August 20, 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
Daily Devotionals
Red Bird Trailers Closed
Pastor Brad's Reflection
COVID-19 Precautions
In-person Worship
Communion Note
Meet and Greet with Pastor Brad
Children and Youth Ministries
VBS Update
St. John's Food Drive
United Methodist Men
PRAYERS

 

PRAYER LIST

Please click to view

 

Prayer requests can be submitted

or through the church email, [email protected].  

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 [email protected]

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


Thank you to those who offered condolences on the death of my beloved mother, Joan Minderjahn, through your cards, phone calls, emails and texts.  Your words of comfort were so very much appreciated.

Thank you also to those brave enough to come to her visitation and memorial service at St. John's. A special thank you to the staff and members who helped us with the preparation and planning due to COVID-19.  My mom was happy to be a part of St. John's family worshipping with you most Sundays, attending UMW events and participating in RISE Sundays.  So many of you so kindly reached out to her during her many hospitalizations and illnesses. 

Thank you also for those expressing condolences on the passing of my cousin, Kathryn, with whom I shared a close relationship. She was my parents' goddaughter. You are truly the hands and feet of God. 

With gratitude,
Eileen Phillips and Family

The following is a Facebook Post from:   
THANK YOU! We are so appreciative for the ongoing community support that we receive each day. A special shout out to all who have donated essential food items to JFM Pantry over the past few days,
in addition to:
8/10/2020:
Langhorne Giant - 227 lbs
New Beginnings Church - 59 lbs
Southampton Estates - 48 lbs
St. John's U. Meth. Church
(Naomi Circle) - 105 lbs.

Magic Charities - 28 lbs
Vertical Screen - 50 lbs
8/11/2020:
Langhorne Giant - 61 lbs
St. Vincent De Paul - 86 lbs
Our Lady of Good Counsel - 241 lbs
Wawa - 30 lbs
Tanners - 210 lbs
Girls Scouts - 40 lbs
Blessed and Thankful for you!

VIDEOS
Our previously recorded worship videos can be accessed here or
under the "What's Happening" tab on our website - See the "Videos" link.
Stjohns8 16 20
 
Last Sunday's Worship Service 
August 16, 2020

 Special Music: Alissa Nelson, Roy Nelson, Tammy and Jack Coapman 
Accompanist: Brian Barber  

DAILY DEVOTIONS
 
The Tuesday Devotionals and
Special Emails/Announcements are also posted on our website: www.stjohnsivyland.com
under the "What's Happening"tab.

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 [email protected]) or the church office ([email protected]). 
UMC LINKSumc logo
 
  
  
PASTOR BRAD'S REFLECTION
   Today I have the responsibility of delivering some bittersweet news. David Bigam, Director of Children's and Youth Ministries, has made a difficult decision to resign, effective September 8th. I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for David and his committed service to God at St. John's UMC. Faithfully leading ministry with the young people of St. John's for over 10 years, David made a positive impact on many, many lives.  David's energetic and upbeat approach, commitment to missions, fun games, and - most importantly - love for Jesus will remain with all who he has served. I am deeply thankful for all David has done to serve our Lord at St. John's.
 
   In my time at St. John's, I've made it a practice to periodically "walk the halls" and pray over the rooms of the facility. While I realize those rooms have been empty for much of 2020, my prayers are that soon we'll again hear music from our music rooms. Smell fresh-brewed Warrior coffee in Grace CafĂ©. Hear children laughing and talking together as they learn in Sunday school. See active and bustling hallways as our open arms and serving hands transform lives through Christ.
 
   Time and again, I've found myself in the youth room, giving thanks to God for the painted handprints and names of so many young people who have encountered Christ through the Youth ministry at SJUMC. I pray for these names - wherever they are now - and ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen, protect, and guide each person to the purpose and life that God intends. Looking at that tremendous legacy of faith, I give thanks for the many hours David has invested into our young people. A solid foundation has been set; we now have the responsibility to build on that foundation with commitment and care. I sense the Apostle Paul's words in
I Corinthians 3:10 speak to our situation: "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care."
 
   In closing, I want to thank David again for his committed, faithful service to our Lord. I also ask that you keep David in prayer. Pray the Holy Spirit will provide guidance and peace as God reveals new opportunities for David's gifts and graces to bring glory to Christ Jesus. And pray for God's provision of new leaders for our critical ministries with children and youth. May God guide us forward such that we can continue to provide our young people with the firm foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.
 
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.

WORSHIP

ST. JOHN'S IN-PERSON WORSHIP  
This Sunday, August 23      
(sign-up needed)
 
 
"On This Rock" - Pastor Brad
Matthew 16:13-19
Sermon Series: Building on the Rock 
 
Music:  
Jennifer Haas, Valerie Haenn, Valerie and David 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, 8/21, 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.  
You may print a copy and bring with you to worship,  
if desired.   
  

Communion Note:  Sunday, August 30
 
The Covid pandemic has altered many of the meaningful rhythms in our lives. One of the greatest longings many of us have experienced is the desire to commune with our Lord at His table. Next Sunday, August 30, the Sacrament of Communion will be offered in worship and to all in a drive-through format.
 
During our 9AM worship service, individual, prepackaged elements will be consecrated and offered to in-person worshippers. Those not able or comfortable attending in-person are asked to join us online for worship; we expect the service will be posted around 10:15 AM. Then come to St. John's between 11 & 12 noon to receive the Communion elements. You will be asked to please remain in your car.
 
We look forward to seeing you and sharing in Christ's love together through the Sacrament of Holy Communion!
 
Communion Offering: Red Bird Trailer Mission


MEET & GREET

Pastor Brad would love to meet you!
Meet and Greet opportunities are being scheduled for small groups of up to 10 people to gather for about an hour to share in a time of conversation and prayer. Opportunities to meet outdoors (at the rear of the parking lot under the shade of our trees) and indoors in Fellowship Hall will be offered; appropriate distancing and masking precautions will be maintained. Sign-up via SignUp Genius is required to attend.

Come out and hear a little bit about Pastor Brad, ask any questions you may have, and pray together for the ongoing ministries at St. John's!


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 ([email protected]) 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!

OUTREACH


 And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me.'
Matthew 25:40
 
Food insecurity has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  During these troubled times, the ability to obtain food is difficult for many people.  
   
As the pandemic continues to take a toll on the economy, many people are left struggling. St. John's is offering the opportunity for you to do it to one of the least of these by donating non-perishable food items to be distributed to local food banks. This Food Drive will continue from Sunday, August 16 through Sunday, August 30.
 
You may bring your items to the church on Sunday mornings or you may drop them off in the collection bin on the front porch from 9 am - 5 pm every day. The food items will be collected each evening.
 
Suggested items that run out quickly include:  
15-oz. jars of peanut butter
jelly
pasta sauce
canned fruit
baked beans, kidney beans, black beans, etc.
canned tuna fish or chicken 
boxes or bags of rice
boxed cereal
pasta
boxes of mac and cheese
canned vegetables and soup
*Please note: Since we will be making the deliveries to the food banks after August 30, fresh produce will not be accepted at this time.  
 
We know that you will be blessed as you share the love of Christ with those who are struggling.
 
Thank you for all that you do!
 
Pastor Ruth

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
  • 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!!!