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Hello St. John’s Family,
I want to begin with a big “Thank You” for your response to the United Women in Faith’s Souper Bowl Sundays Food Drive. Your generous giving provided over 700 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Jesus Focus Ministries Food Pantry at Bethanna, and contributed to the 74,044 pounds of food collected by United Methodist congregations in Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey. From the moment I arrived, one of the attributes of our St. John’s Family that continually encourages me is your heart for missions, and this effort is a beautiful example of that. So many people will be helped because you embrace Christ’s call to tangibly extend God’s love and care to those who need it most. Thank you for your commitment to Christ by living out his call to generous giving and extending compassion and hope to all people… or as we like to say, being Open Arms and Serving Hands, Transforming Lives Through Christ!
Which brings me to the Super Bowl... a great game that didn’t conclude the way that many of us wanted. It was difficult for us as we watched, and we know it was even more difficult for the players who gave so much of themselves and came so close to victory. Yet, despite the sting of that setback, I don’t think losing the Super Bowl is what many are remembering about the Eagles. I’ve been very impressed and encouraged by the integrity and humility of the responses of many of the Eagles players, and I believe the integrity of their response to adversity is what will ultimately define this team.
Lets’ face it, the ending was tough – even controversial. Yet there was no blaming, no excuses, no deflection of what occurred. From James Bradberry, to Jalen Hurts, to Jason Kelce, to the coaching staff, the response was the same. We played a good, hard game; we had our chances, but came up a little short. We made mistakes; we’ve got to regroup, learn from this, and continue to work hard and press on toward our ultimate goal. I cannot recall many times when that level of honest and humble integrity in response to adversity has been consistently demonstrated by a group. Imagine if our politicians; our business executives... dare I say the Church across our nation and world committed to that level of honest, humble integrity. Our society and world would be a much better place, and would align much more closely with the kingdom of heaven that Christ proclaimed. For me, the Eagles response is a powerful example of personal and collective integrity; one that I will carry with me moving forward.
This Sunday, we’ll gather in worship, praising and thanking God for God’s goodness… regardless of the Super Bowl outcome or any other setbacks in our lives. We’ll be blessed to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism at our 10:30 service, and we’ll reflect on Christ’s transfiguration: a brief vision of Jesus’ divine glory. Yet this “mountaintop experience” doesn’t play out as we might expect; we’ll reflect on what that meant for Peter, James, and John, as well as what that means for us today. I hope you’ll read Matthew 17:1-9, and then join me in worship on Sunday-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: | |
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:16-21 | | |
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Come Worship with us this Transfiguration Sunday,
February 19, 2023
Contemporary Praise Service
at 9:00 AM
Traditional Service
at 10:30 AM
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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.
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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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The Grace Cafe is Open!
Stop by between Services for a fresh cup of coffee, tea, a sweet treat and fellowship with your St. John’s family!
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THIS WEEK FROM ST. JOHN'S IVYLAND | |
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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
Save a life. Give 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
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RedCrossBlood.org | 1-800-RED CROSS | 1-800-733-2767 | Download the Blood Donor App
© 2022 The American Red Cross | 369202-4
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Ash Wednesday at St. John's | |
Be a part of a vibrant, growing ministry at St. John's UMC Ivyland as Director of Children's Ministries. Introduce and guide children from toddlers through 6th graders to the love of God through relationship with Jesus Christ. Provide programming leadership and direction to Sunday School teachers, coordinate the annual one-week Vacation Bible School, and work with families and their children to establish solid foundations to Christian life. | |
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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
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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
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UPCOMING MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES | |
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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WAYS TO SERVE AT ST. JOHN'S IVYLAND | |
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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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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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MINISTRY & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES | |
Children, Youth & Family Ministries | |
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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.
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GriefShare 13-week Session | |
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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.
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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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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.
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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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Tuesday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 11:00 AM
We will resume on February 28th
Topic: "The Journeys, Travels and Writings of the Apostle Paul"
Discussion Sources: Acts & selected Epistles of Paul
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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.
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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 | |
CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION | |
Communication Director/Church Announcement | | |
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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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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