November-December 2012 January 2013

Monthly Newsletter of East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

83 South Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-421-3280 church@esumc.net www.esumc.net

Trumpet Call
The Church is Here For You
The Body of Christ Together
Dear Friends, As I write this people in our area, after one week, are still trying to recover from Superstorm Sandy. I do not know how you were affected, but my hope for you is that all is well with you and yours. Please know that in the midst of any long power outages or elongated crises, like we all experienced, the Church is here for you. My experience has been that our Church is on a grid which rarely loses power. Businesses across the street have lost power but not the Church! As a result please know you are always invited here to shower, be warm, use the internet, cook a meal or brew a fresh pot of coffee! Fortunately there were a number of emergency shelters set up in the county where people that did not have power could go to stay. Please include your church in your contingency plans should you have to go through a like crisis again. One way to determine if the power is on is to call the church office, 421-3280. If it is after office hours, listen for the answering machine. If the machine comes on, we have power! And, of course if someone answers, they will be happy to field any questions you might have or even connect you with someone from our church family that has power. During the aftermath of the last storm, a number of people used the church internet who needed to check their email or, in some cases, work! We have Wi-Fi in both the office building and church. Several people came to use the showers in the youth area. We built those showers for Family Promise guests and youth who use our facility for retreats. They are quality shower areas and provide some privacy, as opposed to a gymnasium multi-shower facility. Some people came to sit and be warm! However we can help, please feel welcome to call your church. We are the Body of Christ, and, as such, the Bible teaches us to encourage one another. Your church is here for you! Pastor Kimes

A Time of Celebration //
Saturday evening, October 13 120 people gathered in Fellowship Hall to share a meal and celebrate this milestone in the life of our church. It was great to see Woody and Robin Fry, Jack Althouse and our new District Superintendent Irving Cotto. Woody was our General Contractor and Jack was our Architect they shared some of their favorite moments with us. It was touching to hear how they both viewed us as family. We also heard the stories of many members of our church family. Mark Mayers put together a video presentation, where he asked various people three questions: How has the addition to our facility made a difference in ministry? What does your church mean to you? and what do you feel is the legacy of our church? He did an amazing job and we hope to see more Mayers Productions in the future.

Burning our First Mortgage

We celebrated in song with our Chancel Choir and our children and youth. Our lay leader challenged us not to stop with this milestone, but for us to go forward as a strong presence in our community in ministry and faith. The evening ended with everyone present receiving a copy of the mortgage to burn in a fire pit outside the church. We thank the planning team for organizing and pulling all volunteers together Jeff Durney, Ann Osbun, Mike & Maria Ragonese, Amy Hollister, Connie Moyer and Gloria and Harry Ladlee, with special thanks to Bob and Alberta Deiter who taught us how to make homemade sauerkraut. It was delicious and made the pork dinner something to look forward to again.

AFTER THE FIRE:

WHATS NEXT FOR THE BUILDING FUND Saturday, October 13, we burned our first mortgage. By way of history, in June 1999 the Church borrowed $815,000 to construct Fellowship Hall. The term of the mortgage was 16 years and scheduled to be paid off in June 2015. Through our faithfulness, good stewardship and, of course, Gods blessing, we were able to pay off the mortgage nearly three years early, saving a substantial amount in interest. As we celebrate this great accomplishment, we need to remember that we still have a second mortgage that must be paid. In June 2010, the Church borrowed $310,000 to renovate and finish the youth area and basement among other improvements. The current balance on the mortgage is approximately $290,000, scheduled to be paid off in June 2026. ESSA has recently indicated that

it is willing reduce the interest rate on the mortgage from 6% to 4.625% while keeping all other terms the same. We are asking that everyone continue to remain faithful in your giving and continue to utilize the Building Fund option in your weekly envelope. With your continued giving each week, we hope to also pay off this mortgage early. The Steering Team has set a goal of paying this mortgage off in 7 years, which will require a monthly payment of $3,882. This will again save a great deal of interest, money that can be used for programming and furthering our mission. If you have any questions, please see our Lay Leader Jeff Durney or call the church office at 421-3280.

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Christ Servant Ministries

14 People on a Spiritual Journey

Reminder: The Church Office will be closed November 22 November 23 December 25 January 1, 2013 Contributions for 2012 must be in the church office before 11 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2012

A Local Church Servant was offered here at East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church on Friday and Saturday, September 28-29. This 10 hour course was led by Judy Edinger and designed to help individuals examine Gods call in their life to be a local church servant. After becoming a Local Church Servant many desire to continue the journey and become Christ Servant Ministers. This means they have to complete an additional 10 hours of training beyond this introductory course. Participants in this introductory course from our church were Blanche Jackson, Jeff Durney, Erica Miller, Vere Pilgrim, Sarah Peters , Milt McWilliams and Kelli Oney. From Faith UMC were Michelle Dean, Sue Loebsack, Mary Jane Tanner and Sue Wilson along with Kari Kirk from Mount Pocono, Dorothy Stem from Analomink and Ted Newton from Covenant. The Christ Servant Ministry program is unique to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and promotes opportunities that encourage the serving, training and recognition of laity who are called to lead, speak and care about others. Christ Servant Ministers share the Living Christ with a world that hungers to hear the message of salvation and renewal through faith in a Risen Lord. Our Christ Servant Ministers are Ann Sowers, Ann Jackson, Barbara Anderson and Ken and Janet Sarer. Bob Amundsen went on to pastoral ministry.

2012 Organ Series

By Pauline Fox

What a blessed conclusion on September 16 to the Organ Series Concerts fine music, excellent attendance, and high enthusiasm! Many thanks to helpers, supporters, donors of food and time, and especially Debbie Zacharias for the beautiful reception. Guest artist Mark Miller himself wrote, I just love your church and the organ and the people. What a great place! Comments from attendees: Loved the singers of all ages, seeing 5th grade into age 80s together So much variety of styles! Keep me on your promo list. What a blessing! A real witness of unity. His tributes to his parents just blew me away! Bach was my favorite or The jazz was my favorite. That sax player [Joe Dorsch] was fantastic! We love to come to these programs and talk with everyone afterward. Thank your church.

Butlers Bark // An article is written by a Beagle.

Dear friends, Amazing! My Owner read that we Beagles have 300 million scent-receptor cells in our beautiful pointed Noses, while humans have only 6 million in their flat faces. Also, dogs have a vomeronasal sac between the roof of the mouth and the floor of the nostrils, which helps us collect odors. So a dogs nose finds more Scents than anyone else. Therefore a Beagle knows more sense. But unfortunately we like Scents that Humans do not like. Your Holy Bible says, Dead flies make even perfume stink. [Eccl. 10:1]. Delicious! Dogs can track footsteps several days old, smell frozen food inside plastic, and detect changes of diseases in humans. Once when we visited a senior lady, as a good Therapy Dog I tried to signal some news by leaning my head against her bed and rolling my Eyes at my dull owner. Finally she understood and notified the staff. At the next visit, my nose knew the lady was better, and she petted me. When I visit your Church, I love the fragrance of knowledge and life from Master God [2 Cor. 2:14-16]. At Soup Kitchens, your fragrant offerings of love please God even more than the aromas of cookie crumbs under the tables or bowls in the Kitchen [Phil. 4:18]. Someday I hope to sniff the heavenly incense that rises with your prayers [Rev. 8:3-4] even better than my begging for supper dish! Hope youll join me there!

Til then, Butler the Beagle

United Methodist Women

Saturday, September 22, First Bangor UMC hosted our Annual Meeting and Ingathering. There were 16 churches present and a total of 51 people. Everyone had a nice time. A presentation was giving on Kenya: A country struggling for life sustaining water. We are blessed as Americans. Our collection for ingathering was $1,852.50 and 1,933 articles of clothing, of which ESUMC donated 632 pieces. We also received $182 through an offering. Thank You ESUMC, Sharon Gerberich

SAVE YOUR WEIS REGISTER TAPES

For those of you who shop at Weis Markets, they will give us one-percent of your receipt. Now that may not seem like much; however when you multiply it by hundreds of people in our congregation, it is. All you need to do is save your receipt. It needs to be the entire receipt. Please do not cut them. A box is located across from the church library for you to place these receipts in, or you can always bring them to the church office. If you pay by a credit card, we have a grace period. Bring your receipts in once you check your charges to your statement. Find an easy way to set your receipts aside and bring them in! We thank Carole Philips and Winnie Repsher for adding these tapes up each month and submitting them to Weis Markets. We also thank Weis Markets for supporting their community through this program. If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office at 421-3280.
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Monday, November 12 at 7 p.m. // Sanctuary Come celebrate how God calls us to Grow, Connect and Serve Superintendent Rev. Irving Cotto will lead this evening open to all.

Church Conference

Facilities Update
by Bruce Johnson, Facilities Manager

Connecting with Others

Our 55+ Group is open to all! Join tus on these great outings:
Monday,

Thanks to all the SWAT volunteers who come out the 4th Monday of each month to attack the many maintenance needs of our church. Recently Linda Kissel and Sandy Brown replaced damaged carpet squares in the Sunday school area while Bob Rosenberger spruced-up damaged ceiling tiles.The next date is November 26, start time is 9 a.m. and we end by 11:30 a.m. If you have availability during this time, please plan on attending. You probably have noticed a change in our lighting. Thanks to First Energy and our federal government we received over $6,000 in rebate money to convert our lighting from the discontinued T-12 light fixtures to the more efficient T-8 & T-5 units. In most offices we changed from 8 T-12 bulbs to 4 T-8bulbs, cutting our energy usage by more than 50%. The Fellowship Hall lighting gives similar savings while being much brighter and comes on instantly where the older lights took 5 minutes to reach full intensity. The Trustees estimate that we will have payback on our expenditures in less than two years. Had we waited on changing, our church would have lost out on the $6,000 rebate, not to mention the savings we are now realizing on our electric bill. An additional benefit was that we replaced over $800 of expired emergency light batteries as part of this project. I want to thank Bob & Tim Tulloch, who worked with Bill Sylvia of American Energy Lighting Consultants, our contractor on the project who donated 10% of the total cost back to the church, and a generous church member who gave a monetary donation towards this project.

November 19: Thanksgiving Lunch at Monroe County Technical School in Bartonsville. Culinary students under the direction of George Hendry, do an outstanding job. The cost is $7 per person You can meet at the school at 12 p.m. or catch a ride from the church at 11:15 a.m. All are welcome. Must RSVP by Nov. 13. Monday, December 17: Pot luck lunch and Christmas Program. Everyone is asked to bring their favorite Christmas side dish or dessert and the story behind it. RSVP for either event by contacting Kelli at 421-3280 or koney@esumc.net.

Merry Marthas and the Misters

Friday,

November 16: Turkey Dinner at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Turkey and beverages are provided. Bring a dish to share. This is a cooking ministry open to all. Contact Irene at paciotti@ptd.net or 4214120 for more details.

Saturday, December 18, 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Come for a fun filled morning and enjoy a cookie exchange, game and a candy making workshop by Sue Mertz. Please bring four dozen cookies to exchange, a wrapped cookbook you no longer need, and $2. Friday, January, 18: Gadget Night. Bring your favorite kitchen gadget and share why you like it, or one that you have no idea what to do with.

Sunday, October 14 we welcomed 16 new members into our church family. Here is what brought them to East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the church office. Vicky Baechtold was looking for a church and Cheryl Weaver told her about ESUMC. She found us to be friendly and comfortable. She is married to Rodney. Nagwa Cramer has been attending for more than seven years; now was the time to join. Nagwa has a passion to serve in our outreach ministries where God uses her gifts in amazing ways. Jim & Josie Dickson come here with Josies son John Mercurio. Family is very important to them and the church supported them with prayer in a time of need. They are involved and feel at home here. Jenn Dunne , invited by Christine Uporsky decided to join because she wanted to belong to a strong Christian church. She found that place here where she can share her faith and serve God. Her son Ryan is active as well. Joseph Dorsch started attending with is wife Erica and daughter, Abigail when his family moved here from North Carolina. Since this was Ericas home church, it was easy for Joe to get involved. After two years he felt like a member and wanted to make it official. Lynn Dalling-Francis was invited to church by Steve Randall, Dawn and Randy Johns. She join because of our children & youth programs for her two children, Becky and Billie, and the many ministries to be involved with. Vickey Heitczman and her husband, Joe were invited to our church by Chris and Kristen Lord. They both feel at home here. Vickey decided to join because of strong children and youth programs for her children Mason and Joanna. Sue Houloose was looking for a church family, when her home church , Grace Lutheran closed. She attended several churches and wanted a bible-based church. Sue decided to join because she feels comfortable and renewed after worship services and enjoys the sermons, readings and music. She is married to Steve and they have three children. Tom and Wendy LeDuc started coming here because they heard about our youth program. They have two sons, Wyatt and Zach who was confirmed in 2009. They both decided it was the right time for them to join. Elizabeth Meehan started coming with her daughters Pam OBrien and Barbara Meehan. When she retired and moved here she decided to join because we are an active friendly congregation and she is inspired by worship and the sermons. Lorin Miller started coming to church with her husband Scott and his mother, Charlotte. She decided to join because she felt this is a wonderful church that is family oriented and friendly. Most importantly, her children Rachel, Samuel, Joshua and Sara enjoy coming. T.J. Price was introduced to this church in 2006 by the Mostellar family. She is encouraged by the wide community outreach and childrens ministry. She decided now was the time to join and wanted to be a witness for her children Walter, Victor and Mia. TJ is married to Walter. Harriett Stocker was invited by Jenn Trump. The Davis Class has become her family, encouraged and supported by them. She felt blessed to be part of that class and wanted to officially make this her church home. Russ and Michelle Traub were introduced to this church by friends and have been attending since 2008. They continued to attend because we have a great programs for their children, Emily, Madison and Rachael. They also enjoy the contemporary worship service.
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This past September 110 women went 50 from our church and 60 from three other churches. Ann Osbun, our group coordinator, as already started planning for the 2013 2013 Believe God Can Women of Faith ConferDo Anything ence at Wells Fargo Center September 6-7 2013. The group leaves the church at Friday afternoon and returns on Saturday night. At the Women of Faith Conference you will hear all kinds of stories, see all kinds of performances and leave feeling refreshed and renewed in your walk with God. This two day event is designed to encourage women of all ages and stages in life to grow in faith and spiritual maturity through a relationship with Jesus Christ and an understanding of Gods love and grace. This also makes a great Christmas Gift for that special woman in your life. The approximate cost is $200 and includes premium tickets, charter bus transportation, hotel and lunch. Call Ann Osbun at 977-7839 for more information or to reserve your ticket. Ann will provide you with a gift certificate, all wrapped and ready to give.

Our Church Secretary, Maria Ragonese is looking for servants willing to help cover the phones in the office during our weekly staff meetings. Coverage is needed every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until noon. A rotating schedule is used. Maria is also looking for four people willing to help put together food baskets for those who stop at our office during a time of need. The baskets would be assembled with items we have in our food pantry. Please contact Maria at 421-3280 or mragonese@esumc.net.

Childrens Ministry
Our Childrens Ministries include infant through 6th grades. Please contact Lisa Pino for information or to register for an event at lpino@esumc.net or 570-421-3280.

Fall Fun Event

Our preschool is announcing its Fall Fun Event for children ages 25 November 13 and 14 from 9:30 a.m. Noon. The children will socialize with other preschoolers while learning, sharing and exploring. Events include games, crafts and snack time. An activity fee of $10 applies for each day. Please call Pam OBrien at 610-881-4060 or Gail Corey at 421-3285 if you would like to register your child(ren).

Our after-school programs for children in grades 1st 5th meets the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30-5 p.m. at the church. Activities include outings, visitation with our older and homebound members, mission projects, weekly devotions, games and snacks. For the November 13 meeting, children are to bring a nonperishable item for the food pantry. Volunteers are needed help chaperone, provide snacks and drive for school pickup. Currently transportation in the church van is available from JM Hill, Resica, and East Stroudsburg Elementary. We are in need of a driver to add Stroudsburg Intermediate, and Stroudsburg Middle Schools,

By Scott Kuhnle The overall Youth Ministry is for youth in grades 6-12 . Jr. High, for grades 6-8, and Sr. High, for grades 9-12

Weekly Thursday Programs

2:45 5 p.m. - JAM
Church vans will pickup 6th, 7th & 8th grade students from JTL, Stroudsburg Middle and Jr. High. Jam is a time of fun, and fellowship. Permission forms are needed to participate.

For weekly updates, information, and permission forms for any event, go to the ESUMC Youth Ministry website: www.esumc.net/youth.
T

For more information or to sign-up for any of these events email Scott.

Friday, January 4 - Sunday, January 6 Youth Rally in Ocean City, MD

5-6 p.m. - Fellowship Meal

Saturday, November 24 Turkey (Flag) Bowl 10 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Monday, November 26 Friday, December 7 Monday, January 21 Trip to Lehigh Valley Mall Dodgeball Tournament Youth Laser Tag

6th 12th grade students are welcome to hang out with friends and meet new people while sharing a free meal together.

6-7:30 p.m. - Small Group Bible Studies

Do you want to take your spiritual growth to the next level? Then join a bible study group. Classes are available for Jr. High girls, Jr. High boys and Sr. High students.

We will be sharing the love of Christ at the following Soup Kitchens. Friday, November 23 and Thursday, November 27 Friday, December 28 and Monday, December 31

I Am Excited to Be Here
Tyler has been attending youth programs and Sunday worship since September. John and Kelli Mercurio invited Tyler and his family to try worship. Soon after, Tyler got involved in Sunday Night Youth Group, JAM, Small Group Bible Studies. On the fall retreat, Tyler shared the following: My family and I been looking for a church to go to for a long time now. I just want to tell you that we are all so excited to be part of this church, and I want to do everything I can to be involved with the youth program. I really enjoy being here. Thanks to God for his guiding influence in the lives of Tyler and his family. And thanks be to God for his enthusiasm.

Contact Scott at skuhnle@esumc.net or 421-3280, ext 13. with questions, for more information or to register for an event .

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Sowing the Field / Seventh Adult and College Age Mission Trip
Our church will be joining others from East Stroudsburg, West Chester and Rowan Universities to help those still in need from 2011s Hurricane Irene. The Destination: Swan Quarter, North Carolina with warm southern hospitality and warmer weather. The Date: Sunday, Jan.6 - Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 The Cost: $250 per person and includes all food, lodging and transportation. Please dont let the cost keep you from participating, scholarships are available. Skills Needed: Many skills can be utilized such as trip planning, driving, cooking, various construction skills and sharing the love of God with college students. Contact: Mark Oney for more details or to reserve your space on the team at 570-223-0155 or mrmarkoney@hotmail.com. If youre wondering: Is there really a need for me to give of my time and talents? Visit this link where participants share thoughts and memories of their experience in Swan Quarter last year. http://aehap.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ Newsletter-Spring-2012Final1.pdf UMCORs Reports: One Year Later, NC Hurricane Irene Survivors Still in Desperate Need of Help Long after a disaster leaves the headlines, long-term recovery goes on, often without the general public's knowledge or support, pointed out Ann Huffman, volunteer coordinator at the conference's call center. Recently I got a call from somebody who still had a tree in their yard, she said. A year out, there are people still living in homes that probably should be condemned. But they don't have another place to go. August 28, 2012--a year after Hurricane Irene tore through eastern North Carolina, hurricane survivors aren't exactly losing hopebut they're tired. With hundreds of homes still waiting for repairs, The United Methodist Church is accompanying people on their road to long-term recovery. Donna Brander, who works at the Aurora United Methodist Disaster Center said that, for the first six months after Irene, people walked around in shock. Now, they're thinking: Is anybody going to help me? Brander said it's sometimes difficult to tell people that, yes, they will receive helpbut they have to wait we're still desperate for volunteers.

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

Wednesday, November 24 7:30 p.m. at St. Matthews Roman

Catholic Church
Ridgeway Street, East Stroudsburg
Other Participating churches include: East Stroudsburg Presbyterian, East Stroudsburg United Methodist,

Childrens Pageant
Sunday, December 16 - 6 p.m. A Christmas Story: Through the eyes of the beasts.

Worship Sunday, December 30 Holy Communion and Wesleyan Covenant Service During the season of Epiphany we will be Getting Off to the Right Start. We also have short term studies and opportunities which will help us follow the light of God in our every day life.

Christmas Eve Services

Tuesday, December 24 7 p.m. - Star Gazers 10 p.m. - Communion Service

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:10
Mercy does not stop with compassion or sadness over someone in dire straits, it means identifying with those who are hurting, feeling what they feel, understanding their misery, and then helping them through. Stephen Ministers are caring Christian friends who listen, understand, accept, and pray for and with their care receivers. We currently have four Stephen Minister trainees: they are Jackie Durney, Michael Piancone, Rachel Smith, and Eileen Turkos. When their training is completed commissioning is scheduled to be held Sunday April 21, 2013. Please keep these committed servants that are in training, as well as all of our Stephen Ministers and care receivers, in your prayers.

Meet Our New DIVA

Wellness Ministry
The Eastern Penna. Conference of the United Methodist Church has asked all churches to start a wellness ministry by 2015. We already have many ministries in place which focus on the well-being of our church family. A team of volunteers has begun the process of further examining what wellness ministry is, and how to expand it to minister holistically to the body of Christ. If you would like serve on this team, contact Peggy Strack at 421-3280, ext. 23. Faith & Fitness continues to offer Zumba every Monday from 7-8 pm in Fellowship Hall. Bring water and a small towel. Cost is $5 for ESUMC members and $6 for nonmembers. All are invited.
By Peggy Strack

Our church has a new automated external defibrillator (AED) our new Diva! Use of an AED can make the difference between life and death for someone who has experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. Victims of sudden cardiac arrest need defibrillation as soon as possible to stop the often-fatal rhythm of ventricular fibrillation. More than 95% of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. Chances of survival are reduced by 7-10% with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation. Because it can take emergency personnel precious minutes to arrive, it is essential that early CPR and use of an AED be initiated as soon as possible. The AED Diva is located in Fellowship Hall in a square box on the wall near the kitchen. In the event that the door between Fellowship Hall and Oberholtzer Hall is locked, there is a small red box on the wall that can be broken to get a key. Our AED is equipped for pediatric and adult usage. In the event that someone becomes unresponsive, call for help, call 911 and bring the AED to the scene. Anyone who has been trained in CPR / AED should immediately put their training into use. Members of the church who have recently received certification include: Sharmune Burgess, Pauline Fox, Bruce Johnson, Ed Kimes, Scott Kuhnle, Connie Moyer, Kelli Oney, Lisa Pino, Maria Ragonese, Peggy Strack. We hope to never need to use our new Diva, but it is important that we all know where it is located and what to do in the event of an emergency!
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Core Strength Training is held every Wednesday from 7:15-8:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The cost is $5 per person. All are invited. Bring water, a mat and a friend.

Hiking with Bob Rosenberger Sunday, November 11. Hikers are asked to meet in the church parking lot at 12:15 p.m. to leave by 12:30 p.m. Bring water, a snack, and wear good shoes suitable for hiking. For more information on hiking call Bob at 223-7076.

Outside the Box

The Gift that Cant be Contained
2012 Advent Study
This four-week series will guide you through ancient Scriptures, delving into Christmas traditions and relating to transformative experiences of Christs birth throughout the humanity. The series challenges us to go outside the box to find those forgotten, ignored or turned away from lifes Inns, so we may welcome all. Each session will include a community meal from 5:30-6:15 p.m., video-based teaching, and small group discussions from 6:15-7:30 p.m.. Programming is available for adults, youth, and children. In order to plan for materials, group leaders and food, please sign up by calling the church office at 421-3280 or email Pastor Burgess at sburgess@esumc.net. Session Schedule: Session 1: Thursday, November 29 Session 2: Thursday, December 6 Session 3: Thursday, December 13 Session 4: Thursday, December 20 Evening Schedule: Dinner at 5:30 p.m., A Children's Study will run concurrently with the adult study. Nursery care will also be available. If anyone would like to teach children one of the Thursday evenings, please let Lisa Pino know by contacting her at 421-3280 or lpino@esuc.net. The curriculum can be picked up ahead of time.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; OF BETHLEHEM Melous a
Sunday, December 9 9:45 a.m. & 11 a.m. Lower Level - Room 9
This riveting documentary with Rick Larson, unlocks the mystery behind astronomical events at the advent of Christ, events commonly called the Star of Bethlehem. For thousands of years, countless generations have been captivated by the story of how the stars foretold the coming of Christ. This program reveals in startling detail how these puzzle pieces interlock to become profound truths. Cryptic verses of Scripture penned twothousand years ago are deciphered and come to life with fresh meaning for today. The Biblical narrative is challenged with historical and scientific facts we know and proves itself to be stunningly accurate. If you did not see this program the last time we viewed it, mark this date on your calendar and come hear this relevant message that will continue to amaze audiences for years to come. For more information on this program, please contact Pastor Burgess at sburgess@esumc.net or 421-3280, ext. 12.

STAR

Outpouring of Support
Praising God for Miracles
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone in our church family who lifted prayers and rendered support for Andrew, Caitlin and Amber during their devastating loss and recovery from the fire. Our family is grateful and humbled by your caring outreach and love. We praise God for miracles seen in the little things. Love, Bruce and Linda. Saturday, October 6 Bruce and Linda Johnsons son Andrew his wife Caitlin and daughter Amber, escaped unharmed, but lost their home to a fire in Wyncote, PA.

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

A Community event for all ages!

Saturday, December 15
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Come for a morning of
Breakfast served from 9 a.m.noon. Pictures with Santa, Story-time Childrens crafts to keep or use as a gift!

Enjoy Christmas Shopping with many Vendors from our Community

-Plus-

United Methodist Women Handmade Crafts, Decorations and Gifts Home Baked Goods by Church Members

Donations will be used by our Adult Mission Trips to purchase building materials, as they continue to assist in disaster response efforts in the United States and aid to local service agencies here in our community. Many of these agencies will have representatives on hand.

United Methodist Women

Bakers Needed for Breakfast
United Methodist Women is looking for individuals willing to make cupcakes, brownies, bars, pies and especially cookies for the bake table at Breakfast with Santa. We are also accepting homemade jelly, fudge or other candy. For the bazaar table home crafted items are appreciated. For more information, please call Likda drake at 856-9395

Cell Phones for Soldiers

Stine Class Helps Military Families
Since its inception in 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers has worked to keep military families connected by providing FREE communication tools to those serving overseas in the United States military. In seven years, more than 2.3 million prepaid calling cards, equating to more than 168 million minutes of FREE talk time have been distributed to our troops. Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist of Norwell, Mass., at the ages of 12 and 13 to show their family's appreciation for the men and women who have sacrificed the day-to-day contact with their own families to serve in the U.S. armed forces. The organization has prevented more than 10.5 million cell phones from ending up in landfills. In July 2012, the Bergquist family launched a new program, Helping Heroes Home, which will provide emergency funds for returning veterans to alleviate communication challenges as well as physical, emotional and assimilation hardships. Our Stine Class is in their fourth year of collecting cell phones. They will have a box on the Information Center in Oberholtzer Hall until December 16 for you to place your unwanted phones. For more information, please contact Eileen at 420-8165.
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Tis The Season To Give Unto Others

Sharing the Love of Christ with Children
A Christmas Tree will be in Fellowship Hall Sundays, November 25-December 2 with tags and envelopes for the following organizations. Deadline for returning gifts for any of these organizations is December 6. The Angel Tree: Lets a child know they are not forgotten by their incarcerated parent(s). The gift needs to be returned wrapped. Please join us for a breakfast on Sunday, December 16 as we welcome these families to worship. Children and Youth of Monroe County - These gifts need to be returned unwrapped Pocono Transitionl Housing or PATH - Your charitable gift of $15 will fund the purchase of a toy for one child. Your envelope can be mailed directly or you may give your gift to Lois Taylor. The families of these children are either currently in PATH or are in a housing situation, but may still need some support.

Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army

is scheduled for the week of December 3-8 at K-Mart in East Stroudsburg. One hour shifts are available between 5- 9 p.m. Monday - Friday and from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday. This a great opportunity for families, friends or co-workers of all ages. Help is also needed with picking up bell ringers at various locations between 6-8 p.m. Call Ken Brown for more information or to schedule a slot to ring at 424-6480.

Our Soup Kitchen Dates

Our Soup Kitchen is looking for people willing to setup, clean-up and serve. Dates are November 23, December 25, 27, 28 and January 1 and 21 please call Ana Price at 460-8423.

16th Christmas Eve Feast for the Hungry

This community outreach dinner is Friday December 24, from 12-4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Lisa Hoey organizes this annual event at our church that reaches out to hundreds of people. If you can assist with setup, driving, kitchen help, serving and teardown, please call her at 422-9561.

Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at our

church, Wednesday, December 28 from 12-6 p.m. Please come and give the gift of life by donating blood.

Music Ministry
Many thanks to those who joined with the Chancel Choir to celebrate at the mortgage-burning service. The Choir is delighted to add new teens, Jozette and Aly, sopranos. More singers are certainly welcome for upcoming Sundays and holidays. Plan ahead: Rehearsal of songs for April 14 cantata will begin in January. December 2 Adult Bell Choir visits Richmond UMC to share music in morning service. December 9 Chancel Choir leads caroling at Quiet Valley, 3-5 p.m. December 16 Instrumental carols in Oberholtzer Hall between services. Wind and string players from 4th grade up are welcome. Students must be in a school band. For easy music, contact Pauline Fox at foxes@esumc.net or 570-223-9889.

Christmas Concert by Organist Mark Miller:

Knowlton UMCRt. 94 Columbia, NJ Sunday, December 16 Check www.knowlton-united-methodist-church.org for times and details

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church 83. South Courtland Street East Stroudsburg PA 18301

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PA I D Permit No. 182 Stroudsburg PA 18360

Address Service Requested

Our Mission is to Love Jesus Christ and Share His Love!

oinsettias are $7 each. As an alternative to purchasing a flower, memorial or honorarium donations can be given to our Faith Promise Mission Projects. For a complete list please see the Faith Promise brochure on the Communication Center in Oberholtzer Hall or visit www.esumc.net Please fill out this form and mail it to the church or leave in the offering plate with your payment. To

make recording in the bulletin easier, please use a separate form for each order. Flower orders will be limited to the first 40. Order deadline is December 11!
Your Name ________________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________ In Honor of: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In Memory of:______________________________________________________________________________________________ Given by _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Total Number of Poinsettia __________ @ $8 each Total Mission Donation __________ @ $8 each $ ____________

$ ____________