1. EpworthUnitedMethodistChurch
3061LincolnWayW.
MassillonOH44647
CHANGESERVICEREQUESTED
DATEDMATERIAL
January/February 2016
Email Addresses Needed:
We are trying to conserve mailing costs. If you are
willing to have the newsletter emailed to you, please
contact Frances at epworthum@sssnet.com
The Echo
January/February 2016
Newsletter of Epworth United Methodist Church
Worship Time: Sunday 9:30 am
Sermons for January and February
January 3: Epiphany Sunday, Matthew 2:1-12, “How to be Wise Men and Women”
Service of Holy Communion
January 10: James 1:1-18, “Meeting and Mastering Temptation”
January 17: James 2:14-26, “Faith Working in Love”
January 24: James 3:1-12 “Don’t Let Your Tongue Bite You”
January 31: James 4:1-12 “Draw Nigh to God”
February 7: James 5:13-20 “Let Us Pray” Service of Holy Communion
February 10—Ash Wednesday Service at Trinity United Methodist 7:00 p.m.
Pastor Julia Wertz preaching
February 14: Scout Sunday, John 10:1-14, “Christ, Our Good Shepherd”
February 21: Luke 12:22-31Christ, Our Calming Shepherd
February 28: Mark 6:30-44 “Christ, Our Sustaining Shepherd
2. Pastor’s Pen
Church Office Hours 9 am—Noon, Monday-Friday contact Frances.
Please
call the office if you or a family
member are to be hospitalized, are under a doctor’s care,
Pastor Carolyn’s Home #330.494.5653 Cell#330.904.3075
Prayer Line—Barb Dillen: 330.705.9049 or 330.832.7253
It’s 2016 and it leaves me wondering where has all the time gone? It seems like only yesterday I was
making my 2015 resolutions and now I am making the same resolutions again with the same good intentions,
but already knowing that I probably won’t keep any of them. A wife once said to her husband: "I don't want to
brag, but here it is February and I've kept every one of my New Year's resolutions. I've kept them in a manila
folder in the back of my desk!"
Resolutions are permanent fixtures on the New Year's scene. You know, those resolutions to better our-
selves–-eat less, exercise more, spend less, smoke nothing. As the "Year That Was" turns into the "Year That Is
Yet to Come," we make New Year's Resolutions, less to change our behaviors or improve ourselves in some
way, and more to convince ourselves that we already have power and control over a year that spreads out before
us like a 366-day-long question mark.
The uncertainties of life always loom over us, but one thing is certain…God is in control. We can walk
with confidence knowing that a loving God is always with us guiding, protecting and caring. His watchful dili-
gence gives us assurance that He gives us the strength to do all things. We are conquerers in a world that is
darkened by sin and hatred.
This year let us resolve together to trust God with all our hearts and serve Him faithfully. This year,
2016, can be the best year ever. God does not disappoint. With Him uncertainties become opportunities and op-
portunities are openings to a world of possibilities to grow in grace.
See you in church,
Pastor Carolyn
If you have questions about the following areas, contact
the people listed below:
Admin Board Nathan Lockwood 330.685.4199
Council on Min Alyce Ripple 330.832.5216
Trustees Sean Remley 330.837.8547
Usher Allen Hendricks 330.832.4850
Director of Music Marie Deitz 330.837.1651
Spirit Marie Deitz 330.837.1651
Joyful Noise Debbie Scheetz 330.477.3985
Youth Marie & Rod Deitz 330.837.1651
Prayer Line Barb Dillen 330.705-9049
SPR Chair Debbie Scheetz 330.477.3895
Finance Alice Fazzone 330.833.5521
Lay Leader Debbie Sheetz 330.477.3895
Stewardship
Day Care Board
Fellowship Hall Rental—Cost is only $50.00 for members and
$250.00 for non-members. You will need to contact Frances from
9am to noon Mon– Friday to get a rental form & will be put on the
schedule when the deposit is made.
3. We’ve been taking a great trip on the Roman Road this
year at Bible Buddies. Through music, stories, crafts,
games and snacks, we have been learning and growing
together. Each child is working on a folder and
filling a tote bag as we travel together. We took a de-
tour in December and went to the manger where we
found Baby Jesus. You also saw us on the screen dur-
ing the Youth presentation at the Christmas Eve service
as the Christmas Star, angels and shepherds.
Our journey will continue on January 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m..
Kids ages 3-6th grade are invited to come. Thank you
to Linda Lockwood for her lessons and games and to
Evelyn and Larry Hinson for the creative and yummy
snacks. Thanks to Krissy and Nate Lockwood for their
assistance and for their special care and concern that
children have transportation to get to Bible Buddies.
Thanks also to Breanna Woods and Zac Lockwood for
helping each month.
The annual Kids Camp-In is March 12-13 for ages 3—
6th grades. Children who are in K-grade 6 will spend
the night. Preschoolers come from 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Reg-
istration forms will be out at the end of February.
Mark your calendar for Vacation Bible School! It will be
held July 31-August 4, 6:15-8:30 p.m.!
Sunday School Class follows worship each week! All
kids ages 3-6th grade are welcome.
Questions about children’s programs? See Linda or
Marie.
Thank you to our musicians for their music
during the Christmas season!
The music schedule coming up is:
January 3—Adult Choir
January 10– Special Music
January 17—Adult Choir
January 24—Adult Choir
January 31– Spirit Praise
February 7—Adult Choir
February 14—Adult Choir
February 21—Adult Choir
February 28—Spirit Praise
Make a joyful noise!
Marie
Young Adult Gathering
Our Young Adults gathered on December 22 for
their annual Christmas party at the Deitz’s.
Lots of good food, conversation and laughter!
We had folks from Chillicothe, The Ohio State
University, Bowling Green State University, Capi-
tal University, Washington DC, Massillon, Can-
ton and our long distance truck driver who has
been in 48 states over the past few years!
Watch for news of a social event this winter!
Young Adults—make sure you find us on Face-
book under Rod Deitz and Marie Senften-
Deitz—so that we can stay in touch with you!
High school grads through age 35 (or 40!)-Come
to the Parlor following worship for coffee and
conversation (& maybe donuts!) during the Sun-
day School hour If you have children, take
them to Sunday School class and join us in the
parlor. If you don’t have children, just come to
the parlor! We are looking forward to growing
this group! Krissy Lockwood will meet you
there!
Thank you to everyone for my Christ-
mas gift. It is my privilege to serve
you as your organist and music direc-
tor and to be a part of this church
family! Marie
Thank you for your special Christmas gift.
Your kindness and generosity were much ap-
preciated…...Pastor Carolyn
Friends from Epworth UM Chuch, thank you
for providing cookies for our recent Christmas
Dance. It is people like you and the others
from your church that help keep Make-A-Way
going strong. Bryan Stuck, Executive Director
Our Youth have been busy in many ways in the life of
the church. We’ve been enjoying our Wednesday night
Fishtanks, helping with Bible Buddies each month, Sun-
day School class, participating in “Twas the Light Before
Christmas,” taking photos for Christmas Eve presenta-
tion, singing in Spirit Praise, participating in worship,
our Christmas party and in many other ways.
Our annual Camp Aldersgate Retreat is January 8-10.
We will be looking at “Loving the Unlovely” and the sto-
ry of Jonah. Thank you to everyone who purchased can-
dy and ate pancakes! This will help pay for our retreat!
We are planning a Youth Sunday and Family Night and
will let you know the details soon!
FISHTANK is held on Wednesdays during the school year
from 7-9:00 p.m. All Youth grades 7-12 are welcome to
come! The FishTank schedule for January & February is:
Jan. 6, Jan. 20, Feb. 3 and Feb. 17. Bible Buddies is Janu-
ary 17.
Sunday School for Youth follows worship in the Youth
Room. Our lessons this winter are “Believe or Not!”
Growing together on our faith journeys….
Rod & Marie
Thank you Pastor Carolyn for your visit and to
the church for the Christmas Bag. I really en-
joyed it. Char
Epworth Friends—Thank you for my Christmas
“goodie bag.” Really enjoyed it. Miss all of
you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year—God bless, Lorraine
Epworth Family, Thank you for your generous
gift this Christmas season. I appreciate all you
do for me., Frances
Friends at Epworth UMC—On behalf of the
Make-A-Way Center, I would like to thank you
for your generous gift. Your commitment to
helping the less fortunate in our community is
sincerely appreciated. We are humbled by
your recent expression of support for our
work. Thank You, Bryan Stuck
Thank you to everyone who rang bells for the
Salvation Army. We collected $458.44 on Sat
and $194.60 on Monday for a total of $653.04
Thank you to everyone who helped with the
Christmas bags for our shut-ins. Whether you
helped pack the bags, donated items for the
bags, or delivered the bags, you are all very
much appreciated.
Thank you to Larry Hinson for overseeing the
Building Fund Account and taking the deposits
to the bank.
Thank you to Sean Remley for the new pro-
grammable thermostat in the fellowship hall.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the
Operation Christmas Child. We were able to
send 21 shoeboxes.
4. THANK YOU!!
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I want to thank everyone who
contributed in any way to the Santa Secret Shop. The Center was able to help 3 families this year in
different ways. What a blessing!.
THEMES INFANT/TODDLERS
Jan 4—Nursery Rhymes 7, Yellow, Star
Jan 11—Small Machines 8, Orange, Circle
Jan 18—Fun at the Beach 9, Black, Rectangle
Jan 25—Transportation 10, Green, Octagon
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan 1—New Years Day Closed
Jan 4—Preschool re-opens
Jan 18—Martin Luther King Day—No Preschool
Feb 11—Valentines Party
Feb 15—President’s Day—No Preschool
Feb 23-24—School Pictures—Lifetouch
Thank You for Serving
January
Invocation Greeters Head Usher Mission Prj Calvary Mission
1-3 Youth Barb Remley Allen Hendricks Shoe boxes macaroni & cheese
1-10 Larry Hinson Larry Hinson
1-17 Barb Remley Linda Lockwood
1-24 Bryan Stuck George & Marcia Emmert
1-31 Youth Krissy & Nate Lockwood
February
Invocation Greeters Head Usher Mission Prj Calvary Mission
2-7 Youth Kathy & Nancy Allen Hendricks canned fruit
2-14 Deb Scheetz Beulah Shaffer
2-21 Frances Stuck Bryan & Frances Stuck
2-28 Kim Woods & Scott DeLuca
January Birthdays
1/3 Joan Lawrence
1/4 Heather Kandel
1/5 Ken Paulus
1/6 Bruce Lockwood
1/7 Kim woods
1/8 Brian Allen
1/8 Susie Krichbaum
1/9 Kaelynn Ledger
1/10 Darrel Brinker
1/16 Jim Paulus
1/18 Robin Schumacher
1/21 Ken Schaffter, Jr.
1/24 Bob Baker
1/29 Beulah Shaffer
1/29 Mike Brunckhart
January Anniversaries
1/11 Frank & Sue Easterly
1/16 Darrel & Lori Brinker
February Birthdays
2/2 Allen Hendricks
2/2 Becky Labriola
2/3 Bernice Edie
2/3 Donna Yant
2/4 Betty Jo Ronk
2/7 Jake Ripple
2/8 Barb Wartman
2/11 Lavonne Cindric
2/11 Sam Wimsatt
2/13 Mike Parker
2/20 Garret Davis
2/22 Linda Lockwood
2/22 Doug Remley
2/23 Jordan Ripple
2/24 Terry Siber
2/25 Lorraine Bushmire
2/25 Jake Eberhart
2/28 Susan Freed
February Anniversaries
12/20 Tom & Kristen Ledger
FINANCIAL REPORT
CHURCH
11/01/2015Balance Fwd. $12,502.03
Receipts $11,580.30
Total Income $24,082.33
11/30/2015Expenses $6,470.40
Balance $17,611.93
BUILDING EXPANSION
11/01/2015Balance Fwd. $ 125.83
Pledges $ 1,472.20
Hall Rent $ 390.00
Church $ 500.00
Total Income $ 2,488.03
Expenses $ 2,453.35
11/30/2015Balance $ 34.68
11/01/2015Loan Balance $ 230,826.86
Payment on Principal $ 1,609.36
11/30/2015Loan Balance $ 229,217.50
Hall payment has been reduced from
$2,640.33 tp $2,453.35 per month
