NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #141

COLUMBUS, GA 31904

Our ChurCh StaffChildren’s Summer Intern 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

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

Church Website: epworthumc.com

Epworth connects and equipsall kinds of people

to seek, serve, and share Christ.

thiS COming WeekSunday, August 9, 2015Blessing of Backpacks @ both services 9:00 AM Contemporary Service 10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Traditional Service 5:00 PM Back-to-School BashMonday, August 10, 2015 6:30 PM New Life UMW MeetingTuesday, August 11, 201510:30 AM GRSA Meeting 6:00 PM Youth Bible Study

Wednesday,August 12, 201512:00 PM Prayer Team Meeting 6:15 PM Praise Practice 7:00 PM Choir PracticeThursday, August 13, 2015 6:00 PM Vintage Group CookoutSunday, August 16, 2015 9:00 AM Contemporary Service 10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Traditional Service 5:00 PM Orange Council Meeting

The sanctuary flowers are given to theGlory of God and in honor of Helen Pharris’

birthday by Steve & Lyn Pharris.

EpworthUnited Methodist Church2400 Devonshire Drive Columbus, Georgia 31904 706-322-6973

EpworthUnited Methodist Church

Why Bless the Backpacks? The announcement came over the loudspeakers at the big box retailer last Saturday night. “All tax free purchases must be made by midnight. I repeat: all tax free purchases must be completed by midnight.” So, you may be able to discern from this that I was in the store very late on Saturday night trying to take advantage of a little tax break on school supplies and some back to school threads. In fact, we spent the better part of our day on Saturday shopping. And I don’t like to shop. By the time we got all of the new clothes, blank paper, three-ring binders, folders, dividers, markers, pencils, and all the other stuff into the house, we were all pretty weary. Several items were “heavily shopped” and we weren’t able to complete our purchases until today (Monday) at another store. Finally, as of tonight, we have most of the things we need stuffed into the backpack. I don’t know where the textbooks are going to go! The backpacks will carry so many things this coming school year. They will carry the work of learning to and from the school each day. Many things will go into and out of those bags--completed school assignments, notes from the teacher, school pictures, textbooks, lunches, snacks, and more. Sweaty gym clothes will share the same space as the creative writing homework. Winter gloves will be stuffed in the same pockets that might later hold batting gloves. These backpacks will be the bearers of the stuff of learning and living. They will be by-the-side companions of all of our students as they go to and from school and all of the activities they will participate in after school. They will be there when they are overjoyed at the passed test. They will be there when they cry over not making the cut for the team. They will be beside them when they make their best friends and they will be beside them when they experience the hurtful words of the bully. These bags will sometimes hold the treasures of success. Sometimes, they will carry the marks of failure. But, through it all, they’ll pick the bag up again the next day, and do it all over again. God will be there. We will be there. In the act of blessing these backpacks, our prayer is that these bags will serve as a constant reminder to our students that God is on their side and so are we. In Christ,Tony

August 9, 2015

Sunday SChOOl at 10:00 am

THE CHILDREN’S CLASSES Kindergarten - 2nd Grd.: Kathryn Hargrove 3rd - 5th Grd.: Margaret Gosden

THE FRIENDSHIP CLASS Study: A Chance to be Just Teacher: Becky Britton

THE JOY CLASS Study: Revival Teacher: Glenn Griffin

THE NATHAN PATTERSON/WESLEY CLASS Study: Matthew Ch. 23 Teacher: Bobby Smith

THE NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS Study: You Can Get Bitter or Better! Teacher: Leslie Morris/Melonie Phillips

THE “NO NAME” CLASS Study: God is Just Not Fair - Ch. 10 Teacher: Ron Sawyer

THE QUESTORS CLASS Study: Genesis Teacher: Rev. Tim Paulk

THE SEEKERS CLASS Study: Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body Teacher: Class

thOSe WhO SerVe Sunday, auguSt 9, 2015

9:00 AM Worship Service: Greeter: Barbara Stubbs Ushers: Randy Morris Acolyte: Natalie Crosby Children’s Church: Jeanne Guilbeault11:00 AM Worship Service: Greeter: Lillian Wooldridge Usher: Steve Whittington Acolyte: Ema Cheraisi, Natalie Crosby

Children’s Church: Janet Cheraisi Nursery Volunteer: Vicky GriffinFinancial Secretary: Shawn JandreauTurn Key: John Daniel

Our SteWardShipAugust 2, 2015

Tithes & Offering: $11,678.00Received To Date: $210,211.30 NEW BUILDING/MAINTENANCEReceived This Week: $155

ATTENDANCESunday School: 79 Worship: 9:00 AM 46 11:00 AM 103Total 149

What’S happeningPathways to Discipleship - Saturday, August 8, registration begins at 9:30 AM, in Warner Robins at Trinity UMC. To car pool, contact Tony by email at tony@epworthumc.com or call the church office.New Life UMW Meeting - Monday, August 10, at 6:30 PM, at the church and the hostess is Ann Flynn.Are you 55 or older? The Vintage Group is inviting you to a COOKOUT in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, August 13, at 6:00 PM. You do not need to bring “OFF” because we will be inside with the AC! You do not need to bring any food because we will have the hamburgers and hotdogs ready for you! YOU must sign-up to attend on the sheet on the Information board in the foyer. The Vintage Group = Food, Fun, Fellowship!Growing Christians UMW Meeting - Tuesday, August 18, meal at 6:30 PM; meeting at 7 PM. We will study Chapter 3 of “Just Choose Happiness” in the Fellowship Hall. If anyone is interested in joining this group, contact Becky Britton. UMW Upcoming District Events - Contact Becky Britton or Lillian Wooldridge if you are interested in attending: Saturday, August 22, Mission Study - Latin America. Registration at 9:30 AM, study from 10 AM - 2 PM. Bring a sack lunch (drinks and dessert will be provided). Study will be at M. L. Harris UMC, and the leader is Rev. Diane Shedd. Saturday, September 26, Northwest District Annual Meeting. Registration at 9:30 AM, meeting at 10 AM, at St. Luke UMC and the speaker is Dr. Sandi Hortman.Epworth Shirts - Only a few 2015 Epworth T-shirts are left. They are on sale for $8 in the WWC. Sizes available: Adult L, M and S and Youth XL and M.

yOuth & ChildrenYouth Bible Study - Tuesday on August 11, at 6 PM. Invite and bring a friend!Blessing of the Backpacks - School age children/youth, bring your backpacks, with supplies, to either the 9 or 11 AM services to be blessed on Sunday, August 9.

Birth annOunCementSCongratulations to Emily & Matt Green on the birth of their daughter, Madelyn Jo, born on July 20, 8 lbs and 7 ozs. Grandparents are Ann & Joe Flynn and great-grandmother, Bettie Davis.

thank yOuThank you for the prayers, calls, cards and beautiful expressions of compassion and caring during the days of illness and passing of my mother, Bobbie Brown. The support of our church family has been a source of comfort and strength. With love and appreciation, Debra & James Johnson and family.

miSSiOnSAugust Mission Focus - Wynnton Neighborhood Network. Items needed are canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned meat, canned tomato products, mac & cheese, spaghetti sauce & noodles, jelly, peanut butter, soup, toilet paper, bar soap, and laundry detergent (pods only). Monetary donations are always appreciated. Our goal this month is 250 items. Tree of Life Memorial - Memorials can be made for members of the Epworth UM or Hamp Stevens UM churches. Fill out a form and return it with your gift made out to Epworth UMC. The minimum donation for an engraved leaf is $50. Forms are located in the Information rack in the foyer, on the website included in the online bulletin or under “Donate Now,” then go to “Tree of Life.”Clothing Our Neighbors at Rose Hill - We are collecting summer men’s, women’s and children’s clothing - all sizes - for the Clothing Bank at Rose Hill UMC. Place items in the bin in the New Storage Room. Currently, Rose Hill has a great need for men’s clothing.Mission for Open Door Showering Program As you and your family travel this summer or anytime, please save the unopened toiletries from hotels and place them in the blue tub on top of the Mission Cart. The is a vital mission for Open Door.

memOrialSGiven to the Children’s Fund in memory of Bobbie Brown by Doug & Suzy Revell and Steve Sawyer.

Given to Feeding Our Neighbors in memory of Bobbie Brown by Becky Britton, Sandra Burns and Robert & Maxine Willis

Given to the General Fund in memory of Bobbie Brown by Jack & Carol Osteen.

epWOrth prayer liStChurch FamilyKristi Miller Blount King Gladys Plant Trudy Harris Vanessa DeSoto Aaron Jackson Thrower Family Andrea Carbaugh Sibyl Wells Jack Osteen Jan Shackleford Helen PharrisFred & Emilie Carswell Donny Davis Keri McElvey Linda Coleman

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 Joel Barrett Bill Hortmann Willie Ryles Judy Patterson Brian Tench Shirley Mann Cassie Prochaska Billy Hill Priscilla Eller Kim JordanDorothy Ogg Susan Simpson Elaine Miller Bruce Chapman Linda Lee’s Family Marilyn Buck Danny Chidester Amanda Davenport Marian Young Tyrone Mims Stephanie Bryan Glen Horace Daniel Ralph & Sandy McGough Robert Nelson Bill & Pat Waldo Mike McAfee James Eldridge & Family Lisa VanAuken Shannon Pace Charlie Rolling

Homebound Asheville, NC - Susan Squiers Morningside - Alta Kimbrough Covenant Woods - Bettie Davis, Nelle Lloyd Summer’s Landing - Doris Toney, Cammie Van Over, Gardens at Calvary - Bob Nellums, Doris Sawyer, Bob Wait Linda Coleman Wesley Glen (Byron, GA) - Nancy HillerHolly Hills, FL - Bertha Carter

Due to changes in privacy laws, hospitals have restricted or eliminated a list of patients by church affiliation. Please help us minister to you effectively by calling the

church office at 706-322-6973 about yourself or a family member.

Updating Prayer List: If anyone on the prayer list needs to be removed or added, pleasecall or email the church office or leave a note with updates. Thank you for your help.

epWOrth prayer liStChurch FamilyKristi Miller Blount King Gladys Plant Trudy Harris Vanessa DeSoto Aaron Jackson Thrower Family Andrea Carbaugh Sibyl Wells Jack Osteen Jan Shackleford Helen PharrisFred & Emilie Carswell Donny Davis Keri McElvey Linda Coleman

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 Joel Barrett Bill Hortmann Willie Ryles Judy Patterson Brian Tench Shirley Mann Cassie Prochaska Billy Hill Priscilla Eller Kim JordanDorothy Ogg Susan Simpson Elaine Miller Bruce Chapman Linda Lee’s Family Marilyn Buck Danny Chidester Amanda Davenport Marian Young Tyrone Mims Stephanie Bryan Glen Horace Daniel Ralph & Sandy McGough Robert Nelson Bill & Pat Waldo Mike McAfee James Eldridge & Family Lisa VanAuken Shannon Pace Charlie Rolling

Homebound Asheville, NC - Susan Squiers Morningside - Alta Kimbrough Covenant Woods - Bettie Davis, Nelle Lloyd Summer’s Landing - Doris Toney, Cammie Van Over, Gardens at Calvary - Bob Nellums, Doris Sawyer, Bob Wait Linda Coleman Wesley Glen (Byron, GA) - Nancy HillerHolly Hills, FL - Bertha Carter

Due to changes in privacy laws, hospitals have restricted or eliminated a list of patients by church affiliation. Please help us minister to you effectively by calling the

church office at 706-322-6973 about yourself or a family member.

Updating Prayer List: If anyone on the prayer list needs to be removed or added, pleasecall or email the church office or leave a note with updates. Thank you for your help.

tree of life memorial for epworth umC and hamp Stevens umC

given by the friendship Class in memory of Jean f. morriswhose generosity and caring spirit made this world a better place

You may remember a family member or friend, now deceased, on the lasting Tree of Life Memorial that will grace the entrance of our Sanctuary. Consider commemorating their life with a leaf placed on this handcrafted piece of art.

Memorials can be made for members of the Epworth United Methodist or Hamp Stevens United Methodist churches. Initiated by the Friendship Sunday School to honor Jean’s life, it is carried forward by Epworth’s Board of Trustees.

Complete the section below and return it with your gift made out to Epworth UMC. With limited space, we will only be able to include names on the leaf-no other messages. The minimum donation for an engraved leaf is $50.

Name of Donor: _______________________________________Address: _______________________________________Phone Number: _______________________________________Email Address: _______________________________________Donation Amount: _______________________________________Names to be Engraved: 5 rows of up to approximately 12 characters on each row

SAMPLE

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Sebastian Williamson

Jim & JeanWilliamson& Family

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:_________________________