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 9, 2018
Commissioning of Red Bird Mission Team
9:15 a.m. service
"What Good Is It?"
Pastor Janice
Mark 8:31-9:1 NIV
215-357-6998
CHURCH HOURS
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM -2:00 PM
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Sunday, September 9
9:15am
Children's Sunday School
10:30am
Adult Sunday School
10:30am
Children & Youth Sunday School
Monday, September 10
7:00pm
Leadership Meeting
Tuesday, September 11
10:00am
Prayer Shawl Ministry
7:00pm
Praise Band Rehearsal
Thursday, September 13
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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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Dear Friends,
Just a note to try and convey my gratitude for your love, prayers, and support during Mike's battle with cancer these past 10 months. Your care has been to me - to us - the hands and feet of Christ, loving us through the darkest of times, lighting each day with hope and peace. Your cards, visits, Facebook messages, and presence at Mike's memorial service have lifted me when I could not walk on my own; your prayers continue to sustain me as I learn to navigate without him in what often seems a strange new world!
Thank you for your ministry of Christ's love and care. I am forever grateful.
Yours in Christ,
Erin Maurer
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Acolyte training for children in grades 3-6 will take place this Sunday, September 9th following the 10:30 service.
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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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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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DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Looking for a little inspiration during the week?
Try an online devotional.
(has many devotionals to choose from)
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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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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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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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Prayer Shawl Ministry
What It Is About
The St. John's Prayer Shawl Ministry involves those women who can knit or crochet yarn into shawls which are given, free of charge, to those needing comfort and support. Shawls are usually provided to those with medical issues, shut ins, those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, and people facing other serious life challenges. Recipients do not need to be members of the church, so shawls may be requested for family members, neighbors, co-workers or friends. The person requesting the shawl is responsible for its delivery. Nearly 300 shawls and lap robes have been made and given out since 2009.
In addition to traditional shawls for adults, the group also makes lap robes for men who prefer that item rather than a shawl. Shawls are also available in small sizes for children. Each baby baptized at St. John's receives a white baptismal shawl.
The crafters also make yarn items for a variety of programs outside the church. Knit hats were made for the Doylestown Hospital infusion center, Samaritan's Purse Christmas shoeboxes (along with knit toys), the World Vision Knit for Kids program, and homeless shelters. Knit or crocheted scarves were provided for deployed military members through Operation Gratitude. The group provided prayer squares for distribution at St. John's Middletown Grange Fair booth and Drive Through Prayer. Shawls have been provided for the United Methodist Women collection and for use by the Twining Village and Wesley Enhanced Living chaplains. This December, the Prayer Shawl Ministry will be providing shawls and lap robes for those residents attending the annual St. John's worship service at Neshaminy Manor.
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 monthly 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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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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UMC LINKS
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A week or so ago, some creature (I'm assuming it was a mouse) got into the parsonage breezeway and proceeded to tear open a bag of bird seed I keep there. The next morning, I found a very messy pile of sunflower seed shells all over the floor. I was busy that day, so I simply picked up the bag of bird seed and moved it to another location. Not such a bright thing to do. The next morning, there was a SECOND pile of messy sunflower seed shells in ANOTHER spot on the floor. I picked up the bag of bird seed (very carefully, now that there were TWO holes chewed in it) and stuck it into a plastic container on the table. You guessed it. Now there was a pile of sunflower seed shells on the table. Finally, I poured the remainder of the seed into a container and put a lid on top. That was 5 days ago. So far, the plastic container and all of the seed has remained untouched. Hallelujah.
Here's my confession. The piles of shells are still sitting in the same spots. Oh, it bothers me to look at the mess when I go out there, but interestingly enough, it hasn't bothered me to enough to clean it up. Yet. And the reason for that is because I was expecting the person who cleans for me once a month to be here at the beginning of this week. So without even thinking about it, I decided I could afford to ignore the mess because my brain told me it wasn't my job - it was someone else's.
However, I found out tonight that my house isn't going to be cleaned until NEXT week. Well, that throws the clean-up job right back into my lap. I've managed to tolerate the mess for this long, but there is no way I can tolerate it for a whole extra week. So tomorrow, I intend to get the vacuum out and make the breezeway presentable again. And it will be quite a relief to not have that mess staring me in the face every day.
You know, it would really be a simple thing for me to run the vacuum, clean the bathrooms, keep the floors swept and mopped, and clean the kitchen. I'm perfectly capable of cleaning my own house. But the beauty of having someone scheduled to clean once a month is that I'm way less obsessive about it. I'm perfectly okay (up to a point) with crumbs on the kitchen floor, a living room carpet that could use a quick vacuum, and other odds and ends around the house that would normally drive me up a wall - all because I know someone other than me is responsible. The result is that I'm able to sit in peace, for instance, during my daily quiet time with God each morning and not find myself involuntarily being distracted by the many tasks that need attending to. And, in my humble opinion, that kind of freedom is well worth the cost of a monthly cleaning lol.
So what is it that YOU could use a little freedom from? And how can you find that freedom? Even more importantly, wouldn't it be wonderful to free up some time and energy to devote to your spiritual growth this Fall? We're all busy people, but have you ever considered giving something up in order to perhaps add a Bible study or at least a personal prayer and devotional time to your daily schedule? What can you let go of in order to join a choir or become involved in a mission or ministry project? I invite you to ponder that possibility!
Pastor Janice
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CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES
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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 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!
There will be a brief orientation meeting for parents and students on Sunday, September 23, following the 10:30 service in the youth room.
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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?
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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 13
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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POSTPONED:
CHURCH-WIDE PICNIC
The picnic that was originally scheduled for September 9 has been postponed to a later date. We will be rescheduling sometime later in the school year. Feel free to contact Lara Bolte with any questions or concerns at
[email protected]
or 215-357-6998 ext. 309.
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1st Wednesday of each month - 6:45 PM
Fellowship Hall
No fee.
No experience necessary - come out and have fun!
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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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 $95 per person and includes deluxe motor coach transportation, full course meal, dessert buffet, tax & gratuity. 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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ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB
The Prayer Box
by: Lisa Wingate
Wednesday, September 12. 2018
10:00 AM and 7 PM
Parlor
Everyone is welcome!
The Prayer Box is a masterpiece of story and skill. "Lisa Wingate is a remarkably gifted storyteller. Her novels both captivate and cradle you, and
The Prayer Box is Lisa at her finest. Tandi's extraordinary journey of healing and hope on Hatteras Island is a mesmerizing thrill and a joy you'll want to savor."
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NEW BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITY:
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
P
lease 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
"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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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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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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Red Bird Mission Team 2018
Please join us for the Commissioning of our
Red Bird Mission Team this Sunday, September 9th at the 9:15 a.m. service.
Karen Arner
Ed Campbell
Paul Cell
Linda Barr
Chris Belser
Vivian DiCristofaro
Pastor Jim MacMain
Pat Mayrhofer
Laura Paulus
Jack and Barbara Schink
Ann VanEerden
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- 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. We will also be doing a communion offering in September.
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
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, or to place an order if you miss the opportunity to do so on a Sunday.
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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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