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
Pastor's Reflection
Calendar
2018 Confirmation Class
Prayer List
Sunday School
Mobile Text Giving
Graduate Recognition
Daily Devotionals
Youth Group
Vacation Bible School
Book Club
Drive Thru Prayer
Invitation to Membership
Table Talk
Chicken BBQ
Flea Market
Sheets for Red Bird
Red Bird Trailers Open
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, 
May 13, 2018
Mother's Day!
 
Pastor Janice's sermon  
"Forgive Us Our Trespasses as We Forgive Others"

 Matthew 18:21-35

215-357-6998
 
HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:30-3:00 p.m.
 
Kid's Bites 
A Philabundance Program
Please use the white envelopes in Sunday's bulletin.

Did you know that 12,000 children are born into poverty in the Delaware Valley each year?  Your special Mother's Day offering will help provide kid-friendly food that includes fresh produce, dairy, baked goods and meats for impoverished families, as well as to provide a summer Kids Bites Lunch Box program.  Philabundance serves 90,000 clients each week, one-third of which are children.
  
THIS WEEK'S 
CALENDAR
 
Thursday, May 10
7:30pm
  Al-Anon

Sunday, May 13
9:15am
  Children's Sunday School

10:30am
  Adult Sunday School

10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School

Monday, May 14
6:45pm
  Proverbs Bible Study

Tuesday, May 15
  Primary Election Day

10:00am
  VBS Decorating

5:45pm
  GENesis Bells

6:30pm
  Fellowship Team Meeting

6:30pm
  VBS Decorating

7:00pm
  Praise Band Rehearsal

7:00pm
  Table Talk

7:30pm
  AA

Wednesday, May 16
4:30pm
  Drive Thru Prayer

7:00pm
  Bible Study

7:00pm
  Coffee with the Pastors

Thursday, May 17
6:30pm
  Image Update Meeting

6:45pm
  Adult Bell Choir

7:30pm
  Al-Anon

8:00pm
  Adult Choir

Saturday, May 19
  CHICKEN BARBECUE
11:00am
  Chicken BBQ
 
 
Congratulations to our
2018 Confirmation Class!
 

 

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.

 
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. 

For more information about our Children or Youth Ministries, please contact Director,
David Bigam, dbigam@gmail.com 

GIVING
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 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.  
 
 
OR try our new

TEXT GIVING  
In addition to our current opportunities for giving online, we now have the option of giving by text message. All you have to do is text the amount you wish to give to 215-398-1617.
You will immediately receive a one-time registration link, then just follow the prompts to complete your donation!

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 confidenti
al.

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

GRADUATE 
 RECOGNITION 
Help us give proper recognition to our students at the 10:30 a.m. service on June 10, 2018.  Please list on the back of the top page of the Ritual of Friendship the name and school of anyone you know from St. John's who is graduating high school or college this June.  You may also call the church office at 215-357-6998.
 
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 Carol Rice for more information or if you  w ould like to request a  Prayer Shawl.
215-357-1203, harbrechtrice@gmail.com

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.

The Grace Cafe is open 
after worship for fellowship and refreshments. 

Warrior Coffee is served exclusively in the Grace Cafe. 
 Order Forms available. 
Thank you for helping to fight for what's right one cup at a time! 
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) 

May 10, 2018
      
     
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
Below you will find Bishop Peggy Johnson's response dated 5/5/2018 to the recommendation of the Council of Bishops in regard to the work of the "Way Forward" Commission. The Commission was charged with the task of preparing for the special session of General Conference to be held in February 2019. The goal of this special conference is to vote on a "way forward" for the United Methodist Church on the issue of human sexuality. Please keep this process in your thoughts and prayers. There is an explanation of the plan the bishop's are recommending ( "One Church Plan") as well as the other two options at the conclusion of her statement.
Pastor Janice
 
umc logo Statement from Bishop Peggy Johnson - Philadelphia Area
 
In 2016, the General Conference asked the bishops of the United Methodist Church to lead a process that would find a way forward for the church concerning the matter of human sexuality and, in particular, the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people in the church. At the Council of Bishops meeting last week we have decided on what we will present to the delegates for their work at the special-called session of General Conference in February 23-26, 2019.
 
The proposed way forward for our church keeps the mission of Jesus Christ, the unity of the church, and the affirmation of context based ministry as the key foundational points for the future of the church. The Council of Bishops is recommending a "One Church Plan" * that honors these diverse contextual and theological approaches in a proposal that offers space and grace for ministry to unfold.
It also allows for the Central Conferences, especially those in Africa to retain traditional language and values.
 
The Council of Bishops will include the other two plans ("Traditional Plan"** and "Connectional Plan"***) in their statement to the delegates and also explain the process that was involved in reaching this conclusion. These will be transparent narratives of the two other options that were are a part of our discernment and consideration. The final details of this will be available after July 8th when all of the translations of the documents are complete. The Council of Bishops agree to not discuss details or legislative proposals of the plans until they are available to everyone.
 
I want to assure you that there has been considerable prayer, theological reflection and deep conversation this week. We are of many hearts in this denomination and also among the bishop colleagues there is diversity of thoughts.
 
What do we do now in the meantime?
 
-We remain prayerful for the unity of the church. The bishops are calling for everyone to consider pausing to pray each day from 2:23 and 2:26 (both a.m. and p.m as is possible). Those times are the exact dates of our special called session of General Conference (February 23-26). Also we ask that you consider entering into a Wesley Fast (sundown on Thursday until noon on Friday) each week in preparation for General Conference. Other prayer suggestions and gatherings across the connection will be organized as well.
 
-We as United Methodists need to enter into an attitude of "convicted humility." According to the COB "This is an attitude which combines honesty about the differing convictions which divide us with humility about the way in which each of our views may stand in need of corrections. It also involves humble repentance for all the ways in which we have spoken and acted as those seeking to win a fight rather than those called to discern the shape of faithfulness together. In that spirit, we wish to lift up the sacred core commitments which define the Wesleyan movement and ground our search for wisdom and holiness."
 
Most importantly we keep doing the mission of the church. The overwhelming work that we all support is making disciples for the transformation of the world. We do this by church development and redevelopment, encouraging new leaders, engaging in ministry with the poor and improving global health. United Methodists are people of grace, peace and hope. May it be so!
________________________
 
 *One Church Plan (Formerly "Centrist Plan") - removes the restrictive language in the Discipline around same gender marriage and the practice of and ordination of lesbian and gay people. It will allow each conference and church to operate from their context. No one would be forced to go against their conscience around these issues. There would be no changes in the constitution.
 
**Traditional Plan - keeps the Discipline as it is with the restrictive language around same gender marriage and the practice of and ordination of lesbian and gay people. Stronger accountabilities would be a part of this plan.
 
***Connectional Plan (Formerly "Multi-branch" Plan) - allows jurisdictions to vote to become in one of three groups: traditional, contextual, and justice.   The central conferences could also become a group if desired. All groups would share some of the common denominational services and some agencies. The individual groups would organize their own programming. Conferences may affiliate with another group if the one that their jurisdiction is a part of is not where they wish to join. There would be seven constitutional changes needed to empower this plan to be enacted.
 
Bishop Peggy A. Johnson
 
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY

  
Sunday nights
7:00-8:30 PM
Hmmm.  What are we doing at Youth Gr oup?
     
No Youth Group This Week  
Mother's Day 
__________________________________________________ 

Morrisville Food Bank Monday
Monday, May 14th  
Please contact David Bigam.
Do Not Miss This Opportunity! 
Come and experience great Fellowship
on the 2nd Monday of every month! 
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!!!!

Morrisville Food Bank Monday
 

And as always
Bring a Friend and Bring a Can!

Have you HELPED anyone today?
Have you SAID SOMETHING NICE to anyone today?

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 
JULY 23-27
9 am - NOON
For children 4 years thru 6th grade.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!!
Hurry seats fill fast!!!
Registration forms can be found on the table in the Education Wing or download and print the registration form here:
or from our Children's Ministry Page on our website ( www.stjohnsivyland.com ) and return to David Bigam at the church office. 
215-357-6998 or dbigam@gmail.com
______________________________________
HELP NEEDED! 
Decorating is on Tuesdays: 10am - Noon;
6:30-8:30 pm. 
No artistic skills necessary. 
For more information please contact David Bigam 215-357-6998 or dbigam@gmail.com

Snack Factory Helper
Prepare snacks for the crews each day. Need not be there every day. Indicate your availability below
Crew Leader
Volunteers 18 years of age or older. Guide groups of 5-7 children to stations. No preparation required.
Jr. Crew Leader
Volunteers 14 - 17 years old. Guide groups of 5-7 children to stations. No preparation required.
Song Leaders
Lead the songs before and during VBS each day.
Registration Administrator
Put registration information into a spreadsheet, mail out information to families.
Registration Table
Help with registration and sign in on July 23 & 24 between 8:25 AM and 9:15 AM
Decorating Team
Make & put up decorations. No artistic ability needed. Come out & have fun.   Tuesdays: 10am - Noon, 6:30 - 8:30pm.
Clean Up Crew
Take down decorations on Friday night after the closing program. Put everything away, get classrooms back in order, vacuum, take out trash, etc.

A sign-up sheet for VBS Snack Donations is on the board outside the Grace Cafe or you can sign up Online.
Thanks for your support!
   
For questions, contact David Bigam 215-357-6998    dbigam@gmail.com

ADULT FELLOWSHIP

ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, June 13
10:00 AM and 7 PM - Parlor

The Letter
By: Kathryn Hughes

The story of two women born decades apart whose paths are destined to cross and how one woman's devastation leads to the other's salvation.
OUTREACH
ST. JOHN'S DRIVE-THRU PRAYER IS BACK!
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.
Invitation to Become a Member

If you feel you have found a church home at St John's, we invite you to become a member!

Our next 
"New Member Sunday" will be
Sunday, May 20, 2018.  Those wishing to become members of St. John's will be invited to take the vows of membership at any of our three worship services.

The only "requirement" for membership is that you feel a commitment to Christ and a desire to make St. John's your church family.  If you feel God calling you to take this next step on your faith journey, we welcome you with open arms!  Please check off "wish to join" on the sign-in tablet or contact the church office at 215-357-6998 or stjumc@aol.com.


Join the Conversation and 
Bring a Friend!
UMM/UMW

THE UNITED METHODIST MEN ANNOUNCE

A special annual event date is quickly approaching
 
34th CHICKEN BBQ
May 19, 2018
 
We are looking for volunteers in the following areas
PIT CREW
HOSTS FOR THE INSIDE DINING PATRONS
DINING ROOM SERVERS AND KITCHEN HELP
SET-UP AND RESTORATION HELP
 
Please volunteer to be a part of this annual tradition 
that provides a  special outreach to our community !!!
Sign-up sheets have been placed on the bulletin board, 
located in the hallway,  in front of the Grace CafĂ©
 
The UMM Greatly Appreciates your help !!!

St. John's ASP Team
Annual Spring Cleaning Flea Market
Saturday, May 19, 2018 
10:00 am

It's time to clean out those closets and make some money!
Come sell and shop. This opportunity is open to everyone!
First come- First serve.
Spaces are limited, rain or shine.
Spaces are just $10.00
$10 per Table if you need it!
So, get yours today!!!
Set up time for the event is 10am and not before.
Questions please contact David Bigam (dbigam@gmail.com)

UMW SPRING BANQUET

After enjoying delicious dishes prepared by our UMW members, we were treated to a visit by Queen Victoria who enlightened us on her long life. She shared a bedroom with her protective mother from her birth in 1837 until she became queen of the United Kingdom in 1901. She married her first cousin, Albert, in 1840 who died in 1861.

She gave birth to nine children and spoke about her relationships with each of them. Quite a few of their children went on to marry into other royal families. She had 42 grandchildren. She's often referred to as the "Grandmother of Europe". She died in 1901 at the age of 81. She is the great great grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II.

 
MISSIONS
SHEETS FOR RED BIRD
Naomi Circle will be collecting sheets during the month of June.  Red Bird has requested twin sheets for their Christmas boxes this year.  They mentioned sheets with a juvenile pattern on them would be great.  They are also asking for solid colors.  There will be containers placed throughout the church for our donations.  Thanking you in advance.  Any questions call Linda Barr, 215-773-9865, or Carol Campbell, 215-364-0942.
Red Bird Trailers Are Open!
Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Donations of clothing and household items accepted.  


Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry are always needed through-out the year.  Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex and fellowship hall lobby. 
Thank you for your support.  
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