NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #141

COLUMBUS, GA 31904

Epworth connects and equipsall kinds of people

to seek, serve, and share Christ.

This Coming WeekSunday, November 22, 2015 9:00 AM Contemporary Service 10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Spaghetti Lunch11:00 AM Traditional Service12:00 AM Spaghetti LunchMonday, November 23, 2015 8:15 AM Youth Breakfast 9:00 AM Youth @ WNNTuesday, November 24, 2015 6:30 PM Choir Practice 7:00 PM Reachers UMW MeetingWednesday, November 25, 201512:00 PM Prayer Team MeetingThursday, November 26, 201512:00 PM Thanksgiving Lunch

Thursday-Friday, November 26-27, 2015Office Closed Sunday, November 29, 2015 9:00 AM Contemporary Service 10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Traditional Service 6:00 PM Church Council MeetingUpComing evenTsTuesday, December 1, 201510:30 AM HIS Group UMW Meeting 6:30 PM Youth Bible StudyThursday, December 3, 2015 6:30 PM District Charge Conference @ South Columbus UMCThursday, December 10, 201512:00 PM Vintage Group Meeting 6:30 PM Choir Practice

November 22, 2015

The sanctuary flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of

Linda Phillips’ Birthday by Jack Phillips.

So You Are a King?

Today’s reality television never ceases to amaze. One of the most recent creations in this ever-expanding genre is a show called “Suddenly Royal” that has been airing on the TLC network. The show chronicles the attempt of David Drew Howe and his family to reclaim the throne of the Isle of Mann (a UK territory, if I am not mistaken) after discovering he is a genetic descendent of the last royal family to hold power. As you can imagine, some of his interactions with the people on the island have been comical (to say the least) and he has not swept in and taken power just yet. But his approach is fascinating. He is trying to get to know folks individually and in small groups hoping that one day he might be hailed as the king of this island. You might find it fascinating that we are taking a look at a passion story narrative this Sunday. Suddenly, right at the end of the liturgical year and on the threshold of Advent, we are placed in Pontius Pilate’s courtyard to overhear this interaction between Pilate and Christ as they discuss Christ’s status as a king. Pilate asks Jesus directly about his kingship. The conversation gets complicated. Although the scripture doesn’t indicate it as such (and where is that sarcasm font when I need it?), I believe Pilate’s question to Jesus, “so you are a king?” is dripping with contempt and scorn. Pilate knows he is in charge of the situation at hand, but I believe Pilate somehow has a sense that the man with whom he is conversing somehow has the greater power. Even in some way we do not understand, Jesus is somehow even Lord of this situation and Pilate’s sentence of death for Christ ultimately leads to Jesus’s kingship over all things. Oh, the irony! None of us will probably ever understand what it is like to try to lay a claim to the throne of a small nation. But we do try to claim the throne of our own hearts. We want to rule everything we can. All of us tend to look into the mystery of Christ and say “so you are a king?” as we try to maintain control of our lives. But as we profess our faith in Christ, Jesus looks back at us and is still saying to us the same thing he said to Pilate all those years ago:

“You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” -John 18:37b

In Christ,

2400 Devonshire Drive • Columbus, GA 31904

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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

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

Church Website: epworthumc.comChurch (706) 322-6973

sUnday sChool aT 10:00 amTHE CHILDREN’S CLASSES Kindergarten - 2nd Grd.: Kelly Conkle 3rd - 5th Grd.: Becky SpencerYouth Helper: Bret Vinson

THE FRIENDSHIP CLASS Study: Thessalonica, Berdea and Athens Teacher: Class

THE JOY CLASS Study: Devotional Teacher: Andrea Carbaugh

THE NATHAN PATTERSON/WESLEY CLASS Study: John 4 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. 25 Teacher: Shaun Jandreau

THE QUESTORS CLASS Study: Class Discussion Teacher: Class

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

Those Who serve sUnday, november 22, 20159:00 AM Worship Service: Greeter: Mary Lee Crews Ushers: Shawn Jandreau & Steve Sawyer Acolyte: Usher Children’s Church: Anne Wilson11:00 AM Worship Service: Greeter: Suzy Revell Usher: Walter Champagne, James Faircloth Acolyte: Ema Cheraisi, Emma Knight Children’s Church: Kelley Conkle Nursery Volunteer: Kelli & Stacey McManusFinancial Secretary: Carson RevellTurn Key: Needed

oUr sTeWardshipNovember 8, 2015

Tithes & Offering: $4,951.00Received To Date: $249,920.20

NEW BUILDING/MAINTENANCEReceived This Week: $300

ATTENDANCESunday School: 78 Worship: 9:00 AM 42 11:00 AM 89Total 131

yoUTh & ChildrenYouth Volunteering at Wynnton Neighborhood Network - Monday, November 23, handing out food bags for Thanksgiving, from 9 AM - 12:30 PM. We will meet at the church to eat breakfast at 8:15 AM.Youth Bible Study - No study on Tuesday, November 24. Next study, Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 PM, in the Youth Room. Each week features fellowship, an awesome game and a look into Biblical answers to life’s questions. Parents Night Out - Friday, December 11, from 6 - 10 PM. More info to follow.

pasToral CoUnselingpasToral insTiTUTe

Our church is partnered with the Pastoral Institute to offer our people counseling at deep discounts and priority scheduling. This service is such a help to families and individuals. Call the church for more information or give our church name when scheduling an appointment at (706-649-6500). The Pastoral Institute is located at 2022-15th Ave., Columbus. Hours are Monday - Thursday, 8 AM - 9 PM, Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM.

WhaT’s happeningChurch-wide Luncheon - Sunday, November 22, at 11 AM and 12 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up for lunch reservations on the information board by Friday, November 20. Menu: Spaghetti, bread, salad and dessert. Donations appreciated. Sponsored by the UMM.Choir Practice - has been moved to Tuesday, Novemer 24, 6:30 PM, for Thanksgiving week.Reachers UMW Meeting - Tuesday, November 24, at 7 PM, in the Questors classroom.Church-wide Thanksgiving Lunch - Thursday, November 26, at noon, in the Fellowship Hall. We need to know what size turkey to buy, so sign up on the Information Board and bring your favorite covered dish to share. Sponsored by the Seekers Class.Office Closed - Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27 for Thanksgiving. Cluster Charge Conference - Thursday, December 3, at 6:30 PM, at South Columbus UMC, 1213 Benning Drive.Christmas Poinsettias - Sign up on the Information Board by Sunday, December 6, to purchase a red poinsettia for $8 each in memory or honor of a loved one. The plants will be placed in the sanctuary through Christmas Eve. You are encouraged to pick up your poinsettias after one of the services.Friendship Class Christmas Party - Sunday, December 6, at 6 PM, at the Knox’s home. We will play Dirty Santa. RSVP to Carolyn Knox.2016 Flower Calendar - is on the Library door to purchase Sanctuary flowers in honor or memory of someone in 2016. Each Sunday arrangement is $50.memorials& honoraria

Given to the General Fund in memory of Miriam Watford by Bobby & Callie Clark.

missionsMedical Equipment Needed - Epworth collects medical equipment as a mission for Epworth folks who may be in need of such items. If you have any medical supplies, such as, canes, walkers, potty chairs, shower chairs and wheelchairs, that you no longer use, please drop them off at the church. Mission for Open Door Showering Program Please save the unopened toiletries from hotels from your travels this year and place them in the blue tub on top of the Mission Cart. The is a vital mission.Clothing Our Neighbors at Rose Hill - We are collecting fall/winter men’s, women’s and children’s clothing - all sizes - for the Clothing Bank at Rose Hill UMC. Men’s clothing, especially size small, is very much in need. Place items in the bin in the New Storage Room. The clothing bank is in need of volunteers. Groups or individuals are welcome. If interested, contact Joe Morrow at 706-332-9314.Bench Project from Recycled Plastic - Collect clean and free of metal caps and lids. Place them in the container on the Mission Cart. Open Door Community House - “Sharing Christmas” in December for needy children in the Columbus area. They are the only agency in the Columbus area that includes teens up to age 17. Wish List suggestions: Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Perfume/Cologne, Nail Polish/Nail Polish sets, Manicure sets, Ties, Watches (Male and Female), Sports Equipment (Basketballs, Footballs, Soccer balls), Outdoor games, Purses, Socks, Ball caps, Ear phones, Body lotion, Beauty products, $10 gift cards to Walmart or Target. For a complete list, see the Information pamphlet center for copies. Deadline to donate, Friday, December 11.

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 Fred Scanling Deborah Cooper Buddy Dunn Barbara Watson 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 Linda Lee’s Family Marilyn Buck Danny Chidester Amanda Davenport Tyrone Mims Stephanie Bryan Glen Horace Daniel Billy Dean FairclothRalph & Sandy McGough Bill & Pat Waldo Dotty Baker Billy & Judy Dunn Henry Dunn/Job Clyde Hutto Robin Grantham

Nursing Homes/Homebound Asheville, NC - Susan Squiers Holly Hills, FL - Bertha Carter Brookdale - Anne Whitehurst Oxton Place - Doris Toney, Cammie Van Over, Covenant Woods - Bettie Davis, Bob Wait

Nelle Lloyd Wesley Glen (Byron, GA) - Nancy Hiller Gardens at Calvary - Linda Coleman, Bob Nellums, Doris Sawyer

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.

Name of Giver: ________________________________________________

In Memory of: ________________________________________________

In Memory of: ________________________________________________

In Honor of: ________________________________________________

In Honor of: ________________________________________________

Love Lights for Loved OnesOn November 29, we will celebrate Love Light Sunday in our worship services. On that day, we will have the traditional lighting of the love light tree, as we remember and honor our loved ones. This tradition coincides with the start of the season of Advent, as we prepare for God’s gift to us at Christmas. For a $5 donation, a white light can be turned on in memory of a loved one. One light may also be turned on for a couple, such as a set of parents. Complete the form below to purchase a Love Light. Submit it, along with a $5 gift for each name to be listed, in the offering plate or deliver them to the church office by Monday, November 23. Love Light contributions this year are being combined with a Christmas Offering to serve our Neighbors in the month of December. Our Missions Committee has selected four of our partners in ministry to receive our offering this year:Open Door Community House - started out of the Hamp Stevens Methodist church in

1935, still serving children and women with great love.Brown Bag of Columbus - provides groceries to low-income elderly

individuals in Columbus and Phenix City.Rose Hill UMC - provides meals, clothes and shares the gospel with those in need

within the community.Wynnton Neighborhood Network - an interfaith network of congregations that offer

a food bank and some assistance with utility expenses.

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:_________________________