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Epworth
Matters
...and You Matter to Epworth
Epworth
United Methodist Church
Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
October 2008
Table of contents
From the Pastor
Deadline for the November 2008 Epworth Matters - October 15
October Lectionary Readings and Worship Schedule
In the Mailbag
2008 Charge Conference -- Names for Removal from Epworth Rolls
Christian Outreach Committee
Usher Training Rescheduled
United Methodist Women
2008 Advent Meditations Booklet
Altar Flowers
Staff Parish Relations Committee
Hearts and Hands
Contemporary Praise and Worship
The Slot Machines Referendum
Maryland State Board of Elections Voter Registration
Election Judges Urgently Needed
Christian Education Program News
From the Pastor
Greetings to each of you,
We begin the month of October with the celebration of
World Communion Sunday. In 1940, the Federal Council of Churches of
Christ in America established Worldwide Communion Sunday as a global,
interdenominational event. Prompted by World War II, the Methodist
Church received an offering on this Sunday for the Fellowship of
Suffering and Service. It also aided the work of the Methodist
Committee on Overseas Relief, now the United Methodist Committee on
Relief.
In 1971, the United Methodist Church changed the name of
the observance to World Communion Sunday. The offering began to support
scholarship programs. The recipients of the offering now include
Crusade scholarships for international and U.S. racial and ethnic
minority students.
On this special Sunday, we are called to support our world
community in our special offering and to celebrate our oneness as God's
church in the world. Our worship service will include God's Word in
different languages, music and a coming to the Gospel Feast partaking
of one loaf and one cup. The Multicultural Task Force will sponsor a
luncheon following the service where we can celebrate our diversity in
a common meal. Let's be enriched in our calling to be one body, God's
Church, on this time of gathering and sharing.
Our global connectedness will continue on the following
Sunday, October 12, where we will celebrate our fourth Children's
Sabbath. The Children's Sabbath is a Sunday that unites religious
congregations of all faiths across the nation in common concern for
children and common commitment to improving their lives and working for
justice on their behalf. Our children will be included in preparing and
celebrating this service of Worship.
We will be invited to contribute to the crucial work of
the Children's Defense Fund, which provides a strong effective voice
for all the children of America. Special attention is paid to the needs
of poor and minority children and those with disabilities.
The Children's Defense Fund encourages preventive
investment for our children before they get sick, into trouble, drop
out of school, and suffer from neglect, poverty, and prejudice. A
nation that lets its children be the poorest citizens has at its heart
a spiritual and ethical crisis. As a part of the religious community,
we can join with persons of many faiths to surround our children with
love and a chance for a better life.
Our children will lead us in expanding our gifts for all
God's children by moving into a collection for UNICEF with Trick or
Treat for UNICEF at the end of the month. Children from more that 150
countries are assisted by UNICEF's amazing work. UNICEF provides
vaccines, vitamins, antibiotics, basic nutrition and education to the
most vulnerable of our children throughout the world. How wonderful to
have the children of our church provide ministry to other children of
need within our own country and throughout the world!
Let us be led by our children in the wonderful
opportunities for caring as God's people. May we be enriched by our
special focus on our call to be world citizens, disciples to all God's
world in this month of many ministry opportunities.
God's blessings on
each of you,
Pastor McCurdy
Deadline for the November 2008 Issue of Epworth Matters
October 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 October 15 will appear in the next issue.
The November Issue of Epworth Matters will be assembled
on Thursday, October 30. Volunteers, please mark your calendars.
October Lectionary Readings and Worship Schedule...
Let us prepare weekly for our worship together by studying God's Word in advance of the service.
October 5 21st Sunday after Pentecost/World Communion Sunday
Old
Testament
Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 19–20
Book of Psalms Psalm 19
Epistle
Lesson
Philippians 3:4b–14
Gospel
Matthew 21:33–46
Seasonal Color Green
Communion Color White
Music
Chancel Choir
October 12
22nd Sunday after Pentecost/ Children’s Sabbath
Old Testament Exodus 32:1–14
Book of Psalms Psalm106:1–6, 19–23
Epistle Lesson Philippians 4:1–9
Gospel
Matthew 22:1–14
Seasonal Color Green
Music
Children’s & Youth Choirs and Chimers
October
19
23rd Sunday after Pentecost / Laity Sunday
Old Testament Exodus 33, 12–23
Book of Psalms Psalm 99
Epistle Lesson I Thessalonians 1:1-10
Gospel
Matthew 22:15–22
Seasonal Color Green
Music
Chancel Choir
October
26
24th Sunday after Pentecost / Reformation Sunday
Old Testament Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Book of Psalms Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
Epistle
Lesson
I Thessalonians 2:1–8
Gospel
Matthew 22:34–46
Seasonal Color Green
Music
Chancel Choir
In the Mailbag
Epworth Friends,
Rosemont Elementary wants to thank you for the wonderful school
supplies you donated. The staff and students are putting them to good
use already. By providing these items, you are supporting learning at
Rosemont. We are very fortunate to have this outreach. Thanks again
from the Rosemont Staff and Families.
Vicki Bohrer Conner
Parent/Community Outreach
Rosemont Elementary
2008 Charge Conference ... Names for Removal from Epworth Rolls
A list of names has been developed that will be submitted
to the 2008 Charge Conference for removal from Epworth's membership
rolls. The list may be reviewed in the printed copy of the October
Epworth Matters. The list contains the names of members to whom
we have been unable to minister, or to transfer, or whose addresses are
unknown and who have been faithfully sought after for three consecutive
years following the direction of P.229.1-4, and whom we will recommend
be removed from the membership rolls by action of the Fall 2008 Charge
Conference. If you have questions or know of any reason why the people
on this list should not be removed, please contact Joan Cochran,
Membership Secretary. Thank you.
Christian Outreach Committee
By Cheryl White
Gaithersburg HELP
Gaithersburg HELP is celebrating 40 years of "Neighbor
Helping Neighbor." It's an organization that provides emergency food,
prescription and transportation assistance to Gaithersburg area
residents. HELP is an all-volunteer organization with no paid
employees. Epworth has a long-standing relationship supporting
Gaithersburg HELP through monetary donations and our Communion Sunday
food collections.
A significant increase in the number of families seeking
assistance, coupled with the increased cost of food, is causing a
strain on the resources of Gaithersburg HELP. Through the end of May
2008, Gaithersburg HELP food assistance to residents was up 42%
compared to the same period in 2007. Over 5,200 people in 1,300
families have received assistance so far this year.
How you can help;
• Bring in food donations any Sunday. Food items may be placed in the baskets and box in the Narthex.
• Make a monetary donation.
Checks can be placed in the Sunday offering plate or mailed to
Gaithersburg HELP 431 N. Frederick Ave, Suite 105, Gaithersburg MD
20877. Please note "Gaithersburg HELP" on the memo line.
• Walk, or sponsor walkers,
in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walk. Adult is $25, under age 25 is
$15. All sponsor fees go directly to Gaithersburg HELP. They will hold
a community mini-walk at Rio Washingtonian on October 4 from 8:30 a.m.
-11:30 a.m. and the National Walk will be held Downtown on November 22.
Last year Gaithersburg HELP received a total of $45,000 from the walk,
including a $20,000 bonus for registering over 1,000 walkers. This
year's goal is to register 1,500 walkers to receive a $25,000 bonus.
Mini-walk Forms are available in the Narthex or call Cheryl White or
Susan Oxford for details or check the Gaithersburg HELP web site at:
www.gaithersburghelp.org/MiniWalk2008.htm
Giant Gift Cards
Don't forget, Giant Gift Cards are sold each Sunday in
the Narthex after Worship. Denominations range from $10 up to $100.
Epworth receives five percent from each card sold. These gift cards can
also be used to purchase other gift cards sold at Giant.
Rosemont School Supplies
Thanks to everyone for bringing in school supplies for
Rosemont Elementary School. We received a thank you from Vicki Conner
for our continued support of Rosemont.
Help Wanted
Coordinator for our Support of Rosemont Elementary School.
This would entail checking in periodically with the school contact and
coordinating donations or other support. Contact Cheryl White.
The Thrift Shop
As the oldest and most successful program ever created by
Epworth, the Thrift Shop provides affordable clothing to needy children
and adults in the community. Its income helps support other charitable
programs such as Gaithersburg HELP and the Hispanic Computer Class.
The Christian Outreach Committee would like to thank all
those who continue to donate their used clothing and the many
volunteers who sort the clothing and run the shop on Saturday mornings.
These are the people who make it possible to do God's work of giving to
others.
If you would like to volunteer to work at the Thrift Shop
one or more Saturdays, please sign up on the schedule in the Narthex.
Try doing this with a friend! Student Service Learning hours are
available. Donations of clothing are always needed.
The Outreach Committee is presently looking for one or two
people to coordinate volunteers to staff the Thrift Shop on the 1st and
3rd Saturdays of each month. There is usually a readily available list
of volunteers on the schedule and others on a rotating or as needed
basis. This is a fun and rewarding position. You will definitely be
making a difference in the lives of others!
Hours of operation: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month
(except for holidays), 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Please call Susan Scholl
for more information.
Usher Training Rescheduled
Ushers serve on a rotating basis about six times per year
and training is provided. Men, women and youth interested in joining
this friendly group should contact Ernie or Ruth Ann Bond. This is an
enjoyable way to serve your church and get to know more people. The
next usher training is scheduled for Sunday, November 9, at 11:30 PM in
the Sanctuary. Please note the date change. Training lasts about one
hour. Hope to see you there!
United Methodist Women
Wormen’s Division
The next meeting of the Book Club will be Sunday, November
2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lounge. During the month of November, UMW will
be selling House Pins. Please check the bulletins and the November
issue of Epworth Matters for more information.
2008 Advent Meditations Booklet
Plans are underway to develop the 2008 Advent Meditations
booklet to help us focus on the true reason for the season by sharing
our thoughts with one another about selected scripture passages and
what they mean to you during Advent.
A sign-up sheet and meditation writing guidelines are
available in the narthex. Meditations will be due by October 15. For
more information, contact Sarah Jane Skinker or Linda D'Aloisio.
Altar Flowers
The beautiful flowers displayed on the Altar on Sunday
mornings and other special occasions are donated by members of the
congregation. We thank those who donate these flowers. Altar flowers
may be donated for any number of reasons: in memory of a loved one or
friend; to honor someone on their birthday, anniversary, graduation or
other special occasion; to celebrate a special day in the life of our
church, our community or our country;
or just because you would like to contribute to the beauty of our worship service.
If you would like to donate altar flowers, please complete
the form found in the weekly bulletin and place it in the offering
plate along with a check for $30 indicating "flowers" in the memo line.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Clark or Evi in the Church
Office.
Staff Parish Relations Committee
by Sarah Bazen
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone
cheerful? Let him sing praises. .. .Therefore, confess your sins to one
another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The
effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:13,
16.
The SPRC rejoices with you that our prayers are being
heard, and God is answering our request that we might grow together in
faith in order to help transform the world into God's kingdom. We are
growing, and we are doing God's work in our congregation and in our
community. We hope to see you on World Communion Sunday, October 5, as
we celebrate by honoring our diversity and continuing to explore our
spiritual gifts. We also hope to see you at the Church Fair on October
26 where you can learn how to use those gifts.
We have so many fantastic volunteers in our church family
who keep Epworth going. Many thanks to our Trustees, who do such a
wonderful job of keeping God's house safe and whole for us. Thanks to
Ron Clark and Kelda Simpson for their able management of church funds.
Thanks to all those who participate in our Spirit-filled music program
directed by Maria Sampogna, and a special thanks to Lisa Anderson,
Cathy Ruback, and Newman Smith for their leadership of our young
musicians. Thanks to all those on the Multicultural Task Force and the
Outreach Committee who are leading us in acting for God in the
community.
The SPRC is in the process of:
• Supporting the Safe Sanctuary Task Force and ensuring that
the Sexual Misconduct Questionnaire is completed and returned by all
those working with youth in some capacity in our church building;
• Working on the Pastor's evaluation;
• Supporting the Administrative Council in guiding the
congregation to do no harm, do all the good we can, and stay in love
with God.
The SPRC's mission is to manage, support, counsel and advise the Pastor and Staff in their ministries.
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
Maggie Patterson
Jane
Clark
Donna Ray
Ben Teah
Elliott
Carolyn Skinker
Johnna
Horton
Jane Weaver
Moorosi
Mokuena
Alexander Keely
Hearts and Hands
Annual Autumn Brunch - Hearts & Hands will once again
serve brunch at Epworth after the worship service on Sunday, November
23. Details will be provided later, but you can expect the usual
delicious menu.
Hearts & Hands continues to conduct monthly work days
(subject to change due to weather or lack of volunteers), which are
usually conducted on the third Saturday of the month. Please contact us
if you are interested in helping with these projects. The next
scheduled work days are is Saturday, October 18, and Saturday, November
15. Youth may earn community service credit hours for working on Hearts
& Hands projects.
Hearts & Hands meets on the second Thursday of the
month. All are welcome to attend. Our next meeting is scheduled for
7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, at OBA Bank in Germantown, MD. It is
suggested that you call or check the Hearts & Hands Web site on the
day of the meeting for any changes in the time, date, or location of
the meeting.
Contemporary Praise and Worship
Attention Epworth! Attention Epworth! Do I have your
attention? We have a program change. The Contemporary Service is moving
to Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Please join us for
midweek worship. We don't have to wait until Sunday to worship, now we
can worship our God twice a week. All are welcome, no matter how big or
small, or how much life experience we have. The word of the Lord is
always open to everyone at anytime. See you all on October 2 at 6:30
p.m.
The Slot Machines Referendum
by Ed Becraft
On Election Day, November 4, there will be a referendum on
the ballot to legalize slot machines for our great State of Maryland. I
would like to suggest that we vote " NO" on this referendum for the
following reasons .
First: When we become Christians and surrender our lives
to the Lord, then our lives and all of our possessions belong to Him.
He has given us the responsibility of being good stewards of all that
we possess. As good stewards, I don't believe He wants us to gamble
with His money.
Second : The United Methodist Book of Discipline and the
Holy Bible are our guidelines for living our daily lives. This is the
guideline for gambling from the Book of Discipline: "Gambling is a
menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social,
economic and spiritual life and destructive of good government. As an
act of faith and love, Christians should abstain from gambling and
should strive to minister to those victimized by the practice."
Third: Gambling takes advantage of low income families.
They keep thinking they are going to win, but the machines are set to
win about 90 % of the time. This upsets me because these folks are
really paying more taxes.
Fourth: Gambling increases social ills. When gambling is
introduced to a community, the statistics prove there
will be more addiction and crime in that area.
Fifth: The wrong message for our public school students.
Our legislators say that one-half of the funds raised will go to
education. This is a terrible message to send to our students that
their education is being paid for by gambling.
There are other reasons for voting against this
referendum, but I believe the few listed above are sufficient. I
strongly urge our members to recommend to our family, friends, and
relatives to vote "NO" on the slot machines referendum.
Maryland State Board of Elections Voter Registration
The deadline to register to vote is October 14th at 9:00
p.m. The Voter Registration Application must be delivered in person to
the State Board of Elections, a Local Board of Elections, or must be
postmarked by October 14th to be eligible to vote in the 2008
Presidential General Election.
Go to this web site for more information:
http://www.elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/index.html or call toll free at 1-800-222-8683.
Election Judges Urgently Needed
An Election Judge plays a very important role in the
electoral process by administering voting procedures in an assigned
precinct and ensuring a fair and accessible election for all eligible
voters. Without Election Judges, there would be no elections!
Why should you be an Election Judge?
• You will be paid for working on Election Day and for the
training you receive. The amount of money you will be paid varies by
county.
• You will receive an increased appreciation for the democratic process.
• You will have facilitated the right to vote for your fellow citizens.
Go to this web site for more information:
http://www.elections.state.md.us/get_involved/election_judges.html or call 1-800-222-8583.
Don't Forget to VOTE on November 4, 2008
Christian Education Program News
October 12th Children's Sabbath
Children's Sabbath was created 17 years ago by the
non-profit, non-partisan Children's Defense Fund to unite religious
congregations of all faiths across the nation in a common concern for
children and common commitment to improving their lives and working for
justice on their behalf.
Children's Sabbath is celebrated by the United Methodist
Church, the Catholic Charities U.S.A., the Islamic Society of North
America, the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, the Union of
Reform Judaism, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and more
than 200 other religious organizations and denominations.
The special offering from the worship service will go to the Children's Defense Fund.
The worship service will be lead by the children, youth
and adult Sunday School classes. Please join us this very special
Sunday to celebrate God's wonderful gift-children.
Children's Defense Fund (The voice for all the children of America.)
Children's Defense Fund programs are designed to ensure every child a
Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral
Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of
caring families and communities. And our Youth Leadership Network for
Childrensm programs are designed to attract, equip and mobilize
the next generation of child advocates.
Bake Sale during Coffee Hour On Children's Sabbath (Sponsored by Mid Hi)
REMINDER: Fall Sunday School Has begun!
Be sure to register for Pre-K - High School Sunday School
Blue Forms available on Narthex Welcome table. One Form per Family
Help Still Needed for:
Nursery (One Sunday per month)
Pre-K / Kindergarten
1st-2nd Grade (One Sunday per month)
Trick or Treat for UNICEF
KICKOFF: October 26th
RETURN BOXES: November 9th
Want to help kids in other parts of the world get the things they need to survive and grow?
You've got the power to do it!
This October, make Halloween count
by Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF. You can help us get water, education
and medicine to the children who need it most. Children like Martha....
Martha's Story
As a young child in Sierra Leone, Martha was told that she
looked like her mother, so she spent hours in front of the mirror,
trying to see in her own features an image of the mother she lost as a
toddler. Martha's father, a successful businessman, cared deeply for
his daughter. He bought her new clothes every week and took her to
school every morning.
In 2000, when Martha was eight years old, her village was
attacked by members of a rebel group trying to overthrow the
government. As the sound of gunfire filled the neighborhood, Martha and
her father stayed locked inside their house for over a week, waiting
for the fighting to stop.
When things quieted down, the village was occupied by rebels and the
situation was tense. Martha's father saw his business drop off, and he
was forced to move to a town he thought would be safe from rebel
attack. There, he was able to rebuild his business and send money and
clothes to his daughter.
With her father gone, Martha moved in with her
grandmother, who made a living by selling vegetables in the market.
Sometimes Martha had to help her and missed school as a result. Her
life became even more difficult when her grandmother had a severe
stroke, which left her unable to walk and almost unable to speak.
Martha, by then 13 years old, found herself caring for her ill
grandmother and had no news from her father.
Though Martha was barely able to keep up with school work,
she managed to pass the National Primary School Examination, which
allowed her to go on to high school. However, with her father gone and
her grandmother no longer able to work, there was no money for the
necessary school fees.
Martha's hopes for continuing her education now depended
on her father, and she anxiously waited to hear from him. One morning,
she received devastating news: her father had been murdered by the
rebels. "The whole world stopped for me," says Martha. "For the first
time in my life I felt alone. I realized I was an orphan." Martha is
now staying with her stepmother (a woman her father married before his
death and who she refers to as 'aunty') and her stepmother's three
children. To help her new family, Martha sells biscuits in the street
market, but she longs to go back to school. Luckily, her stepmother's
new husband has shown sympathy toward her and is willing to help.
Sierra Leone's civil war (from 1991-2002) affected over
10,000 children like Martha, causing separation from their families and
exposing them to violence. Some were injured or killed by landmines.
Others were forced to serve as child soldiers. Many more children
missed out on schooling, and were often unable to get health care
during the conflict.
UNICEF helps children like Martha by providing food,
water, and medical supplies during times of conflict. It also helps
children who are serving as child soldiers to leave armed groups and
return to their families and communities. Where children have been
separated from their families during conflict, UNICEF works to re-unite
them. In addition, the organization provides counseling for children
who need emotional help. For the many children who, like Martha, want
to continue learning, UNICEF provides basic education so that children
do not miss out on school during times of conflict.
Upcoming Events
Ministry Fair and Luncheon -- October 26
Come
and learn more about how our ministries serve our church and our
communities and enjoy fellowship with each other -- In the
Fellowship Hall
after Worship Service
Bible Sunday - November 16th
3rd Graders receive Bibles during the Children's Sermon
Advent Workshop - December 7th
Lunch, Crafts, Carols - After the Worship Service
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Epworth United Methodist Church
9008 Rosemont Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland USA 20877
Last modified October 11, 2008