THE TRUMPET CALL

March 6, 2016

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

Our Vision
To challenge and encourage everyone in our
congregation to know and follow Christ by:
Growing as disciples through Christs
teachings
Connecting with one another in Christian
community
Serving Christ by serving others
Praising God as we worship Christ

Sunday Services and Studies

Traditional 8:30 am
Contemporary 10:45 am
Sunday School 9:45 am

MONDAY is the last

day to submit a 1-page
story of YOUR true
experience with God.
Send to
foxes@esumc.net or
leave paper in church
office.
Next, teen and adult singers are invited to evening
rehearsals on any or all of these dates:
Thursdays March 17, 29, and 31;
other weekday evenings April 4, 6, 7;
plus final rehearsal required Saturday morning April 9.
Watch for exact times next week! Questions? Contact
Pauline Fox at foxes@esumc.net or 570-223-9889.

2016 Tools for Ministry

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Grace UMC, 407 East Mountain Avenue, Pen Argyl, 18072
For more information including workshop details, please
see the Brochure in the Narthex.

Pastors Corner
It seems that every week in this column I am thanking someone, and now I've got new
people to thank! When we have such an active, giving congregation, I don't have to look
far each week to thank someone or some people for their special efforts. This week, I'd
like to thank Bob Repsher and Norm Fox for fixing our giant sliding doors which separate
the Sanctuary from Oberholtzer Hall. They were ably assisted by Facilities Manager, Bill
Mack. This past Sunday, when opening the forward most doors (which, by the way, are
probably as old as the building itself and therefore 90+ years old!), the top of one of the
doors broke under pressure and the panels needed to be removed.
When I first saw what had happened on Sunday, I assumed this was a several week project and we'd have
to do a "work-around" without this critical door in place. I'm happy to say that as of yesterday, Wednesday,
the doors are back up and look as good as new. Norm had a metal piece re-welded and fashioned a new
wood piece to strengthen the area where the door pivots and slides at the top. Thank you, gentlemen, and
praise God no one was hurt when the big doors came down!
I read an article this morning which at first depressed me and then gave me hope, because we are a
church which provides hope. We all know that there are pockets of extreme poverty in this part of Monroe
County. We also know that there are websites which try to grab the headlines and hype the articles they
publish. The article I read was, "These are the Ten Most Miserable Cities in Pennsylvania," and wouldn't
you know, Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg were ranked #8 and #10 respectively (Darby, in Delaware
County was ranked #1, and Philadelphia was ranked fifth). The study examined these seven criteria to
arrive at the "Miserable Index:" Percentage of residents with a college degree, average commute times,
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unemployment rate, cost of living, percentage of married couples,

percentage of home owners, and the poverty rate. It did not consider
things like crime rate or recreational possibilities. So, yes, it is a big
jarring and depressing to read something like this.
However, as I thought more about it, it made me realize the possibilities
which exist for authentic Christian mission and ministry in our area. We
don't always need to send people out of the area to help others on
mission trips when there is so much to do here (though I quickly add that
there are many valuable reasons to do mission work in other places as
well!). In fact, our junior high youth will be doing "Mission-in-Place" this
coming summer, which I celebrate with them and their leaders.
Also, you can do your part in helping those in poverty by attending the
Joyful Noises concert next Sunday night, March 13, at 7:00 pm in our
Sanctuary. The quartet will be raising funds through your generous
donation at the concert for the Charitable Energy Program of the Pocono
Alliance. This fund, strongly supported by the other United Methodist
churches in our area, assists those who fall behind in their electric and
other utility payments, and helps people to better budget their funds so
that it doesn't keep happening. I know from the number of people who
come through our office door seeking assistance just how big this
problem is among our neighbors. We give thanks to the members of the
Joyful Noises, Bob Rosenberger, Peter Wilson, Doug Malefyt, and Tom
Salmon for making this opportunity available to us! I'll see you this
Sunday, and also at the concert next Sunday!
Pastor Jim

Read the Bible in a Year

Oh no its Leviticus! Perhaps youre familiar with this comment about

what I believe is one of the most neglected books in the entire Bible. I
have read through Leviticus three times this week to try to get a better
understanding on how these words of scripture apply to us today.
The setting for this book occurs as the Hebrew nation travels from the
fertile valleys of Egypt to the sand and desert in and around Mt. Sinai. So
I wonder if we could take an exit poll of the Israelites wanderings through
the wilderness, much as was done after the Super Tuesday primary,
what would they say? We know that they grumbled and complained;
once even accusing Moses: "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in
Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted,
but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly
to death!"
But there were also many people who trusted in God and gave
Moses a vote of confidence no matter how difficult it was to keep moving
forward. The first thing I realize as I study Leviticus is their sacrificial
system, which is a difficult concept for today's believers to grasp. Yet the
sacrifices of the Old Testament were just shallow imitations of the true
sacrifice who was yet to come. We can grumble and complain about our
lives, or we can choose to embrace the bigger picture, offering God our
very best because we trust that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice and the
reason we are invited to join the celebration of Easter.
So my friends read on! Pastor Bob Hachtman
2

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministers Care!

Our Stephen Ministers know all about
receiving care. Many of them have
been on the receiving end of care at
an earlier point in their own lives
something that has motivated them to
give care now. They know how
difficult it is to ask for help, but they
also know the great personal and
spiritual growth and healing that
follow. They know how to respond in
a loving, caring, and nonjudgmental
manner. They are equipped, ready,
and waiting to provide the comfort and
care God very much desires you to
have. For more information about
Stephen Ministry, please contact
Peggy Strack, 570-421-3280, ext.
1023.
Members of ESUMC who are unable
to attend church, always enjoy
hearing from you! Cards and notes of
encouragement may be sent to:
Richard & Mary Ann Miller
717 Horizon Drive
Stroudsburg, PA 18360 -1967
Hearing Assistance
Devices are Here!

ESUMC now owns several hearing

assistance devices which can be worn to
improve your ability to hear our worship
services. Please contact an usher to pick
up your hearing assistance device and
return to an usher after use.
Healthcare Equipment available:
Canes, crutches, walkers, adult potty
chairs, shower stools, Depends and more!
Contact Peggy, 570-421-3280, ext. 1023.

Maundy Thursday
Ushers & Greeters Needed

Not able to serve on a regular basis, then

volunteer for Thursday, March 24th as part
of our Welcome Team.
Please contact Kathy Hinkey at
570.236.8183
or k_hinkey@hotmail.com

Volunteers needed

Food and hospitality is looking for

individuals or groups that would be willing
to make or buy baked goods for the Holy
Grounds Cafe. Volunteers may drop off
four dozen donuts, bagels or items of
baked goods after the early service for all
to enjoy and if possible help with clean up
after the late service.
This is a very important ministry in our
quest to be a welcoming church. Please
prayerfully consider volunteering for just a
few Sundays a year. Contact Ray Moeller
rayamoeller@gmail.com with the date you
or your group might be willing to serve.

Discipleship Offerings During

Lenten Cycle

Proverbs 31 Study
Drop in Video Study
Prayer Study
Between a Rock and a Grace Place Study
Work at Worship Study
Disciples Class
Stine Class
Deborah Class
(Check signs in church for locations)

Read The Bible In A Year

66Leviticus 15, Leviticus 16,

Mark 13:32-37, Mark 14:1-16,
Psalm 31:1-8
67Leviticus 17, Leviticus 18,
Mark 14:17-42, Psalm 31:9-18
68Leviticus 19, Leviticus 20,
Mark 14:43-72, Proverbs 6:30-35
69Leviticus 21, Leviticus 22,
Mark 15:1-32,Psalm 31:19-24
70Leviticus 23, Leviticus 24,
Mark 15:33-47,Psalm 32
71Leviticus 25, Leviticus 26:1-13,
Mark 16:1-20, Psalm 33:1-11
72Leviticus 26:14-46, Leviticus 27,
Luke 1:1,-25, Proverbs 7:1-5
73Numbers 1, Numbers 2:1-9,
Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 33:12-22
74Numbers 2:10-34, Numbers 3,
Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 34:1-10
75Numbers 4, Numbers 5:1-10,
Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 34:11-22

WELLNESS MINISTRY EVENTS

A WELLNESS FAIR will be held on Sun., April 17th from 9:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Wellness professionals and fitness
enthusiasts will provide FREE information to promote good health. For
information about the possibility of being a vendor, contact Darleen,
570-460-9160 or leen78@verizon.net.
ESUMC RELAY FOR LIFE team participate in this great event to
raise money for the American Cancer Society. For further information,
contact Bruce Osbun, 570-421-7939 or bruce.osbun@yahoo.com.

New Church Directory During the weeks of May 16-21 and

May 23-28, a photographer from Re:Member Church Directories
will be at ESUMC to photograph our church family for a new directory. All who are photographed will receive a FREE 8X10
portrait and a FREE directory! Sign-ups for photo sessions begin
mid-April.

Cookie Deliverers Needed! Plates of Easter cookies and a

craft have been prepared for our nursing home and homebound
members. If you would be willing to help deliver them during the
week of March 13th, please contact Peggy Strack, 570-421-3280.

Holy Thursday Soup Supper

Volunteers are needed to make soup for the

soup supper on Holy Thursday, March 24. If you
are willing to bring a crock pot full of your
favorite soup please contact Ray Moeller at
570-369-3131.

Adult Mission Trip

We will be doing Hurricane Sandy home repairs in Brooklyn. All skill

levels are welcome. Scholarship help is available.
We are offering two exciting choices Two day trip from Thursday night, April 7 through Saturday, April 9 or...
Week long trip from Sunday, April 3 through Saturday, April 9
For information or to register contact Pat Braun 570-269-5043.

Discipleship Bible Studies

There are two ongoing bible studies not held on Sunday

Morning.
The Mens Saturday Morning Bible Study led by
John Hollister and are currently using The Man
Who Makes a Difference
8:00 a.m. Office Building
Conference Room
The Thursday morning
Womens Bible Study led by
Nancy Carlson and are
currently using Teach Us To Want 9:30 a.m.
Office Building Conference Room
These studies are held weekly and will be
posted on the
3 church calendar.

Events

Contact Us

HIKING.

The next hike will be on Sunday, March 27. Please meet at

12:15 in the parking lot. We leave at 12:30 SHARP. (note new
times). Februarys hike was at Tumbling Waters Trail, Vistas, Waterfalls,
60 degrees, what a beautiful day. Please pencil in above date and
commit to this very worthwhile activity. Any questions, call Bob at 570
223-7076.

SWAT Meeting:

We always try to schedule SWAT on the fourth

Monday of the month, as we do this month, Jan. 25, at 9:00 a.m. thanks
to all that committed to this worthwhile work around our Church. See you
Jan 25 at 9:00 a.m. in the conference room.

The OKs will meet

March 9 at 11:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

This meeting will consist of a Pot Luck luncheon, a business meeting and
a visit from Pastor Jim. A meat dish will be provided and since this is a Pot
Luck, please bring your favorite dish to share. We will discuss what we
want to do in the coming months. Please bring suggestions about places
you might want to go, or to do.
Thanks, Erma

UMW IN GATHERING:

In Gathering is a United Methodist Women

outreach where new clothes and shoes (tags still on) are collected and
given once a year to the Conference. Packages of unopened diapers are
also accepted. There will be a box marked for these items in Oberholtzer
Hall. UMW will be collecting items until September 4th and then they will
be packaged and shipped to the Conference. For more information,
please contact Sharon Gerberich at 570-313-116

Church-Wide Clothing Drive for Family Promise

ESUMC is holding a church-wide used clothing drive for Family Promise.
Drop-off dates for clothing are:
Saturday, April 16th and Saturday, April 23rd from 1011:30 a.m. at the
church.
When bagging up Clothes for delivery, please use plastic bags no larger
than a tall kitchen garbage bags. Larger ones are too heavy to carry.
For further information and details, please contact
Sharon Gerberich at 570-313-1162. Thank you for your help and support.
Recovery Meetings Available in The Community Room of Office
Building Basement
NA: Monday through Saturday 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M.

Just for Today

Wednesday 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. New Beginnings (Womens Group)

AA: Thursday & Saturday 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Keep It Simple

Scan QR to ESUMC Website

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

83 S. Courtland St.
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
www.esumc.net

Church Office
(570) 421-3280
church@esumc.net
Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Mon thru Fri
Pastor
Jim Todd
jtodd@esumc.net
Ext. 1014
Secretary
Maria Ragonese
mragonese@esumc.net
Ext. 1010
Congregational Care
Peggy Strack
pstrack@esumc.net
Ext. 1023
Youth Ministries
Scott Kuhnle
skuhnle@esumc.net
Ext. 1013
Childrens Ministries
Erica Dorsch
edorsch@esumc.net
Ext. 1017
Finances
Sue Mertz
smertz@esumc.net
Ext. 1015
Financial Secretary
Cyndie Faunce
cfaunce@esumc.net
Ext. 1025
Maintenance
William Mack
wmack@esumc.net
Ext. 1018
Organist/Traditional Music
Pauline Fox
foxes@esumc.net
Contemporary Music
Doug Malefyt
dmalefyt@esumc.net
Audio/Visual
Joe Dorsch
josephdorsch@gmail.com
Technology Support
Michael Corey
mcorey@esumc.net
Ext. 1012