ASilent Nightthat Stills the

Chaos...

Christmas EveTuesday, December 24

5:00 PM - Children’s ServiceThis 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, and the message with the children by Pastor Keith. Childcare will be available in the nursery for those under two years old.

7:00 PM - Contemporary ServiceThis service will feature Hearts Afire and the Epworth Youth drama team. 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 PM - Traditional Candlelight ServiceThis service will feature the Chancel choir. 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, “A Silent Night that Stills the Chaos.” The service will conclude with the beautiful candlelighting service and the singing of Silent Night.

11:00 PM - Candlelight Communion ServiceThis service will feature the traditional scripture texts and Christmas Carols. 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.

The

Epworth TowerEpworth United Methodist Church | 4855 W. Central Ave. | Toledo, OH 43615Church Phone: 419.531.4236 | Church Fax: 419.531.7487Website: www.epworth.com | E-mail: epworth@epworth.com

December 18, 2013

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Our CondolencesThe Keigley family on the passing of Alice Keigley on Monday, November 18.

Alta Richter and family on the passing of Alta’s mother, Dottie Richter, on Saturday, November 23.

PERSONALS

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, please e-mail caryn@epworth.com with “Epworth Electronic E-mail List” in the subject line.

To sign up for any obituary notifications, please e-mail with “Obituary Notifications E-mail List” in the subject line.

Copy of the Monthly CalendarIf you would like a hard copy of the monthly calendar, you can pick one up from the kiosk in the Narthex on Sundays or in the Church office during the week.

The calendar is always available on www. epworth.com.

Furniture MinistryJanuary Pickups: 11, 16, 25

Client Selection: January 18

Arrange a Donation Pickup: Call 567.694.3710

Items Needed: bath towels and pots and pans

WWW

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Share your Epworth event photos with us!#EpworthToledo

Table of ContentsWonderful Wednesday 2014 Calendar.......................page 3

Advent Giving Information.............................................page 4

Bible Studies.......................................................................page 5

For Parents/Kids..................................................................page 6

Education...............................................................................page 7

Health Ministries...............................................................page 8

Adult Singles........................................................................page 10

Friends in Faith................................................................page 11

S.W.A.T. Activities......................................................back page

Church Office Hours

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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THANKS! !I would like to thank you all for the cards sent and prayers lifted up for me during my recent eye surgery. What a wonderful blessing you all are!

Blessings and Love,Peggy Gibbons

Please support the following businesses

that gave so generously to

Epworth UMW’s recent Silent Auction:

Brieschke’s BakerySautters Market

Jim Carroll PhotographyCountry Grains Bread Co.

Angel’s AngelsCharlie’s Pizza

J&G PizzaCharlie’s Ice Cream and Edibles

Lisa’s Manicure and PedicureHerbally Radiant

SmucciSonflower Quilts

University of Toledo AthleticsFrameworks Art and Frame

Steve CoderSport Fame

Barry BagelsTangles Salon and Spa

Brooks FloristMemory Transfer

Handels’ Ice CreamQ-zar

Sylvania PlaylandTomase Dental

Toledo SymphonyFranklin Park Family Eye Care

The Andersons5/3 Bank

Amie’s PizzaCreative Headlines

Pet NannyUPS Store Starlight Plaza

Mr. G’s Ice Cream BarnConsign It

Shalom Tea HouseKroger

Mud Hens BaseballBernina Sewing Notions

Wonder fulWednesday

2014 CALENDARWonderful Wednesday Luncheons are at NOON in the Family Life Center on the first Wednesday of the month, and Chef Les will prepare a delicious meal - all for only $6.00. For reservations, sign up on the Opportunities Page or contact Nancy in the Church office at 419.531.4236 or nancy@epworth.com. Anyone may attend - Invite your family, neighbors, and friends. Below is the 2014 line up through May:

JanuaryNo meeting. (Pretty sure it will be snowing…)

February 5Medical Mission to Haiti: Jo Hartman, Rob Wilson, Ann Mullins, Jennifer Gwin, and Pastor Keith Luke will share stories and photos about their October 2013 medical mission to Port au Prince, Haiti.

March 5Stephen Ministry: Janice Harris will provide an update on Epworth’s Stephen Ministry that cares for those going through some of life’s tough issues.

April 2Sticky Faith…Intergenerational Church: Come and find out the scoop from Bob Knowles, Sticky Faith Cohort Leader, and team members Dana Jamgochian, Doug Gorsuch, Chuck Campos, Mary Roesti, Keith Luke, and Bob Thomas. Epworth is committed to raising up committed children, youth, and adults whose faith “sticks” throughout a lifetime.

May 7Cecil Baughman, Director of Music will give an in-depth look at Epworth’s 35 ranks of pipes divided over three manuals and pedals, Shantz Organ built in 1962, and play a mini concert for our final Wonderful Wednesday of the season.

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Advent BagsThank you for the overwheliming response to the Advent Bag giving this year. If you have not yet returned your bag, it’s not too late! We would like to have all Advent Bags delivered before Christmas, so please plan to bring your bag to the Church on or before December 23.

Hams for ChristmasSt. Paul’s Community Center is in need of hams for the special Christmas Dinner they will serve to a large gathering of hungry folks in our community. Our goal is to provide 40 football-sized hams. Hams can be placed in the refrigerator in the kitchen (please mark “St. Paul’s Ham”) from Sunday, December 1 through Sunday, December 20.

The Giving TreeYour donations of hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves of all sizes and colors will help the children from Toledo’s inner city stay warm and comfortable this winter. Donations will also go to YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, Friendly Center, St. Paul’s Community Center, and Mildred Bayer Clinic.

We have a significant need this year for men’s items, including warm socks. Please have your donations on the tree by Sunday, December 122 If you have any questions, please contact Laura Ingersoll at (personal information removed).

SLAM Coat DriveSundays, December 15 through January 19

The 6th grade SLAM Sunday School Class will host its annual coat drive starting December 15 until January 19. Please give the gift of warmth with your donations of gently used and clean coats. Hats, gloves, and mittens are also welcome. Look for the boxes located around the church.

December Kids ROC EventSunday, December 22 at 1:30 PM

On Sunday, December 22, we will be going to West Park Place on Executive Parkway to decorate Christmas cookies and sing a few Christmas carols with the senior residents. We will meet at the front Epworth parking lot at 1:30 and travel to West Park Place at 1:45. Please wear your KIDS ROC shirt and a Santa hat if you have one. I will be making frosting for the cookies, but I am looking for a few volunteers to make cutouts or to buy the Gordon’s cutouts and bake them. (Please buy them early because the Christmas cutouts sell out early.) We also need some sprinkle donations.

We should be done around 4:00, then stop somewhere for ice cream, and hopefully be back at Epworth by 5:00. Please RSVP to me if you can attend, need a ride, can transport kids, or can bake. I know this is a busy time of year, but I am hoping that everyone can join us so we can give the gift of “joy” and make someone smile during this holiday season. Blessings, Jane Lyon (personal information removed)

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Priscilla Circle Thank You and Meeting InfoThank you, thank you to all who supported our Mini-Bazaar in the Lounge on December 8, helping us to serve others in the Toledo area through United Methodist Women!

Our first meeting in January will be on Thursday, January 9 at Rick’s City Diner (5333 Monroe Street) at 11:30 AM and will be a planning and fellowship time. We will also be discussing plans for our Quilt Sale in the Spring to benefit the Furniture Ministry. If you have any new ideas or projects for next year’s Bazaar, please bring them to lunch.

We are always welcoming new members (sewers AND non-sewers), so if you are interested in discovering what Priscilla Circle is all about, please join us for lunch. Please RSVP for lunch to Kay Hitchner at (personal information removed).

Young Professionals Bible StudyWho: Ages 18-30 are welcomeWhen: Wednesdays beginning January 8 at 8PMWhere: Epworth United Methodist ChurchMaterials: N.T. Wright’s 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus Length: 12 Week StudyContact: Karolyn Keller at (personal information removed)

“Not a Fan” Bible StudyThere is a new opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus. Sundays at 9:45 in the library, a new Bible study called “Not a Fan” is starting. All are welcome no matter where you are in your walk…God has something special for you in this study.

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-

--or perhaps someone who doesn’t even care about the difference? “Not a Fan” invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. This is designed to be a 6 week study. We pray we will see you there!

Why? by Adam Hamilton - A New 4-Week StudyStarting Tuesday, January 14 at 9:15 AM

WHY? - When physical disaster strikes; when violence, abuse, and neglect occur; when war tears apart nations, where is God? If God is all-powerful, and if each one of us is a beloved child of God, then how can God allow tragedy and suffering to infest his creation? When we lift our prayers to God, and no answer seems to come; when we earnestly, honestly seek to know the will of God for our lives, yet can’t seem to figure it out; when God seems far away,

where is God? If God counts the hairs on our head, and knows every sparrow that falls, why is finding and understanding God’s will so difficult at times?

In Why? Making Sense of God’s Will, best-selling author Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to understand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, Hamilton addresses how we can comprehend God’s plan for the world and ourselves. Sessions include: Why do the Innocent Suffer?, Why do My Prayers Go Unanswered?, Why Can’t I See God’s Will for My Life?, and Why God’s Love Prevails.

We will have a pastor present to help with discussion and questions. This 4-week study beginning Tuesday, January 14 and includes a participant’s book and weekly DVD session. Participant book is $8.00 (paperback) or $8.51 (eBook). Please sign up on the Opportunities Page or e-mail Ruth Ann at ruthann@epworth.com if you would like to order a book.

Upcoming Preaching Seriesstarts January 19

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Volunteer on Sunday Mornings Love Our Lambs

The Preschool Wing needs loving arms and warm hearts to care for our 3, 4, and 5 year olds at 9:45 and 11:00. You can help with snack, read Bible stories, play games, and share your love of God. How can you GENEROUSLY impact a young child’s life? Easy to lead, hands-on 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.

Serving Generously:You Can Change a Child’s Life

Each week our children depend on you to lead them closer to Jesus. We all are responsible for their faith journey and each small step on that journey. Please consider how you can serve in the education ministry for a week, a month, or the whole school year. We have many ways to help; some may only take a few minutes out of your week or your Sunday.

We are especially looking for 11:00 leaders in preschool and W.O.W. If your children are being cared for and nurtured spiritually while you are in worship or Sunday school at 9:45, won’t you consider staying an extra hour to be with those children whose parents taught your children and are worshipping at 11:00? Please sign up on the Opportunities Page or on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

First Grade MilestoneFirst graders and their parents are invited to the milestone on Baptism at 9:45 on Sunday, January 12. We will look at the Baptism of Jesus and this sacrament in our church life. Please call the Education office to sign up for this milestone.

Stephen Ministry TrainingSometimes it takes more than a parka or a blanket to keep another person warm. Sometimes it takes the presence of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers share the warmth of God’s love with those who need it most: the lonely, the depressed, the grieving. Is God calling you to reach out to those who are hurting?

Consider serving as a Stephen Minister. Training classes will begin mid-January 2014 to prepare additional Stephen Ministers to serve those in need. Twenty Care Receivers have benefited or are benefiting from the care and support of a Stephen Minister. We need to expand our pool of Stephen Ministers to meet the continuing needs of the congregation and community. For further information contact Janice Harris at (personal information removed).

Are you looking for a fun way to connect with other members

of Epworth? Do you have younger children, infants through grade school? Then we have just the group for you!

The Parent Connection Committee has simple

objectives: To help parents make time for themselves and to

expand their friendships at Epworth. We even provide free babysitting and fun activities for the kiddos during most of our events! It’s a chance to get out and mingle with other adults – and maybe even re-energize your own relationship.

Save the dates below and look for more events and details in the Tower, Bulletins, and E-mails!

Afternoon Movie with the Whole FamilySaturday, January 11 - Maumee Indoor Theater

Euchre Night at the Luke’sSaturday, February 22

Walleye GameFriday, March 14

Would you like more information on events happening with Parent Connections? Would you like to be added to the Parent Connections e-mail list? If so, please contact Cindy Franklin (personal information removed).

10 Building Blocks for a Solid FamilyWednesdays Starting January 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM

What does a solid family look like? This DVD driven study titled “10 Building Blocks for a Solid Family” by Jim Burns, Ph. D., President of HomeWord and Director at Azusa Pacific University, shares how every family – including yours! – can become a haven of warmth and security.

Jeff and Mary Roesti will lead this class covering the essential ingredients for creating a healthy home filled with joy, peace, and love for God and each other!

This class will run for six consecutive Wednesdays (January 8 - February 12) from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Sign up on the Opportunities Page, e-mail Ruth Ann at ruthann@epworth.com, or call the church office at 419.531.4236 to sign up.

Childcare will be provided if requested in advance. Bring a sack meal for the kids if you’re coming from choir or sports practices. The cost of the participant book is $7.00.

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NURSERY & TODDLER• Childcare is available at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 in the nursery• Sing-n-Worship at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 in Room 110 - Our toddlers learn from lessons geared to

two year olds, which let them know how much we love them and how much God loves them.

PRE-SCHOOL• Play-N-Worship at 9:45 and 11:00 in Rooms 112 & 114 - Preschool children ages 3-5 (not yet in

kindergarten) are invited to join us Sunday morning in rooms 112 & 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 a Pennies for Jesus offering to buy children’s Bibles to send with our mission teams.

ELEMENTARY• Children, Grades K-5 at 9:45 in Room 205, “The Oasis” - We will be exploring the Bible Virtues

in large and small groups through drama, music, Bible storytellers, and DVDs. Then we move to the Kingdom rooms each week in small groups for more activities surrounding our basic truths and Bible stories. NEW STORIES EACH WEEK!

• Sixth Grade S.L.A.M. at 9:45 in Room 206 (second floor in the Kingdom hallway)• Youth Donuts and the Bible at 9:45 - Junior High in Room 003 at the far end of the Family Life

Center; Senior High in Room 215. • Children, Grades K-3 at 11:00 WOW (Worship Our Way) in Room 205 - 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.

• Children, Grade 4 and up at 11:00 (“B’Tween Me & God”) - We invite kids grade 4 and up to join us in the sanctuary and worship. Sit together with a group of friends or join your family. Ask an usher for the special green “B’Tween Me & God” bulletin inserts created just for you each week. These sheets are filled with questions and insights to help engage you in worship. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, and you don’t even need to turn these in to anyone at the end of the day because worship is B’Tween you and God!

ADULT• Adult Bible Study at 9:45 in Room 214 - During January we will focus on “Praying God’s Way” as we grow in our

faith. An excellent DVD sets the stage for dynamic class conversation as we delve into questions like: “If God knows our thoughts, why should we pray?,” “Is there a proper way to pray?,” “Will God really answer all of our prayers?,” and “What if it doesn’t seem like he’s listening?” Grab some coffee and join the lively discussions as we together develop deeper understanding of the Scriptures. Meet new friends on your journey. Know that you will be welcomed!

• Friends in Faith at 9:45 in our new room - Room 213 - We are studying Favorite Bible Passages by Brady Whitehead, Jr., and Howard Ham. This series covers 26 Favorite Bible Passages from the Old and New Testament. The series covers the words for Bible Times, Our Times, and Our Life so we will fully understand the scripture from multiple perspectives, especially how it applies to our life and current times.

• Coffee and Conversation Class at 9:45 in Room 020 - We are reading and discussing the book, Now That They Are Grown: Successfully Parenting Your Adult Children by Ronald J. Greer. Copies of the book will be provided. Please feel free to join us.

• Not a Fan Bible Study at 9:45 in the Library (lower level by Central Avenue door) - See article on page 7 of the December Tower for more inforamtion about this Bible study.

• Sermon Notes at 11:00 in Room 214 - The topic for discussion will relate 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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Caring Hearts Ministry Celebrates Fourth Year

Holiday Loneliness Hinders Joy of the Season

Epworth Health Ministries

One of the many ministries through office of Health Ministries is Caring Hearts. Members of Epworth volunteer their time and hearts to the service of those from the congregation who are not able to be at church, or who could simply use a friend during a difficult time.

Caring Hearts are asked to make a minimum of one phone call and one visit per month to their Caring Heart partner, but friendships often grow beyond that, with get-togethers happening much more often. Everything occurs at the timing and pace of the Caring Heart pair.

A common question about the Caring Heart ministry is “how is it different from Stephen Ministry?” The Caring Hearts are more of a social and companionship ministry and a way to bring church and fellowship to those who cannot get out and about easily. Stephen Ministers are specially trained members of Epworth who walk alongside someone experiencing a difficult time in their lives. An individual’s relationship with a Stephen Minister is completely confidential

If you’re interested in becoming a Caring Heart, or know of someone who might enjoy having a devoted regular visitor from Epworth, contact Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries, at 419.531.4236 or beth@epworth.com.

Signs of the Christmas season are everywhere: carols on the radio, department store Santas, festive window and aisle displays, creative advertisements that tug at the heartstrings. While many welcome the pageantry, others feel a powerful loneliness that undercuts any possible feelings of comfort and joy.

“Loneliness is, or seems, more intense during the holidays because of all the media coverage that describes holidays as a time for gatherings, friends, and family,” says Elaine Rodino, Ph.D., a psychologist in State College, PA. “Holidays also have a way of bringing up the past, causing us to compare current holidays to previous ones.”

Rather than dread the isolation you may feel during the holidays, there are things you can do to minimize those feelings and experience greater emotional balance and personal fulfillment:

• Recognize your loneliness instead of denying it. Your feelings are real and

worth exploring. If you don’t want to share what you’re going through with family or friends, consider talking with a mental health professional.

• Anticipate your loneliness and plan for it. Reconnect with people with whom you’ve lost touch. Create your own social event and invite people in. Ask about having one of Epworth’s Caring Hearts come by for visits, arrange for a Stephen Minister to meet with you regularly to work your way through difficult times, or ask to speak with one of Epworth’s pastors.

• Celebrate the holidays in different ways. Create new traditions. If being at home or with family is a source of discomfort, take a trip. If gift-giving and holiday preparations create stress, pare down the tasks to the essentials or share them with others.

• Take care of yourself. Do what you can to reduce your stress and connect with activities that give you joy. Get plenty of rest, eat delicious and healthy foods, go to a museum or movie, get a

massage – do whatever feels safe and brings you comfort.

• Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant, and can magnify your feelings of sadness.

• Reach out and help someone else. Volunteering is a powerful antidote to loneliness because it boosts one’s feelings of self-worth and usefulness. Epworth offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, from helping prepare large mailings or working with the Furniture Ministry, to serving as a greeter on Sundays or serving meals at St. Paul’s Community Center.

For more information about the Caring Hearts Ministry, contact Beth Irwin, Director of Health Ministries, at beth@epworth.com. For information about partnering with a Stephen Minister, contact Janice Harris at (personal information removed). To arrange a visit with one of Epworth’s pastors, call the church office at 419.531.4236.

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In addition to Caring Hearts, Health Ministries coordinates home communion on a short or long-term basis, a Macular Degeneration/Low-Vision Support Group, the annual Epworth Health Fair, and Grief Support Groups.

Grief Support for Women will begin again in February 2014. This group provides a safe, compassionate place for women who have experienced the death of a loved one to come together and work through the grieving process. Whether your loss is recent or occurred some time ago, whether it was the loss of a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or close friend or relative…if it weighs heavily on your heart and you’d like friends to help you through it, consider Grief Support for Women. If you would like to be contacted with more information, please call Beth Irwin at 419.531.4236.

Save the Date!Fourth Annual Heart Day in February!

The Health Ministries Committee is making plans for our 4th annual Heart Day at Epworth on Sunday, February 9 from 9:00 AM to noon. Heart Day began as a way to promote awareness of heart disease and the prevention of heart illnesses.

Stop by Room 101 and visit the American Heart Association (AHA) table to learn more about heart disease from educational materials and ask questions. An AHA representative will be on hand.

In addition, representatives from ProMedica will perform the following screenings:

• Free Blood Pressure Screening• Free Blood Sugar Screening (results available in

about 7 minutes)• Total Cholesterol, including HDL (cost is $10.00)

Send some Love!While you’re getting YOUR heart checked, send a heart to someone special! Health Ministries will have special valentines for Epworth members who are hospitalized, recovering, or who are homebound and unable to be at church. Stop by the table, fill out the cards, and share some love with your Epworth family.

Healing and Wholeness ServiceConfronting Mental Health Issues

with God’s HelpEpworth’s next Service of Healing and Wholeness takes place Tuesday, January 14 at 7:00 PM in the Webb Chapel. January’s service will include testimony from Epworth member Julia Barden. An author, a journalist, a trauma survivor, and a survivor of 9/11, Julia was formally

diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2004 after years of living with symptoms. Her doctors told her faith in God would play a large part in the recovery process. Part injury, part mental health issue, PTSD affects millions of people every day. Julia will share her story of how faith helped her face the past, as she learned she’d have to focus more on the present in hopes of a stable future.

Each Service of Healing and Wholeness includes music, scripture, prayer, time for meditation and quiet, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and intercessory prayers and anointing with oil. A free will offering will be taken for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Pastor Bob Thomas leads the service assisted by the Healing and Wholeness Team: Dolli Darah, BJ Brengartner, Penny McCartney, and Beth Irwin. Cecil Baughman accompanies the service.

Winter Session RegistrationAny time is a good time to get serious about your fitness, but the beginning of a year is always a great time to set new goals, or recommit to those goals that are important to you. Body Recall+ is educational and no-pain exercise. It is a perfect program for active and even more sedentary people who want to increase strength and flexibility and improve balance.

Register and notice the difference! Classes begin Monday, January 6, and meet Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The fee is $54.00 for 9 weeks. If you have arthritis or “replaced parts,” no problem! Sign up on the Opportunities Page, call Nancy in the church office, or talk with instructors, Brenda or Pam, with questions.

A session of Body Recall+ makes a perfect gift to someone you care about!

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SINGLES CHRISTMAS PARTYFriday, December 20 at 6:30 PM

Nancy Hauer’s home (5562 Willow Circle, Sylvania). Please bring a covered dishor dessert to share!

NEW YEARS MOVIE NIGHTTuesday, Decmeber 31

Movie: Saving Mr. Banks (about Walt Disney and the making of Mary Poppins). We’ll meet for dinner either before or after. Times/locations TBA.

LUNCH BUNCHTuesday, January 7 at Noon

Bravo! Cusina Italiana (5001 Monroe Street).

Tuesday, January 21 at NoonOriginal Pancake House (3310 W. Cenral Avenue - across from Costco).

COFFEE & SUCHTuesdays, January 14 and 28 at 5:30 PM

Barry Bagels (on Sylvania Avenue and Holland Sylvania Road, behind Handel’s).

JANUARY REGULAR MEETINGFriday, January 17 at 6:30 PM

Charlie’s Restaurant (6945 W. Central Avenue). Bring your favorite game to share and play!

*Remember - this year we did not adopt a family, so please bring donations for the Furniture Ministry’s blessings department (towels and pots and pans are needed most) to any of the Singles events. Let’s

overflow them with love from the Singles!

Please RSVP to Miss Kate for any or all events/meetings at (personal information removed)

LOOKING FORWARD TO FEBRUARYWe will have a table reserved at Epworth’s Jazz Soiree on February 21.

Watch the weekly Reminders and Tower for additional information!

Epworth [adult Singles ]Adult singles ages 30+ are invited to participate. You do not have to be a member of Epworth to join in the Christian Fellowship, meet new friends, and enrich your Christian journey while helping those in need through our outreach projects.

For more information, contact Linda Coon (personal information removed) or Miss Kate (personal information removed). You may also sign up for any of our activities on the Opportunities Page inside your weekly Reminders Bulletin.

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Friends in Faith Sunday SchoolJoin us for Sunday School in Room 213. We meet every Sunday morning in Room 213 at 9:45. Check the Sunday Morning Education Section for information about our current study. New members or visitors are welcome at any time.

BUNCOOnce every month the Friends in Faith women gather at one of our homes for an evening of fellowship, food and Bunco. The hostess of the month provides

the main course and everyone else is asked to bring a side dish, appetizer or dessert to share. We start at 6:30 PM. The next opportunities to join us is:

• Monday, January 20 at Christina Nishiki’s house (personal information removed). RSVP to Christina at (personal information removed).

Friends in Faith Book Club Everyone is welcome to join us for the Book Club. We serve up lively discussion and dessert with every meeting beginning at 7:00 PM! The next opportunities to join us are:• Tuesday, January 28 - We will discuss Killing Jesus,

by Bill O’Reilly and will meet at Linda Coon’s house (personal information removed).

• Tuesday, February 25 - We will discuss Renting Lacy by Linda Smith and will meet in the Epworth lounge. Linda Smith founded Shared Hope International, a nonprofit organization to rescue and restore women and children in crisis. This book is an eye-opening story of our country’s commercial sex trade. One of the characters in the book is, in fact, a local resident who tells her story of how she escaped the life and is now working to rescue other girls who are manipulated, abused, and tortured at the hands of the pimps who control them. Friends in Faith has 3 copies of this book that will be loaned out on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Ronnie Gorsuch at (personal information removed) if you would like to borrow a copy. It is also available for sale on Amazon.com.

Break out your Ladle and Stock the Fridge!As you cook up cold-weather comfort foods - soups, stews, casseroles - ladle out a serving or two in a container, label it with the meal and the date, and pop it in the freezer in Epworth’s kitchen! These quick and easy meals will be taken to homebound members of our congregation who have difficulty cooking or to those recovering from illness and injury.

This won’t replace our Meal Delivery Ministry, which is for longer-term meal plans. These single or double servings will be kept on hand to meet short term, immediate needs.

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR NEXT TOWER ARTICLES - MONDAY, JANUARY 6 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

Questions about Epworth Student Ministries? Contact Bob Knowles atbobknowles@epworth.com or 419.509.2353 or Chuck Campos at chuck@epworth.com or 419.902.2263.

For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Sunday, December 22 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible 6:00 to 8:00 PM – Junior/Senior SWAT Combined Christmas Party (FLC)

Tuesday, December 24 7:00 PM – Christmas Eve Worship with Youth Drama and Dance Teams

Sunday, December 29 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible NO Junior or Senior SWAT – Christmas/New Years Break

Sunday, December 29 to Senior/College SWAT – New Years in New York CityThursday, January 2

Sunday, January 5 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible 6:00 PM – Junior SWAT; 7:30 PM – Senior SWAT

Sunday, January 12 9:45 AM – Junior & Senior Sunday Morning Donuts & The Bible 9:45 AM – Confirmation Class #3 12:30 PM – YLT 6:00 PM – Junior SWAT; 7:30 PM – Senior SWAT

4855 W. Central AvenueToledo, Ohio 43615-2337