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Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
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| Open arms and serving hands transforming lives through Christ |
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JOIN US FOR
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
9:15 a.m.
Praise and Worship
THIS SUNDAY,
September 16, 2018
"The Still Small Voice"
Ruth Portzline, CLM
1 Kings 19:11-14
215-357-6998
CHURCH HOURS
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM -2:00 PM
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Saturday, September 15
Red Bird Mission Trip
Sunday, September 16
9:15am
Children's Sunday School
10:30am
Children & Youth Sunday School
Tuesday, September 18
7:00pm
Praise Band Rehearsal
Thursday, September 20
6:45pm
Ring of Faith
Adult Bell Choir
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|  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.
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Click on the links below to see more
St. John's Photos!
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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 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 confidential.
If you have any questions about mobile or text giving,
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The Grace Cafe is open Sunday mornings for fellowship
and refreshments.
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FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL SUPPORT
IS NEEDED
Financial support for Rise Against Hunger and other R.I.S.E. Sunday projects: Although we are seeking material donations, there are some perishable items we will need to purchase directly for the bagged lunches, and we need significant financial support for Rise Against Hunger. Here are some suggestions. You could choose to feed 1 child (through Rise Against Hunger) for a year ($124), 6 months ($62), or 1 month ($10). Donations of any amount are appreciated! Use the pink envelopes in the pew racks and designate "R.I.S.E." on the envelope.
Donated materials needed by 9/23:
Click on the link below to sign up to donate items.
You may also go to the church website for specific information about these items a or fill out the sign-up sheet in the bulletin and place it in Lara Bolte's mailbox (by the church office).
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R.I.S.E. SUNDAY
T-SHIRT SALE
SUNDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER!
We are pleased to announce that we are offering R.I.S.E. Sunday t-shirts this year! The shirts are available in a rainbow of colors and sizes and the cost will be $10 for adult shirts (size XS - XXXL) or $10 for children's shirts (size XS - XL).
We will be
taking orders in the Narthex during in between church services each Sunday
through September 16
(the quick deadline is necessary in order to ensure the shirts arrive in time for people to have the option of wearing them on R.I.S.E. Sunday). Contact Lara Bolte (
[email protected] or 215-357-6998) with any questions or concerns.
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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.
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Red Bird Trailers
Are Open
Daily
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Drop off Donations of clothing and household items to the trailers located in the back of the church parking lot.
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Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry are always needed through-out the year. Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex and fellowship hall lobby.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
to deliver food and clothing to the
Eastwick Food Bank.
Please contact
Thank you for your support.
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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.
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UMW HARVEST WELCOME BRUNCH
Saturday, September 29 - 11:00 AM
All the women of St John's and their friends and neighbors are invited to the UMW Harvest Welcome Brunch on Saturday, September 29 at 11:00 AM in Fellowship Hall.
After enjoying soup and wraps, our own Pat Mayrh
ofer will present special guest Tucker, her therapy dog. Pat and Tucker are members of the group Nor'wester Therapy Dogs. They work as a team in schools and libraries to help build student motivation and enhance focus. They also offer emotional support and a stress free learning environment for students.
We will get an up close look at how therapy dogs are trained and the important work they do.
There is a sign-up sheet on the UMW bulletin board. You may also email Arlene Williams [email protected] or call 215-355-0162 to sign up or get more information.
A $5.00 donation is requested.
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Join the Conversation! Bring a Friend!
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ST. JOHN'S
DRIVE-THRU PRAYER
Wednesdays from 4:30-6pm.
Our prayer team offers prayer to those who for various reasons don't feel that they can come to church but do realize their need for prayer.
If you would like to join us and be a part of this ministry of
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Time to dust off your Christmas spirit!
St John's Christmas gift to our community!
December 16, 2018 5 PM- 8 PM
"Drive-Thru Nativity"
Experience the complete Christmas story as you drive through the church grounds!
Your time and talents are needed to make this a huge success!!
Stay tuned for additional information!
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Lycoming students and staff meet with Hector, a coffee farmer and resident of El Naranjito to plan for providing solar power to his house featured in the background. By purchasing and drinking Warrior Coffee you are contributing to make life better for the residents of
El Naranjito.
If you would like to purchase
Warrior Coffee,
order forms are available in the
Grace Café.
Thank you for helping to fight for what's right
one cup at a time!
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UMC LINKS
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A news article caught my attention last week. Did you read about the Western North Carolina Bigfoot Festival? Yep ... the town of Marion, North Carolina hosted an event that attracted thousands of people to come together "to bring awareness to the fact that Bigfoot is real and to bring more people to the table to get this mystery solved."
According to the article, it sounds like the Bigfoot Festival was a huge success, and I'm kind of sorry I didn't know about it so I could have planned a road trip to North Carolina - just for the silliness of it!
The article says that there are at least one or two reported sightings per year near the town, and a whole lot of big old footprints out in the woods. At one point during the festival, people gathered for a "townhall" on the courthouse lawn where one Bigfoot believer after another stood up and shared stories of their encounters. "He had yellow eyes and smelled like a dead animal," "a female Bigfoot and her baby dashed into the woods at 30 mph," "I heard a roar - it wasn't a growl and it wasn't a scream ..." In the end, Bigfoot was declared the Hide and Seek World Champion. And then the Mayor made the following pronouncement, "It doesn't matter what your gender is, or what your race is, or what your politics are. To Bigfoot, you all taste the same."
Well, the article was a whole lot longer than that - I'm just reporting the highlights. Interestingly enough, the crowd was estimated to consist of about 50% believers and 50% skeptics. It seems as though even the skeptics couldn't get enough of the Bigfoot stories, memorabilia, artifacts, artwork, Bigfoot calling contests, and lots of barbecue. The excitement was downright contagious!
Well, I don't want to speculate on the legend of Bigfoot except to say that you can count me among the skeptics. But regardless of whether you happen to be a Bigfoot believer or a skeptic, don't you think there is something in this story that parallels OUR lives as believers? We all agree that there are plenty of skeptics out there - people who are skeptical about organized religion in general or skeptical about Christianity in particular. But wouldn't it be great if we could find ways to share the excitement we all have in our hearts about the way Christ has changed our lives??!! Wouldn't it be fantastic if we did that in such a way that the skeptics around us would come in droves just to feed off of our excitement and maybe, in the end, become believers themselves??
Yes, it's a strange world we live in. Thousands of people - 50% believers & 50% skeptics - all coming together for fun, fellowship, and to hear testimony about a local legend named Bigfoot. Seems to me that it should be a simple thing to generate that same kind of enthusiasm around, not a local legend, but an eternal truth. So there's our challenge for today.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES
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THIS WEEK AT SUNDAY SCHOOL
All Children 4 years to 6th grade from both service times, 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. will go directly to Holywood
(Room D)
Parents can pick up from Room A or C.
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.
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CHILDREN'S REGISTRATION
As we approach the new school year, this means the beginning of Kids Church and Sunday School.
If you have registered your children last year, then all you need to do is fill out the "short " registration form. Those who have not registered, will need the long form.
Please help us to help your children have a safe and exciting time here at St. John's.
or go to stjohnsivyland.com under Children's Ministry
to register.
For more information about our Children or Youth Ministries, please contact Director,
David Bigam, [email protected]
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YOUTH GROUP
Sunday Nights from 7-8:30 PM
Fellowship and fun for youth grades 7 thru 12. Youth group resumes THIS SUNDAY NIGHT!
(September 16)
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CONFIRMATION CLASS 2018-19
Signups are now being taken for
Confirmation Class 2018-19
If you are in 7th grade or higher, sign up and begin another leg of your spiritual journey!
Confirmation Classes begin with a retreat here at
St. John's on October 12-13!
There will be a brief orientation meeting for parents and students on Sunday, September 23, following the 10:30 service in the youth room.
with any questions.
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Morrisville Food Bank Monday
Monday, September 10th
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!!!!
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
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St. John's ASP Crew
Annual Stockholders Luncheon
Sunday, September 30 at 12:00
If
you have purchased stock for ASP 2018,
your dividends are here!
If you did not purchase our ASP Stock, you can still join us for $10.00 per person
and hear from our youth what made this year another AMAZING time in Appalachia.
RSVP's are required in order for us to have enough food for all...
RSVP by: September 23, 2018
3 ways to RSVP
Sign up in Narthex
Text number of people attending to 215-206-6779
Or simply call me, David Bigam at:
Church - 215-357-6998
My Cell - 215-206-6779
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SING UNTO THE LORD
Vocal Choirs
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.
JOYFUL VOICES - 1st rehearsal September 16
Children grades K-5 (6) are invited to be part of the Joyful Voices. Children learn songs to present in Worship Services. The Joyful Voices usually sing on the First and Third Sunday each month. They also sing at special services through the year. REHEARSAL is after the 10:30 Worship Service each Sunday. Rehearsal will last 25-30 minutes. (Holy Handbells rehearsal follows Joyful Voices).
YOUTH CHOIR - 1st rehearsal September 16
Youth grades 6-12 (or older) are welcome in this choir. The Youth Choir usually presents anthems in Worship on the Second and Fourth Sunday each month. More advanced anthems are presented with the Adult Choir on occasion. REHEARSALS are on Sunday evening from 6:00-7:00 right before YOUTH GROUP (choir members are encouraged to stay for Youth Group). Prior membership in a choir is not required.... NEW MEMBERS are always welcome.
ADULT CHOIR - 1st rehearsal September 13
The Adult Choir presents music every week during 10:30 worship. College students are encouraged to be a member of the choir. Anyone with some music experience is welcome in the choir. There is no audition. REHEARSAL is on Thursday night at 8:00 in the Sanctuary.
PRAISE BAND
Our Praise Band presents music during our 9:15 worship service. Vocalists and Instrumentalists (guitar / keyboard / percussion) are ALWAYS welcome. REHEARSAL is on Tuesday night, at 7:00, and usually lasts an hour.
Roy Nelson, Director
215-962-8928
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Ring a Joyful Sound
Handbell Choirs
St. John's Hand Bell 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 ringers are welcome in our Bell Choirs. We hope to expand on the gains we made last year in all of our choirs.
HOLY HANDBELLS - 1st rehearsal September 30
Children grades 2-5 (6) are welcome in the Joyful Chime Bell Choir. Children will be taught basic ringing skills and music reading. No experience in necessary. REHEARSALS take place on Sundays following 10:30 worship service. (The Bells rehearse AFTER the Joyful Voices singing choir rehearsal). We are usually finished by 12:45.
GENesis BELLS - 1st rehearsal September 18
GENesis Bells is a multi-generational choir that has youth grades 6-12 & adults participating. We were very successful with this format last year, and it allowed us to play more difficult music which was a challenge for all involved. There are several open spots in this choir for ADULTS and YOUTH. REHEARSALS take place on Tuesday afternoon, from 5:45 to 6:45. We usually ring once a month, on the Second Sunday.
CELEBRATION RINGERS - 1st rehearsal October 1
This Bell Choir is for ADULTS who have a desire to ring in a choir with limited playing and rehearsing. The REHEARSALS are usually on the FIRST MONDAY of each month. Playing is at Christmas, during Lent and at the end of the year. Music experience/reading is a plus, but not required.
RING OF FAITH - 1st rehearsal September 20
Our advanced Bell Choir rings every month, and rehearses on Thursday nights each week. At the present time, there are no openings in this choir. However, we always need "standby" substitutes. Music experience/reading is a requirement.
Roy Nelson, Director
215-962-8928
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THREE BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
THIS FALL
We have three Bible study opportunities starting soon - and three ways to register for them! Continue reading for more detailed descriptions of each study. You can sign up online, on the tear-off sheets in the bulletin or on sign-up sheets on the yellow bulletin board by the Grace Cafe.
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NEW DAILY STUDY BIBLE:
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
by William Barclay
Wednesday evenings at 7 PM,
beginning September 19, Grace Cafe
Please join us on Wednesday evenings starting September 19 at 7pm in the Grace Cafe for the study of the Gospel of Luke. We'll be using the New Daily Study Bible by William Barclay, The Gospel of Luke, for our study book. Our goals for the study are to deepen our understanding of the Word of God and Who Jesus is as revealed to us by the Scriptures of Jesus's life, ministry, death and resurrection. William Barclay is a world-renowned Biblical scholar whose commentary on these Scriptures will help reveal to us the understanding we seek and bring us closer to the God we love and serve. Please feel free to invite others and hope to see you for our study in His Name. This study is led by Ken Lee and the cost of the book is $15.
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY COURSE
Course developed by Paul Henry
Tuesday Evenings - 7 PM
October 2-23 - Parlor
and
Tuesday Mornings - 10 AM
October 9-30 - Grace Cafe and Parlor
"Resurrection to Rome" a four week course to explore the early history of Christianity will be taught by Paul Henry in October. We will do a Tuesday morning class and a repeat of the class on Tuesday evenings. The course will explore the incredible growth of the Christian Church from the few disciples of Jesus who gathered at the foot of the cross on Good Friday to a worldwide religious movement by 350 A.D. Come and find out the dynamics of this growth and learn about your own Christian DNA.
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ETERNITY IS NOW IN SESSION
by John Ortberg & Gary Moon
Monday evenings at 6:45
October 15-November 12
Parlor
A 5-session journey to discover what it really means to be "saved." For Christians, perhaps the deepest expression of what we're waiting for is found in the phrase "eternal life." But what is eternal life? Why do we want it? And how do we know if we have it?
In the Eternity Is Now in Session Participant's Guide, bestselling author John Ortberg takes you on a radical journey of rediscovery, dispelling the myth that eternal life is something way out in outer space that we can only hope to experience after we die. Instead, John unpacks the reality that the moment we trust Christ, we are initiated into "eternal living" with God as a here-and-now reality, one that will continue beyond our life on this earth. We can truly know God, experiencing His presence, favor, and resurrection power right here on this earth - in the details, tasks, and challenges of daily, ordinary life.
And as we begin to know God this way, we'll realize each moment of our lives is a vehicle to the eternity we've been longing for all along. The study is led by Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell and the cost of the book is $8.
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Snowflower and the Secret Fan
by: Lisa See
Wednesday, October 23
10 AM and 7 PM in Parlor
The next book club meeting will be Wednesday, October 23 at 10 AM and 7 PM in the Parlor. We will be reading Snowflower and the Secret Fan, by Lisa See. "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a brilliantly realistic journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. With the period detail and deep resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel delves into one of the most mysterious of human relationships: female friendship.
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HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE TRIP!
We have reserved a block of tickets for Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Dinner Theatre's matinee production of
Christmas in the Air!
This luncheon show will be
Thursday, November 29, 2018 and is an original, holiday musical with songs, comedy sketches, dance numbers, and a live on-stage orchestra.
The cost is $92 per person and includes deluxe motor coach transportation, full course meal, dessert buffet, tax & gratuity.
Bus Pickup is at 9:30 AM at St. John's.
We had a great time when we visited the playhouse last Spring and are excited to return! You can sign up for the trip in Narthex after church, or contact Lara Bolte (
[email protected] or 215-357-6998).
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1st Wednesday of each month - 6:45 PM
Fellowship Hall
Next Session - October 3rd
No experience necessary - come out and have fun!
No Fee.
Bring water!
All ages are welcome, and feel free to bring a friend.
Call Carol Eberz (215-355-3572) or Jane Horton (215-630-6020) with questions!
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CROP HUNGER WALK
Sunday, October 14
Doylestown United Methodist Church is hosting a
Crop Hunger Walk sponsored by Church World Service on
Sunday, October 14. The walk begins at 1:30 PM and is 5K, with an option of shortening it to 1K. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds through email, social media, or other methods. These funds are then used by Church World Service through grassroots development efforts to combat hunger worldwide. Additionally, 25% of the funds raised for this particular walk will go to Doylestown FISH, which provides emergency services to locals in need. For more information, contact Lara Bolte at 215-357-6998 ext. 309, [email protected].
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SUNDAY, September 23, 2018
4:00 PM
ST. JOHN'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
(Fellowship Hall)
Everyone is invited to attend with their animals (properly restrained, of course) as we give thanks for all God's creation, and celebrate His gift of creatures, great and small.
Each animal will receive a personal blessing, a treat, a gift and a free picture of this special event.
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CONTRIBUTE A DEVOTION!!
Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. This should be a time for families to come together in prayer and devotion.
St. John's would like to encourage this devotional time by preparing an Advent Devotional containing a reading for each day in Advent that has been written by members of our congregation.
On Sunday morning, Ruth Portzline will be available at the end of each service to give you more information and to ask if you will be willing to contribute a devotion.
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DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Looking for a little inspiration during the week?
Try an online devotional.
(has many devotionals to choose from)
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