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Hello St. John’s Family,
Christ is risen indeed! The awe and glory of Christ’s victory over sin and death revealed through His resurrection was beautifully proclaimed through powerful Holy Week and Easter worship services! It was incredibly meaningful to worship together with over 450 people in our two Easter worship services – and that doesn’t include the many faithful worshippers who join us each week online. Throughout Holy Week, we re-experienced God’s amazing love by joining in Christ’s Passion through powerful worship, where scripture, music, and reflection proclaimed God’s amazing love and grace. I want to thank our staff, and all those who served God by working to make these services a moving reflection of Christ’s love for us. From our choirs and bell choirs, to our ushers and greeters, to our A/V servants, and so many more – your service to Christ is a beautiful reflection of His love for us. Thank you!
The hope revealed in Easter’s resurrection presents a powerful – and needed – contrast to the struggle and pervasive sense of hopelessness that dominates our society today. It seems that the moment we exit the sanctuary, the brokenness of the world presses back in on us. Just this week, we’ve heard the heartbreaking news of the death of a local boy at the hands of his own mother, apparently attributed to the overwhelming weight of financial burdens on this family. While full details will likely never be known, the devastating reality is that any semblance of hope had vanished in this household, resulting in the senseless death of an 11-year-old boy.
The troubling reality is that news updates similar to the one I just mentioned are far too common. We can quickly feel helpless as difficult news comes at us from every angle. Yet, for people of faith, resurrection presents a powerful new reality: there is now no such thing as a hopeless situation! When we place our full trust in Christ, there is nothing in this world or beyond it that can separate us from God. Even death does not get the final word, as Christ’s love will guide us to abundant, eternal life. That reality is incredibly freeing. It releases us from the power of loss, struggle, pain, guilt – from all the powers that bear down on us. We are free, as our lives bear the mark of the hope we have in Christ.
As we celebrate the joy of the Easter season, I sense we have a great – and much-needed – opportunity to reveal the hope we have in Christ. As 1 Peter 3:15 says: “…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (New International Version). We don’t need to be confrontational or obnoxious; yet we are called to humbly share that we have hope in the midst of so many seemingly hopeless situations. In the coming days, I hope you’ll look for opportunities in your daily interactions to humbly share the hope we have through Christ.
I also hope you’ll join us in worship this Sunday as we gather in worship and praise to our resurrected Lord. Pastor Ruth will be preaching this Sunday, offering a meaningful reminder of how we’re and Easter people… living in a Good Friday world. Check out John 1:4-5 and Mark 16:9-12, and join us in worship Sunday morning!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: | |
Scripture: “Easter People in a Good Friday World” | |
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Come Worship with us
this Second Sunday of Easter
April 16, 2023
Contemporary Praise Service
at 9:00 AM
Traditional Service
at 10:30 AM
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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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"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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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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Great news! Roy Nelson, St John’s music director will be conducting the first spring concert of the tri-county band of Feasterville since 2019 at the Poquessing Middle School, 300 Heights Lane, Feasterville, PA. on Friday April 28th at 7:30 PM free concert.
Roy’s musical talent has been the cornerstone to strengthen the faith of our congregation for countless Years. It is magical! It would be right and good to support Roy and his music direction for a collection of compositions like "Les Miserables", "Spring Fever", and "Marches" Henry Fillmore, John Phillip Sousa and more!
For more information, go to Website www.tricountyband.org. This information was posted in the health section of the Northampton news. So see you there. It will be good for your health
This is from St John’s number one tone deaf Irishman who sings in the key of x.
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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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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
Friday, May 5th, 2023
2:00-7:00 PM
In 2014, my mom had abdominal surgery. In the recovery room, she developed a postoperative hemorrhage. She wound up getting 5 pints of blood. The doctors saved her life, but there were 5 blood donors that we never knew that saved her life, as well.
Blood donation is a selfless act. If you are able, please consider donating.
You might save a life!
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
| 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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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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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 18th, 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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