THE TRUMPET CALL

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

Our Vision: To be a Christian community where Christ is transforming lives
East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church Volume V Issue 4 January 27 2019

Ministry Corner
Last Saturday, the Merry
Martha’s gathered together to
bless our Congregation with
several kinds of homemade and
savory soups! These soups were
then packaged and frozen for the
Care Team to share back to
individuals in our Congregation
that find themselves in a situation
where they could use our extra
support. Situations such as:
welcoming a brand new baby,
recovering from hospitalization or
being sick, going through a rough
time or morning the loss of a
loved one —any of these situations the ESUMC family will reach out with our support. Over the years, the Casserole Ministry has blessed
many individuals and families with a meal during hardship. Now, transformed to the Food for Friends ministry, we are reaching out to you
for additional support. We are accepting pre-made frozen meal donations. We hope to reach even more individuals and families in 2019!

As the NEW Director of Congregational Care, Rachel Thompson, and the Congregational Care Team, we would now like to extend the
opportunity for YOU to contribute and bless this wonderful ministry - and you can do this in a couple ways!

First and foremost, you can pray for our Church and its members! Ephesians 6:18 reminds us: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every
occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere,” and that certainly includes those who are absent from
our Congregation Sundays and possibly recovering from surgery, sick, grieving or homebound! Please lift up all of these folks in your
prayers!

Secondly, if you feel you have heart for Care Ministry, we invite you to join our Congregational Care Team! We meet every 4th
Wednesday in the Conference Room, located in the Administrative Building. Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February
27th at 7pm. Third, you can now make, freeze and donate a meal to our Food for Friends Meal Ministry. Please reach out to Rachel
Thompson for more information. Rachel’s email is RThompson@esumc.net

In refreshing the Casserole Ministry, we now prepare the meals in advance and freeze these so they are readily available. As we recently
brainstormed this concept, we have not projected a freezer in our budget. So, a third way you can help us is to make a donation towards
a “Food for Friends Meal Ministry Freezer”. If you write “Foods for Friends” on the memo line of your check, on indicate the amount on
your giving envelope, it will ensure it is put towards the fund for this freezer.

Thanks to all who came and “cooked their hearts out” with the Merry Martha’s for a great cause (see photograph + Amy Hollister,
photographer)! And thank you, Church family, for your supporting prayers, service and gifts! May the Lord bless you!

Oberholtzer Scholarship Fund

Some years ago, the Oberholtzer Scholarship Fund was set up to remember one who was near and dear to our church family but
tragically killed in a highway accident shortly after he was appointed to another church in the summer of 1998. He was associate pastor
Bob Oberholtzer. Sandy, his wife, is still very actively engaged in the life of our church, and we have a small team of people who meet to
decide how to distribute the scholarship funds to those who are actively pursuing ministry. In February every year, we ask the
congregation to contribute to the scholarship fund, and that time is quickly upon us. We will have Oberholtzer Scholarship envelopes
around our church, and the official date to collect these is Sunday, February 10, though any time you want to make your contribution in
the month of February (or even afterward), we will gladly and gratefully receive it. As you consider your gift, please also take time to pray
for all those whom God has called to Christian ministry.

One of those whom God has called and is well known to all of us is our Director of Student Ministry, Scott Kuhnle. Scott recently reflected
on how much the Oberholtzer Scholarship Fund has meant to him: “The Oberholtzer Scholarship has been such a blessing to me, as I
pursue the call God has placed on my heart to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As you all know, school is expensive these
days! Without the support of scholarships, I would be financially unable to continue my education. At Evangelical Theological Seminary, I
am learning and growing as a disciple of Christ, a preacher, and a ministry leader. The continued support I receive from my church family,
at ESUMC, makes this possible. Thank you!!” Please prayerfully consider the difference you can make in the life of one called to ministry!
 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

This months’ meeting of the

OK’s will be Feb. 13 at
11:30am for lunch and
“Pastor Jim’s Variety Show.”
Please bring your sandwich we will provide
beverage, ice cream and cherry pie to honor
George Washington.
Remember to call Karen Dudley (570-424-9896)
or Erma Powell (570-421-1422) by Tuesday the
12th to let us know if you will attend. We need
to know so we can adequately prepare for the
UMW Dollar Challenge - January
meal. If there are under 5 people planning to We are collecting non-perishable food items
attend, we will cancel. to help support the Community Meal served
every Monday at ESUMC. Watch for a
Thanks, Karen and Erma collection box in Oberholtzer Hall.

ESUMC Spiritual Life Retreat

Love: The Most Excellent Way
Referencing the book of 1 Corinthians, Rev. Amy
Banka will lead the adult sessions at our ESUMC
Spiritual Life Retreat on Saturday, March 30th at Pocono Plateau
on the topic of love within the body of Christ. Amy pastored Faith
UMC in Stroudsburg until 2014. She is currently the lead pastor at
Hopewell UMC. Her husband, Michael Banka, Director of Youth
Ministry at Hopewell, will provide leadership for our youth.
The entire ESUMC family is encouraged to attend this special day!
The cost is amazingly reasonable, the teaching and worship will
inspire you, you will have fun, and you will grow closer to your
brothers and sisters in Christ!
To register or for additional information, stop by Fellowship Hall on
Sunday morning or visit our church website: www.esumc.net

Recovery Meetings Community Room

Holy Grounds Café
Food volunteer schedules may be
picked up at the Fellowship Table
this Sunday. Thanks to all who
volunteered.
of Office Building Basement
NA: Mon-Sat, 12:00 to 1:30 PM Just for Today;
Wed, 6:00 to 7:30 PM New Beginnings (Women)
AA: Thurs & Sat, 8:00 to 9:00 PM Keep It Simple
Saturday, 5:30 to6:30 PM.
Sunday, 4:30 to 6:30 PM Serenity House

E S U M C Sunday Services and Studies

Traditional 8:30 AM Contemporary 10:45 AM

Sunday School 9:45 AM
Discipleship 9:45 AM

The Preschool/Toddler Nursery Class would like to announce their
upcoming SUPER SOCK SUNDAY! On Sunday February 3rd (Super bowl
Sunday) we are asking the congregation to bring a pair or pairs of new
socks that the nursery children will be collecting at the end of the service.
They are presently learning about Jesus and how he asked us in so many
ways to “take care of His sheep”. So we have named the day SUPER
SOCK SUNDAY and will collect socks of all sizes that will be donated to
the homeless shelter individuals we are housing in a few weeks and to
people who attend our community meals. The children will attach a small
message and treat and the socks will be delivered right before Valentine’s
Day. Please help our children show love and kindness to others by
donating a pair of socks. Thank you!
“Jesus never asked us to sit on the sidelines and
cheer for his cause.” — Craig Groeschel, senior
pastor of LifeChurch.tv. Are you a fan or a
follower? The dictionary defines a fan as “an
enthusiastic admirer.” Fans want to be close
enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so
close that it requires sacrifice. Fans may be fine
with repeating a prayer, attending church on the
weekend, and slapping a Jesus fish on their
bumpers. But is that really the extent of the
relationship Jesus wants? Jesus was never
interested in having admirers. It’s not fans he is
looking for. “Not a Fan” challenges you to consider
what it really means to call yourself a Christian.
With a direct frankness that you’re not likely to hear
in Sunday school class, Kyle Idleman invites you to
take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus.
His call to follow may seem radical to us, but Jesus
desires it for every believer."
This church wide study begins in March—more
information to follow.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Do you have a truck or trailer, or a

green or antique car???? The
Outreach & Evangelism Team is
ramping up for their next big
community outreach: The St.
Patrick’s Day Parade and we
need YOUR help!!! In addition to vehicles, we also are looking for
volunteers to walk and ride, distribute candy, and to contribute
financially!!! Ready to sign-up for this exciting outreach? Contact
Bethany Mills at bmills@esumc.net to volunteer!!! More details
and information about this St. Patty’s Day coming soon!”

FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember is coming to the Pocono’s May 22-24 and 29-31 at Sky Top Lodge.

Weekend to Remember is a two-and-a-half day (Friday night - Sunday) weekend getaway that
equips married and engaged couples with practical tools and resources.

You will receive biblically-based insights from top speakers and marriage experts, helpful tools,
special breakout sessions, workbooks, and relaxing alone time to rediscover the reasons you fell
in love, free from distractions.

Weekend to Remember is not just for married couples. They provide engaged couples with the
understanding on how to create a firm foundation to build your future married relationship.

Even if you have attended in the past, it’s way too easy to slip back into the trap of taking each
other for granted. Great marriages require intentionality and investment—just like a garden that
must be watered in order to grow. Don’t just survive, discover a marriage that THRIVES!

Currently there is a BOGO DEAL using our group name unitedthruchrist which expires January 28, 2019. For more information,
please contact Ann or Bruce Osbun who are volunteer coordinators for FamilyLife. Look for us in Fellowship Hall this Sunday!
 THIS WEEK AT ESUMC
CHURCH CONTACT LIST
Office
(570) 421-3280
church@esumc.net
Hours: 9am to 1pm
Monday thru Friday

Pastor
Jim Todd
jtodd@esumc.net
Ext. 1014

Church Administrator
Jill Teaford
jteaford@esumc.net
Ext. 1015

Administrative Assistant
Kathy Ravago
kravago@esumc.net
Ext. 1010

Director of Spiritual Life &

Communications
Bethany Mills
bmills@esumc.net
Ext. 1023

Director of Student Ministries

Scott Kuhnle
skuhnle@esumc.net
Ext. 1013

Director of Children & Family

Ministries
Erica Dorsch
edorsch@esumc.net
Ext. 1017

Director of Traditional Music/

Organist
Pauline Fox
foxes@esumc.net

Director of Contemporary
Music
Doug Malefyt
dmalefyt@esumc.net

Director of Choir
Joe Dorsch
josephdorsch@gmail.com
Director of Bells
Chris Perfetti
perfetti3@ptd.net
Director of Congregational
Care
Rachel Thompson
rthompson@esumc.net
Financial Secretary/IT Support
Michael Corey
mcorey@esumc.net
Ext. 1012
Audio/Visual Technician
Charles Rajnai
charlesrajnai@gmail.com

East Stroudsburg United Facilities Manager

Scan QR Rob Coyle
Methodist Church to rcoyle@esumc.net
ESUMC Ext. 1018
83 S. Courtland St. Sextons
Website
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Weekday Sunday
Bob Lee Craig Banner
 On the weekend of January 4th, 2019, our Youth Ministry Program made
the annual trip to the Youth Rally in Ocean City, MD. Our group joined 4,000
other students and adult leaders, as we participated in a weekend of worship,
fellowship and fun! Between the worship, the speakers presenting the Gospel,
and the smaller breakout sessions; this trip was a rewarding experience for all
involved. Friends, with the trips, events and weekly programs we offer for
youth at East Stroudsburg UMC, we are planting seeds of faith. These youth
are hearing the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ on a regular basis.
After a trip like the youth rally, is concluded, our youth have many
opportunities to continue their spiritual growth through programs like Sr. High
Bible Study, JAM Afterschool Program, Jr. High Bible Studies, quarterly Sr.
High Retreats, and Sunday Worship. Our youth also have the opportunities to
reach out to other students in their schools and invite them to programs like
Foundations Afterschool Homework Help/Tutoring (every Tuesday and
Wednesday), Overnighter outreaches, and the other weekly programs already
listed.
The bottom line is this: we are making an eternal difference in the lives of
young people!! We are seeing life-changing transformation through the Gospel
of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Friends, YOU are all part of
this work. Your ever-present support makes planting seeds of faith, and Christ-
centered transformation a reality. You support our youth through your prayers,
your financial giving, your time (volunteering), and through your Godly
presence in their lives. Thank you!! A special word of THANKS to all the
youth leaders who give of their time and talent; and sacrifice their sleep and
their comfort to make a difference in the lives of our youth!! Praise God—and
let’s continue to lift these young people up in prayer.
Scott Kuhnle
Director of Youth Ministries
Youth Rally, Ocean City MD 2019
Theme Verse: Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.