Hello St. John’s Family,
I recall the morning vividly. After spending a few days at Ocean City with my wife’s parents, Jennifer and I decided to get up early and drive down to the Cape May Bird Observatory prior to heading home. Fall migrations were beginning, and we heard Cape May was an amazing spot to see hawks, shorebirds, and all kinds of wildlife. As the sun came up to reveal a beautiful morning, we could barely keep up with the spotter who was identifying hawks in every direction. It was a wonderful conclusion to an extended weekend.
On an impulse we decided to stop in the small gift shop prior to leaving. Upon walking in, we saw the three people there silently huddled around a tiny TV mounted in the corner of the store. The picture showed smoke billowing from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Reporters didn’t know exactly what happened, but the rumor was that a plane had crashed into the building. Moments later we saw another plane crash into the South Tower in real time. All of us know what happened as that morning continued to unfold.
As a child, I can recall hearing adults speak of moments that completely changed the trajectory of their lives and of the world around them. I heard how most people could vividly remember where they were when they heard the news of Pearl Harbor, or of President Kennedy’s assassination. Yet I couldn’t really comprehend how something could be so shocking, heartbreaking, and painful that it caused us as a people to question the basic understandings and assumptions of our world. In the events of September 11, 2001, I immediately understood.
Twenty years have now passed, yet I sense that few – if any – people have truly processed what occurred on that morning. We often hear calls to remember: to never forget the senseless, tragic loss of so many lives. To always recognize the selfless sacrifice of the first responders who rushed to each scene to aid and assist others. To attend to and remain in solidarity with those who continue to suffer physically and emotionally from the trauma of those attacks. Remembering these realities are incredibly important; we need to do that.
We also know the act of remembering will again raise painful questions. Why? Where is God in these horrific acts of hatred? How can I trust in God when events like those on September 11th take place? These and many other questions come, yet few good answers follow. In our sorrow and grief, we cry out to God in lament.
Lamenting is an act that faithful humans have engaged in across the ages to express our grief, pain, and loss. Lament gives us the space to cry out to God; to question God as we name how something happened that defies our comprehension. Lament acknowledges we may never have all the answers, and yet we will choose to trust in God. Lament calls out the reality of horrific moments of darkness, while remembering the true Light that entered the darkness of this world, and no darkness can overcome it. Most importantly, lament points us toward hope. A real and tangible hope we have in the crucified and risen Christ, who experienced the worst darkness of this world and defeated it in his glorious resurrection.
This Sunday in worship, we will pause to remember and lament the acts of September 11, 2001. We will then hear anew how God is a God of abundant life, as Christ Jesus proclaims I am the resurrection, and the life! I hope you’ll join me-
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 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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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,
September 12, 2021
2 in-person services offered:
Contemporary Worship at 9 AM
in the Sanctuary and
Traditional Service 10:30 AM
in the Sanctuary
The 10:30 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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SHARE YOUR STORY!
Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. This should be a time for families to come together in prayer and devotion.
This has been another really difficult year for all of us.
We look forward to a more normal Advent/Christmas season this year.
So, please consider writing a devotion for our Advent Devotional. As always we will have paper copies of the devotional available and, in addition we will be posting each day’s devotion online
If you are interested in contributing a devotion, please contact
Pastor Ruth.
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Children's Sunday School is Back!
September 12th
10:30 am
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Parents, please have your children check-in at Fellowship Hall for their class and room assignments.
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BECOME AN ACOLYTE!
What is the job of an acolyte?
An acolyte’s role is to bring the light of Christ into the Sanctuary at the beginning of worship and then to take the light of Christ out into the world at the end of the service.
This is a great opportunity for our children to become involved in worship here at St. John’s.
Grades 3-6 Training included
If you are interested, contact Jennifer Haas
@ 215-776-1740
Or
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Join us for fun and fellowship Sunday, September 12th from
4 - 6 pm as we learn about the connection between kindness and God's character, as shown through God's big story!
For the entire family -
Bring snacks and soft drinks!
Tailgate party starts at 4 pm church parking lot!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP,
PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN SEAMANS
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Mark these Dates
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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Bake Sale at Chicken BBQ
Place donations of baked goods, either homemade or purchased, in the Youth Room either Friday September 17 or early Saturday September 18th.
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Youth Car Wash
at Chicken BBQ
Saturday, Sept. 18th, 11 am to 3pm
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Youth Nights Are Back - Starting September 26th
7:15pm to 8:30pm
HAND PAINTING on wall & on Pillowcases
Need donations of white pillowcases to the
Youth lounge by 9/24 please
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Confirmation Experience
Starting Sunday, October 3rd thru Spring 2022
Requirements:
- Attend 6 Sunday workshops on various Sundays from 11:30am to 2:00pm. (make-up dates available)
- Student participation in worship as outlined in syllabus
- Retreat with Pastor Brad and Sarah Floyd
An informational meeting with Pastor Brad and Sarah Floyd
will be on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 11:30am
Register by asking Sarah for the link or referring to the email that went out.
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Because of this very important SuperFan Family Tailgate Party event this Sunday afternoon/evening, we will be delaying the start-up of GENesis Bells and Youth Choir.
Our FIRST rehearsals will be on
Sunday, September 19th
GENesis Bells - 5:15 - 6:15
Youth Choir - 6:15 - 7:15
I encourage all families to attend Sunday's event. Thank you all for your patience and flexibility.
Roy 215-962-8928
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Our Music Ministry will be resuming in the coming weeks. We welcome ANYONE who has a desire to serve in our Praise Band, Vocal Choirs, Instrumental Groups or Bell Choirs. Sharing your talent by participating in one or more of our choirs is a wonderful way to serve in our church.
PRAISE BAND
We have openings for Vocalists and Instrumentalists in our Praise Band. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings, and sing / play at the 9:00 Contemporary Worship Service each week.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR (Joyful Voices)
This Choir is for children K-5. The choir sings once or twice a month at the 10:30 Traditional Worship Service. The choir will rehearse each week at 11:30 - 12:15 following the Worship Service. ALL children are welcome to participate. Our FIRST rehearsal will be Sunday, September 19 at 11:30. If there is interest, members of the choir will be introduced to handbells in preparation for forming a Children's Handbell Choir.
YOUTH CHOIR
Our Youth Choir is for youth grades 6-12. The choir sings once or twice a month at the 10:30 Traditional Worship Service. The choir will rehearse each week from 6:15 - 7:15 on Sunday NIGHT. No previous singing experience is necessary. Our first rehearsal is Sunday night, September 19.
ADULT CHOIR
The Adult Choir shares it's music and talent each week at the 10:30 Traditional Worship Service. No previous singing experience is necessary. The choir rehearses each week on Thursday Night at 8:00. Our first rehearsal is Thursday night, September 9.
GENesis Bells
The GENesis Bell Choir is a Multi-Generational choir made up of Youth and Adults. The choir plays once a month in Worship. No previous handbell experience is necessary. Rehearsals are on Sunday night 5:15 - 6:15 (with a small break before Youth Choir). Our first rehearsal is Sunday night, September 19.
CELEBRATION RINGERS
Celebration Ringers is a bell choir for ANY adult who desires to ring. New members are welcome, as we have several ringers who currently are subbing in this choir. Celebration Ringers rehearse once or twice each month, and play at our special music programs, and occasionally during Worship Services. Rehearsals are on Monday nights, as called. Next rehearsal is Monday, September 20
RING OF FAITH
Ring of Faith Bells is an "advanced" bell choir. Currently, there are not any openings. However, anyone interested in participating should contact the directors. Substitutes are needed during the year. Rehearsals resume September 9.
Alissa Nelson - Assistant
Brian Barber - Organist
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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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“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.”
Three years ago, when my husband Michael died from neuroendocrine carcinoma, I could’ve said the same thing about his absence. The feeling of loss was pervasive--it colored everything in my world. Each new morning was a challenge and I had to commit myself to the task of living every. single. day; everything inside of me wanted to remain in the pre-dawn darkness. I had no active plan to harm myself, but I also had no real desire to carry on alone. Then I found a grief support program called GriefShare.
GriefShare helped me understand that intense sorrow is a reflection of the deep well of love Mike and I shared, and the roller coaster of emotions that I was experiencing those first weeks, months, and years was normal. Participating in GriefShare played an integral part in my learning how to mourn my loss, care for my broken heart, and reconstruct my shattered life. Most of all, though, GriefShare gave me a support network of new friends who “got it” because they’d experienced a similar kind of pain. I wasn’t on the healing journey alone.
The nationally recognized Christian grief support program called GriefShare is making its way back to St. John’s beginning September 14th starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Library. Each class of the 13-week session includes an in-depth video regarding a topic dealing with grief followed by a chance for discussion. Participants share as much or as little as they like. Accompanying the class is a home workbook that offers inspiration and comfort throughout the week.
Whether your loss was recent or happened many years ago, you can look forward to significant healing of your sadness. Please mention GriefShare to family or friends who might like to attend, and please contact me if you’d like to participate or would like more details. ~ Erin Maurer
267-265-3515 or email erinamaurer@aol.com
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The Red Bird Mission trailers are open for your usable donations every Saturday and Sunday between 8:30am and 5pm.
(no TVs or books please).
Thank you to our congregation and friends for your support.
We are pleased to announce that another trailer full of your donations went to the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky on Sept. 2.
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WARRIOR COFFEE
UPDATE #5
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”
For the past few weeks, I have been telling you about the plight of the people in the small village of El Naranjito in the Dominican Republic. Now it is your opportunity to help by ordering Warrior Coffee and “fighting for what’s right - one cup at a time”.
ORDER NOW!
Since 2017, St. John’s has been serving Warrior Coffee in the Grace Café. While the Grace Café is not yet open due to Corona Virus concerns, you can still have your Warrior Coffee at home. I will be placing an order for coffee on Monday, September 20th. If you wish to order coffee, please contact me (text or voice) at 215-962-6719 or via email at phenry605@verizon.net. Alternatively, you can complete the order form located on the church bulletin board in the narthex.
Warrior Coffee comes with the following choices:
- Warrior Gold* – shade grown with a nutty, cocoa, dried fruit taste
- Warrior Blue* – shade grown with a molasses, dark chocolate, earthy taste
- Warrior Decaf – shade grown with a full body, fig and raisin sweet medium finish
(*Warrior Gold and Warrior Blue are available ground or whole bean.)
The cost is $15.00 per bag and remember there are no administrative fees taken from the profits received. Every penny is returned to the people of El Naranjito as higher reimbursement for the beans or to subsidize various projects such as water treatment and early education.
If you can’t wait until late September for your Warrior Coffee, you can join the Warrior Coffee Club and have your order shipped directly to your home by going to www.lycoming.edu/coffeesubscription.
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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
RESCHEDULED!
(NO MORNING SESSION THIS WEEK)
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
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 policy on masking. Please wear a mask or shield inside the church.
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The Upper Room
Devotionals
for
September/October
Are available
in the Narthex and outside Fellowship Hall
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Be sure to pick up one for yourself and one for a friend. |
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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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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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Men's Breakfast Meeting
10:00 AM October 16, 2021
at
Sycamore Grill
255 North Sycamore
Newtown, PA
(BYOB - Buy Your Own Breakfast)
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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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