THE CARILLON Page 1

March/April 2015

This has been a rough year already for me. We’ve had numerous

disputes in the church, I’ve been working unusually long hours, and, sadly,

much of the time, worship has been an afterthought.

I’m writing this at home at 11:21 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, the day after the

snow and ice fell. This morning I worked until 1, writing the bulletin for the

Covenant Renewal Service, this after working from 8:30-11 p.m. on my Ash

Wednesday sermon. I worked a full day on Monday, Feb. 16, too, spending

much of it – too much, perhaps – on the day school.

This has been a pattern. I was off last week, attending a retirement planning

conference for clergy in Myrtle Beach. As Donna Benken or Jean Thiel could

tell you, I attended seminars all day Monday and Tuesday, and worked until

after midnight both nights on the Transfiguration Sunday service.

Transfiguration Sunday is very meaningful to me, and I didn’t want to miss

the chance to preach that Sunday, so my time off became a working vacation.

In fact, I don’t think I finished that sermon until Friday night.

That’s been a pattern of late, my writing or finishing my sermons on Friday

night, and that’s not good. It’s not good because it doesn’t give me enough

time for my sermon to rest before I go back and review it. It’s also not good

because it points out that I didn’t have enough time Monday-Thursday to

finish my sermon.

This is why I say that worship, for much of the year, has been an afterthought,

and I apologize for that. I’d like to think that I can block out mornings for

nothing but worship prep, and that will be my goal, and with Bible study

starting Monday morning, I’ll have to make sure that I get started good and

early. If that means that I don’t return e-mails or phone calls right away,

please forgive me, but I don’t think I see an upside to this equation. Worship

shouldn’t be an afterthought, and I’m sorry that it has been.

Grace and peace, Ned Alderman

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Pastor’s Page 1

Member News 2

EUMC Book

Club 2

Monthly Card

Shower 3

2015 Leaders 4

Calendars 5

Outreach 6

Upcoming 7

January 1, 2015 THE CARILLON

T h e C a r i l l o n N e w s l e t t e r

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Toni Hildreth 1

Heather Grossman 2

Ruth Hart 3

Lee Ann Looman 5

Jeanne Tomlinson 5

Barry Howlett 6

Rhonda Wahrenburg 7

Charles Hurd 8

Randy Arrington 9

Kasey Cook 9

Gail Locklear 9

Amy Demeter 10

Jennifer Permenter 11

Ed Hurd 13

Tom McNeilan 13

Marilyn Sarko 13

Donna Phaneuf 16

Megan Simms 18

Wendy Holley 19

Jamie Wetherell 19

Carol Evans 25

Ava Jones 28

Ann Gatling 29

Brandi Poort 31

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The Epworth UMC Book Club

Is looking for new members. If you enjoy

reading or would just like to preview a

good book, please come join us.

The book club meets the 4th Tuesday of

each month at 10 am, in the Church Parlor.

Books to be read in March and April:

March 24 - Scarlet Feather

by Maeve Binchy, leader, Ann Long

April 28 - Counting the Ants While the

Elephants March By by Wayne Lavender, leader, Carol Cullen

Theodore Smith III 1

Sandra Ott 4

Alacia Earley 7

Joan Harris 7

Harry Thorbjornsen 10

Jonathan Ramey 15

Peggy Sumner 17

Ronnie Bagwell 18

Lana Ives 18

Ginny Stewart 19

Mark Sumner 20

Parker Bagwell 22

Anna Lee Permenter 22

Bryan Graves 23

Jonathan Ward 24

Parker Anne McBrayer 25

Linwood Tabb III 25

Holly Pennington 27

Tory Demello 28

Cathy Grieve 29

Sverrir Hauksson 29

Cynthia Sarko 29

Marguerite Silverson 30

M ARCH APRIL

DIRECTORY UPDATES:

Mr. Steven Lints Ms. Betty Ridingter 703 Lake Dr., Apt. B 18323 Sontera Pl., #2306 Archdale, NC 27263 San Antonia, TX 78258

Infant Baptisms Charles Alexander David,

Son of Tiffany and Will Drake, Born January 30, 2011 Baptized on January 4, 2015

Come have a

cup of coffee

& check us

out!

Our Christian Sympathy to the family and friends of Rev. Jim Duley, who died on December 19th, at age 88. Rev.

Duley served Epworth from '83-'87 and retired in 1988, and family and friends of Rhonda

Papas who died, December 27, and JoAnn Hunger, who

died December 20, 2015.

January 1, 2015 THE CARILLON

T h e C a r i l l o n N e w s l e t t e r

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H – L send to:

Jackson Burgess

830 Donnington Drive

Chesapeake, VA 23322

John Smeltzer

1010 Collection Creek Way

Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Shirley Brendle

First Colonial Inn

845 First Colonial Road #260

Virginia Beach, 23451

M – Q send to:

VA Jack Sumner

1024 Kempsville Road

Norfolk, VA 23502

Ms. Louise Gwaltney

c/o F.X. Shannon

10 Applewood Drive

Hopewell, N. J. 08525

Mary Lee Lowe

6311 Granby Street, Apt. #209

Norfolk, VA 23505

Marilyn Sarko

432 Bartell Drive

Chesapeake, VA 23452

Make someone’s day special by participating in our monthly

“Card Shower” for members who are either in Health Care facilities or Homebound.

AKA our Missing Angels

A – C send to:

Marguerite Silverson

Beth Shalom Terrace

1049 College Park Blvd.,

The Home Rm. #222

Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Ms. Clara Ellis

Leigh Hall Assisted Living

890 Poplar Hall Drive

Rm. #307

Norfolk, VA 23502

Ruth Hart

7054 Kirby Crescent

Norfolk, VA 23505

D – G send to:

Elinor Edwards

538 Washington Park, Apt. B-1

Norfolk, VA 23517

Ann Gatling

5417 Wesleyan Drive # 204

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Jane Lewis

6311 Granby Street, Apt. #221

Norfolk, VA 23505

R – Z send to:

Mary Banks

Madison House

25 Monroe Street, S. E., #307

Leesburg, VA 20175

Dorothy Whitfield

604 Burleigh Avenue

Norfolk, VA 23505-3306

Lois Davenport

6311 Granby Street, Apt. #413

Norfolk, VA 23505

"ASH WEDNESDAY"

The "Ash Wednesday" service is all about repentance:

Its solemnity-------clothed in "black-robed" attire-----

leads us into reflective thinking,

begging us to search within ourselves for the condition

of our conscience;

And bringing us to the realization that sin has stained it.

So, we are compelled to confession,

asking Him to forgive us;

And He restores us------------------

to a clearness that reveals to us His transparency;

And we are ready to start anew!

Welcome to our newest Members: Ms. Kate Gillette 411 Granby Street Apt. #12 Norfolk VA 23510 (804) 314-1495 Ms. Dorothy Payne One Colley Ave., Apt #502 Norfolk VA 23510 (757) 962-8505

January 1, 2015 THE CARILLON

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As we approach the season of Lent and we reflect on the many unearned blessings we have received through

the sacrifice of our Savior; may we, in turn, be mindful of the needs of those around us. Certainly, at

Epworth, the hearts of the people have shown a beautiful generosity of spirit and love for our less fortunate

brothers and sisters. For Undies Sunday in January, Epworth gave 220 items of socks and underwear in

response to a sudden and desperate plea from Ghent Area Ministries. For the Souper Bowl of Caring from

February 1st through February 8th, 70 cans of soup and other canned goods were donated to feed the hungry.

For Holy Chow on February 2nd

, 18 people came out on a chilly, rainy evening to share food and fellowship

and to hear the Chairman of the Board of Heart Havens speak. Read about the origin of Heart Havens and

you will learn how one person who is determined to make a difference can energize others and change so

many lives. Bishop Cho of the Virginia Conference has declared February to be Heart Havens Month. So,

on February 22nd

, let’s give a warm Epworth welcome to a guest speaker from Heart Havens during our

combined Sunday school class at 10:00 am. .

For Lent, we will again receive the Lenten devotionals and coin boxes from the Society of St Andrew. Let

us commit to a daily time of study, reflection, prayer and giving. These 40 days, which symbolize Christ’s

40 days in the wilderness before His ministry began, are days when we can pursue what is eternal and not

simply be caught in the whirlwind of temporal matters. Take some time to consider your life and where you

were in your spiritual journey a year ago. May this be a wonderful season of growth and renewal.

On the following page, you will see a survey from the Outreach committee. We would so appreciate your

response. As we plan projects for 2015, we have ideas of what we think is important; but then we realized

that we represent the church. We are a church full of bright, intelligent members who have wonderful ideas

to contribute to Outreach. We have sought God’s direction and guidance and that has led us to ask you, the

people of Epworth, what you would like to see our church doing in the community. Epworth has a

wonderful history; but we are making history today. This will be the history for the next generation. Our

dream is that when the community thinks about our church, they not only think of our beautiful building,

but they also think of the beautiful spirit of love this church has for the people of Norfolk and Tidewater.

In closing, I would like to recognize some very dedicated members and friends of Epworth who quietly give

of their time and the use of their automobiles to bring meals to those who can no longer prepare food for

themselves. Every month under the coordination of Ann Long, these people deliver Mobile Meals: Vivian

Rogers, Faye Joseph, Lee Ann Looman, Harmon Long, Ann Long, Bonnie Bill, Joanne Harkins, Jackie

Fulcher, Jeannie Tomlinson, Carol Cullen and Ann Gatling. Thank you.

May God continue to bless our efforts in 2015.

Mary Baker, Chair, Faye Joseph, Ann Gatling, Ann Long,

Donna Benken, Mary Lee Howlett, Vivian Rogers, and Kate Gillette

Sharing God’s Love

January 1, 2015 THE CARILLON

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OUTREACH COMMITTEE SURVEY

The Outreach Committee is the mission and ministry of Epworth. According to the United Methodist

Book of Discipline, it states that "The outreach ministries of the church shall give attention to local and

larger community ministries of compassion, justice, and advocacy. These ministries include church and

society, global ministries, higher education and campus ministry, health and welfare, Christian unity and

interreligious concerns, religion and race, and the status and role of women." In that regard, the

outreach committee is asking for your help in determining what areas we should place our focus by

completing the following survey:

Community Involvement: such as hosting PrimePlus dinners, chamber music concerts, organ

concerts, bible/book studies, outside speakers, Christmas open house, Movie nights, etc.

Please list your suggestions:___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Mission Projects: such as Undies Sunday, Souper Bowl Sunday, Heart Havens, UMCOR, All

God's Children Camp, UMFS, Red Bird, Ghent Area Ministries, Chaplain prison ministry, etc.

Please list your suggestions:___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nurture/Member Care: such as seasonal goody bags, visits to the Missing Angels, etc.

Please list your suggestions:___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Please place completed survey in Sunday's offering plate, or mail to the church office at

124 W. Freemason Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY.

January 1, 2015 THE CARILLON

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EDS & Church Offices will be closed Friday, & Monday, April 3rd, and 6th, respectively, in observance of Easter.

† Palm Sunday - March 29, @ 11 am

† Maundy Thursday - April 2, @ 6 pm

† Good Friday - April 3, @ 6 pm

† Easter Sunday - April 5, @ 11 am

Outreach: Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m.

Church Council: Monday, March 9, 6 pm

EDS Board: Monday, March 23, 5:30 pm

Trustees: Tuesday, March 24, 6 pm

Outreach: Saturday, April 4, 10 am

Finance: Tuesday, April 14, 6 pm

Church Council: Monday, April, 20, 6 pm

EDS Board: Monday, April 27, 5:30 pm

Trustees: Tuesday, April 28, 6 pm

,

MARCH COMMITTEE MEETINGS

APRIL COMMITEE MEETINGS

The Carillon Newsletter is published bi-monthly.

Articles for the MAY/JUNE Carillon Newsletter are due no later than

April 20th.

January 1, 2015 THE CARILLON

T h e C a r i l l o n N e w s l e t t e r

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FFLLOOWWEERRSS FFOORR TTHHEE EEAASSTTEERR CCRROOSSSS

Don’t forget to bring in your flowers on Easter Sunday, April 5th, to place

on the cross

Palm Cross Workshop

Saturday, March 28,

@ 10 am,

in the church social hall.

Bring your scissors & creativity!

No cross will be turned down

or too heavy to bear!

HHoollyy CChhooww!! MMoonnddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 22nndd,, aatt 66::0000 pp..mm..,, iinn tthhee CChhuurrcchh SSoocciiaall

HHaallll,, hhoosstteedd bbyy tthhee WWeesslleeyymmeenn..

MMaarrcchh''ss tthheemmee wwiillll bbee

""SStt.. PPaaddddyy''ss FFaarree"" Please follow these guidelines when preparing your dish:

A-G: Entree

H-L: Fruit/Dessert/Bread

M-Z: Veggie/Soup/Salad

Upcoming Lay Training Events:

* “How to Reach New People” March 14-15 at Virginia Wesleyan College, conducted by Jim

Griffiths . This event is sponsored by the Virginia Annual Conference and the Elizabeth River

District UMC. Pre-registration is required. Flyer is available. Please call Ellen in the Elizabeth

River District Office, 757-473-1592 or email eclements@elizabethriverdistrict.org.

* Bishop‘s Convocation on Prayer March 21 at Trinity UMC in Richmond. Both laity and clergy

are invited to attend. Registration Cost: $10 – includes lunch Register at www.vaumc.org

Deadline to register is March 16. The Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey, Director of Missional Church

Initiatives in the West Ohio Conference UMC, will be the plenary speaker. There will also be

small group learning opportunities in the areas of prayer and Wesleyan spiritual disciplines.

EASTER LILIES

You are invited to place an Easter lily in the Sanctuary for Easter Sunday. Please submit your check payable to Epworth UMC and mark it “Easter Flowers.” Deadline for order is Weds., March 25.

Please place: _______ 6” Lily(ies) In honor of/memory of (circle one)

-----------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------- GIVEN BY:

----------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------

___ Please take my Easter Lily(ies) to an Epworth shut-in or sick member. (tax deductible) $10.00 ea.

___ I will pick up my Easter Lily(ies). (non tax deductible) $10.00 ea.

Paid: _____ Ck# ____________

(please cut out & mail to Epworth UMC,

124 W. Freemason Street, Norfolk, VA

23510, or place in the offering plate.)

Thursday March 26th, and

Thursday, April 23rd, at 10 am.

Please contact the church office for more information or to

volunteer.

January 1, 2015 THE CARILLON

T h e C a r i l l o n N e w s l e t t e r

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If you would like to receive The Carillon via e-mail, please send your request to

epworth@epworthva.org

Easter Sunday Service April 5 @ 11:00 a.m.

Epworth United Methodist Church 124 W. Freemason Street Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-2970 Email: epworth@epworthva.org website: www.epworthva.org Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

P A I D

Norfolk, VA Permit No. 2461

Epworth is now on Facebook

Like us on our facebook page at:

www.facebook.com/epworthumc124

Church Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday 9 am-3:15 pm

Effective January 1st.