Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
Join us for worship
Calendar
Prayer List
Snow Policy
Red Bird Trailers Closed for Winter
Eastwick Food Bank
Pastor's Reflection
St. John's Kids
Youth Group
Diaper Drive
Trivia Night
Bible Studies
Simon Peter Bible Study
Growth of the Christian Church
Book Club
Music
GriefShare
Divorce Care
Souperbowl Sundays
UMM Breakfast
Chicken BBQ
Family Promise
   
JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP  
  
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
  9:15 a.m.
Praise  and Worship
   
THIS SUNDAY  
February 2, 2020
Holy Communion
 
"Who Is Blessed?"
Pastor Janice
Matthew 5: 1-12


215-357-6998
 
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM -2:00 PM   
 
   
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.
 
For more information about our Children or Youth Ministries, please contact Director,
David Bigam, [email protected]   
THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR

Thursday, January 30
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  NA
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir
 
Sunday, February 2
9:00am
  Adult Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School
 
11:30am  
No Joyful Voices  
 
6:00pm
  No Youth Choir
 
Monday, February 3
6:30pm
  GriefShare
 
6:45pm
  Celebration Ringers
 
Tuesday, February 4
10:00am
  Book Club
 
5:45pm
  GENesis Bells
 
6:00pm
  Divorce Care
 
7:00pm
Book Club  
 
7:00pm
  Praise Band
 
7:30pm
  AA
 
Wednesday, February 5
6:30pm  
Youth Group  
 
7:00pm
  Gospel of Matthew
 
Thursday, February 6
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  NA
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir


If your contact information changes: 
address, phone, email, etc.
please notify the church office at 215-357-6998 or [email protected].
You may also indicate any changes on
the sign-in sheet during worship and we'll be sure to update your information in our files.
Thank you!
PRAYERS

 

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.
St. John's Snow Policy
In case of a major snowstorm or other severe weather that would require cancellation of one or more Sunday services, we will attempt to notify everyone by:
-  A special e-news sent out
-  A message on the church answering machine and website. 
 
If possible, a decision regarding cancellation will be made the night before.  Please also be aware that, in the event of a power outage, it is impossible to utilize internet or phone services.
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 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]

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) 
   
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.

 
Pictured are the latest group of hats which went to World Vision (4 child size) and The Baby Bureau in Warminste r (14 baby size)  
   
 
The Grace Cafe is open Sunday mornings for fellowship and refreshments. 
Thank you for
"Fighting for What's Right  
One Cup at a Time."
 
MISSIONS
The Red Bird Trailers
are CLOSED for the winter 
and will reopen in the Spring.

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.  


DONATIONS NEEDED 
Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry are needed now and throughout the year. Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex and fellowship hall lobby. 
 
Also, please contact  
 Lou Lescas,
 if you are available to help deliver food and clothing to the Eastwick Food Bank  
 
Thank you for your support.

(Click for more information)
Log in to smile.amazon.com each time you shop and help make
St. John's smile!
 
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

 
What a wonderful day it was giving thanks for all God's creation, and celebrating His gift of creatures, great and small!

UMC LINKS umc logo
 
  
  
January 30, 2020
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
                Late last week, I was contacted by an old friend whom I haven't seen in several years. We tend to lose touch for a while and then, every so often, we reconnect. We made plans to meet for dinner on Saturday.
            It was a great evening - we laughed ourselves sick as we remembered some of the incredibly crazy adventures we got ourselves into so many years ago. And we reminisced about old friends and what they are doing today. We decided we've known each other since 1994 when we were both a part of a "single's" church group in Delaware County - could that possibly have been 26 years ago??!
            We wondered how in the world we lost touch with some of the friends we were so close to. And the only answer we could come up with was, "We don't know! I guess life happened!"
            Of course, there are other things (and people!) that I never really meant to lose touch with, but yes ... life happened and we drifted apart - isn't it the same with you? One day turns into another, and then another, and then another ... and suddenly twenty-six years have gone by.
            So how do we STOP life from getting in the way of things that are important to us - things like relationships, and like tasks we meant to get done, and like our faith?
            I guess the answer is simple yet difficult: always be clear about the important things in life, otherwise life will just "happen" and somehow they will disappear. Which means that things that are important to us right now - like our relationships with the people we care about and even our relationship with God - they might slip away before we even realize it. And what a sad thing it is when that happens!
            Thank you, dear Lord, for the reminder you sent me this past weekend!
                                             Pastor Janice
ST. JOHN'S KIDS
 
St. John's Kids News
This Sunday:
All children please go to Fellowship Hall.

Youth please go directly to the Youth Room
for Sunday School.  10:30 Service Only


Leaders and Co-Leaders are always needed for our classrooms as well as Nursery.  If you feel called to help in these areas, please let me know!  Clearances are required! Please contact me anytime and we can talk. Thank you for your consideration...David Bigam  
[email protected] or cell 215-206-6779;  
Church 215-357-6998 
 
_______________________________________

Vacation Bible School 2020
July 20-24, 2020
"Rocky Railway"
Hey kids, we're headed to the great Rocky Mountains this year! Join us as we hop the train to discover what plans  
God has in store for us! 
 _____________________________
Attention:  
  Do you like to work hands on with decorating sets for stage and hallways? Are you a visionary?   
Do you like to use your brain?
If you are any, none or all the above, we would love for you to join our Decorating Committee.  Share your ideas and your time in helping us to make this year's Vacation Bible School another memorable time for our kids and neighbors who attend every year!   
 
We are planning a decorating meeting soon and would like to add your name on our list!!   
Those interested, please contact David Bigam.
Cell - 215-206-6779  Church - 215-357-6998 [email protected]
YOUTH GROUP
 
Fellowship and fun for youth grades 6 thru 12.

YOUTH GROUP
Wednesday Nights!
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Join us for light snacks, a devo and fun.
___________________________________________
 
MORRISVILLE FOOD BANK MONDAY
Monday, February 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!!!!
________________________________________________
   
This week in CONFIRMATION
"Renounce, Reject and Repent"
Are you ready to be confirmed?
_____________________________________________
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

Why Diapers? 5.2 million - the number of babies and toddlers in poor or low-income families. $70-$80 - the amount diapers cost per month, per baby. The number of federal programs that cover diapers. - 0
 
Did you know babies require up to 12 diapers per day, 8 for toddlers about. A sufficient supply of diapers is necessary to keep a baby clean, dry and healthy. Diapers are essential to a child's well-being.
 
Babies who remain too long in a soiled diaper are exposed to potential health risks. Your donations make a change for health! Your donations make a change for early childhood education and childhood learning!  
 
One in three families struggle to provide enough diapers for their children. The gift of diapers makes a big difference for children and families. You can help keep babies clean, dry, and healthy!
 
We're collecting diapers for the Maker's Place, a diaper bank in Trenton, NJ. The Maker's Place distributes diapers free of charge to low-income families, and is working to combat infant mortality and celebrate community.
 
Please look for designated drop off locations through out the church.  Donations will be accepted through the first week of March.  
Sunday - February 23, 2020 at 5PM

Join us for a night of Fun and Fellowship
Do you think you know everything?  
Come and test your knowledge!
Bring your TEAM or FAMILY  
or choose your own table but BRING YOUR GAME!
Doors will be open at 5 and the Game will begin at 5:30
Pizza, Hot Dogs, Soft Pretzels and Water and Juice boxes  
will be available at $1 each.
Tickets are just $5 or you can buy the table for $40  
for your team of 8. Stop by our table to purchase tickets and give us your food order if you will be dining with us.
Proceeds will go towards fuel for our ASP vans.

BIBLE STUDIES
Simon Peter - Flawed But Faithful Disciple  
6 week study  
Begins Monday, February 10th  
6:45 PM   
He was not rich or educated,  but was familiar with hard work.  He was quick tempered and impetuous, but possessed a passion that would change the world.  He left everything to follow his teacher, yet struggled with doubt and fear.    
 
Our 6 week study will begin Monday, February 10th at 6:45  in the Parlor.  There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex.
The cost of the book is $12.00. All money will be collected on the first night of the study. The books will be available for pickup at the signup table on February 3.  
 
Leaders are Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell.
The Growth of the Christian Church
Part III - Reformation to Revival
1500-1920 AD
 
This five-week course will be led by Rev. Paul Henry on five consecutive Tuesdays beginning on March 3rd and continuing through March 31st. For your convenience it will meet at either 10 am or 7:30 pm. Please sign up on the bulletin board to participate in this class.
 
The course will look at the Protestant Reformation as it began with Martin Luther in the early 1500's in Germany. It will then follow the explosion of reform that continued across France, Switzerland, England and the Scandinavian countries in Europe. The founding of the new world will lead us to the Colonies in the Americas and the role of the Christian faith in the growth of the United States. As we move into the 1800's, the course will examine religious issues in the United States with particular emphasis on the abolitionist movement and the role of the Church in the War between the States. As we move through the post-civil war decades we will look at how the church shaped the culture of the late 1800's and the early 1900's.
BOOK CLUB
St. John's Book Club  
Tuesday, February 4th
10:00 AM and 7:00 PM  
 
Seabiscuit  
by: Laura Hillenbrand
 
A universal underdog story about a horse who came out of nowhere to become a legend.  More than just a horse's tale, because the humans who owned, trained and rode Seabiscuit are equally fascinating.

We will meet in the Parlor.   
All are welcome! 
 
Leaders: Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell  
MUSIC
VOCAL & HANDBELL CHOIRS for ALL
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.
 
For more information on our Vocal and Handbell Choirs, please contact:  
Roy Nelson, Director
215-962-8928
Music at St. John's
OUTREACH

  
 
GriefShare 13 week Sessions  
Mondays from 6:30-8:30  
 
2020 GriefShare Schedule:
  • January 6-April 6, 2020 ( no class on January 27. Class WILL meet on Presidents' Day): 13 Week Session
  • May 1-August 3, 2020 (no class Memorial Day):  13 Week Session
You may register online at griefshare.org
There is a $15 fee for materials.  For further information, contact Ruth Portzline or Chaplain Erin Maurer or go to griefshare.org.

 
If you or someone you know has experienced separation or divorce, either recently or a long time ago, we want to invite them to this support group.

TUESDAYS
6pm to 7:30pm  
in the Church Library
 
A complete schedule by topic, more details,  
and sign-ups are at:
  • Each rotation lasts 13 weeks but you can join or miss anytime and make up sessions during the next rotation if desired.
  • There is a one-time $15 registration fee but scholarships are available. Payment is done in class, please sign up online so we can communicate with you. (Checks payable to: St. John's UMC)
  • No Childcare offered.
  • Our facilitators, Sarah Floyd and Donna Hartfeil can be contacted at:

    [email protected] or 215-357-6998.

Located at:
St. John's United Methodist Church 
820 Almshouse Road 
Ivyland, PA 18974
 
We meet in the church library classroom which is the first room on the left when you enter from the main parking lot which is on the left side of the church. Knock on the double doors on the side of the church. There are a few stairs up. If you cannot do stairs the leader will greet you and bring you to the handicap entrance.
 
UMW
SOUPERBOWL SUNDAYS

The United Methodist Women are collecting can goods and non perishable food items for Food Pantries in our area.  Please join our Superbowl ( Soup-er- Bowl) team and drop off your items in the Big Green Barrel with the goal posts, located at the corner of the Choir room and the bulletin boards.  The barrel will be available through Sunday February 9th.
Thank you and we hope your team wins!
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday, February 15
8 AM
Fellowship Hall

All Men Welcome!
Third Annual "Bring a Friend to Breakfast!"
Please RSVP by signing up in the church narthex or emailing Ed Campbell at [email protected].  Please indicate if you will be bringing a friend
 
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S  
CHICKEN BBQ
 
The UMM is looking for someone to coordinate the Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 16th.  If you are interested and want more information, please contact Ed Campbell, 215-364-0942 or email [email protected] 
FAMILY PROMISE

Next Hosting: February 9-16, 2020
  • Sign up Here
  • Or call Sharon at 610-888-1329 or Amy at 610-322-2276 if you prefer not to do it on the computer, they can sign you up.
Training/Clearances:
  • This ministry needs you! Ask our current volunteers, this is easy and provides so much help to our guests. If you would like to join the volunteer team in helping with the guests, you will need clearances and training.
  • If you are not Safe Sanctuary cleared you can find links at http://www.fplb.org/clearances/  make sure to keep a copy for any other volunteer organizations you work with including St. John's.
  • No clearances? No worries, we have jobs for you too....set up/break down, shop and laundry!