St. John's United Methodist Church 

 Cornerstone
   Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
Join us for worship
Calendar
Prayer List
Drive Thru Prayer
Featured Article
Mobile Giving
Red Bird Trailers
Lifetree Cafe Tuesday Night
Pastor's Reflection
R.I.S.E. Sunday
Children's Ministries Help
Sunday School
Youth Group
ASP Luncheon
Confirmation
Music Ministry
Bible Studies
Missions
Blessing of the Animals
Advent Devotionals
Book Club
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, 
September 24, 2017
 

The Sermon Series 
Soul Training 
continues with Pastor Janice's
sermon "Learning to Live Without Worry"
Matthew 6:25-34

215-357-6998
 
HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:30-3:00 p.m.
 

THIS WEEK'S 
CALENDAR

Thursday, September 21
6:45pm
  Adult Bell Choir

7:30pm
  Al-Anon

8:00pm
  Adult Choir

Saturday, September 23
  Return from Red Bird Mission Trip

Sunday, September 24
9:15am
  Children's Sunday School

10:30am
  Adult Sunday School

10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School

11:30am
  Joyful Voices

6:00pm
  Youth Choir

7:00pm
  Youth Group

Tuesday, September 26
5:45pm
  Grace Notes

7:00pm
  Lifetree Cafe

7:30pm
  AA

Wednesday, September 27
4:30pm
  Drive Thru Prayer

Thursday, September 28
6:45pm
  Adult Bell Choir

7:30pm
  Al-Anon

8:00pm
  Adult Choir

 

 

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.
robertahsn577@verizon.net
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Looking for a little inspiration during the week?   Try an online devotional.    


(has many devotionals to choose from)

(Devotional for Women)

(Devotional for Men) 

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.
Drive-Thru Prayer
St. John's Drive-Thru Prayer Ministry is held on
Wednesdays from 4:30-6pm.  
Our prayer team offers prayer to those who for various reasons don't feel that they can come to church but do realize their need for prayer.   If you would like to join us and be a part of this ministry of   St. John's, please contact  Ruth Portzline, outreachstjohns@yahoo.com.

"FIGHTING FOR WHAT'S RIGHT A CUP AT A TIME"

 
When you purchase Warrior Coffee for use in your home or business and when you enjoy a cup of coffee in the Grace Café you are making a substantial improvement in the quality of life for villagers in the Dominican Republic.
 
Under a unique arrangement between Lycoming College and the villagers of El Naranjito, Lycoming purchases the coffee directly from the villagers, arranges for the importation to the United States and the roasting and packaging of the coffee.
All profits from the sale of the coffee are returned through fair and equitable payments for the coffee beans and sustainable, quality of life projects that directly affect the villagers.
 
In 2013, before Lycoming became involved with the village, the villagers were paid $0.08 to $0.12 per pound of beans harvested and as a consequence the villagers lived in constant and deplorable poverty. In 2015, Lycoming paid $1.85 per pound for coffee beans, in 2016, Lycoming paid $2.05 per pound and this past July they paid $2.40 per pound. These increased payments have had an immediate impact upon the lives of the villagers.
 
Lycoming has also initiated several projects to improve the quality of life for the villagers.  For instance, the college has paid for new coffee plants to replace once lost to the roya fungus, purchased macadamia and avocado trees to allow the coffee plants to grow in shade which improves the quality of the coffee. They have also worked with the community members to improve their quality of life in the areas of public health, water access and quality, and education. In May Lycoming purchased portable solar generators to bring light to a darkened village.
 
All of this was made possible by your purchasing and drinking Warrior Coffee. 

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.

If you have any questions about mobile giving, email Lou Lescas at  stjohns820@gmail.com


RED BIRD TRAILERS 
ARE OPEN  DAILY 
9:00a.m. - 5:30p.m.

Please pray for our Missionaries in Beverly, KY 

Karen Arner
Linda Barr
Chris Belser
Ed Campbell
Paul Cell
Denise Clark
Vivian DiCristofaro
Jim MacMain
Pat Mayrhofer
Dick Paulus
Laura Paulus
Jane Purdy
Barbara Schink
LIFETREE CAFE

Lifetree Café  is an outreach ministry of St. John's where people gather to hear inspiring stories and engage in conversation on a different topic every week.
Lifetree offers a wonderful opportunity to form relationships and engage in faith conversations with those who do not sit in the pews with us.  

Please promote Lifetree Caf é to your friends and family who are not connected to a faith community!  It is a great place to explore life, meet new friends, and experience God in an informal community setting.  If you haven't had a chance to experience a Lifetree Caf é session, please come join us so you can spead the word!"

Every Tuesday
7 PM
@ Richboro Pub

September 26th Topic:
"Forgiving the Unforgivable - A Son Confronts His Mother's Killer"

This is a powerful, compelling story of forgiveness, 
so don't miss it.


Join the Conversation 
& Bring a Friend!!!

Be sure to Like and Share our Lifetree Caf é posts on Facebook  with your friends!
POT PIE SALE UPDATE
Regretfully due to the sudden retirement of Mr.Fisher,  
St. John's UMW will not be holding our annual Pot Pie Sale.   
I hope to be able to find another supplier for next year.
Thank you for your continued support of the UMW and our other programs.
Should you have any questions please contact Kathy Keppol @ 215-357-7404
UMC LINKS umc logo
 
  
  
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
It's been a good week of vacation.  The weather has been just about perfect - sunny every day, not too hot, not too cool.  Loved the pool & lazy river.  Saw some fun shows -  Cirque du Soleil was great as usual, but the best show of all this year was a surprise - I discovered I really love Boyz II Men!!  My daughter is laughing her head off claiming that I used to yell at her to turn their music off lol!  What goes around always comes around, doesn't it?
 
But the true highlight of the week was a trip to Red Rock Canyon, a National Park in the Mojave Desert.  You can take a fascinating 13 mile trip through the park on a one-way road with multiple parking areas at scenic overlooks & trail heads.  There were many people rock-climbing that day which was an amazing thing to watch.  The most amazing thing, however, was learning that the entire canyon - all of the gorgeous mountains made up of varying hues of the reds & yellows, all of the strikingly huge sand dunes as well as desert vegetation - in fact, the entire canyon itself - were once a part of the ocean floor many millennia ago.
 
These are the kinds of moments that take your breathe away and cause you to wonder at the miracle of God's creation of this earth we live on.  If ever we begin to waver in our faith that there is an all-knowing and all-powerful God who is able to do all things big & small - even care for the tiniest and most insignificant sparrow - we should simply spend a few hours in the presence of His majesty.  That might be at a place like Red Rock Canyon, or it might be on a beach watching the mighty surf crash on the shoreline.  It could even be in your own backyard, enjoying the beauty of the trees, bushes & flowers that could only have come from a loving and artistic God - all to benefit us and His other creatures.
 
We should all try to spend some time each day enjoying and reflecting on the wonders God has prepared for us!
 
                                                                                     
Pastor Janice


R.I.S.E. Sunday - October 1, 2017:
a morning of worship and hands-on mission projects; having local and global impact. It is for people of all ages and skill levels.
  • 9 am:  Worship in the Sanctuary
  • 10:15 - Noon:  Two Mission Project Sessions
  • Noon:  Closing prayer and Benediction in Fellowship Hall
 
Mission Projects available are:
    *   Rise Against Hunger:  Goal:  Assemble 10,152 meals which will feed 28 children living in third world countries for 1 year. *
    *  Necessities Kits:  Goal: Assemble 90 kits for homeless young adults in Bucks County.  *
    *   Pillow Case Dresses:  Goal: Make 40 dresses for girls in Africa. *
    *   Sleeping Bags:  Goal: Make 6 sleeping bags for distribution to local homeless persons. *
    *   Children's Project: Card Making to go with our projects: This is for children too young to participate safely in other projects but too old for the Nursery.
    *   Nursery: for children 3 and younger.

(* Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult for this project)
 
Registration: September 3-24.  Sign up early for the projects of your choice.  Last-minute signups will be assigned to areas of most need.
 

Or register on Sunday mornings after worship in the Narthex.


FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL SUPPORT IS NEEDED
Financial support for Rise Against Hunger:
We've met our initial goal but we'll need to purchase additional materials because of the overwhelming volunteer response.  
Donations of any amount are appreciated.  
Use the pink envelopes in the pew racks and designate "R.I.S.E." on the envelope.

SIGN UP TO DONATE MISSION 
PROJECT SUPPLIES 
You will find more specifics about types and quantities needed on the donation sign up sheet.  
Here's the type of items we need:
7ft. x 7ft. fabric
Queen or King flat sheets - can be gently used

Donated materials needed by 9/24

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

 
 
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. 

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.  


                   
YOUTH GROUP

  
Sunday night
7:00-8:30 PM
We will play Hungry Hungry Hippo's only with HUMANS!!!
But first BizzBuzz...Not sure what that is??? 
Come and find out!

Some up and coming events to keep an eye on:
Bizarre Food Night
Scavenger Hunt (Outdoors)
Haunted Hayride
Bonfire

Morrisville Food Bank Monday
October 9- 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?

St. John's ASP Crew
Annual Stockholders Luncheon
Sunday October 8 at 12:00 PM
 
If you have purchased stock for ASP 2017, 
your dividends are here!
If you did not purchase our ASP Stock you can still join us for $5.00 per person  
and hear from our youth what made this year another AMAZING time in Appalachia.

RSVP's are required in order for us to have enough food for all...

RSVP by: October 1, 2017
3 ways to RSVP:
1) Sign up in Narthex
2) Text number of people attending to 215-206-6779
3) Or simply call me, David Bigam at:
Church - 215-357-6998
Cell - 215-206-6779

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is open to all students Grade 7 and above.
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFIRMATION
  • Attend Confirmation Classes on Sundays at 10:30 Oct. 1, 2017 through March 18, 2018.
  • Attend the 9:15 AM Worship Service
  • Attend Sunday Night Youth Group each week
  • Attend Both Confirmation Retreats.  The first retreat will be Sept. 29-30.
  • Second retreat is scheduled for March 16-18, 2018 at Camp Innabah. More information will be available at a later date.
There will be a brief orientation meeting for parents and students on Sunday September 17 following 10:30 service. 

Confirmation Rehearsal Dinner 
Friday, April 6, 2018

Confirmation 
Sunday, April 8, 2018 
10:30 AM Worship Service.
 
Sign-up sheet located outside the sanctuary or Complete Online:
 
Feel free to speak to David Bigam if you have any additional questions or concerns.

MUSIC MINISTRY

Music at St. John's
  Music is an integral part of the Worship experience at 
St. John's United Methodist Church.  Our Choirs and Worship Team provide exceptional music that enhances the Worship Services each week.  There is an opportunity for EVERYONE in our congregation to participate in the Music Ministry.  We encourage you to become part of one of our Choirs.

Joyful Voices Choir
Children grades K - 5 (6)
Meets on Sunday mornings 11:30 - 12:15
 
Holy Handbells Choir
Children grades 3 - 5 (6)
(2nd graders considered for membership)
Meets Thursday afternoon  5:45 - 6:30
 
Youth Choir
Youth grades 6 - 12
Meets on Sunday evenings  6:00 - 7:00 before Youth Group
 
Grace Notes Handbell Choir
Youth grades 6 - 12
Meets Tuesday afternoon  5:45 - 6:45
 
­Praise Band
Youth and Adult Vocalists and Instrumentalists Welcome
Tuesday Evenings  7:00
 
Adult Choir
Post High School & Adult
Thursday Evenings   8:00 - 9:30
No Audition required - Singing Experience preferred
 
Celebration Ringers Handbell Choir
For Post High School and Adults who would like to
Ring Handbells.  No audition is needed. There is always room for more ringers in this Handbell Choir.  Contact the music director for information.  This Choir meets on average once a month  and plays several times a year.
Begins 10/2/17
 
Ring of Faith Handbell Choir (Adult)
At this time, there are no openings for members of this choir. 
If you would like to be considered for a substitute ringer, please contact the  Music Director.
Begins 9/21/17
 
Director of Music Ministries - Roy Nelson  215-355-7596
Accompanist / Assistant Director of M.M. - Alissa Nelson
Organist / Accompanist - Brian Barber

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES
The Prodigal Son
Beginning Monday, October 9 
6:45 PM in the Parlor
Leaders:  
Barb Schneider and Carol Campbell

Two thousand years ago, Jesus told a simple story about a father and his two sons.  This tale stands out because it is a story about each of us and our struggle with sin.  Whether we identify with the rebellion of the younger son or the self-righteousness of the older brother, we all are in need of our Father's grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Cost of participant guide is $9.00
Sign up on Bulletin Board outside 
Grace Cafe.

Daring Faith  
3 days and times to choose from:

  Beginning Tuesday, October 17, 10AM in the Parlor    
                Leader:  Pastor Janice
 
Beginning Wednesday, October 18, 7PM in the Parlor
                 Leader: Ruth Portzline - CLM
 
Beginning Sunday, October 15, 7PM in the Parlor
                Leader: Alison Beal
 
Daring faith requires taking risk. It requires the courage to step up and face the giants . . . and to face the unknown. It might be easier to stay in your comfort zone, but when you bravely step out to where God has called you, history is made and lives are changed forever. You must be bold and daring to live an extraordinary life of faith.
 
Learn what it means to have a bold, unshakable faith that gives you the courage to impact the world around you.
 
Cost of participants guide is $10.00 

OUTREACH

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2017
4:00 PM
ST. JOHN'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rain or Shine
(Under the canopy - front lawn)
 
Everyone is invited to attend with their animals (properly restrained, of course) as we give thanks for all God's creation, and celebrate His gift of creatures, great and small.
 
Each animal will receive a personal blessing, a treat and a free picture of this special event.


Contribute a Devotion!

Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas.  This should be a time for families to come together in prayer and devotion. 
St. John's would like to encourage this devotional time by preparing an Advent Devotional containing a reading for each day in Advent that has been written by members of our congregation. 
Ruth Portzline will be available at the end of each service on Sunday to give more information and to ask if you will be willing to contribute a devotion. 
BOOK CLUB
The House Girl, the historical fiction debut of Tara Conklin, is an unforgettable story of love, history, and a search for justice, set in modern-day New York and 1852 Virginia.
The Book Club

Tuesday, October 24th
at 7:00 in the parlor.