THE TRUMPET CALL

July 24, 2016

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

Our Vision

Sunday Movie: The Trip to Bountiful 6:30pm

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

Three Week Mid-Summer StudyONENESS EMBRACED

In light of recent national events weve seen on the news lately,
Pastor Todd will be conducting a study relying on a video series
produced by Dr. Tony Evans of Dallas,
TX. As described by Dr. Evans, Black/
white relations in the culture at large and
in the church in particular continue to be a
stain on America's respectable reputation.
The church has clearly failed and must
seek to function by God's kingdom
perspective. Tony Evans seeks to promote
a biblical understanding of the kingdom
foundation of oneness by detailing why we
don't have it, what we need to do to get it,
and what it will look like when we live it.
The study will meet in classroom B off of
Oberholtzer Hall (also known as the Bridal Lounge) from 9:45 am
to 10:35 am on Sundays July 17, 24, and 31.

Pastors Corner

I hope and pray you are finding enjoyment and relaxation this summer, even in
unexpected ways and places! I want you to know that even though church people
vacation in the summer months, including yours truly in a few weeks, the church itself
never takes a vacation. There are still hurting people who reach out to us for help and
hope, and we help in appropriate ways and always offer the hope of Jesus Christ.
Worship happens every week, and many people in our church work together to make it
meaningful and worthy of God's praise. Special events continue with regularity, such as
our weekly block parties which also feature worship, and are planned and attended by
many faithful members and friends of our church. Thanks to all of you for making sure we
are not a "three season" church but are a church which continues to minister to our
community all year long in a variety of ways!

Special thanks go to the Stephen Ministers of our church, headed by Peggy Strack, who presented
incredibly meaningful worship experiences on the morning of July 17. They took up my challenge to
somehow work the movie, Up, into the service and they did so quite successfully in the message and
music. Please prayerfully consider whether or not God may be calling you to Stephen Ministry, either as a
caregiver or a care receiver.
Last Sunday evening, we showed the movie, Secondhand Lions, and this Sunday I'll preach on one of the
major themes of the movie which is abandonment. All of us can think of times we have been let down by
our own family members or by friends, and have struggled with feelings of isolation and rejection. Certainly
Joseph in the Old Testament could relate to those feelings, too, having been rejected by most of his
brothers and sold into slavery. We'll consider both stories, giving extra weight of course to the biblical story
of Joseph, and what we can learn about God's care for us in difficult circumstances when we feel all alone
in the world. This coming Sunday evening (6:30 pm in Oberholtzer Hall), we'll view the movie, The Trip to
Bountiful, a movie most have never heard of. It's a favorite for Karen and me, even though it is a somewhat
slow and plodding film which features dialogue over action and adventure. I believe older teens and adults
(Continued on page 2)

(Continued from page 1)

will appreciate the themes of this movie, and I hope to see you both on
Sunday morning for worship and Sunday evening for the sixth and
second-to-last film of our summer film/movie series.
Please remember that our final Block Party takes place on Thursday,
July 28, from 6:00-7:30 pm in front of the church building. Since youth
director Scott Kuhnle and our senior high youth and leaders will be away
on their mission trip next week, we'd love to have as much volunteer help
as possible for cooking, serving, and cleaning up. Also, don't forget our
worship service which takes place immediately afterward for about 20-25
minutes in the Sanctuary. Thanks for all who have participated in these
services and helped to make our guests feel right at home. I'll see you on
Sunday!
Pastor Jim

Read the Bible in a Year

I remember the day when we baptized a very energetic

six year old girl at our church in Bethlehem. We asked
the family members to bring her forward and the little girl
decided she would sit down behind me on one of the
kneeling pads at the altar. Everything was in place. I had
prayed for her earlier and all seemed to be going well
when about halfway through the baptismal service she decided to get up and
leave. As she tried to escape, her parents and grandparents made a wall by
shuffling their feet and bodies back and forth to block her. But she managed to
squeeze by them and flee. Now I was laughing and cringing at the same time.
How was I going to continue the service when I didnt even know where she
was? But to my surprise (and delight) she came back wearing a pair of rose
colored sunglasses, and sat back down again on the kneeling pad. Things must
have looked somewhat different to her; maybe she felt more comfortable and
less stressed. I know everyone in the church had a smile on their faces as, with
a sigh of relief, I joyfully baptized this little girl (sunglasses and all).
This reminded me of a course I had taken at Moravian Seminary that
talked about the importance at looking at God in different ways so we wouldnt
get stuck, but continue to grow in our faith. So the following Sunday I preached
from the book of Romans wearing my own sunglasses! I asked the congregation
if there is a right way and a wrong way to live by faith. I asked them to consider
the obstacles we face that keep us from having stronger and closer relationships
with God. Then I quoted Romans 8:38-39 that tells us this: Who shall separate
us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or
nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor
life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any
powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Now I was
not suggesting they all wear sunglasses all he time, but rather that they consider
the truth that God always has the greater view. We can all get stuck at any given
time, and like the little girl, we can become fearful and distressed. We may not
see a way forward, but the author of Romans reminds us that Gods vision is
always true His faithfulness constant, and His love everlasting. Sometimes we
just need to let go and invite God to reveal the beautiful spectrum of His plans
for us. Some years ago Bill Gaither wrote a catchy song for children that can
propel every one of us over the obstacles we face, as we claim the wonderful
plans God has for us:
You are a promise! You are a possibility!
You are a promise with a capital "P"!
You are a great big bundle of potentiality!
And if you'll listen, you'll hear God's voice;
(Continued on page 3)

Stephen Ministry

A Care Receiver Shares

At the beginning of my caring

relationship I didnt know what to
expect. I was just hoping someone
would help me through the darkness.
My expectations were met with a very
positive experience. My Stephen
Minister became very special to me.
As time went on, I became more
comfortable and felt I could open up
more. The most meaningful aspect of
my visits with my Stephen Minister
was being able to bare my soul, to tell
her of feelings that I could not share
with anyone else. My relationship
with God has grown tremendously! I
found a comfort I have not known
before. I would definitely recommend
Stephen Ministry to those in need.
For more information about Stephen
Ministry, contact Peggy Strack at 570421-3280, ext. 1023.
Beverly Beck will be celebrating her
90th birthday on Sunday, May 8th.
Cards may be sent to her:
Beverly Beck
Edgehill Nursing & Rehab Center
146 Edge Hill Road
Glenside, Pa. 19038
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!

Two Ways to Help Our Brothers and

Sisters in West Virginia
After the recent
flooding in West
Virginia UMCOR has
set up a fund to help
the victims. The
Mission Team has
agreed to use the
Faith Promise account
to match any money that ESUMC members
donate to that fund. Please note "West
Virginia" on your check or donation envelope.
We also have another
opportunity to help. The
Manharts, who used to be
members of ESUMC, now
live in West Virginia and
we have been in touch
with their pastor at Mt. Tabor UMC. They
need tools to help with the demo work
including work gloves, pry bars, utility knives
and hammers. Relatives of the Manharts will
be traveling there the first week in August and
can get these items directly into the hands of
those who need them.
Please bring in your
donations on July 24
and July 31. Tools can
be placed in the
designated box in
Oberholtzer Hall.
Members of the Mission Team will be available
to answer questions. Thank you.

Read the Bible in a Year

203Hosea 6, Hosea 7, Romans 7:7-25,

Psalm 88:9-19
204Hosea 8, Hosea 9, Romans 8:1-17,
Proverbs 17:25-28, Proverbs 18:1-6
205Hosea 10, Hosea 11, Romans 8:18-39,
Psalm 89:1-8
206Hosea 11, Hosea 12, Hosea 13,
Hosea 14, Romans 9:1-21, Psalm 89:9-13
2071 Chronicles 1, 1 Chronicles 2:1-17,
Romans 9:22-33, Romans 10:1-4,
Psalm 89:14-18
2081 Chronicles 2:18-55, 1 Chronicles 3,
1 Chronicles 4:1-8, Romans 10:5-21,
Romans 11:1-10, Proverbs 18:7-16
2091 Chronicles 4:9-43, 1 Chronicles 5,
Romans 11:11-32, Psalm 89:19-29
2101 Chronicles 6, Romans 11:33-36,
Romans 12:1-21, Psalm 89:30-37
2111 Chronicles 7, 1 Chronicles 8,
Romans 13:1-14, Psalm 89:38-45
2121 Chronicles 9, 1 Chronicles 10:1-14,
Romans 14:1-18, Proverbs 18:17-24,
Proverbs 19:1-2
2131 Chronicles 11, 1 Chronicles 12:1-22,
Romans 14:19-23, Romans 15:1-13,
Psalm 89:46-52
2141 Chronicles 12:23-40, 1 Chronicles 13,
1 Chronicles 14, Romans 15:14-33,
Psalm 90:1-10

UPDATE

Do you know what 100 Fold Studio is? This is a new

Partnership in 2016 through the Call of Chris & Kelly
(Malefyt) Kulp to serve in Mission. This organization is
an architecture firm committed to demonstrate the love
of Jesus by designing safe, efficient and inspiring structures to charitable
organizations around the world. They have completed 12 weeks of training
and will be going to Cambodia for a project to expand the YWAM Youth
Development Center. Go to 100FOLDSTUDIO.ORG for more information.
Kelly writes, Thank you so much for partnering with us to make this dream
and ministry a reality.
Ryan Moyer, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Temple U., introduced
several students to us a few months ago. In his last message he told us
more about Enrique, whose experience must be like some other students
who find a home with IVCF. It was a new experience as a Mexican
American from El Paso, not too proficient in English, to study engineering.
He found it hard to find time to keep up meeting with IVCF, but at the year
end camp he was in total awe of the goodness of this loving and
compassionate king. He felt total comfort and joy and rededicated his life to
Jesus.
Lets continue to pray in support of IVCF and for Ryan. Ryan is taking a 6
month sabbatical after 9 years of discipling and training students in the
ways of Jesus. His desire is to take time to rest and reflect, recover and
heal, and to learn about mission abroad. Such a time is as important in
ones ministry as the actual times of serving. May he be blessed by God s
presence in this time. . . that will go too fast!
It was unusual not getting a Prayer letter from Dona Sensenig, Spanish
Health Ministries until this month. The one that came explained why that
happened. The staff was extremely busy preparing for the Hispanic Bible
Conference. It is unimaginable for us to know all that needs to be done and
also, their usual coordinator is retiring so she had to train others. The
Conference provides a unique opportunity to minister spiritually to the
whole family. All who attended: families, youth and children with severe
medical issues were challenged and supported in their faith journey.
Like so many of us, too, there was sickness, computer problems and
financial concerns. There was good news, though. The House that SHM
has been using has been donated to SHM. Dona asks for prayers for:
parents and their children, to be good stewards of their SHM home, new
supporters, and new bi-lingual and non-bilingual people to join the ministry
team. We remain deeply grateful for your prayer and financial support
these many years.
All Faith Promise Partners are grateful for prayers and support through the
year. Financial support may be given any time with a note for: Faith
Promise or Missions or today in the envelope in the Bulletin. With
dedication to Christs love, Partners serve in the building of Gods Kingdom
in a variety of ways.
Thanks be to God.
Linda
Kissel
(Continued from page 2)

And if you're trying, he'll help you make the right choices
You're a promise to be anything He wants you to be!
You can go anywhere that he wants you to go,
You can be anything that he wants you to be -You can climb the high mountain, You can cross the wide sea,
You're a great big promise you see!
So my friends, be encouraged and read on.
Pastor Bob
3

Events

Contact Us

UMW Upstairs Basement SaleAugust 5th 9am3 pm

& August 6th, 9 amNoon.

Drop off items Tuesday, August 2nd until noon Thursday, August 4th.
Setup help needed Wednesday & Thursday - 9am-3pm
and take down Saturday 11:30am 2pm.
Questions, call Linda Drake (570) 856-9395.

SWAT (Serving with a Team ) will meet on Monday, July 25th, in

Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m. to Noon. We will be breaking down and bagging
leftover Styrofoam from VBS for disposal. Carpet cleaning and some carpentry
assistance with apartment interior door lock. Please come and help the team
keep our church well maintained.

ATTENTION GRADUATES OF HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE:

If you are pursing or "think" God is leading you into Ministry a.k.a. pastoral,
missions, ESUMC has a scholarship fund that might be able to assist you
in your financial situation. It is called the Oberholtzer Scholarship Fund.
For further information on this Scholarship, please contact the church
office for an application and further details.

SUMMER DISCIPLESHIP CLASS

Andy Stanley: Recovery Road Sunday, 9:45 a.m.

Location: Conference Room in the office building Facilitator: Tim Malefyt

Chair Zumba class will be on 7/29 instead of 8/5.

UMW July Dollar Challenge is clothing items
for the Ingathering. Place in UMW Donation Bin in
Oberholtzer Hall.

Dear friends at ESUMC

Thank you for all your prayers, cards and words of encouragement as I went thru this last bout of heart problems !! I
can tell you that I and my family really appreciate your
thoughts and prayers.......they make a difference in my life.
I am doing better and getting back to my old silly self.
Thanks again.......love you folks,

Dennis

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
SextonJude Porter
jporter@esumc.net
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