Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
Join us for worship
Calendar
Prayer List
Text Giving
Table Talk
Drive Thru Prayer
Blessing of the Animals Photos
Drive Thru Living Nativity
Advent Devotionals
Warrior Coffee
Pastor's Reflection
Choirs
Coat Drive
Sunday School
Youth Group/Confirmation
Bible Studies
Book Club
Hunterdon Hills Trip
Line Dancing
Election Day Bake Sale
UMM Breakfast
UMW Brunch Update
Heifer Project
   
JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP  
  
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
 
  9:15 a.m.
Praise  and Worship
  
THIS SUNDAY, 
October 14, 2018  
Finding Ourselves in Peter's Story
 "Quickly We Rise, Quickly We Fall" 
Pastor Janice 
Matthew 16:21-23 
 
215-357-6998
 
CHURCH HOURS
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM -2:00 PM 
 
THIS WEEK'S 
CALENDAR
 
Thursday, October 11
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir
 
Saturday, October 13
8:00am
  CSM District Meeting  
 
Sunday, October 14
9:15am
  Children's Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Adult Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School
 
11:30am
  Joyful Voices
 
12:15pm
  Holy Handbells
 
6:00pm
  Youth Choir
 
7:00pm
  Youth Group
 
Monday, October 15
6:30pm  
Girl Scout Troop 2395 Meeting  
 
6:45pm
Bible Study - Eternity is Now in Session  
 
Tuesday, October 16
10:00am
  History of Early Christianity: Resurrection to Rome
 
5:45pm
  GENesis Bells
 
7:00pm
  Deborah Circle
 
7:00pm
  History of Early Christianity: Resurrection to Rome
 
7:00pm
  Praise Band Rehearsal
 
7:00pm
  Table Talk
 
7:30pm
  AA
 
Wednesday, October 17
4:30pm
  Drive Thru Prayer
 
7:00pm
Bible Study  
 
7:30pm
  Salome Circle
 
Thursday, October 18
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir
 
 

 

PRAYER LIST

Please click to view

 

All "Ongoing Prayer Concerns" will be listed for 
2 weeks.  
Please submit a new prayer request card if you desire to renew the listing for 2 additional weeks.
GIVING
MOBILE GIVING
  • Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
  • Click on the donate now button 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 215-398-1617.
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 confidenti
al. 
 
If you have any questions about mobile or text giving,
email Lou Lescas at  stjohns820@gmail.com

MISSIONS
Red Bird Trailers  
Are Open Daily
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Drop off Donations of clothing and household items to the trailers located in the back of the church parking lot.  

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE TABS COLLECTION
Naomi Circle is collecting tabs from beverage cans for Ronald McDonald House.  You will find a container under the sign hanging on the UMW bulletin board. Please place them in a plastic bag and put it in the container. This is an ongoing collection, so keep bringing them in as you collect them.   Thank you.  


Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry are always needed through-out the year.  Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex and fellowship hall lobby. 
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED  
to deliver food and clothing to the  
Eastwick Food Bank.   
Please contact  
Lou Lescas,  stjohns820@gmail.com
 if you are available to help.  
 
Thank you for your support.  
   
Prayer Shawl Ministry
 
New members of the ministry group are always welcome; lessons and guidance can be provided for beginners and those with rusty skills.


The group meets mon thly on the second Tuesday to knit or crochet together and to pray over the completed items. For more information, contact Carol Rice at 215-357-1203.                                         
OUTREACH
Table Talk will resume on October 16
 Join the Conversation!  Bring a Friend!
ST. JOHN'S  
DRIVE-THRU PRAYER
Wednesdays from 4:30-6pm.
 
 
Our prayer team offers prayer to those who for various reasons don't feel that they can come to church but do realize their need for prayer.  
 
If you would like to join us and be a part of this ministry of 
St. John's, please contact Ruth Portzline, outreachstjohns@yahoo.com.
Blessing of the Animals
September 23, 2018 
What a wonderful day we shared here at  
St. John's giving thanks for God's creation and celebrating His gift of creatures,  
great and small!  
 


Time to dust off your Christmas spirit!
 St John's Christmas gift to our community!   
December 16, 2018     5 PM- 8 PM  
"Drive-Thru Nativity"
Experience the complete Christmas story as you drive through the church grounds!
Your time and talents are needed to make this a huge success!!
Stay tuned for additional information!


CONTRIBUTE A DEVOTION!!
Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. This should be a time for families to come together in prayer and devotion. 
 
St. John's would like to encourage this devotional time by preparing an Advent Devotional containing a reading for each day in Advent that has been written by members of our congregation.
 
If you are interested in contributing a devotion, please contact Ruth Portzline. outreachstjohns@yahoo.com, 215-357-6998. Devotions are needed by October 14th.  

DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Looking for a little inspiration during the week?  
Try an online devotional.    
(has many devotionals to choose from)
(Devotional for Women)
(Devotional for Men) 

 
If you would like to purchase Warrior Coffee, 
  order forms are available in the Grace Café.
Thank you for helping to fight for what's right
  one cup at a time!
The Grace Cafe is open Sunday mornings for fellowship and refreshments. 
UMC LINKS umc logo
 
  
  
October 11, 2018
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
It was an amazing day.  13,842 Rise Against Hunger rice-soy meals packaged for people in danger of starvation in our world.  61 little dresses made for needy girls in Africa. 90 "necessity kits" assembled for homeless young people in Bucks County (distributed by the Synergy Project of the Valley Youth House). Almost 4,000 plastic utensil/napkin packs prepared, almost 1,000 sandwiches made, and 1,000 bagged lunches (complete with juice, fruit and chips) sent to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.  
 
You are all awesome!  R.I.S.E. Sunday 2018 was an incredibly fruitful day in so many ways!  The Spirit was alive and active, and our hearts for mission were shining!  Not only was it an extraordinary day of fellowship and hard work, but I think it's safe that in just two hours of service on one Sunday morning, St. John's UMC has shown the face of Christ to a large number of people in need locally as well as in faraway places.   
 
Please take a moment to thank our amazing Director of Adult Ministries, Lara Bolte, for the challenging work of planning and organizing this year's R.I.S.E. Sunday (yes, it was a huge undertaking!).  And I especially want to thank the many, many people who volunteered their time and energy to help with the effort, whether it was setting up rooms, donating items, providing financial support, staying to clean up, volunteering to lead one of the projects, being on the "Spirit Team," etc., etc.  Sunday was truly a church-wide effort.  But then, none of this comes as a big surprise, does it?  Because, after all, we Methodists truly DO believe that "we are on a mission from God!"
 
Pastor Janice 
MUSIC
St. John's Vocal Choirs provide opportunities for EVERYONE to be involved in music. From young children through adults, we have a place for you in our music program. Beginning musicians and experienced singers are welcome in our Vocal Choirs.
 
COAT DRIVE
The Youth Choir and Joyful Voices are accepting donations for new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and hoodies. 
We will be donating these to
A Woman's Place in Doylestown.

Donations will be accepted through November 4th in the Narthex.

Please contact sarah@ifloyd.com for more information or ask a choir member.
CHILDREN  MINISTRIES


St. John's 9:15 Sunday School has returned!
Beginning this Sunday, October 14th
All Children Pre-K thru 6th grade go directly to  
Room D (Holywood)  
 
@ 10:30 all children go to Fellowship Hall
Youth grades 9-12 go to the Youth Room. 

KID'S CHURCH REGISTRATION 
  If you have registered your children last year, then all you need to do is fill out the "short " registration form.  Those who have not registered, will need the long form.
Please help us to help your children have a safe and exciting time here at St. John's.
 
 Please click Kid's Church Registration  
or go to stjohnsivyland.com under Children's Ministry  
to register.  
 
NURSERY
Available at both  
9:15 and 10:30. 
We welcome all children birth through 4 years old.  The nursery is equipped with a calling system and will alert you in worship if your child needs you.
Help is needed in the Nursery at the 9:15 AM Service. 
Please contact David Bigam if you are available!
  
For more information about our Children or Youth Ministries, please contact Director,
David Bigam, dbigam@gmail.com  

YOUTH GROUP
Youth Group 
Sunday Nights from 7-8:30 PM
Fellowship and fun for youth grades 7 thru 12.
  

YOUTH GROUP THIS WEEK!  
Halloween Scavenger Hunt  
______________________________________  
 
Morrisville Food Bank Monday
Monday, November 12th  
Please contact David Bigam.
Do Not Miss This Opportunity! 
Come and experience great Fellowship
on the 2nd Monday of every month! 
Morrisville is open to EVERYONE interested in going to help make 220 grocery bags full of food. 
Families are always welcome! 
Following this event we always head to Chick-fil-a for Milkshakes!!!!

OCTOBER 21, 2018 -
REMEMBER THIS DATE AS IT MAY BE YOUR LAST!

Sign up outside the youth room....if you DARE!
______________________________________________
Oh Yes We Did!
Tis the Season...Wreath Sale

Christmas shopping has begun!
Christmas will be here before you know it!
Taking orders now!
All proceeds fund our ASP Mission Trip in July 2019

______________________________________________

And as always
Bring a Friend and Bring a Can!
_______________________________________________

Have you HELPED anyone today?
Have you SAID SOMETHING NICE to anyone today?

David Bigam, Director of Children and Youth Ministries
dbigam@gmail.com

BIBLE STUDIES

BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
We have several Bible study opportunities available.
You can sign up online, on the tear-off sheets in the bulletin or on sign-up sheets on the yellow bulletin board by the Grace Cafe.
No sign-up is needed for the Wired Word.

ETERNITY IS NOW IN SESSION 
by John Ortberg & Gary Moon
 
Monday evenings at 6:45
October 15 - November 12
Parlor 

  For Christians, perhaps the deepest expression of what we're waiting for is found in the phrase "eternal life." But what is eternal life? Why do we want it? And how do we know if we have it?

In the Eternity Is Now in Session Participant's Guide, author John Ortberg takes you on a radical journey of rediscovery, dispelling the myth that eternal life is something way out in outer space that we can only hope to experience after we die. Instead, John unpacks the reality that the moment we trust Christ, we are initiated into "eternal living" with God as a here-and-now reality, one that will continue beyond our life on this earth.

The study is led by Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell and the cost of the book is $8. 
   

The Wired Word
led by Eileen Phillips
Drop-in class resuming 10/14, 2nd and 4th Sundays
10:30 A.M.
Church Library  
(by the Youth Room)
 
This group will focus on a current event or relevant news item provided by the Wired Word to Eileen by email each Thursday to be discussed and analyzed in a Biblical context. She then emails the lesson to those who have signed up to receive it.  Group members engage in meaningful discussions through the insightful lessons and learn how Scripture relates to their daily lives. This is an ongoing study, and drop-ins are welcome. Feel free to pass on your email address to Eileen if you would like to receive the lesson even if you don't wish to participate in the class. You may also attend even if you haven't had a chance to see the lesson in advance.

HUMAN SEXUALITY:
"THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH"
  • On February 23-26, 2019, a special session of General Conference will meet in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • 864 elected delegates (1/2 clergy and ½ lay) from all over the world will gather to vote on our denomination's stance on human sexuality.
  • Decisions will be made regarding the current wording regarding homosexuality in the Book of Discipline as well as the ordination of gay clergy and same sex marriage.
You are invited to join Pastor Janice for an information session on "The Way Forward" based on Bishop Peggy Johnson's District presentations.

Two Sessions:
Tuesday, October 30 at 7 PM
Wednesday, October 31 at 10 AM

Sign up sheet is available in the Narthex!

BOOK CLUB
Snowflower and the  
Secret Fan
by: Lisa See
Wednesday, October 23  
10 AM and 7 PM in Parlor 
 
The next book club meeting will be Wednesday, October 23 at 10 AM and 7 PM in the Parlor. We will be reading Snowflower and the Secret Fan, by Lisa See. "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a brilliantly realistic journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. With the period detail and deep resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel delves into one of the most mysterious of human relationships: female friendship.
ADULT/FAMILY MINISTRY

HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE TRIP!
We have reserved a block of tickets for Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Dinner Theatre's matinee production of
Christmas in the Air!
 
This luncheon show is Thursday, November 29, 2018 and is an original, holiday musical with songs, comedy sketches, dance numbers, and a live on-stage orchestra.
The cost is $95 per person and includes deluxe motor coach transportation, full course meal, dessert buffet, tax & gratuity. Bus leaves from St. John's at 9:30 AM.

We had a great time when we visited the playhouse last Spring and are excited to return! You can sign up for the trip in Narthex after church, or contact Lara Bolte ( stjadultministries@gmail.com or 215-357-6998).
Checks should be made payable to St. John's UMC and can be placed in Lara's Bolte's Mailbox near the church office or given directly to her.
Payment due by 11/21/18.

1st Wednesday of each month -  6:45 PM
Fellowship Hall
Next Session - November 7th
No experience necessary - come out and have fun!
No Fee.
Bring water!
All ages are welcome, and feel free to bring a friend.
Call Carol Eberz (215-355-3572) or Jane Horton (215-630-6020) with questions!

UMW/UMM

ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE 
BAKERS NEEDED
 
The United Methodist Women are having an Election Day Bake Sale to raise money for the many missions we sponsor throughout the year.  Baked goods are needed to keep our table going for the entire day.  If you like to bake and are willing to help, please place your baked goods in the kitchen prior to Tuesday, November 6th, or you may place your items in the frig or freezer marked UMW Bake Sale.  If the stove is not your best friend or you are short on time, you can help by manning the bake sale table for two hours on Election Day.  There is a sign up sheet on the UMW bulletin board.  The United Methodist Women appreciate the congregation's support and we would not be able to continue the work that we do without you.  Thank you.  For more information, please contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404.
 
 
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
 
Saturday, October 20, 2018 
Fellowship Hall 
8 AM 
All Men Welcome!

Sign-up Sheet in Church Narthex 
 
THE UMW HARVEST WELCOME BRUNCH 
The UMW Welcome Brunch was held on September 29.  The group enjoyed good food, fellowship and an interesting program which included information about some of the missions our group supports.    
 
  
We learned about the UMW's support of the National Farm Worker Ministry and their action to boycott Wendy's.  You can read about it at
Contact Arlene Williams (arlemew13@aol.com) if you would like to sign a postcard which will be delivered to Wendy's management in November.     
 
     
The highlight of the meeting was the dogs.   Pat Mayrhofer explained how her dogs help to give children the confidence they need to read aloud.   Her friend, John Vagner, whose dog came from Canine Partners for Life, explained how his therapy dog is able to warn him when his sugar is too low.
 
 
 
Ann V an Eerden received a Special Mission Recogn
ition Award for her work with Eastwick Food Bank and the UMW Angel Tree. 

UMW HEIFER PROJECT SUNDAYS

November 4th & 11th
Narthex
8 AM - Noon

The International Living Animal Gift Market is now open. All manner of wonderful creatures can be purchased in the narthex November 4th and November 11th.  These gifts of animals provide an entire new way of life for the people who receive them. They provide food, income, health care & educational opportunities for poor families worldwide. Since 2001, St. John's through UMW has donated over $66,000 to Heifer. Thank you for your support!   If more information is needed, please call Rosemarie Malizia at 215 598 8567.