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November 26, 2025

 Hello St. John’s Family,

Here we are, in late November – the day before Thanksgiving. I’m not quite sure where this year has gone, as it seems that Memorial Day was only a few weeks back. Yet I find myself feeling that way often these days.

Recently I stumbled across the ‘80’s movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on TV. Ferris’ mantra, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it” has been lingering in my mind ever since. My first instinct is to chuckle at that thought, as the pace of life has accelerated so much since the 1980’s. Which only amplifies the reality – dare I say truth – that mantra contains. The responsibilities, demands, and pressures of everyday life are constant; if we are not able to periodically pause and take in the goodness and beauty around us, we miss something. On one level, we miss the experience of goodness in a world that often feels harsh and cold. At a deeper level, I believe we miss God’s attempts to speak to us. To remind us how God is near, and that God’s presence will be more than enough to get us through whatever comes our way. To reminds us that we are loved and are never alone.

Early Tuesday morning, I had one of those moments. Frantically typing away in an attempt to finish off a brief reflection for the Thanksgiving Service that night, I was spinning my wheels. Words just were not coming, and the minutes were flying by. Then, in the corner of my eye, I noticed shades of pink and orange bursting on the horizon. The sun was coming up – and it was beautiful! I couldn’t help but stop and take it in. And I’m glad I did; within 5 minutes, the color was gone. Only clouds remained, foretelling the coming rain.

I believe God was speaking in that moment. Psalm 19:1-4a says it beautifully:

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words;

their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day: a day - and for many, a weekend – when we can pause and experience God’s goodness that is present around us. Yes, there are many responsibilities that accompany holidays, even one centered on giving thanks. My prayer for you is that you’ll be intentional about setting aside some time to take in God’s goodness, then thank God for always being there. After all… Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

This Sunday in worship we’ll explore Isaiah 2:1:5 and Matthew 24:36-44 as we begin the Advent season. We’ll hear the prophet speak a Divine message of hope, directed to a struggling people facing defeat and exile; a message that I believe continues to offer us hope today.

I pray that you and your family will share in a happy and healthy Thanksgiving – and I hope you’ll join me in worship on Sunday!




Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brad

Isaiah 2:1-5 | Matthew 24:36-44

Worship Service can be viewed LIVE AT 10:30 AM on

St. John's YouTube Channel

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

 “...For God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7)” 

Statement Thru October 2025

The St John’s Ivyland church office will be closed Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28th for Thanksgiving. We pray everyone is able to give thanks to God for good things we’ve experienced in, through and by God’s grace!

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest… (Isaiah 9:2-3, NIV)”

As we transition from a season of giving thanks for all the blessings God has sown in our lives to a period of prayerful preparation for Christ’s coming into our world, the Lord is still blessing us and providing us ways to share those blessings with others.  

We invite everyone to answer God’s call and give thanks through sharing what you can this season!

Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with these precious children. God bless your generous hearts!

St John’s Ivyland Angel Tree is back and we’re supporting Diakon Child, Family and Community Ministries!

The UWF have set up a Sign-Up Genius Click the link below and pick a tag.

Wrapped gifts and gift cards can be dropped off now through Sunday, December 14th in the Narthex or the church parlor. (Gift receipts are greatly appreciated by the recipient.) Be sure to attach a Tag with the number from the Wish list.

Questions? or need assistance with choosing a gift. Please contact Arlene Williams at 215-962-3697 or email ArleneW13@aol.com. I am available to help you. I can access the Sign up Genius and help you select a gift on the list. 

PASS (Project Arch Street Service) is partnering with our ministry partners at Arch Street United Methodist and The Center to collect men’s clothing items to bless those truly in need throughout the Holidays. If you wish to give, you can follow the link below and select items from the list that will be shipped directly to The Center for distribution. Thanks for allowing God to work in the lives of others through you!

Festival of Carols

St John’s Ivyland’s Festival of Carols is a Christmas concert & celebration with religious and popular songs led by our wonderful Music Ministry (and a few special guests). This joyous night is open to the public and we ask that you consider bringing non-persishables in place of a monetary offering.

26th FESTIVAL OF CAROLS

Choirs, Orchestra and Handbells

Sunday, December 7th

6:00 pm



We look forward to celebrating the Coming Christ in song with you, December 7th!

St John’s Ivyland’s Drive Thru Living Nativity is an Advent gift of love to our community and we are overjoyed to be able to share it once again! 

Every year St John's shares a Living Nativity as a gift to our friends and neighbors, in response to God's precious gift to all of us, Jesus. Our Living Nativity is the work of planning and the effort of dozens of volunteers. We offer this "gift" at no charge because we believe everyone should feel welcome to share in the light of love of the Christ child's birth. 

This year's Living Nativity is from 5 to 8 pm on Sunday December 14th.

Plan on joining us; we'd love to share the Joy of the season with you!

George Ryan entered into eternal life on November 5, 2025. In accordance with George & Barbara’s wishes, a Memorial Service celebrating their lives will be held at St John’s Ivyland Saturday, December 6th 2025. There will be a time of Visitation  beginning at 10am, followed immediately by a Memorial Service at 11am.

Christmas Pageant Practice resumes NEXT Saturday, Dec 6th at 10:30 am. Our Pageant will be shared during the 10:30 am Worship Sunday, December 14.

Praise God and thank you for your faithful support of St John’s Ivyland’s Feeding Ministries! Every Sunday you can bring non-perishable items and place them on the Food Table in the Narthex. Items placed on the sharing table will be distributed the following Monday to help support those with an immediate need. We are grateful for all you have done & ask that you continue to think of those who face Food Insecurity. 

St. John’s Ivyland is looking for children & teens (3rd grade & older) who are interested in becoming acolytes!

An acolyte's role is to bring in the light of Christ prior to the service and to take the light of Christ out at the end of the service. 

If you know of a young person who can serve in this meaningful part of Worship Contact Jennifer Haas (215)-776-1740.

TRAINING IS AVAILABLE!

Assistive Listening

St. John’s Ivyland wants to meet the needs of our community, and support our members and visitors in vital ways, including helping everyone to fully participate in Worship.

We are thankful to be able to provide ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES (ALDs)that are available for use at each Service.

These ALDs are FM radios that are connected to the audio broadcast for our Worship Services. The listening devices can be found in a marked basket in the church narthex.

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