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Hello St. John’s Family,
I sense one of the greatest challenges of our fast-paced, always on the move lives is pausing to spend quiet time together as a family. If your household is anything like mine, every day seems to be scheduled to the max. Morning conversations often focus on the activities and events of the day, trying somehow to find a common, overlapping time where we can share part of our evening meal together. Sometimes that happens; often, though, it doesn’t. And that’s with only 3 of us in the house right now! Time spent together, being present to each other without any agenda, is hard to come by today.
Late last weekend we received word that my uncle passed away. As arrangements were being finalized, I received a request from my aunt to speak at the upcoming funeral service. Few things force us to pause and reflect more quickly than the death of someone we love, and I soon found myself reflecting on my memories of time together with my uncle. I quickly recalled seeing him at church as I was growing up; a church that was located directly across the street from my grandmother’s house. Which meant that, on most Sundays for the first 8 years of my life, Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house was an extension of the church service.
I don’t remember much about those dinners, other than frequently being told to sit down, sit still, and behave. I do recall wondering why tapioca pudding was always the dessert… as well as why the adults thought it was so good to just sit around and talk when there were many more fun and exciting things to do. Now that I’m one of the “old” adults, I understand better. The opportunity to share the joys and burdens of the week while catching up on important and not-so-important details of life was a blessing. For a few hours, the outside world slowed as the focus was simply to be present to each other.
These days, those types of opportunities are few and far between. Physical distance between family members, coupled with the many activities and demands of life make consistent connection difficult. Yet, when we do pause and invest time into being present to each other, it is often an uplifting experience. In a culture and time where it’s often so difficult to connect with extended family members, I believe there is an opportunity for the church to help fill that role. And I’ve seen powerful examples of that here at St. John’s: examples of you coming around each other to provide presence and love when it’s needed most. Thank you for your commitment to living your faith by paying attention to and being present for each other – you truly cultivate the atmosphere of “family!” My hope and prayer is that we can continue to cultivate this blessing of engaged presence, and extend it to those beyond our walls.
This Sunday in worship, we’ll hear a very familiar passage from Matthew 5, often called the Beatitudes. Many find the “Blessed are…” statements in the Beatitudes beautiful and uplifting. Yet I’ve heard many others struggle with this passage, as it seems to suggest we must embrace a long list of difficult – even undesirable – traits (like being persecuted) in order to experience blessing. I think Jesus’ aim, though, was much different. I hope you’ll read Matthew 4:23-5:12 and then join us in worship this Sunday as we explore how Jesus reframes the concept of blessing... which is good news for people who need good news!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS | |
Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: | | |
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Come Worship with us this Sunday,
January 29, 2023
Contemporary Praise Service
at 9:00 AM
Traditional Service
at 10:30 AM
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Women of St. John’s - “Mark Your Calendars” | |
The St. John’s UWF Mission Team met on Sunday, January 22nd, & firmed up the following dates for upcoming programs & mission projects: | |
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Soup-er-Bowl Sundays:
January 22nd - February 12th
Collection barrel is under the bulletin boards. Donations of non-perishable food (i.e. soup, veggies, fruits) will be taken to the Jesus Focus Ministry Food Pantry.
Sock It To Me Sundays:
March 5th - April 2nd
Collection barrel will be under the bulletin boards. Donations of new clothes items will go to the United Methodist Neighborhood Services.
UWF Communion Breakfast:
Saturday, March 25th, 10:00am - Fellowship Hall
Program: Women will prepare a Seder sampling and explain the Passover ritual feast commemorating the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.
UWF Spring Banquet:
Wednesday, May 3rd, 6:30pm - Fellowship Hall
All women are invited to enjoy a dinner provided by the UWF circles with the program following.
A freewill offering will be taken.
Program: “Elizabeth II” presented by Alisa Dupuy
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All women are invited to participate in these programs. If you are interested in joining a St. John’s UWF circle, being placed on the general membership or just want more information about United Women in Faith, please contact Linda Barr @ 215-773-9865. | |
Outstanding Men's Breakfast in January | |
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Started with a great crew in the kitchen cooking breakfast.
Business Meeting:
- Mr. Richard Prim gave a great presentation on the history and the new camera’s that support the internet/filming of St John’s message to the christian community.
- Pastor Brad, described the importance of this mission to invite new members to our community of christians.
- Mr. Prim also made an appeal for volunteers to run this equipment on Sunday. No takers at the moment, but if we could put together 3 or 4 teams of two it would distribute responsibility to one service a month.
- Stew Horton and Rick Poll gave a report on the current Red Bird Trailer Mission. Like all that we do this Mission needs commitment.
The Next Breakfast, February 18th, 9AM
Fellowship Hall
Paul Henry will be Announcing The Speakers Program.
Come and enjoy the fellowship and the Holy Spirit within The United Methodist Men.
Stay Well!
- Jack Donovan, Church Member
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FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNITY OUTREACH | |
Safe Sanctuary Volunteers | |
American Red Cross - Blood Drive | |
Eastwick Mission Food Bank | |
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Recycling Event
to benefit Bright Futures Academy
(and our Planet Earth)
Through a program with the Trex Corporation, we are collecting clean and dry soft plastic bags (examples in flyer). Bags should be brought to St. John's and placed in the large white container in the Narthex. Upon collecting 500 lbs of material, Trex will provide us with a brand-new bench (can receive 1 bench every six months). Our first bench will be sent to the Bright Futures Academy for their new playground. This project is organized by two of our Youth Stars, Nicole & Melissa McDevitt. Click below for acceptable plastics to be recycled.
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The Grace Cafe is Open!
Stop by between services for a freshly brewed cup of Warrior Coffee, a sweet treat, and fellowship with your St. John's family.
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Pre-K - Grade 6
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
God is the author of knowledge. Everything we know to be true about the world is because of God. And while we may never know all there is to know ABOUT God, there are lots of ways we can get to KNOW God. This month the kids will learn why knowledge is so important.
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Hi Christian Church Neighbor,
Any interest in joining an inter-church Ping Pong league?
I'm a member of Advent Lutheran church in Richboro. Last year we started playing Ping Pong regularly at our church. The activity was a success, so we thought we would take the next step and extend an invitation to play other churches in our area.
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League play will begin in February (when its cold and miserable and nothing else to do) and end in Spring. Each team has 4 to 8 players. A match between churches consists of 4 single games and 2 doubles games.
An activity like this is good for all our churches. It opens up communication between congregations so that we can better serve our communities as Christ wants us to do.
Please call if there is interest in starting a Ping Pong league.
Ray Heiss
215-530-1647
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St. John’s Ivyland offers a wide variety of Musical opportunities. Children and adults are invited to participate in musical groups of varying styles and skill levels, or provide support to help and serve the Music Ministry.
For more information about our Music Ministries, or to get involved, visit our website or send an email to Roy Nelson.
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BELL CHOIR MEMBERS NEEDED
We are in need of at least TWO members/ringers for our Celebration Ringers Bell Choir. The choir rehearses once or twice a month, and performs several times a year. They do NOT rehearse every week. At present, we have suspended rehearsals until positions can be filled. If you are interested, or know someone who would be interested in participating, please contact me. Reading music is a plus, but beginners are welcome.
Roy Nelson - 215-962-8928
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Join our
Volunteer Tech Team
and see just how "Techie" you can be!
All ages welcome - youth, young adults, elder statesmen and stateswomen.
Amaze your family with your AV skills!
Skills taught weekly.
Contact church office
at 215-357-6998
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BIBLE STUDIES & DEVOTIONALS | |
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St. John's Book Club
"West With Giraffes"
By: Lynda Rutledge
We will meet Wed., Feb. 1 at 10:00 AM in the Grace Cafe.
An emotional rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.
Leaders are Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell.
Please join us.
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Disciple III Fast Track
The Letters of Paul Disciple III Fast Track Bible Study begun on 18 January and continue for 12 weeks.
Our sessions are on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM. This is a comprehensive study with daily scripture readings.
This is a wonderful opportunity to study God's Word, strengthen your faith, and form lasting friendships with fellow Disciples.
Ken Lee, facilitator
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Disciple III FastTrack study guides on The Prophets and Letters of Paul can be purchased online from The Well Bookstore, UM Church of the Resurrection | | |
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Tuesday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 11:00 AM
January 31, 2023
Join us for our Zoom Class which will study Rediscovering Jonah: - We will use the book about Jonah written by Tim Keller to explore the message of Jonah and his reluctance to respond to God’s Request. Note it is not necessary to purchase the book to participate as we will be using the Book of Jonah as a primary resource.
Discussion Topic: Running from God
Discussion Sources: Jonah
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All "Ongoing Prayer Concerns"
will be listed for two weeks.
Please submit a new prayer request
if you desire to renew the listing for 2 additional weeks.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
10 AM in the Parlor.
Come join us in knitting/crocheting various items for those in need.
Contact Carol Rice for more information.
Requests for prayer shawls or lap robes to comfort those experiencing serious illness, bereavement, or other major life issues may be made through the prayer request form on the church website, or by contacting the church office
at 215-357-6998 or office.stjumc@gmail.com.
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MOBILE GIVING
- Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
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Click on the 'Give' button in red, Donate Any Amount and register.
Once you've registered, you can either make donations by debit or credit. Lenten Offerings may also be received through our website.
TEXT GIVING
Simply text the amount you wish to give to 877-960-2396.
You will immediately receive a one-time registration link, then just follow the prompts to complete your donation!
You may also send your tithes and offerings to the church office:
820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA 18974
If you have any questions about mobile or text giving,
email Lou Lescas at stjohns820@gmail.com
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ST.JOHN'S LINKS & INFORMATION | | |
If your contact information changes:
address, phone, email, etc.
please notify the church office at
215-357-6998 or stjumc@aol.com
and we'll be sure to update your information in our files.
Thank you!
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WHAT'S HAPPENING!
The latest Devotionals, News and Worship Videos can be be accessed below, as well as, under the
"What's Happening"tab on our website.
www.stjohnsivyland.com
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Communication Director/Church Announcement | |
CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266 | | |
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St. John's Ivyland UMC
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
215-357-6998/office.stjumc@gmail.com
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Sr. Pastor
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