We Serve

Tegether, We do great things

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10: 24–25 NIV)

Being together … what a challenge that has been in the past year! Closing of in-person services, ceasing of Epworth Preschool and the Boys and Girls Club, an end to Bible study groups meeting at the church, the list goes on and on.

But through it all, Epworth kept finding ways to bring us together in ways that touched so many lives and did so much good.

Good Samaritans could no longer meet people indoors, so they pivoted to an outdoor food pantry that has served hundreds of our neighbors. But what might be missed is how this brought people together. While getting food for sustenance, many of those we served also were eager to share what was going on in their lives. Often there were things we could pray about. The grandmother getting food for the grandchildren she had suddenly become responsible for. People coming in to pick up  food for their neighbors who were hesitant to ask for help. Someone hoping this was the week they would regain a lost job. The stories are so heartfelt, and this sharing has been uplifting for all involved. Your financial support makes all of this possible.

One day at Good Sam, there was a lull and we had a LOT of donated cupcakes. so we ventured over to the Skate Park to see if anyone wanted a treat. I had never been near that area and was astounded by what a gift it is to this community. Kids, teens, and even some adults being able to come together in a safe way (outside of the occasional scraped elbow or knee). All those happy faces in what must be a bewildering time for them. I had always thought that park was kind of a boondoggle, but no longer. Your financial support made that possible.

We probably never envisioned sitting in lawn chairs in parking lots or  at home in our pajamas to participate in worship services. Through it all, Epworth kept finding ways to bring us together. The church staff has shown an ability to master all the tricks of the trade to bring us together online. All that tech stuff is a mystery to me, but it has bridged a gap in our worship that otherwise would have been heartbreakingly absent. Your financial support continues to make this possible.

And now, at long last, we are able to come back together in person – albeit in limited numbers currently – to celebrate all the many gifts that are Epworth. Through it all, it has been YOUR gifts that have made it possible to be together in so many ways. If you have never pledged, we encourage you to take that step. It is not the amount that matters, it is that you come together with all of our other pledge donors to help us better plan for the uses of your collective gifts. These gifts will be even more important in the year ahead as Epworth continues to reach out in more innovative ways that allow us to lift our voices in praise and serve our greater community in so many ways. 

We give thanks for all that is Epworth!

Blessings,

David Streit

Your 2021-22 Stewardship Campaign Team