NOVEMBER 17, 2022

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PASTOR'S REFLECTION

Hello St. John’s Family,


  Tomorrow is a special day. See, tomorrow morning at 11AM will mark 60 years of faithful worship together as the St. John’s Family. Sixty years ago, members of our community came together for the first time, in faith and devotion to God, gathering to pray, sing, praise, and worship the Lord of all creation. Not even officially a “Church” yet (that became official in January of 1963), and without a place or facility consecrated for this worship (Phase I of our current facility was completed and consecrated in 1965), a group of committed followers of Christ embraced a vision of faithful and fruitful ministry in Christ’s name here in our community. And for 60 years, commitment to that vision has enabled many lives to be transformed through Christ!

 

  In recent months I’ve reflected often on the commitment, effort, sacrifice, and service that has been given to God to birth and sustain St. John’s, and how the Holy Spirit has blessed those efforts. Plenty of difficulties, challenges, and setbacks have surfaced along the way; yet those challenges were not able to deter the work of God’s people. Week after week, the hope of Christ has been extended in word and deed. You have laughed and celebrated together; quieted in study and prayer together, lifted your voices in song together, knelt to commune together, hugged and cried together, and joined to serve together, extending open arms and serving hands far and wide. God has used your faithful efforts in ways few could imagine, and I give thanks to God for the great things that have been accomplished for Christ through St. John’s Ivyland!

 

   Reflection also shows me how our culture, community, and world are very different than they were in 1962. Challenges to effective ministry that existed in our earliest days remain… and many new ones have surfaced over these 60 years. Priorities have shifted. Demands on our time and resources are greater than ever. Many in our community and world have become skeptical – even downright jaded – toward faith in Christ. These challenges are real, and many of us have felt them. They weigh on us, tempering the joy we share as we celebrate this significant milestone. Yet I don’t believe the most pressing challenge we face is noted in that list. Our most pressing challenge: articulating and embracing a shared vision for extending the hope of Christ to our community and world today. The vision of building Christ’s Church in Richboro has been fulfilled; we’re now called to seek a new vision for faithful and fruitful ministry in Christ’s name.

 

  Friends, I ask that you join with me in prayerful reflection, as we seek God’s guidance in leading us to a new vision of vibrant, faithful ministry. Ask God to reveal to us a crystal-clear, focused picture of what transformed lives through Christ looks like; one that will direct and guide our efforts to extend open arms and serving hands on a daily basis. As we enter 2023, we will gather to pray and discern our vision; our preparation for those gatherings, though, begins with today’s prayers. Then as 2023 progresses, I look forward to celebrating both the blessings of 60 years of faithful ministry and our new vision for vibrant, faithful ministry at St. John’s.

 

  This Sunday, we’ll begin our 61st year of gathering in the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to praise and worship and bear witness to our faith in Christ our King! We’ll hear how, at the conclusion of Christ’s earthly ministry, many still struggled to perceive the depth of the work that the King of Salvation was called to accomplish. Despite that, Christ’s faithfulness to God’s vision offers the redemption of all things – even death. I hope you’ll read Luke 23:33-43, then join us in worship.

 

 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brad

WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures:

St. John's Policy Update

WORSHIP



Come Worship with us this Sunday



Contemporary Praise Service

at 9:00 AM


Traditional Service

at 10:30 AM

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.

Thanksgiving Worship


Join us for a time of Thanksgiving Worship

Tuesday, Nov. 22 – 7PM @ St. John’s Ivyland 


Neighbors from our community, including St. Andrew’s UMC Warminster, Lehman Memorial UMC Hatboro, St. Paul’s UMC Warrington, and Casa del Pueblo Ministry will gather to rejoice and give thanks to God for the many blessings in our lives. Our worship will feature singing, prayer, reflection, and an update on the Casa del Pueblo Ministry, which does meaningful work to extend the love of Christ to Latino/a neighbors in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The offering received during worship will be given to support the Casa del Pueblo Ministry. 

FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNITY OUTREACH



"Come Out and Decorate the Church and Get into 

the Christmas Spirit!" 


Saturday, November 26, 2022

EASTWICK MISSION FOOD BANK


Donations DESPERATELY Needed of

Non-perishable foods


 Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex;

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.

"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.

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.

Recyclable Plastic Bags

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.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY


Children's Message at 10:30 AM Worship Service

 

The children will join their families in the Sanctuary for the Children's Message this Sunday. Children age 4 through Grade 6 will check in at the mobile check-in cart located in the Narthex.

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY AT THE 10:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE FOR CHILDREN'S MESSAGE AND BIBLE SUNDAY!

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.

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.

YOUTH GROUP MINISTRIES


Grades 7 - 12

Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


Teens join us in the Youth Room at 10:30 this Sunday as we begin to explore God’s calling on our lives in a new Sunday School offering “Calling.” We’re going to explore “vocation” and why it is so important to each of our personal relationships with Jesus Christ. We look forward to hearing your voice this Sunday, November 20th!    

On behalf of St. John’s Ivyland Ministries for Youth & Families, I humbly offer thanks and gratefulness to all who came out (and to those who wanted to but couldn’t) to last Sunday’s Open House! The Spirit of God was present and working in our midst. I look back with thanksgiving for what God has already done, I look with confidence and hope for what God is doing, and I look forward with joyful anticipation for what God is going to do in, with, through and for Youth & Family Ministry at St. John’s Ivyland!


In Gratitude,


~jt 


         --

John-Thomas Crockett (he/him/his)

Director of Youth & Family Ministries


God is moving - can you feel it?!


We’re thrilled to announce a very special Youth Group meeting this Sunday, November 20th, at 7:15 in the St. John’s Youth Room!


Come be a part of the new thing God is doing in our midst! 

FOOD DRIVE


*Sunday, November 20th, is the last day to bring non-perishable foods and personal hygiene products for our 2022 Harvest Bag Drive. We are already seeing the fruits of this effort - thanks be to God! 


Youth, families and members of the St. John’s Ivyland faith community who wish to share what God has put on your Harvest Table with the families who are supported by Eastwick Food Mission, please do so by bringing gifts to the Youth Room and placing them on the Harvest Table by Sunday, November 20th.

We Thank God for you and for your generosity!

On Sunday, November 27th St. John’s Ivyland families are encouraged to come give thanks and worship together at 9 AM and 10:30 AM.


There will be no youth Sunday School, youth choirs or youth group this Sunday (November 27th).  

MUSIC MINISTRY

St. John's 23rd Annual Festival of Carols

Sunday, December 04, 2022 at 6:00 PM


OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

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.

YES, VIRGINIA THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS . . .


Only this Christmas, his name is not Saint Nick but Saint John's. Once again the Lord has presented us with the opportunity to share his love and abundant blessings with others. We had such success last year with our virtual Angel Tree that we are planning to use the same system again.


Click below to sign up.

SIGN UP

Upcoming Youth Group Opportunities for Service

(Nov - Dec 2022)

  • 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

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

BIBLE STUDIES & DEVOTIONALS

Our 2022 Advent Devotional is available beginning


Sunday, November 27


 Devotionals will be available in the Narthex after both services.


Be sure to get one for yourself and one to share with a family member or friend as well.


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

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. 

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

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

Order Study Guides


Tuesday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 11:00 AM


Happy Thanksgiving – no class



To join contact Paul Henry at phenry605@verizon.net to obtain the pass codes for the Zoom session.


CLICK HERE for Fall Schedule.

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.

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!

UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

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.  Thank you!

SIGN UP

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. 

Sign Up

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.


This year's Living Nativity is on December 11, from 5-8pm

PRAYERS & PRAISE

Prayer List


Prayer requests can be submitted

online (click here).or through the church email at

prayer.stjumc@gmail.com

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.



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


GIVING

MOBILE GIVING

  • Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
  • 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

ST.JOHN'S LINKS & INFORMATION

St. John's Staff

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!

View St John's Budget 2022

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

Devotionals
Announcements/WeeklyNewsletter
Worship Videos
St. John's Bell Choir Videos
Click here to share your favorite St. John's photos with us!
Flowering Cross Photos



For Cornerstone announcement requests check the Communication Timelines & Procedures page in our website HERE.


Thank you! :) 


CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266

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



Thank you to everyone who has followed us on Instagram! If you haven't yet, please do so! 


@stjohnsivyland



www.instagram.com/stjohnsivyland

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