Hello St. John’s Family,
I can now check another item off my list of things I need to experience: I now have had the joy of sharing in a St. John’s Chicken Barbeque! This past Saturday was a wonderful day, as you – the St. John’s family – came together in service and fellowship to offer a great BBQ for our neighbors and community. Throughout the day I heard our “customers” repeatedly share how much they appreciate St. John’s and the positive impact we have on our community. Our neighbors see the hard work, commitment, and genuine care we offer to others because of our commitment to Christ. We’re known for vibrant music and worship and ministries with young people; for engaged mission efforts like the Red Bird Trailer Ministry, and for fellowship opportunities like the Chicken BBQ. We give of ourselves to connect with others through opportunities like our upcoming Blessing of the Animals and Living Nativity. That is a direct reflection of you! Thank you to Jack Donovan, George Ekstrom and the United Methodist Men for coordinating the BBQ, for everyone who worked to make its return so successful… and for your heart to reach out and serve our community.
I sense the greatest blessing of Saturday’s BBQ, though, was the opportunity for so many of us to be together again. Being together: working, laughing, swatting flies… and experiencing the blessing of being a part of something bigger than ourselves – something that has meaning. That felt so good! It required commitment, even sacrifice. The outcome, though, reminded us of the powerful impact we have on others, and that we experience ourselves, when we gather in Christ’s name to serve.
Sometimes, I think we can forget how the opportunity to set aside time to come together and be part of something infinitely bigger than ourselves happens on a weekly basis. That’s what worship is: pausing to gather, to see people we know and love as well as new friends, to pray, to praise God, to return a portion of God’s blessings back to God, and to be a part of Christ’s kingdom – something infinitely bigger and greater than us. That requires commitment, even sacrifice at times. Yet we need that. We need the strength and renewal worship brings, and we need the reminder that we are not alone in the challenges of modern life.
St. John’s Family, I hope you will join together in worship this weekend. Make the commitment to come out if possible, or to worship with us online via livestream. Honor God through your presence and praise… and experience the renewal and blessing of being together-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS |
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: |
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Worship this Sunday,
September 26, 2021
2 in-person services offered:
Contemporary Worship at 9 AM
in the Sanctuary and
Traditional Service 10:30 AM
in the Sanctuary
Special Music by the
Newtown Brass Quintet!
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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ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
twice per month to help with Youth Group
- Greet Youth coming to and leaving meetings
- Help with snacks & clean-up
- Be an "extra" adult in attendance during meetings
Please contact Sarah Floyd at
sarah.sjumc@gmail.com
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Tech Team Volunteer Opportunities
(Anyone age 12 to 112 years old is welcome)
Come join our Tech Team!
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.
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Please contact
Sarah Floyd, Director of Video Ministry
at sarah.sjumc@gmail.com
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Please contact the church office to sign up to serve as an usher or greeter.
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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Ushers & Greeters 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.
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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. Advent Devotionals are due by October 10th.
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Children's Sunday School is Back!
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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$2,000 raised for Heifer International
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Thank you for your generosity in sponsoring our Readers!
The children chose:
1 mating pair of cattle
1 water buffalo
2 goats
2 sheep
1 alpaca
3 chickens
2 bee hives
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BECOME AN ACOLYTE!
Bring the light of Christ into the Sanctuary and then take the light of Christ out into the world
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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Thank you
to the Youth, Parents and Friends
who helped to make the Youth Car Wash and Bake Sale a HUGE success!
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Youth Nights Are Back Starting This Sunday,
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
First of six Confirmation Workshops Sunday, October 17th
from 11:30am – 2:00pm
- 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
Confirmation Introductory Meeting
(Mandatory for Parent & Confirmand)
Sunday, Oct. 10th
from 11:30am – 12:30pm
in Fellowship Hall
For 7th and 8th grade plus any high school students
who have not yet participated in Confirmation.
Register by asking Sarah for the link or referring to the email that went out.
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Our Music Ministry welcomes 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 praise God and serve in our church.
PRAISE BAND
We have openings for Vocalists and Instrumentalists in our Praise Band. Rehearsals on Tuesday evenings, and sing/play at the 9:00 Contemporary Worship Service each Sunday.
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 26th at 11:30.
YOUTH CHOIR
Our Youth Choir is for youth grades 6-12. Rehearsals each week from 6:15 - 7:15 on Sunday NIGHT. No previous singing experience is necessary.
ADULT CHOIR
The Adult Choir shares it's music and talent each week at the 10:30 Traditional Worship Service. Rehearsals each week on Thursday night at 8:00 pm.
GENesis Bells
The GENesis Bell Choir is a Multi-Generational choir made up of Youth and Adults. Rehearsals are on Sunday nights 5:15 - 6:15 (with a small break before Youth Choir).
CELEBRATION RINGERS
Celebration Ringers is a bell choir for ANY adult who desires to ring. Celebration Ringers rehearse once or twice each month on Monday nights, as called.
RING OF FAITH
Ring of Faith Bells is an "advanced" bell choir. Currently, there are not any openings. Contact the director if you would like to be a substitute.
Alissa Nelson - Assistant
Brian Barber - Organist
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SUNDAY, October 3rd
4:00 PM
ST. JOHN’S IVYLAND
820 ALMSHOUSE ROAD
IVYLAND, PA
(Across from Solly Farm)
(Front Yard of Church. In case of rain we will move to Fellowship Hall)
Everyone is invited to attend with their animals (properly restrained, of course).
If you wish, you may instead bring a picture of your pet to be blessed.
We will give thanks for all God’s creation,
and celebrate His gift of creatures, great and small.
Each animal will receive a personal blessing,
a gift, a treat and a free picture
of this special event.
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Weekly meetings at 6:30 pm - GriefShare at St. John's
Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in the Church Library.
Erin Maurer, GriefShare Facilitator, at 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
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”
ORDER NOW!
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.
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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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Join us the 3rd Wednesday of each month 4:30-6:00 PM. Our next Drive-Thru Prayer will be on Wednesday, October 20th.
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 to meet online Tuesday mornings from 10:30-11:45 am to learn about and discuss various topics related to our Christian faith. Upcoming topics include:
“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
Wednesday Evenings
7 - 9 PM in the 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:
- Sept 22 - Finding Jesus in the Story of Creation
- Sept 29 - Finding Jesus in the Story of the Patriarchs
- Oct 06 - Finding Jesus in the Story of Joseph and Judah
- Oct 13 - Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses
- Oct 20 - Finding Jesus in the Story of Ruth and Boaz
- Oct 27 - 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, October 6th
10 AM in Parlor
7 PM in Grace Cafe'
Leaders: Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell
The Giver of Stars
by
Jojo Moyes
A breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond in Depression-era America.
We will follow St John's policy on masking.
Please wear a mask or shield inside the church.
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A new small group Bible Study will be starting on Monday, September 27th
Coming Together Through God’s Word:
An Interactive Look at Sunday’s Scripture
This small group is open to anyone interested in furthering their understanding of Scripture . We will meet Monday evenings at 7:30 PM in the Library starting September 27th through November 22nd, 2021. Participants are welcome to join any one or all of the meetings without the need to commit to every Monday.
The primary format of this small group will be the interactive part where questions and comments about the Scripture can be openly shared to further the faith development of each member of the group. All are welcome!
Please sign up in the narthex at church or contact Denise Clark at dclark.prayer@gmail.com
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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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Final Sunday!
The United Methodist Women are collecting new clothing, personal care, and back-to-school items for needy families in our local and surrounding areas. Please drop off your new items at the church or place in the barrel on the front porch (Saturday and Sundays Only).
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 and Children's clothes, 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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2021 - Another Successful
St. John's Chicken BBQ
Thank you to all of our wonderful workers and everyone who supported the BBQ. This year's Chicken BBQ netted $1,843 after expenses. Great job and lots of fun and fellowship!
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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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Praise!
Joan and George Schok celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on September 14, 2021.
Congratulations and God Bless!
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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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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
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Sr. Pastor
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