MUMC - 2026 September/October Newsletter
2026 September - October Newsletter
September 3, 2026
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers
and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
Dear Members and Friends,
I am beyond excited to announce that Mountainhome United Methodist Church is planning to host
a Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event! 📅 Mission Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026 from 2
to 4 p.m.
🎉 Our Mission : Plus our original goal was to: Pack 10,000 meals in just TWO HOURS! 🎉
and raise $4,500. But I have some exciting news to share!! In less than five days, we surpassed our
initial fundraising goal. That incredible response shows just how generous and compassionate our
community truly is. Can you believe it Mountainhome raised over $5000 alone in less than five
day!!!!
Because of that early and huge success, we now have an opportunity to dream even bigger. We can
increase the number of meals we package and raise our goal to 16,000 meals, or we can apply those
additional funds toward a second Rise Against Hunger event that we hope to hold in the spring!!!
This shows that when we work together and dream big for a greater cause! Keep the donations
coming!! And if only reminder we still need lots of hands-on deck for the day of the event!!
Imagine what we can accomplish when our community comes together. Families, friends, coworkers,
students, businesses, and neighbors—all working side by side to help feed people around the world.
This isn’t just a volunteer event...it’s a chance to make a real difference while having an incredible
time together!
Here’s how YOU can help:
❤️ Volunteer! We need at least 20 community volunteers to make this event a success.
Ways You Can Help
• Give a financial gift.
• Volunteer to pack meals.
• Help with set up and clean up after the event which should only take no more than 1 hr.
• Join one of our fundraisers.
• Share our online fundraising page.
• Help us connect with local businesses and organizations that may wish to sponsor the event.
• Pray for the success of this mission and for those who will receive these meals.
Mountainhome U.M.C. – 2026 September - October Newsletter – continued
💛 Donate! While the cost of hosting this event is significant, every dollar goes toward providing life-
changing meals to those facing hunger.
💙 Sponsor! We’re looking for local businesses and organizations that would like to partner with us
and make an impact on our community and beyond.
Fundraising opportunities and a volunteer sign-up sheet are available on the table at the ramp
entrance to the church. For a list of business that have already been contacted please contact
me.Attached is a sponsor sheet if you would like to help with contacting businesses.
Let’s show what our community can do when we work together. Together, we can turn just a few
hours into 10,000+ meals, countless smiles, and hope for families around the world.
Please like, share, and help us spread the word! I’ll be posting more information about Rise Against
Hunger. Let’s make this an event our whole community can be proud of! Let’s get in the holiday giving
spirit early!!
With gratitude and hope, Pastor Kathryn
Bible Study on Psalms 23 starting September 17, 2026
Clara Benigno and Pastor Kat will be leading a 7-week Video Based Bible
Study on the book Psalm 23 by Jennifer Rothschild starting Thursday
September 17 @ 10:00 AM. It will also be offered as a 1 hour Microsoft Team
Virtual Meetings Thursday evenings @ 7:00 PM (if you are interested in the
evening, session please contact Clara Benigno (cbenigno1958@gmail.com to
get the link). Study books can be purchased online at Amazon.com and at
Christianbooks.com. The dates will be 9/17 & 24/2026, 10/1, 8, 15, 22 & 29/2026
Laity Sunday – October 18 at 9 a.m.
What is Laity Sunday? Laity Sunday Heritage Sunday is one of five
Awareness Special Sundays that highlight ministries and causes important
to the entire United Methodist Church. On this day, we celebrate the vital
role of lay people, the everyday members who live out their faith and serve
in their local churches and communities.
Why Does It Matter? The day honors the faithfulness, leadership, and
service of laypersons who help build and sustain the life and mission of
the church. It recognizes that ministry is not just the work of clergy but the
shared calling of all believers.
Laity Sunday matters because it lifts up the essential role of laypersons in the life of the church
and the world. From teaching and caregiving to advocacy, outreach, and worship leadership,
laypeople are the hands and feet of Christ in every setting.
How Can I Be Part of the Ministry? You can take part by encouraging and recognizing lay
leadership in your congregation, participating in worship, or sharing your own gifts in service to
your community. Whether you serve in the church or in your daily vocation, you are part of God’s
ongoing mission. Laity Sunday is your day to reflect, celebrate, and recommit to that calling
All Saints Day – November 1st, during the church service.
Please contact the MUMC office or Susan if you would like to have someone recognized on this date.
Mountainhome U.M.C. – 2026 September - October Newsletter – continued
Next breakfast gathering
We will meet for breakfast with Pastor Kathryn at Mountainhome Diner -Thursday, Sept. 10th
.
Starting in October, we will switch to Mondays since the diner is closed on Thursdays. We will meet
on Oct. 12th and Nov. 9th. We will take a break in December for the advent bible study
Trunk or Treat at MUMC will be October 25th from 5-7! Never too early to start planning for the
spooky season!!!! Not only do we want lots of kids to stop by and trunk-or-treat but we also need
adults to come and pass out Candy!!!!! There will be a car decorating contest as well!!!! If you plan
on coming and passing out, Candy, please just send me an email at kathrynswan19@gmail.com
MUMC – Prayer Labyrinth and lunch October 10th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Mountainhome U.M.C. is planning a Prayer Labyrinth at Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center
on October 10th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost will be $10 per person. All are Welcome!!
Faith that is alive shows itself in loving action. Come celebrate how lay people are living out their faith
in ways that spread God's love in the world. Be inspired to renew your own faith - not just in words,
but with action!
Community - Free Soup - Saturday, November 7th
Mountainhome U.M.C. will be serving free soup to any community member on November 7th from
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. All community members are welcome. We will be looking for people to help with
making soup for the event. If you are interested, contact the church office. More information will be in
the next church newsletter.
Christian Awareness Ministry Ecumenical –
Contact information for C.A.M.E. is (570) 595-9141 In the Mountainhome U.M.C. Ministry
Center. Open to serve the community on Mondays between 8:30 a.m. – Noon. If you would like to
donate to C.A.M.E. their address is P. O. Box 434, Canadensis, PA 18325. Items you would like to
donate can be dropped off at C.A.M.E. on Monday 8:30 – noon, Tuesdays 8 – 10 a.m. and Fridays 8-
10 a.m.
We will be helping the Boy Scouts – Scouting food. If you do not receive a bag for
donations from the Boy Scouts at your house but would like to help, we will be collecting food on
Sunday, November 8th. If you receive a bag at your house, they will be picked up on Nov. 14th
.
Child Care, Lay Readers, Greeters, Children’s Message, Childcare and Acolytes needed:
We are always looking for people to help with Childcare during church,
Lay Readers to read scripture readings,
Greeters to hand out bulletins, greet people and take the collection
Acolytes to light the candles before service begins and at the end
of the service.
Please let us know if you would be interested. There are sign-up sheets for Childcare, Lay
Readers, and Greeters by the door to the office. The signup sheet for Acolytes and Children’s
message are on the table by the ramp entrance.
Children’s message – If you would like to share a message one Sunday with the children, we
welcome you to sign up for a week or two on the signup sheet.
Mountainhome U.M.C. – 2026 September - October Newsletter – continued
250th Celebration Concert at MUMC on August 13th at 2pm.
Jackie McGann and Ruth Kochera, in conjunction with The Barrett Township Historical Society, will
be presenting a 250th celebration concert at MUMC on August 13th at 2pm. The concert will be filled
with American art songs and patriotic music performed by the Mountain Woodwinds Quintet, vocal
soloists Rebecca Erhardt and Vale Rideout, and bagpiper Bill McKinley.
Semiquincentennial Moments
On the last Sunday of each month, beginning in January of 2026 and ending in December of 2026,
there will be a Semiquincentennial Moment given at the close of worship to commemorate the birth of
our nation and the history of Mountainhome United Methodist Church.
The Moment will include music from 1776.
Historical Church information:
Do you have any historical information about Mountainhome U.M.C.? We would love to hear from
you. Jackie is looking for anyone to share with her some parts of history of the area that they might
have including pictures! She would like to include this information in her semiquincentennial moment
and add to our church's history records. The information you have can either be emailed to me or
jbibbersr@msn.com Jean Bibber or mailed to the church Mountainhome UMC, Attn: Jackie
Magann, P.O. Box 327, Mountainhome, PA 18342
Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center- If you are interested in more information, registering for
a camp or volunteering just go to their website: www.poconoplateau.org/summer-camp/ . They
have camping experiences year-round to enjoy which are listed on their website. Donation are
always welcome.
Welcome to Rev. Jared Stoltzfus, the new director, and his wife Liz.
Mountainhome Mom’s Group – meet every Friday at 10 am
The Mom’s group offers support from other moms focusing on mental health and other important
“Mom Life” issues they face and feel! Snacks will be provided. Bring your kiddos, too. A time for
fellowship and friendship. New members are welcome.
Special Thank you to:
Everyone who helped with the Community Yard Sale.
For the donation of the laptop.
Welcome to our new members Clara Benigno and
Justin Baker on August 23rd
.
Mountainhome United Methodist Church | Join Us Today - Get Involved Now
Don't forget to check out the MUMC new website: mountainhomeumc.com
Kelley also wants people to know that you can donate to the church through
the website either weekly or by setting up donations to be made on a regular basis.
You can also send donations to: Mountainhome U.M.C., P. O. Box 327,
Mountainhome, PA 18342 Mountainhome U.M.C. also has a QR code which you
can find on the page before the calendars.
U.S. Marine Toys for Tots – We look forward to helping with this collection as we did last year so
watch for more information in the near future.
Mountainhome U.M.C. – 2026 September - October Newsletter – continued
Pastoral care: If you are in need or would like Pastoral Care or if you know of someone who needs
Pastoral Care, please contact the church office by calling the church office at (570) 595-2077 or by
emailing the office at mountainhomeumc@gmail.com. There is also a signup sheet for suggested
people to receive Pastoral Care on the table by the ramp entrance.
Flower Chart
There is a new flower chart posted next to the secretary’s office, if you would like to sign up to
have flowers placed on the alter one or more Sundays in memory or honor of someone. The cost
per Sunday is $40 for both arrangements payable to the Mountainhome U.M.C.
Prayer List: Prayer request can be mailed to the church office at mountainhomeumc@gmail.com
Sam Swan Mickey Miller Julie for Cathy
Mike Reisenwitz Ruth Passmore Cliff and Cathy Stout
Dan & Susie Raymond Elaine Shebey Dorothy for friends Ricki & Cathy
Cathy Petrillo Harry Niering Ted for Richie Fisher & Suetanna
Winnie Geyer Mickey for Justin Tim Reisenwitz
Jim Bonser Deb Fish Josie for Rebecca
Debbie Briscoe Dorothy for Denise Mae Labar
Donny Eckert Robert Martinez Joan for Richard DiMoria
Martha Frances – sister of Nina Burger Elain Shebey for her brother, George
Pastor for Bernise, Chuck and Amy Jean for Susie Gallagher and Matt
Dave for Theresa, his son Micah & Janet Andrea for friend Marissa Smyth
Sally’s friends – Laura & George Toni Burger for nephew, Wesley
Abe for Jim Chamberlin Ruth for Elana Mong and family
BI for granddaughter, Kristen
All the Middle East, Our Country, People who need shelter, Men and Women in uniform, those suffering
from addiction, all caregivers and those the are caring for, victims of natural disasters, END TO
VIOLENCE IN OUR WORLD, for the needy to be fed and clothed, and for safety and protection for all.
Families of: Karl Dinkelacker, Pauline Heckman, Jim Siglin (especially his wife Cathy), Eric Thorne,
Maher Family, Charles DePue, Jr., Lew Kistler, Thomas Grainger, Jame Dillon, Dean Beach, Anna
Williams, Peter Salmon, Suzanne Tippel and Jeffrey R. Wert.
Mountainhome U.M.C. – 2026 September - October Newsletter – continued
Dates to keep in mind:
Mountainhome U.M.C. – Office hours are Tuesday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Choir – Choir has started for the fall season. - “Christmas will be here before we blink. If you are
interested in joining the choir our annual Christmas Cantata on December 13th
- please email
Ruth at ruthkochera@gmail.com. We really have a great time singing together.
No experience needed!”
Children’s Sunday School – Sunday mornings at around 9:15 a.m., after the choir’s anthem.
Mountainhome Mom’s Group meets every Friday at 10 am.
Exercise groups - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am to 10:00 am. We do enough steps to add up to
3 miles. For more information contact Hannelore Gaupp at 570-595-0236.
Sept. 9 – Administrative Council meeting – 6:30 pm
Sept. 10 – Breakfast at the Mountainhome Diner w Pastor Kathryn – 9 a.m. (Thursday)
Sept. 13 - 250th Celebration Concert at 2 p.m.
Sept. 14 – Trustees (meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 pm)
Sept. 17 – Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 10 a.m.
Sept. 17 – Virtual meeting for Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 7 p.m.
Sept. 19 – Spaghetti Dinner - 4 to 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 – Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 10 a.m.
Sept. 24 – Virtual meeting for Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 – Finance (meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7 pm).
Oct. 1 – Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 10 a.m.
Oct. 1 – Virtual meeting for Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 – Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 10 a.m.
Oct. 8 – Virtual meeting for Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 – Breakfast at Mountainhome Diner 9 a.m. (Monday)
Oct. 12 – Trustees (meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 pm).
Oct. 15 – Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 10 a.m.
Oct. 15 – Virtual meeting for Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 – Laity Sunday – 9 a.m.
Oct. 22 – Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 10 a.m.
Oct. 22 – Virtual meeting for Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 – Trunk or Treat from 5 – 7 p.m.
Oct. 26 – Finance (meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7 pm).
Oct. 29 – Bible Study on Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 10 a.m.
Oct. 29 – Virtual meeting for Bible Study on
Psalms 23 by Jennifer Rothschild at 7 p.m.
Nov. 1 – All Saints Day
Nov. 7 - Community - Free Soup
Nov. 9 – Breakfast at Mountainhome Diner 9
a.m. (Monday)
Dec. 13 – Christmas Contata
