Our Epworth Student Ministries takes the Great Commission fully to heart as we prepare for our Youth Summer Mission Weeks --- our youth once again accept Jesus' challenge.  Our Junior High Students are going on a weeklong mission venture starting June 20 to Youngstown/Warren Ohio serving in partnership with the United Methodist Community Center, which is a sister organization to Toledo's Friendly Center.  Not only will we clean, paint and perform other needed tasks, but even more importantly we'll interact with the children that are cared for by the UM Community Center while their single parent Mom's are at work or out interviewing for employment.  We hope that our presence within that community will leave a strong message that they are not forgotten, they are loved and there is hope for a better day.  Epworth’s Senior High Students were traveling to Boston on July 10 for a mission week serving homeless shelters and pantries in downtown Boston -- but in response to urgent pleas by UMCOR, VIM and the Tennessee UM Conference, we're changing the direction of our vehicles from the east coast to the greater Nashville area.  As we have all witnessed on national television, the devastation of 13-15' high flood waters has created a tremendous need for post-food remediation and reconstruction.  As you recall in February, our SWAT Ministries raised over $3000 for Haiti and now our Epworth SWAT teams will be the hands and feet of Christ, serving in the name of Epworth United Methodist and of course in the name of Christ Jesus as we journey to Youngstown/Warren Ohio and Nashville Tennessee. 

As babies are Baptized, Youth are Confirmed and new members join our church -- each of us are asked to faithfully participate in the ministry of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service.   Each of our students will be giving a week of their summer vacation SERVING as missionaries for Christ and Epworth. We ask that you PRAY for each of our youth and their adult teams as they travel and serve in Christ's name. Our students will be giving their PRESENCE AND SERVICE and money for their expenses.  YOU, as our Epworth Congregation and family, have always offered your financial GIFTS as you joyfully supported our Youth Missions while using the Kroger Pluscards, SWAT Merchant/Gift cards, attending our fundraising dinners and many further support our Youth Missions with direct contributions.  The dividends and return on our investment in our youth is literally out of this world – it gives us hope for tomorrow!   Thanks for your support of our Youth and our SWAT Student Ministries   Please join our Youth Mission Weeks with your PRAYERS each day as our Epworth Youth serve with energy, passion and commitment while accepting Jesus' Great Commission.