August 6, 2020
 
    

  Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
Prayer List
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Giving
Thank You's
Worship Videos
Red Bird Trailers Closed
Daily Devotionals
Pastor Brad's Reflection
COVID-19 Precautions
In-person Worship
Children and Youth Ministries
VBS Update
United Methodist Men
PRAYERS

 

PRAYER LIST

Please click to view

 

Prayer requests can be submitted

or through the church email, stjumc@aol.com.  

All "Ongoing Prayer Concerns" will be listed for two weeks.  Please submit a new prayer request, if you desire to renew the listing for 2 additional weeks.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY  
Hand made prayer shawls (or lap robes for men) are again available for those experiencing serious illness, bereavement, or other major life issue.  Each comes in a sealed plastic bag.  Recipients need not be members of St. John's.  Requests can be made via the comments section of the prayer request form on the church website, by calling or emailing the church office, or by calling Carol Rice at 215-357-1203. Requesters will be notified of contactless pickup arrangements at the main entrance of church building.
GIVING
MOBILE GIVING
  • Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
  • Click on the 'Give' button in red 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 877-960-2396.
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

You may also send your tithes and offerings to the church office:
820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA 18974

Thank you for your generosity!

THANK YOU'S
VIDEOS
Our previously recorded worship videos can be accessed here or
through the "Videos" tab on our website.  
Stjohns8 2 20
Last Sunday's Worship Service 
August 2, 2020

 Special Music: Amy Cons, Lynne Tomlinson, Jackie Jusino, Roy Nelson
Accompanist: Brian Barber  

RED BIRD

 
THE RED BIRD TRAILERS ARE CLOSED
AT THIS TIME. 
 
The Red Bird Trailer Ministry is in need of volunteers packers.   
We are considering packing on Saturdays depending on the availability of volunteers.   
September 1st is being considered as a reopening date for accepting donations (depending on the availability of volunteer packers).  If anyone wants to volunteer or has any questions about volunteering, please contact Rick Poll l.poll@verizon.net) or the church office (stjumc@aol.com). 
DAILY DEVOTIONS
 
The Tuesday Devotionals and
Special Emails/Announcements are also posted on our website: www.stjohnsivyland.com

UMC LINKSumc logo
 
  
  
PASTOR BRAD'S REFLECTION
   How long? I sense that question has been asked more in 2020 than in, well, a very long time. We've faced a string of challenges and trials that collectively impacted our lives in ways that few have ever experienced. Everyone has been affected and everyone is weary. Along the way, most have found themselves wondering "how long..."
How long 'til I can get a haircut? How long must we distance? How long until we can go out to eat with friends? How long 'til we can SING?!? 
 
   To some (especially under normal circumstances), that may sound like a litany of complaints. Sure, we recognize how times have been tough, yet we also feel a bit uncomfortable voicing our concerns - especially before God. We feel a bit like children, asking "are we there yet?" every five minutes of a 6-hour car ride. Yes, we've been inconvenienced. Yes, this is getting old. We're adults, though; we can do this. God has enough going on without us whining. Right?!?
 
   Throughout the ages, God's people have approached difficulties - big and small - in a different manner. For the Hebrew people, how long wasn't merely a complaint; it was the beginning of a lament. A lament is a prayer that presents a need to God so that God may resolve it and further His glory and praise. In other words, concerns big and small are offered to God with the full expectation that God will address them. In that process, the glory and power of God will be revealed to all. So, while a lament leads off with questions and complaints, it concludes words of trust and praise.  
 
   Psalm 13 is a brief, yet powerful prayer of lament. A lament that speaks to some of the difficulties we might be feeling. If you find yourself struggling; uncertain and wondering how long this craziness and affliction will last, try praying Psalm 13 to God. Tell God of your troubles, and of your trust in God's unfailing love. Know that God cares! And know that God's provision and salvation will bring joy to your heart.
 
Psalm 13
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
    How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
    Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
    and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
But I trust in your unfailing love;
    my heart rejoices in your salvation.
 I will sing the Lord's praise,
for he has been good to me.


Pastor Brad
COVID-19 PRE-CAUTIONS UPDATE

As a reminder, our ability to continue in-person worship is contingent on compliance with mandates and best practices, including wearing masks or face shields, maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet, use of hand sanitizer and frequent hand washing, and adjusting foot traffic to minimize close contact. The SignUpGenius reservation tool has enabled us to coordinate the reduced capacity and traffic flow patterns in the Sanctuary and will continue to be used. Most importantly, if you registered for worship but do not feel like your normal, healthy self, please remain at home and worship along with the recording of the service.

Know that we recognize how difficult the past months have been. Thank you for your patience and consistent compliance with all aspects of our approach. Your commitment to Christ and heartfelt caring for each other are greatly appreciated.

ST. JOHN'S IN-PERSON WORSHIP  
This Sunday, August 9    
(sign-up needed)
 
"For Such a Time As This" - Pastor Ruth
Esther 4:13-14 The Message
Pastor Jim, assisting 
 
Music: Garry Warlow, Lynne Tomlinson, Mary Anne May, David and Valerie Sharper
Brian Barber: Piano 
 
St John's Congregation and Friends,
Please read the attached letter describing all the details about reopening our church for in-person worship. Also below is a link to the SignUpGenius website that you will use to reserve your attendance for in-person worship.
 
 
Please sign up by Noon on Friday, 8/7, if you plan to attend.   
 
Following the in-person service, the worship service will be available to view on our website. 
www.stjohnsivyland.com   
 
The Order of Worship will be sent out on Friday.   
If planning to attend the in-person worship 
please print a copy and bring with you to worship.  
  
CHILDREN/YOUTH MINISTRY
Children and youth ministries are available on ZOOM. 
Parents of younger children: please help your child by joining the classes on Zoom: Let David Bigam know by email (dbigam@gmail.com) that you'll be joining us and he'll send you an invitation to the Zoom meeting. 
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL ON FRIDAY  
Fridays at 10 AM 
grades K-5
 
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays at 10:30 AM (Note: Change in time)
grades 6-12
 
YOUTH GROUP  
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
grades 6-12
 

VBS
It is with great regret that we will not have Vacation Bible School this year....
But we will see you next year!

UNITED METHODIST MEN

SAVE THE DATE!

UNITED METHODIST MEN'S GATHERING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020
8 AM
(more information to follow)
 
Pastor  Emeritus  Paul  Henry  has  agreed  to be   
interim  President
 
The  Agenda: 
  • A  moment  for  Ed  Campbell
  • Welcome  of  Pastor  Brad
  • Treasury  Report
  • Red  Bird  Trailers - Robert Snarr
  • Wednesday's Church  Maintenance  Gang - George Schok
  • Future  of  BBQ - David Bigam
  • New  UMM  President - Nominate / Vote  or  Appoint
 
All  Men  of  St  John's  Church  are  Members  of   The United Methodist Men.        
 
"Men's  Breakfast is  the Telling  of  Tails, the  Bragging  about Children & Grandchildren, the  Sharing  of  Experiences  and  Travels, and  the  News -
all grounded in Christian Fellowship."   

Come out ... And Bring a Mask!!!