Trumpet Call

May 2011 | Newsletter of East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

Growing, Connecting, Serving

Taking a look at our church vision
Dates to by Jill Malefyt, Lay Leader
Remember Last summer the Vision Team interviewed the staff, looked at the results
4.30 of a congregational visioning questionnaire, and prayed and reflected on
Adult Mission Trip leaves God’s will for our church. The team discerned that the word, ―relationships,‖
for Nashville kept coming up again and again. In our sessions, we asked the question, ―How
can we as a church build relationships with God and with each other?‖ The
5.1 team realized that when people are sold-out disciples of Jesus, their priorities
Celebration of our are arranged in such a way that they put him first in their lives, resulting in
Renovated Areas joyful giving, loving and serving.
The Vision Team envisioned three ways that we as a church can make
5.2 room for the Holy Spirit to create a opportunity to encourage everyone in our
Steering Team Meeting congregation to become a devoted follower of Jesus: by growing as disciples
through Christ’s teachings, by connecting with one another in Christian
5.14 community, and by serving Christ through serving others.
Indoor Miniature Golf The vision along with our mission statement which is ―To love Jesus
Christ and share his love,‖ is to drive us in all we do. All the programs and
5.15 ministries in our congregation are focused through the lens of the mission
Growing Deeper Disciple statement directed toward the realization of the vision. All ministries should
Classes Start be looking to the vision and asking if they are helping to fulfill it.
But exactly how does this happen? The vision is broad enough that there
5.16 are many different directions that ministries can go with it. Who decides if a
Celebrating Women ministry fits into our vision? Who decides what our strategic plan is? Who
Banquet decides what the exact focus points should be for the upcoming year? These
are some of the questions our church leaders and staff struggle with. Pastor
5.22 Kimes asked our Superintendent Bron Yocum to meet with us to start
Organ Series Event thinking about these unanswered questions. It was an eye opening meeting
and led into our next opportunity.
Continued on page 2...
83 South Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg Pa 18301

Phone: 570-421-3280 www.esumc.net Email: church@esumc.net


by Kelli Oney
Leaders from the Church of the Resurrection in
Kansas City were here Friday, April 1 and Saturday,
April 2 sharing principles and practical ideas that we
can translate into the life of our church. We hosted this
event with the support of our Conference and District
Superintendent, Rev. Bronwyn Yocum. Ninety people
and 10 congregations filled our sanctuary both days.
The leaders asked us, ―How would you rate your
church on meeting the changing needs of your com-
munity?‖ They challenged us to seek out those who
are not already part of our church community. They
stated that the only way this will happen is if we all
know what we’re about!
As a church we need to answer these questions: Why
do people need the church? Why do people need our
church? Why do people need Jesus Christ? I challenge
you to answer these questions and then list four rea-
sons why people need our church. We need to believe
in our church! Take this opportunity and to share your
responses with our Lay Leader, Jill Malefyt, or any
staff member. We value your thoughts, and together
we can share the love of Jesus Christ while challeng-
ing and encouraging everyone in our congregation to
know and follow Christ.
Vision continued …
On April 1 we brought a team from Church of the
Resurrection to lead a seminar called Leading Beyond
the Walls. They shared 10 principles to help us
discern who we are as a church and how important it
is to communicating and living out the importance of
our purpose and mission.
Our church is also participating in a consultation
with the nationally recognized team, 21st Century
Strategies, Inc., including noted author Bill Easum.
Surveys will be taken during worship from April 17-
May 8.
The Steering Team, Ministry Placement Team,
Vision Team and Staff will be thinking and praying
about the structure of our church. Please keep these
teams in your prayers. The Steering Team conducts
an open meeting the first Monday of each month at
7 p.m. in the office building. Please come, if you have
an idea you would like to share. God is leading us
through a number of opportunities to help us move
towards a future of growth and service in Him. May
we respond positively with God-felt enthusiasm.
YOU HAVE MAIL!
You can now receive the Trumpet Call via
your personal email account. The newsletter
and occasional announcements will keep you in
the know about what's happening at East
Stroudsburg UMC and how you can get
involved.
If you'd like to receive these
emails, sign up on the church website
www.esumc.net . If at any time you
would like your address removed from
the list, please call the church office.

Commitment Sunday is June 12. You may be saying, ―We just had commitment Sunday!‖ This is the time
when we will make the transition in our commitment program so that our commitments will coincide with the
church’s programming year. The commitments you make on June 12 will run from September 2011 through
August 2012. The theme of this year’s commitment program, ―Living Out Your Faith,‖ is based on James 1:22 -
―But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise you are only fooling yourselves.‖ It's not
good enough to just read the Bible or go to church on Sunday; God calls us to put our faith into action. How are
you living out your faith? We have many opportunities to help others grow through Christ’s teaching, connect with
Christ in a Christian community, and serve the needs of others! On Sunday, June 5, ministry representatives will
be available in Fellowship Hall to answer your questions before making your commitment.
June 12 is also Confirmation Sunday. Over the past few months, Pastors Kimes and LaBar and youth director
Scott Kuhnle have led the confirmands in their faith development. In addition to their weekly meetings, these
future church leaders also participated in various service projects, learned their spiritual gifts, and explored the
traditions of the United Methodist Church and other faiths. They also met with their mentors for fellowship and
prayer. On Sunday, June 12, these confirmands will lead worship and share how God has called them into
membership in Christ’s church through their prayers, presence, gifts, and service. Then, together as a church body,
we will affirm our relationship in Christ and together by making our commitments to live out our faith together.
 upcoming
The OKs, our 65+ group,
meets Monday, May 9 at
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship
Hall. Bring your favorite
picnic dish to share. Grilled
hot dogs will be provided.
Rev. Kimes and Faith are
coming back by popular
demand to share more on
their trip to England. For
food planning, please call
Pat Fish at 223-8438 or
Karen Dudley at 424-9896.
Celebrating Womanhood
Banquet is Monday, May
16 from 6-8 p.m. at the
church. Entertainment will
be by church youth,
coordinated by Pauline
Fox. United Methodist
Women will have tickets
available in Fellowship
Hall Sunday, May 1 and 8.
Miniature Golf Night at
ESUMC is Saturday, May
14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Our
Yout h and Fam i l y
Promise are sponsoring
this event inside our
church. Indi vidual s,
groups, families, and
foursomes of all ages can
play eighteen holes at a
cost of: $6 for singles, $10
for couples, $20 per
foursomes, and families of
5 or more are $25. The
evening will also include
prizes, mulligan's, special
contests, activities, hot
dogs, and make-your -
own sundaes. Come and
make a difference in the
lives of many and have a
great time of fellowship!
Kitchen Shower and
Welcome to Summer
Time Tea
Hosted by Merry Marthas
and Misters Sunday, June 5
at 12:15 p.m. in Fellowship
Hall. Plan on a fun afternoon
of specialty teas, mini
sandwiches, and petit fours,
as well as games and a
lesson on flower arranging
by Patti Swineford. Fancy
hats are optional, and there
will be a supply to choose
from to wear for the
afternoon if you want! In
addition, we are asking that
attendees bring a shower
gift, from sponges to a
frying pan, for our church
kitchen. The list of needed
items is available in the
church office and the church
kitchen. Dawn Johns will be
sharing the story of our
kitchen and its impact on so
many in our congregation
and community. All are
welcome, and child care is
available. RSVP to
Sharmune at 421-3280 by
June 1.
Saturday Night
Fellowship is May 21
from 5:30 - 8 p.m. in the
Fellowship Hall. The
dinner is Meat Loaf and Ice
Cream Sundaes. This time
of fellowship is pot-luck
so, bring a dish to pass. For
information, please see
Mary Schneider.
Our After-School Programs are in need of
drivers and adult helpers. If you could help
transport youth from local schools in the
church vans from 2:15-3 p.m. or provide Scott
with an extra pair of hands from 2:45-5 p.m. on
Wednesdays for Sr. High or Thursdays for Jr.
High students, please contact Scott Kuhnle at
421-3280 or skuhnle@esumc.net
Eaton Prayer Chapel Opportunity - As
followers of Christ, we believe that prayer is
foundational to what takes place in our church.
Did you know that during every worship
service someone is praying in Eaton Chapel?
Would you be interested in being part of this
ministry? For more information or to sign up
to pray during one service per month, contact
the church office or Jill Malefyt at
jillb@ptd.net or 992-0665.
Summer Sunday School Teachers and
Aides: Our dedicated teachers could use some
time off the summer months to recharge!
Please consider signing up for one or two
weeks between June 27 and the end of August.
Our classes will be combined and meet from
9:45-10:45 a.m. Curriculum often include
videos that can be picked up in the office prior
to the week you are scheduled to teach. For
more information see Sue Randall or email
srandall@ptd.net.
Family Promise Families are scheduled to
arrive at our church the week of May 15-22. If
you did not sign up on your commitment card
and feel led to help with meals, evening
supervision or set-up/clean up, please contact
Clarice Wilkens at 421-0391.
 NOW ACCEPTING NEW ENROLLMENTS!
2011-12 school year for children ages 3-5.
Registration will continue until classes are full.
Our preschool is open to the entire community.

Morning sessions are from 9 to noon with a Tuesday and Thursday ses-
sion for three-year olds and a Monday, Wednesday and Friday session
for four and five-year olds. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due
with enrollment. Tuition is set at $135/month for the T/TH session and
$180/month for the M/W/F session. Contact Sue Randall at 421-3280 or
srandall@esumc.net for information or to receive a registration packet.

Spiritual Gifts Study Vacation Bible School

Sue Mueller will offer this study that teaches
the biblical nature and purpose of the church as a
body of Christ and the importance of your unique
contribution. Through four assessments you will
measure your strengths and identify your God-given
spiritual gifts. The four-week class will start Sun-
day May 15 and end Sunday, June 5, meeting
each week from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. in the lower
level of the church.
This study is also helps us achieve our vision (to
grow as disciples through Christ’s teaching) and to
nurture those considering church membership.
If you would like to participate or to receive
more information, please contact the church of-
fice at 421-3280 or koney@esumc.net. Deadline
for registering is May 8.
August 1-5
When the weather turns hot and humid, there’s
only one place to go-THE BEACH! Join us for
Sun Surf Beach Blast, an unforgettable time where
kids will come to know the living Jesus, who said:
―I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes
to the Father except through me.‖ (John 14:6).
Registration form is available on the church
website (www.esumc.net) or by contacting the
Children’s Ministry office at 421-3280, ext. 11.
Staff Orientation is SUNDAY, July 10 at 2 p.m.

Card Shower for Evelyn Ackerman

Celebrating her 100th Birthday
Evelyn Ackerman, our oldest church member, will soon be celebrating her 100 th
birthday! Evelyn was born on May 28, 1911 in Scranton, PA. A change in her father’s
job brought the family to East Stroudsburg where Evelyn has continued to live. Evelyn
met Charles Ackerman (brother of Pauline Stine) and they married on December 25,
1928 at ESUMC. Evelyn and Charles had one daughter, Charlene, wife of Arnold Bush.
Evelyn has two granddaughters, Tracy Bush and Kimberly Possinger, wife of Jason
Possinger. She also has two great-grandsons, Zachary and Noah Possinger.
Evelyn worked for many years at The Woman’s Shop, a clothing store in downtown
Stroudsburg, where she served as a clerk. She filled her life caring for family
membersand being involved in their many activities.
Everyone likes to be remembered. Whether or not you know Evelyn, why not
brighten her special day by sending her a birthday card! Cards may be sent to her at 536
North Courtland St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
Stephen Ministry/An Uplifting Day
by Randy Ravago
The Stephen Ministers and
leaders had a very uplifting
day of ―Experiencing the
Healing and Peace of
Christ Through Praise and
Worship‖ during a Stephen
Ministry Retreat at our
church Saturday, April 9.
Our guest speaker,
David Bryant, received his
undergraduate degree in
Piano Performance from
the University of the Arts
in Philadelphia and earned
his Master degrees in Piano
Performance, Piano
Pedagogy, and
Musicology from
Temple University,
graduating with
high honors. David
graduated Magna
Cum Laude from
t h e R o ya l S c o t t i s h
Academy of Music and
Drama in Glasgow
Scotland, studying piano,
organ and composition. He
is currently the Associate
Chair of Music at Eastern
University, and is very
happy to serve as the
Director of Music at the
First U.M.C Church of
Phoenixville, PA.
The morning began with
reflection and meditation
on the day as David played
quiet music, and then
progressed to a powerful
time of worship filled with
music, song, and praise to
our Heavenly Father. We
wrote love letters to Jesus,
listened to a teaching on
―The Power of Music for
Healing,‖ and were
provided with a partial list of
classical concert works to aid
in healing, wholeness, and
inspiration for our care
receivers.
After a lunch of
homemade soups and
sandwiches provided by the
leaders, as well as fresh fruit,
bagels, and baked goods
provided by the Stephen
Ministers, we began the
afternoon.
David led us in a
discussion about creative
ways to express our worship
to the Lord. With
David as the composer
and director, we
created an impromptu
musical composition
using untuned
instruments to praise
our Lord. We performed an
act of worship through poetry
writing and expressed our
worship through watercolor
painting. It was great!!
Having penned our faith
stories, we freely shared
them with each other in
assigned groups; had a
closing worship on
servanthood and ended the
day sharing communion
together.
Our Stephen Ministers
came away from the retreat
spiritually renewed and eager
to carry on God’s work. If
you or someone you know
could benefit from a Christ-
centered caring relationship,
please call Peggy Strack at
the church office at 421-
3280.
Wellness Ministry
You are a Temple of the Holy Spirit
by Peggy Strack
In I Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul instructs,
―Do you not know that your body is a tem-
ple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom
you have received from God? You are not
your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your body.‖
We honor God with our bodies in many
ways. The choices we make in our life-
styles can encourage healthy living or con-
tribute to the onset of disease. One of the
ways that we care for our temple of the
Holy Spirit is to strive to maintain a normal
weight. Getting regular exercise is part of
the equation for weight management, but it
is equally important to monitor the foods
that we eat. Many frequently consume
foods that are high in fat, sugar, sodium,
and chemicals and low in nutritive value.
The USDA Center for Nutrition Policy
and Promotion has issued a very basic re-
vised dietary guideline:
1. Eat less
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables
3. Drink water not sugary drinks.
These guidelines can be efollowed by
choosing healthy foods that you like and
stocking up on them, still having some
favorite treats, but eating smaller portions,
and journaling what you eat for a few days
to identify troublesome patterns of eating.
Outreach to Hamilton Manor
Last month our 3rd and 4th grade Sunday
School class along with the Children’s
Chime Choir made our annual visit to
Hamilton Manor to worship and fellowship
with the residents. This has been an on-
going ministry in the life of our church for
many years. Thank you to Linda Johnson
for faithfully coordinating this outreach. It
is a joy to see the residents’ faces as the
children share their faith, and life stories
are exchanged.
 Making a Difference in Nashville
In 2010 parts of Nashville received over 13 inches Family Promise Day Center Flooded
of rain, with 30 counties being declared disaster This spring the day center located in the annex
areas. Fifteen adult volunteers will head out to repair of the Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church was completly
flood-damaged homes from April 30 - May 8. flooded. Because of the damage to the building and
During all three services Sunday, May 29 the team loss of supplies the program has not been able to
will share how mission work not only has an impact accept families.
on those they are serving but in the lives of those who If you could help them restock with essentials it
served. would be appreciated. A collection box will be in
Please keep Ashlee Lavin, Chris Lord, Harry Fellowship Hall for your donations of tall kitchen
Ladlee, Homer Lee, Kurt Visser, Linda Drake, Linda toilet paper, garbage bags, shampoo & conditioner,
Johnson, Mike Carlson, Randy Johns, Loretta Anthes, body soap, dish detergent, cleaning products and
and team leader Wayne Mertz along with four clothing detergent. For more information, please
member from Hibernia UMC, in your prayers. contact Clarice Wilkens at 570-421-0391
You can follow their journey through their daily
posts at www.esumc-humc.blogspot.com.
United Methodist Church is Standing with the People of Japan
We have nine missionaries and six individual volunteers assigned to Japan who are providing a ministry
of presence and service on behalf of the United Methodist Church. They have shown particular concern
for migrants and minorities, many of whom have lost so much and face uncertain futures. UMCOR is
working on your behalf through relief and church partners in Japan to respond and provide
immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation. Early next month UMCOR will join two-dozen
faith-based relief organizations in a forum in Seoul, South Korea, to flesh out a long-term relief and
reconstruction strategy. For the latest information visit www.umcor.org. One hundred percent of
contributions made to Japan Emergency, UMCOR Advance #3021317 underwrites UMCOR’s
work in support of the people of Japan in their recovery. efforts. You can either send your
contribution to the church office or give online at www.umcor.org.

Youth Collect Food for Families in Need

by Scott Kuhnle, Director of Youth Ministries
On Saturday April 9, youth gathered for ―Service Saturday,‖ a program which is offered
every month as a way for the youth to serve their local community through mission projects. In
the past the youth have cleaned local streets and walkways, supported a sister church, and col-
lected money and food at Christmas time. This Saturday seven youth and four adult leaders
went through local neighborhoods asking for non-perishable food items in an effort to help lo-
cal families in need.
Three days earlier a group of high-spirited Jr. High boys went door to door handing out
postcards with information about their food drive, including their mission to help local fami-
lies in need. The postcard also emphasized that we were not asking for money—just any extra
food items that might be in people’s cabinets.
As we walked the neighborhoods that Saturday, we found a variety of responses from peo-
ple, most of them very positive. People gave as they were able and some of the people we
interacted with complimented the youth for taking the time and effort to help those in need.
This was also a great way for the youth to be involved with the people in our community.
They carried the name of ESUMC with them and really lived out our Mission Statement:
To love Jesus Christ and share his love.
After all was said and done, the youth were able to collect and donate over 40 bags of
canned goods and non-perishable items to the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army! Praise
God for the way He is working in the lives of our youth! They are excited about serving
others, and at a young age have seen first-hand the value of missions.
 Sunday Organ Series
Announcing Three Concerts for 2011
East Stroudsburg UMC will once again present three concerts for our church and those in our
community. Mark your calendar and invite a friend to join you.
May 22 – Variety of musical theater, classical, and sacred choices by local professional perform-
ers, including returnees Steve Mathiesen on marimba and Joe Dorsch on baritone sax, plus so-
prano Eileen Schmidt and tenor Jason Zimmer, with Sam Tate on trumpet and Pauline Fox on
organ and piano. A benefit offering will be received for Family Promise of Monroe County.
July 17 – Sacred Songfest sing-a-long of hymns, contemporary, and country gospel facilitated by
Pauline Fox and other church musicians.
September 25 – Solo concert by Aram Basmadjian, creative virtuoso artist in both pop and MIDI
usage and standard organ masterworks. (Aram also gave the dedicatory concert, and enthusiastic
attendees have often asked for his return.)
All concerts are Sunday afternoons at 3p.m. in the Sanctuary. Admission is free. A reception
will follow each event. Volunteers will be needed to help as greeters and with the reception.

With Grateful Appreciation Youth Ringers Play at Richmond

As of April 11, Dan Daccardi no longer serves as
our Director of Contemporary Worship. We ap-
preciate Dan’s sincere leadership and willingness
to guide our contemporary worship ministry in
these past months. Dan’s Godly oversight helped
us discover a focused vision for our 9:45 worship
service. We are grateful for his contributions and
look forward to hearing of his continued service to
our Lord.
Our youth are participating for their musical service
on Sunday, May 1 when they travel to minister with
Rev. Kofi Ashley and his congregation at Richmond
UMC. The Children’s Choir will conclude their sea-
son on June 12 as they combine with the adults in the
Chancel Choir to celebrate Confirmation and Com-
mitment with all ages.

May Greeters and Ushers

8:30 a.m. Service Bob & Bobbie Howes, Ross &
Nancy Transue, Alma Brands & Thema Adelman

9:45 a.m. Service: 5/1 John & Kelly Mercurio,

Through our Altar Flower Ministry you have
the opportunity to honor family or friends by
placing flowers on the altar for a Sunday service.
If you are interested in one or both vases for a
celebration of a birthday, anniversary or in mem-
ory of a loved one, just contact Caroline Whit-
more at 421-1526. The cost is only $30 for two
vases or $15 for one vase.
Unless otherwise requested, following Sun-
day worship the altar flowers will be taken to a
member in the hospital, homebound or in a nurs-
ing care facility. The delivery of the flowers is an
extension ministry of our care team, and sched-
uled through Peggy Strack, Director of Congre-
gational Care.
Jennifer Dunn, Sandy Oberholtzer, Dave & Dan
Saunders 5/8 Amy and Blake Hollister, Brian & Linda
Farris, Karen Peart 5/15 Bob & MaryAnne Constable,
Tammy Ems , Warren & Liz Green 5/22 Joyce Heller
Jean Snyder, Nancy & Ross Transue, Bill & Pat
Cunningham
11 a.m. Service: Harry & Gloria Ladlee, Chris
Perfetti, Dennis Wilkens, Ed Jackson.
Ushers are greeters are needed for the
month of May and July at the 8:30
a.m. service. If you can help with ei-
ther month, please call the church of-
fice at 421-3280.
East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church Non-Profit Organization
83. South Courtland Street
U.S. Postage
East Stroudsburg PA 18301
PA I D

Permit No. 182

E Stroudsburg PA 18301

Our Mission is to Love Jesus Christ

and Share His Love!

New Three-Week Sermon Series

Sundays — May 1,8 and 15

Each week Pastors Kimes and Labar will select an article from local or national
newspapers and then preach on how our
faith can affect the ways we think about
and respond to the tough issues facing
our community and world.

Come and let’s explore our faith in the

midst of our society’s struggles together!