February 27, 2020

            Despite the fact that this has been a relatively mild winter (I almost hate to put that in writing!), I am still longing for Spring to arrive. I'm ready to give up my winter coat and gloves, and I'm ready for a little extra sunlight in the evenings. I can hardly wait.

            And the truth is that sometimes all I need to get through a tough time (and I know some of you snow-lovers are still hoping we get hit) is just a teeny, tiny glimpse of hope. I need something to remind that the end is in sight, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and better days on the horizon. I need something that spells out the fact that this too (whatever it is) shall pass and the light will shine again.

            So no matter what our current "tough time" is all about - whether it's a long, dark, cold, winter, medical tests gone bad, the death of a loved one, the break-up of a relationship we thought we could count on forever, a sudden job loss - no matter what it is - God always sends us subtle little reminders that the sun will come out tomorrow.

            But right now my heart is leaping for joy at the realization that Daylight Saving Time is happening on March 8. And, of course, this is the first Sunday of Lent, which means that Easter (and Spring!) cannot be far behind and I'm excited. So Mother Nature, bring on whatever nasty weather you have left for us - Spring is on the way!!

            And thank you, Lord, for the small but glorious reminders you send in time of stress and worry and fear, and even in times when we can hardly take one more day of winter, that there is hope, that you are in control, and that better days are ahead in this life and in the next.

 

                                See you on Sunday!

                                      Pastor Janice

March 8th at the 10:30 Service

All Scouts Welcome! 

 

St. John's Kids News

Sunday School This Sunday

All children please go to the Sanctuary

Youth please go directly to the Youth Room

10:30 Service only.

Leaders and Co-Leaders are always needed for our classrooms as well as Nursery.  If you feel called to help in these areas, please let me know!  Clearances are required!  

Please contact me anytime and we can talk.  

Thank you for your consideration...David Bigam  

[email protected] or cell 215-206-6779;  

Church 215-357-6998 

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Vacation Bible School 2020

July 20-24, 2020

"Rocky Railway"

Hey kids, we're headed to the great Rocky Mountains this year! Join us as we hop the train to discover what plans  

God has in store for us! 

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Attention:  

  Do you like to work hands on with decorating sets for stage and hallways? Are you a visionary?   

Do you like to use your brain?

 

We are planning a decorating meeting soon and would like to add your name on our list!!   

Those interested, please contact David Bigam.

Cell - 215-206-6779  Church - 215-357-6998 [email protected]

Our diaper drive will be ending soon.

Please consider bringing in diapers of any size and drop off at any of our 4 locations throughout the church. 

We are collecting all the way up to and including our

Movie/Mission Night, March 13, 6:00 PM

Don't forget to sign up on the table in between the youth room and Room E and designate if you want pizza!

The History of the Christian Church

Part III - Reformation to Revival

1500-1920 AD

 

This five-week course will be led by Rev. Paul Henry on five consecutive Tuesdays beginning on March 3rd and continuing through March 31st. For your convenience it will meet at either 10 am or 7:30 pm. Please sign up on the bulletin board to participate in this class.

 

The course will look at the Protestant Reformation as it began with Martin Luther in the early 1500's in Germany. It will then follow the explosion of reform that continued across France, Switzerland, England and the Scandinavian countries in Europe. The founding of the new world will lead us to the Colonies in the Americas and the role of the Christian faith in the growth of the United States. As we move into the 1800's, the course will examine religious issues in the United States with particular emphasis on the abolitionist movement and the role of the Church in the War between the States. As we move through the post-civil war decades we will look at how the church shaped the culture of the late 1800's and the early 1900's.

Olive Kitteridge offers profound insight into the human condition - its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.

VOCAL & HANDBELL CHOIRS for ALL

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.

 

For more information on our Vocal and Handbell Choirs, please contact:  

Music at St. John's

SAVE THE DATE!

SATURDAY, MAY 16TH 11 AM - 7 PM

St. John's Ivyland

36th Annual Chicken BBQ

Think Spring - Think Fellowship - Think Fun

If you want to be part of all this fun, keep an eye out for the Sign-Up sheets for Volunteering that will be coming out soon.

Questions?  Please feel free to call, text or email:

David Bigam - 215-206-6779 Cell; 215-357-6998 Church or Email at [email protected]

RED BIRD TRAILER MISSION UPDATE

 

Many of us were saddened by the passing of our friend and fellow member Dick Paulus; and those of us, actively involved with the RedBird Trailer Mission, certainly miss him and all that he did to make the mission successful. In Dick's memory and spirit, we hope to continue the mission and keep it vibrant. At present, we have two full trailers of furniture, housewares, bedding, toys, etc. which we are looking to ship soon to the Red Bird mission in Beverly, Kentucky. Further, we hope to reopen the trailers for material donations tentatively on April 15th, and we graciously accept financial support at any time.

I've been blessed to have been selected as one of the new leaders of the mission, and I look forward to working with the members of St Johns UMC as we continue the mission's activities. In that regard, please feel free to contact me at (215) 779-9464 (cell) or [email protected] with your thoughts and ideas in support of the mission.

                                   Thank you,  Bob Snarr 

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE TABS COLLECTION

Opportunity Council Thank You