Hello St. John’s Family,
I hope you have all navigated the challenges brought our way by this week’s winter storm. As is often the case, the beauty of winter snow has a way of dissipating quickly when the cleanup begins. And yes, it is safe to say the Leight family was not missing the after-storm cleanup of a Pocono residence! Please keep in prayer all those for whom the aftermath of the storm continues, as there are many in our state and region who are dealing with much more than an inconvenience.
Be it due to storms, the distance necessitated by the pandemic, or the overall turbulence of our time, I sense many of us have viewed a fair amount of television programming recently. Which, by default, means we’ve seen plenty of commercials. While I often view commercials as an annoyance (the main reason I watch the Super Bowl is the game itself, not the commercials!), I must admit that I’ve found myself laughing at some of the amusing and even absurd “plotlines” that advertisers craft in an attempt to sell their products. It’s interesting how many ads today have little to do with the actual product itself. Yet advertisers have an innate ability for developing a point of connection with the intended demographic. One of the concepts that connected with me recently is an insurance campaign that humorously notes the tendency of children to conform to the patterns and behaviors of their parents in adulthood.
Perhaps you’ve seen these vignettes, where a self-help guru named “Dr. Rick” guides young adults to break the quirky and at times socially awkward tendencies of their parents. As I recently laughed along to Dr. Rick’s observation that “the waiter doesn’t need to know your name,” I thought of the overwhelmingly positive influence my parents had on me. Further reflection led me to question what the primary influences on my life and choices are today. After all, in an age where the art of influencing is an occupation (your child or grandchild will know exactly what an influencer is), we are wise to recognize the persons and forces which are constantly exerting influence on us.
In many ways, that is what the rapidly approaching season of Lent is all about. Lent offers us an opportunity to examine our lives and the influences that direct our actions, then refocus on Christ as we invite the Holy Spirit to form us more closely into His image. That may mean releasing some of the things that influence us too greatly; it may mean engaging more closely in practices that draw us into deep relationship with Christ.
So, as you tune into the big game – and the commercials – this weekend, consider the primary influences on your life. Perhaps this Lenten season may be the opportunity God has been waiting for to conform us all more fully into the image of Christ-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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Sunday, February 7, 2021
In-person Worship!
Two services offered.
9:00 am in the Sanctuary
and 10:30 am in Fellowship Hall.
Reservations Required
A recording of the service will be available on our website upon completion.
We've been blessed by a steady increase in attendance at our worship services! If you are planning to attend, it is critical to register each week,
via Sign Up Genius or by calling the church office.
This enables our ushers to promptly seat you while maintaining safe distancing necessitated by Covid.
Thank you for your sacrifice, patience and compliance with these interim procedures, as we all eagerly await the day when we can fill God's sanctuary again!
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The Sign-Up Reservation for Next Sunday, 2/14,
will be emailed and posted to the website by Noon, Monday.
Please update the SignUp Genius or contact the church office if there's a need to cancel/update your reservation so another may have the opportunity to attend.
Thank you!
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THIS WEEK IN WORSHIP
"Ready or Not, Here I Come?"
Pastor Ruth
Matthew 24:36-44
Accompanist: Brian Barber
9 AM Special Music: Celebration Ringers
Amy Cons, Jeff Cartwright,
Alissa Nelson, Roy Nelson
10:30: Praise Band
HOLY COMMUNION
*This Sunday, February 7, the Sacrament of Communion will be offered in worship and to all in a drive-through format. During our 9AM and 10:30 worship services, individual, prepackaged elements will be consecrated and offered to in-person worshippers. Those not able or comfortable attending in-person are asked to join us online for worship; we expect the service will be posted around 10:15 AM. Then come to St. John's at 11:30 AM to receive the Communion elements. You will be asked to please remain in your car. We look forward to seeing you and sharing in Christ's love together through the Sacrament of Holy Communion!
Communion Offering: Eastwick Food Bank Ministry
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St. John's Snow Policy
In case of a major snowstorm or other severe weather that would require cancellation of one or more Sunday services, we will attempt to notify everyone by:
- A special e-news sent out
- A message on the church website - www.stjohnsivyland.com
If possible, a decision regarding cancellation will be made the night before. Please also be aware that, in the event of a power outage, it is impossible to utilize internet or phone services.
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For those interested in receiving Bucks County's latest vaccine information, please click on the link below: |
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All Sunday School classes will continue on Zoom this Sunday. Note that Pre-K to Grade 6 will have a video component and will also include follow-up materials that guide parents in talking about the concepts throughout the week. Hope to see you on Zoom! Links to Zoom meetings will be emailed separately. For more information, please contact Susan Seamans, Director of Children's Ministry: [email protected]
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Young Children (Pre-K to Grade 2)
What's In the Bible?
Sundays at 11 am on Zoom
Join Buck Denver and a group of hilarious friends as they journey through the Bible and discover what it means for us. Amy Scarlett will lead us for the opening weeks as we discover What's In the Bible!
Lesson length: 20-25 minutes.
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Older Elementary Children (Grades 3-6)
Orange 252 Kids
Sundays @ 11am on Zoom
Join us as we talk about encouraging others and cheering them on. Every day you can show others they are valuable by how you treat them. Yes! You can be a kindness “super fan!”
Lesson length: 25-35 minutes
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Youth Study - Orange High School XP 3:
Sundays @ 11:30 am on Zoom
Whether it’s the kid being bullied at school, the children in other countries without enough to eat, or someone in their neighborhood being judged by the color of their skin, chances are our youth have all seen or experienced injustice in the world. And it’s probably caused them to stop and think, “Someone should do something about that!” Join us as we try to answer questions like "why is this happening," "what should I do," and "where is God?" at the same time discovering how much Jesus cares about injustice and how we can see something, say something, and do something in response.
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Thinking About God
Paul Henry will be continuing his Zoom Class “Thinking About God” on Tuesday, January 19, at 10:30 am. If you are interested in joining these discussions please contact Paul at 215-962-6719 or [email protected] so that he can get you set up on Zoom.
This presentation and discussion format is designed with a number of topical areas so that you can participate as topics interest you or you can be a part of the Zoom course through April.
On Tuesday, March 16, the Tuesday Zoom class Thinking about God will be joined by Walter Edmonds. He will be leading a presentation and discussion on the “Hymns of Charles Wesley”. Walt is a retired pastor and musician living in Monrovia, MD. He is a graduate of Lycoming College, Yale Divinity School and Temple University. He is an accomplished organist and choral director who has served in both musical and pastoral positions throughout his career. He is strongly committed to hymnody and liturgy and was responsible for the Constitutional Hall celebration of the Methodist Hymnal in November 1989. Walt will be leading the Zoom discussion on the hymns of Charles Wesley. If you are interested in joining this session, please contact Paul Henry at [email protected].
February 9
The Old Testament Narrative: Exploring the Stories that Enrich Christian Belief
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The Gospel of John
The Gospel of John is often considered the greatest Spiritual writing of who Jesus is as it reveals His mission to bring salvation to all of God's children by His life, ministry, death and resurrection. Beginning Wednesday, February 3, Ken Lee will be offering a weekly Bible study of John's Gospel utilizing Jesus in the Gospels curriculum. The group will meet each Wednesday at 7pm in the Parlor. By studying this Gospel in Fellowship, the group aims to develop and grow our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the church office and indicate if you need a Study Manual. The cost of the Study Manual is $32; St. John's will provide assistance as needed to ensure the cost isn't prohibitive.
This is an excellent opportunity to grow in and strengthen your faith - hope to see you in February!
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SOUPER SUNDAYS
What a year! We've managed to press on through the Covid Virus, political tensions, loss of life, loss of jobs and of course the loss of incomes. Our congregation can help with one of these tragedies by bringing non-perishable food items to church and placing them in the barrel located at the front entrance. The United Methodist Women will be collecting food on all four Sundays in February.
Our donations this year will be going to the Jesus Focus Ministry located in Southampton. Following Jesus' example of feeding the many, we can do our small part to help feed families in need.
The United Methodist Women wish to thank our congregation for their continued support with all of our mission projects as well as the support, strength and love you give to communities far and wide.
Thank you,
The United Methodist Women
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UNITED METHODIST MEN'S RECOVERY BREAKFAST!!!!
At the same place: Sycamore Grill, Newtown, Pa.
February 20th at 10 AM
Business meeting : Stripped Down BBQ Idea……..
Vaccine Info………New Business
Come, be a Guest of the UMM Recovery III Breakfast.
Fellowship over a Great Breakfast in the Light of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Lots of Laughter too.
Masks and Safe Distancing - in practice. We have the Whole Dining Room.
RSPV is helpful.
Thank you
Jack Donovan
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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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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Hand made prayer shawls (or lap robes for men) are again available for those experiencing serious illness, bereavement, or other major life issue. Each comes in a sealed plastic bag. Recipients need not be members of St. John's. Requests can be made via the comments section of the prayer request form on the church website, by calling or emailing the church office, or by calling Carol Rice at 215-357-1203. Requesters will be notified of contactless pickup arrangements at the main entrance of church building.
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The Red Bird Mission are CLOSED for the winter.
Thanks to everyone who has donated to this program, helping the people in Red Bird Kentucky. They are grateful for all items that have been sent. The Red bird committee would also like to thank all the volunteers who gave their time packing trailers.
Your effort’s have been greatly appreciated.
Red Bird Committee
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DONATIONS NEEDED
Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry 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. Please contact Lou Lescas, [email protected] if you are available to help.
Thank you for your support.
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The Upper Room Devotional
for January/February is available.
Copies are in a container on the front porch of the church.
Be sure to pick up your copy and take one for a friend as well.
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St. John's 2020 Advent Mission Offering
Thank you for your support of Compassion International - Water of Life Program
Due to your generosity, over $11,000 was raised and at least 136 families will have safe drinking water for life!
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MOBILE GIVING
- Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
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Click on the 'Give' button in red and register.
Once you've registered, you can either make donations by debit or credit.
OR try TEXT GIVING
All you have to do is 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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PLEDGE UPDATE
Thank you for your faithfulness in giving, and to all those who have pledged to support God's work at St. John's in 2021. To date, we've received 123 pledges totalling $294,000, over half of our anticipated budget of $559,000. If you haven't pledged and would like to, you can do so online, or returning a pledge card by mail. Thank you for your commitment to God at
St. John's!
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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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HELP NEEDED
Two significant needs and great opportunities to serve at St. John's!
A small team of dedicated audio-visual ministry volunteers enable us to offer meaningful online worship each week. We're in need of additional help, as there's very little flexibility within the team in the event someone needs to be away. While some aspects of this ministry requires technical expertise, other aspects are very straight-forward. If you have the ability to advance PowerPoint slides, you can help us offer online worship!
Similarly, ushers are needed for in-person worship to greet worshippers, direct them to their seats, and assist with questions. This is a simple yet meaningful opportunity to serve God by serving our St. John's family.
Please consider serving God by assisting with one of these this crucial ministries. Those interested in serving can contact the office at [email protected] or (215) 357-6998. Thank you for your faithful support of all we do in service to Christ at St. John's!
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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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