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Hello St. John’s Family,
As the sun came up this morning, one could quickly see the smoky haze that has enveloped our region will continue to do so today. Forecasters predict the haze – originating from Canadian wildfires and drifting into our area due to “ideal” atmospheric conditions – will begin to ease slightly today, while remaining into the weekend. Though I’ve heard of the effects of air pollutants many times, I must admit that breathing in clean, healthy air is something that I routinely take for granted. Stepping outside and immediately tasting the thick, smoky texture of air I am breathing has been unsettling. Yes, wildfires are the source of this haze; God’s charge to faithfully steward the amazing creation humankind has been granted, though, is also weighing on my mind. Our current situation points to our real need to better live out God’s charge, such that as many as possible can regularly breathe in clean and clear air.
As we’ve literally experienced being in a haze the past few days, one of the things that has struck me is how difficult it is to leave the haze behind. Haze is incredibly disorienting. Even when I walk inside where the air is much clearer, there still appears to be a hazy effect on my vision for several minutes. The senses of smell and taste are affected in a similar way, as the dirty and smoky smells and tastes tend to remain long after I’ve exited the hazy environment. And before long, I think we can find ourselves questioning our perspective. Did I really leave the haze, or is it inside as well? Is my mind and senses playing tricks on me?! These questions come when we physically experience smoke and haze; I believe we experience similar effects when navigating uncertain and difficult situations that seem to lack clear answers – a metaphorical haze. In my experience, those situations quickly follow us and weigh on us just like the atmosphere we’ve been breathing this week.
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Early Wednesday afternoon my wife snapped a few quick pictures from our back patio. The thick haze gave it a sepia effect; yet what stood out to us was how the steeple seems to “shine” a little bit brighter in the midst of the haze. The powerful words of John 1:5 came to mind: the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Those words brought me a sense of peace, reminding me there is a Light that is stronger than the thickest, darkest haze we encounter. No matter how disoriented we may feel, the light of Christ is always present to guide us. I am very thankful for the clarity and direction always available to us in Christ.
I’m also thankful the skies are forecasted to be much brighter Sunday… and I know the atmosphere inside our sanctuary will be glowing, as we’ll be blessed with amazing musical offerings throughout the morning! Sunday is Music Sunday, where our Praise Band, Vocal Choirs, and Bell Choirs will lead us in praise and worship. Plan on coming out and joining along with their beautiful offerings of praise to our Lord: True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal! I look forward to seeing 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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Come Worship with us this
Music Sunday
June 11, 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 | |
UPCOMING MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES | |
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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 was delivered to Bright Futures Academy for their new playground. This project is organized by, 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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Book Club
We will meet on
Wednesday, July 5, at 10:00 AM
in the Grace Cafe.
Please join us as we discuss:
"A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice"
by: Rebecca Connolly
Captain Rostron answers the distress call from the Titanic and reaches to save survivors, while 3rd class passenger, Kate Connolly, watches in shock as the ship sinks. Will they make it in time?
Leaders are Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell
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Disciple III Fast Track Bible Study | |
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We held our last class last May 24th and we'll take a break for the summer and resume in September!
Thank you very much!
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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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