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Rev. Dr. Bill Hoopes, Senior Pastor
Hi, I’m Bill Hoopes, Pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church. Thank you for taking time to browse our website. I hope you find it informative and helpful. I’d be glad to meet you, get acquainted and answer any questions you have about God’s leading in your life, the ministries of Epworth UMC, United Methodism or the Church universal. Just call 317-251-1481 and let’s set a time to get together.
Professionally, I have been in ordained ministry for over 30 years. I have served United Methodist churches in central Indiana primarily. My faith background and practice is ecumenical. For example, I graduated from a Southern Baptist seminary, received a Doctor of Ministry degree from a Disciples of Christ seminary and graduated from a Roman Catholic center offering training in spiritual direction. I enjoy traveling and have made holy pilgrimages to places such as Taisez and Lourdes, France, Canterbury, England, the Holy Land and parts of the Appalachian Trail! On my bucket list is to complete the El Camino del Santiago in Spain as well as the Chicago Marathon.
My wife, Linda is an avid photographer. She is passionate about God’s creation and enjoys capturing the beauty and awe of God’s handiwork. Her portfolio can be seen at www.lindahoopesphotography.com.
Epworth UMC welcomes the opportunity to join you in your journey of faith and discipleship. We stand ready to do whatever may be helpful to you on your journey or your discernment of where God may be leading.
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Pat Engel, Diaconal Minister
I have had the privilege of being on Epworth's staff for 20+ years Epworth has become my family. Epworth is a place that's big enough for good programming to take place, big enough to offer several options of study; yet small enough to care about one another…with prayer, with presence, and in joy.
Worship is a time to give glory to God for all the good things in our world and personal lives…in addition, we need to find a small group to do our growing, exploring of our faith, questioning and sharing. Whether it is in a Sunday School class, a weekday Bible Study, an accountability group, or a discussion group, everyone can benefit from sharing their faith with a group of people on the same journey…one step at a time.
Epworth is about community. Finding a place that feels safe to explore, to grieve, to express joys, to learn, to grow. My prayer is that more and more people, of all cultures and backgrounds will not only feel comfortable entering the doors but also be willing to share their stories…that everyone might benefit from one another's experiences. Our founder John Wesley asks us to bring to the faith table four things: Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason. I hope that Epworth is and will continue to be a place we can call on all four of these tenets as we continue our spiritual journey.
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Rev. Chiyona Bourne, Youth Director & Deacon
Welcome to Epworth United Methodist Church! I am the Director of Youth Ministry for ages 11 – 18 (Grades 6 – 12). I enjoy working with children and youth—leading, guiding, listening, and praying for them and with them. I have been a part of the Epworth Family since September 2009 and am looking forward to a year of growth and progress.
With parents working full time and long hours, many youth spend much of their time with friends, alone, or in front of the television. Many homes now are with one parent or blended families. Children and youth need a place where they feel safe to talk about issues and can receive honest, helpful answers, and be held accountable or be praised for their actions.
Epworth Youth are involved in a variety of activities both in the church and outside. These activities include vocal groups, orchestra, band, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sewing Classes, Sports Teams, Wyldlife program, and so much more!
Epworth Youth Group is a place of safety, fun, and spiritual growth. The youth who participate and attend have the opportunity to experience a variety of events: Prayer, Helping in Worship, Mission Trips (both Domestic and overseas), Paintball, Skiing, Bowling, Movie watching, Service Projects, Fish Fry Drive Thru, Advent Dinner, Live Nativity, Lock-Out for the Homeless, and more!
If you think Epworth Youth Group could be a place for you or your child, contact me, Chiyona (pronounced Kee-O-na), by email: Chiyona.bourne@gmail.com; on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bournedestinyinc; or in the office: 317-251-1481. Check out our Youth Calendar https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=ewyouthgroup%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York%20
One of my favorite scriptures come from Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control; against these things there IS no law." It is through these fruits of the Spirit that I hope to help children and youth grow in their faith journey.
And, I believe that EVERY person is entitled to experience each of the nine fruits of the Spirit. May God bless you on your faith journey.
As I continue in my own faith journey, I am excited to share that on June 11, 2011 at the Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, I was ordained a Full Deacon of the Conference.
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