February 25, 2021
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
Hello St. John’s Family,
 
  This past Tuesday, for the first time in a LONG time, our news cycle was interrupted. Yes, “breaking news” alerts rang out throughout the day as normal, yet those alerts had nothing to do with a pandemic. Or politics. Or the train wreck otherwise known as the Philadelphia Eagles football team (painful to say, but true). On Tuesday, golfing legend Tiger Woods was involved in a horrific single-car rollover accident that almost cost him his life.
 
  At first glance, some may wonder if this isn’t another example of the “breaking news” bar being lowered yet again, as news outlets put out anything to catch our attention. Still, few can argue that Tiger Woods is one of the most well-known personalities in the world. Arguably the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger’s dominance of the sport over the past 25 years has been unparalleled. Success brought Tiger anything he wanted: money, fame, possessions, immediate access to the best of everything. Inevitably transgressions also followed; transgressions that painfully played out under the public eye. After all of this, Tiger seemed to be on the right track. Some of the more recent images of Tiger were of him embracing his young son Charlie after an improbable win at the Masters in 2019.
 
  I sense our first tendency in these situations is to question the person involved. Why can’t the rich; the famous; the superstar athletes and performers who have all the resources in the world… why can’t they ever learn? Honest reflection, though, will show us how Tiger’s story is the human story. While our mistakes and slip-ups may not play out in the headlines, we too fall into the exact same traps. We all are fallen, broken people who cannot navigate life on our own. It doesn’t matter if we’re the weakest, most troubled person in the world or the richest with the most resources; we all need a Savior.
 
  Friends, this is the essence of Lent. Lent reminds us of our deep need for God’s mercy and grace. Lent offers us an opportunity to examine our lives; to see where we are well-aligned with God and God’s desires for us as well as address the areas where we’ve stumbled. Though not easy, this journey is essential to truly experience the gift of new, restored life. We never want to forget that.
 
 In closing, I hope you’ll pray for Tiger Woods and his family. Pray also that God will remind us of our deep need for the Divine gift of grace, and act to draw each of us into closer to relationship with Christ in this Lenten season. May God transform this tragedy to offer a fresh example of resurrection glory!
 
 
                                                                                                     Grace and Peace,
                                                                                                           Pastor Brad
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Sunday, February 28, 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!

The Sign-Up Reservation for next Sunday
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!
Scout Recognition Sunday
March 14, 2021

On Sunday March 14, St. John's will continue a long tradition of honoring the efforts of our Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and adult leaders involved in Scouting. Anyone involved in Scouting is invited to register and attend either of our worship services in uniform as we acknowledge your efforts. A number of our Scouts are in the GENesis Bells; this group will be involved in the 9:00 worship service.

In addition, a photo collage of all our Scouts will be compiled, to acknowledge those who are unable to attend. This collage will be projected prior to our services and will also be included with the Cornerstone. Scouts and leaders are asked to forward a photo to Nicole McDevitt ([email protected]) by Tuesday, March 9th for the collage. Thank you!
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.

COVID-19 INFORMATION
For those interested in receiving Bucks County's latest vaccine information, please click on the link below:
LENT

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays beginning February 18
8 weeks
10 AM and 7 PM

This brand new study for the Season of Lent 2021, Character Matters, flows from the language of Proverbs 6:16-19. Study participants will journey through the “seven things the Lord hates,” moving participants toward confession of the sinful practice/tendency... and challenging disciples toward a personal and corporate character which is far more holy!

Beginning the week of Ash Wednesday, this study in seven sessions addresses the “seven things the Lord hates.” Session eight of the curriculum is a post-Easter word of encouragement from Bishop Peggy Johnson.

Each Thursday in Lent, two sessions will be offered via Zoom: 10AM and 7PM. 
Please contact the office and indicate which session you'd like to participate in, and a Zoom link will be forwarded to you.

ST. JOHN’S LENTEN MISSION PROJECT
 
WRAPPING PLASTIC WARE FOR THE TRENTON AREA SOUP KITCHEN.
 
You may choose from two work sessions
 Tuesday, March 2
10 am or 6:30 pm
in Fellowship Hall
 
This is the first phase of work for this project.
Once the plastic ware is organized, a date will be announced
for pick up of the supplies to be taken home for wrapping.
 
In order to assure safe distancing procedures,
 please sign up on our SignUp Genius.
When this project is completed, the plastic ware
will be delivered to the
Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
 
If you have any questions please contact me
@ 215-357-6998 or 215-343-4749,
                                                                     Pastor Ruth
Our Daily Lenten Devotionals
“Walk Humbly”
are now available in the
Narthex, outside of Fellowship Hall and
in a container on the front porch of the church.
Be sure to pick up your copy and
one for a friend as well.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
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]
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.

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
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.
BIBLE STUDIES
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, February 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].

March 2, 9, 16 - Old Testament Narrative
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!
UMW/UMM
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
UMM UPDATE

The Recovery Breakfast was well attended with lots of laughter!
The Fellowship abound and strengthened our Faith with a Joy in our Heart. 
A Great Time!

A Stripped Down - Take Out Only - Chicken BBQ is tentatively planned for September 11th.
The vacccine shots were discussed and most all in attendance have had both shots.
It was agreed to continue the Recovery Breakfast at 
The Sycamore Grill through to May. 
The next UMM Breakfast will be March 20th and hosted by Paul Henry.
PRAYERS


Prayer requests can be submitted
online (click here).or through the church email, [email protected]
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 
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.
MISSIONS/OUTREACH









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


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.
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.

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,
email Lou Lescas at [email protected]
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
Gmail account users:
In addition to your inbox,
please check your "Promotions" file for any St. John's emails.
Bulk emails may appear there. Simply by moving the message from Promotions to your primary inbox or by adding
St. John's as a contact should allow our messages to go directly to your inbox.
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!
CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266
The Upper Room Devotionals
for March/April are now available.
Copies are in the Narthex and also 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.


St. John's Ivyland
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
215-357-6998/[email protected]
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Sr. Pastor