THE TRUMPET CALL

Our Mission: To love Jesus Christ and to share His Love

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church Volume IV Issue 1 January 7, 2018

Our Vision Dear friends at church,

These were my favorite 2017
“To be a Christian community activities:
where Christ is transforming lives” 1. Eating whatever I found
2. L – o – n – g naps
Our goal is to grow God’s way 3. Greeting people with
Upward through worship and prayer enthusiasm
Inward through prayer and bible study At my age (9 dog years, 50
Outward through evangelism, service, human years), I recommend
fellowship and stewardship. these to you also:
1. Feed your spirit with new ideas and activities.
Sunday Services and Studies 2. Rest often in the Lord, and pant patiently for Him.
Traditional 8:30 am 3. Welcome people in words and actions whoever
Contemporary 10:45 am they are.
Sunday School 9:45 am Spread our Master’s love and joy in 2018!
Discipleship Groups 9:45 am Your friend, Butler the Beagle

Pastor’s Corner
After a one week hiatus, the Trumpet Call (TC) is back, and I pray that as we begin the new
year, our church body finds the TC useful and helpful as people make plans for mission and
ministry. Though nothing will change immediately, look for some changes to the TC in the
coming year. For one, the editorship will be passed from Mike Corey to Kathy Ravago. Mike
has done a fantastic job in the last few years as we have “resurrected” the TC, expanded its
scope, printed it in color with lots of graphics, etc. The TC you hold in your hand or view on
your phone or computer is largely the result of Mike’s skills, and we want to thank him for all
his good work. By passing the editorship to Kathy, Mike can better concentrate on the
technology needs of the church which is a large part of his job description, in addition to the financial secretary
responsibilities he now has. Those submitting articles for inclusion should still send them to
trumpetcall@esumc.net.

Several members have remarked about the TV mounted on the balcony in Oberholtzer. We also have another
one arriving early in the coming week which will be mounted on a cart and kept out of harm’s way in the closet
between Oberholtzer and Fellowship Halls. The old large screen TV, variously called “The Beast” or “The
Dinosaur” has been removed and is now enjoying a new life elsewhere. You might remember it as the very
large, heavy TV which was occasionally moved into the Sanctuary and into Fellowship Hall for special events.
Now that flat screens have taken over TV technology, it was time to go to something more convenient and
easy to move. The new portable TV will see much action on Sunday mornings as it replaces a portable screen,
laptop computer, table, projector, and sound system. It will also be very useful for other special purposes as
well. The mounted TV in Oberholtzer is meant to give announcements to those standing and enjoying
conversation in that hall, and will also function to help get everyone into the 10:45 am worship service. How
were these TV’s paid for, you might ask? After approval by Trustees, funds were taken from a special
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(Continued from page 1)

technology account previously established by generous members with an interest in updating the technological
needs of the church. No funds from our general operating budget were used.
Please make sure that you put on your calendar the Spiritual Life Retreat fundraiser which will be held on Saturday
evening, January 20 (further information about it found elsewhere in the TC). One of the special features of the
fundraiser is the silent auction to be held. This is a great time now to think about what special talent or commodity
you have to offer to the church and community, which has value and can receive a bid from others. For example, in
the past at other churches where we have served, Karen and I have donated a week at our vacation home in the
Endless Mountains, and we will do so again this year. You might donate housecleaning or the cooking of a gourmet
meal for a group of 6 or 8, or a special object you no longer have use for but want to go to a good home. You have
two weeks to think about what it is that others might be excited to submit a bid to win that night. It is destined to be
a great night of fun and fellowship!
Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim

Women’s Ministries ~ Brushes & Saturday, January 20th 4:30 to 7:30pm

Join us for
Brunch Chicken & Biscuits dinner, Silent Auction and
Concert
Paint Party Suggested donations:
Adults - $8
Saturday, January 27 9:30-11:30
th
Children ages 4-12 - $4
Under age 3 - free
ESUMC Fellowship Hall
Proceeds benefit the Spiritual Life Retreat
Save your spot by signing up on ESUMC’s Donations for Silent Auction are welcome!
website.
Members of ESUMC who are no longer able to attend church
$25 includes a delicious brunch, friendly
always appreciate hearing from you. Cards may be sent
conversation, and a to:
make-your-own wintry pallet! Doris Rodriguez
3274 Trafalger Ave
* Childcare Provided E Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Thank You!

Beat the Winter (Continued from page 3)

Blahs! shows that true freedom is found in surrender, not self-dependence.

What better way to beat
the after holiday blahs
than to have something
special to look forward
to! One Church Many Hearts: Walking in
Faith Together is the theme of the
Spiritual Life Retreat which is being
planned for the entire ESUMC family on
Saturday, March 10th at Pocono
Plateau. Guest leaders are preparing
programming for all ages, including
babysitting. The very reasonable cost of
$30 for ages 12- adult, $10 for ages 4-11,
and 3 and under free, includes lunch and
dinner and programming. This will be a
day of worship, Christian fellowship,
spiritual inspiration, and fun that you do
not want to miss! Stop by Fellowship Hall
after services on Sundays to register and
pick up a brochure or visit our church
website: www.esumc.net.
Because our gospel is not one based on our works, but faith in the finished
work of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Worldview
With
Justin Searle
Wednesdays 7- 8:30 PM starting Feb. 7th
(Commitment is needed. Time is negotionable, based upon the
group’s decision.)
This class is an introduction to the principles and practices of
interpreting the Bible using a historical-grammatical-rhetorical method
of interpretation: (Grasp the text in their town, Measure the width of
the river to cross, Cross the principlizing bridge, Consult the biblical
map, and Grasp the text in our town). We will be studying the ways in
which we can apply scripture to our lives while maintaining a proper
view of the original message and author’s intent. You will only need a
Bible and a notebook for this study.

New Year ~ New Ways to Grow
Continue to “follow the star” and journey with
the wise men in seeking to grow closer in your
faith by signing up for these new studies.
Throughout the month of January, come to
Fellowship Hall and sign up for one of these
studies beginning the first week in February. In
the meantime, feel free to continue the Study
of John with Bob Rosenberger and Ken
Brown. Or grab a cup of coffee and “drop in” to
a discussion group at 9:45 in Fellowship Hall.
Most of all, find a way to TRANSFORM your
life by growing in the Word in 2018!
THE GOOD BOOK
Deron Spoo and Kyle Idelman
Sundays 9:45-10:35 AM starting Feb.
4th
Leaders ~ Deanna Mayers & Jackie
Visser
The Bible is a big book. Hundreds of
characters and thousands of ideas parade
across its pages from beginning to end. From
the uninitiated to the very seasoned, readers
of the Bible will always find something new to
learn in The Good Book.
Over the course of 8 sessions, pastors Deron
Spoo and Kyle Idleman will visit the most
salient themes about God in the Bible. With
the goal of providing a sketch of each idea,
each session will break down the concept into
two smaller sections to unpack the meat
behind the theme. At the center of the series
stands God, and each theme will focus on who
He is in relationship to His created order.
THE BOOK OF GALATIANS
KYLE IDLEMAN
Sundays 9:45-10:35 AM
starting Feb. 4th
Leaders ~ Cathy Saunders & Mike
Ragonese
If someone asked you to explain the gospel,
what would you say? What is the good news
of the Christian faith? Writing to the Galatians,
Paul made it clear how easily we can be
tempted to turn toward fraudulent gospels,
especially those that teach we can earn God’s
love through our works. Though they may
have the appearance of truth, they are lifeless
and leave us empty in the end.
In this Book of the Bible series, Kyle Idleman
dives into the book of Galatians, one that
contains some of the clearest explanations of
the gospel in the New Testament. Through
biblical study and engaging lessons, Kyle
(Continued on page 2)
Merry Christmas
As I end my last day of the two weeks at the shelter, I’m reminded what a
blessing it has been. Don’t get me wrong, my bones keep reminding me that
I’m not 21, but by God’s Grace and Love HE gives me what I need for the
journey.
I was able to get a young woman to shower. She is afraid to shower because
she was brutally raped when she was younger. The homeless are very
compassionate towards her. She gave me a hug because I guarded the door.
Stories of Grace and just God’s presence has brought me to tears each and
every day and night. There is love and compassion towards one another in a
very present way. Last night we prayed in the shelter, where they sleep, and
every person just gave thanks to God for every blessing
They gave thanks over and over for the hospitality and warmth they had been
shown at ESUMC. They are grateful for everything we do for them. The
thought that they didn’t need to be out in the elements was a blessing to them.
Matthew 25:40
“Whatever you did for the least of these my brothers and sisters of mine, you
did for me”
This scripture came alive more than ever this week. My prayer is that more
and more people step out of their comfort zone and see what a wonderful
experience it can be. I’m also reminded, that as tough as things are in my life,
I am still blessed.
Happy New Year to all,
Ana Price
Help Wanted-We need some V.I.P’s
Do you have a love for Toddlers and
Babies?
Would you be interested in keeping our
church’s little ones safe, well-cared for and learning their first lessons
about Jesus? Would your spiritual gifts and/or experience benefit our
young children and their families as they attend church or special
events? Perhaps you or someone you know might be interested and
you can tell them about this opportunity?
We are looking for Very Important People to be part of our nursery
staff at ESUMC. This is a paid position that works Sundays during the
worship services. The position involves teaching from lesson plans
(which are generated through team planning), helping children with
crafts, games, songs, having fun, and caring for the new infants in our
church. The schedule can be flexible so you can take off a Sunday
every few weeks to worship. There are also occasional church events
where the nursery is open and coverage is needed.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact our
Director of Children’s Ministry-Erica Dorsch at 828-455-7332 or
Nursery Coordinator-Michelle Traub at mrshop@ptd.net, or Church
Administrator-Jill Teaford at 570 421-3280.
 A new year….. A new resolution…..
Contact Us
Church Office
(570) 421-3280
church@esumc.net
Hours: 9am to 1pm
Monday thru Friday
Pastor
Jim Todd
jtodd@esumc.net
Resolve to give your burdens to the Lord, Ext. 1014
and He will take care of you Church Administrator
Psalm 55:22a Jill Teaford
jteaford@esumc.net
Ext. 1015
Let a Stephen Minister walk alongside you. Administrative Assistant
You do not have to face your crisis alone. Kathy Ravago
kravago@esumc.net
Ext. 1010
For more info visit our web page
http://www.esumc.net/stephen-ministry/ Spiritual Life &
Or call—Peggy Strack Congregational Care
570-856-2131 Bethany Mills
bmills@esumc.net
Ext. 1023
Student Ministries
Scott Kuhnle
Heartsaver CPR AED Class Offered skuhnle@esumc.net
Ext. 1013
On Saturday January 13th from 9-12:30 at East
Children & Family Ministries
Stroudsburg University, the ESUMC Nursery Staff is Erica Dorsch
taking a CPR/AED class in order to receive their edorsch@esumc.net
training. There are a limited amount of spots still Ext. 1017
available, but they are opening it up to the congregation to see if any of Financial Secretary
our nursery volunteers, parents or church members would like to Michael Corey
attend. The cost is already at a reduced price of $50, but if you are mcorey@esumc.net
receiving this training in order to volunteer in our nursery in 2018, the Ext. 1012
price will be cut in half. Anyone interested in the CPR training must Maintenance
contact Erica Dorsch at elmdorsch@gmail.com or Michelle Traub at William Mack
mrshop@ptd.net The deadline to register is Sunday January 7th so wmack@esumc.net
please let us know if you plan to attend or have additional questions. Ext. 1018
Thank you! Organist/Traditional Music
Pauline Fox
Recovery Meetings Available in foxes@esumc.net
The Community Room of Office Building Basement Contemporary Music
Doug Malefyt
dmalefyt@esumc.net
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 (Women’s Group) Choir Director
AA: Thursday & Saturday – 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Keep It Simple Julie Montes De Oca
Saturday – 5:30-6:30 P.M. Sunday - 4:30-6:30 P.M. Serenity House choir@esumc.net
Audio//Visual Technician
Tristen Gearhart
tgearhart@esumc.net
Scan QR to ESUMC Website
Technology Support
East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church Michael Corey
83 S. Courtland St. mcorey@esumc.net
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Ext. 1012
www.esumc.net