THE TRUMPET CALL

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

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church Volume III Issue 41 October 8, 2017

The October sermon series is, The Journey.

Our Vision
To be a Christian community
where Christ is transforming lives
Our goal is to grow Gods way
Upward through worship and prayer
Inward through prayer and bible study
Outward through evangelism, service,
fellowship and stewardship.
Sunday Services and Studies
Traditional 8:30 am
Contemporary 10:45 am
Sunday School 9:45 am
Discipleship Groups 9:45 am
We are looking at people in the Old and New
Testaments and one disciple outside the Bible and the
journeys they have been on.
Where have your journeys
in life led you?
If you have a photo, a
photo and brief description,
or just a description of a journey you have taken where you
have been brought closer in your relationship with God,
there will be a board in Oberholtzer with push pins to share
with the rest of the congregation.
It can be from near or far; anywhere that has special
significance for you in your faith journey. Bring it in and
hang it anytime in October.
Thanks, Pastor Jim.

Pastors Corner
As we consider all of the recent tragedies in our nation and world, surely the most
heartbreaking are the ones which are human-caused and preventable. There is no
reasonable explanation for why a 64 year old man should have showered bullets down upon
innocent concert goers in Las Vegas last Sunday night. Once again, a nation is shocked and
stunned and grief-stricken, asking, Why, why this? We will never have an answer to that
question in this lifetime. We cannot comprehend what is incomprehensible to the average
human being.

What was equally shocking to me this past week was hearing that on the 274th day of 2017, there had already
been 272 mass shootings of four or more people in the US this year; approximately one mass shooting every
day. We dont normally hear about these shootings unless they occur in our area, I suppose because they are
so routine. Routine is never a word we want to use to describe our reaction to mass shootings, but when
there are so many of them we become almost numb to all but the most heinous, as the one last Sunday night
was in Las Vegas. We live in a society steeped in violence, both real and imagined in movies and video
games. I saw a chart which shows the rate of gun deaths for the year 2013. In that year, the US had 33,636
gun-related deaths, while the UK had 727. Of course, the US is much larger population-wise, so the important
comparative statistic is the rate of deaths per 100,000 people. In the US, the rate is 10.64, while in the UK, it
is .23. The United States has a rate of death by guns of more than 45 times that of the United Kingdom!
Among European countries, only Finland comes anywhere close to the US with a rate one third of that of the
US.

The role of guns in American society is a deeply divisive subject among Christians, so that discussion is not
the purpose for my writing today. Rather, its to remind us about what we can all agree and to challenge us in
our Christian witness moving forward. While the statistics I shared above are deeply disturbing and
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depressing, there is great opportunity for the Christian who sees him or herself as a missionary in our society
(which I hope we all would). Another statistic which came out after the Las Vegas massacre was that of the huge
number of annual gun deaths, two-thirds of them are suicides. I believe one of the common links among all gun
deaths, whether self-inflicted or inflicted on others, is isolation.

When people are isolated or feel isolated, they have no one with whom to discuss their fears, anxieties, and other
strong emotions. God designed us to live in community, and when we are cut off from community for whatever
reason and live within our own little worlds, it can sometimes lead to violence to ourselves or others. After a tragedy
like what happened in Las Vegas, we may be tempted to retreat in fear to our own little worlds. I believe at times
like this, God would remind us of this powerful scripture: There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear
(1 John 4:18a). The opposite of love isnt hate, but fear. As Christians, we are called not to live fearful lives, but
lives filled with the love of Jesus Christ. Living in the power of love, we can help to patiently break down the walls
which divide us, and reach out to those whom we know are isolated. I believe the best reaction we can have to
what happened in Las Vegas, and indeed what happens around us each day, is not to buy more guns and live in
fear, but to become the community of love God has designed us to be, always reaching out in the love of Jesus!
May we continue to pray for all those affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas.
Blessings, Pastor Jim

Youth OpportunitiesEducational Programs at ESUMC

1. Pre-Algebra & AlgebraVolunteer: Brett Ruben (Physics Major at ESU)
Mondays4pm-5pm Grades 5-8 Oct. 23, 30, Nov 6,13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 11, 18
Book: Pre-Algebra grades 5th to 8thKelly Wingate SeriesCost $15
2. Physical Science ExperimentsVolunteer: Michael Corey
Fridays5pm-6pm Grades 5-8 Nov 3, 10, Dec 1, 8
MaterialsCost $15
For more information, contact Emma Avciemmavci@hotmail.com

You must understand Please Inform the Office!

this, my beloved: let If you or a member of your family is
everyone be quick to admitted to any hospital, please inform
listen, slow to speak. the church office, 570-421-3280.
James 1:19 Pastor Jim, Bethany Mills, and
volunteers are happy to visit if we are
Listening is more than aware of the need!
just dispassionately
hearing real listeners get involved. They empathize. They share their
care receivers journey. Thats the kind of listener God is too. He Members of ESUMC who are no
became one of us. He knows exactly what it is like to live our lives and longer able to attend church always
face the challenges and temptations that we face. And in Jesus God has appreciate hearing from you. Cards
responded to all he hears to all our prayers, questions, wails, cries for may be sent to:
mercy, complaints, and pain. He listens and has answered us once and Frank & Mary Barnes
for all time by sending his only Son to die and rise for us, so that whoever 945 Mt. Zion Avenue
believes in him will no perish. Stroudsburg, PA 18360
We, Stephen Ministers, learn from Gods example and Jamess words Thank You!
that it is better to listen, to enter into the others pain, to understand. After
much listening, our few words will be wise and compassionate. Hearing Assistance
Devices are Here!
ESUMC now owns several hearing
assistance devices which can be worn to
For more info visit our web page improve your ability to hear our worship
http://www.esumc.net/stephen-ministry/ services. Please contact an usher to pick
Or callPeggy Strack up your hearing assistance device and
return to an usher after use.
570-856-2131 Healthcare Equipment available:
Canes, crutches, walkers, adult potty
chairs, shower stools, Depends and more!

Thanks to all who helped make
the Fall Into the Arts show a
great success
So many of you to thank way too
many to send individual thanks right
now or even list 35 names! Without
friends, helpers, sponsors, and
participant musicians and artists, the
Sunday program could not have
happened. Liz Green, especially, is an
amazing manager.
I am grateful to have been told that
community visitors and church people
alike found welcome and blessing.
If you were part of an ensemble or
group, please share with all in your
partners.
I wish many blessings on each of you.
Pauline
"Calling All Men
Please Help Support our Women!"
Once again this year we are asking for
men volunteers to provide our ladies with
an enjoyable Breakfast and Lunch
experience during the Women's retreat on
Saturday November 4th. We need
waiters, busboys and kitchen staff!
If interested in this opportunity to serve,
please contact:
Mike Carlson (570)807-2003 or
Mike Ragonese (570)269-6674
Prayerful Blessings,
Mike
Communications Team
ESUMC is in need of SEVERAL volunteers
to assist with our social media business
accounts! Any individual with an inclination
towards social media, graphic design,
platform networking, or with extensive
personal experience with Instagram,
Facebook, Twitter, SnapChat, etc. is
encouraged to email Michael Corey at
mcorey@esumc.net
If you have any information you would like
included in the Trumpet Call, please send
an e-mail with an attached word document
containing article(s) and pictures to the
following e-mail:
TrumpetCall@esumc.net
TRANSFORMATION takes on many
forms in the life of a Christian. One such
way is by studying Gods word and
growing closer to Him! Small group
studies and fellowship help us to grow
and change into what He wants us to
be.
Perhaps God is calling you to be a part of such a group? Or maybe He is
nudging you to facilitate or co-lead a study? The Discipleship Team is
willing to walk beside you in researching studies and running a group. Our
church has a membership to Right Now media, and Bethany Mills has
many resources on studies, too. If you have the passion to be a part of a
study or lead one, please contact Bethany Mills, Jackie Visser, or any other
member of the Discipleship Team.
Together we can continue to grow disciples for Christ and TRANSFORM
lives.
Thanks for you consideration!
Jackie Visser & the Discipleship Team
Trip to Mazezilla is
THIS SUNDAY Oct. 8th,
12 4pm. We will attend the
10:45am worship. You can either bring a lunch with you, or walk with
the group to the bagel shop and purchase a lunch. While we eat lunch
in the gym (at church) Randy Johns has a lesson for us. We will then
travel to Mazezilla via church vans and return by 4:00pm to the
church. Please bring a parent/guardian signed permission form
(available on Sunday Morning). Parents and familiesyou are also
welcome to attend! Each person should bring $$ to purchase your
lunch (or bring your own lunch) and $9 for Mazezilla.
Sr. High Retreat to Brick, NJ (9th12th graders) Last Day to
Signup and turn in Paperwork and Payment is THIS Sunday
October 8th The retreat is Saturday October 14 (8:00am) - Sunday
October 15 (6:00pm)
Youth Rally to Ocean City, Maryland (6th12th graders)
DONT MISS YOUR CHANCE FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
PRICING!! Friday January 5 (2:30pm) - Sunday January 7 (6:00pm)
Paperwork and Payment Due Dates: EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS!!
If you signup and get your $70 deposit in by Sunday October 29th,
the cost of the trip is $125.
If you signup and get your $70 deposit in by Sunday November 26th,
the cost of the trip is $150.
If you signup and get your $70 deposit in AFTER Sunday November
26th, the cost of the trip is $175.
Sr. High Philly/Epiphany Fellowship Trip (9th12th graders)
Friday November 10 (4:00pm) - Sunday Nov 12 (4:00pm)
Paperwork and Payment Due No Later Than: Sunday November 5th
Information and permission forms have been e-mailed, and
are located on ESUMC website, under youth ministry.
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Events Contact Us
HIKING The following is a schedule of hikes over the next month:
Church Office
Oct. 5 Mt. Tamany in NJ. Wonderful vista overlooking the (570) 421-3280
Delaware River, approx 5 mi. church@esumc.net
Oct. 12 On the Appalachian Trail from Rt. 191 to Wind Gap , Hours: 9am to 1pm
approx 7 mi. Monday thru Friday
Oct 22 SUNDAY HIKE. This is our annual favorite hike on the Pastor
Appalachian Trail near Camp Mohican, close to Blairstown, Jim Todd
NJ. Wonderful vistas and an easy 4 miles jtodd@esumc.net
Oct. 26 The Pinnacle on the AT, near Allentown best vista in Pa. Ext. 1014
on the AT. approx 5 mi. Church Administrator
Jill Teaford
Please note the Sunday hike on Oct 22: Meet in Church parking lot jteaford@esumc.net
at 12:30 p.m. We leave at 12:45 sharp. Ext. 1015
All other hikes are on Thursday, Meet in Church Parking Lot at 9:00 Administrative Assistant
a.m. Kathy Ravago
kravago@esumc.net
Any questions call Ken Brown , (570) 424-6480, or Ext. 1010
Bob Rosenberger, (570) 223-7076 Congregational Care
Bethany Mills
Older Kids OK's 55 Plus bmills@esumc.net
Ext. 1023
Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Monroe County Vo-Tec on Student Ministries
Monday ,Nov 13 . Meet at the Vo-Tec at noon. The price stays $7.00 for Scott Kuhnle
complete meal. Reservations need to be made to Linda Drake by Nov 7th skuhnle@esumc.net
at 570-856-9305-text or call. Ext. 1013
Childrens Ministries
Save the date for Christmas Luncheon/Party-Wed Dec 20-11:30 Erica Dorsch
edorsch@esumc.net
Ext. 1017
United Methodist WomenOctober Dollar Challenge
Financial Secretary
Shoe box size toys and crafts for Operation Michael Corey
Christmas Child. These boxes go all over the world mcorey@esumc.net
Ext. 1025
and the children receive a Bible storybook in their own language and
are then invited to a 12 week Bible study like VBS( three million Maintenance
William Mack
children accepted Jesus through this program) Items needed wmack@esumc.net
are :toys, small stuffed animals, socks, hair accessories, toiletries - Ext. 1018
no liquids or military type toys (action figures are ok). As usual Organist/Traditional Music
everything can be found at Dollar Tree. Pauline Fox
foxes@esumc.net
Recovery Meetings Available in Contemporary Music
The Community Room of Office Building Basement Doug Malefyt
dmalefyt@esumc.net
NA: Monday through Saturday 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Just for Today Choir Director
Wednesday 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. New Beginnings (Womens Group) Julie Montes De Oca
AA: Thursday & Saturday 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Keep It Simple choir@esumc.net
Saturday 5:30-6:30 P.M. Sunday - 4:30-6:30 P.M. Serenity House Audio/Visual
Joe Dorsch
josephdorsch@gmail.com
Scan QR to ESUMC Website Technology Support
Michael Corey
East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church mcorey@esumc.net
83 S. Courtland St. Ext. 1012
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
www.esumc.net 4