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919/489-6557www.epworth-umc.orgJanuary 24, 2018BACK PACKING EVENTThe United Methodist Men are sponsoring the next backpack packing event thisSaturday, January 27 at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited tohelp with this packing event. We will be packing 385 backpacks and the men canuse some help. As always monetary donations for this outreach program arealways welcomed.LIVING LAST SUPPER Our Maundy Thursday Service, the evening of March29, will include a music and drama production of “The Living Last Supper” byRuth Elaine Schram.We need a dozen individuals who will prepare a shortnarration that will convey the thoughts of each disciple at this importantmoment in the life of Jesus. A copy of the text for each disciple’s narration canbe found on the Epworth website, along with the complete production schedule.Those who want to participate should send an email to David Lewis,dlewis@epworth-umc.org, indicating the part you are most interested in andyour contact email and phone.We will have tryouts for each part after churchon Sunday, February 4. There will be a tryout schedule for all those who respond,and we will select the individuals for the final production. This is arepresentation of the thoughts of each disciple and for this production thereare no age or gender restrictions on who can apply to participate. On MaundyThursday, each disciple will speak to the congregation with their preparednarration. We are looking for those that can best present these thoughts. Thiswill be a meaningful and moving Service for the entire Epworth congregation.1

SUNDAY, January 28, 2018Worship at 8:30 and 11:00Sermon: “Jesus Begins His Ministry”Rev. Karen H. WhitakerScripture: Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13, Mark 1: 21-28Hymns: 8:30 and 11:00 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” “Amazing Grace”“Standing on the Promises”Worship at 9:00Sermon: What Is This?” Rev. Dr. Sangwoo KimSongs: “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” “Enough”“In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful” “Blessed Be Your Name”Scripture: Mark 1: ------------------------------------------Ushers 8:30 Mike Shiflett11:00 Johnie Joyce, Jeff Rankin, Alan Payne, Dave ThurmondLiturgists: 8:30 Maureen Oakes 11:00 Brennan MangeCounters Fred Mowry, Beth ArmbrusterGreeters Marcia Browning, Carolyn DavisBus Driver Brent EngelCruciferAcolyteYouth Reader Jerush ChristopherAltar Guild Sharon Walker, Judy DaymontNursery Marcey Harp, Theresa Shebalin, Susan Armour, Jennifer BrowningAltar Flowers are given to the glory of God by Tim and Bobbie Dahlgren inmemory of John and Billie Chappell and Betty, Wally, and Rick Dahlgren.Church StaffRev. Karen H. Whitaker, Senior Pastor 919-210-6839 (cell) kwhitaker@epworth-umc.orgDr. Sangwoo Kim, Pastor of Spiritual Formation 919-627-1357 (cell) sangwoo@epworth-umc.orgMeg Bass, Financial Managermbass@epworth-umc.orgDona Gamble, Administrative Secretarydgamble@epworth-umc.orgDavid Lewis, Director of Musicdlewis@epworth-umc.orgRev. Amanda Wilson, Coordinator of Children’s Ministries awilson@epworth-umc.orgCarie Dupree, Coordinator of Youth Ministries 318-990-9730 (cell) cdupree@epworth-umc.orgDr. Fred Ibberson, Organistfred.ibberson@gmail.comLeigh Furman, Preschool Director director@epworth-preschool.orgMarcey Harp, Nursery DirectorMarlin Lennon, Sexton2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND BEST WISHESto Daisy Harris who will celebrate her 100th birthday, January 30.RUBY SALES is a civil rights activist and theologian who will be at St. PhilipsEpiscopal Church in Durham on Thurs., Feb. 1 at noon for lunch and to meet withcommunity leaders and activists.At 7 p.m. that evening there will be aCommunity Conversation at B.N. Duke Auditorium at N.C.C.U. More informationis available at https://rubysalesnc.weebly.com/FINANCIAL NOTE Your 2017 Statement of Giving will be available to bepicked up in the narthex (or farthex for 9:00 worshippers) this Sunday. Helpthe church to save on postage. Statements not picked up will be mailed to youafter January 31.GUESS WHAT’S HAPPENING ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11?United Methodist Women, with the help of our congregation, will serve close to250 meals at Durham Urban Ministries. We need 22 chicken casseroles and 1vegetarian casserole. We also need French bread, sliced and buttered, baggedsalad mix, canned peaches, and baked brownies. So if you think you’ll be busythe week before the 11th, you can make brownies and the casserole ahead andput them in the church’s freezer any time between now and then. Be sure tolabel them for “Loving Hands Meal February 11”. Thank you for your help. Contactperson: Elaine Herndon 919-489-3249.3

United Methodist Bishops Issued a statement on President Trump’s “Offensive”Remarks Against ImmigrantsWASHINGTON, D.C. - Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president of the United MethodistCouncil of Bishops, issued a statement on behalf of the council concerningremarks reported to have been made by President Donald Trump regardingimmigrants. The statement follows:We are appalled by the offensive, disgusting words attributed to PresidentDonald Trump who is said to have referred to immigrants from African countriesand Haiti, and the countries themselves, in an insulting and derogativemanner. According to various media accounts, President Trump made theremarks during a White House discussion with lawmakers on immigration.As reported, President Trump’s words are not only offensive and harmful, theyare racist.We call upon all Christians, especially United Methodists, to condemn thischaracterization and further call for President Trump to apologize.As United Methodists, we cherish our brothers and sisters from all parts of theworld and we believe that God loves all creation regardless of where they liveor where they come from. As leaders of our global United Methodist Church, weare sickened by such uncouth language from the leader of a nation that wasfounded by immigrants and serves as a beacon to the world’s “huddled masseslonging to be free.”Thousands of our clergy, laity and other highly skilled, productive citizens arefrom places President Trump has defamed with his comments. The fact that healso insists the United States should consider more immigrants from Europe andAsia demonstrates the racist character of his comments. This is a directcontradiction of God’s love for all people. Further, these comments on the eveof celebrating Martin Luther King Day belies Dr. King’s witness and the UnitedStates’ ongoing battle against racism.4

We just celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, whose parents during his infancy,had to flee to Africa to escape from the wrath of King Herod. Millions ofimmigrants across the globe are running away from such despicable and lifethreatening events. Hence, we have the Christian duty to be supportive of themas they flee political, cultural and social dangers in their native homes.We will not stand by and allow our brothers and sisters to be maligned in such acrude manner. We call on all United Methodists, all people of faith and thepolitical leadership of the United States to speak up and speak against suchdemeaning and racist comments.Christ reminds us that it is by love that they will know that we are Christians.Let’s demonstrate that love for all of God’s people by saying no to racism; no todiscrimination and no to bigotry.Bishop Bruce R. OughPresident – Council of BishopsAN INVITATION The Methodist House of Studies at Duke Divinity Schoolis hosting an event on the Commission on the Way Forward. Curious about what’sbeen going on in the United Methodist Church with the Commission on the WayForward? Come hear from Bishop Ken Carter, Chair of the Commission, and askyour questions! Open to students, alumni, staff/faculty, clergy, and anyone whois curious. This will take place on Monday, January 29 from 11:30-1 PM. It willbe at the Divinity School in 0016 Westbrook.PRESCHOOL REGISTRATIONEpworth Preschool is currently enrolling students for the 2018-2019 schoolyear. Church members have priority registration January 24th & 25th with allapplication forms due in the preschool office by February 1st. The applicationform can be found on the preschool website, epworth-preschool.org, and thereis no application fee for church members.5

SOUPER BOWL LUNCH - YOUTH FUNDRAISER Feb. 4th after 11:00 serviceSupport the youth ministry and join in fellowship by enjoying a warm bowl ofsoup after church! Many different varieties of soup and chili will be available,and can be taken to-go or you can stay and have lunch together with our churchfamily in the fellowship hall. Please bring a donation to support the youthministry!Youth: January 28thForms for 2018 DUE!5:30 UMYF - We will haveking cake and a study on Psalms!February 4th:Souper Bowl Fundraiser youth please arrive at 9:50 to help with set up for the fundraiser.The SuperBowl Party is at 6:00 PMJOURNEY TOWARD JUSTICE SERIES*Sunday, Feb. 11 Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will speak at 3:00 p.m.Her topic is “Forward Without Fear: Courageous Conversations”.*Sunday, Feb. 18 and 25 (two-part series) Rosalie Turner will speak at 3:00and lead a discussion about the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Contentand discussion will be appropriate for all ages.*Sunday, March 18Bishop William Willimon will speak at 3:00.LOVE OFFERING FOR HILDA LENNONThe Lennon family has been anintegral part of our Epworth family for decades. Both Marlin Sr. and Marlin Jr.have dutifully served our church as Sexton. Just recently, Hilda Lennon's homewas gutted by an electrical fire. She is the wife of the late Marlin, Sr. andmother to Marlin Jr. She lost 80% of her home, countless valuables, and is nowliving with her granddaughter while next steps for the home are determined. Inher time of need, SPPRC is asking for the congregation's support in the form ofa Love Offering. Please make your check payable to Epworth UMC, with “HildaLennon” on the memo line. If you would prefer an alternate form of giving, pleasecontact Epworth UMC Financial Manager, Meg Bass, in the church office.6

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 201828293031FEB. 17:30 Praise Team3:15 Tutoring6:45 Men’s3:15 Tutoring11:00 Bible6:30Fellowship8:30, 9:00 andChurch11:30 Staff11:00 WORSHIPCouncilMtg.9:50 Sunday School7:30 Epworth1:30 CareRehearsal5:30 UMYFOrchestraGroup5:30 Youth Mental6:00 YogaHealth Course7:00 Boy3:30 PrayerGroup6:00Handbells239101617Study7:00 AAMeeting7:00 ChancelChoirScouts456787:30 Praise Team1:00 Sarah Cir6:45 Men’s3:15 Tutoring11:00 BibleRehearsal3:15 TutoringFellowship8:30, 9:00 and7:00 Witness11:30 Staff11:00 WORSHIP9:50 Sunday School12:15 SOUPER BOWLCommittee7:30 EpworthMtg.1:30 CareOrchestraGroupLUNCH, drama6:00 Yogatryouts, UMW Exec.7:00 BoyComm.3:30 PrayerGroup5:00 JTJCommitteeStudy7:00 AAMeeting6:00Handbells6:30 UMMen7:00 ChancelChoirScouts5:30 UMYF SuperBowl Party11127:30 Praise TeamRehearsal1:00 BookGroup9:50 Sunday School3:15 Tutoring8:45 and 11:006:00 SPPRCWORSHIP3:00 JTJ speaker5:30 Youth MentalHealth Course5:30 UMYF7:30 EpworthOrchestra1314156:45 Men’sASH. WED.11:00 BibleFellowship11:30 StaffMtg.1:30 CareGroup6:00 Yoga7:00 BoyScouts3:15 Tutoring3:30 PrayerGroup5:00 PizzaStudy7:00 AAMeetingDinner6:00 Ash.Wed. Service7:00 ChancelChoirEpworth United Methodist Church declares itself a Reconciling Congregation, seeking to welcome all persons,regardless of age, race, ethnicities, disabilities, gender or sexual orientation, into the discipleship of Christian living andproclaim our commitment to seek the reconciliation of all persons to God and to each other through Jesus Christ7

919/489-6557 www.epworth-umc.org January 24, 2018 BACK PACKING EVENT The United Methodist Men are sponsoring the next backpack packing event this . Leigh Furman, Preschool Director director@epworth-preschool.org Marcey Harp, Nursery Director Marlin Lennon, Sexton . 3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND BEST WISHES