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THE TRUMPET CALL

Month XX, 2016

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

Our Vision
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

Chancel Choir to Perform at


Old Time Christmas
Our choir will be leading Christmas Caroling at Quiet Valley
Historical Farm tours this Sunday December 4 at 3:00-5:00
pm. See Upcoming Events at
http://quietvalley.org/ for details

about tours. Performance at


Schoolhouse.

Sunday Services and Studies


Traditional 8:30 am
Contemporary 10:45 am
Sunday School 9:45 am
Discipleship Groups 9:45 am

Pastors Corner

Everyday as I drive or walk to


church, I look to my left as I get to the corner
of Analomink and Courtland Sts. Everyday, I
see a big blue tarp covering half the
Sanctuary roof on the north side. I'm sure
you've seen the same, and have probably
wondered, "Why? Why, after eight months,
does this tarp still cover half of one side of
the roof? Is there ever going to be a
permanent fix, and why hasn't it been done
already?" To answer that, Connie Moyer, chair of our Trustees,
shares her thoughts below. Please read this important
message so that you have a full understanding of what's going on.
Before Connie shares her thoughts, I have a few thoughts about our financial situation. First, thanks to all of
you who have turned in your commitment cards, both your "time and talent" cards as well as your financial
commitments. This is a huge help to us in our planning for 2017, and is a way for each of us to solidify our
personal commitments to the Lord. If you have not yet turned in your commitment cards, you can do so at any
time, either in the Sunday offering or by mailing them to the church, attention: Cyndie Faunce, Financial
Secretary.
Second, I highlighted our financial situation in October, and now that we have our November results, here's a
brief update. The Finance Team was rightly concerned when at the end of September, our deficit was running
about $54,000 (expenses over income). Thanks to the faithfulness of all of you, this deficit has been reduced
to a little more than $22,000. October and November were good months for us, income-wise. Praise God!
However, we cannot rest until the deficit is erased, and we are still in need of generous givers to help us end
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the year in the black. The amazing ministries we have depend on our
faithful response to all God has given to us. Don't forget our Faith
Promise commitments, too!
Our 2017 budget was finalized and approved a couple of weeks ago by
our Steering Team. However, some late numbers came in outside of our
control, and after some minor tweaks are made, we'll get the budget out
to the congregation. In the meantime, here's Connie...
The Trustees would like to keep our church family informed of the
upcoming roof repair scheduled for the week of December 12th. For
those that are not aware, on April 3rd we had a storm that came through
and took off 12 slate pieces on the south side of the church, damaging 3
cars below. We thank God no one was injured or killed because flying
pieces of slate can be quite lethal. Four days later on April 7th, 1/3 of the
north side of the roof blew off with a microburst. Again, God protected
individuals and no one was hurt, but consequently 4 other roofs were
badly damaged by the slate impaling the surface, windows were broken,
A/C units displaced and our new benches nicked by flying slate.
Consequently, the Trustees are working diligently to negotiate with the
insurance company and work with the contractor so that our church will
have the proper repairs to last us for years to come. We received four
bids and unfortunately the insurance company did not give us enough
money to complete the project as they had recommended. The Trustees
also feel that the entire sanctuary roof needs to be replaced due to two
incidents happening within four days of each other.
We have hired C & D Waterproofing to remove the slate on the
sanctuary roof and put an ice and water shield up for the winter. Since
our insurance is not settled we are not allowed to do any other area at
this time. We have also, after many hours of discussions and research,
decided to replace the entire slate roof with asphalt. Due to the limited
days of warm temperature the application of shingles will take place in
the spring.
This construction project will involve using the dialysis side parking
spaces with a fence surrounding the area during the working day. The
contractors will have many vehicles that will be parked in the borough
area and a dumpster in the three spaces rented by our church. Foot
traffic will be directed to use other entrances while the workmen are on
premise. This will take several weeks and we apologize for the
inconvenience, but ask for your patience and understanding. Additional
free parking can be found at Dansbury Park and off S. Kistler Street
adjacent to Dansbury Depot. For those able to walk, please leave the
closest spaces for those that are less ambulatory.

The Trustees will sell slate pieces for those who are interested in some
ESUMC history or are crafty and would like to use the pieces for painting
on them or using them for other craft projects. They will be sold for $10.
This will only happen if solid pieces are removed.
Bottom-line, we are moving on this and praying for the insurance
company to accept the estimates that two other outside appraisers have
submitted that were three times the original estimate allowing us to
replace the roofs and do the proper repairs. We would like to thank you
in advance for your prayers and understanding during this construction
phase as we do what is necessary to put our church back to the
condition it was in before the storms hit us in April.
Wishing you all a blessed season! God is good and He will provide!
Connie Moyer, Trustee Chairperson

The LOVE of Jesus Christ will never be


extinguished in our lives. Though
people and circumstances may fail us,
Jesus is forever faithful. This is love;
not that we loved God, but that he
loved us (I John 4:10a). Are you
looking for a friend in faith to walk with
you in a challenging time? God has a
Stephen Minister for you.
For more info visit our web page
http://www.esumc.net/stephen-ministry/
Or callPeggy Strack
(570) 421-3280 Ext 1023

Please Inform the Office!

If you or a member of your family is


admitted to any hospital, please inform
the church office, 570-421-3280.
Pastor Jim, Peggy Strack, and
volunteers are happy to visit if we are
aware of the need!
If you are able to help
deliver cookies and
Christmas crafts to our
nursing home and
homebound members
during the week of
December 11th, please contact
Peggy, 570-421-3280, ext. 1023.
Members of ESUMC who are no
longer able to attend church always
appreciate hearing from you. Cards
may be sent to:

Evelyn Taylor
Spring Village at Pocono
329 East Brown St.
East Stroudsburg, Pa. 18301

Thank You!

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!

The PATH Christmas envelopes are in


the narthex next to the welcome desk .
Please welcome the church family to
take an envelope and the envelopes are
all set to be mailed directly to PATH !

Ushers/Greeters Needed for


Christmas Eve Services

Please consider volunteering as a single,


couple or family to serve on
December 24th for one of the services
at 4, 7 or 10 pm.
Contact Kathy Hinkey at
k_hinkey@hotmail.com or
(570)236-8183.

December Dollar
Challenge will be hats,
gloves, scarves and socks
for Community Meal
distribution in January. As
usual, all may be purchased at Dollar
Tree. Thanks to all who have made the
Dollar Challenge a success this year. Look
for 2017 checklists in late December.

Read the Bible in a Year


335Daniel 7, Daniel 8:1-14,
1 John 2:12-27, Psalm 136:13-26
336Daniel 8:15-27, Daniel 9:1-19,
1 John 2:28-29, 1 John 3:1-10,
Proverbs 29:10-18
337Daniel 9:20-27, Daniel 10, Daniel 11:1,
1 John 3:11-24, 1 John 4:1-6,Psalm 137:1-9
338Daniel 11:2-35, 1 John 4:7-21,
Psalm 138:1-8
339Daniel 11:36-45, Daniel 12,
1 John 5:1-21, Psalm 139:1-10
340-Haggai 1, Haggai 2:1-23,
2 John 1:1-13, Proverbs 29:19-27
341Zechariah 1, Zechariah 2, Zechariah 3,
Zechariah 4, 3 John 1:1-14, Psalm 139:11-16
342Zechariah 5, Zechariah 6, Zechariah 7,
Zechariah 8, Jude 1:1-25, Psalm 139:17-24
343Zechariah 9, Zechariah 10, Zechariah 11
Revelation 1, Psalm 140:1-5
344Zechariah 12, Zechariah 13
Zechariah 14, Revelation 2:1-17,
Proverbs 30:1-10
345Esther 1, Esther 2:1-18,
Revelation 2:18-29, Revelation 3:1-6,
Psalm 140:6-13
346Esther 2:19-23, Esther 3, Esther 4,
Esther 5, , Revelation 3:7-22, Psalm 141:1-10
347Esther 6, Esther 7, Esther 8,
Revelation 4, Psalm 142:1-11
348Esther 9, Esther 10, Revelation 5,
Proverbs 30:11-23
349Malachi 1, Malachi 2:1-16,
Revelation 6, Psalm 143:1-12
350Malachi 2:17, Malachi 3, Malachi 4,
Revelation 7, Psalm 144:1-8

West Virginia Mission Trip


Five members of ESUMC traveled to Rainelle,
West Virginia on Nov 6 to do renovations for
home owners after devastating flooding hit the
area this past June. We were blessed to help
two families, pray with them, and work
side-by-side with relatives at both homes.
Even though most of us are not professionals,
Ray, our
construction lead, guided us so that we fixed
numerous electrical and plumbing problems and
installed cabinets and appliances at the Reed
home. We were able to "stage" the home when
the work was finished so that the homeowners,
who are in their 70s, were able to move in. We
also insulated and started dry wall installation on
the Landis home.
One special angel from ESUMC sent us bible verses and surprises which we
looked forward to opening each day. It meant so much to us to know that
prayers were flowing our way. We thank you all for your prayers and support of
missions. There is much to be done. Please consider joining us in 2017!
Sue, Pat, Robin, Linda and Ray

Read the Bible in a Year

As we head into the winter months, I have to


admit that I look forward to the time when the
days get longer and more of the light comes back
into the world. This week we read about the
importance of light. The message is not one that John made up by
himself. It is one that he heard with his ears and saw with his eyes,
receiving it first hand from God's only Son, Jesus Christ. This is the
message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in
him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
This reminds me of a story Ive heard about Robert Louis
Stevenson, a famous author who wrote many books, among them
Kidnapped and Treasure Island. As a child, he struggled with a
number of serious illnesses. But there was this one special night in the
hospital. His nurse found him leaning out of his bed, staring out the
window. When she asked him what he was looking at, he told her he
was watching a man punch holes in the darkness. What he saw was a
lamp post lighter lighting the way for travelers with his gas lamps. And I
believe it can truly be said that Jesus Christ has punched holes in the
darkness of this world!
Because it is Jesus who brings the light to us and it is this light that
brings us together If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us
from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
It can be hard to see light when were struggling in the darkness of
hard times. From these scriptures we learn two truths. First, there is no
level of despair so deep that the light of Christ cannot overcome it.
Second, our hope and faith are rekindled through the loving care we
receive from other believers. Perhaps it comes in a card or a hug; a
promise to pray or in a listening ear; through a shared scripture or in a
hot meal. There are so many ways that the light of Christ is passed
among believers. Take some time this Advent season to thank God for
the fellowship we share because of our salvation through the grace of
Jesus Christ.
So my friends be encouraged and read on.
Pastor Bob
3

Events

Christmas Carols in Oberholtzer Hall balcony on Sunday


December 18, 9:30-9:40 and 10:35-10:45. Inviting all
wind and string players from grade 5 through adult. Must
have experience in a school band, orchestra, or other
ensemble. For easy music and time to review, contact
Pauline Fox at foxes@esumc.net

Contact Us
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
Church Administrator
Jill Teaford
jteaford@esumc.net
Ext. 1015
Secretary
Maria Ragonese
mragonese@esumc.net
Ext. 1010
Congregational Care
Peggy Strack
pstrack@esumc.net
Ext. 1023
Student Ministries
Scott Kuhnle
skuhnle@esumc.net
Ext. 1013
Childrens Ministries
Erica Dorsch
edorsch@esumc.net
Ext. 1017

Cub Scout Pack 103 sponsored by ESUMC


Pack MeetingSecond Wednesday of Month 6:30 p.m.
Wolf DenMondays at 67:00 P.M.
Bear DenTuesdays at 68:00 P.M. (except 2nd Tue.)
Tiger DenWednesdays at 68:00 P.M. (except 2nd Wed. )
Webelos I & II DensFridays at 68:00 P.M.
Den Meetings in Community RoomPack Meeting in Youth Room.
For more info call Cub masterMike Greene (973) 229-5641
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

Financial Secretary
Cyndie Faunce
cfaunce@esumc.net
Ext. 1025
Maintenance
William Mack
wmack@esumc.net
Ext. 1018
SextonsJude Porter
jporter@esumc.net
Kenny Fenston
fenstonkenny@yahoo.com
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

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