November 8, 2018

            Safety and prevention are always good things. Most of us try, as best we can, to protect ourselves and our loved ones against accidents, illness & other things that could potentially cause us harm.

            In fact, after much research, I recently decided to splurge and buy myself the most amazing gadget ever - an Apple Watch - primarily as a safety device lol. Yes, it was far too expensive, but the amazing thing is that this watch is not only a watch - in fact, keeping time is probably the very least of its functions. It also keeps track of your steps, your exercise, and how long you've been standing or sitting. It gives you access to your emails, your text messages, your calendar, the weather, and your alerts. But what it ALSO does is to monitor your heart rate and rhythm (it will even run an EKG if you ask it to) and it will alert you if there is an abnormality. With apps, it will monitor your blood sugar and your blood pressure. It has "breathe" function which reminds you several times a day to stop what you're doing and focus on deep breathing exercises. And, of course, it has an "SOS" function where you can call for police if you run into trouble - in fact, it will detect if you have fallen, and it will ask if you are OK. If you don't click "I'm OK," it will automatically call 911 as well as your designated emergency contacts - AND it is equipped with a GPS so it will send your location to emergency personnel. Can you imagine?!

            Well, I apologize if I sound like a commercial for Apple, Inc., but I really do like this device. And the truth is that, in whatever way best suits each of us, we all tend to be very concerned about safety and prevention. We want to stay as healthy as possible - it's one of our priorities.

            But it seems to me that many people don't subscribe to that same philosophy when it comes to our spiritual lives, because, after all, we ARE primarily spiritual beings rather than simply physical beings, aren't we? And we really OUGHT to be concerned about the best ways to stay spiritually healthy, right?   And it stands to reason that the best way to do that is to spend some daily, scheduled time alone with God - in prayer and devotion. So find some devotional material that resonates with you - start, perhaps, by picking up a copy of The Upper Room in the Narthex, which has daily reflections and Scripture readings. Also find a small Bible study or Christian discussion group - it helps to get other people's perspectives on faith issues and to be in fellowship with other Christians. And commit yourself, of course, to weekly worship - our life together as a church family ALWAYS begins on Sunday mornings when the gathered community worships as one body. It's where we not only connect with God, but God connects with us and then sends us out to be His hands and heart in the world.

            Those are some thoughts and suggestions I will leave you with! See you on Sunday!

 

                               Many blessings!

                               Pastor Janice

Oops!  Financial Commitment cards were inadvertently mailed without envelopes! 

Envelopes will be available on the welcome table in the narthex.  Additional cards and envelopes are also located in the pew racks.  

If you are mailing your card, the mailing address is:

St. John's United Methodist Church

820 Almshouse Road

Ivyland, PA 18974

Commitment cards will be received in worship on Sunday, November 18 but can also be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the office prior to that date.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT

Sunday is the Last Day to Sign Up!

Any child age 5 years - 6th grade is invited to participate in the Christmas Eve Pageant at the 5:30 service. Sign up at the Children's Ministry table in the Education Wing.  There are speaking and non-speaking options.  

Parents who are available to help out may sign up as well.  

We need your help, parents.... 

 

Rehearsal schedule:

November 18 (Sunday)   5-5:45 PM         
Speaking parts only

 

December 2 (Sunday)      4:30-5:45 PM     
Speaking parts only

 

December 8 (Saturday)    9-11 AM
All children 

            

December 15 (Saturday)   9-11 AM
All children (Dress rehearsal) 

            

December 22 (Saturday) IF NEEDED 9-11AM

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

 

Sunday Morning Study

 

 The Wired Word

ADVENT STUDY - BEGINNING 11/19

     The Gift of the Nutcracker

Do you think of Jesus when you ponder this ballet? Probably not.  But interestingly, the story resonates with strong parallels to Christianity. Stepping back, we can see that Clara represents humanity perpetually stuck in a stage of waiting. She is cherished by her godfather who gives her the gift of a toy who battles evil, only to be killed in the end and then brought back to life by the godfather himself. After his resurrection, the toy brings Clara to his kingdom, where his subjects have anxiously awaited his return. He greets them all for joy and cheer. Sound familiar?

 

The Gift of the Nutcracke explores three themes throughout four chapters, each focusing on a particular character from the story. In turn, each chapter applies lessons learned from the story to help us understand our walk as Christians and our relationship with Christ.    

Come, join with other members of the group as we await the coming of the King of kings this Advent season.

Nutcracker Advent Study Sign-up

ST. JOHN'S BOOK CLUB

The next book club meeting will be Tuesday, November 27 at 10 AM and 7 PM in the Parlor.  

 

We will be reading Moloka'I, by Alan Brennert. This richly imagined novel, set in Hawaii more than a century ago, is an extraordinary epic of a little-known time and place - and a deeply moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. Moloka'I is the true-to-life chronicle of a people who embraced life in the face of death. Such is the warmth, humor, and compassion of this novel that few readers will remain unchanged by this story.

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.

 

INTRODUCING:

WEDNESDAY WALKERS!

 

1st Wednesday of each month -  6:45 PM

Fellowship Hall

Next Session - December 5th

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 HEIFER PROJECT SUNDAY

CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE 2018

Sunday November 11th - Sunday December 9th

Please consider taking a tag from the tree and return it to the Narthex with your unwrapped gift and we will do the rest.  Should you have a gift receipt, please attach it to your gift with tape.  This is a big help for the parents, should they receive duplicates or if there is a change in size.

Thank you for sharing in this wonderful tradition and may you all have a truly blessed Holiday Season.  Any questions, please contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404.

UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST

Saturday, November 17, 2018

8 AM

Fellowship Hall

ALL MEN WELCOME!

See sign-up sheet in the Narthex

TURKEY & "FIXINS" DRIVE FOR EASTWICK FOOD BANK

 

It is that time of year again to start planning for St. John's Thanksgiving Turkey drive for the benefit of Eastwick Food Bank, and this year, we are seeking donations for shelf-stable side items as well (stuffing mix, canned chicken broth, canned cranberry sauce, etc.) We are praying that you again will be able to help!

• Bring in your frozen turkey and place in the freezer.
• Bring in your "fixins" and place in one of the grocery carts (one in the hallway by the Narthex, one by Fellowship Hall)
• Place "Free Turkey" certificates in the collection bags on the Missions Bulletin Board near the Sanctuary
• Use the Special Offering Envelopes in worship to make a contribution toward the purchase of a turkey. Please write "Eastwick" on the envelope.
• Turkeys and other food will be delivered on Monday, November 19th.

 

Thank you for your support and generosity!

 

 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!