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
Book Club
Pastor's Reflection
Bible Sunday
Sunday School
Thank You!
Youth Group
Christmas Eve Pageant Sign-ups
Music Ministry
Election Day Bake Sale
Heifer Project
UMM Breakfast
Invitation to Membership
Turkey Drive
Table Talk
Red Bird Trailers
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, 
November 5, 2017
All Saints Sunday

The sermon series, 
Daring Faith: The Key to Miracles, continues with Pastor Janice's sermon, 
"Daring to Commit"
Romans 12:1-5

215-357-6998
 
HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:30-3:00 p.m.
 

THIS WEEK'S 
CALENDAR

Thursday, November 2
6:45pm
  Adult Bell Choir

7:30pm
  Al-Anon

8:00pm
  Adult Choir

Sunday, November 5
  HEIFER PROJECT
9:00am
  Children's Sunday School

10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School

10:30am
  Confirmation Class

11:30am
  Joyful Voices

6:00pm
  Youth Choir

7:00pm
  Youth Group

Monday, November 6
6:45pm
  Prodigal Son Bible Study

7:00pm
  Celebration Ringers

Tuesday, November 7
  ELECTION DAY
  UMW BAKE SALE

10:00am
Daring Faith Bible Study

5:45pm
  Grace Notes

7:00pm
  Praise Band Rehearsal

7:00pm
  Table Talk

7:30pm
  AA

Wednesday, November 8
10:00am
  Rebekah Circle

1:00pm
  Joanna Circle

7:00pm
  Bible Study

7:00pm
  Daring Faith Bible Study

Thursday, November 9

6:45pm
  Adult Bell Choir

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.
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 Roberta Nelson for more information or if you  w ould like to request a  Prayer Shawl.
robertahsn577@verizon.net
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.
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) 

AV HELP NEEDED!
Volunteers are needed to help run the PowerPoints at both the 8 AM and 10:30 AM services.  At 8 AM, it will be announcements only on most Sundays, but there could be an occasional special presentation during worship.  At 10:30 AM you would be responsible for both the announcements and the worship service.  You will be instructed in how to use the AV system.  It is very simple.  Please contact Peter Sheren if you are interested  peterandivonne@gmail.com.

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 now 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. 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 confidential.

If you have any questions about mobile giving, email Lou Lescas at  stjohns820@gmail.com

 
There will be two Christ Servant Ministries courses offered here at St. John's on December 1-2, 2017.
 
Introduction to Christ Servant Ministries  for those wishing to begin the road toward becoming a  Christ Servant Minister; 

Christ Servant Ministries Speaking Course 1 for those who have already completed the Introduction to Christ Servant Ministries class and wish to be certified as a  Christ Servant Minister.

If you are interested in either of these classes, please contact Ruth Portzline for registration forms.
outreachstjohns@yahoo.com

BOOK CLUB
ST. JOHN'S 
BOOK CLUB
 
 Wednesday, November 29.   
7:00 PM.
Church Parlor

"Before We Were Yours"
By: Lisa Wingate

Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and 
The Nightingale.
UMC LINKS umc logo
 
  
  

Daylight Saving Time

Remember to turn the clocks back one hour this Sunday morning!
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
            It's a little late, but thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers, as well as the multitude of cards and notes following the death of my Mom a few weeks ago.  I appreciate your kind words of sympathy and the many personal notes reminding me of the greatest truths of our faith:
"even though we die, yet shall we live."
            I know that many of you have also experienced significant losses in your life.  Although we know that death is simply a part of God's plan for the children He loves, there is still a profound feeling of "lostness" that sneaks into our souls as we try to adjust to a new reality.  For me, one of the most difficult things is the rude reminder I receive several times a day when, without thinking, I have that sudden, familiar urge to "check in with Mom."  And then, a split second later, I remember.  I still haven't had the heart to delete her phone number from the address book on my phone.  One of these days, I know I must - and I will.  But not quite yet.
            I also know that many of you have experienced the goodness and grace of "family" at times of great loss.  It's one of the reasons God made us for relationships, and it's one of His greatest gifts to us.  And so I give thanks for the support and the caring of my "sisters" - my sister, Carol, as well as my five stepsisters.  In fact, one of them came up with a hashtag we've all adopted - "#SISTERSTRONG."  One of them ordered throw pillows with our names and the hashtag "#SISTERSTRONG" imprinted on them.  And over the weekend, my sister announced that she's commissioned a friend to work on a "#SISTERSTRONG" tattoo design (oh my ...) and she seems to think we are all going to have a tattoo party.  Yikes.
            The other aspect of "family" that we've all experienced, of course, is our wonderful church family.  What a blessing it is to gather for worship, for prayer, for study, for fellowship, and for conversation with others who are walking this journey of faith with us.  So thank you for being instruments of God's grace and God's presence to me and to one another as brothers and sisters in faith.  Keep up the good work, and keep sharing God's love!
                                                                                    
Pastor Janice
CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
BIBLE SUNDAY:  NOVEMBER 19, 2017
All 3rd Graders will be receiving their Bibles on Bible Sunday during the 10:30 Worship Service.  
Sign up by November 5th
 


 
 
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. 

Volunteers are needed for both the 9:15 and 10:30 services in Children's Sunday School. Contact Alison Beal. 

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.  

THANK YOU
It's been a pleasure serving the St. John's congregation for the past 21 years.  Thank you so much for the cards and kind words over the past couple of weeks and for the hard work and passion of the volunteers over the years.  Many thanks for the great "Soul Man" performance and the Heifer donation by the Children and Youth Ministries.  It was awesome! May God bless the congregation as you move forward.
In His Love,
Alison Beal
YOUTH GROUP

  
Sunday nights
7:00-8:30 PM
Hmmm.  What are we doing at Youth Gr oup?

This Sunday, November 5
BONFIRE 
Come out and enjoy the warmth of the fire and 
make some s'mores!!

November 12
Movie - "The Shack" 
"The Shack" will be played for anyone interested, 
Fellowship Hall, 6:30pm

Novmeber 19
Bizarre Food Night

Please mark your calendars for November 15
13th Annual Special Needs Bingo and Dance Night
Wednesday, November 15 from 7:30-9PM
The Pug Wugs are our guests of honor.  
Please sign up on the bulletin board outside youth room to participate and bring "goodies" or prizes 
as we all love to eat and win!
____________________________________________________

Morrisville Food Bank Monday
November 13- 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!
(All food collected goes to Jesus Focus Food Pantry)

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

It's time to sign up for the
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT
Any child age 5 years - 6 th 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 6.  
There are speaking and non-speaking options.  
Parents who are available to help out may sign up as well.
 
Rehearsal Schedule: 
November 19 (Sunday) 5-5:45 PM
Speaking parts only
December 3 (Sunday) 4:30-5:45 PM
Speaking parts only
December 9 (Saturday) 9-11 AM
All Children
December 16 (Saturday) 9-11 AM
All Children 
Dress Rehearsal

MUSIC MINISTRY

St. John's Music
Happening This Week:

Joyful Voices Choir - Grade K- 5 (6)
The Joyful Voices Choir sings again on Sunday, November 12, at the 10:30 Worship Service.  Children will wear robes. Regular rehearsal will be held after Worship.  The children are working hard to receive their attendance pins.  Several will be awarded this Sunday.  Our new CHOIR SHIRTS have been ordered, and will be worn when we sing in late November.
 
Youth Choir  - Grade 6 - 12
The YOUTH CHOIR sings this Sunday, November 5 th, at the 10:30 service.  This is a CHANGE from our usual Sunday singing.  ROBES THIS SUNDAY. We have begun to work on Christmas music.  Please attend ALL rehearsal so you can properly learn the music.  Rehearsal tonight at 6 PM.  The YOUTH CHOIR is open to anyone in grade 6 - 12.  Come Join Us.  Rehearsal on November 12 will be at 5:00 PM.  This will allow everyone to attend the Church wide event at 6:30.
 
Grace Notes Hand Bell Rehearsal - Tuesday 5:45
Hand bell ringers are still needed in the Youth Hand Bell Choir.  Youth OR Adults are invited to join this choir.  We currently have THREE adults ringing in the choir, to assist the young people.  Please consider joining and helping out.  Regular rehearsal on Tuesday November 7.
 
Adult Bell Choir Rehearsal - Thursday 6:45  PM
There are currently no openings in the Adult Bell Choir
NO REHEARSAL ON NOVEMBER 9
 
Adult Choir Rehearsal - Thursday 8 PM
The Adult Choir is open to anyone post-High School who has an interest in singing.  There is no audition, but some singing experience is helpful.

Praise Band - Tuesday 7:00 PM
Singers and instrumentalists are welcome to join our Praise Band.  Speak to Roy Nelson if you are interested.
 
Adult Bell Choir - CELEBRATION RINGERS
The CELEBRATION RINGERS Handbell Choir will rehearse on Monday, November 6 at 6:45 PM.  The Celebration Ringers meet once a month and present music 3 or 4 times a year.  New members are welcome to join us.  Music reading skills are a help, but bell ringing experience is not a must.  Contact Roy Nelson if you are interested in joining our Bell Choir.
 
Looking Ahead...  

CHRISTMAS MUSIC PROGRAMS
 
Festival of Carols
Sunday, December 10 - 6:00 pm
Choirs   Handbell Choirs  Special Music
Orchestra   Carol Singing
Canned Goods Food Drive
 
Music Sunday Services
Sunday, December 17
9:00 & 10:30 Services
Choirs and Handbell Choirs
"A Christmas Music Celebration"

Come Join Us!
UMW/UMM
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.  Bake 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 7th, 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 still 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

November 5th & 12th
Narthex after all
3 services

The International Living Animal Gift Market is now open. All manner of wonderful creatures can be purchased in the narthex this week November 5 and next week November 12th.  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.
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, November 18, 2017
8 AM Fellowship Hall
All Men Welcome!

See sign-up sheets on the UMM bulletin board or 
email Ed Campbell, edcampbell6@aol.com

OUTREACH
AN INVITATION TO BECOME A MEMBER

I f 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 12, 2017.

 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!  
Blessing of the Animals 
  I t was a wonderful day giving thanks for all God's creation, and celebrating His gift of creatures, great and small.
MISSIONS
TURKEY DRIVE FOR EASTWICK FOOD BANK
 
It is that time of year to start planning for St. John's Thanksgiving Turkey drive for the benefit of the Eastwick Food Bank. We are praying that you again will be able to help!
  • Bring in your frozen turkey and place in the freezer.
  • 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 will be delivered on Monday, November 20th.
 
Thank you for your support and generosity.

 
Table Talk 
Tuesday, November 7th

We will be discussing belief and why we believe what we do. 

Join the Conversation and 
Bring a Friend!
RED BIRD TRAILERS 
ARE OPEN  DAILY 
9:00a.m. - 5:30p.m.
Donations of clothing and household furnishings accepted.