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
Blessing of the Animals Photos
UMW Brunch Update
Warrior Coffee
Pastor's Reflection
Choirs
Coat Drive
Sunday School
Youth Group/Confirmation
Bible Studies
Book Club
Hunterdon Hills Trip
Line Dancing
Election Day Bake Sale
UMM Breakfast
Heifer Project
Drive Thru Living Nativity
Drive Thru Prayer
Table Talk
   
JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP  
  
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
 
  9:15 a.m.
Praise  and Worship
  
THIS SUNDAY, 
October 21, 2018  
Finding Ourselves in Peter's Story
 "Walk on Water?" 
Pastor Janice 
Matthew 14:22-33  
 
215-357-6998
 
CHURCH HOURS
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM -2:00 PM 
 
THIS WEEK'S 
CALENDAR
 
Saturday, October 20
8:00am
  UMM Breakfast
 
Sunday, October 21
9:15am
  Children's Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School
 
11:30am
  Joyful Voices
 
12:15pm
  Holy Handbells
 
5:00pm
  Youth Choir
 
6:00pm
 
Youth Group Hayride 
 
Monday, October 22
6:45pm
  Bible Study - Eternity is Now in Session
 
Tuesday, October 23
10:00am
  History of Early Christianity: Resurrection to Rome
 
5:45pm
  GENesis Bells
 
7:00pm
  History of Early Christianity: Resurrection to Rome
 
7:00pm
  Praise Band Rehearsal
 
7:00pm
  Table Talk
 
7:30pm
  AA
 
Wednesday, October 24
4:30pm
  Drive Thru Prayer
 
7:00pm
Bible Study  
 
Thursday, October 25
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
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  [email protected]

MISSIONS
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.  



On Monday, Leann and Bill Prince, Richard Smith, Joanne and I delivered 12 boxes of food and some clothes for Myrtle in the clothes bank at the Eastwick UMC Mission house,
8325 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia. 
Annette and the other volunteers are always happy to see us, but their cupboard is a little more bare than usual due to some slower deliveries from some big suppliers, so our food was really needed. 
Thank you all for your continued support of this mission!
Lou Lescas
_____________________________________

DONATIONS ALWAYS NEEDED 
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 are also needed to deliver food and clothing to the Eastwick Food Bank. 
Please contact  
Lou Lescas,  [email protected]
 if you are available to help.  
 
Thank you for your support.  
   
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.                                         
PHOTOS
 
R.I.S.E. SUNDAY

Thank you to Richard Smith for taking so many great pictures of this awesome day!
Blessing of the Animals
September 23, 2018 
What a wonderful day we shared here at  
St. John's giving thanks for God's creation and celebrating His gift of creatures,  
great and small!  
 

 
UMW HARVEST WELCOME BRUNCH 
The UMW Welcome Brunch was held on September 29.  The group enjoyed good food, fellowship and an interesting program which included information about some of the missions our group supports.    
 
  
     
The highlight of the meeting was the dogs.   Pat Mayrhofer explained how her dogs help to give children the confidence they need to read aloud.   Her friend, John Vagner, whose dog came from Canine Partners for Life, explained how his therapy dog is able to warn him when his sugar is too low.
 
 
 
Ann V an Eerden received a Special Mission Recogn
ition Award for her work with Eastwick Food Bank and the UMW Angel Tree. 

THANK YOU
We received this very nice thank you note from a member of the Board of Directors at Family Service Association of Bucks County in response to our Backpack Mission Project.  If you ever find yourself questioning the impact your mission efforts make on those in need, this is a great reminder that your generosity is appreciated!

Dear St. John's,  
     I'd like to personally thank you for your generous donation benefiting students in need in our area. 
     With your help, these children started their year prepared and set-up for success - just like other students.
     It truly takes a village - and we appreciate your support! 
 
Alice Gens, FSA 
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) 

 
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!
The Grace Cafe is open Sunday mornings for fellowship and refreshments. 
UMC LINKS umc logo
 
  
  
October 19, 2018
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
            Life is interesting. And more often than not, it seems that we live it, whether by design or by accident, in "segments". Let me explain ...
            For several months now, Monday morning staff meetings have been peppered with the statement, "We'll get to that as soon as R.I.S.E. Sunday is over ...." Of course, the planning, the organizing, the prep work and the leg work involved in getting ready for R.I.S.E. Sunday was extensive. So whenever we would begin to think about other initiatives, programs, events & ministries, one or more of us would snap back to reality and make that now famous (at least among the staff) pronouncement ... "...As soon as R.I.S.E. Sunday is over"! After all, our brains could only deal with a finite amount of details at one time.
            So this was the week when we could finally look at each other and say, "R.I.S.E. Sunday is over!" It was a great mission event, the clean-up is now complete, the Rise Against Hunger meals, the "little dresses for Africa," the homeless necessity kits, the sandwiches, the lunches, and all of the eating utensil packages we've prepared have all been delivered to their proper destinations. Whew! Time to focus on what's next. And the "what's next" is the Drive-Through Living Nativity. Such an exciting new project! And s-o-o-o-o-o many details; so much planning; so much work on the part of so many people. And when we began discussing a couple of new initiatives, we once again looked at each other and said, almost in unison, " ... as soon as the Living Nativity is over!"
            Of course, after that, it will be Christmas, then Lent and Easter. And, of course, we'll be joking about that too.
            God has lots of work for all of us to do, whether it's in the church, at home, in the workplace, or in service to the world. And there will never come a time when our work is complete - not until that day when we return home to our Lord. Sometimes it seems overwhelming and sometimes it stresses us out. But God's work is always a gift. And with His help, we are ALWAYS up to the task.
            Hope you are having a great week!
                                                                                                
                                       Pastor Janice
           
MUSIC
CHOIR NEWS:
This week, Sunday October 21st,
Youth Choir will be held from 5 PM - 6 PM
before the Youth Group Hayride!
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.
 
COAT DRIVE
The Youth Choir and Joyful Voices are accepting donations for new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and hoodies. 
We will be donating these to
A Woman's Place in Doylestown.

Donations will be accepted through November 4th in the Narthex.

Please contact [email protected] for more information or ask a choir member.
CHILDREN  MINISTRIES


St. John's 9:15 Sunday School has returned!
Beginning this Sunday, October 14th
All Children Pre-K thru 6th grade go directly to  
Room D (Holywood)  
 
@ 10:30 all children go to Fellowship Hall
Youth grades 9-12 go to the Youth Room. 

KID'S CHURCH REGISTRATION 
  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, [email protected]  

YOUTH GROUP
Youth Group 
Sunday Nights from 7-8:30 PM
Fellowship and fun for youth grades 7 thru 12.
  

OCTOBER 21, 2018 -
REMEMBER THIS DATE AS IT MAY BE YOUR LAST!
6 PM
Haunted, Scary, Goosebumps....Need I Say More?

Sign up outside the youth room....if you DARE!
______________________________________________
Oh Yes We Did!
Tis the Season...Wreath Sale

Christmas shopping has begun!
Christmas will be here before you know it!
Taking orders now!
All proceeds fund our ASP Mission Trip in July 2019
______________________________________________
 
Morrisville Food Bank Monday
Monday, November 12th  
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

BIBLE STUDIES

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
 
Sunday Morning Study
led by Howard & Beppie Heinrich
Sunday mornings at 9 AM
Parlor
On-going study and drop-ins are welcome!

_________________________________________
 
 The Wired Word
led by Eileen Phillips
2nd and 4th Sundays
10:30 AM
Church Library (by the Youth Room)
Focuses on current events and analyzes them in a Biblical context. 
On-going study and drop-ins are welcome.

Please see This Week's Calendar for current Bible study opportunities. Contact Lara Bolte (215-357-6998, [email protected]) if you are interested in joining an existing group.
"The Way Forward"
HUMAN SEXUALITY:
"THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH"
  • On February 23-26, 2019, a special session of General Conference will meet in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • 864 elected delegates (1/2 clergy and ½ lay) from all over the world will gather to vote on our denomination's stance on human sexuality.
  • Decisions will be made regarding the current wording regarding homosexuality in the Book of Discipline as well as the ordination of gay clergy and same sex marriage.
You are invited to join Pastor Janice for an information session on "The Way Forward" based on Bishop Peggy Johnson's District presentations.

Two Sessions:
Tuesday, October 30 at 7 PM
Wednesday, October 31 at 10 AM

Sign up sheet is available in the Narthex!

BOOK CLUB
Snowflower and the  
Secret Fan
by: Lisa See
Tuesday, 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 ( [email protected] 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 or given directly to her.
Payment due by 11/21/18.

1st Wednesday of each month -  6:45 PM
Fellowship Hall
Next Session - November 7th
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!

UMW/UMM

ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE 
BAKERS NEEDED
 
The United Methodist Women are having an Election Day Bake Sale to raise money for the many missions we sponsor throughout the year.  Baked goods are needed to keep our table going for the entire day.  If you like to bake and are willing to help, please place your baked goods in the kitchen prior to Tuesday, November 6th, or you may place your items in the frig or freezer marked UMW Bake Sale.  If the stove is not your best friend or you are short on time, you can help by manning the bake sale table for two hours on Election Day.  There is a sign up sheet on the UMW bulletin board.  The United Methodist Women appreciate the congregation's support and we would not be able to continue the work that we do without you.  Thank you.  For more information, please contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404.
 
 
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
 
Saturday, October 20, 2018 
Fellowship Hall 
8 AM 
All Men Welcome!

Sign-up Sheet in Church Narthex 
UMW HEIFER PROJECT SUNDAYS

November 4th & 11th
Narthex
8 AM - Noon

The International Living Animal Gift Market is now open. All manner of wonderful creatures can be purchased in the narthex November 4th and November 11th.  These gifts of animals provide an entire new way of life for the people who receive them. They provide food, income, health care & educational opportunities for poor families worldwide. Since 2001, St. John's through UMW has donated over $66,000 to Heifer. Thank you for your support!   If more information is needed, please call Rosemarie Malizia at 215 598 8567.
OUTREACH

Time to dust off your Christmas spirit!
 St John's Christmas gift to our community!   
December 16, 2018     5 PM- 8 PM  
"Drive-Thru Living 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!

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, [email protected].
 Join the Conversation!  Bring a Friend!
If you or someone you know has experienced separation or divorce, either recently or a long time ago, we want to invite them to a new group starting, Tuesday, January 8th at 6pm in the Grace Cafe.  Just go to divorcecare.organd put in our church zip code to find our future group listed and then register.  The format is a light meal and viewing of expert information on DVD, followed by a time of sharing and discussion.  There is a $25 fee for a workbook but scholarships are available.  Each rotation lasts 13 weeks but you can miss anytime and make up the session during the next rotation if desired.  All sessions are on Tuesdays in the Grace Cafe from 6pm-7:30pm.  We are also looking for people to help welcome visitors, make coffee, and provide support to our facilitator.  Contact [email protected] or call the church office for more information.
 
Invitation to Become a Member

If you feel you have found a church home at St John's, we invite you to become a member!

Our next "New Member Sunday" will be
Sunday, November 11, 2018  Those wishing to become members of St. John's will be invited to take the vows of membership at any of our three worship services.

The only "requirement" for membership is that you feel a commitment to Christ and a desire to make St. John's your church family. If you are considering membership you are invited to meet informally with the pastors on Wednesday evening, November 7th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. for Coffee and Dessert. 

If you feel God calling you to take this next step on your faith journey, we welcome you with open arms!  Please check off "wish to join" on the sign-in tablet or contact the church office at 215-357-6998 or [email protected].