East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Welcome!
If this is your first time worshiping with us, we welcome you. As a church we are committed to love Jesus Christ and to share His love. We offer three services: 8:30 and 11 a.m. are traditional, and 9:45 a.m. is contemporary. Our ushers and greeters are here to serve you. Please ask them for any help you may need. ~ Our Holy Grounds Caf is a place for light refreshments, coffee, and fellowship from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in our Fellowship Hall. ~ Our Infant and Toddler Nurseries are available every Sunday from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. They are located on the lower level of the church and are staffed with our full-time, professional attendants and parent volunteers. ~ Children's Church for ages four through third grade is offered at the 11 a.m. service and is guided by a parent volunteer. Children will be dismissed after the Children's Message. Please pick up your children from the lower level classrooms of the church following worship. Our Weekly News is a snapshot of activities in our church and community. The Weekly News is also posted on our website: www.esumc.net. Please make your submissions to the church office before 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. Submissions can be emailed to koney@esumc.net or brought to the church office.

The Journey
One simple girl. One ordinary man. One unforgettable destination!

Marys Visit to Elizabeth Luke 1:39-56

Church Staff
Senior Pastor Associate Pastor Congregational Care Church Administrator Lay-Led Ministries Childrens Ministry Youth Ministry Contemporary W orship Music - Organist - Choirs Administrator of Finances Financial Secretary Building Facilitator Sextons Nursery Attendants Edward C. Kimes ekimes@esumc.net Candy LaBar clabar@esumc.net Peggy Strack pstrack@esumc.net Sharmune Burgess sburgess@esumc.net Kelli Oney koney@esumc.net Sue Randall srandall@esumc.net Scott Kuhnle skuhnle@esumc.net Lindsey Scott lscott@esumc.net Pauline Fox foxes@esumc.net Norman Fox foxes@esumc.net Sue Mertz smertz@esumc.net Cyndie Faunce cfaunce@esumc.net Bruce Johnson bjohnson@esumc.net Eileen OBrien & Sal Lapadula Ana Price, Holly Lapadula, Katlyn Smith

Mission: To love Jesus Christ and to share His love. 83 South Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Church Office email: church@esumc.net Website: www.esumc.net 570-421-3280

Prayers and Praise

If you have a prayer request, please list it either on the prayer sheet in the rear of the sanctuary or on the back of the friendship pad, making sure to include your name with the request. This aids us in updating weekly. Confidentiality is very important; we want to honor everyones right to privacy. Please be mindful of this in writing your requests. The person making the request is listed in ( ).

Stewardship Update
General giving last week: $9,646. Average December weekly general expense need: $12,239 Monthly Renovation Obligation: $7,084 Attendance last week: (12-11-11) 402 last year: (12-12-10) 375 Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of

Healing and Illness Kaitlin, Howard, Allen (Dinkle family) Judy Rejent, heart attack (Ed Kimes) Chris Conover (Ken & Sandy Brown) Joanna (Ken Brown) Eddie Jackson (Jan Rosenberger) Charlie Mueller (Denise & Clarice) Tim (Bob & Mary) Kaitlyn Barrett (Sue Randall) Al Haskings, peace in final days (Mark & Kelli) Steve Wilson, healing from work injury (Harriet Stocker) Trish Walker, strength and healing (Rebecca Walker) Other The family of Rex Lease (Mike Tabery) Harry Strack, smooth transition at home (Peggy) Franchette, strength and hope - emotional sufferings (Sharmune) The family of Carolyn Dunn (Candy LaBar) Praise for safe return of Josh Kimple from Afghanistan (Oneys) Those Serving in Missions and the Military - Strength, safety and protection while serving. Mission Field: Megan Sanders, Ryan Moyer, Jas Poole, Ben Drake; Marines: Damon McHinney; Iraq: Kyle, August Jackson, Steven Post; Pacific: Faith Gibbs; Afghanistan: Jason Lamboy, Brandon Smith, Ryan Maciejczak, Everett Horton, Chris Stowe, Brad Martz, Daniel Forcino; Army: Josh Kimple, Brad Poulson, Richard Stokes; Navy: Matt Spence

Charles H. Locke, Sr. and Robert A. Gargone, Sr., by Chuck, Gina, Rebecca and Daniel Locke. (1GA) Worship
Ushers and Greeters: 8:30 a.m. Don Repsher, Larry Gerberich, Tom Balcik, Christine Sinclair, MaryEllen Durney, Barb & Leon Warner 9:45 a.m. Bob & MaryAnne Constable, Bill & Lisa Vitulli, Holly Belviso, Karen Peart 11 a.m. Rich Mayers, Chris Perfetti, Pam OBrien, Shayla Counterman Scripture Readers: 8:30 a.m.Milt McWilliams 9:45 a.m. MaryAnne Counterman 11 a.m. Janett Raughley Flower Delivery: Alberta Deiter Church Driver: Linda Kissel Acolyte: 11 a.m. Emmanuel McIntyre Children's Church: Susan Randall Special Thanks to Bill Snyder, Kaitlyn O'Brien, all instrumentalists,

and to the Childrens Choir today. During the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services in this Advent season people of all ages are offering a variety of musical gifts in service and love. Extra singers are welcome on Christmas Day at our 10 a.m. service for choral songs. You may rehearse with Chancel Choir on Thursday, December 22 from 7:30-8 p.m. in the Choir Room, or contact Pauline Fox for other options. Songs are easy and quickly learned. Brief group rehearsal will be at 9:30 a.m. before the service.
USHER IS NEEDED for the 11 a.m. Service - Rick Strack is looking for one person to serve on his team at 11 a.m. the first Sunday of each month. If you would be interested in serving, please contact the church office at 421-3280 or koney@esumc.net.

Information and Events

Year End Contributions for 2011 need to be in the church office by Noon on December 30 to be posted to your year-end giving statement. Weekly Adult Recreational Basketball meets Monday at 8 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. For information call John at 426-7574.

Holy Grounds Caf - If you would be willing to serve on a shortterm organizational team to get this ministry running weekly please contact Jill Maleft at jillb@ptd.net or Kelli Oney at 421-3280.
Sunday Morning Prayer Chapel Ministry - Thank you to those who have stepped forward to serve God by praying with others. We are still seeking volunteers to pray in the following time slots: 8:30 a.m. service: 5th Sunday of the month 9:45 a.m. service: 2nd Sunday of the month 11 a.m. service: 1st , 3rd , and 4th Sundays of the month If you would be willing to serve during any of these time slots, please contact Pastor LaBar at 421-3280 or clabar@esumc.net.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 It's Christmas again with so many happy memories. Family gathered together, a beautiful tree, special worship celebrations. But it isn't that way this year and your heart aches to think about it. During this season and beyond, a Stephen Minister would like to be there for you. Your Stephen Minister will care for you, listen to you, and help you find the resources to make it through this time of pain. For more information about Stephen Ministry please speak with any Stephen Minister, or call Peggy Strack at the church office at 421-3280.

Adult Discipleship January Discipleship Opportunity - Book Discussion, The Shack

has touched millions of readers with its portrayal of a God who is compassionate in the face of great evil, and it compels us to ask: Who is God? Is God really like the way he is portrayed in The Shack? Is that really how God responds to evil? Can God be trusted? Jill Malefyt will lead this three-week discussion group, delving into many of the significant issues raised by the book. You will have two opportunities to participate in this great discussion group! Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m., January 8, 15, 22 Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., January 10, 17, 24 To actively participate in this group, you will need to read The Shack before the first class session. To register and/or to order a copy of the book, please contact Pastor LaBar ASAP at 570-421-3280 or email clabar@esumc.net.

Our Conference Leadership is asking us to identify one person who would be willing to serve as a liaison for Native American Ministries. Responsibilities would be to receive and distribute information from the conference to our congregation. Interested persons should call the church office at 421-3280. Congregational Care
Our Homebound and Care Facility Members are always happy to be remembered by the church family. Encouraging cards or notes can be sent to: Hazel Kaniper, 2017 N. 5th St., Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360. PA Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers help in paying heating bills to those who qualify. For information, get a flier from the Congregational Care Bulletin Board in Oberholtzer Hall. Wellness Ministry Tip for Losing Weight: Get up and walk around the office or your home for five minutes at least every two hours. Stuck at a desk all day? A brisk five-minute walk every two hours will be an extra 20-minute walk by the end of the day. Getting a break will also make you less likely to grab a snack out of boredom!

The Men's Bible Study invites the men of our church to participate in their next study on the Book of Romans starting in January 2012. The group meets every Saturday at 8 a.m. at the church. Please email John Hollister at johnbhollister@gmail.com to register by January 1 so that study books can be ordered. Childrens Ministries - Birth - 6th Grades
Basketball Madness Has Started and meets every Monday through March 26, 2012. The night is divided into two age groups: 6-9 from 66:45 p.m. and 10-12 from 6:45-8 p.m. Please contact John or Kelli Mercurio for further information at 426-7574 or at merc1098@aol.com.

"Tuesday Kids" our elementary school outreach ministry is Tuesday, December 20. We will be visiting our friends at Eagle Valley Senior Apartments from 4-5 p.m. Contact Mrs Randall at srandall@esumc.net for information or to sign up.

2012 Youth Rally to Ocean City MD is January 6-8, 2012. There is a sign-up sheet in the youth room, or students can contact Scott Kuhnle. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit. Full information and permission forms are available on the youth website. Ski and Snowboard Trip the weekend of January 27 - 29. East Stroudsburg and Hopewell UMC will team up for this weekend that will also include fellowship and a time of praise. Visit the "Forms and Info" page on the youth website for information and permission forms.

Youth Ministries - 7th - 12th Grades

For information, please email Scott Kuhnle at skuhnle@esumc.net. To keep up to date with all youth ministry events check out the youth website: www.esumc.net/youth. JAM Snacks Needed: The Jr. High after-school outreach program is in serious need of snack and drink donations. If you would be willing to make a donation, please contact Scott Kuhnle. Sunday School is held in the Youth Room at 11 a.m. with classes for Jr. High and Sr. High students. Sunday Night Youth Program for Jr. & Sr. High students meets weekly from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the church for games, hangout time, praise and worship, a message, and small group discussion time. Weekly Thursday Programs: JAM (Jesus & Me) our after-school program along with Fellowship Meal, and Small Group Bible Studies, meet during the school year. The schedule is as follows: 2:45 - 5:00 p.m. JAM (Jr. High Outreach: 6th - 8th grades) 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Meal (6th - 12th grades) 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Small Group Bible Studies (7th - 12th grades) Drivers Needed for our after-school programs. You must be 25 years or older to drive the church vans to local schools on either Wednesday or Thursday around 2:30 p.m. Contact Scott if you can help. Youth Praise Band leads worship once a month and weekly during our Sunday night program. Anyone interested in singing or playing an instrument, contact Scott. Soup Kitchens: Six to eight youth are needed to help with setup/cleanup and serving on the following dates: Thursday December 29, and Friday December 30. This is a great opportunity to serve those in need in our community. Please see Scott to sign-up.

Our Christmas Journey Together

Church-wide Advent Study for Children, Youth and Adults ends this
week with Session 5 on Wednesday, December 21. Come for a community meal at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, a Christmas carol sing-along at 6:15 p.m. followed by a video-based teaching, and small group discussions at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Nursery is available.

Demonstrate Your Thankfulness - Our church anticipates and relies

on a seasonal increase in contributions each year starting now. These contributions help support the work of the church throughout the year. During this season, please consider demonstrating appreciation for your own blessings by making an additional contribution, or, if you havent done so already, by committing to a consistent giving plan. Our congregation has the option of using electronic giving option for making donations. Please contact the church office for details.

Sharing the Love of Christ with Others

Our Soup Kitchen will be supporting the Salvation Army the week between Christmas and New Years (December 26-30.) If you would like to help serve a lunch at our church, please call Mary Schneider at 604-9253. Collections of new or gently used back packs to help those who carry their possessions, are appreciated. You can place them in the Food Bank Box in Oberholtzer Hall.
Stine Class Collecting Used Cell Phones for Soldiers Project - Place your unwanted phones in the red box in Fellowship Hall any Sunday or in the Church Office. Questions, call Eileen at 420-8165.

Christmas Season Worship

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 Breakfast is served in Fellowship Hall as we welcome our Angel Tree Families and New Members. New members will be received during all services today. Please welcome to our church family: Alberta Deiter, Linda Farris, Kelly Harrison, Vere Pilgrim, Lisa Pino, Rebecca Stager, Melissa Stumpo, Ann Sowers, Dawn Walker, John and Bobbie Wolf.

New Year: A New You! A Sermon Series beginning January 1

Childrens Choir Christmas Pageant at 6 p.m.

Join us tonight for Christmas All Over the World" for those who believe Jesus is the Son of God. Christmas Eve Worship - Saturday, December 24
7:00 p.m. - This upbeat family service will be led by our Praise Team Leaders . It includes Rev. Kimes' Christmas Eve message and the traditional candle lighting and singing of Silent Night. Members are encouraged to attend and bring friends and family with them. 10:00 p.m., Pastor LaBar will lead a service of lessons and carols that will include musical selections by our adult bell and chancel choirs, the lighting of candles, and the sacrament of Holy Communion.

In our upcoming sermon series you will have the opportunity to ask yourself: Am I the person I want to be? Am I the person God wants me to be? What do I need to let go of? With a New Year comes resolutions. It is a time when we all take a personal inventory and reflect on the past year and the year to come. Join us, and allow the gospel to transform you into a New You. SERMON SERIES SCHEDULE: A NEW YOU January 1 January 8 January 15 January 23 January 29 February 6 New Year Covenant Proclaimed in Baptism God in Unexpected Places Letting Go Sabbath Living Exorcizing Unclean Spirits One Service Only at 10:00 a.m.

Christmas Day Worship - Sunday, December 25 ONE SERVICE at 10:00 a.m.

Come Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Christ. Together, we will all be invited to pursue the challenge of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Will you allow your Christmas joy to extend beyond one day?

New Years Day Worship - Sunday, January 1 ONE SERVICE at 10:00 a.m.

February 12 Running to Win February 20 The Future

This Week at East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

Sunday - December 18 7:45 a.m. Music Rehearsals, Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. Childrens Choir, Choir Room 9:45 a.m. Childrens Sunday School, Lower Level Classrooms Davis Class Adult Women Bridal Lounge, Main Floor Disciples Class Mixed Adults Back Basement, Room 8 Stine Class Adult Women Lower Level, Room 5 11:00 a.m. Jr. & Sr. High Sunday School, Youth Room 6:00 p.m. Childrens Pageant, Sanctuary 6:30 p.m. Youth Fellowship, Youth Room

Monday - December 19 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting, Fellowship Hall 11:30 p.m. N.A., Community Room 6:00 p.m. Childrens Basketball, Fellowship Hall Cub Scout Troop 103, Community Room 6:45 p.m. Youth Basketball, Fellowship Hall 7:00 p.m. Praise Leaders, Bridal Lounge Soccer Meeting, Classroom 3 8:00 p.m. Basketball, Fellowship Hall Tuesday - December 20 9:00 a.m. Foundations Preschool, Lower Level 12:00 p.m. N.A., Community Room 5:00 p.m. Chimes, Bell Room 5:30 p.m. Youth Bells, Bell Room Brownies, Youth Room 6:30 p.m. Adult Bells, Bell Room Re-Entry Program, Mens Classroom Stephen Supervision, Office Bldg, 2nd Fl 7:00 p.m. Basketball, Fellowship Hall Praise Team, Sanctuary FOG, Leslie Howes Home Wednesday - December 21 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall in use 12:00 p.m. N.A., Community Room 5:30 p.m. Advent Meal, Fellowship Hall 6:15 p.m. Advent Carols, Sanctuary 6:30 p.m. Advent Study, Sanctuary

Thursday - December 22 9:00 a.m. Foundations Preschool, Lower Level 12:00 p.m. N.A., Community Room 2:45 p.m. J.A.M., Fellowship Hall 5:00 p.m. Youth Supper, Fellowship 6:00 p.m. Jr. Girl Scouts, Lower Level 6:30 p.m. Sr. High Bible Study, Youth Room Fellowship Hall in use 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir, Choir Room 8:00 p.m. A.A., Community Room Friday - December 23 12:00 p.m. N.A., Community Room 2011 Contribution Deadline Saturday - December 24 12:00 p.m. N.A., Community Room 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service 8:00 p.m. A.A., Community Room 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

Sunday - December 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY ONE CHURCH SERVICE 10 a.m. Monday - December 26 Church Office Closed for Christmas Holiday