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Outreach Ministries - Archives
 

Christmas Outreach 2009



It’s that time of year again… looking forward to the shopping, present wrapping, crowded stores, and joy of Christmas. This year we challenge you to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX and ask yourself “what can I do to be a blessing to others?” Ask yourself “how can I show Christ’s love during the Christmas season?” The Epworth Center has quite a few opportunities for you to get involved! 

Help provide Christmas for the local group home girls—The Epworth Center hosts a Christmas  party for the girls, including Mary Kay makeovers, tree decorations, carols, and presents (Bible included). Donations are needed to help supply the meal and gifts. We could also use volunteers to help oversee the present wrapping and food box packing for our hunger outreach that the girls do while they are here.

 Each year the Epworth Center distributes food boxes for local families in need. We’re collecting food items and monetary donations through Monday, December 7. Food items include boxed potatoes, canned fruits and vegetables, coffee, fruit snacks, candy, paper products, cleaning supplies, Christmas cards and crafts, $20-$25 gift cards for perishables, and more.  This is a great way for your family, church, church group, youth group or more to get involved. For a full list of items needed, CLICK HERE.

 Get involved in prison ministry! The Epworth Center hosts a luncheon for the inmates from the Belmont Correctional Institution. The men come and enjoy a great meal, decorate a tree, and there are devotionals available for them to take. Donations to help cover the cost of the meal and devotionals are needed.

 You can make a difference this Christmas. Contact us for more details.

PHOTOS FROM LAST YEAR'S EVENTS: (you can click on a picture for larger view)

Max Lucado's "Everyday Blessings" were given to the inmates and girls from the group home. The girls were also given the "Revolve 2009" NT magazine. The luncheon with the inmates. The inmates, staff, Epworth Center staff, and Epworth Center volunteers had a great time! Rev. Scott Walsh provided music... one favorite was "name that Christmas tune." Empty boxes waiting to be packed by the girls from the group home. Gallons of milk were given with some of the boxes. Gift cards were given with others. Toys were donated by Toys for Tots. A full hunger basket. The girls from the group home decorated the hunger boxes. The girls from the group home wrapped presents.

Community Thanksgiving Luncheon 2009
 

We were able to provide a free family-style meal for over 100 persons at Thanksgiving!  God is good! He provided volunteers to make this event possible. We look forward to the next one.

Health Fair & Walk - July 11, 2009
 

On July 11, the Epworth Center held a health fair and 2nd annual "Footprints in the Park" Walk
during Chautauqua Days.  Many showed up for information and free screenings.
Over 30 people participated in the walk, tallying 41,460 steps—about 21 miles

Thank you to:
Ohio Hills Health Services
Real Life Community of Faith - A United Methodist new church start
Panera Bread (for donating coffee and bagels for the workers)
Walmart (donation of funds for bike giveaway)
Epworth Park

Continued furniture donation

THANK YOU to Wilson's Furniture in Bridgeport for their continued donations.  They have graciously donated items such as sofas, love seats, chairs, and bedroom pieces, which has helped enable us to reach out to the area in a tangible way.  Below are photos from the  donation of a queen sized box spring and mattress, a reclining couch, a recliner and living room chair.  The Epworth Center passed on the mattress set and living room chair to a single mother and her two teenage daughters.  They were really thankful and will get a lot of use out of the items. 
Photos below are from various donations.

Easter Brunch for local inmates & for local girl's home

In April, the Epworth Center hosted two Easter brunches... One for the inmates from the Belmont Correctional Institution, and the other for a local girl's home.  We are excited about these events!  We had Easter goodies and a hearty meal for both events. 
Click on individual photos below for more details (9 photos)!

Inmate Christmas Luncheon Wrap-Up - December 2006

On December 16, the Epworth Center hosted its third annual Christmas luncheon for inmates from the Belmont Correctional Institution.

Twenty-five inmates and 20 correctional officers, including Warden Michele Eberlin, attended the event. Prior to lunch, the inmates decorated the Christmas tree and set out poinsettias that were grown at the Institution. Rev. Wanda Wilson, Southern Hills District Superintendent, read the Christmas Story from Luke and Joyful Noise shared musical gifts. Everyone joined in singing favorite carols, such as “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.” Devotionals were available for inmates and officers to take with them.

The ministry of compassion with local inmates has developed over the past three years while they have been working on building projects at the Epworth Center. They have provided the skilled labor and enthusiasm that was needed to complete many of our projects, such as constructing a handicap accessible restroom, replacing showers, and painting the cabins.

Two years ago, this area was devastated by floods and landslides. During that time, the inmates worked long hours to assist people with clean-up, oftentimes doing very labor-intensive work that no one else would do. At that time it became apparent that something should be done for these men who were doing so much for others. We responded by providing a Christmas dinner at the Epworth Center in appreciation of their good efforts. The Christmas dinner has developed into a meaningful tradition that the inmates look forward to with anticipation. One of the men stated, “This is the best Christmas I’ve had in six years.”

The Epworth Center plans on having another Christmas luncheon next December and looks forward to its continued good relationship with Belmont Correctional Institution.    PLEASE SEE PHOTOS BELOW - Click on a photo for a larger image.

-Food Baskets Given to SOWER Clients- SOWER Season, 2006

Through the Hunger Ministry of the Epworth Center, food baskets were given to SOWER clients at the end of each week.  Baskets included spaghetti noodles and sauce, oatmeal packets, applesauce, green beans, fresh fruit and bread, and various other items.  (see photo below)
We plan on continuing this outreach to SOWER clients next summer.
Please contact us on ways you or your church can get involved to make a difference.

SOWER homeowner Cathleen and Executive Director Rev. Lester Wilson stop to pose for a picture.

 

- Easter Dinner Held -  April 2006

The Epworth Center held an Easter Dinner for local pastors, former SOWER clients, and those involved in the SOWER Work Mission on Saturday, April 8.  There was an Easter egg hunt and treats for the children.  See pictures below. 
 

- Thanksgiving Baskets Delivered - November 2005

"We came home and found the groceries and the gift card and immediately started crying. Thank you very very much for thinking of us. "

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