May 9, 2019

           I made a trip to Costco the other day for the sole purpose (ha ha) of purchasing the LED bulbs that were on sale for a very good price. Of course, the downside of walking into Costco is that I rarely manage to walk out again without having picked up some additional bargains I think I can't live without. On this particular trip, I found something I was simply powerless to resist.

            If you're anything like me, new technology fascinates me. So what did I run into right there in the lightbulb aisle (not to mention that it, TOO, was on sale!)? A two-pack (nothing at Costco every comes in a one-pack lol) of 60-watt LED "smart bulbs." WOW. I had absolutely no idea there even was such a thing! You simply download the app, connect to WIFI, add the bulbs as "devices,", and then you can open the app on your phone from ANYWHERE and turn the bulbs off or on, you can adjust the brightness, and you can even time them to come on automatically.

            Well, let's just say that although I'm fascinated with new technology, I have a great deal of difficulty admitting that I'm only mediocre at best with it. So I had complete faith in myself as I placed those bulbs in my cart. I figured it couldn't be all that difficult. So I brought them home, I carefully read and re-read the instruction pamphlet (it sure looked simple enough!), I downloaded the app, I registered, and then I followed the step-by-step prompts on the app.

            Well, after multiple repeated attempts to connect bulb #1, I finally unscrewed the darn thing from the lamp and put it back in the package. An hour of aggravation and frustration was way more than enough. And I still have no idea what I did wrong!

            I kind of wish this little fiasco had happened LAST week, because it would have made a perfect illustration about the way we often think we're bright enough, or strong enough, or organized enough, or powerful enough, or ..., or ...., or .... and therefore, we can handle anything on our own. We refuse to admit that we are imperfect, we have limitations, and we just might need some help. Sometimes, the answer is simple: we need to humble ourselves and rely on someone else's expertise (which is what I obviously need to do!). But, on a higher level, we have to remember that we can accomplish NOTHING on our own - it is only because of God working in us and with us that we are able to accomplish anything in life.

            Looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!

                                      Pastor Janice

 

This week in Kids Church......

Join us this week as we talk about Mothers

in the Bible.  Who knew? 

Followed by a special craft for mom!!!

For children ages 4 years thru 6th grade

For more information, please contact David Bigam

215-357-6998 or [email protected]

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

July 22-26       9 am - NOON

HELP NEEDED

 

See sign-up sheet in the Sunday's bulletin or contact

David Bigam 215-357-6998  [email protected]

Our week for 2019 ASP is

July 6-13, 2019.

We are staying at Guyan Valley, WV.

This is one of ASP's full-time centers!

Final payment of $100.00 due no later than May 31.

T-shirts are here.  Please pick-up if you ordered one.

$16.00 Cash or Check payable to St. John's.

Spaces are $10.00

Limited Space Available.

Just $10.00 for a table, if you need it!

Call or email David Bigam, 215-357-6998, [email protected]

Proceeds from table and space, benefit the St. John's ASP Team.

 

Mondays at 6:30 PM in the Grace Cafe.

We are pleased to announce that St. John's will be sponsoring a GriefShare group for our church family as well as for our community facilitated by

Chaplain Erin Maurer, United Methodist Deacon. 

GriefShare is a twelve-week, faith-based program for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one.

You may register online at griefshare.org. There is a $15 fee for the workbook payable at the first session.  For further information, contact Pastor Janice or  

Ruth Portzline or go to griefshare.org.

• Weekly meetings are Tuesdays, from 6pm to 7:30pm in the Church Library.
• Now to June 4, 2019
• Sept. 17 to Dec. 17, 2019
• Jan 14 to May 5, 2020
• Each rotation lasts about 14 weeks but you can join or miss anytime and make up sessions during the next rotation if desired.
• There is a $35 registration fee but scholarships are available. Payment and Registration can be done in class for walk-ins.
• We are also looking for people to help with childcare or with administrative tasks.
• Contact [email protected]  or call the church office for more information.
• A complete schedule by topic, more details, and registration are at: www.divorcecare.org/groups/99959

St. John's is bringing back our "Hearts for Missions" theme.  Our Missions Team met recently and identified some hands-on mission projects you may want to be a part of.

• One Great Day of Service - detail coming soon.
• Habitat for Humanity - working on construction/finishing of four homes in the Morrisville Area.
• Third annual R.I.S.E. Sunday, October 6, 2019.

The United Methodist Men announce:

FAMILY PROMISE

Thanks to all the volunteers that gave up their time and talents to help the Family Promise guests find comfort, food and shelter within our walls. The week ran pretty smooth and I have heard there are other families waiting for their clearances. This ministry is needed and it looks like it is on the road to helping many families to come! Our next hosting is September 8th-15th, mark your calendars.

 

Any volunteers that have not attended a Family Promise training seminar should attend one before our next hosting.

The next opportunity for training is:

 

Date: Monday, May 13th

Location: Assumption BVM Church

(1900 Meadowbrook Rd, Feasterville, PA 19053)

Time: 7-8:30 pm in the AMC room (former library)

To register (by May 10th):

contact Rose Jacobs,  [email protected], 215-364-8131 or Jessica Schwartz,  [email protected]; 215-943-0402.

 

Family Promise of Lower Bucks has many fundraisers that you maybe interested in, follow their Facebook page to see what event is next.

 

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!

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 feel God calling you to take this next step on your faith journey, we welcome you with open arms!

 If you are considering membership, please check off "wish to become a member" on the sign-in tablet and/or contact [email protected] for further information.

Prospective new members will have the opportunity to meet informally with the pastors on Wednesday, May 15 from 7-8 pm for coffee and dessert in the church parlor.