Hello St. John’s Family,
As the spring season flies by, we are slowly yet surely seeing the return of many of the annual traditions that help us mark the normal ebb and flow of our lives. With the exception of pollen showers and the resulting allergies – the one “tradition” that never seemed to disappear – the return of these events and traditions is welcomed and uplifting, as we are reminded in a tangible way how our God has an amazing way of bringing forth goodness and hope from the most difficult seasons. This past Saturday marked the return of a cherished spring tradition for many on the first Saturday in May: the Kentucky Derby.
For me, it was great to pause and watch the beauty and pageantry as amazing animals are led toward the starting gates in preparation for the race. Like many sports, racing often exacts a harsh toll on the animals (or athletes) involved. For a few moments prior to the big races, though, the horses are shown such that their majesty and grace are powerfully evident. Expertly trained and prepared, their singular focus is to run, as they respond to the guidance of their jockey. Watching that all play out again on Saturday in a beautiful setting was uplifting for me. It reminded me how many of those special things we have longed for will return. And the best part of seeing the Kentucky Derby return to its normal date is knowing that the Preakness will follow two weeks later! See, growing up only 40 minutes from the Pimlico racetrack - and with a mother who is from Baltimore - the Preakness Stakes was always a big deal.
I sense many of us are very eager for those special traditions in our lives to resume, and with good reason. We’re on the brink of emerging from an incredibly difficult season, and long for the simple, yet meaningful blessings in life to return. Yet the questions, confusion, and uncertainty that has accompanied the past 14 months remain. As we move forward and attempt to sort out how to best emerge from “pandemic life,” I ask you to keep our leaders in prayer – nationally, regionally, locally, and congregationally. In the frustrating moments, recall the steadfast promise of Christ prior to his ascension: He will be with us always! Look for opportunities to extend the love of Christ to others, especially those who are struggling. Draw on the strength of the Holy Spirit, and the patience the Spirit will provide. And cherish each and every blessing, every reunion, each return to worship – all the simple goodness of life together – by giving thanks to God for God’s steadfast faithfulness.
Friends, we’re almost there! May our lives continue to point to the amazing God who has been with us every step of the way.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS |
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Given the overall decreasing trend in Covid cases and the expansion of vaccinations, St. John’s leadership has investigated options for additional seating in the sanctuary. All discussions have focused on maintaining a safe environment for our most vulnerable attendees while expanding the number of persons who can attend.
Worshippers will be seated in an alternating pattern, where one row has attendees seated at each end, a row is left vacant, and the following row has attendees seated in the middle of the row. The next row will remain vacant, then the pattern will repeat. Utilizing this approach can potentially increase attendance by 50%, depending on the number of people in each registration.
Please note that all other mitigation measures, including wearing a mask or face shield, maintaining six feet of distance, and pre-registering for worship attendance via Signup Genius will remain in place at this time. Pre-registration is critical in enabling our Ushers to safely and efficiently seat all worshippers. We recognize this is a sacrifice and appreciate your compliance in this endeavor.
One final reminder: if you are not feeling like your normal, healthy self, please do not attend worship. Thank you for your perseverance as we eagerly anticipate the day when Covid mitigation measures are a thing of the past.
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Worship this Sunday, May 9. 2021
2 in-person services offered: One at 9 AM in the Sanctuary and
one at 10:30 AM in Fellowship Hall
Reservations via SignUp Genius required.
A recording of the 9 AM service will be posted to our website upon completion
www.stjohnsivyland.com
Past worship service videos can also be found:
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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 your reservation so another may have the opportunity to attend.
Thank you!
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On May 16, 23, 30, and June 6 the children in Grades Pre-K – 6 will meet outside (weather permitting) and will participate in a Bible lesson, activities, and games. If it rains, we will meet on Zoom. Please join Mrs. Seamans, Mrs. Scarlett, Mr. Kenney, Mrs. McCrea, Mrs. Hansel, and Mrs. Semonsky in May and June for outdoor worship and fun. Please bring a mask, a water bottle, and a blanket or chair. |
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Below are the Zoom links to the Sunday School programming that will be offered for young people this Sunday. Our Youth will have Sunday School outside in the church parking lot this week weather permitting! 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!
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Young Children (Pre-K - Grade 2)
What's In The Bible?
Sundays @ 11am
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 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
Growing in faith is not something that happens by merely cramming more information about the Bible into a child’s brain. That knowledge means nothing if we don’t help our kids experience what that knowledge can do in their hearts. This month, we will talk about how to experience faith, how to practice faith, and how important it is to stay committed to our faith.
Lesson length: 25-35 minutes
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Youth Study - Orange High School XP3
Sundays @ 11:30 am
Church Parking Lot (weather permitting)
Masks required
Bring your own chair and pen and paper!
People talk about “loving God” all the time, but how do you connect to someone who you can’t see and never seems to audibly respond? Join us as we try to answer this question and explore the faith habits that make it possible to connect with an invisible God.
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For more information, please contact Susan Seamans, Director of Children's Ministry: [email protected]
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The Family Summer Fun planning meeting scheduled for Sunday, May 9 has been rescheduled to
Monday, May 10 at 6:30.
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SEWING GROUP
St. John’s Mission Sewing Group is continuing our work on Sani-Panis for young girls in Africa.
We are in need of donations of flannel material and
sew-on Velcro. There will be a box in the Narthex as well as one outside of Fellowship Hall for donations.
215-357-6998, ex 306. Thank you for your Heart for Missions. Pastor Ruth
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During the Easter season we celebrate the resurrection of
our Lord and Savior and the new life it brings to us.
As a symbol of this new life, we gave packets of seeds to everyone on Easter Sunday morning. We invite you to plant
these seeds and watch as they burst forth
from seed to beautiful flowers.
When your flowers are in full bloom,
Take a picture and share it with us.
Please share your photos to:
Thank you for helping us share the beauty and love
of new resurrection life this Easter season!
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The Wednesday Evening Bible Study with Ken Lee Wednesdays, 7 PM
Letters of John and Jude
using the William Barclay New Study Bible.
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.
Please contact Ken Lee or the office by phone or email if you plan to attend. 215-357-6998, [email protected].
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MOSES BIBLE STUDY
In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet
Thursdays beginning May 13
Six week course
2 sessions offered at 10 AM and 7PM on ZOOM.
Book and Video components
Please contact the church office if interested in attending.
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St. John's Handbell Festival on April 25th was a success!
Dedicated to the memory of our dear friend, Jack Barr
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Thank you to all the participants! |
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GENesis BELLS
Andrew Baldridge
Patsy Byle
Sophia Conover
Amy Cons
Juliet Cons
Brian File
Jane File
Kari File
Matthew Floyd
Jen Haas
Lauren Haenn
Valerie Haenn
Cav Hansel
Caylee Hansel
Kiki Hansel
Kyle Hansel
Gavin Leight
Melissa McDevitt
Caelyn Semonsky
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CELEBRATION RINGERS
Linda Beason
Dolly Cell
Lorraine Poll
Vinny DiCristofaro
Vivian DiCristofaro
Chris Ifill
Sue Kirby
Nancy MacMillan
Katie O'Connor
Peg Thatcher
Lynne Tomlinson
Garry Warlow
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RING OF FAITH
Brian Barber
Linda Beason
Katie Decker
Vinny DiCristofaro
Kari File
Jen Haas
Matt Haas
Chris Ifill
Sue Kirby
Nancy MacMillan
Alissa Nelson
Katie O'Connor
Laura Paulus
David Sharper
Valerie Sharper
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MUSIC STAFF
Alissa Nelson Brian Barber Roy Nelson
PASTORS
Rev. Brad Leight Ruth Portzline
A/V
Rich Prim Carolyn Mooney Sarah Floyd Matt Floyd
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The United Methodist's Men Breakfast, held on April 17th, was enjoyed by all!
Lots of Laughter and Discussions:
The next UMM's Breakfast will be held
Saturday, May 15th at 10 AM
Sycamore Grill, Newtown
Contact Paul Henry or Jack Donovan if interested in attending!
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Naomi Circle Future Mission Project
What: new bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths.
Where: to be sent to Red Bird Mission for their Christmas gift boxes.
When: Month of June
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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 Trailers will be open for Donations Tentatively on May 22nd
on Weekends from 9:00 - 5:00.
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The Upper Room Devotionals
for May/June will be available in the Narthex,
outside of Fellowship Hall, and in a container on the front porch of the church beginning Sunday, April 25.
Be sure to pick up one for yourself and one for a friend.
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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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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.
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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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.
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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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