Hello St. John’s Family,

For the past 10 days, I have been blessed to spend some time away with family. Thanks to the insightful planning of my wife, we’ve been able to piggyback time away with moving our son back to college, providing an opportunity to spend extended time together. There’s been sun, sand, and waves; long walks with our dogs; lots of wonderful, fresh seafood (and not-so-healthy snacks in between); and relaxing time with our extended family. Our son is now settled in and starting classes, and we are enjoying a few lingering moments of rest and downtime.

In our household, I am typically the one who gets up with the dogs each morning. As any dog owner knows, the rhythms and routines of our pets do not stop on vacation… and Tate (who is now 1 year old!) is an early riser. The first few mornings of our time away provided me with a vivid reminder of this fact. I have learned it doesn’t matter how deep or emphatic one’s tone is; “GO BACK TO SLEEP” has absolutely no effect on an eager and energetic dog.

In full disclosure, I did not see any benefit - or humor - to this insight as our vacation began. Being the only one outside before the sun came up wasn’t part of my agenda. Slowly, though, I began to see the beauty that was surrounding me. The first rays of sun breaking through in the morning, and then taking in the serene yet powerful rhythm of crashing waves as the day began has been a powerful reminder of how small we humans are in the context of the natural world. This time alone cultivated an awareness of how I wasn’t alone; God’s presence, goodness, and beauty were all around me. These early morning walks have become a powerful centering moment that opens my eyes to the goodness and beauty that I so often overlook. Whether it’s the time shared together with family, the good food we’re eating, the line of pelicans skimming the ocean waves for fish, or even the tiny “footprints” in the sand left behind by the ghost crabs scurrying on the beach the night before, I am seeing again the goodness and beauty of God’s presence that surrounds us daily.

The change of pace during vacation or time away can be a good opportunity to be reminded of God’s constant presence and beauty. Thankfully, that presence doesn’t end when our time away concludes. God is with us always. In big ways and small, God is present and attentive, eager to engage with us and remind us of God’s enduring presence in our lives.

I’m looking forward to being with you in worship this Sunday as we explore how well God knows us. Hearing the powerful words of the prophet Isaiah, we’ll be reminded of how God calls us by name; how God knows us, loves us, and is always with us. I hope you’ll join us as we give thanks and praise to the God whose love is with us always-

Grace and Peace

Pastor Brad

Come Worship with us this Sunday,

August 28, 2022

Contemporary Praise Service

at 9:00 AM

Traditional Service

at 10:30 AM

St John's UMC Ivyland

World-Famous Chicken Barbeque!

Saturday, September 17th 11 AM to 4 PM

Thank you to those who have dropped off their used monthly Upper Room magazines. Please be aware we are not able to send them to Red Bird at this time. So do not return them to the church. 

Upper Room Devotionals

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.

St. John's Book Club

Wednesday, September 7th

at 10 AM and 7 PM

in the Grace Cafe



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 if you have never read it, please join us.

Facilitators: Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell.

Please plan to contribute a baked item for the bake sale at the St John's chicken barbecue on Saturday, September 17.  

Each item should be individually wrapped. If you bring them unwrapped we will be happy to wrap it for you.

Items can be placed in the kitchen on Friday clearly marked for the Bake Sale. 

For questions contact Kathy Keppol 

215-920-5862

United Methodist Men

Final planning meeting for the Chicken BBQ was held at our August Breakfast meeting, A big Thank You goes out to all who attended and especially to those who helped in the kitchen

Chicken BBQ Sept 17th, volunteer now!

Next meeting is on October 15th, 2022- breakfast meeting.

Agenda: Chicken BBQ Recap

and a Guest Speaker.

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 gathered at St. John's UMC Ivyland on Friday, August 19th. 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.