Hello St. John’s Family,
We are now entering mid-October, which means the leaves are beginning to change color… and the Major League Baseball playoffs are in full swing. I don’t have the opportunity to watch much TV these days, yet if I have a few minutes and a playoff game is on, I often tune in. The focus, intensity, and energy of the playoffs are far greater than regular season games. Every pitch, every swing, every bounce or break, and every decision matters. One key play or moment can shift the momentum of an entire series. As someone who, in my younger years, loved to compete at pretty much anything, watching this level of competition is fascinating.
Which leads to a very fine line. With stakes this high, every potential advantage is pursued. Any angle that can help put a team over the edge will be investigated. Inevitably, ethical lines will be blurred, and boundaries will be pushed to help gain a perceived advantage in winning. While pushing the limits (most would say cheating) has been around in baseball for a long, long time, players and teams who are caught pushing the limits often carry that black mark for the rest of their careers.
Just ask the Houston Astros. A baseball team who, a few years back, were caught using an organized system that included video feeds and banging trash can lids (opposite ends of the technological spectrum!) to communicate what pitch was coming. This “system” was in full swing as they enjoyed a historic season that culminated in a World Series championship. When news of their system broke, they were immediately vilified by fans and opposing players. Coaches and team officials were fired. And the legacy of cheating continues to taint the accomplishments of an incredibly talented team to this day.
What I find most interesting, though, is how all the effort and work that went into this system yielded little to no advantage. In the aftermath of the scandal, numerous statisticians investigated the perceived advantage and came up empty. The most prominent investigation was by Robert Arthur, who said this: “The net effect of the banging comes astonishingly close to being zero. Nothing. Statistically, for all the work and effort that went into the cheating scheme, the grand result of it ... turned out to be no runs at all.”1
In today’s world, we place an incredible premium on success. Every possible advantage is pursued, every angle is pressed. Ethics and integrity can quickly go out the window as every means possible is employed to realize the success that is desired – or even demanded. This is done to be the best. To make a profit. To get noticed. To achieve a goal. All the while, very real consequences tend to be ignored and the full, anticipated gains are rarely realized.
As people of faith, we are called to recognize how Christ Jesus leads us to a very different way of life. A way where greatness is measured by our level of sacrifice, care, and concern for others. A way where shortcuts and angling for success by dubious means is discarded and humble, vulnerable service to others is elevated. Choosing Christ’s way often isn’t easy. It is, though, right and good – and deep down, we know that. In that process, a hopeful picture is revealed… one that moves beyond angling and advantage and realizes the goodness of trust and integrity. Or in other words, a picture of Christ’s kingdom breaking in!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
1For those interested, here’s one in-depth analysis of the actual impact of the Astros’ cheating system:
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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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NEW SAFETY PROCEDURE FOR KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL CHECK-IN
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Beginning this Sunday, October 17th, the hallway for Classrooms A – E will be closed to general traffic. Only children and their parent/guardian(s) will be permitted in this hallway. If you enter the church through the back door and do not need to check in children for Sunday School, please turn right down the hallway past Fellowship Hall and around to the Sanctuary. If you are checking in your child for Sunday School, please proceed to the mobile check-in cart outside Classroom A.
St. John’s has an “absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth” and your assistance is greatly appreciated!
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Worship this Sunday,
October 17, 2021
2 in-person services offered in the Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship
at 9 AM
and
Traditional Service
at 10:30 AM
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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This Sunday at the 10:30 Worship Service, we will be welcoming five new members into our St. John's family. Please join us for this exciting and meaningful service.
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Please contact the church office to sign up to serve as an usher or greeter.
215-357-6998
or
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Ushers & Greeters Needed
for in-person worship services. This is a simple yet meaningful opportunity to serve God by sharing His love with others.
Thank you for your faithful support of all we do in service to Christ here at St. John's.
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Children's Sunday School
10:30 am
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Parents, please bring your children
age 4 thru 6th grade to the mobile check-in
set up in the Education wing.
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Children's Message at 10:30 AM Worship Service
Beginning November 7th, the children will join their families in the Sanctuary for the Children's Message every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Children age 4 through Grade 6 will check in at the mobile check-in cart that will be located in the Narthex. Please remember to arrive early to check your child in. After the Children's Message, a Sunday School volunteer will take the children to their classroom for a Bible story and activities. At the end of the service, parents can check their children out from their classroom.
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Pre-K - Grade 6
Sunday mornings from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
We will talk about and discover who we're meant to be
and live out the individuality
God gave us.
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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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This Sunday,
October 17th
Grades 7 - 12
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
BYOC (bring your own chair)
and Bible!
For better or worse, change shows up in our lives and tests what we're made of. There's good change like getting the date or making the team, bad change like divorce or medical diagnosis, and complicated change like switching schools or choosing a healthy break-up. Change brings so many emotions which makes us ask all kinds of questions. Am I strong enough to face this? Is it even worth it to go through this? Can I handle this alone? Should I handle this alone? Our Youth will be challenged this month to rethink how they view change, and we'll explore how God's commitment to us doesn't change, even if everything else does.
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Meeting outside in the parking lot
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Youth Nights Are Back
Grades 7 - 12
Sunday 7:15 - 8:30 PM
Our Youth get together every Sunday to hang out, play games, and talk about everything from theology to current events.
Join us this Sunday at 7:15 PM in the Youth Room!
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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
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No rehearsal for Ring of Faith tonight,
Thursday 10-14-2021
No rehearsal for GENesis Bells this Sunday,
10-17-2021
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LIVING NATIVITY WORK SESSION
It’s that time again!!! Time to get ready for our Living Nativity. A work session is scheduled for Sunday, October 24 after both services to do some painting on the Nativity buildings.
After the early service, you can help Rebecca get everything out of the garage. After the second service, everyone will be served lunch around 11:30-11:45 and then we will begin painting. (You should probably come to the service in your work clothes or bring then to change into.)
The work shouldn't take more than 3 hours or so. (That obviously depends on how many workers come.) No special skills needed - just a willingness to work. We believe that this will be the only work session we will need until the day we set up.
Please let me know ONE WAY OR THE OTHER if you will be attending
so I can plan our lunch.
We all love the night of the Nativity, but it takes some work to make sure it is successful. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
Pastor Ruth
215-357-6998
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UMW Naomi Circle is still collecting aluminum tab tops for Ronald McDonald House. The collection container is located beneath the UMW bulletin board just off the Narthex. Thank you for supporting this worthy cause.
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The Red Bird Mission trailers will be closing for this year at 5 pm October 31st
(no TVs or books please).
Thank you to our congregation and friends for your support.
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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.
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DONATIONS NEEDED
Donations of non-perishable food 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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A Faith-based approach to Money Management
The CAP Money Course was devised by the award-
winning charity, Christians Against Poverty, in
2008, with over 10,000 people benefitting from it
each year. No obligations, no hidden fees.
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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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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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ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, November 3rd
10 AM and 7 PM in Grace Cafe'
Leaders: Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell
Touching Spirit Bear
by Ben Mikaelsen
After his anger erupts into violence, Cole, in order to avoid going to prison, agrees to participate in a sentencing alternative based on the native American Circle Justice, and is sent to a remote Alaskan island where an encounter with a huge Spirit Bear changes his life.
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 meeting on Monday evenings
at 7:30 PM
in the Church Library
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 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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Upcoming Bible Study
starting Thursday, October 14th
Breaking the Code:
Understanding the Book of Revelation
by
Bruce M. Metzger
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In Breaking the Code Revised Edition, you’ll find Metzger’s rich content and insights presented in his approachable, non-academic style, along with additional teaching from New Testament scholar David de Silva.
This six-week study will be led by Pastor Brad and begins in-person on Thursday, October 14th at 10 am in the Parlor and Thursday evening at 7 pm via Zoom. To register and order the book ($12 cost), contact the church office.
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United Methodist Women
All women of the church are invited to gather on Saturday,
November 6th at 10 AM
in Fellowship Hall
to explore “The Serenity Prayer “
We will also have a Trivia Contest with prizes. Come and join the fun!
Drinks and wrapped muffins
will be provided.
To sign up contact Arlene Williams arlenew13@aol.com or
call 215-355-0162 or contact
a circle leader.
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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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Blessings & Praise!
Congratulations on the birth of Malayah Grace Marguerite Black
Great-granddaughter of Terry Dyson and great-niece of Denise Dyson Kauffeld
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Bart & Bev Wilson
are celebrating their
65th anniversary
on
October 13, 2021
Congratulations
& 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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