JULY 11, 2024

View as Webpage

PASTOR'S REFLECTION

Hello St. John’s Family,

 

Earlier this week a story first reported in the New York Times was picked up by local news outlets, noting how a group of middle school students created at least 22 fake social media accounts impersonating teachers. Students at Great Valley Middle School in Malvern created the fictitious accounts on TikTok, a popular social media platform. These accounts were filled with disparaging content, including “pedophilia innuendo, racist memes, homophobia and made-up sexual relationships”[1] among teachers, and resulted in significant numbers of students viewing, following, or commenting on these accounts. While some students did face suspensions for their conduct, the Great Valley School District stated they are limited in how they can respond, based on the actions occurring outside of school and free speech concerns.

 

As I read the details of this incident, the aspect I found most troubling was two quotes obtained from students. The students posted an online “apology video,” again using a teacher’s name, stating the videos were intended as a joke that was blown out of proportion by the teachers. “We never meant for it to get this far, obviously,” one of the students said in the video. “I never wanted to get suspended.” “Move on. Learn to joke,” the other student said about a teacher. “I am 13 years old,” she added, using an expletive for emphasis, “and you’re like 40 going on 50.”1 Reading those quotes quickly revealed that the students involved have no conception of how wrong – and harmful – their actions were. The only concern they voiced was that they were suspended. That thought thoroughly shook me. Here are young people, receiving a quality education in an affluent area, who struggle to differentiate between right and wrong, and are only concerned about themselves. All while those in “authority” have little to no course of action to address the issue.

 

Interestingly, the Governor of Louisiana signed a bill into law in June that requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public-school classrooms. Oklahoma recently issued a directive mandating the teaching of the Bible and Ten Commandments in the statewide curriculum, referencing their historical significance. Some may believe that is exactly what is needed today: public schools teaching and reinforcing Biblical morals to generations who have little understanding of moral principles. I hope that proves to be the case.

 

Personally, though, I sense these efforts will have little effect. Why? Two reasons: one – youth today have little to no respect for or trust in institutions. Putting up a poster or hearing a classroom lecture about the historical significance of something will have little impact on the skeptical worldview that is pervasive today. The second reason, though, is even more significant: many parents today extend little to no effort in supporting the moral structures of faith or society – especially if their child could face consequences for breaking the rules. Yes, some acts may be wrong… but my child didn’t mean it… and it doesn’t warrant a suspension. Until society at large values faith, morality, and justice over the impact on their middle-schooler’s record, we will continue to read of events like those in the Great Valley Middle School.

 

All of which makes July 15-19th so important. Next week we’ll be blessed with children filling our halls, ready for an exciting and fun week of Vacation Bible School. A week where the grace, mercy, and love of Christ will not only be taught, but also modeled to the children and families that participate. Please pray for each child and family who will be coming here: may God’s Holy Spirit prepare and open hearts such that Christ’s love will transform lives.

 

This Sunday, we’ll continue our exploration of “Sacred Spaces” by reflecting on the very first sacred space humankind encountered. I’ll also slightly revise a statement I made last Sunday… as we’ll read how we humans are dirt 🙂… in a beautiful way! I hope you’ll check out Genesis 2:4-15, bring a picture or memento from one of your sacred spaces, then join me in worship on Sunday-

 


Grace and Peace,     

 Pastor Brad


[1] Students Target Teachers in Group TikTok Attack, Shaking Their School, in The New York Times, July 6, 2024. 

We are doing restoration and painting to the portico in the front of the sanctuary. And thank your for your faithfulness in donations to the Building Improvement Fund so that this important work can be done.

NOMINATIONS REPORT FOR 2024

WORSHIP

Come worship with us this Sunday!

July 14, 2024

Contemporary: 9:00AM | Traditional: 10:30 AM

This service can be viewed LIVE through

St. John's YouTube Channel


or on our homepage:

www.stjohnsivyland.com


Past worship service videos can also be found:

https://www.stjohnsivyland.com/videoarchive


Auto-generated closed captions are usually provided by YouTube about a week after the service has posted for the hearing impaired.

GIVE NOW

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

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

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.


VBS WEEK

As we prepare to help children from our church and our community “Dive into Friendship with God,” we give God thanks for all that has gone into preparing this awesome week! Please join us in praying that we have a great week serving God and God’s children! 

Register
Email Pastor Megan

Youth and Pre-Cleared Safe Sanctuary Adult Drivers please grab a sweet treat and enjoy a time of fellowship immediately after VBS concludes, Wed. July 17th.

St. John’s Ivyland’s Youth are a vital part of our church’s present and future. This Small Group Listening Session is a time to hear our youth’s voices on important issues concerning our church.

We're going to the Movies! Our Young People are headed to Regal Warrington Crossing to catch the 1:50pm showing of Twisters (PG-13). Parents of youth, young adults and interested Safe Sanctuary volunteers can contact JT Crockett at

youth.stjumc@gmail.com for more information.

UPCOMING

Register Now to Donate!

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

Register

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

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 all Summer Long! If you are interested in volunteering for a Sunday (or more!) throughout the Summer, speak with Rev. Megan Berkebile, Director of Children's Ministries.

Sunday, July 14th all teens are encouraged to join us for a special Worship Service at 10:30 am as we prepare for Vacation Bible School (VBS). After, we’ll spend an hour of fellowship together with some refreshments provided. Folks are welcome to bring something from home to eat if they want to!

Our college aged Young Adult Explorers meeting returns this Sunday!

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT

Register

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!

SIGN UP

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!

Please contact Roberta Nelson

Email: bertahsn382@gmail.com

Text: 215-206-2846

Home Phone: 215-364-0919

Prayer List

Prayer requests should be submitted to prayer.stjumc@gmail.com

Prayer requests are reviewed

Monday-Friday AM.

MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

Recyclable Plastic Bags

CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION

churchcomms.stjumc@gmail.com
St. John's Staff

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!

View St John's Budget 2024

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

Devotionals
Announcements/WeeklyNewsletter
Worship Videos
St. John's Bell Choir Videos
Click here to share your favorite St. John's photos with us!

CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266