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Hello St. John’s Family,
If your days are anything like mine, there are very few idle moments. This week has proved to be an especially hectic one, as the week began with a whirlwind trip to South Carolina to pick up our son from college. Three days, 1300 miles, and all kinds of fun on I-95 – not to mention an apartment move-out – made life very interesting. You name it, we saw it, including a 50-foot-tall pine tree being blown over by the wind and narrowly missing a car on the entrance ramp, about to merge onto the road just ahead of us. At a moment that could have been catastrophic, all emerged safely. After blinking and fully realizing what had happened, my heart rate slowly began to return to normal.
For the next few hours, the picture of that tree falling was prominent in my mind. What are the chances that, traveling on I-95 at approximately 70 miles an hour, we’d be feet away from a falling tree? How often does something like this happen? How often do we come unsettlingly close to misfortune but never know it? As I pondered those questions, I was reminded of how we aren’t guaranteed to escape difficult or troubling circumstances. In fact, we know we will encounter afflictions, difficulty, and trouble. Yet, whatever we face, we are promised that Christ’s immediate presence through the Holy Spirit will bring us peace (John 16:33). As I continued to reflect on that promise, I felt a tremendous wave of peace and thanks come over me. Whatever we might encounter on the rest of the trip – or beyond – I was thankful that God would be with us. Our amazing God is with us always… something I lose sight of far too often in the hecticness of daily life. Recognizing God’s presence in that unsettling moment was a gift for me; I hope it might be a gift for you as well, by reminding you of a challenging moment when God was there with you during the week.
Another gift I am very thankful for is the powerful combined Worship service we shared in on Sunday, followed by the wonderful luncheon in Fellowship Hall. Meaningful music; a moving Mission Moment by Bronwen McCrea updating us on the good work being accomplished through Diakon Child, Family, and Community Ministries; uplifting fellowship; and amazing food marked our day together. I want to thank Kathy Keppol and the outstanding Fellowship Team whose efforts made our luncheon a success! If helping our St. John’s Family come together for fellowship opportunities is something you are interested in helping with, please reach out to Kathy or our Office – we’d love to have you join their efforts. Also, note that Diakon will be the recipient of our May Communion Offering being received this Sunday – please prayerfully consider supporting this meaningful mission.
The powerful worship services of the Easter Season will continue this Sunday, as the youth of St. John’s will be leading both of our worship services (note: we return to our regular schedule – Contemporary Worship at 9AM and Traditional Worship at 10:30AM). Our youth have been reflecting on the question what is worship? and are eager to share some of their insights as they lead us on Sunday. Please keep our youth and our Director of Youth and Family Ministries, JT Crockett, in prayer as they prepare to lead us. John 4:23-24 will be our scripture – check that out prior to Sunday – and join us for another meaningful morning of worship!
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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Come Worship with us!
5th Sunday of Easter & Youth Sunday!
May 07, 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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St. John’s blood drive is almost here!
If you or someone you know can donate blood,
this is your sign!
May 5th from 2:00-7:00 PM
We promise tasty treats post donation and will be treated like a hero!
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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Please contact Joanne Lescas, if you have any questions. | |
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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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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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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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The Upper Room Devotionals
for
May/June
are now available in the Narthex
Be sure to pick up one for yourself and one for a friend!
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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 | |
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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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Announcement!
For the Summer, we are going to take a pause on Men's Breakfast. (No Breakfast May, June, and July). There will be small group activity's to support St. John's physical plant where needed. Clean out attic, etc. There will be planning for the Chicken BBQ September 16th with an update at the August 19th Men's Breakfast. A Special Tanks for all the "Guy's" in the kitchen where all the action take place.
Hey guys, have a great summer!
- Jack Donovan, Church Member
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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
May 9th, 2023
Topic: (To be determined)
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Book Club
We will meet on
Wednesday, June 7, at 10:00 AM
in the Grace Cafe.
Please join us as we discuss:
"Mother Trucker"
by: Amy Butcher
The true story of two women who found meaning, strength, and friendship in one of the most punishing and magnificent landscapes on Earth.
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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