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Hello St. John’s Family,
One of the most fulfilling aspects of serving God as a pastor is the opportunity to see others give of themselves in service to God. As others who have experienced God’s goodness and grace respond to God’s calling by offering their talents and abilities to serve God, a powerful witness is revealed: God is honored and blessed through the act of serving and blessing others. This past Sunday, our St. John’s family was truly blessed by powerful and uplifting musical offerings in our Music Sunday worship services.
That isn’t a surprise – we’re blessed on a weekly basis by the power and beauty of our Bell Choirs, Vocal Choirs, Praise Band, and special music offerings. Sometimes, though, I think we can lose sight of the ongoing commitment given to our music ministries: the many hours of rehearsals; the early arrivals for setup; the commitment to serve in multiple services on Sundays and holidays. All these are offerings given to God’s glory, and they culminate in powerful moments like last Sunday. Thank you to all who respond to God’s calling by investing their gifts and talents in serving God through the Music Ministries at St. John’s, and to Roy Nelson, Brian Barber, and Alissa Nelson for your excellent leadership! God is honored, and we are strengthened and uplifted through your faithful service! And for anyone feeling a nudge to offer your gifts to God through music at St. John’s, please contact Roy or Alissa – we’d love to have you!
I’m incredibly excited that 5 of our young people are preparing to head to Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center this Sunday for an amazing week of Church Camp. There they’ll have the opportunity to swim, play, explore, make smores, learn, stay up late, and form bonds across generations, all while safely supervised in a Christian environment. A week outside, exploring and experiencing the beauty and wonder of the natural world around us. A week learning and reflecting on God’s presence in their life with others their age, seeing how they are not alone in seeking to follow Christ faithfully.
The Apostle Paul wrote: Ever since the creation of the world God’s eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been seen and understood through the things God has made (Romans 1:20). Psalm 19:1 agrees, saying The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Spending time in nature (with insect repellant, of course) inspires an awe that points to the God of the cosmos in a way unlike any other. I firmly believe camp organically facilitates conversations that go deeper: simple comments and questions spring up outside in a fun and safe environment, inevitably leading to thoughtful conversations that stick with young people long after the week of camp ends. Perhaps that’s why so many who experience God through camp go on to live lives of faithful commitment to Christ.
Please keep Carter, Juniper, Liam, Mason, and Vivian in prayer for their week of camp, that they will have an amazing, fun experience and their faith in Christ is deepened. Pray for their families, as they will be away from their children for a week. Pray for me as I accompany the group, and for all the campers and staff – may many lives be transformed through Christ!
This Sunday we’ll be uplifted as Rev. Megan Berkebile, our Director of Children’s Ministries, will be leading us in worship. We’ll give thanks to God for the gift of Fatherhood and experience the blessing of worship together. Come and worship our Lord with joy this Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
PS – If you’d like to send a note of encouragement to our campers, here’s the address. Please send by Monday, 6/22 to ensure it arrives on time!
Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center
C/O-Campers Name / Summer’s First Burst
87 Old Mine Road Lebanon, PA 17042
| | This Sunday Worship Services | |
Important Announcement - Special Charge Conference Wednesday, June 24, 6:30PM via Zoom
A Special Session of the Charge Conference will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, June 24, 6:30PM for the single purpose of authorizing the Leadership Board of St. John’s Ivyland, and the constituent committees of the Board at its direction, to sell the 838 Almshouse Road property according to the Ministry Action Plan vetted and approved by the District Committee on Church and Location and the District Superintendent as per the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (¶2541.3a).
This action is based on research and recommendations by the Finance Committee, Trustees, and Leadership Board. A draft of the resolution being voted on can be viewed here; questions can be directed to any member of the Leadership Board or the Pastor.
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Thank you and God bless your faithfulness which makes the vital ministries of St John’s Ivyland possible!
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YOU CAN GIVE ONLINE, TEXT, IN PERSON & BY EMAIL
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I wanted to let you know about an important upcoming update to the Vanco Mobile app.
Beginning on May 26, 2026, mobile app users may be prompted to update their app to continue accessing all features and functionality. To help ensure a smooth experience, we recommend communicating this update to your app users any time after May 26, 2026.
This update is designed to improve overall performance, security, and reliability for all users. Most users will simply need to download the latest version of the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store when prompted.
Thank you for your gifts and understanding as our very safe and secure vendor continues its 19 year flawless history with our church.
Lou Lescas
Administrator
| | Statement Thru April 2026 | | |
Table of Contents
- Engage (This Week)
- Upcoming
- Christian Education
- Save the Date
- Small Groups
- Opportunities to Serve
- Church Contact Information
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We celebrate God the Father’s love for us and we recognize all who are called to model God’s love on earth in the role of father, this Sunday.
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We give thanks to God and welcome with open arms all those who officially joined the St John’s church family as members, last Sunday!
May God continue to bless us all with their presence, time, gifts, witness and prayers.
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Please join us in praying for all the young people and adults who are participating in Church Camp this summer, including a wonderful group of kids from St John’s & Pastor Brad who begin camp this Sunday!
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NO SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday, June 21st!
Kids and families are invited to join us in Worship as Children’s Ministry Director Rev. Megan preaches in the Sanctuary at 9 or 10:30 am.
St John’s Nursery is open for both Services.
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Our second Safe Sanctuaries Training - and final opportunity before VBS - is THIS Tuesday Morning, June 23rd from 10-11am.
If you were not able to attend this Spring’s evening session and will not be able to make it Tuesday, June 23rd at 10am please contact Children’s Ministry Director Pastor Megan right away.
childrensministry.stjumc@gmail.com
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We’re inviting You to help us keep up the good work of beautifying St John’s Ivyland! A small flower bed (next to the Fellowship Hall doors) was planted as part of our Church Beautification Day efforts and we are looking for volunteers to help us keep it watered and weeded.
If you are interested in committing to water the garden for about 15 minutes once a week and occasionally pulling weeds, please sign up below or in the Church narthex.
Come help our garden grow!
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Phellowship & Watch Party
St John’s Phellowship & Phillies Watch Party is right around the corner! Make a plan to join us at 3:30 pm on Saturday, June 27th for a family friendly day of fun, food, games and more!
This is a day for our community, so feel “phree” to invite family, friends and neighbors; ALL ARE WELCOME!
We’ll be watching the Phillies beat up the Mets on a mobile big screen, playing games, and getting to know our neighbors! Some of your favorite ballpark foods will be for sale (but not at ballpark prices!), and more…
Come and share some of the good things happening at St. John’s Ivyland with our community, Saturday June 27th at 3:30pm!
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Next Sunday we begin Summer Children’s Church for 4 years through the 4th Grade. We are happy and blessed to be able to offer this unique Worship experience for kids to parents ALL SUMMER at 10:30am.
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Sunday School Schedule
There is No Sunday School for kids & teens this Sunday. We invite families to Worship together in the sanctuary at 9 or 10:30.
The Nursery will be open and staffed at both Contemporary and Traditional Services, respectively.
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Vacation Bible School is almost here, but it’s not too late to sign up the children in your life!
Vacation Bible School, or VBS, can be a life-changing experience for young people who are blessed with the chance to “explore the nature of God” in a fun, safe and loving environment.
VBS is open to all children, not just members of St John’s. Scholarships are available for families who need assistance! Sign up today and help our tremendous team of servant-leaders put on our best VBS yet!
Register the young people in your life for Vacation Bible School (VBS) Today!
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Sunday YA & Wed Night Bibles Studies are on hiatus for the Summer! Enjoy the break…. And carry The Word in your heart.
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St John’s Ivyland is throwing a party to celebrate our Middle School, High School and College students! Wednesday, July 8th, from 6 to 8 pm we’ll be cooking out and hanging out around the campfire behind St John’s.
Students can bring their friends and classmates as we celebrate the end of the school year with food, laughter and games.
For more info reach out to JT Crockett by email: youth.stjumc@gmail.com
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St John’s Dads Group is meeting this Summer! Our next check–in is Sunday July 19th at 11:30 in the Gathering Room. All Dads are welcome!
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July Book Club
We will meet on Wednesday, July 1, at 10:00 AM in the Grace Cafe. In honor of our Nation's 250th birthday, we will read Mountain Vernon Love Story. Mary Higgins Clark reveals the flesh-and-blood man who became the "father of our country" in a story that is charming, insightful, and immensely entertaining. Everyone is welcome please join us.
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St. John’s Ivyland is looking for children & teens (3rd grade & older) who are interested in becoming acolytes!
An acolyte's role is to bring in the light of Christ prior to the service and to take the light of Christ out at the end of the service.
If you know of a young person who can serve in this meaningful part of Worship Contact Jennifer Haas (215)-776-1740.
TRAINING IS AVAILABLE!
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Prayer requests should be submitted to prayer.stjumc@gmail.com
Prayer requests are reviewed
Monday-Friday AM.
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God,
Please bless all our young people as only You can. We especially lift up our college-aged young adults as they seek rest and renewal and embark on new endeavors this Summer.
Lord, bless them as they look for work and at their jobs. Bless them as they travel and as they return home. Bless them as the restore themselves and as they take on new challenges.
And please God, continue to guide them along their Christian journey, just as You are always present guiding us!
Amen.
| | MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES | | CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION | |
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St John’s is proud to offer Assistive Hearing Devices for those who need them in the Narthex (outside the Sanctuary) before Worship. Please note the simple instructions posted near the new devices and ask an usher if you need any assistance!
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We discovered that a scam email is circulating, claiming to be from "Rev. Brad Leight"; however, a closer look at the email address shows it is from a gmail account that is not Pastor Brad's.
Text messages also have been sent to come congregants, attempting to scam the recipient into replying, and potentially sharing sensitive information.
These email and text messages were not sent from Pastor Brad and are a scam. If you receive one of these messages, DO NOT REPLY, as it is an attempt to gain personal information. Please delete the message promptly.
If a message from Pastor Brad or any church staff ever appears suspicious, please call the St. John's Office (215-357-6998) prior to replying. Note that we will never contact you by email regarding urgent items, monetary donations, or other assistance requests (gift cards, etc.).
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Brad Leight
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If your contact information changes:
address, phone, email, etc.
please notify the church office at
215-357-6998 or office.stjumc@gmail.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
| | CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266 | | | | |
