THE TRUMPET CALL

East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

October 23, 2016

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 and Studies

Register at www.esumc.net/Womens Retreat

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

Pastors Corner
In last weeks column, I shared some financial information about our church and noted the
$54,000 deficit in our general operating fund. Knowing that there might be some
questions about the different funds in our church, Id like to highlight three. When we talk
about the church budget, were talking about the General Operating Fund, and thats
where we have our sizable deficit at this point. This is also the largest of the three funds
Ill mention, by a large percentage of overall giving. Our operating budget for 2016 is
$571,813. The Finance Team is currently working on the 2017 budget, and though we are
working to control costs, there are some fixed costs which are going up and beyond our
control. We are also seeking to make funds available for ministry so that we are truly fulfilling our mission
and vision. It is a delicate balance between controlling costs and releasing money for ministry, but our
Finance Team, headed by Bruce Osbun, is up to the task. Your continued generous and faithful offerings to
the General Fund will enable us to continue to operate our churchs ministry and to see Lives Changed by
Christ.
Our General Operating Budget contains seven major areas of funding, with numerous sub-categories. They
are in the areas of Grow, Connect, Serve, Praise (which matches our current vision statement), Ministry
Support, Property, and Personnel. As is the case with most churches, the personnel costs in our church are
the single biggest category where our pledged dollars go. We also have obligations to our Annual
Conference, and they are part of our Serve area of the budget, and there are other missional concerns in
that part of the budget.
Our operating budget is not unlike many other churches our size. Where I believe we differ is with the next
fund Id like to discuss: Faith Promise. Many churches include missional giving including conference
obligations in their operating fund. We have chosen to do it differently by separating out non-conference
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commitments into Faith Promise, to which our members and friends are
also invited to make a financial commitment each year. I am particularly
excited to see how this has grown in the two and a half years Ive been
here. I believe God honors churches that reach out beyond themselves
to support missions and ministries locally, nationally, and internationally.
I commend the Missions Team which administers this $36,000 yearly
budget for maintaining a good balance between those three areas while
at the same time seeking new opportunities to share in mission with
others around the world.
The third area is generally called the Building Fund and is perhaps the
most mysterious area of our churchs finances. It may be unknown to
many in our faith community, especially newer friends and members,
that we are paying off a mortgage. This mortgage came about in the
early 2000s when the church made the decision to create new ministry
areas underneath the Fellowship Hall. When I arrived here in mid-2014,
our mortgage balance was almost $200,000. It is now just $54,000, with
the end in sight in 2017; praise God! I want to commend those saints
who are designating their giving to pay this mortgage off at an
accelerated rate. The reason this is so important is that we have a very
low rate of interest until mid-2017, when it will become significantly
higher. If we get it paid off before that time, we wont pay that higher
interest rate.
You may have heard mention of a Capital Fund coming in 2017. A final
decision has not been made on this, but discussions are ongoing among
the Trustees and Finance Teams. Since our capital reserves are at about
$0 and our main buildings are 94 years old, we need to have money set
aside for repairs and replacements as required. When we use the word
capital, were talking about bricks, mortar, and things of a more
permanent nature, so a capital campaign would raise funds for items like
upgrades in technology, to name just one. Because we want to pay off
the mortgage as soon as possible, a capital fund drive would probably
not be launched until the mortgage was paid off. We will keep the
congregation informed when decisions are made about this so that
everyone knows whats coming.
This coming Sunday, well look at the final letter in the STRIDE
acronym weve been exploring as part of our Serving from the Heart
sermon series and all-church study. Experience has long been a part of
the teachings of United Methodism, and is what set John Wesley apart
from his fellow Anglican pastors in England in the 1700s. Well explore
why it makes such a difference in Christian discipleship, and is part of
the many gifts God has given His people. I hope to see you Sunday!
Pastor Jim

Read the Bible in a Year

In our readings this week I came across one of my

favorite scriptures: For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will
call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to
you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will
be found by you, declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
Jeremiah speaks to us about this very powerful two-way conversation we
have with God. We pray: He listens. We seek: He finds us. We hope for our
future: He provides us with a plan to live by. But do we remember that we have a
God who longs to walk with us? Do we remember that we have a God we can
lean upon during the difficult times of our lives, who is always there for us?
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Stephen Ministry creates a

care-conscious environment in
congregations.
Church members come to understand
that we all share in the responsibility of
recognizing who needs care and
helping them to connect
to the care they need.
Do you know someone who could
benefit from having a
Stephen Minister?
For more info visit our web page
http://www.esumc.net/stephen-ministry/
Or callPeggy Strack
(570) 421-3280 Ext 1023

Please Help Us!

Pastor Jim, Sharon Gerberich,

Ana Price, Sonia Lopez, Bob
Rosenberger and Peggy Strack have
been faithfully providing daily visitation
coverage to Pocono Medical Center
for church members who have been
hospitalized. We now have a second
hospital in Monroe County as St.
Lukes has recently opened their
facility on Route 611. We will not be
able to go to both hospitals to check
their rosters. If you or a member of
your family is admitted to ANY
hospital, please notify the church
office, (570) 421-3280. We are happy
to visit, if we are informed! Thank you
for your help!
Members of ESUMC who are no
longer able to attend church always
appreciate hearing from you. Cards
may be sent to:

Tom Hinkey
348 Jade Ave.
East Stroudsburg, Pa. 18301
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!

We are in need of a counter.

Two counters meet Monday mornings

from about 9-11 a.m., and work with the
Financial Secretary to count the gifts.
Job Requirements: Honest , good with
basic math skills, ability to maintain
privacy and confidentiality, and able to
commit to this job on a weekly basis.
If interested, contact the office at
(570) 421-3280, ext. 1025.
Dollar Challenge for
October is shoebox size
items for Operation
Christmas Child. Items
include: toys, small stuffed
animals, socks, hair accessories,
toiletries -no liquids or military type toys
(action figures are OK). As usual
everything can be found at Dollar Tree.
November Dollar Challenge will be
Christmas stocking stuffers for adults in
nursing homes and shut-ins.

Read the Bible in a Year

294Jeremiah 46, Jeremiah 47,

1 Timothy 6:3-21, Psalm 119:73-80
295Jeremiah 48, Jeremiah 49:1-6,
2 Timothy 1, Psalm 119:81-88
296Jeremiah 49:7-39, Jeremiah 50:1-10
2 Timothy 2, Proverbs 25:21-28,
Proverbs 26:1-2
297Jeremiah 50:11-46,
Jeremiah 51:1-14, 2 Timothy 3,
Psalm 119:89-96
298Jeremiah 51:15-64, 2 Timothy 4
Psalm 119:97-104
299Jeremiah 52, Titus 1,
Psalm 119:105-112
300Habakkuk 1, Habakkuk 2,
Habakkuk 3:1-19, Titus 2,
Proverbs 26:3-12
301Lamentations 1, Lamentations 2:1-6
Titus 3, Psalm 119:113-120
302Lamentations 2:7-27,
Lamentations 3:1-39, Philemon 1,
Psalm 119:121-128
303Lamentations 3:40-66,
Lamentations 4, Lamentations 5,
Hebrews 1, Psalm 119:129-136
304Obadiah 1, Hebrews 2,
Proverbs 26:13-22
305Joel 1, Joel 2:1-17, Hebrews 3,
Psalm 119:137-144
Arlene & I would like to
thank our church family
for all their prayers,
support and services. We wouldn't have
been able to make it, but by Gods grace and
your support. We are going to get back to
normal soon.
Go Bless all
Arlene and Bob Staples

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Because when we remember and seek to stay connected is when we live in

the fullness of life. Do YOU remember?
I read a story about a three year old girl who was an only child until the day
her mother came home from the hospital with a brand new baby brother. And
the little girl was absolutely delighted.
But after they arrived home and settled the baby into his bassinet, the little
girl told her parents she wanted to be alone with the baby; and could they
close the door! She insisted; and though it seemed strange and she couldnt
explain herself, her parents honored her request. They knew she was a good
little girl, but they were concerned. Then they remembered the new monitor
they had recently installed in the babys room. They realized they could let her
do this, but also be right there if they were needed.
So the little girl went into the room, closed the door, and the parents raced
to their listening post. They heard her footsteps move across the room. They
pictured her standing over the baby's crib. Then they heard her say to her two
day old baby brother, "Tell me about God. Tell me what he said, I've almost
forgotten." (Dan Millman, Chicken Soup for the Soul, 1996)
In the book of Matthew Jesus speaks these simple and direct words:
Whoever has ears, let them hear (Matthew 11:15). I believe he has a lot to
say to each one of us, but the question is: Do we remember and are we
listening?
So my friends be encouraged and read on.
Pastor Bob

Ready or not, the holidays are nearly upon us.

Extend the spirit of giving thanks into the Advent season at your church by participating
in UMC #GivingTuesday Nov. 29.

"Calling All MenHelp Support our Women!"

....getting a group of men together to provide our ladies

with an enjoyable Breakfast and Lunch during the
Women's retreat on Saturday November 5th.
If interested in this opportunity to serve, please contact:
Mike Ragonese (570) 269-6674 michael.ragonese@adp.com or
Mike Carlson (570) 807-2003 mccarlso@ptd.net

Help make the day memorable!

Stewardship Estate Planning Event

Please join us on November 6th at 12 Noon for

Estate Planning Presentation: Is Your House In
Order? Presented by Jeff Durney..
For more information check www.esumc.netEvents.
3

Events HIKING

The traditional October Hike on the

Appalachian Trail, near Blairstown, NJ. will be held
on Sunday, Oct. 30. Meet in the Church parking lot
at 12:30 p.m.. We will leave at 12:45, sharp. Ray
Moeller will fill in for the usual hike coordinator, in
the event his plantar fasciitis will not allow him to
hike. For additional information,
call Bob at (570) 223-7076.
Regular Class cancelled on Thursday October 27th
due to an appointment in the New York City.
Chair Zumba will be changing their meeting time
starting November. They will be meeting on Friday at 10:00 AM. Any
questions, contact Cheryl(570) 977-1307.
Nov 12-Thank Offering Meeting-10AM in Bridal Lounge- bring your thank
banks or a thank offering. Call Linda Drake for more info (570) 856-9395

SWAT (Serving with a Team ) will meet on Monday,

October 24th, in Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m. to Noon. We

will work on various projects to help keep our church well
maintained.

Merry Marthas meets 10/28/16 at 6:30 in the fellowship hall.

Our topic this meeting is Pumpkin Roll. RSVP is a must for this class.
contact Sue Mertz by 10/26/2016 Email mommamertz@gmail.com or
call (570) 629-4069 and leave message. Cost will be $ 3.00 to cover
supplies.

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
Financial Secretary
Cyndie Faunce
cfaunce@esumc.net
Ext. 1025
Maintenance
William Mack
wmack@esumc.net
Ext. 1018
SextonJude Porter
jporter@esumc.net

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

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