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Hello St. John’s Family,

As many of us are excited to celebrate an upcoming Eagles victory this Sunday, we can’t help but notice the pictures and updates coming in from Turkey and Syria: 3000… 5000… 12,000… and now this morning over 17,000 people have perished in a devastating earthquake. Entire cities and towns have been reduced to rubble, with frantic family members and first responders facing both utter destruction and frigid temperatures as they attempt to render aid. The pictures remind me of September 11, 2001, only the loss of human lives is over 5 times that and climbing. Occurring in a region where many refugees have relocated due to the horrific Syrian genocide of the past decade, it feels as if the most vulnerable have faced yet another crushing blow.

All of which breaks my heart. Yet, if I’m honest, there is a part of me that simply wants to shut that out; to turn off the anguish and pain and focus on my happy thoughts. The Eagles are in the Super Bowl for the second time in 5 years – when does THAT happen? Can’t I pause, forget the never-ending messes of the world, and enjoy a great game?

I’ve wrestled with that question a good bit this week. It’s a heavy question; one that doesn’t have a quick or easy answer. Yet we do have an example to look to as we wrestle: Jesus. Looking at the life of Jesus, we see someone who paused to celebrate joyous occasions like wedding feasts; who wasn’t afraid to nap during fierce storms, and who sometimes withdrew quietly as crowds of sick and struggling persons came from all directions seeking healing. Jesus understood our need for Sabbath and rest; He experienced our human need for fellowship, laughter, and joy.

Jesus was also clear that his primary mission – and the mission of God’s people – is to seek and save the least and the lost. We are to love our neighbor in a sacrificial way (think of a certain Samaritan). God’s people are called to extend the love and hope of Christ into the dark and hurting situations of our broken world. We never want to forget that.

So where does that leave us? I think this offers us a good reminder of how this is a both/and situation. Special, joyous occasions are not bad things. We can thank God for those joyous moments we are able to celebrate with dear family and friends, without beating ourselves up or feeling overwhelming guilt. The Eagles are in the Super Bowl – we can celebrate that. And as we celebrate, we always keep our eyes focused on our primary purpose: living out Christ’s call to be Open Arms and Serving Hands, such that lives are transformed by Christ. Experiencing joy and celebration in our lives doesn’t mean we stop recognizing the struggle and suffering of others; it doesn’t mean we neglect lifting others up in prayer or contributing assistance as we have opportunities to do so. I hope you’ll hold all those suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake in prayer; as further information and opportunities from the United Methodist Committee on Relief come in, we will pass them on.

This Sunday in worship we’ll explore Matthew 5:21-26, where Jesus seems to equate anger and insults with murder (keep that in mind before you engage in too much smack talk with any Chiefs fans you know!). As we reflect on this brilliant teaching, we’ll be reminded of the power that little things can hold over us, and how Jesus shows us a much better way. I look forward to seeing you in worship Sunday morning.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brad

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An Update from Our Friends at Bright Future Academy

St. John’s Ivyland has made a commitment to walk and serve alongside our connectional sisters and brothers-in-Christ at Bright Future Academy/ El Mesias United Methodist Church in the Kensington neighborhood in north Philadelphia. Thanks be to God, the saints of St. John’s have been faithful to God and faithful to our word!

We recently received some photographs from our partners showing some of the precious youngsters at Bright Future enjoying their new Trex bench, made possible by your collection of recyclable bags. While indoors now, the bench will make its way to the playground when that is completed! Please look at these pictures with joy, knowing with God, all things are possible!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our partners and the essential ministries of our missions teams. Please know how much your faithfulness and generosity help and be encouraged that together with Bright Future and El Mesias we are making a difference in the lives of families in Jesus’ name. 

With humility & joy,

Pastor Brad, Pastor Ruth & JT

Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures:

Scripture: Psalm 112:1, 4-10

This service can be viewed LIVE through

St. John's YouTube Channel

or on our homepage:

www.stjohnsivyland.com

Past worship service videos can also be found:

https://www.stjohnsivyland.com/videoarchive

Auto-generated closed captions are usually provided by YouTube about a week after the service has posted for the hearing impaired.

MOBILE GIVING

• Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
• 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

UWF - Souper Bowl Sundays

WE'VE BEEN CHALLENGED!

January 22nd - February 12th

The United Methodist of Missouri and Kansas (Chief fans) challenged our Bishop and the congregations in Eastern PA / Greater New Jersey in conjunction with Sunday's Super Bowl. They think their football team is better and that they can collect more food for area food banks than we can. 😂

Let's take up the challenge to prove which football team is the best — while helping those in need!

The football game will be settled on the field. But we can demonstrate our commitment to help feed those who need food. Time is short. We only have until Sunday to collect as much food as we can for our UWF's Souper Bowl Sundays Food Collection.

Each congregation will determine how many pounds they collected and where they will donate the food. Scour your pantries, invite your neighbors to join in, and work with your local supermarket to collect as much food as possible. Some churches may already be participating in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring. You are welcome to add this to your congregation’s count.

Please spread the word... let’s work together to provide food for our neighbors.

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.

St. John’s United Methodist Church

820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA

In Fellowship Hall

February 17th

2:00-7:00 PM

Contact information: Joanne Lescas

Email: Jlescas19@gmail.com

Phone: 265-689-5782

Please consider donating blood.  

Go to redcrossblood.org -> go to donate blood ->Find a drive -> advanced search -> choose my dates -> February 17, 2023 ->

See times -> make appointment 

OR

Click the button below

RedCrossBlood.org | 1-800-RED CROSS | 1-800-733-2767 | Download the Blood Donor App

© 2022 The American Red Cross | 369202-4

This part-time, 20 to 25 hours/week staff position requires all background clearances and Safe Sanctuary Training be completed prior to employment. A heart for Jesus, a love of children, and effective communication and delegation skills are essential. A bachelor's degree or background in education and/or ministry is strongly desired.



Please send application or resume to Staff-Parish Relations Committee, St. John's United Methodist Church, 820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland PA 18974 or email to office.stjumc@gmail.com

Bright Future Academy

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.

Music Ministry

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.

Singers & Ringers Needed

Children and Youth Choir

Pre-K - Grade 6

Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

We often think about respect in terms of relationships we have with others—respect for parents, teachers, and people in authority. Those are important, but equally important are the relationships we have with people, like siblings, friends, and even people we may not get along with. This idea of valuing others and having mutual respect is seen all throughout Scripture, and is a necessary way to communicate with others and demonstrate God’s love with them.

This month we will talk about how God values us, and wants a forever relationship with us. God sent Jesus to make that possible, and we follow God’s example when we show others that they have value too.

Youth Sunday School

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: 



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



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. 

Heads Up!

MEN'S BREAKFAST

February 18th 9AM - Fellowship Hall

Those that want to come, please cook at 8AM.

Business Meeting Subjects

• Cleaning out attic
• Chicken BBQ
• TV ministry/operating equipment Etc.

Come on out! Great fellowship.

RSPV is helpful for the EGG count. See you there!

-Jack Donovan, Church Member 

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. 

GriefShare 13-week Session  

Wednesdays from 6:30 pm -8:30 pm

March 1, 2023 – May 24, 2023

GriefShare is a support group that meets weekly.

You will find it to be a warm, caring environment;

 and you will come to see your group as an

“oasis” on your journey through grief.

You may register online at griefshare.org. 

There is a $20 fee for materials.

 For further information

 contact Carol Campbell

 eccampbell@aol.com  215-431-7452 or go to griefshare.org.

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.

St. John's Book Club

We will meet on Wednesday. March 1, at 10:00 AM in the Grace Cafe.

Everyone is welcome. No sign up necessary.

Leaders are Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell

The Book of Longings

By

Sue Monk Kidd

An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny.

Thank you.

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

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.

Communication Director/Church Announcement

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

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

Thank you to everyone who has followed us on Instagram! If you haven't yet, please do so! 

@stjohnsivyland



www.instagram.com/stjohnsivyland