I still find it hard to process the magnitude of suffering experienced by so many in Texas during the recent deep freeze. Images of waterfalls in living rooms due to burst pipes, miles-long lines of cars waiting for a case of bottled water, and families burning furniture and wooden toys to stay warm defy comprehension. The fallout and investigation into who is responsible is already underway, with plenty of finger-pointing and excuses quickly following. We can only hope that meaningful changes will occur that will drastically limit the probability of a repeat disaster… yet I am skeptical. Why? One of the major issues identified so far was the lack of winterization measures taken by utility providers to prepare for extreme temperatures, despite narrowly escaping similar disasters during cold snaps in 2011 and 2014. The investment required for these measures was deemed too costly given the relatively low probability of prolonged cold temperatures. Too costly - until there is a disaster!

  People of faith know that difficulties will come our way. I believe that’s why cultivating a deep, ongoing relationship with God is essential. Investing daily time in prayer and reflection helps strengthen and prepare us for the challenging times that will come. Yes, we’ll still experience setbacks. Yet the steadfast faith and deep relationship we cultivate with our Lord will help us navigate the storms of life with much less damage, like appropriate maintenance enables equipment and systems to hold up under extreme duress.

                                                                                      Grace and Peace,

We've been blessed by a steady increase in attendance at our worship services! If you are planning to attend, it is critical to register each week, via Sign Up Genius or by calling the church office. 

Please read: Opening Letter to the Congregation

On Sunday March 14, St. John's will continue a long tradition of honoring the efforts of our Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and adult leaders involved in Scouting. Anyone involved in Scouting is invited to register and attend either of our worship services in uniform as we acknowledge your efforts. A number of our Scouts are in the GENesis Bells; this group will be involved in the 9:00 worship service.

In addition, a photo collage of all our Scouts will be compiled, to acknowledge those who are unable to attend. This collage will be projected prior to our services and will also be included with the Cornerstone. Scouts and leaders are asked to forward a photo to Nicole McDevitt (nikmcd@msn.com) by Tuesday, March 9th for the collage. Thank you!

This brand new study for the Season of Lent 2021, Character Matters, flows from the language of Proverbs 6:16-19. Study participants will journey through the “seven things the Lord hates,” moving participants toward confession of the sinful practice/tendency... and challenging disciples toward a personal and corporate character which is far more holy!

ST. JOHN’S LENTEN MISSION PROJECT

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 with details will be emailed separately. For more information, please contact Susan Seamans, Director of Children's Ministry: childrensministry.stjumc@gmail.com

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. 

Thanks to everyone who has donated to this program, helping the people in Red Bird Kentucky. They are grateful for all items that have been sent. The Red bird committee would also like to thank all the volunteers who gave their time packing trailers. 

Red Bird Committee

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. 

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 

Gmail account users:

In addition to your inbox,

please check your "Promotions" file for any St. John's emails.

Bulk emails may appear there. Simply by moving the message from Promotions to your primary inbox or by adding

St. John's as a contact should allow our messages to go directly to your inbox.

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!