Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
Join us for worship
Calendar
Prayer List
Snow Policy
Pastor's Reflection
Ash Wednesday Service
Scout Sunday
St. John's Kids
Youth Group
Diaper Drive
Trivia Night
Bible Studies
Lenten Bible Study
Growth of the Christian Church
Book Club
Music
GriefShare
Red Bird Trailers Closed for Winter
Eastwick Food Bank
   
JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP  
  
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
  9:15 a.m.
Praise  and Worship
   
THIS SUNDAY  
February 23, 2020
 
"Going the Second Mile"
Pastor Janice
Matthew 5:38-42  

215-357-6998
 
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM -2:00 PM   
 
   
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   
THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR

Thursday, February 20
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  NA
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir
 
Sunday, February 23
9:00am
  Adult Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School
 
11:30am
 
Joyful Voices  
 
4:30pm
  Youth Choir
 
5:00pm
  Trivia Night
 
Monday, February 24
6:30pm
  GriefShare
 
6:45pm
  Simon Peter Bible Study
 
Tuesday, February 25
5:45pm
  GENesis Bells
 
6:30pm
  Girl Scout Troop 2386
 
6:30pm
  Red Bird Trailer Ministry Planning Meeting
 
7:00pm
  Praise Band
 
7:30pm
  AA
 
Wednesday, February 26
10:00am
  Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name
 
6:30pm
 
Youth Group  
 
7:00pm
  Ash Wednesday Service
 
7:00pm
  Gospel of Matthew
 
Thursday, February 27
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  NA
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir


If your contact information changes: 
address, phone, email, etc.
please notify the church office at 215-357-6998 or stjumc@aol.com.
You may also indicate any changes on
the sign-in sheet during worship and we'll be sure to update your information in our files.
Thank you!
PRAYERS

 

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.
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.
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 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

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) 
   
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.

 
Pictured are the latest group of hats which went to World Vision (4 child size) and The Baby Bureau in Warminste r (14 baby size)  
   
 
The Grace Cafe is open Sunday mornings for fellowship and refreshments. 
Thank you for
"Fighting for What's Right  
One Cup at a Time."
 

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.  
(Click for more information)
Log in to smile.amazon.com each time you shop and help make
St. John's smile!
UMC LINKS umc logo
 
  
  
February 20, 2020
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
            For almost 19 years now, I've been involved in the somewhat stressful weekly decision about what will appear on the sign on the front lawn of the church. I say "stressful" because, in addition to deciding what the wording will be, we also have to count spaces and letters and, occasionally, punctuation marks - "do we have enough 'S's'?" "Is there an exclamation point?" "Is that too many letters to fit on one line?" Etc., etc. This is what the staff does every Monday morning, bright and early! And we also want to thank Lou Lescas, because he's usually the one to actually go outside and change the wording - not an easy task, especially when there is snow or ice on the ground.
            Years back, we used to buy books full of sayings for church signs. Some of them were inspirational and they made you smile. Others were funny and they made you laugh. Occasionally a church member or a passer-by would tell us how much they "enjoyed" the sayings we had put on the sign. I'm not even sure they still print books like that.
            At one point, perhaps 5-6 years ago (probably more), in line with visioning and strategic planning, we made the decision to use the sign primarily for community outreach. We decided that each week, the staff would work together on a message that was invitational in nature. We wanted to let our community know that we care about them and they are welcome to be a part of whatever it is that we are doing - whether it's worship or Bible study or Holy Communion or something else.
            One of the questions we usually ask of those who are considering membership at our church is, "what brought you to St. John's?" The wonderful thing is that a good number of people say something like this: "we've been driving past the church for months (or sometimes years!) and we read those signs out front. It looks like an active church with a lot going on, so we finally decided we would check it out."
            So our little "experiment" in community outreach has paid off many times over, and we give thanks for that. The sign is an effective tool for reaching out to our local community.
            Of course, that "tool" is only one way that we reach out. People also tell us that they came to St. John's after doing an online search. So our website is another effective way to invite people to join us on our faith journey. But aside from the sign and the website, there is an even more more effective way that people find St. John's. It's through personal invitation. It's when all of YOU, our members and friends, tell your friends and neighbors about your church - it's when you invite them to join you. And every time you do, heaven smiles!
 
                                      Pastor Janice
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
FEBRUARY 26 , 2020
7 PM
March 8th at the 10:30 Service
All Scouts Welcome! 
ST. JOHN'S KIDS
 
St. John's Kids News
This Sunday:
All children and youth please go directly to classrooms for Sunday School.   10:30 Service Only

Pre-K - 2nd Grade - Room B
Grades 3, 4 and 5 - Room A
Grades 6 thru 12 - Youth Room

Leaders and Co-Leaders are always needed for our classrooms as well as Nursery.  If you feel called to help in these areas, please let me know!  Clearances are required!  
Please contact me anytime and we can talk.  
Thank you for your consideration...David Bigam  
dbigam@gmail.com or cell 215-206-6779;  
Church 215-357-6998 
   
We need a volunteer for our 9:15 Nursery.   
Please consider 1 week a month. 
_______________________________________

Vacation Bible School 2020
July 20-24, 2020
"Rocky Railway"
Hey kids, we're headed to the great Rocky Mountains this year! Join us as we hop the train to discover what plans  
God has in store for us! 
 _____________________________
Attention:  
  Do you like to work hands on with decorating sets for stage and hallways? Are you a visionary?   
Do you like to use your brain?
If you are any, none or all the above, we would love for you to join our Decorating Committee.  Share your ideas and your time in helping us to make this year's Vacation Bible School another memorable time for our kids and neighbors who attend every year!   
 
We are planning a decorating meeting soon and would like to add your name on our list!!   
Those interested, please contact David Bigam.
Cell - 215-206-6779  Church - 215-357-6998 dbigam@gmail.com
YOUTH GROUP
 
Fellowship and fun for youth grades 6 thru 12.

YOUTH GROUP
Wednesday Nights!
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Join us for light snacks, a devo and fun.
___________________________________________
 
MORRISVILLE FOOD BANK MONDAY
Monday, March 9th
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!!!!
________________________________________________
   
CONFIRMATION CLASS
This week we will be talking about "Lent"
_____________________________________________
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

Why Diapers? 5.2 million - the number of babies and toddlers in poor or low-income families. $70-$80 - the amount diapers cost per month, per baby. The number of federal programs that cover diapers. - 0
 
Did you know babies require up to 12 diapers per day, 8 for toddlers about. A sufficient supply of diapers is necessary to keep a baby clean, dry and healthy. Diapers are essential to a child's well-being.
 
Babies who remain too long in a soiled diaper are exposed to potential health risks. Your donations make a change for health! Your donations make a change for early childhood education and childhood learning!  
 
One in three families struggle to provide enough diapers for their children. The gift of diapers makes a big difference for children and families. You can help keep babies clean, dry, and healthy!
 
We're collecting diapers for the Maker's Place, a diaper bank in Trenton, NJ. The Maker's Place distributes diapers free of charge to low-income families, and is working to combat infant mortality and celebrate community.
 
Please look for designated drop off locations through out the church.  Donations will be accepted through the first week of March.  
TICKETS ARE GOING FAST.  STOP BY TO BUY BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!

This Sunday - February 23, 2020 at 5PM
Join us for a night of Fun and Fellowship
Do you think you know everything?  
Come and test your knowledge!
Bring your TEAM or FAMILY  
or choose your own table but BRING YOUR GAME!
Doors will be open at 5 and the Game will begin at 5:30
Pizza, Hot Dogs, Soft Pretzels, Water and Juice boxes  
will be available at $1 each.
Tickets are just $5 or you can buy the table for $40  
for your team of 8. Stop by our table to purchase tickets and give us your food order if you will be dining with us.
Proceeds will go towards fuel for our ASP vans.

BIBLE STUDIES

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays 10 AM in the Parlor
February 26 - April 1
Leader: Pastor Janice
 
Join us for a 6 - week study during Lent.  
We'll be using Max Lucado's resource,  
"Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name"
Sign-up on the table in the Narthex!
No book is required.

The History of the Christian Church
Part III - Reformation to Revival
1500-1920 AD
 
This five-week course will be led by Rev. Paul Henry on five consecutive Tuesdays beginning on March 3rd and continuing through March 31st. For your convenience it will meet at either 10 am or 7:30 pm. Please sign up on the bulletin board to participate in this class.
 
The course will look at the Protestant Reformation as it began with Martin Luther in the early 1500's in Germany. It will then follow the explosion of reform that continued across France, Switzerland, England and the Scandinavian countries in Europe. The founding of the new world will lead us to the Colonies in the Americas and the role of the Christian faith in the growth of the United States. As we move into the 1800's, the course will examine religious issues in the United States with particular emphasis on the abolitionist movement and the role of the Church in the War between the States. As we move through the post-civil war decades we will look at how the church shaped the culture of the late 1800's and the early 1900's.
BOOK CLUB
ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, March 3
10:00 AM and 7:00 PM in the Parlor.  Everyone is welcome. 

Leaders:
Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell

Olive Kitteridge offers profound insight into the human condition - its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.
MUSIC
VOCAL & HANDBELL CHOIRS for ALL
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.
 
For more information on our Vocal and Handbell Choirs, please contact:  
Roy Nelson, Director
215-962-8928
roynel@aol.com  
Music at St. John's
OUTREACH

  
 
GriefShare 13 week Sessions  
Mondays from 6:30-8:30  
 
2020 GriefShare Schedule:
  • January 6-April 20, 2020 ( no class on January 27. Class WILL meet on Presidents' Day, February 17th): 13 Week Session
  • May 4-August 3, 2020 (no class Memorial Day):      13 Week Session
You may register online at griefshare.org
There is a $15 fee for materials.  For further information, contact Ruth Portzline or Chaplain Erin Maurer or go to griefshare.org.

SAVE THE DATE!

SATURDAY, MAY 16TH 11:00 AM- 7 PM
St. John's Ivyland
36th Annual Chicken BBQ
Please mark your calendars now.
Think Spring - Think Fellowship - Think Fun

If you want to be part of all this fun, keep an eye out for the Sign-Up sheets for Volunteering that will be coming out soon.

Questions?  Please feel free to call, text or email:
David Bigam - 215-206-6779 Cell; 215-357-6998 Church or Email at dbigam@gmail.com
MISSIONS
The Red Bird Trailers
are CLOSED for the winter.  
 
Red Bird Trailer Ministry  
is seeking an individual  
who is willing to administrate/coordinate the ministry.   
If interested,  
please contact the church office at 215-357-6998 or stjumc@aol.com.   
There will be a meeting concerning the trailer ministry on Tuesday, February 25th at 6:30PM  


DONATIONS NEEDED 
Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry are needed now and throughout the year. Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex and fellowship hall lobby. 
 
Also, please contact  
 Lou Lescas,
 if you are available to help deliver food and clothing to the Eastwick Food Bank  
 
Thank you for your support.