An Indianapolis United

 Methodist Church

  Epworth U.M.C.

6450 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220

317-251-1481

Driving directions to Epworth UMC

 

Worship Schedule

Worship:  8:45 and 11:00am
Sunday School:  10:00am

Nursery and children programs provided

Sundays between 8:30am and 12:00pm 

 

Epworth Mission Statement

 

The purpose of the Church is to invite people to follow Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord, to love one another, to grow as disciples, and to transform the world through Christian love.

 

  (DOUBLE CLICK the buttons below) (Be sure you have Java software installed to view graphics.)   

   

      

Calendar, Writings, Beliefs

Happenings

A  Pentecost  Prayer

Holy God, whose......

Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity.

Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love.

Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work to solve problems of economy and justice, family and nation.

Holy Spirit of God,

May your rushing wind inflate our lives with wonder and awe; may your tongues of fire spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day.

 

May each of our lives also speak in such a manner that the whole earth will understand your love as it even now fills our souls.  Amen.

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Happenings This Week

Church Office Phone (317) 251-1481

Friday, May 9, 2008

  7:00 p.m........... Green Team Movie Night - 202

Saturday, May 10, 2008

  8:00 a.m....... Epworth Walkers-Einstein Bagels

  9:00 a.m......................... Trustee Work Day

10:00 a.m....... Stitchers Open House – 01 & F.H.

Sunday, May 11, 2008, Pentecost ,wear red.

   Preaching................... Rev. Jack Miller

   Guest Liturgist 8:45.. Rev. Robert Wright

   Scripture..Ezekiel 37:1-10, Acts 16:25-34

   Sermon Title....... “Shake, Rattle & Roll”

  8:45 a.m.......................Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m.............................Sunday School

11:00 a.m..........................Blended Worship

  4:15 p.m....Team serves homeless: 10th St. UMC

  7:00 p.m.............. Covenant Discipleship – 205

Monday, May 12

10:00 a.m.................. Ordinary Joy Class – 204

  6:30 p.m.. EWCM Parent Council/Board Mtg-200

  7:00 p.m.................. Ordinary Joy Class - 204

  7:00 p.m................................ Stitchers – 02

  7:00 p.m..................... Finance Meeting – 200

  7:00 p.m................... Celebration Circle - 202

  7:30 p.m................ Covenant Discipleship-205

Tuesday, May 13

  7:00 a.m............ Covenant Discipleship-Panera

12:45 p.m................ Covenant Discipleship-201

  2:00 p.m................................ Stitchers – 02

  5:00 p.m....... EWCM All School Gathering – F. H.

  6:00 p.m..................... Support Group – Dover

  6:30 p.m............................... Trustees – 200

  6:30 p.m.............................. CDA Class – 202

  7:00 p.m........................... GACC - Sanctuary

  7:30 p.m..................... Friends of Thomas-200

Wednesday, May 14

11:00 a.m...................... Covenant Group – 200

  2:45 p.m.............. Piano Lessons – Esther – 101

  5:30 p.m..................... Stephen Ministry – 200

  6:30 p.m......................... Men’s Chorus – 203

  6:30 p.m.................. Praise Team – Sanctuary

  7:00 p.m........................ Youth Council - 205

  7:00 p.m. Friendship Bible Study – Fellowship Hall

  7:30 p.m.................. Chancel Choir-Sanctuary

Thursday, May 15

  2:00 p.m.................. Alzheimer Program - 202

Friday, May 16

  9:30 a.m......................... Dorcas Circle – 200

  7:00 p.m............................ Bridge Club - 202

Saturday, May 17

  8:00 a.m........ Epworth Walkers-Einstein Bagels

Sunday, May 18

         Preaching............ Sean Johnson

                Scripture..Micah 6:1-8

           Sermon Title....... “Change"

  8:45 a.m.....................Traditional Worship

  9:30a.m...Blood Pressure Screening - Office

10:00 a.m...........................Church School

11:00 a.m........................Blended Worship

  5:00 p.m................................Youth Group

  7:00 p.m............ Covenant Discipleship – 205

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What Methodists Believe

Traditionally, we have emphasized the following:

1.  Through Scripture the living Christ meets us in the experience of redeeming grace.

2.  God will comfort, guide, and forgive every repentant person, no matter who they are or what they've done.

3.  We find peace with God and spiritual fulfillment both in a community of faith and in solitary moments of reflection.

4.  Christian faith and serving others go hand in hand.

5.  We seek to make our private and our public actions congruent with our faith.

6.  Our Church is made up of people who share faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.

7.  We are a global movement of congregations that are making a difference in the world.

8.  United Methodists share with other Christians the conviction that Scripture is the primary source and criterion for Christian doctrine.

9.  In practice, we affirm our beliefs through the sacred symbols of baptism and communion.

10. We are convinced that Jesus Christ is the living Word of God in our midst whom we trust in life and death.

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Epworth Missions

    Jesus said to Peter “Feed my sheep.” Feeding others takes many forms. The Missions Committee answers this call to serve others by supporting local, national, and international mission projects.

    The Epworth United Methodist Church community gives significant dollars each year to mission projects.    

    To find out more about Epworth's Mission Committee click the Missions button in the index near top of this page.

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Epworth Devotionals

    The members of Epworth UMC are pleased to present monthly devotionals.  These devotionals will be based upon selected Biblical passages which have a personal meaning to the author.  We hope these passages will provide inspiration to you..  

    Click on the Devotional button to view monthly messages: 

 

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Epworth Music

    If you have an interest in music, Epworth has several music groups available. They are:
...The Chancel Choir (each week),

...a Women's Choir (monthly),

...a Men's Choir (monthly),

...a Handbell Group (monthly)

...and an Orchestra

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New On-Line Social Networks

(for members and friends of Epworth)

     The Epworth Outreach and Assimilation Team (OAT) is setting up an on-line social network. This can be used for the passing of general information, news, event updates, and just plain interaction to benefit others who join the network. 

     Double click one of the network's buttons below to learn how to join and use this communications feature.

        or 

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Our Regular Sunday Services

    Epworth's 8:45 AM service is a traditional service. It features fine pipe organ music, familiar hymns and choir anthems.
    The 11:00 AM service is a blending of traditional organ music along with more contemporary church music from Epworth's Praise Band.
    Epworth has numerous bible studies at 10:00 AM to meet the spiritual needs of its members. Please check the Education links in the index above. The Sunday school classes are focused on small groups, targeting children, young adults, parents and older adults. Epworth offers a neighborhood summer Vacation Bible School, church family camping trips (usually in the rain!), and family retreats.

Note Some Special Sunday Services Times

   Due to summer holidays please note these worship times:

May 25  9:00 Sunday School; 10:00 Worship (one service only)

July   6  9:00 Sunday School; 10:00 Worship (one service only)

Aug. 31  9:00 Sunday School; 10:00 Worship (one service only)

Sep.  7 10:00 Worship - 50th Anniversary (no Sunday School)

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THIS CHURCH SEASON IS:

ORDINARY TIME

The liturgical color is red.

     The Day of Pentecost is a day of Christian celebration observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter, this year on May 11. After May 11 for seven weeks we mark our church services with the liturgical colors of white or gold, and call that period of weeks, Ordinary Time.  (Not ordinary in the sense of 'common', but derived from ‘ordinal’ or ‘numbered’).  (Several period of Ordinary Times are those weeks outside of the “strong” seasons of  Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter.)

     On Pentecost we remember an event that occurred to the disciples 50 days after the Passover during which Jesus was crucified. The disciples and followers—we are told there were 120 in all—had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish feast of Shavuot.  While they were gathered there was a sound like a violent wind, then something that looked like tongues of flame came down and rested on each person’s head. (Note the United Methodist symbol of the Cross and the Flame.)

     The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples that day. The disciples all began to speak in such a way that people of many different languages could understand them, each in their own language. Hearing the noise, others came to investigate and were astonished to hear this group of mostly uneducated Galileans speaking the various languages of many countries.

     Christians consider the Day of Pentecost the birthday of the church because, from that moment on, the disciples carried the message of Christ everywhere they went all over the world. This season following Eastertide focuses on the church as the witness to the resurrection. The emphasis is that the church, now empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, is the best witness to the resurrection and the work of God in the world in Jesus the Christ.

     A Pentecost tradition is to wear red for the day to symbolize the tongues of flame and the Holy Spirit.

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Epworth's 50th Anniversary

ITEM ONE     April 6 begins our six month long 50th anniversary celebration. Special events, displays, a commissioned anthem and guest preachers will highlight our anniversary.

 

ITEM TWO    

On May 11 our guest preacher will be (former Pastor) 

                  Rev. Jack Miller and (former Pastor)

                  Rev. Bob Wright as Liturgist.

On June 8 our guest preacher will be (former Pastor)

                  Rev. Robert Sharp.

On July 13 our guest preacher will be (former Pastor)

                  Rev. Charles Gipson.

On August 10 our guest preacher will be (former Pastor)

                 Rev. Dennis Shock.

 

ITEM THREE    On September 7 to commemorate the actual 50th Anniversary our Bishop, Rev. Mike Coyner, will preach, and the choir will present an especially commissioned anthem. A reception will follow the service.

 

ITEM FOUR    Throughout the months preceding the actual 50th Anniversary, various classes and organizations will have special foyer presentations which reflect their particular focus of ministry.

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Alzheimer's Family Education Programs

     Epworth United Methodist Church and the Wellness Committee will host Family Education Programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. These programs are designed to help families and those with Alzheimer’s disease with their journey.  There is no charge to attend.  Call 1-800-272-3900 to register for any of the following programs.  You can also visit the web site,  www.alz.org/indiana for more information.

Wed., April 9th,  6:00-8:30 pm   Caring for the Caregiver

This workshop explores coping strategies for the caregiver, grief, stress management, family dynamics, and using resources to help manage.

Thurs., May 15th  2-4 pm  Alzheimer’s Disease:  Beginning to Cope

ABC program is designed for people who want to know more about Alzheimer’s disease and care planning. This program offers a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s disease and its progression, utilization of community resources, and legal and financial considerations.  Experts  in the field of elder law and dementia present this program and will answer your questions.

Thurs., June 19th 6-8:00 pm  Partnering With Your Doctor

This program is designed for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers who want to improve how they interact with their doctor. 

 For additional information, you can also contact Carolyn Kirkendall, Parish Nurse, at callnursepj@onsite-network.com or 894-1186.

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Fourth Friday

Book Club

     We meet on the 4th Friday of the month at 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Room 200.  Our reading schedule is:

Apr. 25   The Year of Living Biblically

                   by A.J. Jacobs 

May 23   Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

                   (led by Susy Murphy)

June 27   The Stone Cutter’s Aria by Carol Faenzi

                   (led by Nancy Greve and possibly the author!)

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Green Team to Show Movie

"Who Killed the Electric Car?" 

   This movie will be shown May 9th at 7:00 at Epworth U.M.C.  Discussion will follow, ending at 9:00 p.m.

    Popcorn and Snacks will be served.

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Epworth Library

    Epworth UMC has an active up to date church library. Currently the library has well over 3,500 items including books, videos, DVDs, CDs and audio cassettes.    

    The library also caters towards children with dozens of children videos and hundreds of children books. The library also has 14 periodicals in print form and also a Preview Movie Review w/ ratings. 
    Be sure to "check out" the Epworth library.  Look for the newest additions in the rack on the librarian's desk.... and check out a book or two!!

     Epworth library sponsors 4th Friday Book club which meets at 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in Rm-200.

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