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Epworth
Matters
...and You Matter to Epworth
Epworth
United Methodist Church
Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
June 2009
Table of contents
From the Pastor
Deadline for July/August Epworth Matters
Mother's Day
June Lectionary Readings and Worship Schedule
Trustees
Contemporary Praise and Worship
Methodist Youth Fellowship News
Worship Committee
Finance Committee
Christian Outreach Committee
Epworth Preschool & Kindergarten
Stewardship Committee
Staff Parish Relations Committee
Sowing Seeds of Promise
Christian Education Program News
Heifer Project
Summer Sunday School Schedule
Greetings, I have recently returned from a Continuing Education Event entitled
"Worship on the Edge: Breaking Through to the Multicultural Future!"
Ministers from all over the country gathered to explore the challenges
and possibilities of authentic worship that will allow all of the
people in our congregations and community avenues to praise and worship
our God. There are people sitting in our pews and walking our streets
that are in desperate need of the Good News, a Word of healing and
hope. In the context of our world's current shifting reality, the whole
world watches as America enters a new era in its promise to be a nation
offering liberty and justice for all.
As the church, we must explore how worship allows us to rehearse the
Reign of God in our congregations and our communities. Being in
multiracial and multicultural communities is both exciting and
challenging. As God's people, we first explore our kinship as brothers
and sisters in worship. As C. S. Lewis says, "We only learn to behave
ourselves in the presence of God." So this is why we focus on worship
as the center of our life together. It is, in the words of Karl Barth,
"the most momentous, the most urgent, the most glorious action that can
take place in human life."
Our Epworth family joins together as the people of God each week during
Worship. Each of us is called to prepare for that time together by
studying the Scriptures, praying for each other, sharing our gifts as
worship participants, and opening our hearts to God's presence through
the many facets of our worship service. Let's join together to enrich
our worship life and allow ourselves to be continually refreshed in
God's Spirit and empowered to go back into the world to share the Good
News that we have received.
As we celebrate the birthday of our church during this Pentecost
Season, let us be reminded that worship gathers us in God's praise and
scatters us in God's Service. Let us give thanks for that Pentecostal
Power that gives us life as the Body of Christ. As we come with
different languages and customs, we rejoice in the Spirit that gives us
ears to hear as one United Church.
Blessings during this Pentecost Season!
Pastor McCurdy
 |
Deadline for the July-August 2009 Issue of Epworth Matters is June 15.
Articles may be submitted to the Church Office by e-mail at
Admin.Secretary@eumc-md.org, or leave a hard copy in the Epworth
Matters mailbox outside the church office. Please be sure to include
your name and phone number on the article you are submitting. Articles
received after June 15 will appear in the next issue.
The July / August issue of Epworth Matters will be assembled on Thursday, June 25. Volunteers, please mark your calendars. |
Mother's Day
Words by Floyd Jones
Sung to the tune "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin
From the day I was born
to the day that I die
Mom, I know that you'll
always be in my life.
Your the one to catch me
when I fall.
Your the one who helps me
through it all.
You are
so beautiful, so wonderful
you help me see, when I'm
blind
and can't open my eyes ...
you are amazing, Mom.
So powerful, so magical
you give me strength, to
spread my wings
take of and I'll fly... you
are amazing, Mom.
Every night that I sleep
to the mornings I rise
your love for me will
stand the test of time.
You are mighty and strong,
when I am weak.
When I am down, you lift me
on my feet.
|
June Lectionary Readings and ...
|
 |
Let us prepare
weekly for our worship together by studying God's Word in advance of
the service.
June 7
1st Sunday after Pentecost / Trinity Sunday
Peace with Justice Sunday / Communion
Old
Testament
Isaiah 6:1-8
Book of
Psalms
Psalm 29
Epistle
Lesson
Romans 8:12-17
Gospel
Lesson
John 3:1-17
Color
White
Music
Chancel Choir
June
14
2nd Sunday after Pentecost
Old
Testament
I Samuel 15:34-16:13
Book of
Psalms
Psalm 20 or Psalm 72
Epistle
Lesson
II Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13), 14-17
Gospel
Lesson
Mark 4:26-34
Color
Green
Music
Epworth Ringers
June
21
3rd Sunday after Pentecost / Father's Day
Old
Testament
I Samuel 17: (1 a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
Book of
Psalms
Psalm 9:9-20
Epistle
Lesson
II Corinthians 6:1-13
Gospel
Lesson
Mark 4:35-41
Color
Green
Music
Ladies Choir
June
28
4th Sunday after Pentecost
Old
Testament
II Samuel 1 :1, 17-27
Book of
Psalms
Psalm 130
Epistle
Lesson
II Corinthians 8:7-15
Gospel
Lesson
Mark 5:21-43
Color
Green
Music
Special Music
Trustees
by Brenda Falk
The trustees would like to thank all the people who came out to help at
the spring work day. We mulched and washed and fixed and painted and we
couldn't have accomplished it all without your help. Special thanks go
to Newman Smith for contributing a tasty lunch for all the workers and
to the Hubert family for providing a wonderful breakfast. We look
forward to seeing everyone again in the fall!
The Trustees would also like to thank the mid-high youth group for the
face lift they recently gave to the Thrift Shop. A good cleaning and a
coat of paint has brightened the room and made it an inviting place to
shop.
Thanks to all the people who had signed up for the CPR / AED class on
May 19. We're pleased to have a full class ready to learn how to be
ready to save lives at Epworth.
One last note -- please be mindful of the thermostats as you leave
rooms at the church as we switch over to the cooling season. We don't
want to be cooling empty rooms for days on end! Please set the
thermostats to 80o.
Contemporary Praise and
Worship
The Contemporary Service will be held on June 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel. All are welcome! |
 |
Methodist Youth Fellowship News
by Susan Oxford
Senior High Youth Group Ends a Fantastic Year with a Sad Farewell
The Senior High Youth Group ended the year on Sunday, May 17, by
leading the congregation in Worship for Confirmation / Youth Sunday.
The service included confirmation of four teens and recognition of six
acolytes, messages from Aanchal Singh, Erica George, Lauren Johnson,
and Michael Skinker, and music from Floyd Jones and Tommy Scholl, the
chimers, the Children's Choir, and the Epworth Teen Choir. The Senior
High Youth Group's theme this year was "Go light your world," and the
service reflected that theme from the call to worship and opening
prayer to the closing hymn, "Pass It On."
The Youth Sunday worship service, and the Senior High MYF party that
followed, ended a year filled with diverse activities during which the
senior high students bonded with each other and learned more about
their faith in God. From the traditional October hay ride, to the
weekend retreats at the UMC Camps Harmison and West River, to the
January Rock Retreat in Ocean City, these Epworth youth gained greater
understanding about themselves and grew in their spiritual lives.
The year ended with a mixture of gratitude and sadness, however. The
four dedicated and energetic Senior High leaders - Lauren Johnson,
Sarah Jane and Michael Skinker, and Phillip Utterback - are moving on
to other endeavors and are turning the UMYF reins over to new
leadership next year. The Senior High students have expressed their
deep appreciation, as well as their sadness, as Lauren, Sarah Jane,
Michael, and Phillip end their tenure as youth group leaders. The
entire Epworth family thanks these four dedicated members for their
commitment to our senior high students over the past several years. You
have left a wonderful legacy!
Mid-High Youth Group Ends Year with a Welcome to Rising Sixth Graders
The mid-high youth group ended the year with an evening of miniature
golf at Summit Hall Bohrer Park on May 17, welcoming in some of the
current fifth-graders who will be joining the mid-high youth group next
year. The evening ended with a short walk to the Smith House, where the
group enjoyed ice cream sundaes courtesy of Malinda Smith.
Car Wash Planned to Raise Funds for Epworth's Hispanic Tutoring Program
Want to get all that springtime dust and pollen off your cars? No
worries! The mid-high youth group will be washing cars after the
worship service on June 14, Graduation Sunday. After you enjoy a
delicious potluck lunch to celebrate the end of the Sunday School year,
drive your car around to the side of the church where a crack team of
expert car-washers will be waiting to make your car spotless and shiny.
The money raised will provide much-needed help to support Epworth's
ministry in the Hispanic Tutoring Program's weekly computer class.
Service Club visits A WIDER CIRCLE
On Saturday, May 16, Thabi Mokuena, Anu Singh, Jamie Smith, and friend
Nick Ferentinos spent the morning at A Wider Circle helping needy
families obtain furniture and other necessities for their homes. A
Wider Circle offers a variety of services to low-income families, but
we spent the morning volunteering with A Wider Circle's
"Neighbor-to-Neighbor" Program.
Operating under the motto "Every child deserves a bed," the
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program accepts donations of furniture and basic
household goods from area families and makes these items available,
without cost, to local families in need. A homeless family moving from
a shelter into an apartment needs furniture, dishes, linens, and other
basic items to transform an empty apartment into a comfortable home.
Families make appointments to visit the organization's Silver Spring
warehouse and select the items they need, enabling these families to
obtain these necessities with dignity and respect.
Jamie Smith explained, "We moved furniture and sorted books and toys so
the families coming in that day could pick out what they need." Anu
Singh added, "It made me feel good to see how happy the families were
when they picked out their furniture." "We worked hard, but it was
worth it. It made me realize that we have so much, compared to some
other people," observed Thabi Mokeuna.
Alongside several other volunteers from the community, these
hardworking Epworth students moved furniture around the warehouse,
loaded furniture onto trucks headed for clients' homes, and unloaded
donated furniture that people brought in that morning. A family with
3-month-old twin girls drove off with a bassinet and a much-needed
couch, planning to return the next day for additional items. A mother
with two children drove off with three beds, linens, lamps, two night
stands, a kitchen table and chairs, and other assorted necessities. The
gratitude of these families and each of the other clients who visited
the warehouse that morning was wonderful to witness. Anu, Thabi, and
Jamie all agreed they would like to return, and they would recommend
this service project to other teens.
Founder and Director, Mark Bergel, thanked each of the boys for helping
out. As Dr. Bergel says, when asked why he founded A Wider Circle, "...
because each of us has the ability to end poverty."
How You Can Help
A Wider Circle depends on volunteers and community donations of
furniture, household goods, and other basic necessities. You can donate
furniture by bringing your donation to the Silver Spring warehouse, or
by calling the organization to schedule a pick-up. When your
neighbors and friends mention they have furniture they no longer need,
encourage them to contact A Wider Circle.
The most critical needs are for beds, dressers, kitchen tables and
chairs, cribs, changing tables, strollers, sofas, end tables and coffee
tables, lamps, kitchen items, fans and air conditioning units, sheets,
towels, and blankets.
A Wider Circle always needs additional volunteers to drive the trucks
to pick up donations from the community, and volunteers to help
organize the furniture at the warehouse. See the flyer posted on the
church bulletin board for additional ways you can help.
A WIDER CIRCLE
9159-C Brookville Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 608-3504
. . . because each of us has the ability to end poverty.
Worship Committee
by Don Weaver, Chair
In your daily worship, we hope you continue to practice The Three
Simple Rules - Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God. If you
did not have the chance to participate in this Bible study led by
Pastor McCurdy, we encourage you to check out or order the book and
form a study group to learn how we can better serve our community and
change the world.
We continue to use Worship: The Gifts of God from the People of God, a
booklet published by The United Methodist Church to assist us in the
work of your Worship Committee. This booklet reminds us:
"Each person is called to ministry by virtue of his or her baptism, and
that ministry takes place in all aspects of daily life, in and outside
the church. First, all persons who follow Jesus are called to grow
spiritually through the practice of various Christian habits (or 'means
of grace') such as prayer, Bible study, private and corporate worship,
acts of service, Christian conferencing, and so on. Second, it means
that you always keep your eye on the main reasons for any ministry - to
help others grow to a mature faith in God that moves them to action on
behalf of others, especially 'the least'"
Happy Mother's Day & Happy Father's Day: In the past, we have
provided small gifts of appreciation to the women on Mother's Day and
men on Father's Day to express our love for them. In lieu of these
gifts, in honor and memory of the women of Epworth, we made a
contribution to Sophia House, the Emergency Women's Shelter in
Rockville. In honor and memory of the men of Epworth, a contribution
will be made to Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (Men's
Emergency Shelter.)
Dedication of Bibles: On Sunday, May 10, 2009, we dedicated our new Bibles.
The Lectern / Pulpit Bible was consecrated to the glory of almighty God
and for service in our church in loving memory of Elizabeth Fulks King
(Mrs. W. Lawson King) and Roberta King Jacobs (Mrs. Norman B. Jacobs,
Sr.). This Bible was a gift of the Jacobs Family.
The Altar Bible was consecrated to the glory of almighty God and for
service in our church in loving memory of Charlotte M. Smith. Linda A.
Slone gave this Bible in loving memory of her mother.
We have a number of areas where we need your gifts of time and talent:
Communion Stewards: Vergie Mose is our coordinator for communion
activities. She is seeking people who are willing to assist with this
important aspect. of our worship. Contact her if you’re
willing to help.
Altar Guild: Mike Skinker is our Altar Guild coordinator. His goal includes making sure that the
Sanctuary has the appropriate paraments for the church season and
exploring ways to enhance the visual aspects of the worship experience.
He is also looking for individuals to assist with these activities.
We have some additional blessings to count:
Everyone who gives of their time and talents to make our music ministry
such a meaningful component of our worship experiences. From directors,
to choir and bell members, to groups and soloists, we are truly blessed
to have all of you lending your gifts to our worship experience.
Moorosi Mokuena for his sermon and leadership in making Mother's Day an extra special day at Epworth.
Everyone who volunteers to lock up our church each week. Your gift of time is most appreciated.
Tell us what you would like to see happen at Epworth United Methodist
Church to enhance our worship experience. We look forward to working
with each member of the congregation to make worship an integral part
of our discipleship adventure. We welcome your input and dialogue.
To provide us with your suggestions, comments, and feedback, please:
1. Speak with a member of the Worship
Committee (names listed in the room where we have Fellowship Hour),
2. Leave a note in the Worship Committee mailbox
next to the elevator,
3. E-mail your thoughts to the church.
4. Attend one of our meetings. Our next meeting is June 14 at 11 :30
a.m. following the worship service. Get a cup of coffee and a cookie,
and join us.
God Bless You!!
Finance Committee
by Jane Blessley, Chair
Our Mission Statement: To efficiently and effectively oversee and
manage the financial resources of the church to support its important
ministries. The Finance Committee processes income; processes
expenditures through accounting and disbursements; manages the budget;
manages assets and debts; manages the financial campaign; and
coordinates the annual financial audit.
Current
Activities
2009 Budget: The deficit for the end of March 2009 is approximately
$23,000 with expenses exceeding income. If this trend continues, the
church could have a severe deficit toward the end of the year.
Especially during the summer months when church attendance generally
declines due to vacations, please pledge and keep your contributions
current to ensure the church will have enough income each month to
cover its many important ministries. By pledging, you assist the
Finance Committee in developing a more accurate budget. And remember,
you may change your pledge at anytime during the year by contacting the
church office.
Stewardship Campaign: The Stewardship Committee continues its efforts
on the 2009 stewardship campaign. As of April 22, 2009, 62 pledges for
$200,476.80 have been received. 153 people / families have contributed
to the budget so far in 2009. The 2009 budget is approximately
$373,000. The Stewardship Committee has decided to initially
concentrate on two areas - special events and member care. The
stewardship campaign will continue throughout the year. Please
prayerful consider supporting this year's stewardship campaign by
contributing your time, talents, and money to advance the many
important ministries of the church. These ministries include, but are
not limited to Christian Education, Christian Outreach, Hispanic
Tutoring Program, Evangelism Ministry, Endowment, Finance, Music,
Worship, Staff Parish Relations, Pre-School/ Kindergarten, Youth
Ministries, United Methodist Men, and United Methodist Women.
Christian Outreach Committee
by Cheryl White
Gaithersburg HELP...
Volunteer Needed
Jan Levy, our Webmaster, has requested to be relieved from his
assignment and I am now seeking a volunteer to take over the position
of HELP Webmaster. A description of the duties is shown below. In this
technological era, a website is an organizational necessity, so we need
to find a replacement ASAP" If you, or someone you know, have the
needed qualifications and the time to do this task, please contact me
or our volunteer coordinator at gaithersburghelp@yahoo.com.
Webmaster Duties
You will be responsible for implementing the ongoing development of the
Gaithersburg Help website. You will also be responsible for
maintenance, setting standards for design, performing navigation and
browser compatibility, performing quality-control on the website.
Additional responsibilities will include writing maintainable HTML
code. Assist in development of a new look and feel for web sites,
update all content, assist in the redevelopment, and maintenance of the
website. Responsibilities include converting documents into PDF from
Microsoft Word. Conversion of existing images (TIFF, BMP, PSD) for
online use (JPG, GIF) using Adobe ImageReady and Photoshop.
The ability to work and communicate well with others. Webmaster must
also be familiar with these software products: Dreamweaver, Microsoft
Visual Studio, Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, FTP software.
Steve Garvey, Executive Director
Epworth Preschool & Kindergarten
by Malinda Smith,
Director
Saying Good-bye to Old Friends... Preparing to Welcome New Friends
in to the Epworth Preschool and Kindergarten!
We bid a fond farewell to our 4-year old and Kindergarten children in
the end of May and beginning of June, sending them on to their new
schools secure in the knowledge that their experiences here at Epworth
have prepared them for the learning experiences that await them in the
future. It is a bittersweet time of year for all of us on staff here.
We are so proud of how far the children have come over the course of
their time here. We have watched them grow and learn. We know them by
name. They each share a little part of themselves with us every day
they are here. They bring joy to our lives. And we know that once we
send them off to their new schools, we will not see them nearly as
often as we have during the time they have been here. We will also bid
a heartfelt farewell to families that have sent their children here,
many of whom have been coming to Epworth for upwards of 6-7 years,
blessing us with the gift of their children.
But summer is also a time of great excitement! While our preschoolers
enjoy their beautiful summer days, we have plenty to do to prepare for
the coming school year! Summer is the time of year that we take to
reflect on the previous school year - what worked, what didn't, what we
want to keep and what we want to change. We spend time preparing
classrooms by acquiring new materials, completing upgrades and repairs
to the playground, and identifying repairs that need to occur before
classes begin in September. We tap in to the valuable resources
available to us through the Epworth Trustees for many of our summer
tasks - thank you to all of the Trustees that I know will be hard at
work over the summer months!
Teachers will meet over the summer to finalize curricula for the
different age levels, prepare calendars, evaluate programs and begin
their preparations for new classes of children. And we will all look
forward to welcoming new families in to our Epworth Preschool family in
September!
Thank you for your continuing stewardship of this important program
here at Epworth. Our Preschool and Kindergarten classes should be a
source of joy and pride to all of us as they are the means by which
many in our community come to know us!
Stewardship Committee
by Derek Harps, Moorosi Mokuena, Denise Smith,
Newman Smith, Jane Weaver and Sarah Bazen
Know Your Gifts, Share Your Gifts
"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right
time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right
now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the
benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community
of faith." Galatians 6:9 -10. The Message.
Many thanks to those of you who participated in the Stewardship
workshops in January and in April, and to those of you who contributed
your ideas by answering the questions we sent out by e-mail, in this
newsletter, and in our worship service bulletin. You will recall that
our mission as United Methodists is to make and develop disciples of
Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Stewardship Committee recommended to the Administrative Council
that we develop a long range strategic plan for our collective
ministry. We asked you to tell us one thing about Epworth that gives
you joy, and one thing that could be better or is an opportunity for
development. Newman Smith did a fabulous job of facilitating both
workshops. We wanted to gather these joys and opportunities from
everyone, and identify a couple of areas for immediate action. The
consensus of the group is that we need to focus on caring for one
another, and on creating opportunities for community involvement in our
fellowship through special events. Don Weaver did a wonderful job of
summarizing the results of the most recent workshop:
Member Care: Epworth is composed of a rich diversity of people;
representing / including the entire age spectrum, a variety of racial
and ethnic cultures, people who grew up in rural and urban areas,
people who have spent their entire life in the Gaithersburg area,
people new to the Gaithersburg area, individuals, and families. As we
move forward, improving our caring for each other, we need to be
mindful of this diversity to assure that we are reaching out to all
members of our community.
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from
another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of
those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer
Systematically, we want to work as a church family to care for our:
Newborns and babies/Infants and toddlers
Elementary aged children
Junior highs
Senior highs
Young adults - 20/30
Young families
30-60
60-75
75-older
This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list, but a reminder of the
variety of lifecycles that are represented in our Epworth family.
Activities that were suggested as possibilities included:
· Expanding the number of individuals who staff our nursery.
· Checking
in with our current Sunday School team to see how we can better support
their work.
· Ramping up our search for junior and senior high MYF leaders.
· Exploring new Bible study opportunities for young adults.
· Developing a
cadre of people to assist with transporting people to church.
· Developing a cadre of people to assist with home visiting.
Special Events: We are looking for opportunities to support and sponsor
special events. Some of these may be focused on our current Epworth
family while others will include the community at large. The
opportunities are abundant and suggestions ranged from sponsoring a
religious concert a time or two a year to collaborative events with
congregations composed of people from different racial and ethnic
backgrounds and faiths.
We decided it would be appropriate to work within our existing
administrative structure, meaning the committees and task forces that
currently exist, to take on elements of member care and special events.
Each committee / task force has been asked by the Administrative
Council to consider these areas, and come back to the Council with an
action plan.
Do you have a specific idea related to member care or special events?
Is there some aspect of either of these that is exciting to you? Please
share your thoughts with the Stewardship Committee or with anyone on
the Administrative Council.
Staff Parish Relations Committee
"God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we
live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the
house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on
Judgment Day - our standing in the world is identical with Christ's.
There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear.
Since fear is crippling, a fearful life fear of death, fear of judgment
-- is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love -
love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us
first." 1 John 4:16-19, The Message
During the second quarter of the year, the SPRC will
· Begin assessment / evaluation of "ministry areas" and staff;
· Review
legal responsibilities with employed and appointed staff;
· Support the Administrative Council in guiding the congregation
to do no harm, do all the good we can, and stay in love with God.
· Our next meeting is June 15.
The SPRC is excited about supporting the Stewardship Committee and the
Administrative Council in the first initiatives identified in our long
range action plan: to identify ways to improve member care and special
events.
Discussion at our last meeting centered around:
· identifying those members who have not attended church in some
time, contacting them, learning why they don't attend, and addressing
the issue if appropriate;
· developing a method for tracking attendance patterns and
contacting members as soon as they come less than expected;
·
identify those who need transportation and develop a system for meeting
that need;
·
sponsor regular (monthly?) after-church luncheons for fellowship and
occasional study groups or special speakers.
We realize these items are big bites for our one committee to chew and
swallow, so we hope to work with other committees to accomplish these
goals. Please share your thoughts and suggestions with anyone on SPRC,
on Stewardship, or on the Administrative Council.
Remember that the SPRC's mission is: To
manage, support, counsel and advise the Pastor and Staff in their
ministries.
We are here to support all of you in our collective ministry. Please
pray for us as we do our committee's work. Know that we are praying for
you. Let us know what we can do for you.
Sarah
Bazen
Renuka Singh
Jane
Clark
Donna Ray
Curtis
Gainer
Carolyn Skinker
Johnna
Horton
Ellen McAdams
Moorosi
Mokuena
Alexander Keely
Sowing Seeds of Promise
by Evi Melberg, Administrative Secretary
 |
As a member of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church
Secretaries (PAUMCS), I attended the annual conference in Des Moines,
Iowa, April 29 - May 3.
It was a great opportunity to meet with UMC secretaries from across the
United States as well as meet a new friend from the
Baltimore-Washington Conference. |
A special friend was "Beanie" Rankin, Assistant Director of Records and
Statistics at the General Council of Finance and Administration.
"Beanie" will be next year's speaker on "Membership Guidelines."
Cynthia Haralson, Director of Records and Statistics of GCFA is the
liaison to PAUMCS. Cynthia and I shall meet again in July at the UMC
Secretary Certification Conference in Atlanta.
The theme of the Conference was" Sowing Seeds of Promise." Lana Ross,
Executive Director of the Iowa Community Action Association, provided
an interactive presentation about the new and exciting initiatives the
State of Iowa has undertaken to move towards a goal of energy
independence.
The Rev. Pat Watkins from the Virginia Conference covered the Biblical
basis of Christians being in relationship to God's creation. Since
Christians have a mandate to care for creation, how is that being done
in the UMC? We examined the UM Social Principles, General Conference
resolutions regarding creation, and the Women's Division Green Team.
The Rev. J. Denise Honeycutt, also from the Virginia Conference,
presented the Methodist Mission and Mother Earth. And what in the world
does any of this have to do with a UM Church Secretary.
I participated in the business meeting of PAUMCS, in Worship, as well
as enjoyed singing in the choir. What an honor it was to be served
communion by the Bishop of Iowa!
It was also a time to gather information from vendors as InfoServ
(United Methodist Information Service) and to find out about new
programs such as "Rethink Church" and the four areas of focus through a
self-directed online course from UM Communications, as well as a new
website that provides faith communities with low-cost, energy-efficient
products.
The Mission Project of the Conference was the Mobile United Methodist
Missionaries (MUMMS), a mobile rural ministry which takes the Gospel to
areas where there is no church presence.
Thank you to Jane Clark who provided administrative coverage of the office.
What a joy to attend the Conference and I look forward to next year in Orlando!
Christian Education Program News
GREAT IDEAS FOR SUMMER FUN! |
 |
Camp - The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist
Church offers terrific camping options for kids of all ages. Check out
these ways to get more information:
o
Call the Retreat & Camping Ministries Office at 800-922-6795
o
Surf the website: www.bwcumc.orgj camping
Vacation Bible Beach Party - Epworth wants EVERYONE to come join the
summer fun. Vacation Bible isn't just for kids... youth, parents,
seniors and young adults... everyone is invited!
o
Save the date - Sunday, July 19th after the worship service
o
If you have an umbrella, picnic table or tent that you are willing to
loan for an
afternoon, please contact Susan Scholl. Pick up and return
available!
 |
Please take a moment to say "thank you" to the following
people for their service to the Christian Education Program.
They make it possible! |
Sunday School Teachers:
Pre-Kindergarten - Becky Beeler, Susan Oxford
Kindergarten to 2nd Grade - Doug Anderson, Sarah Bazen, Aruna Singh
3rd to 5th Grade - Dave Beeler, Brenda Falk, Melissa Hubert, Moorosi Mokuena
Middle School & High School - Darrell Kelly, Rick Simpson
Also, please thank the following people for their "behind the scenes"
efforts to insure the Sunday School teachers have the materials and
support they need:
Sunday School Superintendent - Cindy Niemiec
Regular Substitute Teachers - Bret Biggers, Debbie Kinch
And don't forget the team that supports our nursery:
Nursery Coordinator - Karen Brooks
Nursery Staff - Sharon Gorenstein, Laurel Martin
And our youth programs:
Junior High UMYF/Service Club - Susan Oxford
Senior High UMYF/ Dinners - Lauren Johnson, Mike & Sarah Jane Skinker, Phillip Utterback
UMYF Dinners - Bryan & Laurel Martin
2009 Goal: $2550
Collected: $3075.03
Many thanks to all who helped promote Heifer and to all who
donated!
We can make a difference!
And... just how much of a difference has Epworth made over the years to
the Heifer Project? Here's a history of what Epworth has collected over
the years for Heifer International:
1994 - $ 440.00
1998 -
$1720.00
2002 -
$3030.00
2006 - $2516.05
1995 - $ 331.47
1999 -
$2400.00
2003 -
$2600.00
2007 - $2313.95
1996 - $ 180.00
2000 -
$2020.00
2004 -
$3482.00
2008 - $2445.08
1997 - $1000.00
2001 -
$2300.00
2005 -
$3700.73
Total - $30,479.28
Assume the following about the Heifer Project:
A cow costs $500
Each cow donated by Heifer has one calf the year after Heifer donates that cow
Half the calves born are female and they each have one calf the following year
Female cows have a total of 3 calves in their lifetime
So how many cows did that add up to in the fourteen years that Epworth
has been giving? Well, we have been able to purchase a total of 60 cows. But those sixty cows had over 115
calves in the last fourteen years. And those calves grew up to
have calves. If each female cow had three calves... by 2009 Epworth
would have contributed 603 cows.
!Wow! We have made a difference!
Back... by popular demand...
.... for kids' summer Sunday School:
We're going to tour the world this summer with our very own Around the World Camp!
Sunday during worship service (after the Children’s Sermon)... all Pre-K through 5th grade are invited!
Be sure to wear casual clothes and corne ready to learn & have fun.
We plan to visit a different country each Sunday from June 28th through
August 30th.
Bring your friends!
... Older students (6th grade+) are welcome to help.
Children's & Youth Summer Sunday School Calendar:
June
14th
Last day of regular Sunday School (Promotion)
June
21st
Nursery & Pre-K
All other children & youth attend worship service
June 28th – August
30th
Nursery
Around the World Camp
Pre-K through 5th Grade
Older Students may help or attend worship service
Sept
6th
Nursery & Pre-K
All other children & youth attend worship service
September
13th
Nursery
Welcome Back Activities for Students / Meeting for Teachers
This web site is designed & maintained
by Epworth OnLine Disciples EOD
Epworth United Methodist Church
9008 Rosemont Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland USA 20877
Last modified June 5, 2009
