Serving Others

HIV/AIDS Care Team

The Epworth Care Team is made up of 4 couples and 3 singles. Our mission is compassionate, non-judgmental care, and advocacy for our HIV partner. Being a Care Team member challenges us to set aside social and cultural biases in order to reach out to someone in need of love and acceptance and to share our time and our resources with one who is less fortunate. Jesus calls us to love each other as God loves us. Being a part of the HIV/AIDS Care team is an opportunity to put this into practice.

Care Group

Because we care, we visit the sick, shut-ins, and bereaved in homes, institutions, and hospitals, and we take flowers, food, "Upper Rooms", church bulletins, and whatever. We meet in the church parlor on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., but visitation can be made any day of the week

Habitat for Humanity

Epworth has been an active participant in the local Habitat for Humanity mission for many years. We have co-sponsored several houses, provided financial support and sent volunteers to the construction sites on Saturdays. Construction volunteers need to be at least 16 years old. To learn more about Epworth's upcoming activities or to volunteer, send an e-mail the following address: sgregg@nortel.com

Heifer International

Heifer International is an organization that brings hope to people who are poor and hungry throughout the world. Contributions are used to purchase animals to be sent to families who desperately need nutrition and income. Veterinary services and training in the care of the animals is also provided. One of the special features of this program is that the recipients give offspring of their animals to others in the community, thereby spreading the benefits in a growing circle of life and hope.

Higher Education

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)

IHN is a ministry that provides temporary housing, meals, and hospitality to families who are temporarily homeless. It is a national organization with local chapters. Epworth has been involved in the Durham IHN chapter since its inception in 1994. We, along with other congregations, open our doors in the evenings and overnight to provide a safe haven for the families while they prepare for more permanent housing. The families are interviewed by Olive Joyner, Durham IHN director, before entering the network. The volunteer opportunities include providing transportation to and from Epworth and the IHN day center on North Roxboro Rd., bringing food items needed for the week, preparing evening meals, acting as evening hosts during the meal and early evening, spending the night as overnight hosts, setting up and taking down the necessary items for the week, and washing bed linens. Contact the church office for volunteer opportunities.

Lay Shepherds

The purpose of this program is to strengthen and encourage one another in the faith by providing Christian care for our Epworth family. Shepherds are trained to demonstrate the love of Jesus through intentional care of His flock. Our goal is that every Epworth household will have a Lay Shepherd or be a Lay Shepherd.

Loving Hands

This is a ministry that provides an evening meal to homeless individuals who come to the Durham Urban Ministries center. The meal is prepared prior to being taken to the center and being served. This meal is served to over 150 people, therefore, it is best prepared by and served by a group. Epworth commits to serving meals 3 times per year. If you are interested in this ministry, contact the church office.

Martha Society

The Martha Society ministers to congregational needs during times of birth, death, or other crisis situations by providing meals or related services. Quarterly co-leaders and monthly co-captains are responsible for organizing and providing help. Church members, divided alphabetically into quarters, are also called upon to contribute.

Mission Trips

Epworth UMC supports member participation in mission trips. This allows us to reach out to people outside of our local community. On occasion we have sent construction teams to Redbird Mission in Southeastern Kentucky to help restore and roof houses in impoverished areas. As a result of Early Response Training by United Methodist Christian Organized Relief (UMCOR) and Marion Edwards Recovery Center Initiatives (MERCI), many Epworth members are prepared to visit victims of such disasters as tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, whether this involves counseling, clearing and clean-up work, and/or repairing or rebuilding homes. Also, medical and non-medical mission teams go yearly to Haiti bringing much needed supplies and medical care to the poor and the sick. Our youth plan yearly mission trips to aid persons in repairing and restoring homes and churches that have been damaged by natural disasters and/or have been left unattended due to economic reasons. Persons interested in getting information about missions work can contact Ann Glasson at 489-8236.

Prayer Group

Meet to pray over needs in the community, 5pm Wednesday in Parlor.