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Hello St. John’s Family,
In last week’s note, I shared a few of the special places the Leight family have enjoyed together. I’ve enjoyed hearing some of your experiences at the sacred places in your life. Sue Uzelmeier shared how Mt. Gretna – right around the corner from Hershey – was a sacred place for her family as she was growing up. Uninterrupted time together there was sacred. Rev. Jim MacMain shared how roller coaster rides at Dorney Park were a sacred tradition with his children and grandchildren – special times together each summer. I’ve enjoyed hearing of some of your sacred places and traditions, and I hope you’ll continue to share your reflections.
I am also learning that we don’t have to “get away” to experience God breaking in.
Over the years, one of the meaningful lessons that God has shown me is the powerful and beautiful ways that God breaks into our everyday lives. Full disclosure: there are many days that my hectic schedule blinds me to the simple, sacred moments around me. Yet I’m learning to pause, breathe, and observe God’s presence that is always with me. I enjoyed one of those moments this morning.
After attending to my essential early morning tasks (feeding pets and making the coffee!), I sat down in the small office in the parsonage to pray. Glancing out the window, I noticed a thin layer of foggy mist blanketing Solly’s field, illuminated by the morning sun. It was a beautiful sight; one that took me back to school bus rides as a child. Growing up in southern York County, the daily trek to school consisted of country roads that were flanked by pastures and fields. Seeing a shining, misty blanket of fog on the field across the street this morning reminded me how the God that has guided me since my childhood is guiding me today.
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That small office window in the parsonage often unveils God’s beauty. My Sunday mornings begin very early - before the sun rises. A recent Sunday morning sunrise revealed amazing colors across the sky; another reminder of God’s presence with me at a much-needed moment. It was almost as if God was saying “don’t fret over the morning services, I am here!”
Tomorrow, many of us will receive a gift – the gift of a holiday. A day with incredible importance, which we cannot forget, as Denise Clark aptly reminded us in her Tuesday devotional. It is also a day where many have an opportunity to pause, slow down a bit, and take in the goodness around us. I encourage you to do that: approach your day anticipating that God will reveal something of simple, sacred beauty, wherever you are. As you experience something of meaning – big or small – pause and thank God for breaking into your day with a sacred moment.
This Sunday, we’ll continue our exploration of “Sacred Spaces” by reflecting on a sacred moment Jesus shared with a group that some felt were not worthy of his time, especially in that setting. I sense Jesus’ response teaches us how healing and restoration can come through spending time around a table. I hope you’ll check out Luke 5:27-32, bring a picture or memento from one of your sacred spaces, then join me in worship on Sunday-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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On the week of June 24th, repair and painting work will occur on the columns outside our main entrance. Access to the main doors will be available; however, some obstructions and equipment will occur periodically during the work.
Please be mindful of the work being done when attempting to access the church. Access is also available via the Education Wing doors (code required), or by contacting the Office between 9am-1pm and making arrangements.
Thanks!
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Come worship with us this Sunday!
July 07, 2024
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Contemporary: 9:00AM | Traditional: 10:30 AM | | Thank you for your faithful stewardship and support of the ministries of St. John’s Ivyland! Your faithfulness enables us to live into our mission to be “Open Arms and Serving Hands Transforming Lives through Christ!” You can continue your support wherever you are this Summer - online, by text, in person & by mail. May God bless all that we do for the building of the Kingdom! | |
PLEASE NOTE: UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION ON ALMSHOUSE ROAD | |
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Northampton Township recently announced road construction on Almshouse Road between Jacksonville Road and Hatboro Road occurring July 8-20. This construction will significantly impact travel to St. John's. Congregants will be able to access the Church, and all ministries, including Vacation Bible School, will continue as scheduled. However, this work will require detours for those approaching from the east (Richboro); additional travel time is anticipated from all directions.
DETOUR MAP
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As per Northampton Township, the official/recommended detour from Richboro is Second Street Pike to Bristol Rd to Jacksonville Road back to Almshouse Road.
Additional options include:
Option 1 (Red): On Almshouse, heading toward St. John’s from Richboro, turn right on Hatboro Road; Left on Temperance Lane; Left on Spencer Road; Left on Almshouse, then immediate right to St. John’s
Option 2 (Purple): On Almshouse, heading toward St. John’s from Richboro, turn left on Hatboro Road; Right on Pulinski Road; Right on Jacksonville Road; Right on Almshouse.
There will be a Police presence on the smaller streets as well as on the detoured/local traffic only portion of Almshouse Road. Commuters are asked to please maintain all speed limits and be mindful that all the non-official detour roadways are highly residential in nature, so please watch for children and people in the roadway. Also note that Temperance Lane is a “country” road; it is not wide, well drained, or lined as the official detour path will be.
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After the 10:30 service, join UWF members in assembly of 50 sack lunches for the guests at The Center Philadelphia. Assembly will be in the social hall. | |
Summer sun can't keep us away from celebrating and sharing the Love of God! St. John's is proud to announce 10:30 AM Summer Children's Church started LAST SUNDAY, June 23rd! If you are interested in volunteering for a Sunday (or more!) throughout the Summer, speak with Rev. Megan Berkebile, Director of Children's Ministries. | |
Grow in Grace & enjoy a happy and safe 4th of July Weekend. Summer Youth Fellowship (after worship) will resume Sunday, July 14th! | |
Thanks to strong interest & feedback, we recognize that RESCHEDULING our Friday June 28th - lock-in will allow more of our teens and their friends to participate. PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE: We are coordinating with Safe Sanctuary adult volunteers on our New Date and will announce it as soon as we can! As always Youth, Families & Safe Sanctuary volunteers can reach out to JT Crockett (youth.stjumc@gmail.com // 347-948-4996 ) any time! | |
All Youth and Young Adults are invited to our next Summer Young People’s Campfire Wednesday July 10th from 5 to 8 PM. Let’s hangout together, “Grow in Grace” and have some s’mores! | |
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EPA Laity Academy – Session 2, Summer 2024
August 2nd – 3rd, 2024
The Laity Academy is an annual training event organized by the Eastern PA Conference, recognizing that lay members play a crucial role in the ever-changing landscape of congregational life. The Academy seeks to empower lay members in their ministries within the church, provide opportunities for everyone who wants to serve Christ to enhance their skills, deepen their understanding of various aspects of ministry; equip lay members with knowledge and practical tools to support their pastor and their church’s ministries; and encourages participants to explore their personal ministry paths and discover how and where they can contribute effectively.
Participants choose from a variety of courses categorized under the Christ Servant Ministry areas, including: the BASIC Course: provides foundational knowledge; Speaking: enhances communication skills for preaching and teaching; Leading: equips participants to lead various aspects of church life; Caring: focuses on pastoral care and empathy.
Participants benefit from instruction and the opportunity to share ideas and thoughts with others who share the same passion.
This training will be held at Eastern University (1300 Eagle Rd, St Davids, PA 19087).
Register at EPAUMC.org
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All year long, Servant-Leaders in our AV Ministry help facilitate meaningful Worship at our Contemporary and Traditional Services. In Summer, we experience how they help us share the Word of God and the power and passion of Worship with those who can’t join us in a new way. St John’s Ivyland needs your help in growing & sustaining our AV Ministry.
Sign-up today and participate in this vital ministry this Summer!
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We need your help in making these sacks! They are easy to make and take no time at all. Our VBS and Sunday School children will be helping us by collecting the bars of soap. At this time, sacks filled with soap will be donated to Diakon Ministries and Project Arch Street Service (PASS).
If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to Roberta Nelson who will get you a packet of patterns. A collection bin will be near the Mission bulletin board for completed sacks.
Thank you!
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Please contact Roberta Nelson
Email: bertahsn382@gmail.com
Text: 215-206-2846
Home Phone: 215-364-0919
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MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES | |
CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION | | |
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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
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CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266 | | | | |
