|
Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
|
|
|
| Open arms and serving hands transforming lives through Christ |
|
|
JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
9:15 a.m.
Praise and Worship
THIS SUNDAY,
November 19, 2017
The sermon series,
Daring Faith: The Key to Miracles, continues with Pastor Janice's sermon, "Daring to Wait on God."
Mark 11:20-24
215-357-6998
HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:30-3:00 p.m.
Please Note:
The church office will close at noon on Wednesday,
November 22 and will be closed through Friday, November 24.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
|
THIS WEEK'S
CALENDAR
Sunday, November 19
9:00am
Children's Sunday School
10:30am
Children & Youth Sunday School
10:30am
Confirmation Class
Monday, November 20
7:00pm
Leadership Board Meeting
7:00pm
Praise Band Rehearsal
Wednesday, November 22
7:30pm
Thanksgiving Eve Service
|
|  PRAYER LIST Please click to view
All "Ongoing Prayer Concerns" will be listed for
2 weeks.
Please submit a new prayer request card if you desire to renew the listing for 2 additional weeks.
|
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month
in the parlor - 10 AM
Please come help knit or crochet various items for those in need.
Contact Roberta Nelson for more information or if you
w
ould like to request a
Prayer Shawl.
|
|
Please go to the Children's Ministry Page for forms.
Children's Sunday School
Children's Sunday School is held weekly at the 9:15 and 10:30 services
f
or children 4 years old through 6th Grade. A parent must accompany children who are attending for the first time.
Volunteers are needed for both the 9:15 and 10:30 services in Children's Sunday School. Contact Alison Beal.
Youth Sunday School
Sunday school takes place every Sunday at the 10:30 service. Youth who have completed 6th grade through 12th grade go directly to the Youth Room in the Education Wing. Youth are encouraged to worship together at the 9:15 service.
Nursery
Available at both
9:15 and 10:30.
We welcome all children birth through 4 years old.
The nursery is equipped with a calling system and will alert you in worship if your child needs you.
|
|
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE TABS COLLECTION
Naomi Circle is collecting tabs from beverage cans for Ronald McDonald House. You will find a container under the sign hanging on the UMW bulletin board. Please place them in a plastic bag and put it in the container. This is an ongoing collection, so keep bringing them in as you collect them.
Thank you.
|
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Looking for a little inspiration during the week?
Try an online devotional.
(has many devotionals to choose from)
|
|
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
for Children's Sunday School at both 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Please contact David Bigam,
|
|
AV HELP NEEDED!
Volunteers are needed to help run the PowerPoints at both the 8 AM and 10:30 AM services.
Please contact Peter Sheren if you are interested
|
|
Blessing of the Animals
I
t was a wonderful day giving thanks for all God's creation, and celebrating His gift of creatures, great and small.
|
MOBILE GIVING
Have you ever arrived at church and forgot your giving envelope? Or you would like to make a Communion Offering and you have just 18 cents in your pocketbook?
Well, help as arrived, as
St John's now offers mobile giving!
Just go to the
website
click on the donate now button, and register. Once you're registered, you can either make donations by debit or credit. It's quick and secure. The same vendor that handles electronic giving for us, Vanco Services, has state of the art encryption, so you can rest easy that your transaction is 100% safe and confidential.
|
|
Warrior Coffee
Order forms available in the Grace Cafe.
|
|
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, November 18, 2017
8 AM Fellowship Hall
All Men Welcome!
See sign-up sheets on the UMM bulletin board or
email Ed Campbell,
|
|
ST. JOHN'S
BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, November 29.
7:00 PM.
Church Parlor
"Before We Were Yours"
By: Lisa Wingate
Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and
The Nightingale.
|
UMC LINKS
|
|
|
|
 I was watching TV with my grandson this weekend, and suddenly there appeared a blast from my past - I hadn't thought about this little fellow for YEARS. I said, "Oh NO!! That can't be MR. POTATO HEAD, can it??!!!!"
Well, I took a good look at Mr. Potato Head's plastic body and decided that, yes indeed, he was the same little guy as all of the many Mr. Potato Heads I had bought for my kids when they were little. Then I decided I would do what any good grandparent would do ... I said that infamous line: "when I was little" (I know, I know ... tacky ...). But I continued on....
"When I was little, Mr. Potato Head came in a little box with eyes, ears, noses, mouths and little feet that you would take and stick into a REAL potato. I used to hunt through the bag of potatoes in the kitchen to find PERFECT one to make my silly little creature." Jalen looked shocked. "You mean you had to use REAL potatoes? WHY??" "YEP. Back in the DAY, you didn't get a plastic potato, you had to use a real one from the kitchen."
Apparently the very idea of sticking those body parts into a real potato was too much for him to comprehend. "That's CRAZY!" "Why wouldn't they give you a plastic potato?" "You mean your mother let you ruin a potato?!" "WOW, Mom-mom, you must be really OLD..." (okay, enough is enough....)
In other words, he had no reference point to begin to even IMAGINE a Mr. Potato Head without the accompanying plastic potato.
So then we got into a discussion about the way things CHANGE in life. I mentioned that there used to be an amusement park in Springfield that my parents would often take me to when I was little ("Yep! It was right across the street from where the Chic-Fil-A is now. It was called Playtown Park."), and I mentioned that there was also a fast-food hamburger stand that sold hamburgers for 15 cents. Of course, I also mentioned that there was no Walt Disney World and to Skyzone back in those days. And no iPhones for him to Facetime his friends.
I guess the conclusion of the conversation came when we both decided that "change" is a normal and necessary fact of life. Sometimes we don't like it, but sometimes we do. The secret is to learn to embrace change and even to welcome it (even in the church!), because that's the way God has created the world.
Pastor Janice
|
|
THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
November 22, 2017
7:30 PM
|
Welcome New Members!
The following were received
on
Sunday, November 12, 2017.
Rick and Denise Gray
Catherine Thomas
Tom and Lauren Canning
Colleen Peterson
|
BIBLE SUNDAY: THIS SUNDAY
3rd Graders will be receiving their Bibles on Bible Sunday during the 10:30 Worship Service.
|
Sunday nights
7:00-8:30 PM
Hmmm. What are we doing at Youth Gr
oup?
This Sunday, Novmeber 19
Bizarre Food Night
Do you have a food you believe is "bizarre"? Are you ready?
Bring in your favorite food for this once in a lifetime chance to taste food you normally wouldn't try. Prepared especially for you by Chef Dav'id.
_________________________________________________
THERE WILL BE NO YOUTH GROUP ON
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26
December 3 Youth Group
Christmas Movie
___________________________________________________
Morrisville Food Bank Monday
December 11- Contact David Bigam
Do Not Miss This Opportunity!
Come and experience great Fellowship!
Morrisville is open to anyone interested in going to help make 220 grocery bags full of food.
Families are always welcome!
Following this event we always head to Chick-fil-a for Milkshakes!!!!
__________________________________________________
And as always
Bring a Friend and Bring a Can!
(All food collected goes to Jesus Focus Food Pantry)
Have you HELPED anyone today?
Have you SAID SOMETHING NICE to anyone today?
|
|
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT
Rehearsal Schedule:
| November 19 |
(Sunday) |
5-5:45 PM |
Speaking parts only
|
| December 3 |
(Sunday) |
4:30-5:45 PM |
Speaking parts only
|
| December 9 |
(Saturday) |
9-11 AM |
All Children
|
| December 16 |
(Saturday) |
9-11 AM |
All Children
Dress Rehearsal
|
|
|
CRÈCHE PRESENTERS
Would your child like to be a Crèche Presenter at the 10:30 service during Advent? Participants will carry one of the manger figures up to the altar and hand it to one of the pastors. For any child 4 - 12 years old. Siblings can walk together if needed. Signup sheets are located in the Education wing.
|
|
Need help? Do you or someone you know need assistance getting your Christmas decorations out of storage or even set up?
Then today is you lucky day!
The 5
th
and 6
th
Sunday school kids AKA:
The Blue Crew would like to offer their services.
Below are the available dates:
Saturday, December 2
nd
from 1-4:00
Saturday, December 9
th
from 1-4:00
Sunday, December 10
th
from 12:30-3:30
Please sign up in the Narthex.
Phone 215-343-6802
|
|
St. John's Music
Happening This Week:
Joyful Voices Choir - Grade K- 5 (6)
The Joyful Voices rehearse this Sunday, November 19, immediately after worship. We have only FOUR rehearsals left until the
Festival of Carols on December 10. This will be the next time they sing. The choir looked GREAT in their new Choir Shirts last week.
IMPORTANT CHANGE:
The Joyful Voices will rehearse on November 26th at 5:00 PM instead of after church. Please try to adjust your schedules for this rehearsal.
Youth Choir - Grade 6 - 12
The YOUTH CHOIR sings again this Sunday, November 19th, at the 10:30 service. This is a CHANGE from our usual Sunday singing. We have begun to work on Christmas music. Please attend ALL rehearsal so you can properly learn the music.
Rehearsal this Sunday, November 19, is at 6 PM. We have only THREE rehearsals left until the
Festival of Carols on December 10.
Grace Notes Hand Bell Rehearsal - Tuesday 5:45
HOORAY......... We had TWO new ringers in the Grace Notes this week, which gives us a FULL BASIC Choir. Hand bell ringers are still needed in the Grace Notes Hand Bell Choir for our BASS BELLS. Youth OR Adults are invited to join this choir. We currently have THREE adults ringing in the choir, to assist the young people. Please consider joining and helping out. Regular rehearsal is on Tuesday November 21.
Adult Bell Choir Rehearsal - Thursday 6:45 PM
There are currently no openings in the Adult Bell Choir
No Rehearsal November 23- Thanksgiving Day
Adult Choir Rehearsal - Thursday 8 PM
The Adult Choir is open to anyone post-High School who has an interest in singing. There is no audition, but some singing experience is helpful.
No Rehearsal November 23 - Thanksgiving Day
Praise Band - Tuesday 7:00 PM
Singers and instrumentalists are welcome to join our Praise Band. Speak to Roy Nelson if you are interested.
Adult Bell Choir - Celebration Ringers
The CELEBRATION RINGERS Handbell Choir will rehearse on Monday, December 4 at 6:45 PM. The Celebration Ringers meet once a month and present music 3 or 4 times a year. New members are welcome to join us. Music reading skills are a help, but bell ringing experience is not a must. Contact Roy Nelson if you are interested in joining our Bell Choir.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC PROGRAMS
Festival of Carols
Sunday, December 10 - 6:00 pm
Choirs Handbell Choirs Special Music
Orchestra Carol Singing
Canned Goods Food Drive
Music Sunday Services
Sunday, December 17
9:00 & 10:30 Services
Choirs and Handbell Choirs
"A Christmas Music Celebration"
Come Join Us!
|
TURKEY DRIVE FOR EASTWICK FOOD BANK 
THANKSGIVING IS ONLY
A WEEK AWAY!
Please help support the
St. John's Thanksgiving Turkey drive for the benefit of the Eastwick Food Bank.
- Bring in your frozen turkey and place in the freezer.
- Place "Free Turkey" certificates in the collection bags on the Missions Bulletin Board near the Sanctuary.
- Use the Special Offering Envelopes in worship to make a contribution toward the purchase of a turkey. Please write "Eastwick" on the envelope.
Turkeys will be delivered on Monday, November 20th.
We are praying that you again will be able to help!
Thank you for your support and generosity.
|
Join the Conversation and
Bring a Friend!
|
ARE OPEN
DAILY
Donations of clothing and household furnishings accepted.
Throughout 2017 the Red Bird Trailer Mission has been blessed by the level of donations we have received from the members of St. John's and the surrounding community. Last week we had a fully trailer ready to go, but could not send it, as we did not have the money to pay for the trip.
2017 has also been the year of trailer repairs. Normally, the 3 54' over the road trailers, have an annual repair cost of $1,000 to $1,500 which is covered by the St. John's Budget, but this year to date we have spent over $6,500 for trailer repairs and it has left the Trailer Mission with very limited money.
In my time working with the Red Bird Trailer Mission, when a problem comes up to prevent or delay our donations from going to the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky the Lord has always provided a solution. Th
is time is no exception, in the last week we have received financial donations from a number of individuals and organizations, some outside of St. John's, that has allowed us the send the trailer to Red Bird.
On behalf of the Red Bird Trailer Mission I say thank you and God Bless you for your continued support.
Dick Paulus
|
Four Weeks, beginning the week of November 26
The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem
In this study by Adam Hamilton, you will follow Mary and Joseph's arduous journey to Bethlehem, feel their disappointment when there is no room at the inn, and rejoice with the angels and the shepherds when Jesus is born. Each week will include a short DVD vignette, which was filmed on location in the Holy Land and will retrace the actual path taken by Mary and Joseph.
Three times and days to choose from
:
Sundays,
12:30 PM
Lara Bolte's home
(Family Friendly Study with Children's Activities and Lunch)
Leader: Lara Bolte
Tuesdays, 10:00 AM
Parlor
Leader: Pastor Janice
Wednesdays, 7 PM
Parlor
Leader: Ruth Portzline
****************************************
Because of Bethlehem: Love is Born, Hope is Here
In this study, you will join Max Lucado in his lively, heartwarming celebration of all things Christmas.
Because of Bethlehem features stories both insightful and whimsical and will include video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study materials for in-between sessions.
Mondays, 6:45 PM
Parlor
Leaders: Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell
|
|
CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE 2017
Sunday, November 12th - December 3rd.
The giving season is fast approaching and once again the United Methodist Women are decorating our St. John's Angel Tree with names of the needy families in our Philadelphia and Bucks County area. Please take a tag from the tree and return it the Narthex with your unwrapped gift and we will do the rest. Should you have a gift receipt, please attach it to your gift with tape. This is a big help for the paents, should there be duplicate gifts or a change in size. Thank you for sharing in this wonderful tradition and may you all have a truly blessed Holiday season. Any questions, please contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404 or speak to any of the United Methodist Women Mission Team Members. |
|
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA PLANTS
We will be having our Poinsettia Garden on Sunday, December 10, December 17 and on Sunday, Christmas Eve. If you would like to order a plant, please fill out a flower envelope and place in the offering plate. Please be sure to indicate if your poinsettia is in memory or honor of someone or to the glory of God.
PAYMENT MUST BE ENCLOSED WITH YOUR ORDER. The cost of each plant is $6.50. Deadline for ordering is December 3rd.
|
CHURCH CHRISTMAS DECORATING
The ULW's will be decorating the church on Wednesday, November 29, 2017. They are looking for additional help. If you are available and enjoy Christmas decorating, come out on Wednesday, November 29 at 9 a.m. Your help will be very much appreciated.
|
ADVENT LITURGISTS
We need liturgists to do a short reading and light the Advent candle in all three worship services. Contact Lara Bolte if interested at [email protected].
|
|
UMW COOKIE EXCHANGE AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Wednesday, December 6, 7:00 p.m. - Parlor
All are welcome to join the United Methodist Women assemble plates of cookies to bring to our shut-ins. Please bring 3 dozen of your favorite cookies to share.
Officers for UMW will also be installed.
|
|
| |
|
