East Stroudsburg

United Methodist Church

Pastors Corner
As promised in last Sundays sermon, here below in blue is
the declaration approved by our Steering Team to help
combat domestic violence and abuse in our community. I
invite you to read this carefully and offer any questions or
concerns to me or to Sharon Hachtman after you have read
it. The text of the declaration comes from an organization
called the FaithTrust Institute which has done a significant
amount of good work in the area of domestic violence.

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

Sunday Services

July 26, 2015

The Trumpet Call

We proclaim with one voice as leaders and members in our faith community
of East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church that domestic violence exists
in all communities including our own and is morally, spiritually, and
universally intolerable.
We acknowledge that our sacred texts, traditions, and values have too often
been misused to perpetuate and condone abuse.
Our religious and spiritual traditions compel us to work for justice, equality
in relationships and the safety and protection of the vulnerable.

9:45 a.m. Contemporary

ESUMC will listen, support and care for those affected by domestic violence
and abuse always placing their safety as the highest priority. Further, we
will respect with confidentiality their freedom to direct their own life and
decisions to the extent permitted by law.

11:00 a.m. Traditional

ESUMC will insist upon accountability for abusers and will thereby support
clear guidelines that always ensure safety for those abused.

8:30 a.m. Traditional

ESUMC will not tolerate domestic violence and abuse. Therefore:

East Stroudsburg United

Methodist Church
83 S. Courtland St.
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
(570) 421-3280
church@esumc.net
www.esumc.net

We seek to create a supportive community in which all feel

comfortable discussing violence and we commit to prioritize our
time, talents, and resources to fully address domestic violence and
abuse.
We will adopt policies and procedures that make our faith community a safe place. We will ensure that the policies are maintained,
published, and posted for all to access.
We will support and work with domestic violence programs and
agencies in our community to fully understand services available
and know how to refer those who suffer from domestic violence and
abuse.

We call upon all people of East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church to

commit to this declaration on this date of July 6, 2015.
As you can plainly see, this is not a once and done declaration, but an ongoing
commitment to the often difficult work of combatting domestic violence. This is
not the last you will see or hear of this, and we will see how the Spirit leads us to
provide training, education, and advocacy in our church and in our community.
This Sunday, I will tackle some more complex issues as we look at Modern
Family from the perspective of Children and Siblings. I hope to see you this
Sunday!

Blessings, Pastor Jim (jtodd@esumc.net)

Outreach Opportunities
For just as the sufferings of Christ flow
over into our lives, so also through Christ
our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:5
Think about your life and the lives of the
people around you. Are you going
through a time of crisis or challenge? Do
you know someone who is suffering from
grief or loneliness? Is one of your friends
struggling to find meaning in life after retirement or an empty nest? Could you or someone you
know benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister?
For more information, contact Peggy Strack at the church
office: 570-421-3280, ext. 1023.

Summer Block Party Outreach Ministry

We hope everyone in the congregation will make a special effort to
be at our FINAL Block Party of the
summer this coming Thursday, July
30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Weve had
a great time this summer making
new friends in our community and
extending good will and generosity
on behalf of the church. We give
thanks for our many faithful volunteers and contributors over the past
nine weeks of this ministry, and especially the youth for dreaming up the idea and being there to help every Thursday night!

Members of ESUMC who are no longer able to attend

church are always happy to hear from you. Cards and notes
may be sent to Joyce Van Buskirk, 561 Roosevelt St., Apt.
116, East Stroudsburg, Pa. 18301. (Joyce celebrated her
birthday on July 22).
UMW Upstairs bargain basement - collection of items
on Wed. & Thur. Aug. 5th & 6th. Help is needed to set up on
those days from 9 am-4 pm. Help to tear down is needed
Saturday at noon. Sale is Friday, Aug. 7th 8 am-3 pm & Saturday, Aug. 8th 8 am-12 noon. For information, please contact Linda Drake at (570) 856-9395.

Opportunities/News
Are you looking for a way to serve in a
way that will bless the lives of others???? We need more volunteers for
Family Promise, this is a wonderful
ministry where there are many
different ways to help. Please join us
for an informational/training today, after the 11:00am
service in Fellowship Hall.
Any questions please contact Pastor Todd or
Jenn Dunne at: dunnejl2@gmail.com or (570) 3693695

The apostle Paul says, "And pray in the Spirit on all

occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With
this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all
the Lord's people" (Eph. 6:18 NIV). Remember and
meditate on these words as you pray for the Vision Team
this week. The discernment process is concluding, and
prayer is still of the utmost importance. Pray for each
member individually, and pray that the entire church body
will be one in spirit.

I for one will be praying for complete unity in our church,

and that we will become more effective in our community
with spreading the gospel. In the words of John Wesley,
"I continue to dream and pray about a revival of holiness
in our day that moves forth in mission and creates authentic community in which each person can be unleashed through the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill
God's creational intentions" (John Wesley, How To Pray:
Sometimes there are times when The Best of John Wesley on Prayer).
we find it difficult to pray. Our
lives are filled with daily trials and Thank you for your prayers; remember to pray for yourcircumstances that demand much selves as well. Change isn't always easy or welcomed,
of our time. In reality, prayer is
but when we submit ourselves to the will of God and say
exactly what we need in order to thy will and not my will be done, then God will move our
redeem our time wisely. It is only hearts to the rhythm of His plan. There is no better place
when we pray first that we can actually accomplish great to be then in the presence of the throne of the grace of
things for God, and we receive the strength and
God.
encouragement we need to remain confident in our walk
with Him.
Cathy Saunders, Vision Team Member

From our
Vision Team

Opportunities/News
Sonday Summer Seekers
You may have heard Sonday Summer
Seekers this summer, and did not
know what it meant. It simply means
Childrens Summer Sunday School.
We continue to learn and appreciate all
that God has given us. We know that
in the book of Genesis, God created the world. A world
filled with dirt, rocks, sand, water, seeds, plants and sun.
We know that by coming to church and Sunday school
we are setting a good foundation as in the Parable of
The Sower of Soil. If we live like the sunflowers and
follow the sun or Son, in our case, we will grow and be
strengthened. Our seeds of faith are set with good soil
and solid roots. Remember, children attend worship with
their family and are dismissed from there to meet a
Childrens Ministry adult, waiting for them near the back
pew. All children preschool age thru 5th grade are
welcome to attend.

Dedication of Benches on July 21, 2015

On Tuesday evening, July 21, the three benches pictured

above located in the garden area of the church were dedicated
with a few raindrops coming down. The three benches were
installed several months ago in honor and memory of three
dedicated members of ESUMC: from left to right, Jeff Warner,
Irene Paciotti, and Bill Zacharias. Many of their family
members and friends attended the fifteen minute dedication
service led by Pastor Todd. Each bench was anointed with oil
as hands were laid on them
by family members. While
refreshments were being
enjoyed afterwards, the sun
came out and a rainbow appeared in the eastern sky
over the church. Connie Moyer took the photo at right of
the rainbow seeming to
touch the cross at the top of
our tower!

Staying at ESUMC This Coming Week...

Hempfield UMCs youth ministry SHOUT will be bringing

up to 20 Middle School students to serve at Twin Pines
Christian Camp this coming week repairing, restoring and
rebuilding the property so they can continue with their
great ministry. This group led by Sean Garner (who previous served at East Stroudsburg UMC as youth
director) is excited to return again to East Stroudsburg
UMC after 4 years and youll have the opportunity to
meet them at both the Community Meal on Monday
evening and at the Youth Block Party on Thursday
evening!

Meet our Newest

Staff Member,
Bill Mack!
Bill joined our staff on July
21 as our new Facilities
Manager (Bruce Johnson
had previously held this
position). Bill has wideranging mechanical and
supervisory experience from his 36 year tenure at Picatinny
Arsenal near Dover, New Jersey. Bill served there as an
electrician and electrician supervisor, and also as a
maintenance supervisor.
He and his wife of 36 years, Susan, live in Tannersville. Bill is
a veteran of the Vietnam war, having served in the Air Force
from 1968-72. Bill and Susan have two grown children: Samantha, age 33, and Billy, age 30. They also have a four year
old granddaughter. Welcome, Bill! Were glad youre here.

FAITH PROMISE
UPDATE
Do you wonder what the term Faith
Promise means? It is the term used
for ESUMCs Mission outreach of the
entire congregation. There are quite a
few groups and individuals as UMW, Covenant groups, VBS
and Sunday School classes who support certain
organizations at different times through the year. However,
Faith Promise donates funds through the year to ten or twelve
organizations committed to serving specific needs of their
community as an outreach of Gods love.
None of these funds are from the Church Budget. They are
voluntary contributions from you,the congregation. The
treasurer keeps a separate fund and quarterly sends the
portion promised to our Partner. The term Faith Promise is
how the team fulfills its task. By Faith, various possibilities are
considered for support. By Faith, a budget is considered that
will be met. In faith, we all join in prayer and financial support.
Thanks be to God that for the last few years the contributions
to Faith Promise have fulfilled the promises made to our
Partners.
The Budget for 2015 is $30,000 and the yearly support for
Partners ranges from $1000 to $5000. Family Promise, the
organization of Monroe County serving a parent (and parents)
with children who are homeless receives $5000. Other
churches share in the support financially and as host
churches. Most of our other Partners receive $2000.
Today, or anytime, you may help support Family Promise.
Envelopes in the Bulletin may be used today, the regular
weekly envelopes have a line for Missions, or any other noted
contribution may be given. Each Partner is committed to
serve through their desire to be guided by their faith in God.
Thank God for the opportunities we have to share Gods love
and compassion through these Partners.

The coupon below is not a

misprint! It was originally in
our June Trumpet Calls and
was for June 27. However,
since that day was a wash
out, Dorney Park will graciously honor these coupons
on Saturday, August 1 only, so
feel free to use it and save;
enjoy the day with your family!

July Dollar Challenge

Clothing is Julys challenge, and
will be used for UMW Ingathering. Most needed are socks,
underwear and baby clothes.
Please place items in boxes in
Oberholtzer Hall.
Staff Contact Information Main Office: 570-421-3280
Pastor: Jim Todd
Church Secretary: Maria Ragonese
Congregational Care: Peggy Strack
Music & Worship: Andy Waddell
Youth Ministry: Scott Kuhnle
Childrens Ministry: Pam OBrien
Technology Support: Michael Corey
Finances: Sue Mertz
Financial Secretary: Cyndie Faunce
Maintenance:
Fellowship Hall Kitchen
Church (Inside Breezeway)
Organist: Pauline Fox
Audio-visuals: Joe Dorsch

jtodd@esumc.net
mragonese@esumc.net
pstrack@esumc.net
awaddell@esumc.net
skuhnle@esumc.net
pobrien@esumc.net
mcorey@esumc.net
smertz@esumc.net
cfaunce@esumc.net

1014
1010
1023
1011
1013
1017
1012
1015
1025

foxes@esumc.net
josephdorsch@gmail.com

1030
1031
-------

SWAT Monthly work meeting will be held on Monday, July 27, at 9 a.m. Work will be assigned by
General Connie Moyer (be prepared to work, she is a distant relative of Simon Legree). Hope to see as
many of you as possible. Thanks from your shop steward, Bob.