While many welcome the blessing extended daylight hours, this week also saw the shadow of tragic violence cover us again as horrific shootings in Atlanta claimed 8 lives. Seven of the victims were women; six were of Asian descent. Many will likely note how gun violence has increased significantly in Philadelphia recently, as shooting deaths seem to be a staple of the evening news. Every shooting, and every death due to gun violence is heartbreaking; we never want to be desensitized to that painful reality. Yet the Atlanta shootings raise a prominent component of many acts of violence against women and minorities: the sense that others are the source – and thus responsible for – our struggles and even our sin.

  As followers of Christ, we need to see how this is simply not true. All people are created good, and all are fallen, caught in the inescapable grip of sin. In the letter to Ephesians, we are reminded that our enemy in the struggle with sin is not others, but with the spiritual powers and principalities; quite literally, the forces of evil present in this world (Eph. 6:12). Recognizing this fact doesn’t give us an excuse… we can’t default to the old line that “the devil made me do it.” Rather, it helps us recognize where we need to focus our attention. It helps us see how the work in our struggle with sin lies with us; with our hearts and desires, and how we’re completely dependent on the grace and strength of God to guide us through the challenges and temptations of life.

Given the overall decreasing trend in Covid cases and the expansion of vaccinations, St. John’s leadership has investigated options for additional seating in the sanctuary. All discussions have focused on maintaining a safe environment for our most vulnerable attendees while expanding the number of persons who can attend. Based on those discussions, the following changes will be implemented beginning this Sunday, March 21^st: 

Please note that all other mitigation measures, including wearing a mask or face shield, maintaining six feet of distance, and pre-registering for worship attendance via Signup Genius will remain in place at this time. Pre-registration is critical in enabling our Ushers to safely and efficiently seat all worshippers. We recognize this is a sacrifice and appreciate your compliance in this endeavor.

 

Please read: Opening Letter to the Congregation

All Sunday School classes will continue on Zoom this Sunday. Note that Pre-K to Grade 6 will have a video component and will also include follow-up materials that guide parents in talking about the concepts throughout the week. Hope to see you on Zoom! Links to Zoom meetings will be emailed separately. For more information, please contact Susan Seamans, Director of Children's Ministry: childrensministry.stjumc@gmail.com

It can be easy to forget who God really is sometimes. And it can be even easier for us to forget who we really are, too! But every year at Easter, we get the chance to look back at what God did thousands of years ago to remind us not only who He really is, but who we really are because of Him. Loved, important, forgiven—Jesus’ death and resurrection shows us we are all that and more to Him. Join us as we explore what we can know to be true about ourselves because of the gift we celebrate at Easter—Jesus’ resurrection and after life!

Paul Henry will be continuing his Zoom Class “Thinking About God” on Tuesday, January 19, at 10:30 am. If you are interested in joining these discussions please contact Paul at 215-962-6719 or phenry605@verizon.net so that he can get you set up on Zoom.

On Tuesday, February 16, the Tuesday Zoom class Thinking about God will be joined by Walter Edmonds. He will be leading a presentation and discussion on the “Hymns of Charles Wesley”. Walt is a retired pastor and musician living in Monrovia, MD. He is a graduate of Lycoming College, Yale Divinity School and Temple University. He is an accomplished organist and choral director who has served in both musical and pastoral positions throughout his career. He is strongly committed to hymnody and liturgy and was responsible for the Constitutional Hall celebration of the Methodist Hymnal in November 1989. Walt will be leading the Zoom discussion on the hymns of Charles Wesley. If you are interested in joining this session, please contact Paul Henry at phenry605@verizon.net.

The Gospel of John is often considered the greatest Spiritual writing of who Jesus is as it reveals His mission to bring salvation to all of God's children by His life, ministry, death and resurrection. Beginning Wednesday, February 3, Ken Lee will be offering a weekly Bible study of John's Gospel utilizing Jesus in the Gospels curriculum. The group will meet each Wednesday at 7pm in the Parlor. By studying this Gospel in Fellowship, the group aims to develop and grow our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

online (click here).or through the church email, stjumc@aol.com. 

Volunteers are also needed to deliver food and clothing to the Eastwick Food Bank. Please contact Lou Lescas, stjohns820@gmail.com if you are available to help. 

MISSION PROJECT

Once you've registered, you can either make donations by debit or credit. Lenten Offerings may also be received through our website.

OR try TEXT GIVING 

email Lou Lescas at stjohns820@gmail.com

Words of Faith & Life- Bishop Peggy A. Johnson 

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church 

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A small team of dedicated audio-visual ministry volunteers enable us to offer meaningful online worship each week. We're in need of additional help, as there's very little flexibility within the team in the event someone needs to be away. While some aspects of this ministry requires technical expertise, other aspects are very straight-forward. If you have the ability to advance PowerPoint slides, you can help us offer online worship!

Similarly, ushers are needed for in-person worship to greet worshippers, direct them to their seats, and assist with questions. This is a simple yet meaningful opportunity to serve God by serving our St. John's family.

Please consider serving God by assisting with one of these this crucial ministries. Those interested in serving can contact the office at stjumc@aol.com or (215) 357-6998. Thank you for your faithful support of all we do in service to Christ at St. John's!