Tegether, We do great things

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6: 19-21, NRSV)

The past year has been a trying time for us emotionally, physically, and financially. Never have we lived through such times, but hopefully we are beginning to see a light at the end of this long tunnel of challenges. I write this, as a member of the Stewardship Committee, to emphasize the importance of supporting Epworth to the best of your ability. While working diligently to cover daily operating expenses, our mortgage commitment, and other obligations, our church has done great things through the many outreach programs for our community – especially during these recent difficult months. iAnd these ministries will require funding going forward.

Each of us probably has a program that holds special meaning, whether it is the Good Samaritans program, which operates our mobile food pantry; the Food Rescue program; the Kitchen@Epworth, which provides hot meals each Sunday; or another of our numerous outreach programs. Caring for one another is central to ALL Epworth ministries.

A ministry that has been particularly special to me is the live-stream worship on YouTube and Facebook. In the past, as many of you recall, each Sunday morning service was taped and  made available through Epworth’s website or by DVD for those unable to physically attend services. While living part time in Pennsylvania and unable to attend Epworth services, especially in the winter months, I appreciated and looked forward to watching each service. It made me feel valued as an absentee member of Epworth. The taped services continued my ability to worship with the church family I’ve grown to love.

Epworth has come a long way since these taped services. Worship is now available by live-streaming each service on YouTube and Facebook, and services are accessible throughout the week. This outreach has increased our congregation’s access to Epworth services, based on each week’s viewership numbers. Increased viewership is one silver lining of the dark cloud of COVID! We have been able to be TOGETHER even when physically apart!

While this ministry has improved tremendously, a heavier burden has been placed on the well-used audio and visual equipment over time. For instance, the entire website and connections to outside media had to be rebuilt recently. Equipment has been repaired or replaced. I am grateful to all those involved in this effort. For me, it is money well spent to help meet Epworth’s goal of inviting ALL to walk in God’s way, to recognize that we belong to God as we grow in love, and to connect with God through worship.

So, whether it is through the Skate@Epworth ministry, the Boys and Girls Club, Epworth’s Preschool program, the Music Ministry (including the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, and Praise Team accompanied by our Praise Band), the ASL Worship Ministry, our many Small Groups, or another ministry Epworth offers, TOGETHER we do great things!

You have shown great generosity in the past to do God’s work. I ask you to consider digging into your pockets as deeply as you can to pledge financial support to Epworth so that all these ministries may continue and grow.

Blessings,
Rob Cline

Your 2021-22 Stewardship Campaign Team