Hello St. John’s Family,
As I pause to write this note, I am in the process of packing to take my son to his freshman year of college. I’m not quite sure how 18+ years have flown by so quickly and brought us to this point. I do know that he, along with several others from St. John’s, are excited and ready for this significant step. Please keep all those who are preparing to head off to continue their education in prayer for safety, guidance, and support as they discern and pursue God’s calling on their life.
One of the fun aspects of prepping for the big sendoff has been reminiscing on the funny moments and shared experiences we’ve enjoyed together. Words, phrases, objects, and songs that were part of our household over the years have been popping up and reminding us of a specific event or time. For instance, I heard the number “45” the other day and laughed out loud, as this was one of the first numbers Gavin learned (and repeated constantly). As a toddler, Gavin’s answer to every question was a long, drawn out fooorty-fiiiive! Then there was a small dump truck, that played phrases when it was moved. One of the phrases was “use caution” when it went backwards. “Use caution” stuck; that was Gav’s guidance for everything we did. There were the Lego creations that always formed a “birthday cake” and, years later, the playlist of songs that were heard daily as he got ready for school. As one of those songs, or phrases, or a Lego brick came into view, I’ve been immediately transported back in time to those special moments.
Yes, I recognize I’m experiencing some nostalgia in those moments. I also know that our shared words, songs, and experiences have a forming influence on our lives. Shared words and experiences connect us together and remind us of who we are: where we’ve come from, what is truly important, and who cares for and loves us no matter what. As those experiences are repeated over time, a deep trust is formed. I believe that is why those special moments of looking back are so powerful, as they warm our souls.
I also believe this is why worship is such a foundational and important act for people of faith. Worship is our primary opportunity to remember who we are: God’s beloved children. Worship enables us to share together in words and songs that praise Christ Jesus as we remember and affirm how we’re saved by Christ’s grace. Worship allows the Holy Spirit to work within us, individually and collectively, as we are formed more fully into the people God intends us to be. That is a sacred experience, and is why recalling special hymns, prayers, or sharing in sacraments together can elicit such a powerful response within us. Far beyond nostalgia, God is using our shared experiences together to form us more fully into Christ’s Church.
Every Sunday we have the opportunity to join together in the sacred, forming act of worship. I hope you will make it priority to join with us – in-person or online – for this sacred time together with God.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS |
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: |
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CHRIST SERVANT MINISTRIES
The mission of the Christ Servant Ministry Program is to celebrate the training and service of the Laity in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. Lay Servant Ministry is at the core of every church. There is always so much work to be done and every job is important . Teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, serving as liturgists, doing evangelism, leading Bible studies, ushering, or caring for the sick and homeless are some of the ways the laity serve God. In the Eastern PA Conference, we identify the laity who take special servant training to do these jobs as Christ Servant Ministers. Their training revolves around 3 broad categories that combine words with deeds to serve the church and the community.
Christ Servant Ministers are laity who seek training in how to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world
... by Leading,
... by Caring,
... and by Communicating.
If you feel called to seek ways to proclaim his presence and power through all that you are and all that you do.... God may be calling you to be a Christ Servant Minister! Do you . . .
· Listen to others who are suffering with personal crises...
· Teach a Sunday School Class or lead a small group...
· Serve as a liturgist or help in the Worship Service...
· Visit nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, or neighbors..
If you answer yes to some or all of the above, then you are already responding to God's call in the ways of a Christ Servant Minister.
The Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference is offering two opportunities to become a Christ Servant Minister or to continue on your journey if you are already a CSM. One opportunity will be a virtual Laity Academy in August and one in-person in October.
If you are interested, please see Pastor Ruth for further information on the upcoming Laity Academies
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY at ST. JOHN'S
Spread the Word!
Do you enjoy graphic design, developing PowerPoint presentations, writing and editing desktop publications, and updating websites and social media platforms? We are seeking an enthusiastic individual who is proficient in these areas to take on the role of Office Communications/Technology Coordinator. As part of the St. John's administrative team, you will work independently and collaboratively with the pastoral staff, the Clerical Coordinator, Directors of Children's, Youth and Music Ministries, and the congregants.
If you have a heart for Jesus, have a degree or equivalent experience in communications and graphic design, and would like to work 20 hours per week, please consider joining our St John's Administrative Staff.
Call 215-357-6998 for information or email your resume' to stjumc@aol.com
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Tech Team Volunteers Needed
(Anyone age 12 to 112 years old is welcome)
There's always room for one more with our growing Tech Team! We are getting enough volunteers now that we are splitting the jobs into smaller, easier to handle responsibilities. It's no problem getting coverage when you can't make it, as long as you email Sarah Floyd in advance of Sunday. Tech Team members run camera, operate video switcher, scroll the projector slides, monitor audio, and run YouTube software. We use headsets now to aid communication within the team.
Click the box below to sign up for the YouTube LIVE traditional service or the non-broadcast contemporary service.
Sarah will partner with you until you are ready to solo.
This important ministry is bringing worship into the lives of many people, including the hearing impaired who can now enjoy worship through our
closed captioning services.
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Please contact
Sarah Floyd, Director of Video Ministry
at sarah.sjumc@gmail.com
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Worship this Sunday, August 15, 2021
2 in-person services offered:
One at 9 AM in the Sanctuary and
one at 10:30 AM in Fellowship Hall
The 9 AM service can be viewed LIVE through
St. John's Youtube Channel
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or on our homepage:
www.stjohnsivyland.com
Past worship service videos can also be found:
Auto-generated closed captions are usually provided by YouTube about a week after the service has posted for the hearing impaired.
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𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚓𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚂𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝
𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝙼𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚎 𝙽𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜. A𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙹𝚎𝚜𝚞𝚜 𝙵𝚘𝚌𝚞𝚜 𝙼𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚢! 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚞𝚜.
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And 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔s to 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙵𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝙼𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚜𝚝. 𝙸𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧!
𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚓𝚘𝚒𝚗 𝚞𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝙰𝚞𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝟸𝟷 𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚞𝚜𝚔 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝙼𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚎 𝙽𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜!
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READ TO FEED®
A Heifer International Program
THE LIST IS AVAILABLE!
Please help us by signing up to sponsor a child that has already enrolled! For more information check out the church website!
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COMING IN
SEPTEMBER . . .
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Please join us in fellowship and worship on Sunday, September 12 from 4 - 6
as we learn about the connection between kindness and God's character, as shown through God's big story! For the entire family!
Check back for more details!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER, PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN SEAMANS
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Summer Youth Nights
Every Friday
7 PM to 9 PM
July 9 to Aug 27
Plus upcoming trips . .
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Youth
Movie Night
Friday, August 13th
7 to 11:30 PM
All Youth 7th to 12th Grades
In Fellowship Hall
Please bring a mask
Questions? Contact: Sarah.sjumc@gmail.com
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The Adult and Youth Choirs will sing on Sunday, August 15th
at the 9 AM traditional service. Rehearsal at 8:30 AM.
All choir members welcome!
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Handbell Members Needed
Celebration Ringers are in need of several new "ringers" to perform several times per year. Rehearsals are once or twice per month on Monday nights. Musical experience a plus but not necessary. All are welcome! Contact Roy Nelson or Alissa Nelson.
GENesis Bells can always use additional Youth and Adults in our multi-generational bell choir. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings. Contact Roy Nelson to join.
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Donations Needed for Mission Sewing Group |
The young girls in Africa need panties to go with the Sani-Panis that our sewing group is making. Please consider donating panties in GIRLS sizes 14 and 16 and in Women’s sizes small and medium.
There will be a collection box in the Narthex for your donations.
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Thank you for your Heart for Missions
Pastor Ruth
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Starting Tuesday, September 14, 2021 - GriefShare at St. John's
If you are suffering the loss of someone dear to you, GriefShare, a grief recovery seminar and support group, is available to offer you hope and healing for the journey. Seminar topics include "Is This Normal?", "The Challenge of Grief", "Grief and Your Relationships", "Why?" and "Guilt and Anger". Videos, discussions, and a supportive workbook are the tools that are used by participants each meeting of the thirteen week session. Classes will begin again at St. John's on Tuesday, September 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in the Church Library.
For more information and to register for class, contact Erin Maurer, GriefShare Facilitator, at 267-265-3515 or email erinamaurer@aol.com
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ALL AGES
COMMUNITY CAMPFIRE
(weather permitting)
Bring your friends,
bring your neighbors
Bring an outdoor chair!
Hot dogs and marshmallows provided.
FINAL CAMPFIRE GATHERING FOR THE SUMMER - AUGUST 18TH
7:30 to 9:00 PM
Questions? Contact: Sarah.sjumc@gmail.com
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WARRIOR COFFEE UPDATE
AT ST. JOHN’S WE ARE FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S RIGHT -
ONE CUP AT A TIME
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“FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S RIGHT ONE CUP AT A TIME
From the beginning, Lycoming College made it clear that it would not adopt the Village of Naranjito, but rather they would enter into an agreement that would assist the poor and destitute village to be economically self-sufficient and able to meet the needs of their inhabitants. To accomplish this task, the village would form a cooperative of their own citizens who would be guided by Lycoming in meeting those needs.
This is based on the premise that the villagers know best what they need and they know who the real leaders are in the community. So a cooperative to work with Lycoming was formed. Initially, this cooperative would be the mechanism to improve the quality of the coffee, bring the beans to market and to negotiate a fair price for their coffee beans and other agricultural products.
The cooperative would also be able to identify other village needs as well. The first being the need for clean water. All the water for the village is collected from mountain streams and used without knowledge of purification. The Clean Water Institute of Lycoming College, already recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for its groundbreaking efforts to clean up the Loyalsock Creek, a major tributary of the Susquehanna River was well poised to assist in this effort. Lycoming students set forth to install water filtration units and purchased water storage barrels. The students educated the residents on the use of these systems. Installed in 2017, they have substantially changed the health of the community.
Lycoming students found solar equipment sitting in a field and rusting. Many years before, a feel-good group had paid for solar equipment and had it shipped to El Naranjito. However, the group had no connection with the residents so no one thought to ask if the villagers knew what to do with the equipment. Obviously the villagers did not and so the equipment went unused.
Lycoming, with the profits from Warrior Coffee sales to persons like the members of St. John’s, bought enough equipment to power 13 homes in El Naranjito, lighting village homes at night for the first time ever. More importantly, through training and seed-money the cooperative was expanded so that the Village of El Naranjito is purchasing and installing solar equipment in other neighboring villages of the Dominican Republic. Entrepreneurism at work.
There are many more stories to tell and we will continue next week. In the meantime, help us “fight for what’s right one cup at a time”.
Paul Henry
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DONATIONS NEEDED
Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry are needed throughout the year. Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex and fellowship hall lobby.
Volunteers are also needed to deliver food and clothing to the Eastwick Food Bank.
Thank you for your support.
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St John's Drive-Thru Prayer Ministry
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If you cannot come to church but are in need of prayers, our prayer team will pray with you at our drive-thru prayer.
Join us the 3rd Wednesday of each month 4:30-6:00 PM. Our next Drive-Thru Prayer will be on Wednesday, August 18th.
If you would like to join us and be a part of this ministry of St John's, please contact Pastor Ruth by calling the Church office at 215-357-6998.
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New Wednesday Night
Bible Study
Mysteries of the Messiah
by
Rabbi Jason Sobel
Facilitator: Ken Lee
Starting Wednesday, September 22, 2021
7 - 9 PM Church Parlor
Join us for a six-week video Bible Study featuring Rabbi Jason Sobel as he walks the land of the Israelites of the Old Testament and explores the connections to Jesus the Messiah.
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Six Sessions including:
- Finding Jesus in the Story of Creation
- Finding Jesus in the Story of the Patriarchs
- Finding Jesus in the Story of Joseph and Judah
- Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses
- Finding Jesus in the Story of Ruth and Boaz
- Finding Jesus in the Story of David
Please contact Ken Lee or the office by phone or email if you plan to attend.
215-357-6998, stjumc@aol.com.
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ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
10:00 AM and 7 PM in Grace Cafe'
Leaders: Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell
The EXILES
by Christina Baker Kline
An ambitious, emotionally resonant novel about three women whose lives are bound together in nineteenth-century Australia and the hardships they weather together as they fight for redemption and freedom in a new society.
We will follow St. John's guidelines regarding masks and social distancing. Please join us!
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United Methodist Women
September
Sock It to Me Sundays!
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The United Methodist Women are collecting new clothing and toiletry items for needy families in our local and surrounding areas. In addition to clothing and health care items, they also need back to school items such as tablets, pencils, crayons, binders and back packs etc.
Just as 2020 was a struggle for many families, 2021 is proving to be as big of a financial challenge. Please drop off your new items at the church or place in the barrel on the front porch (Saturday and Sundays Only). We will be collecting items for the full month of September.
ITEMS NEEDED:
Baby Disposable Diapers, Adult Disposable Underwear(men and women),
Socks, P.J's, Underwear, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes, Hair Products, Deodorant, Bath Soap, Wash Cloths and Towels, Baby Care Items, Baby and Toddler Clothes, Children's Clothing, School Supplies.
Thank you for your continued support and your generous gifts!
For questions please feel free to contact any member of the UMW Committee or contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404. Email: rekeppol@comcast.net
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UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 21, 2021
8:00 AM
St John’s Fellowship Hall
Final Planning Meeting for the September 18th Chicken BBQ
All Men Are Welcome!
Contact Jack Donovan or Paul Henry for additional information on UMM activities
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St. John's
Chicken BBQ
Saturday, September 18, 2021
11 AM to 3 PM
Take-out Only!
Full Dinner
1/2 BBQ Chicken, Coleslaw,
Potato Salad, Roll, Cold Drink $10.00
Chicken Only
1/2 BBQ Chicken $5.00
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Prayer requests can be submitted
Prayer requests are reviewed
Monday-Friday AM.
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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Nancy MacMillan would like to express her heartfelt thanks to all the St. John's friends and family who have called, sent cards, and offered prayers during her recent health crisis. Please continue to keep Nancy in prayer as she begins the next stage of her road to recovery.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
10 AM in the Parlor.
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 stjumc@aol.com.
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MOBILE GIVING
- Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
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Click on the 'Give' button in red, Donate Any Amount and register.
Once you've registered, you can either make donations by debit or credit. Lenten Offerings may also be received through our website.
TEXT GIVING
Simply text the amount you wish to give to 877-960-2396.
You will immediately receive a one-time registration link, then just follow the prompts to complete your donation!
It's quick and secure.
The same vendor that handles electronic giving for us, Vanco Services, has state of the art encryption, so you can rest easy that your transaction is 100% safe and confidential.
You may also send your tithes and offerings to the church office:
820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA 18974
If you have any questions about mobile or text giving,
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When your flowers are in full bloom, take a picture and share it with us!
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Ushers Needed
for in-person worship services to greet worshippers, direct them to available seats and assist with questions. This is a simple yet meaningful opportunity to serve God by sharing His love with others. Please contact the church office to sign up to serve as an usher.
215-357-6998
or
Thank you for your faithful support of all we do in service to Christ here at St. John's.
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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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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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CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266 |
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St. John's Ivyland
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Sr. Pastor
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