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Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
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| Open arms and serving hands transforming lives through Christ |
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JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
9:15 a.m.
Praise and Worship
THIS SUNDAY,
November 12, 2017
The sermon series,
Daring Faith: The Key to Miracles, continues with Pastor Janice's sermon,
"Daring to Plant in Faith"
Galatians 6:7-10
215-357-6998
HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:30-3:00 p.m.
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THIS WEEK'S
CALENDAR
Thursday, November 9
8:00pm
Adult Choir
Saturday, November 11
Veteran's Day
Sunday, November 12
9:00am
Children's Sunday School
10:30am
Adult Sunday School
10:30am
Children & Youth Sunday School
10:30am
Confirmation Class
11:30am
Joyful Voices
5:00pm
Youth Choir
6:30pm
Youth Group - Movie
All invited!
Tuesday, November 14
10:00am
Prayer Shawl Ministry
10:00am
Daring Faith Bible Study
7:00pm
Praise Band Rehearsal
Wednesday, November 15
7:00pm
Daring Faith Bible Study
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|  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.
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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.
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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.
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THANK YOU
It's been a pleasure serving the St. John's congregation for the past 21 years. Thank you so much for the cards and kind words over the past couple of weeks and for the hard work and passion of the volunteers over the years. Many thanks for the great "Soul Man" performance and the Heifer donation by the Children and Youth Ministries. It was awesome! May God bless the congregation as you move forward.
In His Love,
Alison Beal
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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.
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DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Looking for a little inspiration during the week?
Try an online devotional.
(has many devotionals to choose from)
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VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
for Children's Sunday School at both 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Please contact David Bigam,
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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
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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.
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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.
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There will be two Christ Servant Ministries courses offered here at St. John's on December 1-2, 2017.
Introduction to Christ Servant Ministries
for those wishing to begin the road toward becoming a
Christ Servant Minister;
Christ Servant Ministries Speaking Course 1
for those who have already completed the Introduction to Christ Servant Ministries class and wish to be certified as a
Christ Servant Minister.
If you are interested in either of these classes, please contact Ruth Portzline for registration forms.
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Mireas Ramirez and his fellow villagers in El Naranjito, Dominican Republic want to thank you for your generous support by purchasing Warrior Coffee. Because
you are fighting for what's right one cup at a time, the villagers are being paid $2.40 per pound for their coffee as opposed to $.08 to $.12 per pound as they were in 2014. Each cup of coffee you drink in the Grace Cafe or in your home by purchasing Warrior coffee contributes to clean water, basic education for their children, improved farming practices and portable solar power generators to bring power to the village for the first time ever. If you would like to help Mireas and his friends please speak with Paul Henry about how you can help.
An order sheet is located in the Grace Cafe.
Warrior Coffee is served exclusively in the Grace Cafe!
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UMC LINKS
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I bought a nice, soft pullover sweater a few weeks ago. I tried it on at the store and it fit well, I like the color, and I thought I'd get a lot of use out of it this fall and winter. Of course, at the time, we were in the middle of a run of 70-degree-plus weather, so I simply hung it in my closet for a cooler day.
So that cooler day arrived this morning. I was so excited. I pulled the tag off the sweater, put it on and came downstairs to start the day. I don't even think I got around to turning the coffee maker on before I noticed that both of my shoulders felt itchy. Oh no. It couldn't be. I quickly pulled the sweater off to look at the fabric content. Yep. 5% wool. How did I miss that? I can usually tell immediately when an article of clothing has even 0.000005% wool in it right there in the store!
So the sweater is currently sitting on the kitchen counter right now waiting for me to return it. It was a nice sweater, I had wanted it really badly, but once I got it, I realized it wasn't such a wonderful sweater after all. But the good news is that I've learned to be more diligent about checking out fiber content before I purchase any more sweaters.
I suppose the other lesson to be learned is that there will always be something that comes along in life and it looks good, it's really tempting, and you want it very badly, but careful discernment is in order because ultimately it may not be in your best interest. That lesson even works in the life of faith, doesn't it?
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THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
November 22, 2017
7:30 PM
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BIBLE SUNDAY: NEXT WEEK
NOVEMBER 19, 2017
3rd Graders will be receiving their Bibles on Bible Sunday during the 10:30 Worship Service.
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Sunday nights
7:00-8:30 PM
Hmmm. What are we doing at Youth Gr
oup?
This Sunday, November 12
Special Presentation
Open to Everyone
"The Shack"
You've read the book, now see the movie!!!!
Show time is 6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall!
David is bringing the Popcorn!
Novmeber 19
Bizarre Food Night
Do you have a food you believe is "bizarre"?
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.
Please mark your calendars for November 15
13th Annual Special Needs Bingo and Dance Night
Wednesday, November 15 from 7:30-9PM
The Pug Wugs are our guests of honor.
Please sign up on the bulletin board outside youth room to participate and bring "goodies" or prizes
as we all love to eat and win!
We need your help!!!
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Morrisville Food Bank Monday
November 13- 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?
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It's time to sign up for the
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT
Any child age 5 years - 6
th
grade is invited to participate in the Christmas Eve Pageant at the 5:30 service.
Sign up at the Children's Ministry table in the Education Wing.
This Sunday (11/12) is the last day to sign-up.
There are speaking and non-speaking options.
Parents who are available to help out may sign up as well.
Rehearsal Schedule:
| November 19 |
(Sunday) |
5-5:45 PM |
Speaking parts only
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| December 3 |
(Sunday) |
4:30-5:45 PM |
Speaking parts only
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| December 9 |
(Saturday) |
9-11 AM |
All Children
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| December 16 |
(Saturday) |
9-11 AM |
All Children
Dress Rehearsal
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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.
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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
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St. John's Music
Happening This Week:
Joyful Voices Choir - Grade K- 5 (6)
The Joyful Voices Choir sings this Sunday, November 12, at the 10:30 Worship Service. Children will wear robes. Regular rehearsal will be held after Worship. The children are working hard to receive their attendance pins. Several will be awarded this Sunday. Our new CHOIR SHIRTS have ARRIVED and will be worn VERY SOON.
Youth Choir - Grade 6 - 12
The YOUTH CHOIR sings again on 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 12, is at 5 PM.
This will allow everyone to attend the Church wide event at 6:30. The YOUTH CHOIR is open to anyone in grade 6 - 12. Come Join Us.
Grace Notes Hand Bell Rehearsal - Tuesday 5:45
Hand bell ringers are still needed in the Grace Notes Hand Bell Choir. 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 14.
Adult Bell Choir Rehearsal - Thursday 6:45 PM
There are currently no openings in the Adult Bell Choir
NO REHEARSAL ON NOVEMBER 9
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.
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!
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BAKERS NEEDED
The United Methodist Women are having an Election Day Bake Sale to raise money for the many missions we sponsor throughout the year. Bake goods are needed to keep our table going for the entire day. If you like to bake and are willing to help, please place your baked goods in the kitchen prior to
Tuesday, November 7th, or you may place your items in the frig or freezer marked UMW Bake Sale. If the stove is not your best friend or you are short on time, you still can help by manning the bake sale table for two hours on Election Day. There is a sign up sheet on the UMW bulletin board. The United Methodist Women appreciate the congregation's support and we would not be able to continue the work that we do without you. Thank you. For more information, please contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404.
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UMW HEIFER PROJECT SUNDAYS
November 12th
Narthex after all
3 services
The International Living Animal Gift Market is now open. All manner of wonderful creatures can be purchased in the narthex this Sunday, November 12th. These gifts of animals provide an entire new way of life for the people who receive them. They provide food, income, health care & educational opportunities for poor families worldwide. Since 2001, St. John's through UMW has donated over $66,000 to Heifer. Thank you for your support!
If more information is needed, please call Rosemarie Malizia at 215 598 8567.
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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
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AN INVITATION TO BECOME A MEMBER
I
f
you feel you have found a church home at St. John's, we invite you to become a member!
"New Member Sunday" will be this
Sunday, November 12, 2017.
Those wishing to become members of St. John's
will be invited to take the vows of membership at the 10:30 a.m. service.
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TURKEY DRIVE FOR EASTWICK FOOD BANK 
It is that time of year to start planning for St. John's Thanksgiving Turkey drive for the benefit of the Eastwick Food Bank. We are praying that you again will be able to help!
- 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.
Thank you for your support and generosity.
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Join the Conversation and
Bring a Friend!
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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
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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
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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
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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].
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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.
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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.
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