Hello St. John’s Family,
Like many, I have been stunned and saddened by the heartbreaking images coming from Afghanistan this week. Uncertainty and fear are gripping a country that has long been a home to conflict, extremism, and oppression. After many years and countless resources were invested into establishing a democratic society with basic freedoms, all the work and investment has seemingly crumbled in days. Many there, especially women and children, are scared for what the coming days may bring. Many here are also worried that the instability in Afghanistan will threaten our safety.
As I’ve attempted to process these developments, I’ve been deeply struck by the interviews with our military personnel who served in Afghanistan. These men and women have sacrificed so much. Many have experienced horrific physical and psychological injuries; they have seen family members or dear friends suffer and die for this cause, and now they’re questioning whether their sacrifice and service meant anything. A mission and cause to which they’ve given their lives has collapsed, through no fault of their own. What does that mean - and did it really mean anything in the first place?
These are difficult, heartbreaking questions; questions that humankind has wrestled with since the beginning of time. Grasping the sanctity of life, the brevity of our human lives, the principles and virtues we are willing to sacrifice for, and the outcomes of those sacrifices – processing all of those realities such that right and just meaning emerges is incredibly difficult. And it is not guaranteed.
As I reflect on these deep and difficult questions, two truths emerge. First, I am reminded of the complete and inescapable brokenness of this world. The fallen nature of humanity is not a popular concept these days, as many feel that most people are basically “good.” While every human bears the goodness of God’s image, we are all fallen. All humans have brokenness; areas beyond our capability to address on our own. The collective result of our brokenness is the utter brokenness of the relationships, systems, and structures in this world. We are called to work toward right and just outcomes, individually and collectively, and to sacrifice for those outcomes to become reality. Yet we can do our best in this work and see our efforts fail, sometimes through no fault of our own.
Second, meaning in our lives must be grounded in redemption. The hurt, brokenness and strife of this world cannot be fixed through human efforts alone. That may sound harsh, yet that reality points to something true and good: God’s desire to redeem human brokenness and pain. In redemption, we are able to acknowledge our brokenness, along with the mess and pain of this world, and be assured that God’s justice and righteousness will both prevail and reign eternally. This assurance isn’t a fuzzy, abstract concept; it is concrete, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we acknowledge Christ’s work, and join with God in discerning and accomplishing God’s will, that reign of justice is extended through us in both our successes and shortcomings. That, I believe, is the beauty and power of God’s desire to redeem, offering meaning and real hope amid the most difficult situations.
I ask that you keep the people and situation in Afghanistan in prayer. Pray that God’s justice and peace may emerge in the chaos. Pray for our military personnel who have given so much and now must process another wound. Pray for our leaders, that wisdom and a common sense of purpose may guide all decisions. And pray the power of God’s redemption may bring hope and healing to our fractured world.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS |
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A Letter from the Pastor & Leadership Board
Congregants and Friends of St John’s,
A pandemic that has brought so much isolation, suffering, and difficulty continues to afflict us. The Delta variant has spread rapidly, including transmission among fully vaccinated persons. In multiple areas of our country healthcare professionals and hospital systems are pushed to their limits, and patients are suffering alone. While that level of spread has not occurred in our immediate area, case counts have risen steadily, as have the concerns that the imminent opening of schools will accelerate the rise in cases. How do we continue to be Christ’s Church, shining the light and hope of Christ into these uncertain times? I and the Leadership Board have spent significant time praying and discerning how to do that in a meaningful and safe way.
Throughout the pandemic, guidelines from the CDC and local public health authorities have been a significant barometer in our decisions. Those guidelines, in combination with vaccinations, have enabled us to gather and resume many ministries safely. Leadership is agreed that aligning with those guidelines is the appropriate course of action to enable us to continue to gather and expand our in-person activities.
Based on this, masks will be needed for indoor gatherings regardless of vaccination status, effective this Sunday, August 22. As the local level of transmission/case counts decrease below the level of substantial spread as defined by the CDC, this will be relaxed for fully vaccinated persons. I recognize this isn’t what anyone wants – myself included. It is another sacrifice – a meaningful sacrifice made in love, offering our children and the most vulnerable among us an increased level of protection. Thank you for your patience and sacrifices to enable us to continue to gather together safely.
In conjunction with this update, significant discussions have occurred regarding our approach to worship and congregational ministries this fall. All discussions focused on our enabling our St. John’s family to engage with each other meaningfully and safely.
Beginning Sunday, September 12, we will proceed as
outlined below.
Fall Worship: two worship services will be offered, both in our Sanctuary. Contemporary Worship will move to 9am, with Traditional Worship following at 10:30am. Both services will encourage congregational participation while limiting direct contact (i.e., incorporating scripture readers, acolytes, musical offerings, etc.). Nursery coverage at both services will resume September 12, provided sufficient help can be coordinated (volunteers must be vaccinated). Grace Cafe' will remain closed at this time.
Music Ministries, including Choirs, Bell Choirs, and Praise Band will rehearse and participate in worship as scheduled by Director of Music Ministries.
Sunday School/Christian Education for Children & Youth: in-person classes will be offered weekly at 10:30am. Youth Group will meet on Sunday evenings; our Confirmation program will begin early October.
Small Group Ministries (Bible Studies, UMW/UMM, GriefShare, etc.) are encouraged to proceed/continue meeting.
Activities where food will be served and consumed indoors are to be approved by the Leadership Board. Participants in Bible studies, small groups, etc. are welcome to bring individual water bottles/drinks if desired. Outdoor activities are mask-optional. A complete guidance document will be posted on our website by early next week.
I want to thank you again for your patience and willingness to sacrifice out of love for each other as we continue to expand our ministries together!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad and the Leadership Board
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: |
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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 Volunteer Opportunities
(Anyone age 12 to 112 years old is welcome)
Come join our Tech Team!
Tech Team members learn how to run camera, operate video switcher, scroll the projector slides, monitor audio, and run YouTube software.
Click the box below to sign up for the YouTube LIVE traditional service or the non-broadcast contemporary service.
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 22, 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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On August 08, 2021, we welcomed nine new members to St. John's:
Bill & Donna Brucker
Wayne Hirschbill
Jennifer Leight *
Gavin Leight *
Darcy Leight *
Rob Lunny
Tracy Vasger
Stephen Whitehead
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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 Final Two Weeks!
Friday 7 PM to 9 PM
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Friday, August 27th -
End of Summer Water Fight!
Bring squirty things or balloons, a towel and a change of clothes.
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Friday, August 20th -
Fun service project.
Paint the walls of the Sunday School rooms with Susan Seamans.
WEAR OLD CLOTHES!
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Sneak Peek:
September 18th 11-3 PM Youth car wash & bake sale
Youth Nights starting Sunday, September 26th 7:15 - 8:30 PM
New Confirmation Class starts Sunday, October 3rd.
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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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ALL AGES COMMUNITY CAMPFIRE
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Bring your friends!
Bring your neighbors!
Bring your outdoor chair!
Wednesday, August 25th
(weather permitting)
7:30 to 9:00 PM
Hot dogs and marshmallows provided!
Questions? contact Sarah Floyd
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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 until September 5th.
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Thank you for your Heart for Missions
Pastor Ruth
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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
Over the past two weeks I have reminded you how Lycoming College got started with the Village of El Naranjito and the work that has been done to enable this very small, isolated village in the mountains of the Dominican Republic to become self-sustaining. I am sure as you have read the e-news these past two weeks you have been amazed at what has been accomplished in so brief a period of time. It has all happened because St. John’s and its members have been purchasing Warrior Coffee and “Fighting for what’s Right, One Cup at a Time”.
As you might guess, the past year has been a set-back in many ways. Here are just a few of the things that resulted from the Covid Virus:
Travel restrictions disrupted any ability for Lycoming students and personnel to travel to the Dominican Republic.
Lycoming’s intern who lived in El Naranjito and worked with the villagers on numerous projects had to return home.
The ability to export coffee to the United States was limited, consequently sales of Warrior Coffee (and the profits returned to the village) decreased.
Nonetheless, some good things did happen despite the pandemic. The village cooperative was able to find other markets for their product at prices very near the increased dollars that Lycoming was paying for the coffee. The Village Cooperative was stable enough to stand alone and assume leadership in a way that would not have happened in 2015, before Lycoming worked with the village to form a self-governing co-op.
Now many exciting things are about to resume and I’ll detail them for you next week. Stay tuned and continue to “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, September 15th.
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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The Zoom Class continues on September 21st after a summer break. Like last year’s format, we will meet online from 10:30-11:45 am each Tuesday to learn about and discuss various topics related to our Christian faith. We have several interesting and informative topics planned. They include:
“All in The Family” – a look at what the New Testament tells us about Jesus’ family members
“What’s Up with Revelation” – a five week understanding of the Book of Revelation and what it means for us today
"Questioning Christianity" - Utilizing a book by Dan Patterson & Rian Roux, we will explore the nature and relevance of the Christian Gospel.
If you are interested in being a part of any of these discussion groups, please contact Paul Henry at phenry605@verizon.net
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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 Grace Cafe' and 7 PM in Parlor
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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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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