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October 17, 2024

Hello St. John’s Family,

Late last week, Jen and I had the opportunity to get away for a long weekend at Chincoteague Island, VA. In a year where much of our energy and focus has been directed toward assisting our kids in college and caring for parents with increasing health concerns, a few days away were eagerly anticipated. Jen ditched her laptop and replaced that space in her bag with a new book, while also looking forward to some time on the beach. I grabbed my binoculars and guidebook, ready to explore the channels and marshes of Assateague National Wildlife Refuge, adjacent to Chincoteague.

We were fortunate to enjoy amazing weather (how many bright and sunny, 77° beach days come along in mid-October?), good meals, and a restful, relaxing weekend together. On top of that, I saw over 30 different species of birds and waterfowl. The highlight of my observations, though, came as I drove back from the beach on Friday afternoon. Glancing out at the sunlight glimmering off the marsh water and grass, I thought I spotted something moving.

I quickly pulled over, grabbed my binoculars, and scanned the marsh. Nothing. Perhaps I was mistaken - or maybe the mystery creature had taken off in the few moments I had glanced away. I continued to scan the area, hoping to see something move against the slight sway of the grass. As I was about to turn away, a long neck popped up that blended in perfectly with the surroundings. It took a moment to be sure, yet I soon confirmed that a Tricolored Heron was wading in front of me.

I realize the “Bird Nerd” in me is coming out in full… yet this was a special moment. I had only spotted this species a handful of times, and it had been years since I had seen it. The coloring of its plumage matched the marsh perfectly, and the camouflage effect was enhanced by the glare of the late-afternoon sun. I was at the right place at the right time to see and take in the beauty of nature – it felt like a God moment.

And all of that was true. Then the following day, on the other side of the marsh, I saw another Tricolored Heron right at the edge of the marsh grass. Only a quick glance was needed to be sure. As I scanned down the line of marsh grass, I soon spotted two more. They were back in the grass, hidden much in the same way as the one I spotted the day before. Yet these were much easier to identify. Over the course of the weekend, I spotted several more. My eyes were focused and trained; even though there was marsh grass all around, I now could quickly see the distinct color and beauty of this creature within its camouflaged background. A few photos are included… not too bad for an iPhone!

Reflection tells me that I’ve surely glanced over many herons across the years. When my eyes are so focused on the grass, I struggle to see the beauty and unique wildlife present in it. And I sense that nature isn’t the only aspect of my life where oversight occurs. My focus is often centered on the many responsibilities and obligations that dominate daily life – what I need to do. Yet the presence, beauty, power, and love of God is always right there with me. The challenge is attuning my eyes to notice God’s presence, goodness, and provision that are readily before me. Can you relate? I sense that, for many of us, the responsibilities and challenges of life often overshadow the goodness and beauty that God provides daily.

Over the next 4 weeks our worship will focus on stewardship: our response and action with all that God has entrusted to us. Stewardship begins with the realization that all good things come from God and are God’s. Our calling is to recognize the good things God has poured out to us, to trust God’s guidance, and to extend the blessings, mercy, and grace we’ve received outward into the world such that Christ is honored and served. This Sunday, we’ll hear of a man who desperately wants to trust God fully, yet is honest about his doubt as he utters one of the most heartfelt cries in scripture – one we can all relate to! I hope you’ll read Mark 9:16-29, then join me in worship on Sunday-

Grace and Peace,     

Pastor Brad

Come worship with us this Sunday!

October 20, 2024

"Help My Unbelief"

Mark 9:16-29

Contemporary: 9:00AM | Traditional: 10:30 AM

Our 10:30 Traditional Worship Service can be viewed LIVE through

St. John's YouTube Channel

or on our homepage:

www.stjohnsivyland.com

Past worship service videos can also be found:

https://www.stjohnsivyland.com/videoarchive

Auto-generated closed captions are usually provided by YouTube about a week after the service has posted for the hearing impaired.

ONLINE, TEXT, IN PERSON & BY EMAIL

Online - Click at the top of any page at www.stjohnsivyland.com

By text - Text the amount of your gift to 877-960-2396. You'll receive a one-time registration link. Then follow the prompts to complete your donation.

In person or by mail - Tithes and offerings can be brought & sent to St. John's Ivyland, 820 Almshouse Rd, Ivyland, PA 18974

Our 11th Semester Session of

Biblical and Christian topics via Zoom has just begun!

We meet every Tuesday at 11 am online.

Please feel free to join us. The topics are new and informative so you can begin even if you have not been a part of previous Zoom Sessions.

We will begin with a study of Genesis 2- 11 and a topic entitled,

“How Original is Original Sin?"

The rest of the semester will focus on the Gospel of John.

If you are interested in being part of the group please contact Paul Henry at phenry605@veriz for the zoom codes so that you can join us. Looking forward to your participation.

Nov. 10 - St. John's Ivyland Finance Team Presents

"Lunch & Learn"

Join us at 6pm, October 25th for an evening of food, fun, fellowship together, and a (not so scary) Halloween movie! Click the link for more details.

Dinner at 6pm

Movie starts 6:45pm

 St. John's Ivyland's Children's Ministry graciously accepts your candy donations for the children of St. John’s Ivyland & our partners in ministry at Happy Kids Academy Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood! Donations can be brought and left on the Candy Donations table in the church narthex from now until 10:30 am Sunday 10/27. Thank you so much for helping us share something "sweet" with these wonderful kids!

Parents of *Trunk or Treaters,* Volunteers and Vehicle Hosts please sign up Today!

Scheduled to start at 12 noon!

We invite you to join P.A.S.S. as we join Arch Street UMC and seek to provide new and gently worn coats to  folks who will greatly appreciate them. The Winter Coat Drive begins Sunday 10/27!

St. John’s Ivyland offers Biblically based classes that encourage our children and youth to deepen their relationship with Jesus through God and the Holy Spirit. We provide a safe space for young people to learn what it means to be a Christian and for lives to be transformed!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

Wednesday, November 6th, our Evening Bible Study led by Ken Lee will feature a new series titled:

"Moments With the Savior."

This engaging study is based on Scripture and the book of the same name, authored by Pastor Ken Gire.

In "Moments With the Savior," we will explore transformative encounters with Jesus, diving deep into the heart of the Gospel and reflecting on how these moments shape our faith and lives. Join us as we seek to grow closer to Christ and understand His teachings in a personal and meaningful way.

All year long, Servant-Leaders in our AV Ministry help facilitate meaningful Worship at our Contemporary and Traditional Services. This Fall, we invite you to (re)CONNECT by experiencing how they help us share the Word of God and the power and passion of Worship with those who can’t join us in a new way. St John’s Ivyland needs your help in growing & sustaining our AV Ministry. (re)CONNECT today and participate in this vital ministry!

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