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Hello St. John’s Family,
Over the past two weeks, I have been following the reports of a revival taking place. Yes, you read that correctly, a revival. Exactly what that means – or even what to call this event (some say revival, some say outpouring, some say awakening, and some, well, are much more skeptical) – is still being discerned. However the event is ultimately named, God is clearly at work. So, what’s going on?
On February 8, a typical chapel service at Asbury University (a Christian college and seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky) was concluding. Yet on this day, about 20 students remained to pray together and continue in worship. What followed, according to those students, was an unexplainable sense of God’s presence and peace that came over the space. Soon, others were returning. Students and faculty alike gathered in simple, spontaneous worship, prayer, testimony, confession, and preaching. God’s abiding peace was palpable. Word quickly spread that something powerful was happening. Community members, and eventually, thousands of visitors from near and far have journeyed to Wilmore to see what’s taking place (and have taken it beyond Asbury to other college campuses). Through it all, this has remained an organic, student-led, humble opportunity to pray, worship, and experience God’s presence.
The response to what’s happening at Asbury has been fascinating (at least for me!). Some have viewed these reports with significant skepticism. Revival… outpouring of the Holy Spirit… that sounds hyped-up, fueled by emotionalism that is suspect at best and downright manipulative at worst. Others have tried to co-opt this movement of God’s Spirit for personal agendas. Asbury administrators, though, have worked to prevent that. While broad admittance (within safety constraints) has generally been allowed, flags and signs have not. And at least one major news correspondent has been turned away in an effort to prevent any association with politics or business. This is the work of God, with students facilitating those gathered in worship. A simple and beautiful reminder of God’s peace that is readily available to us – God’s beloved children.
As I have casually followed the updates, I’ve been greatly encouraged. Young people are reminding us of the power of authentic worship; how God will show up when God’s people gather. The format isn’t important (the Asbury revival has been described as “no-production… not even projected lyrics”); what matters is the sincere desire of those gathered to open their hearts to God. The students aren’t concerned about external commentary or ridicule. They only want to honor God and experience God’s peace. I sense that is a great lesson for all of us, especially as Lent begins. Lent is a season when we collectively pause, reflect, and examine our lives and relationship with God such that we may more closely follow Christ. Watching the Asbury revival offers a powerful picture of the honest, vulnerable, self-reflection and worship that brings glory to God.
This Sunday, as our St. John’s Family gathers in worship, we’ll begin a sermon series on Matthew 23. This chapter of scripture is centered on one of the most charged words of our day: Hypocrite. We’ll begin to explore how Jesus defines this word, who Jesus applied it to, and how that translates today. Ultimately, I think we’ll get a good picture of what God truly desires of us - God’s people. I hope you’ll check out Matthew 23:1-12, 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 Matthew 23:1-12 | | |
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Come Worship with us this
1st Sunday of Lent,
February 26, 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
thank
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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LENT AT ST. JOHN'S IVYLAND | |
Thanks for observing Ash Wednesday with us! | |
THIS WEEK FROM ST. JOHN'S IVYLAND | |
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
| 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.
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United Women in Faith Sock It To Me Sunday | |
Women of St. John’s - “Mark Your Calendars”
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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Great Men’s Breakfast and Meeting
Outstanding opening prayer with Pastor Jim MacMain. Ray Swenson invited the Men to an outing to his LuLu Shriners Rod and Gun Club on April 1 thru April 3. Cost is $165.00 Good Time. Chicken BBQ set for September 16th. Take Out Only. Same as Last Year!
Men will start to clean out the church attic. It will be done in Small Groups. We have a couple of volunteers to run camera’s for the TV ministry. Will contact Mr Prim. Stew Horton, up dated the change of the Red Bird commitment. Closing prayer with Pastor Brad. The spirt of fellowship abounds!
March 18th is the Next Breakfast. Speaker is our District Superintendent. Might have the chance to ask the question what is the direction The United Methodist is headed in these turbulent times.
More information to Follow.
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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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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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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
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 | | |
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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