Epworth connects and equipsall kinds of people to

seek, serve, and share Christ.

This Coming WeekSunday, March 6, 2016 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service 10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 PM Country Comfort Luncheon11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service12:00 PM Country Comfort Luncheon 4:00 PM Epworth 101 ClassMonday, March 7, 201610:00 AM Prayer Shawl Ministry Tuesday, March 8, 201610:30 AM HIS Group UMW Meeting 6:30 PM Youth Bible StudyWednesday, March 9, 2016 8:00 AM Classical Conversation

12:00 PM Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 PM Supper 6:15 PM Praise Practice 7:00 PM Choir PracticeThursday, March 10, 201612:00 PM Vintage Group MeetingFriday-Saturday, March 11 & 12, 2016New Life UMW RetreatSaturday, March 12, 2016 6:00 PM Best Music Ever ShowSunday, March 13, 2016 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service 10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 4:00 PM Epworth 101 Class

March 6, 2016

A Methodist Prays Constantly

For indeed he “prays without ceasing.” It is given him “always to pray, and not to faint.” Not that he is always in the house of prayer; though he neglects no opportunity of being there. Neither is he always on his knees, although he often is, or on his face, before the Lord his God. Nor yet is he always crying aloud to God, or calling upon him in words: For many times “the Spirit maketh intercession for him with groans that cannot be uttered.” But at all times the language of his heart is this: “Thou brightness of the eternal glory, unto thee is my heart, though without a voice, and my silence speaketh unto thee.” And this is true prayer, and this alone.

-John Wesley in The Character of a Methodist

Of all the “Marks of a Methodist” that we will discuss, persistent prayer must be among the most difficult. My experience with prayer has been one of mountains and valleys. There are seasons in which I find myself praying often and I confess seasons of praying sparsely. Ironically, it has rarely been a lecture or an inspiring sermon that has led me to return to regular prayer. More often, it has been either the sense of the “dry well” or some difficult situation that has driven me back to time alone with God. As I share this, I realize that there are people among our church who are probably far more dedicated “prayer warriors” than I am. However, even as I feel my prayer life is often not what it should be, I am comforted by a God who is always available to listen when I am ready to pray. I am also often challenged by a God who is willing to speak into my life when I am willing to listen. If good communication is the basis for healthy relationships among those of us made in the image of God, then we shouldn’t be surprised to find that communication with God would be of supreme importance for our spiritual journey. We need a God who listens and we need to listen to God. Last week, Dr. Harper shared a story about a pastor who expressed that one of his greatest challenges in ministry was people who believed that God is angry at them. I would confess today that one of the things I have personally heard in my own ministry is people who don’t believe God is interested in them or cares about the details of their life. They mistakenly believe that prayer is only for the “big things” and that God doesn’t care about the “small stuff.” Be assured that God cares about you--even the smallest details of your life. Dr. Harper reminds us that “prayer is the way we create and sustain our relationship with God.” John Wesley’s brother, Charles, once again gives us a hymn text that says it well:

Pray without ceasing, pray (Your Captain gives the word), His summons cheerfully obey, and call upon the Lord;To God your every want in instant prayer display: Pray always; pray and never faint; pray, without ceasing pray.

In Christ,

2400 Devonshire Drive • Columbus, GA 31904706-322-6973

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our ChurCh sTaffChildren’s Director Dawn WilsonChoir Director Lyn PharrisChurch Administrator Susan SniderCustodians Martha Conklin Barbie MorrisMedia & Communications Dawn Wilson Music Director Bob LeeNursery Worker Martha ConklinWorship Leader/Youth Minister Andy UngerPastor Rev. Tony G. Crosby

The sanctuary flowers are given to theGlory of God and in memory of Jean

Morris’ Birthday by Harold Morris and Family.

ConTaCT usAndy@epworthumc.comDawn@epworthumc.comSusan@epworthumc.comTony@epworthumc.com

Pastor’s Home (706) 327-2927Pastor’s Cell (706) 329-2484

Church Website: epworthumc.com

sunday sChool aT 10:00 amTHE CHILDREN’S CLASSES Kindergarten - 2nd Grd.: Carolyn Gambill 3rd - 5th Grd.: Margaret GosdenYouth Helpers: Allison Jandreau & Avery McManus

THE FRIENDSHIP CLASS Study: Calvary and the Cross Teacher: Bruce Zimmerman

THE JOY CLASS Study: Devotional Teacher: Class

THE NATHAN PATTERSON/WESLEY CLASS Study: John 13 Teacher: Bobby Smith

THE NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS Study: Noah Built His Ark in the Sunshine Teacher: Leslie Morris/Melonie Phillips

THE “NO NAME” CLASS Study: The Jew Named Jesus- Ch. 5 Teacher: Suzy Revell

THE QUESTORS CLASS Study: Class Discussion Teacher: Glenn Griffin

THE SEEKERS CLASS Study: Created for Happiness Teacher: Lillian Wooldridge

Those Who serVe sunday, marCh 6, 2016

9:00 AM Worship Service: Greeter: Janie Nellums Usher: Diane Morris Acolyte: Hayden Wilson Children’s Church: Janie Nellums11:00 AM Worship Service: Greeter: Susan Davis Ushers: Donny Davis, Doug Revell Acolyte: Eva Cheraisi, Jake DiSimone Children’s Church: Becky Spencer Nursery Volunteer: Becky BrittonFinancial Secretary: Steve SawyerTurn Key: Needed

our sTeWardshipFebruary 28, 2015

Tithes & Offering: $3,642.00Received To Date: $44,638.80

NEW BUILDING/MAINTENANCEReceived This Week: $10

ATTENDANCESunday School: 85 Worship: 9 AM 54 11 AM 99

153

WhaT’s happeningCountry Comfort Food Luncheon - sponsored by Growing Christians UMW. Sunday, March 6, at 11 AM & noon, by donations. Proceeds are for the children’s playground. Sign up on the Information Board, email or call the church office for lunch reservations.Epworth 101 - The second session is Sunday, March 6, at 4 PM, for those who signed up. Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting - Monday, March 7, at 10 AM, in the Fellowship Hall.HIS Group UMW Meeting - Tuesday, March 8, at 10:30 AM, in the Fellowship Hall. Our hostesses are Judy May and Ann Smith. Jan Shackelford will present the devotional and program. This is the last month to bring items for the “Showering Program” at Open Door. Please bring a covered dish to share. Wednesday Supper & Lent Study - March 9, at 6 PM. Sign up on the information board for dinner reservations. Menu: Taco Bar and dessert. We will continue our study from Five Marks of a Methodist.Vintage Group Meeting - Thursday, March 10, at noon, in the Fellowship Hall.UMM Meeting - Monday, March 14, at 6:30 PM. Sign up for dinner reservations.Growing Christians Meeting - Tuesday, March 15, at 6:30 PM, in the Fellowship Hall.Lilies & Hydrangeas for Easter - for details and to order, see the sign-up sheet on the Children’s Director’s office door to order in memory or honor of your loved ones.

holy Week sChedule• Palm Sunday Service, March 20,

Contemporary at 9 AM & Traditional at 11 AM• Holy Thursday Service, March 24, at 7 PM• Good Friday Day of Prayer, March 25, 9

AM - 9 PM, with a service at noon • Easter Sunday Service, March 27, Contemporary

at 9 AM & Traditional at 11 AM

missionsMarch Mission Focus - Do you like to cook? Join us in preparing a casserole for Rose Hill. Casseroles for a Cause right from your own kitchen. It will be more than a casserole to someone in need. We will provide the pan and the recipe. You provide the ingredients and prepare the casserole. Steps:1. Casserole pan/lid & recipe will be made available on Sunday.2. Take pan and recipe, purchase the ingredients, prepare and cook the casserole at home.3. Cover casserole with the lid provided. Put your name on the label.4. Bring the casserole to the church and store in the kitchen freezer before Easter Sunday.Don’t like to cook? Other needs: coffee, sugar, canisters of lemonade, large cans of vegetables. Place items on the Mission Cart. Monetary donations are always appreciated. The Vashti Center - Due to the decline in participation, Campbell’s has decided to end the Labels for Education program, in July. Vashti has asked us to send our labels to them by May. Please bring the labels you have by May 15, so Vashti can have time to process the labels and mail to Campbell’s. We will continue to collect the Box Tops for Education labels for Allen Elementary School.

Thank youA big “THANK YOU” to all of you who so generously support the Rose Hill Ministry. We served about 140 meals on Thursday, February 25. We served all ages and they were very grateful. We could not do this without your unwavering support.

ChrisTian sympaThyChristian sympathy is given to Kathryn and Daniel Hargrove and their family on the loss of their son, Nick Fronzaglio, on March 3, 2016.

Youth & ChildrenYouth Bible Study - Tuesday, March 8, at 6:30 PM, in the Youth Room. FILL OUR EGGS! It is almost time for our Egg Hunt and we need your help! We need donations of individually wrapped candy, no chocolate please, to fill the eggs. Place the candy in the tub outside of Dawn Wilson’s office. Any donations are appreciated and “Thank You” for your continued support to Epworth’s children!

BesT songs eVerA Night of Music and Dinner with Bob Lee, Andy Unger and Friends on Saturday, March 12 , at 5:30 PM. Catered by Country’s BBQ, Pork or Chicken, childcare provided by Martha and featuring songs from across the years, all for only $1 2 a person to support missions through the United Methodist Men. Limited seating; to hold a space, sign up by Monday, March 7, on the Information Board, call or email the church office.

epWorTh prayer lisTChurch FamilyKristi Miller Blount King Gladys Plant Trudy Harris Vanessa DeSoto Betty Sawyer Thrower Family Andrea Carbaugh Sibyl Wells Carol Osteen Jan Shackleford Helen PharrisFred & Emilie Carswell Joyce Hickson Keri McElvey Scott Dunn Judy Scanling Barbara Watson Doris Halouska Kittye Crockett Extended Church Family Steve & Carol Guilbeault Michael Taff David Olson Doyle Adams Annie L. Watts Ricky Clark Robbins Family Andrew WadeBobby Barrow Dr. Drew Williams Alverta Champagne Laurie Osteen Jayce Foster Preston Silvernail Mindy Cumberland Willie Ryles Judy Patterson Brian Tench Shirley Mann Cassie Prochaska Billy Hill Ken Green Kim Jordan Charlie RollingDorothy Ogg Susan Simpson Elaine Miller Bruce Chapman Joyce Kuester Marilyn Buck Danny Chidester Amanda Davenport Tyrone Mims Stephanie Bryan Glen Horace Daniel Atha AllisonRalph & Sandy McGough Bill & Pat Waldo Dotty Baker Billy & Judy Dunn Henry Dunn/Job Clyde Hutto Robin Grantham Diane Wiggins Kristy Stier Dora Spires

Nursing Homes/Homebound Asheville, NC - Susan Squiers Oxton Place - Doris Toney, Cammie Van Over, Covenant Woods - Nelle Lloyd Bob Wait Gardens at Calvary - Doris Sawyer Phenix City Health Care - Anne Whitehurst Holly Hills, FL - Bertha Carter Savannah Grand - Linda Coleman Wesley Glen (Byron, GA) - Nancy Hiller

Updating Prayer List: If anyone on the prayer list needs to be removed or someone needs to be added,

please call, email the church office or leave a note with updates. Help us minister to you effectively by

calling the church office about yourself or a family member. Thank you for your help.

Helping Hands MinistrySponsored by Epworth UMW

Are you living alone? Do you need someone to help you with replacing light bulbs?AC filters? Batteries in a smoke detector? Have you given up driving? Do you need a ride to the doctor? Grocery store? The local drug store?

Helping Hands Ministry may be just for YOU! Epworth’s UMW will connect you with volunteers at Epworth to help you with these tasks. If you have questions, feel free to ask Becky Britton or Barbara Stubbs more about this new ministry for those who live alone.

Complete one of the forms at the bottom of this sheet if you want to be part of this ministry. Put the form in the collection plate, give to Becky Britton or Barbara Stubbs personally or to Susan Snider in the church office.

Those who need HELP:

Name:______________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________

Home phone:____________________________Cell phone:_______________________

Those who will VOLUNTEER to help:

Name:_______________________________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________

Home phone:___________________________Cell phone:_________________________