Outreach Ministries
Updates will be posted regularly.
 

The Epworth Center is pleased to keep you updated on its endeavors for new Outreach Ministries!  The following are some of our ideas, plans, and things we have been working on during the past year. 

Parish Nurse Ministry: The Epworth Center would like to work with pastors and laity to establish parish nurse programs in local churches and communities.  The first parish nurse program was started in the Neffs community and has been a success.  God is good!

Medical Ministry: Another area aside from parish nurse ministry is the Epworth Center's medical ministry outreach.  In the past we have held health fairs, health screenings, and CPR / AED training.  In the fall we are going to have another health fair and flu shots with the help of Ohio Hills in Barnesville.

Hunger Outreach Ministry: The Epworth Center is beginning a hunger outreach for former SOWER clients and local communities.  Baskets are passed out for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and at the end of each SOWER work week.  We have also began Easter dinners and basket deliveries.

Prison Ministry: The Epworth Center has been developing its prison ministry outreach program over the past few years.  We have dinners for inmates and staff at Christmas, and this year at Easter. 

Make a Donation 

For more information about these ministries or if you would like to get involved, please contact the Epworth Center.  By viewing photographs and information under "Newsworthy" below, or by viewing our "Archived Articles" page you can learn more about outreach events the Epworth Center has had in the past.  You can also visit our Mission Opportunities page for more ideas on how you can make a difference!

Epworth Center's ministries really do make a difference!

Many lives have been touched through the Epworth Center's SOWER Work Mission and outreach ministries.  At the time of year where donation requests increase, it's important to take a moment to praise God for the good that has been accomplished!  The Epworth Center's hunger ministry has been fruitful and helped a number of people.

One story in particular is that of Shirley and her family.  We delivered a basket of food to them at Thanksgiving.  They were SOWER clients in the past, and we try to help SOWER clients in tangible ways.  When we were visiting with Shirley and her family, her eyes filled with tears as she brought out her Bible.  She began telling us that earlier that morning she wrote a shopping list of things she would like to have to be able to prepare a nice Thanksgiving meal.  Shirley said she knew they couldn't afford these items, so she put the list in her Bible and prayed.  She prayed, knowing God would provide; that they would be okay.  A few hours later... we showed up with a box of food - most of which was on her shopping list. 

God has blessed the ministries of the Epworth Center.  We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can get involved and make a difference!
 

Hello, My name is SPC Jennifer. I am a member of Otterbein United
Methodist Church in East Ohio Conference. I recently received a Prayer
Cloth that my father found while at Annual Conference. I am currently
serving in the United States Army in Baghdad, Iraq. When I saw this cloth I
thought it was a great idea, especially for Outreach of Soldiers that may be
seeking a church upon our return to Fort Hood, Texas in January. I carry my
cloth in my pocket every day and find myself rubbing it between my fingers
like a new found child's blankie. It is a comfort because it continues to
remind me that God is always with me and many friends and family are at home
praying for my safe return. I am hoping that maybe you could help me pass
this comfort to other Soldiers here in Iraq. I would also like to thank you
for coming up with such a great idea that is my constant comfort.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the hands that carefully and lovingly made
every prayer cloth that has made a new home. Thank you for every Christian
soul that cares enough to take a few minutes out of their day to do
something for someone else. May this great and beautiful deed be spread to
others. Amen.

God Bless, SPC Jennifer

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what
you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will
experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can
understand." Phil 4:6-7

What a ministry this has turned out to be... and you are invited to take part!  Can you knit or crochet? Why not make prayer cloths for your own church, community, or to send overseas?  Here is the basic pattern we use...

POCKET PRAYER CLOTH
Ending width and length: 3 x 5 inches.
Single Crochet Pattern: Hook Size I. Chain 9.
(width before edging should be 2 1/2 inches)
Rows: 14 (length before edging) should be 4 1/2 inches)
After length is reached then single crochet or reverse single crochet around all 4 edges.

Saying We Use

This is a sample of ours. They can be any color! [click on the thumbnail for a larger view]

 

Christmas Outreach



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.

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.

East Ohio Conference Advance Special Numbers:
9140 - SOWER Work Mission
9191 - Extension Ministries

 Sower Mission's Profile