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Hello St. John’s Family,
As Holy Week presses on closer to Christ’s Passion, people of faith are called to join Him: to enter, as much as we can, the tension, suffering, and death of Jesus so we can comprehend the glory and joy of resurrection more fully on Easter. What follows is an adaptation of a journal reflection I wrote years back and have shared with you previously, originally intended to help me center my heart and join Christ in His Passion. I pray this will help you do the same…
Here we are, once again, at the threshold of a sacred night. Tonight – Maundy Thursday – we remember and re-experience Christ’s final night with his disciples prior to his execution, and the intimate opportunity Christ offers us to draw near to our Lord. It’s a sacred night, centered around a sacred act, consecrated through a sacred meal, and culminated in a scandalous, yet sacred arrest. For those who have followed Jesus for some time, tonight likely has a familiar feel. We approach it anticipating the sacred, as we respond to Christ’s call to do as He has done, to partake, and to remember. Arriving again at this intimate moment feels familiar. Almost like home.
Almost. See, tonight is also a deeply troubling one. Unlike Christmas Eve, when the True Light of the world breaks into darkness in a most beautiful way, darkness appears to get the upper hand tonight. After rising from an intimate table and meal, tonight will conclude with helpless gasps and silent stares as we are shaken by the shock and horror of Christ’s arrest. Under the cover of darkness, the Lord of all creation is apprehended and led toward His death. Sorrow and fear are superimposed on our familiarity and desire. And right in the middle of it all, our Lord asks a question that resonates across the ages: do you understand what I have done for you? (John 13:12)
Like so many of Christ’s questions, the question of do you understand what I have done for you is a loaded one. Jesus’ disciples – the ones first asked this question – certainly didn’t understand. They didn’t have a clue as to the depth of love that was revealed in Christ’s act of washing their feet, or that would be revealed over the next three days. They didn’t grasp how their lives would be changed forever by what they experienced. Those disciples were in way over their heads, and that fact was about to become obvious. Their heads were spinning as they struggled to process a night and weekend that transformed human history.
Honest reflection will reveal how we are in a similar situation. As we approach this sacred night, Christ is asking us this same question that was asked the twelve: do you understand what I have done for you? This question troubles us. It’s a question that cannot be fully answered, yet it must be contemplated. Wrestled with. Fully engaged in our hearts and minds, so we can begin to grasp just how much Christ loves us.
I pray that each of you will wrestle with this question over the next three days… and that Christ Jesus will reveal His mercy, grace, and incomparable love in powerful and new ways!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: | |
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Scripture: John 20:1-17
Sermon Title: "My God and Your God"
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Come Worship with us
This Sunday is Easter!
April 09, 2023
Traditional Service
at 9:00 AM and 10:30 PM
"Both Easter services will celebrate Christ's resurrection with our Choirs, Bell Choirs, joyous hymns and meaningful reflection!"
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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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HOLY WEEK AT ST. JOHN'S IVYLAND | |
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
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UPCOMING MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES | |
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"Heads Up! April 15th/Saturday Men's Breakfast Fellowship Hall 9AM. For those that want to Cook, 8AM. No Speaker. Just some great conversation and fellowship. There are some business topic's.
Next, the retreat to Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, hosted by Ray Swenson was great. Lots of fish story's and tall stories. We also light up the sky by blasting away at Clay Pigeons with 12 Gauge shoot guns. Good time.
It is helpful to RSPV me to determine how much breakfast to buy.
Big question: Blue berry pancakes or egg's????? Look forward to seeing you all."
- Jack Donovan, Church Member
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Spring Pot-Luck Luncheon
The Fellowship Committee will once again hold a Pot-Luck Luncheon on:
Sunday April 30th
to celebrate our congregation's faith and fellowship with some good conversation, food, warm weather and fun.
There will be a member of the Fellowship Committee in the Narthex with a sign up sheet for the next 4 Sundays. Please note that a dish is not required for attendance. Please bring your family and friends.
There will be one service that Sunday followed by the Luncheon.
Our September Get Back in the Swing Brunch was attended by over 70 people and a good time was had by all. Let's break that record!
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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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VBS 2023
Stellar
Launch! into an out-of-this-world adventure that will leave an impression that will last a lifetime!
Vacation Bible School is an amazing week for our entire St. John’s family. It is an opportunity to develop old and new friendships and to grow in Christ together.
Registration Now! For children age 4 (as of September 1, 2023) through 5th grade.
July 17 – 21, 2023
9 a.m. – noon
We are limiting the number of participants this year.
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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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Pre-cleared Adults please sign up here | Contact JT Crockett to get certified | |
MINISTRY & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES | |
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
10 AM in the Parlor.
The 500th prayer shawl was given out on March 7, 2023! This ministry began in 2009.
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
April 11th, 2023
Topic: Continuation of
"The Journeys, Travels and Writings of the Apostle Paul"
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Book Club
We will meet on
Wednesday, May 3, at 10:00 AM
in the Grace Cafe.
All are welcome!
"Sisters of the Resistance"
by: Christine Wells
Two sisters join the French Revolution in Paris in this page turning novel.
Leaders are Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell
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Disciple III Fast Track
The Letters of Paul Disciple III Fast Track Bible Study is on-going and will continue through the spring. It's not too late to join because each session is a stand-alone reading and lesson from Paul's Letters.
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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The women of St. John's are invited to the Spring Banquet in the fellowship hall on
Wednesday, May 3rd at 6:30.
Alisa Dupuy will give a first-person portrayal of "Elizabeth II". Alisa focuses on bringing her characters to life, allowing participants to feel "they really got to know the woman behind the portrait."
The sign-up sheet is on the United Women In Faith bulletin board or you may RSVP to Louise Henry at 212-357-9398.
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St John’s UMC
Fellowship Hall
May 5th, 2023
2:00-7:00 PM
EVERY TWO SECONDS, SOMEONE NEEDS BLOOD!
Please consider donating blood twice, three times or four times a year.
The need is great and the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone in need is beyond measure.
Sarah Leslie just surpassed 20 GALLONS of blood.
She is amazing!
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Please contact Joanne Lescas, if you have any questions. | | |
redcrossblood.org | 1-800-RED CROSS | 1-800-733-2767 | Download the Blood Donor App
Ⓒ The American National Red Cross | 161501
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