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Hello St. John’s Family,
I sense all of Chester County – and most of the Delaware Valley – breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday upon learning of the capture of Danelo Cavalcante. Cavalcante, convicted of murdering his girlfriend in the presence of her 2 young children, had escaped from the Chester County jail and eluded authorities for 2 weeks. His violent history and stated fear of facing the rest of his life incarcerated suggested he would use any means necessary to avoid capture. The unrest and fear of the communities in the search area was palpable, as every aspect of daily life was affected. Police checkpoints appeared on normally quiet neighborhood streets. Colleagues in ministry shared how Sunday school, Youth Group, Church preschools, and other ministries were impacted. Yet, in all the uncertainty, fear, and trauma, no one was impacted more than the children, sister, and family of Deborah Brandao – the woman killed by Cavalcante.
As the news of Cavalcante’s apprehension spread, I heard two common sentiments: many expressed thanks that no one was injured, and relief that they could now return to “normal” life. These were my sentiments as well. Learning the capture occurred safely, and that communities had the weight of fear lifted from them was good news indeed. Yet, as I continued to reflect, Deborah Brandao’s children and sister kept coming to mind. While I’m sure they are thankful for the capture, I couldn’t shake the question of what “normal” is for them. Is there a sense of normalcy? Will they ever feel safe? As the rest of us move on, do their hearts still ache every time the name of their mother’s killer is spoken?
On Monday morning, September 11th, many of us paused to remember the tragedy and pain of the terrorist attacks that occurred 22 years ago. The tragic events of that day affected us all. The sheer magnitude of the pain and loss was unavoidable, and it continues to weigh heavily on many. It is right – and incredibly important – to pause, remember, and pray for healing, reconciliation, and peace for everyone impacted. And tomorrow, September 15th, is also the anniversary of a tragic terrorist act that shook our country. Sixty years ago, at approximately 10:23am, a bomb detonated beneath the steps of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, killing 4 young African American girls preparing for Sunday school while severely injuring many others. While I knew of this horrific act, I wouldn’t have remembered it if I didn’t see a short article recalling it this week. In the article Sarah Collins Rudolph, a fifth girl in the immediate vicinity of that bomb and sister of one of the girls killed, recalled that day. She noted how she was hospitalized and couldn’t attend her sister’s funeral. She couldn’t even allow herself to cry, as she had already lost one eye and any crying might cause the glass embedded in her other eye to destroy her remaining sight. She received little justice and virtually no restitution to assist with a lifetime of medical bills. To this day, every eye doctor visit comes with an out-of-pocket copay – what is now her “normal.”
Three tragic events resulting from evil acts, each leaving those impacted with incredible burdens and loss while forever altering their sense of normalcy. Which led me to a new question: what should a Christian response to evil acts be? How should I, as someone who follows Christ, respond to tragedy? How can we remember every loss, as that seems impossible. Yet aren’t we called to help extend the hope of Christ to those struggling, and who must feel forgotten? How can I do that – what can I possibly do?
As I thought and prayed, I began to realize how crucial worship is in this process. Yes, worship: pausing weekly to come together in prayer and reflection while giving praise and thanks to God. The act of pausing to worship redirects our focus from ourselves to God, then outward to others. We consider the needs, pain, cares, and concerns that we and others face, while affirming the God of the universe is more powerful than the burdens that afflict us. From there, offerings and acts of service emerge to assist those in need. The more I reflected, the more I saw how worship is a powerful act of remembering the struggles of ourselves and others then seeking God’s help such that we “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). When we worship, we remember the mess – then boldly proclaim that evil does not win!
I hope you’ll join me this Sunday in worship, as we give thanks for God’s goodness, remember our sisters and brothers who are struggling, and seek God’s help to extend the light and love of Christ into this hurting world. We’ll continue our series on forgiveness and reconciliation, as we consider Christ’s teaching that forgiveness cannot be limited to a handful of attempts. Check out Matthew 18:21-35, then join us Sunday for a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and grace!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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NEW MEMBERS are welcome to come and participate in this wonderful Ministry!
If you are interested, please contact Roy Nelson or Alissa Nelson for details, or, speak to a choir member or parent.
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Beginning Choir Rehearsal Dates
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Joyful Voices (Children grade K-6)
- Sunday September 17 following 10:30 Worship
- "Celebration Ringers"
- Wednesday September 20 - 7:00
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New - Celebration Ringers has several openings for Handbells. In particular, one position for MEDIUM bells, and one position for LARGE bells. Please contact Roy Nelson if interested
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: | | |
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Come Worship with us this Sunday
September 17, 2023
10:30 AM
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The Grace Cafe is Open!
Stop by between Services for a fresh cup of coffee, tea, a sweet treat and fellowship with your St. John’s family!
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Book Club
We will meet on
Wednesday, October 04, at 10:00 AM
in the Grace Cafe. All are welcome!
Please join us as we discuss:
"Ordinary Grace"
by: William Kent Krueger
"A brilliantly moving account of a boy standing at the door of his young manhood, trying to understand a world that seems to be falling apart around him. It is an unforgettable novel about discovering the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God."
Leaders are Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell
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HARVEST WELCOME BRUNCH
Saturday, October 7th, 2023
10:00 - 11:30am - Fellowship Hall
Come and join the women of St. John’s
in welcoming the Fall.
A light brunch of coffee, tea, muffins and scones will be available while we get to catch up with each other. We will discuss upcoming events at St. John’s and United Women in Faith, which will be followed by our guest speaker, Denise Clark.
Denise’s presentation is called:
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“True Love: Understanding Abuse”
Rather than focusing on the ugliness of abuse, this presentation is based on 1 John 4. It focuses on God’s love in such a way as to help us understand what abuse is, how it affects a person’s ability to love and be loved and the
overwhelming need for us to be able to share God’s love with those around us who are trying to cope with situations in their lives.
A sign-up sheet is on the United Women in Faith bulletin board. Please come & join in a morning of good fellowship and hear how you may be able to help others.
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Dear St John’s family,
Our next blood drive is upon us.
The blood drive will be on Friday, November 3rd from 12:00 to 5:00 PM.
Please consider a blood donation or helping out with the canteen. If you know anyone who might be interested in donating blood, please contact me at jlescas19@gmail.com.
Thank you for your help and all that you do for St. John’s
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MINISTRY & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Our class objectives are to build our trust, faith and belief in God and continue to build our loving, personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Class time is spent discussing the Scriptural readings for the weekly lessons and what they mean to each of us and their impacts on our lives and relationships. We also strive to build a loving fellowship with all the class members and support one another and help each other to answer Christ's call to go out into the world to love, serve, obey and witness to God.
Title: Disciple IV Under the Tree of Life
Where: Church Parlor
When: Wednesday evenings 7-9 pm beginning 13 September 2023 to June 2024
Facilitator: Ken Lee
Course Description: Disciple 4 Under the Tree of Life is a study of the Old Testament Books called the Writings (Book not including the Torah and Prophets), the Gospel of John, the Letters of John, and Revelation. The Study Manual gives instructions for daily readings and provides space for note taking. Videos of commentary from Biblical Scholars will accompany each weekly lesson.
Point of Contact for those interested in participating: notify the Church Office by email; office.stjumc@gmail.com
The Church office can also assist in ordering the Study Manual.
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Be a part of a vibrant, growing ministry at St. John's UMC Ivyland as Director of Children's Ministries. Introduce and guide children from toddlers through 6th graders to the love of God through relationship with Jesus Christ. Provide programming leadership and direction to Sunday School teachers, coordinate the annual one-week Vacation Bible School, and work with families and their children to establish solid foundations to Christian life.
This part-time, 20 to 25 hours/week staff position requires all background clearances and Safe Sanctuary Training be completed prior to employment. A heart for Jesus, a love of children, and effective communication and delegation skills are essential. A bachelor's degree or background in education and/or ministry is strongly desired.
Please send application or resume to Staff-Parish Relations Committee, St. John's United Methodist Church, 820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland PA 18974 or email to office.stjumc@gmail.com
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Join our
Volunteer Tech Team
and see just how "Techie" you can be!
All ages welcome - youth, young adults, elder statesmen and stateswomen.
Amaze your family with your AV skills!
Skills taught weekly.
Contact church office
at 215-357-6998
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
10 AM in the Parlor.
The 500th prayer shawl was given out on March 7, 2023! This ministry began in 2009.
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 office.stjumc@gmail.com.
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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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MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Members of Naomi Circle, delivered lots and lots of aluminum tabs to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The tabs are sold to a recycling center.
The proceeds are then used to support families staying at one of two Ronald McDonald Houses located in Philadelphia near CHOP and St. Christopher’s Hospitals.
Thanks St. John’s family for being such a thirsty bunch. Ronald was pleased!
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Recycling Event
to benefit Bright Futures Academy
(and our Planet Earth)
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 was delivered to Bright Futures Academy for their new playground. This project is organized by, Nicole & Melissa McDevitt. Click below for acceptable plastics to be recycled.
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CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION | | |
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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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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CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266 | | |
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St. John's Ivyland UMC
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
215-357-6998/office.stjumc@gmail.com
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Sr. Pastor
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