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Hello St. John’s Family,
I want to begin my note today by expressing my thanks to our St. John’s Youth and to JT Crockett – Directory of Youth and Family Ministries at St. John’s – for the moving worship services they led on Sunday. Few things are more powerful than testimony: seeing and hearing how God is working in the life of someone else. Every aspect of our worship services on Sunday was a powerful, living testimony to the presence and love of God in the life of each young person who participated. We saw, heard, and experienced the impact of their relationship with Christ as they led us in song, prayer, scripture, reflection, and communion. At a time when we are constantly reminded of the trouble and brokenness in our society and world, Sunday was a powerful picture of hope. I want to thank all our youth for the meaningful worship they led us in, and to each person who connected with and affirmed our youth after the service. God is moving in powerful ways at St. John’s – and we were blessed to witness that on Sunday!
As we look toward this Sunday, I am reminded that it’s Mother’s Day. I received my personal reminder earlier this morning when my wife, as she often does, let me know a card for my mom was on the counter for me to sign so that it could be mailed out today. As I was writing in that card, it struck me how typical this type of occurrence is. It’s not that I forgot what Sunday is. However, the little details of getting the card, signing, and mailing it out in time has – in this hectic week – become overlooked. Without asking me, a loving, proactive step was taken to get everything together, ensuring that something meaningful wasn’t missed.
I sense that exemplifies so much of what being a loving mother is: caring so deeply for those around you that you willingly sacrifice your time and energy to make sure the lives of your loved ones are as smooth as possible. Sometimes in big ways and other times in smaller ways, sacrifices are made so that others can be their best. Growing up, my mom exemplified that; my wife does as well. The love, sacrifice, and support of all the women who mother us is a gift, and is a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love for us. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks – and prayers – for all the amazing women who extend motherly care to us every day. Know you are a tremendous blessing!
I hope you’ll join us in worship this Sunday. We’ll affirm and thank God for the gift of motherly love, and then reflect on John 14:15-21 – a passage where Christ promises his closest followers that he will not leave them orphaned. In a world where feelings of isolation and abandonment are expressed often, Christ’s promise of the abiding Spirit of truth in us is a great comfort… and powerful revelation of the living, resurrected Christ through us. I hope to see you Sunday-
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 14:15-21
Sermon: Because I Live
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Come Worship with us!
6th Sunday of Easter & Mother's Day!
May 14, 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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Louise Henry was presented with the “Special Mission Recognition Pin” at the Spring Banquet
on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023. This pin is given in recognition of an individual who goes above
and beyond in missions.
Louise is the Vice President of St. John’s United Women in Faith, a member of the Deborah Circle,
and a member of St. John’s since 1977. She always volunteers whenever & wherever help is needed,
and always with a smile.
We just want to say “Thank You Louise” for all you do in missions at St. John’s.
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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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The women of St. John's are holding a Fund Raising Bake Sale on Sunday May 21st to help support our many mission projects, locally and globally.
Bakers are needed to help fill our table with delicious treats. If you can bake or buy an item to contribute, it will be greatly appreciated by the women of our church.
Just bring your item to the kitchen prior to the first service on May 21, marked UMW Bake Sale, we will handle the rest. As always, we wish to thank our congregation for their continued support.
Questions??? Contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404 or at rekeppol@concast.net
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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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Zoom class completed their studies on May 9.
We will join together again in the fall.
Thank you.
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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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