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
Text Giving
R.I.S.E Sunday
Red Bird
UMW Harvest Brunch
Table Talk
Drive Thru Prayer
Drive Thru Nativity
Daily Devotionals
Warrior Coffee
Pastor's Reflection
Blessing of the Animals
Vocal Choirs
Handbell Choirs
Sunday School
Youth Group/Confirmation
ASP Stockholder's Luncheon
Bible Studies
Hunterdon Hills Trip
Line Dancing
Crop Hunger Walk
 
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, 
September 23, 2018
 
 "True Greatness"
Pastor Janice 
Mark 9:33-37  
 
215-357-6998
 
CHURCH HOURS
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM -2:00 PM 
 
THIS WEEK'S 
CALENDAR
 
Thursday, September 20
6:45pm
  Adult Bell Choir
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir
 
Sunday, September 23
10:30am
  Adult Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School
 
11:30am
  Joyful Voices and Pizza Party
 
4:00pm
Blessing of the Animals  
 
6:00pm
Youth Choir and Pizza Party  
 
7:00pm
  Youth Group
 
Tuesday, September 25
5:45pm
  GENesis Bells
 
7:00pm
  Naomi Circle
 
7:00pm
  Praise Band Rehearsal
 
7:00pm
  Table Talk
 
7:30pm
  AA
 
Wednesday, September 26
4:30pm
  Drive Thru Prayer
 
7:00pm
Bible Study   
 
7:00pm
Finance Meeting  
 
Thursday, September 27
1:00pm
  District CSM Meeting
 
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.
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 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

R.I.S.E SUNDAY
     
  • WHAT is R.I.S.E. Sunday?
    A morning of worship and hands-on mission projects with local and global impact.
  • WHAT projects are available?
    • Pillowcase Dresses for Little Dresses for Africa: Goal: Make 60 dresses, which are distributed in remote villages and aid in the formation of relationships with mission groups focused on clean water and primary education efforts.
    • Bagged lunches for Trenton Area Soup Kitchen: Goal: Make 750 bagged lunches, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, for distribution to people experiencing food insecurity in Trenton.
    • Necessity/Outreach Kits for The Synergy Project: Goal: Assemble 90 kits for The Synergy Project, a street outreach program offering assistance for runaway and homeless youth and young adults
    • Cutlery assembly for Trenton Area Soup Kitchen: Goal: Using plasticware, paper napkins, and adhesive bands, roll 4,000 sets of dinnerware for use at one of the 6,000 meals supplied by TASK each week.
    • Rise Against Hunger: Goal: Assemble 13, 824 meals which will feed 37 children in developing countries for one year, through international hunger relief organization Rise Against Hunger.
  • WHEN is it and WHEN can I sign up for a project? R.I.S.E. Sunday is October 7, 2018. We will have a worship service at 9 AM, then two sessions of mission projects from 10:15 to noon. We will begin project registration on Sunday, September 2.
  • WHO can participate? EVERYONE!
    We will have projects for all ages and ability levels, and the nursery will be open for children age 3 and younger.
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).
 
 

R.I.S.E. SUNDAY T-SHIRT SALE

T-Shirts will be available for pickup in the Narthex on Sunday, September 30. If you have not yet paid for your shirt, you can do so at pickup, or you can place your payment in Lara Bolte's mailbox (next to the church office).  
Contact Lara Bolte (stjadultministries@gmail.com or 215-357-6998) with any questions or concerns, or to arrange a time to pick up your shirt if you cannot do so on Sunday.
MISSIONS


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  
Lou Lescas,  stjohns820@gmail.com
 if you are available to help.  
 
Thank you for your support.  
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.  

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
 
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.                                         
UMW


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 arlenew13@aol.com or call 215-355-0162 to sign up or get more information.  
A $5.00 donation is requested.  
OUTREACH
 Join the Conversation!  Bring a Friend!
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 
St. John's, please contact Ruth Portzline, outreachstjohns@yahoo.com.

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!


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.
 
If you are interested in contributing a devotion, please contact Ruth Portzline. outreachstjohns@yahoo.com, 215-357-6998. 

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) 
PHOTOS
Click on the links below to see more
St. John's Photos!



The Grace Cafe is open Sunday mornings for fellowship and refreshments. 

 
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!
UMC LINKS umc logo
 
  
  
DONATIONS TO HELP VICTIMS OF  
HURRICANE FLORENCE
 
100% of your contribution will directly reach those who need help when you donate through  
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
 
Place your donation in a pink envelope this Sunday (found in pew racks) with the designation "Hurricane."
 
Please make checks payable to:
St. John's United Methodist Church.
September 20, 2018
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
There's been a mole living in the parsonage backyard all summer long. He's dug holes in various spots, but his favorite spot is right against the foundation near the back door. On multiple occasions, I've opened the back door to find a mound of dirt at the entranceway. The interesting thing is that I have never once met or even caught a glimpse of Mr. Mole even though I've had ample evidence that he has actually been inside the breezeway many times (there is a doggy door on one of the doors which I often leave open for Obie when I'm home).
            And yes, I've filled the holes back in. Over and over again. Our Administrator, Lou, has been kind enough on several occasions to supply some gravel to try to fill in the holes. At one point, the landscaper delivered large decorative stones to place against the foundation in the hopes that our little friend would decide to go dig his holes elsewhere. And at Lou's suggestion, we've tried filling the holes with steel wool pads (he claims they hate them, but I think not ...) and when that didn't work, he put more large stones against the foundation. The answer to the obvious question is NO - I do not want to poison or trap the poor guy. I just want him to go live out in the field somewhere so I'm hoping to graciously encourage him to do just that (stop laughing!).
            Well, there's a lesson in all this, don't you think? As annoying and frustrating as it is to deal with, you have to admit that Mr. Mole is extremely persistent. He knows he has a job to do (dig up grubs and earthworms - yuck) and it's virtually impossible to distract him from his task. When he encounters an obstacle, he simply regroups and then starts over in a new spot. He's relentless when it comes to fulfilling his calling in life.
            Sometimes I wish I had the same kind of spectacular persistence that I see in that little mole. Occasionally, I'll feel very certain that God has placed a thought in my head. And then, because I didn't jump right on the bandwagon, a little bit of time passes and suddenly the idea that sounded so great last week no longer seems quite so life-changing. And I start wondering if it's worth the time or energy.
            Do you also find yourself being less persistent than you would like when it comes to your faith or the call of God on your life? I suspect we all suffer from the same illness. It's called "the human condition." Life gets in the way. We all know how that happens. And we also know that the only way to combat "the human condition" is to persistently seek God - in our job, in our relationships, in our leisure time ... persistently seek God in all we do. The Bible calls this "praying without ceasing." It's something that can and will change our lives for the better.
              Hope to see you on Sunday!
                                        
                                      Pastor Janice
          
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.

MUSIC
MUSIC & PIZZA! 
The Joyful Voices will have a Pizza Party at the end of rehearsal on Sunday.  New members are welcome to "Try Us Out" for rehearsal and Pizza.
 
The Youth Choir will have Pizza at the end of rehearsal this Sunday.  We will eat at about 6:40 and will be finished before Youth Group at 7:00.  New members are invited to come to rehearsal and to eat.

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
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
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
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
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
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

CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES

 
CHILDREN'S REGISTRATION 
 Kids Church    
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.
 
 Please click Kid's Church Registration  
or go to stjohnsivyland.com under Children's Ministry  
to register.  
 
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.
Help is needed in the Nursery at the 9:15 AM Service. 
Please contact David Bigam if you are available!
  
For more information about our Children or Youth Ministries, please contact Director,
David Bigam, dbigam@gmail.com  


  
   
YOUTH GROUP  
Sunday Nights from 7-8:30 PM
Fellowship and fun for youth grades 7 thru 12.
 
 
September 23, 2018
This Sunday is Funday Sunday!!!
Wear your favorite team colors!!!
Football, Baseball, Hockey
NFL, NBA, College or School!!!
 
September 30, 2018
It's Crazy Hair Day!!!!!  
Color it, Tease it or Wear it Weird!!!!!
We will have PRIZES for the best HAIR DOO'S 
_________________________________________
 
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.
 
Contact David Bigam, dbigam@gmail.com  
with any questions.  
_________________________________________
 
Morrisville Food Bank Monday
Monday, October 8th  
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
dbigam@gmail.com

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
 
BIBLE STUDIES

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.

NEW DAILY STUDY BIBLE:
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
by William Barclay

Wednesday evenings at 7 PM,
Grace Cafe
 
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.
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.
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. 

BOOK CLUB
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.
ADULT/FAMILY MINISTRY

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 is 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 leaves from St. John's at 9:30 AM

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 ( stjadultministries@gmail.com or 215-357-6998).
Checks should be made payable to St. John's UMC and can be placed in Lara's Bolte's Mailbox near the church office.
Sunday, September 30th
4:00-8:00 PM

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!

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, stjadultministries@gmail.com.