make packets available Sunday - Wednesday. They'll be at the front entrance of the church. The imposition of ashes will not be part of the live streaming Ash Wednesday service so you don't have to have them to fully participate in the service.
While we typically associate self-deprivation as the focus of Lent (giving something up), we want to remember to dedicate time each day for a discipline that is focused on God.
Below you'll see several outreach opportunities that we'll be emphasizing during Lent as well as groups that will focus on mind, body and spirit challenges. These groups will offer texting, social media or phone partners to encourage each other in our Lent disciplines.
We are open to your ideas and are looking for moderators to champion some of these groups. Remember as you're practicing these disciplines we hope you'll be in a time of prayer and meditation throughout the 40 days. We would love for your prayers and thoughts to fill up our stained glass prayer window. Details on Stained Glass Prayers are below.
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"The Giving Tree" is a place to donate items like gloves, hats, coats and blankets. They are available to anyone who needs them; no strings attached. The Giving Tree is located at the front entrance beside our Shop & Share food pantry.
This ministry is sponsored by the Flock Preschool and Learning Center.
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Shop & Share began as a response to the pandemic last winter and continues to gain momentum. It is a place where folks can take the food they need, whenever they need it. Items are re-stocked daily and we rely on your kindness and donations to keep the shelves full.
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Stained Glass Prayers is an invitation to offer up prayers, penance, thanks and reflection. We'll have colored vellum (opaque) paper available at the front entrance and for you to pick up from the church office. You're encouraged to write your prayers, thoughts, Lent reflections often and as many times as you'd like. Leave your prayers in the prayer box located at the front entrance any time during Lent - beginning Ash Wednesday. We'll add them to our windows to create a stained glass window of our collective prayers.
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Cram the Van is a call for massive food donations to fight food insecurity in our community. After the holidays food pantries typically see a lull in donations and giving. During Lent, we want to beef up those food pantry shelves and we need you to help us Cram the Van! We'll have our church van parked out front beginning Ash Wednesday. Come by with your donations and cram them in the van. We encourage multiple donations during Lent and if we fill it up, we'll deliver the food and cram the van again!
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Providing Dinner at Night Shelter - Epworth has been assigned the week of Sunday, March 28 - Saturday, April 3 to provide evening meals to guests of the night shelter. This happens to be Holy Week and a wonderful opportunity to reach beyond ourselves. If you or your group are interested in providing a meal one of these nights, please contact Teresa Gray at epworthchildren@epworthnc.com.
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In addition to the above outreach initiatives, we also want to encourage time set aside each day to practice a discipline that helps you focus on God. The three groups we'll be starting for Lent are:
- Daily scripture reading
- Intermittent fasting
- Physical Activity (40 Days to Prepare the Way)
As these groups develop, we hope you'll use each other for resources, support and share your experiences along the way. New ideas and methods are always welcome! We are looking for folks to take the lead on the daily scripture reading and intermittent fasting groups. Please contact Pastor Sonny for info.
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Let's Get This Forty Started
By Jen Hedrick
Some of my most meaningful meditation and genuine time spent  with God comes when I'm on my bike ... pedaling, praying. I'm more aware of my breathing, my heart rate, and my thoughts. Of course other days I'm more in the mood for earbuds and the Rolling Stones but it's all about balance, my friends.
For Lent this year I've decided to take something I already love doing and use it as a spiritual walk-about to focus on being in that "wilderness" - just me and God. It would be sublime to have some company along the way (metaphorically).
"40 Days to Prepare the Way" is a group to encourage 40 days of physical activity throughout Lent. Keep that number 40 at the forefront as a reminder of each day.
You can walk, bike, skate, row, hike, swim, run, lift, cross-train, do chair aerobics or anything that gets you moving! Track your miles, laps, minutes or reps along the way ... whatever you choose to do and however you choose to measure it ... let's get our bodies, minds and spirits aligned with God.
My personal challenge is to bike or walk at least 40 miles every week between now and Easter Sunday. (Now that I said it I have to do it).
For those who are interested, there's a Facebook page that we'll use as a platform for discussions, encouragement and to post our progress and photos throughout these 40 days. The link is below and I hope you'll check it out. If you're not on Facebook - let me know the best way to reach out to you and get you involved. Call/text me at 704.932.9328.
Get stocked with Ibuprofen folks - let's get this 40 started!
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Let's celebrate Fat Tuesday with a little fun and fellowship! All are invited to Mardi Gras Zoom on Tuesday, February 17 at 7pm. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Ewers at 704.985.5421.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://rssed.zoom.us/j/93389240034
Or call: 1-646-558-8656
Meeting ID# 933 8924 0034 when prompted to join by phone only.
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Updates from Mrs. Teresa
Director of Children & Family Ministries, the Flock Preschool, and the Learning Center
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The SMILE PROJECT will continue throughout 2021! Last month, we made and sent out 38 cards that made individuals smiles! This month, we now have 44 names of individuals who need a smile! So. . . let’s make them smile! February packets with materials to make the cards, including a stamped and addressed envelope, will be ready on Monday, February 10. To assist individuals who are participating in this outreach, I have set-up a sign-up genius page. When you sign-up, please indicate the date and time you want to pick-up the packets, as well as how many cards you want to make. Packets can be picked up Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, as well as on Sunday, February 14, 2021 from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm. Click here to be a part of this amazing outreach that is spreading love within our own community, as well as across the nation: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4CAFA728A1F85-thesmile
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February Messy Church is coming! We will continue to do the Messy Church in a Bag format during February and our theme will be “What is Love?” Older Children and Adults will dig deep into 1 Corinthians 13 and younger children will discuss what love is through the book “God Gave us Love” by Lisa Tawn Bergen. Get ready to make some real messy “love” slime, a bird feeder, a yummy heart cake, and much, much more. When you are finished, you will have lots to share with others about what it means to love like Jesus and, as always, you will have an opportunity to share love through a special project! Bags with supplies may be picked up on Sunday, February 21 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am and from 11:00 am to 11:30 am. If these times are not convenient for your family, just let Mrs. Teresa know and arrange an alternate time to pick up your bag! In order to plan, please use the sign-up genius to indicate you would like to participate: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4CAFA728A1F85-what
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With fingers crossed, we have scheduled a week for day camp at Mount Shepherd - June 14-18. As long as everything is safe by June, we'll move forward with our planning. This week is for students K-6th grade (we've added 6th graders for those who missed out last summer). Day campers will meet at Epworth daily at 7am, head to Mount Shepherd on the church bus and return by 4pm each afternoon.
Cost is $150 for the week and includes all meals. Donations to cover fuel costs are much-appreciated.
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Plans for Camp Epworth 2021 are in the works! We will offer 9 weeks of day camp for pre-school aged children and 8 weeks of camp for elementary children. Download overview and registration forms below.
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We've got two official NFL gear hoodies (Superbowl champs Tampa Bay Bucs & Kansas City Chiefs) we'd like to auction off to the highest bidder. Proceeds can be directed towards any of our church ministries. Hoodies retail for $60 each. Call the church office to to place your bid by Thursday, Feb 18 at noon.
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SOS | SAT FEB 13:
There's some nasty weather in the forecast this weekend so SOS is cancelled.
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SON OF GOD MOVIE | SUN FEB 21 @ 3:30pm
To get us in the mindset of Easter and the events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus, we're going to watch "Son of God." This movie does a great job walking us through the timeline of Jesus' ministry and putting scripture into context. We'll view in the sanctuary and get started at 3:30pm. Movie is PG-13. Parents and guardians if you have questions or concerns about content let me know.
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CAROLINA CROSS CONNECTION COASTAL HOME REPAIR (Manteo, NC)
SUN. JUNE 20 - SAT. JUNE 26
There are 12 spots available (6th graders up). PREFERENCE is given to those who were signed up for summer of 2020 and trip was cancelled (but you must claim your spot by Feb 14 if you were on last year's roster).
If you want to go and DID NOT sign up last summer, $100 non-refundable deposit holds your spot (after Feb 14).
2021 BACKYARD MISSION CAMP
SUN. JULY 18 - FRI. JULY 23
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Special thanks to Scott Randolph for passing along a few stories about encounters he's had with folks who have stopped by Epworth's Shop & Share. We'll share them with you on a weekly basis.
For I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you
gave me water to drink. I was a stranger and you gave me a room.
I had no clothes and you gave me clothes to wear.
I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you came to see me.’
- Matthew 25:35-36
Canned pasta like Chef Boyardee, Ravioli, Spaghetti O’s, spaghetti & meatballs were some of the fastest movers. During one of my volunteer times up at CCM, I told them about Shop & Share and when they heard we were having difficulty maintaining supplies, immediately I was told, “Grab a shopping cart and load your stuff up.”
All these years, Epworth has faithfully contributed to CCM, and this was our time to receive. They donated 160 lbs. of food back to Epworth to help provide for our neighbors. In the past week alone, I‘ve seen neighborhood and other church food drives donate over a ton of food to the CCM ministry. Epworth is among a great company of folks who care about their neighbors! Since that very first donation CCM has supported Epworth with over 1000 pound of food.
IDEAS FOR FOOD DONATIONS TO SHOP & SHARE
Individually packaged eating utensils and grocery bags also needed
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 COOPERATIVE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
FOOD PANTRY UPDATE
Happy New Year to all our faithful food donation partners!
We have been SO blessed by our community partners over the past year! In 2020, our community donations (not counting what came from or through Second Harvest Food Bank) were up 39% from 2019! That was such a blessing, because we also served a record number of households through our Crisis Center Food Pantry. Thank you so much to all our church, organization, and business partners who found a way in the midst of very challenging times to collect and donate food.
We will continue to operate our drive-through pantries in the coming year, and we anticipate serving continued high numbers. So we greatly appreciate your continued partnerships!
Our current big needs are:
- Cereal
- Peanut Butter
- Soup
- Canned carrots, peas, potatoes and mixed veggies
- Canned fruit
- Any dried beans
- Pasta Sauce
As always, we especially seek low sodium items,
no-added-sugar items, and whole grain items.
Right now, we have plenty of the following:
- Canned chicken and tuna
- Canned green beans and corn
- Canned Pinto Beans
- Spaghetti noodles
- Macaroni & Cheese
Our Crisis Center at 246 Country Club Drive NE in Concord serves as the warehouse for most of the food. We will gladly accept all donations at that site from 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday.
Bethel Baptist Helping Hands Food Pantry, located at 1209 1/4 Opal Street in Kannapolis, will gladly accept donations from 9 am to 1 pm on Monday and Thursday.
The food pantry located at Westford UMC on Highway 49 and the Kannapolis Food Pantry at West Point Baptist Church can accept donations on Saturday morning from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.
The Feeding Our Souls Food Pantry at Bethel UMC in Midland, North Kannapolis Baptist Church Food Pantry and the New Life Baptist Food Pantry will accept donations by calling the church in advance.
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You can give to a specific ministry or direct your gifts to be
used where they are most-needed.
Set up automatic giving or opt for a one-time gift.
Thank you for your financial support of Epworth's ministries.
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Contact Sis Mills with your prayer requests and be sure to let her know how prayers have been answered along the way. Sis can be reached at epworthnurse@epworthnc.com
FOR OUR MILITARY MEMBERS:
Mary Elise Capron
Will Capron
Zachary Capron
Ben Carruth
Brandon Carson
Brandon Cook
Caleb Odom
Ryan Tennis
OUR BELOVED MEMBERS:
Prayers for health concerns
Joyce Baucom
Mike Bodenheimer
Judy Bonkowski
Tiffany Carter
Rose Emerson
Linda Widenhouse Fink
Nancy Fisher
Noah Goertzen
Carol Goodrich
Becky Holshouser
Hannah Hughes
Sarah Hughes
Georgianne Jenkins
Martha Kimes
Bob Lentz
Jake McClamrock
Debby Myers
Shirley Nichols
Ed Nimmo
Neva Jo Roberts
Elizabeth Schavillie
Charlie Sehorn
Joanne Shepherd
Betty Towell
Betty Wagner
John Watson
Carolyn Williams
OUR BELOVED MEMBERS:
Prayers for continued recovering
Wanda Bodenheimer
Peggy Caton
FOR OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES:
Prayers for health concerns
Pam & Doug Adams ......... Daughter/son-in-law of Marylyn Smith
Rob & Mae Aldrons .......... Friends of Epworth Hot Dog Ministry
Ed Anderson ..................Cousin of Wayne Reid
Morris Anderson ............. Friend of Betsy Graham
Alex Barnhardt .............. Cousin of Wayne Reid
Jay Bathea ................... Friend of Sis Mills
Lisa Blackburn................Teacher at Flock Preschool
Wendy Blake .................Friend of Betsy Graham
Jo Anne Bullins .............. Mother of Patty Randolph
Gary Burris ....................Brother of Carolyn Williams
Cindi ............................Friend of Glenda Baker
Ricky Clatterbuck ............Friend of Tiffany Carter
Kyle Cooper ...................Husband of Carolyn Williams niece, Susan
Debby & Michelle Cox ...... Friends of Betty Wagner
Brenda Craven ................Friend of Jane Hinson
Elizabeth .......................Co-worker of Bob Carruth
Friend ...........................Kathy Taylor
Friend ..........................Connie Williams (Betty Wagner’s daughter)
Dave Goff ......................Father of son-in-law - Gaye Seifel
Karen Hopson ................. Niece of Betty Wagner
Chris Hopson .................. Great nephew of Betty Wagner
Bill Jackson .................... Uncle of Kathy Taylor
Vicky Jackson.................. Aunt of Kathy Taylor (caretaker of Bill Jackson)
Ken & Holly .................... Friends of Karen Kaser-Odor
Arden Lewis ................... Friend of Jenny Bodenheimer
Nancy Matthews .............. Husband Jake is employed by IKE'S Construction
Josh McGough .................Husband of grand-niece to Betty Wagner
Emily McGuire .................Cousin of Betsy Graham
Charlie Mullis ..................Brother of Carol Blackwelder
Shantelle Muntiah ............Great niece of Jean Lamb
MaryAnn Neilson ..............Former Epworth secretary
Mike Nimmo ....................Son of Ed and Bonnie Nimmo
Susanna Parker's father ......Susanna niece of Jonnie Petrea
Kurt Randolph .................Brother of Scott Randolph
Edna Shefield ..................Friend of Jane Hinson
Sybil Nichols Sheltuk .........Sister-in-law of Shirley Nichols
Debbie Sides ..................Friend of Betsy Graham
Frances Steedley ..............Mother of Lydia Carruth
Darren Thompson..............Friend of Carol Blackwelder
Shirley Thompson .............Friend of Carol Blackwelder
Robby Tucker .................Brother of Rick Tucker
Sherry Turner...................Mother of Bethany Bostic
Wayne Wagoner ..............Friend of Betsy Graham
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FOR THOSE ON THE FRONTLINES ...
OUR PRAYERS AND GRATITUDE
Ashley Bornstein MOA
Stephanie Canipe DNP
Jenna Carson MOA
Will Carter LINEMAN
Jessica Christy POLICE
Dr. Clifford Compton DENTIST
Teresa Compton DENTAL ASST.
Dr. Amanda Cook MD
Linda Cranford PHARM TECH
Karen Elledge RN
Jim Emerson EMS
Dr. Kayla Garcia MD
Dennis Gray SHERIFF DEPT
Dr. Tony Hinson MD
Tim Hoagland RN
Eli Kaser-Odor TREE LINEMAN
Rev. Karen Kaser-Odor HOSPICE CHAPLAIN
Carlos Kelly LINEMAN
Dr. Kristina Kelly MD
Dr. Patrick Kelly MD
Beth Lott RN
Rhonda Milward PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Joanne Neubauer RN
Robert Neubauer LPN
Rick Odor RN
Dr. Geoffrey Rackoff MD
Judy Talley NURSING HOME WORKER
Julie Tennis RN
Patrick Tennis HEART CATH TECH
Bruce Wall HOSPITAL IT SUPPORT
Sandra Wall RN
Angela Watson RN
Dr. James Wheless MD
Mail carriers and workers in transportation industry who deliver products to stock our stores.
Teachers, students, school administrators and parents.
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