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
Blessing of the Animals Photos
Divorce Care
Warrior Coffee
Table Talk
Drive Thru Prayer
Amazon Smile
Fall Back - Daylight Saving Time
Pastor's State of the Church Report
Choir News
Coat Drive
Sunday School
Christmas Eve Pageant Signup
Youth Group
Bible Studies
Book Club
Line Dancing
Hunterdon Hills Trip
Election Day Bake Sale
Heifer Project
Angel Tree
UMM Breakfast
Turkey Drive
Drive Thru Living Nativity
   
JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP  
  
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
 
  9:15 a.m.
Praise  and Worship
  
THIS SUNDAY, 
November 4, 2018
All Saints' Sunday

Finding Ourselves in Peter's Story
 "Launching Out Into the Deep" 
Pastor Janice 
Luke 5:1-11    
 
215-357-6998
 
CHURCH HOURS
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM -2:00 PM 
 
THIS WEEK'S 
CALENDAR
 
Saturday, November 3
10:30am
Charge Conference  
 
Sunday, November 4
All Saints' Sunday
 Heifer Living Gift
 
9:15am
  Children's Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School
 
11:30am
  Joyful Voices
 
11:30am
  New Group
 
12:15pm
  Holy Handbells
 
6:00pm 
  Youth Choir
 
7:00pm
  Youth Group
 
Monday, November 5
6:30pm
  Girl Scout Troop 2395 Meeting
 
6:45pm
Bible Study - Eternity is Now in Session  
 
6:45pm
  Celebration Ringers (Rescheduled to 11/12)
 
Tuesday, November 6
5:45pm
  GENesis Bells
 
7:00pm
  Praise Band Rehearsal
 
7:00pm
  Table Talk
 
7:30pm
  AA
 
Wednesday, November 7
6:45pm
  Line Dancing
 
7:00pm
Bible Study  
 
7:00pm
  Coffee with Pastors
 
7:00pm  
UMW Team Meeting  
 
Thursday, November 8
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir

 
 
Invitation to Become a Member

If you feel you have found a church home at St John's, we invite you to become a member!

Our next "New Member Sunday" will be
Sunday, November 11, 2018  Those wishing to become members of St. John's will be invited to take the vows of membership at any of our three worship services.

The only "requirement" for membership is that you feel a commitment to Christ and a desire to make St. John's your church family. If you are considering membership you are invited to meet informally with the pastors on Wednesday evening, November 7th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. for Coffee and Dessert. 

If you feel God calling you to take this next step on your faith journey, we welcome you with open arms!  Please check off "wish to join" on the sign-in tablet or contact the church office at 215-357-6998 or stjumc@aol.com.

 

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 ALWAYS NEEDED 
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 are also 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.                                         
PHOTOS
 
R.I.S.E. SUNDAY

Thank you to Richard Smith for taking so many great pictures of this awesome day!
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!  
 

THANK YOU
We received this very nice thank you note from a member of the Board of Directors at Family Service Association of Bucks County in response to our Backpack Mission Project.  If you ever find yourself questioning the impact your mission efforts make on those in need, this is a great reminder that your generosity is appreciated!

Dear St. John's,  
     I'd like to personally thank you for your generous donation benefiting students in need in our area. 
     With your help, these children started their year prepared and set-up for success - just like other students.
     It truly takes a village - and we appreciate your support! 
 
Alice Gens, FSA 
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) 
OUTREACH
If you or someone you know has experienced separation or divorce, either recently or a long time ago, we want to invite them to a new group.

  • Weekly meetings are starting Tuesday, January 8th from 6pm to 7:30pm in the Grace CafĂ©.
  • Just go to divorcecare.org and put in our church zip code to find our future group listed and then register.
  • The format is a light meal and viewing of expert information on DVD, followed by a time of sharing and discussion.
  •  There is a $25 fee for a workbook but scholarships are available.
  •  Each rotation lasts 13 weeks but you can miss anytime and make up the session during the next rotation if desired. 
  •  We are also looking for people to help welcome visitors, make coffee, and provide support to our facilitator.
  • Contact sarah@ifloyd.com or call the church office for more information.

 
If you would like to purchase Warrior Coffee, 
  order forms are available in the Grace CafĂ©.
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. 
 Join the Conversation!  Bring a Friend!
 
St. John's    
Drive Thru Prayer 
will resume in the Spring! 
SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT!
When you enroll in 'Amazon Smile', Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible "AmazonSmile' purchases to a charitable organization of your choice. St. John's United Methodist Church - Ivyland is a participating group!

'AmazonSmile' is the same Amazon you know - same products, same prices and same service. This is an easy way to contribute to St. John's without any extra cots to you!

To support, go to https://smile.amazon.com, fill in your Amazon account email and password, then choose -
St. John's United Methodist Church - Ivyland - as your preferred charitable organization.

Simply log in each time you shop and help make St. John's smile!

UMC LINKS umc logo
 
  
  
November 2, 2018
Daylight Saving Time Ends
Remember to Turn back the clocks one hour at
2 a.m. This Sunday, November 4th.
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
Pastor's State of the Church Report 2018
 
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
           It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a year can go by. It's been a busy year and a fruitful year. It's been a year when God has indeed been active in our midst. So I'd like to take a few moments to reflect on what God has been doing here at St. John's, and in the process, I hope to help us look forward to what God will continue to do through us as we walk faithfully with Him.
            I'm thankful for the many opportunities God has given us to grow in the ministries that we have throughout our community. I think of the blessing we've been to people in need of prayer through our Drive-Through Prayer Ministry. Many of these people are going through exceedingly difficult experiences, or are in need of guidance, or just a hand to hold onto. We give thanks for the opportunity to meet for Christian conversation at the Richboro Pub each week and for the witness we're able to extend. We're thankful for God's guidance as we strive to be faithful to our call to reach out to the needy. This is the second year St. John's has hosted the large-scale mission event that we refer to as R.I.S.E. Sunday (Rejoice-Involve-Serve-Engage). We also give thanks for the newly-formed Fellowship ministry which is breathing new life into our Adult Ministry program. Bible study and small group participation is growing, our children and youth program is continuing to faithfully reach young people for Christ, and our excellent music program is known throughout the community. And I'm humbled by those who faithfully serve and contribute to the ongoing ministry and life of our congregation.
            During this challenging time in the church, we've been blessed with 21 new Professions of Faith this past year, and we've received others by letters of transfer. I'm also happy to report that our average worship attendance has grown slightly in the past year, and I'm pleased that our efforts at community outreach combined with Strategic Planning are bearing fruit despite the challenging cultural climate we've been facing. I'm encouraged to know that St. John's continues to be a vibrant church family that is faithfully bringing the Good News to our community.
            I pray that we would all take some time to thank God, thank our staff members, and thank our many lay leaders and servants for the hard work of ministry, and that we would continue to pray for them and to share words of encouragement. My prayer, and the prayer of all of our leaders, is that we would be a church that makes, matures, and multiplies disciples of Jesus Christ.
                   
In Christ,
Rev. Janice A. Puliti
Senior Pastor

MUSIC
CHOIR NEWS
 
Joyful Voices Alert
We will not sing this Sunday, November 4th due to absences.  We will reschedule.
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
Sunday is the Last Day 
 
The Youth Choir and Joyful Voices are accepting donations for new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and hoodies. 

Our hope is to collect 60 coats. 
  Approximately 40 coats have been donated so far.   
Please help us reach our goal!

We will be donating these to A Woman's Place in Doylestown.
Please place donations in the boxes marked Coat Drive in the Narthex. Please contact sarah@ifloyd.com for more information or ask a choir member.
CHILDREN  MINISTRIES


St. John's Sunday School  
 9:15 
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  

It's time to sign up for the
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT
Any child age 5 years - 6th grade is invited to participate in the Christmas Eve Pageant at the 5:30 service. Sign up at the Children's Ministry table in the Education Wing. Sign up deadline for speaking parts is November 11. There are speaking and non-speaking options. Parents who are available to help out may sign up as well.
 
Rehearsal schedule:
November 18 (Sunday)   5-5:45 PM         
Speaking parts only
 
December 2 (Sunday)      4:30-5:45 PM     
Speaking parts only
 
December 8 (Saturday)    9-11 AM
All children 
            
December 15 (Saturday)   9-11 AM
All children (Dress rehearsal) 
            
December 22 (Saturday) IF NEEDED 9-11AM

YOUTH GROUP
Youth Group 
Sunday Nights from 7-8:30 PM
Fellowship and fun for youth grades 7 thru 12.
  
Youth Group This Sunday - November 4 
Bonfire with Smores and Hot Cocoa. 
The whole family is invited!!!
So bring a stick to toast marshmallows.
Weather permitting, of course, and your help will be greatly appreciated.   
We will need everything to make smores!

______________________________________________
14th Annual Special Needs Bingo and
Dance Night!
Hosted by St. John's Youth
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
7:30-9:00 PM
 
We need your help.  I have a signup posted on the bulletin board outside youth room!!! 
 _____________________________________________
 
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!!!!
_____________________________________________

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

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
 
Sunday Morning Study
led by Howard & Beppie Heinrich
Sunday mornings at 9 AM
Parlor
On-going study and drop-ins are welcome!

_________________________________________
 
 The Wired Word
led by Eileen Phillips
2nd and 4th Sundays
10:30 AM
Church Library (by the Youth Room)
Focuses on current events and analyzes them in a Biblical context. 
On-going study and drop-ins are welcome.

Please see This Week's Calendar for current Bible study opportunities. Contact Lara Bolte (215-357-6998, stjadultministries@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining an existing group.
ADVENT STUDY - BEGINNING 11/19
     The Gift of the Nutcracker

Do you think of Jesus when you ponder this ballet? Probably not.  But interestingly, the story resonates with strong parallels to Christianity. Stepping back, we can see that Clara represents humanity perpetually stuck in a stage of waiting. She is cherished by her godfather who gives her the gift of a toy who battles evil, only to be killed in the end and then brought back to life by the godfather himself. After his resurrection, the toy brings Clara to his kingdom, where his subjects have anxiously awaited his return. He greets them all for joy and cheer. Sound familiar?
 
The Gift of the Nutcracke explores three themes throughout four chapters, each focusing on a particular character from the story. In turn, each chapter applies lessons learned from the story to help us understand our walk as Christians and our relationship with Christ.    
Come, join with other members of the group as we await the coming of the King of kings this Advent season.
  • Monday evenings at 7 PM AND Tuesday mornings at 10 AM
  • Location: Church Parlor
  • 4-week study: 11/19, 11/26, 12/10, & 12/17 (no class 12/3)
  • Book cost: $10
  • Bring paper, pen, a Bible, and the book to each class
  • Sign-up sheet is on the yellow bulletin board by the Grace CafĂ© and online, or fill out the tear-off below and place it in the offering plate.
  • Sign up early so we can order your book!
  • Questions? Call Pastor Sue Czarnecki: 267-614-3603

BOOK CLUB
ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB
The next book club meeting will be Tuesday, November 27 at 10 AM and 7 PM in the Parlor.  
 
We will be reading Moloka'I, by Alan Brennert. This richly imagined novel, set in Hawaii more than a century ago, is an extraordinary epic of a little-known time and place - and a deeply moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. Moloka'I is the true-to-life chronicle of a people who embraced life in the face of death. Such is the warmth, humor, and compassion of this novel that few readers will remain unchanged by this story.

ADULT/FAMILY MINISTRY

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!


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 $92 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.
 
INTRODUCING:
WEDNESDAY WALKERS!
  • Weekly walking group!
  • Starting Wednesday, 11/14 at 10:00 AM
  • Meet in the Narthex.
  • We will walk outdoors on nice days, indoors on cold/inclement weather days
  • No need to sign up - just show up.
  • WALKERS OF ALL SPEEDS WELCOME!
  • Contact Lara Bolte with questions: 215-357-6998
 
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.
 
UMW HEIFER PROJECT SUNDAYS

This Sunday,
November 4th &  November 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.
CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE 2018
Sunday November 11th - Sunday December 9th
This giving season is fast approaching and once again the United Methodist Women are decorating our St. John's Angel Tree with names for needy families in our Philadelphia and Bucks County area. 
Please consider taking a tag from the tree and return it to the Narthex with your unwrapped gift and we will do the rest.  Should you have a gift receipt, please attach it to your gift with tape.  This is a big help for the parents, should they receive duplicates or if there is a change in size.
Thank you for sharing in this wonderful tradition and may you all have a truly blessed Holiday Season.  Any questions, please contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404.

UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, November 17, 2018
8 AM
Fellowship Hall

ALL MEN WELCOME!

See sign-up sheet in the Narthex
TURKEY DRIVE
TURKEY & "FIXINS" DRIVE FOR EASTWICK FOOD BANK
 
It is that time of year again to start planning for St. John's Thanksgiving Turkey drive for the benefit of Eastwick Food Bank, and this year, we are seeking donations for shelf-stable side items as well (stuffing mix, canned chicken broth, canned cranberry sauce, etc.) We are praying that you again will be able to help!
  • Bring in your frozen turkey and place in the freezer.
  • Bring in your "fixins" and place in one of the grocery carts (one in the hallway by the Narthex, one by Fellowship Hall)
  • Place "Free Turkey" certificates in the collection bags on the Missions Bulletin Board near the Sanctuary
  • Use the Special Offering Envelopes in worship to make a contribution toward the purchase of a turkey. Please write "Eastwick" on the envelope.
  • Turkeys and other food will be delivered on Monday, November 19th.
 
Thank you for your support and generosity!
 
LIVING NATIVITY

Time to dust off your Christmas spirit!
 St John's Christmas gift to our community!   
December 16, 2018     5 PM- 8 PM  
"Drive-Thru Living 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!