St. John's United Methodist Church 

 Cornerstone
   Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
Join us for worship
Calendar
Prayer List
Sunday School
Mobile Text Giving
Daily Devotionals
Red Bird Trailers
Family Promise
Snow Policy
Pastor's Reflection
Holy Week Schedule
Easter Lily Garden
Affinity Groups
Steel Magnolia Outing
Proverbs Bible Study
Book Club
Youth Group
Invitation to Membership
Table Talk
Warrior Coffee
Communion Breakfast
UMW Ingathering
UMW Spring Dinner
Chicken BBQ
Open arms and serving hands transforming lives through Christ
   
JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP 
       
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
  9:15 a.m.
Praise  and Worship
  
THIS SUNDAY, 
March 25, 2018
Palm/Passion Sunday
Two Services 
at 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

215-357-6998
 
HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:30-3:00 p.m.
 
THIS WEEK'S 
CALENDAR

Thursday, March 22
6:30pm
  Outreach Task Force

6:45pm
  Adult Bell Choir

7:30pm
Celebration Ringers & GENesis Bells

7:30pm
 
Al-Anon

8:00pm
Adult Choir

Saturday, March 24
9:30am
  UMW Communion Breakfast

Sunday, March 25
  Palm Sunday
worship 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

9:15am
  Children's Sunday School

10:30am
  Adult Sunday School

10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday
School

6:00pm
  Youth Choir

7:00pm
  Youth Group - Movie

Monday, March 26
6:45pm
  Lenten Bible Study

Tuesday, March 27
10:00am
  Book Club

5:45pm
  GENesis Bells

7:00pm
  Book Club

7:00pm
  Table Talk

7:30pm
  AA

Thursday, March 29
  Holy Thursday

7:30pm
  Al-Anon

7:30pm
Tenebrae Service

Friday, March 30
Good Friday 

 

 

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.

 
Please go to the Children's Ministry Page for forms.

Children's Sunday School
Children's Sunday School is held weekly at the 9:15 and 10:30 services f or children 4 years old through 6th Grade. A parent must accompany children who are attending for the first time. 

Youth Sunday School
Sunday school takes place every Sunday at the 10:30 service.  Youth who have completed 6th grade through 12th grade go directly to the Youth Room in the Education Wing.  Youth are encouraged to worship together at the 9:15 service. 

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. 

For more information about our Children or Youth Ministries, please contact Director,
David Bigam, dbigam@gmail.com 

GIVING
MOBILE GIVING
Have you ever arrived at church and forgot your giving envelope? Or you would like to make a Communion Offering and you have just 18 cents in your pocketbook? 
Well, help as arrived, as 
St John's offers mobile giving! 
 
Just go to the  website 
 
Click on the donate now button, and register. Once you're registered, you can either make donations by debit or credit.  
 
 
OR try our new

TEXT GIVING  
In addition to our current opportunities for giving online, we now have the option of giving by text message. 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

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) 
MISSIONS
Red Bird Trailers are closed for winter but are expected to re-open by April 7, 2018.


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.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month  in the Parlor - 10 AM
Please come help knit or crochet various items for those in need.
Contact Carol Rice for more information or if you  w ould like to request a  Prayer Shawl.
215-357-1203, harbrechtrice@gmail.com
St. John's Snow Policy
In case of a major snowstorm or other severe weather that would require cancellation of one or more Sunday services, we will attempt to notify everyone by:
-  A special e-news sent out
-  A message on the church answering machine and website. 

If possible, a decision regarding cancellation will be made the night before.  Please also be aware that, in the event of a power outage, it is impossible to utilize internet or phone services. 
THIS SUNDAY, March 25, 2018 - Palm/Passion Sunday  
TWO SERVICES ONLY - 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. 
PASTOR'S REFLECTION

As we a
pproach Holy Week, it's always a good practice to ask ourselves how our Lenten journey has been going. Do we feel ready to ponder the impact of Christ's death and to await His coming Resurrection?
            If you're like most people, your Lenten preparations haven't quite been what you had hoped. You had meant to slow down and to spend more time in prayer and devotion. But life got in the way. And suddenly it's Palm Sunday in just a few more days. And we wonder what we can do at this late date to grow spiritually and to honor our Lord.
            I invite you to make Holy Week truly holy this year. Begin with worship on Palm Sunday. Hear the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and imagine yourself in that crowd chanting, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Wave your palm branches high as we bless them in worship. Hear the choir sing "The Palms" and join in the chorus: "Join all and sing His name declare, Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation, 'Hosanna! Praise to the Lord!' Bless Him who cometh to bring us salvation."
            Join together again on Maundy Thursday with your church family as we remember the events of Jesus' last supper, followed by his arrest, his suffering, and his death. We'll be experiencing worship in the form of a tenebrae service. "Tenebrae" is the Latin word for "darkness." A tenebrae service is an ancient service that makes use of gradually diminishing light through the extinguishing of candles to symbolize the events of Jesus' suffering and death. The increasing darkness symbolizes the approaching darkness of Jesus' death. Hear our choir sing, "Even the Heavens Are Weeping" and then watch as the Christ candle is carried out of the sanctuary.
            On Good Friday, gather with members and clergy from other churches in our local ministerium to observe the Stations of the Cross at St. Vincent's Roman Catholic Church from 12 Noon - 1 PM. Hear the combined choir sing, "Via Dolorosa" as we prepare to walk with Christ to Calvary.
            So yes, it IS possible to grow spiritually and to honor our Lord during this last week of Lent. And it IS possible to prepare your heart to experience the joy of our Lord's Resurrection and all that it means to us. I invite you to make Holy Week truly meaningful this year.
                                                         Blessings,
                                                         Pastor Janice
 
2018 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Please note changes in worship times for
Palm Sunday and Easter


March 25 - Palm/Passion Sunday
2 Worship Services only
9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Nursery (up to 3 years) at both services
Sunday School (4yrs. to 6th grade) at both services
Youth Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. only

March 29 - Maundy Thursday 7:30 PM
A dramatic service of Tenebrae, Communion, Music

March 30 - Good Friday - Noon to 1:00 PM
"Stations of the Cross"
St. Vincent's Roman Catholic Church
654 Hatboro Road, Richboro, PA 18954
Participation of clergy and choirs from our local ministerium

April 1 - Easter
2 Worship Services only
9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Worship
Nursery and Sunday School at both services

The Easter Lily Garden 
The lilies with the Cross of Hope will be arranged on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2017.  Please use the flower envelopes in the pews for your order, dedication and payment.  
Deadline for ordering is this Sunday,
March 25, 2018. Plants are $8.00.

ADULT MINISTRIES
NEW CONNECTION OPPORTUNITY
  • Introducing St. John's Affinity Groups
  • Connect with others who share common interests and/or same life stage
  • Join a team to help plan events and activities.
Contact Lara Bolte
215-357-6998 or at stjadultministries@gmail.com
STEEL MAGNOLIAS OUTING
  • Adult social group opportunity!
  • Hunterdon Hills Playhouse
  • Wednesday, May 16, 2018
  • $79.50 per person
  • Includes deluxe motor coach, full course meal, dessert buffet, tax & gratuity
  • Bus pickup - 9:30 am at St. John's
  • Sign up by Friday, 3/31
  • Payment due no later than Sunday, 4/8
  • Feel free to invite your friends!
Contact Lara Bolte
Director of Adult Ministries

PROVERBS BIBLE STUDY
A 10-week study on William Mouser's
Proverbs: Learning to Live Wisely will begin
Monday, April 2 at 6:45 in the Parlor
.

To sign up and receive your book, please fill out the tear-off form in Sunday's bulletin and return it with your payment to the church office or to Lara Bolte's mailbox
(next to the church office).

Proverbs: Learning to Live Wisely 
Book - $7
Mondays, April 2 - June 4
6:45 PM - Parlor
Leaders: Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell

Where do you turn when you need to replace a fuse, cook dinner, eradicate ants, or soothe your child's upset stomach? If you are like many others, you have a shelf full of "how-to" books to supplement your own knowledge and experience. Now it's time to add Proverbs to that shelf! Proverbs is the Bible's own how-to manual. The wisdom contained in its practical and simple instructions will help you to be successful and prosperous in your work, your dealings with family and friends, and your relationship with God. As William Mouser opens up this treasure-store of godly guidance, you'll wonder how you ever survived without it.
ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, March 27th

10:00AM and 7:00PM
in the Parlor.

Wonder
by R.J. Palacio 
Auggie was born with a facial difference that prevented him from going to school until now.  He's about to enter 5th grade.  The thing is he is just an ordinary kid with an extraordinary face.  But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances.?
YOUTH GROUP

  
Sunday nights
7:00-8:30 PM
Hmmm.  What are we doing at Youth Gr oup?
 
March 25 - MOVIE NIGHT
"What If...."

NO Youth Group on April 1
Happy Easter!
__________________________________________________ 

We are going back to the food bank this week,
Monday, April 9th
Morrisville Food Bank Monday
Please contact David Bigam.
Do Not Miss This Opportunity! 
Come and experience great Fellowship! 
Morrisville is open to anyone 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?

Big Shout Out to Club 56
and those who donated food for
Aid for Friends and Breakfast Bags.

They made 32 Breakfast Bags and
27 Hot Meals!

OUTREACH
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, May 20, 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 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.


Join the Conversation and 
Bring a Friend!
WARRIOR COFFEE

Coffee beans when freshly harvested are bright red and appear to look more like cherries, than the brown beans we see after roasting. These beans from the El Naranjito Valley of the Dominican Republic will be roasted and packaged as Warrior Blue brand. The farmers are paid a price of $2.46 for these beans, but in 2013 before the Warrior project began they were only paid $.08-12 cents per pound. When you drink Warrior brand at the Grace Café or order Warrior Coffee from
St. John's to use in your home you are fighting for what's right one cup at a time.


Please help us fight for what's right one cup at a time by using the Warrior Coffee order sheet found in the Grace Café.
Thank you.

The Grace Cafe is open  after worship for  f ellowship and refreshments. 

Warrior Coffee is served exclusively in the Grace Cafe.
UMM/UMW
COMMUNION BREAKFAST
MARCH 24, 2018
9:30 A.M.

"From Seder to Communion"
A Christian celebration of our Jewish heritage.
Join us for a seder meal. 

UMW INGATHERING
Please support the UMW as we collect new items of basic clothing for our less fortunate men, women and children in our area. 

Items needed: men, women and children underwear, socks, infant sleepers, children's pajamas, diapers, nonperishable baby formula, Depends or other brand disposable underwear for men and women. Please bring your items to church by Sunday April 15th. and place in the basket under the UMW bulletin board.

Thank you so much for your support and please direct any questions to Kathy Keppol  @ 215-357-7404 or any of the United Methodist Women's Officers.
  Where will the things St. John's UMW
 collects for Ingathering go?


United Meth odist Neighborhood Services (UMNS) serves the needs of the poor and the marginalized inner city Philadelphia people, especially women, children and the youth. The Mission is to meet immediate personal needs to produce a positive impact on the whole community. This is accomplished by involving community members in making decisions and by empowering individuals to become self-sufficient. UMNS provides direct services, counseling and cooperates with other Human Service Agencies.   The UMNS is located in Janes Memorial UMC's Thelma Nichols building in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Much of its income comes from the United Methodist Women and the United Methodist Churches of the Eastern PA Annual Conference.

https://www.epaumc.org/ministry/mission-outreach/
 
UMW SPRING DINNER 
Wednesday, May 2,  6:30 PM.  
We are requesting a donation to cover the cost of the buffet dinner and program.   
The Ladies of History will present  
"Queen Victoria"   
To sign up or for more information contact
Louise Henry  louiseh605@verizon.net

THE UNITED METHODIST MEN ANNOUNCE

A special annual event date is quickly approaching
 
The 2018 STJUMC 34th CHICKEN BBQ - May 19, 2018
 
We are looking for volunteers in the following areas
PIT CREW
HOSTS FOR THE INSIDE DINING PATRONS
DINING ROOM SERVERS AND KITCHEN HELP
SET-UP AND RESTORATION HELP
 
Please volunteer to be a part of this annual tradition 
that provides a  special outreach to our community !!!
Sign-up sheets have been placed on the bulletin board, 
located in the hallway,  in front of the Grace Café
 
The UMM Greatly Appreciates your help !!!

UMC LINKS umc logo