The Shut-In Ministry

The children are actively involved in ministering to individuals within our church who are limited in their ability to get out of their home. We make cards and visit them as often as we can.  In addition, we encourage the children to adopt one of our shut-ins and commit to praying for him/her on a daily basis. 

Cooperative Christian Ministry

Epworth United Methodist Church has committed to supporting Cooperative Christian Ministry.  One way in which we do this is by collecting food and other items on a monthly basis.  Last year, the children became more involved with these efforts by painting bags that help individuals remember to bring in items each month.  Since last fall, the children have continued to support this ministry by handing out these bags monthly, along with a list of needed items, and encouraging everyone in the church to participate.

The Prayer Blanket/Prayer Bear Ministry

We talk about prayer and the power of prayer in teamJesus all the time. We began the Prayer Blanket Ministry in the Fall of 2006.  In the Spring of 2007, we added the Prayer Bear Ministry.  Blankets are given to individuals within our congregation who need to feel the presence and love of the congregation in a tangible way, as well as through prayer. Anyone can call Teresa Gray to let her know that there is someone in our congregation who is in need of a prayer blanket. After receiving the call, Mrs. Teresa chooses a blanket for the recipient, then the children present the blanket the following Sunday morning at the beginning of the 8:30 am and the 10:55 am worship services.  Members of the congregation are invited to come to the alter at the end of these services to pray for the individual who is receiving the blanket. Then, the blanket is delivered to the recipient.  The prayer bears were started as a ministry to children who may have the same need.  During the One Great Week of Service, the Spring of 2007, the children made 21 bears that they then delivered to the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital at Carolina's Medical Center Northeast.