ANNOUNCEMENTS

Many thanks to all who helped welcome our guests at last Sunday’s concert! The greetings, decorations and total reception were a beautiful expression of Christian love.Change in Church Office ScheduleBeginning the week of October 6th we will have a change in the Church Office Schedule. Maria will now be working Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mike Corey will be answering the office phones, and be available to answer questions and field inquiries, while he uses the additional hours to improve and refine our ACS Church Database System. We would greatly appreciate your support and cooperation as we make this transition.Church Charge ConferenceOur annual charge conference will be held TODAY at 2:30 p.m. in Oberholtzer Hall. District Superintendent Dr. Irving Cotto will preside over the meeting. Everyone in the congregation is welcome to attend, but only members can vote. Hope you will join us. All Ushers & Greeters:Please attend one of the 7 minute meetings in Fellowship Hall TODAY following each of the services on Sunday, September 28th for updates on duties. Hand-outs will be offered to further explain expanded process to meet and greet guests. The planned start date for this new process is October 3rd. Please contact Kathy Hinkey, (k_hinkey@hotmail.com) or 570-426-1623 if unable to attend a meeting on Sept. 28th. Help Us in the Fight Against Breast Cancer.Stop by Fellowship hall TODAY. Bruce & Ann Osbun and Kelli Mercurio will be sharing information about the 2nd Annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K Walk. They are accepting donations and looking for people to join their team. New Bible Study: What’s so Amazing About Grace? Starting TODAY, Cathy and Dave Saunders will be leading a study on Phillip Yancey’s book, “What so Amazing about

Grace? If you wish to join in the study, meet them in the Bridal Lounge at 11:00 a.m. More information will be provided at that time.

Out Reach

Members of our church family who are no longer able to attend church are always happy to hear from you. Cards and notes may be sent to Naomi Dymond, 104 Avon Ct., Apt. 5, East Stroudsburg, Pa. 18301. Stephen Ministry

“As you heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:6b

When do we need God’s love most? Of course we need that love every second of our lives. At times God’s love is especially precious to us, times when we lose a loved one; life becomes so confusing that we do not know where to turn; or life just becomes meaningless and depression sets in.

At times like these, it is important to have someone who cares in your life! Please consider a caring relationship with a Stephen Minister to help you through the difficult times. For more information about Stephen Ministry, contact Peggy Strack, 570-421-3280, ext. 23.

Health Care EquipmentItems available for your use include: walkers, crutches, canes, shower seats, potty chairs, elevated toilet seats, wheelchairs, Depends, colostomy supplies, and more. Contact Peggy Strack, 570-421-3280, ext. 23.Communication Card Update Completion of these cards continues to enable us to reach out in Christian love to the ESUMC family. When you are noted to be absent for a period of time, we are alerted to a possible need and are able to reach out to you! Please keep up your commitment to sign in all members of your family weekly! THANK YOU! – The Membership Assimilation Team and Caring Callers. Prayer Shawls AvailableIs someone you know experiencing a difficult time? Would

they be comforted by wrapping a handmade shawl around themselves that has been made with loving prayer? Contact Peggy, 570-421-3280, ext. 23.

OPPORTUNITIES

Meet the PastorThe last session for “Meet the Pastor” will be held on Monday, September 29th, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in Oberholtzer Hall. The focus of these evenings will be on how God is leading us in the area of discipleship, Christian education, and small group ministry. However, Pastor Jim will take comments and feedback in any area of church life. Re-Entry Program of Monroe County presents Concert of Love on Saturday October 11th from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (lunch to follow) at Middle Smithfield Evangelical Presbyterian Church in East Stroudsburg; suggested donation $10. ESUMC proudly sponsors The Re-entry program; a ministry that recruits, assists and equips people, families and resources within Monroe County to transition those ex-offenders who want to stay out of prison to effectively re-enter the community. Please support their mission.Walk For Life – Pregnancy Resource CenterCome and walk with us to help those in need, encourage life and to share the Gospel. Please see the bulletin insert for more information. There will also be a table in Fellowship Hall with more information. Please help support this incredible organization!What’s Cookin’ and Fellowship Dinner will be returning in October. What’s Cookin’ meets the second Saturday of each month in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00 a.m. They will be baking cookies so bring your favorite recipes to share. Fellowship Dinner takes place every third Saturday of the month at 5:00 p.m. All are welcome. For more information contact Mary Schneider at mbs1058@aol.comYouth Ministry News

Upcoming Youth Ministry Trips:  Sr. High Mission Weekend to Philadelphia:  Friday

October 17 – Sunday October 19   Jr. High Mission Weekend to Philadelphia:  Friday

October 24 – Sunday October 26  Youth Rally to Ocean City, MD:  Friday January 9 –

Sunday January 11, 2015.  Sign up and get your deposits in by October 5th, for special early bird discounts!  Sr. High (Next Level) Bible Study:  Meet every Monday6:30 – 8:30 pm at Scott and Sarah Kuhnle’s home.  This is a bible study for Sr. High students (9th-12th grade) who are looking grow deeper into their faith, and stronger as a disciple ofChrist.  We will have girls and guys combined bible study for threeweeks, followed by girls and guys separate discussions on the fourthweek of every month.  JAM Jr. High Afterschool Program meets every Thursday from 2:45 – 5:00pm.  Information and Permission forms are available on the church website (www.esumc.net) and in the youth room.  Each week following the JAM program is a free Fellowship Meal for all students (from 5-6pm), followed by Jr. High Boys and Jr. High Girls Bible studies (from 6-7:30pm).Snack and Drink Donations Needed:  The JAM Jr. High Afterschool Program is always in need of snack and drink donations.  For more information, please contact Jenn Dunne at dunnejl2@gmail.comSunday Night Youth Worship will start to meet on Sunday September 28th.  This year, youth will be gathering to fellowship, worship, and participate in biblical teachings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm every Sunday night, starting September 28st.  Open to all 6th – 12th grade students.    New this Year:Sports Ministry Night, Sundays 5:30 – 6:30 pm: Join with other boys and girls for a time of sports and recreation.Games that will be played include Dodge ball, basketball, soccer,ultimate Frisbee, and kickball.  Open to all 6th – 12th gradestudents, starting Sunday September 28th.    

On Sunday October 5th, from 7:00 – 8:30pm we will be

having a youth and parent game night in the youth room.  Come on out for some fellowship time with your kids!    

FAITH PROMISE UPDATEI found out something amazing last month in correspondence with Spanish Health Ministries. Dona wrote: “I am so glad that ESUMC still make us part of their mission’s team. You folks have been with us since the inception of the SHM 34 years ago. We appreciate your support and prayers very much.” Doesn’t that make us bonded in the Family of Christ?Another area for our Partners is in the Philippines. A report from UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)states: “Nine months after Typhoon Hainan, locally known as Yolanda, tore through the region, people are still hard at work maintaining temporary shelters and cleaning up debris. Thanks to the response by United Methodists through UMCOR, the more than 218 households in Calogcog that have requested help are receiving new homes.“Cornilia Corilla, 85, states that when the typhoon came, she and other family members sheltered in her daughter’s home, where they always went during storms. Of the 21 people in the home, only her son, grandson and great granddaughter, who had gone to the roof, survived. She survived by holding onto a bed when a tidal wave filled the home.”

We are familiar with the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy. But a nation of islands as The Philippines when devastated by a typhoon, is so much greater with loss of life and complete destruction in many areas. The support and work of UMCOR around the world is a witness to God’s unending love and compassion.

Look for information in the Bulletin about the CONCERT OF LOVE, sponsored by the Re-Entry Program, one of our Partners on October 11th.

These 3 Partners and 9 others are supported by your prayers and gifts. Gifts may be placed in the envelopes in the Bulletin today or anytime with a designation for Faith Promise or Missions and continue praying for all those reaching out to serve others in God’s gracious love.