John 4:24

I recently read the story behind the worship song, “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship.” The composer, Brian Doerksen composed this song during a time of deep anguish in his soul. One day when he felt especially discouraged, he sensed the Holy Spirit nudging him to praise and worship the Lord in spite of the difficult time he was going through. He obeyed, and this song – which has blessed millions worldwide – was born.

When I read about Brian’s choice to worship in the middle of his storm, it changed my perspective. It’s easy to worship Jesus for His goodness, his presence, and his power when life is going well. Not so much when life takes a sudden detour or someone hurts me. That’s when I’m tempted to whine or doubt. But, I know that is the time when I most need to remember that song title and put it into action.

While it is true that we can worship anytime, anyplace…I believe that it is important to gather together with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ (in the Sanctuary) to worship. It is so important for our children and Youth to be in Sunday School. The Bible tells us in Hebrews… And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. It is so important to the life of St. John’s and to our spiritual life as well to get back into the practice of coming out to church. We need other believers!

We need fellowship. September 4 will be “Get Back In the Swing” Sunday here at St. John’s. I encourage you to come –worship our God and fellowship with one another here in the House of the Lord. And then after worship come together for a fellowship brunch. There will be lots of good food and good Christian fellowship. Plus, there will be games for the children and youth (as well as for the young at heart). Join us then and let’s “Get Back in the Swing” of coming out to church on Sunday mornings!

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Donations Needed of

 Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex

Please contact Lou Lescas at [email protected] if you are available to help. 

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 will be sent to the Bright Futures Academy for their new playground. This project is organized by two of our Youth Stars, Nicole & Melissa McDevitt. Click below for acceptable plastics to be recycled.

is Back with the Disney movie Encanto!

In celebration of our Church and our St. John's Family, we will have a Potluck Brunch to enjoy being together after our enforced pandemic separation. Come out to worship our God, share your favorite brunch recipe, and spend time catching up with friends old and new. Sign-up sheets are available in the Narthex. Meanwhile, brainstorm ideas for future Fellowship Sundays and think about what you're going to bring to the Potluck. (Remember, everything's better with bacon!)

 [email protected]  215-364-0942

Forming Now

Come join the fun and help to plan future opportunities to gather together as a Church family. We're looking for ideas from our youth and our "elders" and every age in between. Join the Fellowship Team or just come to planning sessions as you are able. Contact Pastor Ruth, Kathy Keppol or Lynne Tomlinson

MUSIC MINISTRY

September and October devotionals will be

be available in the Narthex, beginning Sunday, August 21.

Be sure to pick up one for yourself and one for a friend.

The novel tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered by the farmer, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web in order to persuade the farmer to let him live. If you read the story as a child or read it to a child, please join us. Or iff you have never read it, please join us.

Our next study on Wednesday evenings will be Disciple III FastTrack. This is a 24-week comprehensive study with manageable daily scripture readings. The first half focuses on Old Testament prophets; the second half on the Letters of Paul.

Disciple III FastTrack study guides on The Prophets and Letters of Paul can be purchased online from The Well Bookstore, UM Church of the Resurrection

Red Bird Mission would like to include sports balls in the Christmas boxes for kids in the Beverly, KY area. The Communion Offering on Sunday, October 2, will be used to purchase items through Amazon and have them shipped direct to Red Bird. Monetary donations will also be accepted each Sunday in September and added to the Communion Offering amount. The Naomi Circle will have a table in the Narthex area each Sunday in September to talk to you about this project and to accept any additional donations.

with a Gourmet Breakfast this Saturday, August 20th at 9 AM

Long-time St. John's member Ethel Ann "Toots" Brown entered into eternal life on August 5th. Family and friends gathered at Washington Crossing National Cemetery on Tuesday, August 16th. Please keep the family of Toots in your prayers.

On August 7, 2022, Barry White Jr, beloved son of Evelyn and Dick Cain, entered life eternal. Family and friends may gather at St. John's UMC Ivyland on Friday, August 19th between 10 AM and Noon, with the service immediately following. Please keep the Cain and White families in your daily prayers.

G. Wesley Frazier, beloved father to Brian (& Maritsa) Barber, entered into glory on July 16, 2022. Please keep Brian's mother Jean and the entire Barber family in your prayers.

online (click here).or through the church email at [email protected]. 

Once you've registered, you can either make donations by debit or credit. Lenten Offerings may also be received through our website.

 TEXT GIVING 

email Lou Lescas at [email protected]

address, phone, email, etc.