Hello St. John’s Family,
Late last week I received a text from our District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Andrew Foster III, sharing with me that he had met my dad. The Northeast Jurisdictional Conference, a gathering of leaders from United Methodist congregations throughout the northeast region was meeting in Maryland. My dad was a Lay Representative from the Susquehanna (Central PA) Conference, and he and Dr. Foster had crossed paths. In our brief text exchange, Dr. Foster shared a simple observation that has stuck with me: “You tilt your head when you speak, just like your dad.”
My first response was to laugh out loud! He nailed it! I do often tilt my head when speaking, as does my dad. My response back was that it must be the PA Dutch in us… which I’ll also blame for our shared tendency to mumble when speaking. Those traits aside, the more I thought about it, the best attributes that make me the person I am were modeled for me and impressed upon me by my dad. This was a powerful moment, as I was honored and humbled to be recognized in the image of my dad. I also have to say that I was impressed how, in a brief encounter, our District Superintendent made such a spot-on observation. We are blessed to have an attentive, observant DS who knows the people and congregations he serves well.
Throughout the past week, the concept of seeing someone in the actions and life of another person has remained in my thoughts. To see someone in someone else, the actions, intentions, and mannerisms of the example must be so deeply engrained in the reflection that they come up without thought. Those traits must be second nature – a part of who the person is. I also saw how, of all the things my dad has impressed upon me, the most consistent and important one is how to live a life of faith. Day in and day out, dad always acts in a way that reflects his faith in and commitment to Christ above all else. The first image that comes to mind when I think about my dad is Christ.
In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul speaks to how the Holy Spirit works in those who follow Christ, such that we are conformed to the image of Christ. Our lives are slowly yet powerfully changed, such that when others look at us, they see and recognize Christ in our actions and work. As I reflected on the Saints of our St. John’s family that were remembered in our worship last Sunday, I saw many names whose lives reflected the powerful, transforming work of the Holy Spirit that conformed their life to Christ’s. I’m very thankful for that legacy of faith here… and very mindful of our calling to continue that legacy such that the image of Christ is reflected through our lives.
I hope you’ll join us for worship this Sunday, as we’ll explore Luke 20:27-38, describing an encounter where Jesus is asked a completely ridiculous question… one that had a clear and pointed agenda. We’ll hear Jesus’ brilliant response and see how God’s intentions are so much bigger (and better) than what we often conceive. I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS | |
Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: | |
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Come Worship with us this Sunday
Contemporary Praise Service
at 9:00 AM
Traditional Service
at 10:30 AM
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This 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.
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FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNITY OUTREACH | |
As a result of the Communion Offering and Naomi Circle collection for Red Bird sports equipment, $2200 was collected and used to purchase sports balls and games for children aged toddler to youth.
Thank you for the generosity of the St John's family!
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EASTWICK MISSION FOOD BANK
Donations DESPERATELY Needed of
Non-perishable foods
Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex;
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Basically, they are out of food. If you have any questions, let me know at once. Thanks!
Also, this was sent on 2 emails- please note preference for future correspondence.
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"Say YES!" to delivering food and clothing to the Eastwick Food Bank.
Please contact Lou Lescas at stjohns820@gmail.com if you are available to help.
Thank you for your support.
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Help and hope as you navigate the Christmas season
Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?
Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn:
- How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays
- What to do about traditions and other coming changes
- Helpful tips for surviving social events
- How to discover hope for your future
St. John’s Ivyland
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
(Church Library)
Monday, November 14 – 6:30 pm
Book -- $5.00
Sign up online at GriefShare.org
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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 will be sent to the Bright Futures Academy for their new playground. This project is organized by two of our Youth Stars, Nicole & Melissa McDevitt. Click below for acceptable plastics to be recycled.
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The Grace Cafe is Open!
Stop by between services for a freshly brewed cup of Warrior Coffee, a sweet treat, and fellowship with your St. John's family.
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We have not presented the children with a Bible for a couple of years, and we also have some new families in Children's Ministry, so on November 20th all children in first through sixth grade will receive a Bible. Invite family and friends! It is going to be very special day! | |
Pre-K - Grade 6
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
This month we are learning about courage, and we will take a closer look at the lives of significant people in the Jewish Scriptures: Joshua and Caleb, David, Daniel, and Esther. Each of them trusted God and found courage to face difficult circumstances.
Please arrive early to check your children in at the mobile check-in kiosk located in the hallway outside Classroom A in the Education wing.
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We hope you’re enjoying our Journey Kids Newsletter!
To view the recent issue of the Journey Kids Newsletter, click herel
If you would like to sign up to receive our weekly Journey Kids Newsletter email Susan Seamans.
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Who: The St.John’s Ivyland Youth Group
With Sr. Pastor Rev. Brad Leight & Dir. of Youth & Family Ministries JT
Crockett
What: St John’s Ivyland Youth Group Open House
When: Sunday November 13th from 5:15 to 6:00 PM
Where: St John’s Youth Room (next to Classroom E)
at St. John’s Ivyland United Methodist Church 820 Almshouse Rd,
Ivyland, PA 18974
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You’re invited to see where God is calling St. John Ivyland’s Youth Ministry in this new season! This Open House is open to all including families and friends. (We’ll have activities for little siblings, so don’t make childcare the reason you don’t make it out!) We would love to let you know more about the new thing God is doing in the lives of our youth. RSVP if you can - but please stop by and visit us, Sunday, November 13th from 5:15 - 6:00 PM in the St John’s Youth Room!
You can RSVP by email youth.stjumc@gmail.com or by texting JT Crockett (347)948-4996
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Teens in Grades 7 -12
St. John’s Ivyland Youth Room
10:30 AM (during Traditional Worship*)
Come join other teens in a special time to study and discuss the who, what, when, where, why and how’s of God! We’ll grow, we’ll laugh and we’ll learn to love Jesus because He first loved us. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday morning!
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Starting next Sunday November 20 our Youth will begin a
4-part Teen Sunday School lesson entitled "Calling." All in Grades 7 - 12 are invited!
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St. John's 23rd Annual Festival of Carols
Sunday, December 04, 2022 at 6:00 PM
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This past Sunday we were blessed to be able to receive Holy Communion around the altar rail just as we did pre-COVID.
We hope to continue this but we are in need of Communion Stewards to help with the preparation of the Communion elements and with the clean-up following the 10:30 am service.
If you would like to help with this ministry of St. John’s,
please contact Pastor Ruth.
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Upcoming Youth Group Opportunities for Service | |
- Harvest Bags
- Worship
- Ushers/ Hospitality Ministry
- Scripture readers for combined worship Christmas Day
- Food collection on Music Festival Sunday
- Living Nativity
- Participants
- Set-up crew
- Clean-up crew
- Angel Tree Ministry
- Organizers
- Toy collectors
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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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BIBLE STUDIES & DEVOTIONALS | |
St. John's Book Club
In the spirit of Christmas we will read
"The Shepherd's Prayer"
by Richard M. Barry
and
"The Story of the Other Wise Man"
Everyone welcome. Please join us.
We will meet on Wednesday, December 7, at 10:00 AM in the Grace Cafe
Facilitators Barbara Schneider and
Carol Campbell
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THE ANGELS OF CHRISTMAS
ADVENT BIBLE STUDY
November 28 -December 20
Monday Evening 7 pm &
Tuesday Morning 10 am
The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God's Voice in Advent, a four-week Advent study by Susan Robb, explores the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. In this study, the reader will explore the visits and dive deep into the history of the angel Gabriel-and other angels-in the Old Testament. The Angels of Christmas uses these four angelic appearances to discuss God's presence in history and our lives today. The messages of the angels hold meaning for listeners both then and now.
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Disciple III Fast Track
We are about midway in our study of the Prophets. You can still attend any of these sessions or you can join us for our study of the letters of the Apostle Paul starting in about six weeks.
Our sessions are on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM. This is a 24-week comprehensive study with daily scripture readings.
This is a wonderful opportunity to study God's Word, strengthen your faith, and form lasting friendships with fellow Disciples.
Ken Lee, facilitator
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Disciple III FastTrack study guides on The Prophets and Letters of Paul can be purchased online from The Well Bookstore, UM Church of the Resurrection | |
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Tuesday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 11:00 AM
Join us for our Zoom Class which will study Saul, Pharisee, Persecutor of the Early Followers of the Risen Christ, Apostle and Leading Theologian of the Early Church.
These two sessions will explore the Apostle Paul, his writings and legacy.
To join contact Paul Henry at phenry605@verizon.net to obtain the pass codes for the Zoom session.
CLICK HERE for Fall Schedule.
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UNITED WOMEN OF FAITH & UNITED METHODIST MEND | |
There will be a presentation from Ira Hoffmann and Lou Lescas at United Methodist Men’s Breakfast on November 19, 9AM. This is about the purchase of two Cameras of the Church communications system that were knocked out by Lightning. It was approved at the October Breakfast Meeting that about $3,000.00 fund will be sent to pay for these cameras.
On the other hand, Jack Donovan will continue to look for Church Directory support from home.
This will also be our last breakfast for the Year 2022.
May the holy spirit bind the Fellowship of Men.
Please contact Jack Donovan for RSVP.
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Carol Campbell and Linda Barr, co-leaders 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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Food Drive
Children's Ministry is collecting non-perishable food to help fill Harvest Bags for families in need. The children will decorate Harvest Bags, and we will talk about how we can thank God for all the ways that we have been blessed and how God can use us to be a blessing to others. We will be collecting non-perishable food through Sunday, November 20!
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We will be collecting non-perishable food through Sunday, November 20! e will share the Harvest Bags with Diakon Child, Family & Community Ministries. For more information about this organization, click here. | |
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Christmas Pageant
Help us continue the tradition!
We are very excited to announce that this year we are doing
"A Shepherd's Story"
an easy-to-sing Christmas musical for children created by Pam Andrews.
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Sign up for a part in the the play or volunteer to help rehearse parts and imagine costumes. We need at least 3 volunteers. Youth are encourage to to participate with our children. Beginning Sunday, November 13, children will rehearse every Sunday immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service in the choir room. There will be 2 dress rehearsals - December 10 and 17 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. All cast members and volunteers must attend all rehearsals. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you! | |
Creche Presenters
Would your child like to bring the Christmas story to life at our traditional worship services during Advent? Any child age 4 - 12 may participate. Our youth are also encouraged to participate. More details to follow.
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Time to dust off your Christmas Spirit and sign-up for the Living Nativity!
Sign-ups sheets are available on Sunday, November 13 in the Narthex.
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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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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 office.stjumc@gmail.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!
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,
email Lou Lescas at stjohns820@gmail.com
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ST.JOHN'S LINKS & 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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For Cornerstone announcement requests check the Communication Timelines & Procedures page in our website HERE.
Thank you! :)
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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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