Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
Join us for worship
Calendar
Advent/Christmas at St. John's
Christmas Decorating
Poinsettia Plants
Text Giving
Prayer List
Red Bird Trailers
Weekly Reflection
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Music
St. John's Kids
Youth Group
Advent Study
Angel Tree
Thanksgiving Turkey Collection
Living Nativity
Hunterdon Hills Trip
Divorce Care
GriefShare
CPR Certification
   
JOIN US FOR
WORSHIP  
  
Worship Services:
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Traditional
 
  9:15 a.m.
Praise  and Worship
   
THIS SUNDAY 
November 17, 2019
"In God We Trust"
Pastor Janice  
Mark 12:41-44

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, dbigam@gmail.com   
THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR

Thursday, November 14
  Family Promise Hosting Week
 
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  NA
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir
 
Friday, November 15
  Family Promise Hosting Week
 
Saturday, November 16
  Family Promise Hosting Week
 
Sunday, November 17
  Family Promise Hosting Week
  Angel Tree
 
9:00am
  Adult Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School
 
11:30am
 
Joyful Voices  
 
6:00pm
  Youth Choir
 
Monday, November 18
6:30pm
  Grief Share
 
6:45pm
  Not a Silent Night
 
7:00pm
  Leadership Board Meeting
 
Tuesday, November 19
5:45pm
  GENesis Bells
 
6:00pm
  Divorce Care
 
7:00pm
  Deborah Circle
 
7:00pm
  Praise Band
 
7:30pm
  AA
 
Wednesday, November 20
6:30pm
 
Youth Group  
 
7:00pm
  Special Needs Bingo and Dance
 
7:00pm
  Gospel of Matthew
 
7:30pm
  Salome Circle
 
Thursday, November 21
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  NA
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir


2019 ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8th
8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Worship
 
Festival of Carols
at 6:00 p.m.
An evening of Christmas Music and Caroling
Presented by St. John's Choirs
 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15th  
A service of Christmas Music presented by the Choirs
at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. only (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE)
 
Drive-Thru Living Nativity
5:00 p.m. - 8 p.m.
 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21st
Blue Christmas Service
7:00 p.m.
A time of worship and reflection, of healing and hope for those who are finding themselves in places of pain, loss, or discouragement during the holiday season
 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22nd
8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Worship
 
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24th
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
5:30 p.m.
Children's Christmas Pageant Children's Choirs
 
7:30 p.m.
Youth Choir, Adult Choir and Handbell Choirs
 
9:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Communion Service
Music Meditations
 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29th
8:00 A.M., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Worship  
 
 
REMEMBER TO SUPPORT OUR ADVENT MISSION OFFERING
YOUR ENVELOPE MAY BE PLACED IN THE MANGER IN THE NARTHEX
 
Please make checks payable to St. John's United Methodist Church

CHURCH CHRISTMAS DECORATING

Please join the Un-retired Lord's Workers as they decorate the church for Advent and Christmas on Wednesday, December 4th at 9 AM.  They are looking for additional help.  If you are available and enjoy Christmas decorating, please come out. Your help will be much appreciated.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA PLANTS 
 
We will be having our Poinsettia Garden on Sunday, December 15, December 22 and Christmas Eve.   
If you would like to order a plant, please fill out a flower envelope and place in the offering plate.  Please be sure to indicate if your poinsettia is in memory or honor of someone or to the glory of God. 
PAYMENT MUST BE ENCLOSED WITH YOUR ORDER.  The cost of each plant is $7.00.  Deadline for ordering is Sunday, December 8th.
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.
If your contact information changes: 
address, phone, email, etc.
please notify the church office at 215-357-6998 or stjumc@aol.com.
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!
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  stjohns820@gmail.com

(Click for more information)
Log in to smile.amazon.com each time you shop and help make St. John's smile!
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) 
The Grace Cafe is open Sunday mornings for fellowship and refreshments. 
 
 
Order forms available in the  
Grace Café.

Thank you for supporting the Village of El Naranjito in the Dominican Republic and   
"Fighting for What's Right One Cup at a Time."

 2020 ALTAR FLOWERS
Altar flower sign-ups for 2020 are now available on the bulletin board.  If you would like to place flowers on the altar, please put your name next to the date you would like.  The cost is $25.00
MISSIONS
   
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.

__________________________________             
This has been a busy ten months for the Prayer Shawl Ministry! Since January, 54 shawls or lap robes have been distributed, 8 baptismal shawls presented, 4 prayer hearts (for those who already have a shawl) created, and almost 50 baby and child hats delivered.
 
 
 
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)  
 
 
Look for the nice thank you letter received from the The Baby Bureau on the prayer ministries bulletin board next to the Grace Café. 
 
 

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. 
 
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.  
 
Thank you for your support.


click to view the thank you letter
Red Bird Trailers are Open! 
9 AM - 5 PM Daily 

Donations of clothing and household furnishings are accepted   See the trailers located in the back of the
St. John's parking lot.
 
Please Note:  
The Red Bird Trailers will be closing for the winter on Saturday, November 30, 2019 and reopen Saturday, March 21, 2019.
 
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Pictures are available in the Narthex


 
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
 
  
  
November 14, 2019
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
 
This week, our bishop sent a pastoral letter to all of the churches in her episcopal area.  Please take a few minutes to hear what she says and please keep this issue in prayer. 

Pastor Janice
_________________________________________

'Tear Down this Wall'*: A Pastoral Letter
by Bishop Peggy A. Johnson
 
This week is the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. This wall was erected after the second World War and it divided East and West Berlin.
 
During The United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops fall meeting our bishops from Germany testified about the jubilation and amazement felt when the wall came down. People were able to move about freely from one side to the other. Not a single shot was fired.
 
Humanity is well-acquainted with walls, not only physical walls but the walls of difference that are found in hearts and minds. We are quick to erect attitudinal walls around our differences and our beliefs.
 
Walls create alienation, separation, fear, distrust and violence. Such a wall stops ministry dead in its tracks, and it is never the will of God. God sent Jesus to deal with walls. Ephesians 2:14 says "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."
 
A wall of separation in the UMC
United Methodists are well-acquainted with a wall of separation about the marriage and ordination of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our Book of Discipline states that all people are of sacred worth, but it includes a wall concerning the practice of homosexuality being "contrary to Christian teaching."
 
At the 2019 General Conference the traditional prohibition against the practice of homosexuality was maintained, same gender marriages continued to be banned, and it was expanded to include more enforcement and a broader scope of what defines homosexuality. There were also more additions to the process of filing complaints against people who engage in practices found in the list of "chargeable offenses." Being a self-avowed and practicing homosexual and performing a same-gender wedding are on that list. The added measures will be effective on January 1, 2020.
 
I write this pastoral letter to the flock of God in the Eastern Pennsylvania and the Peninsula-Delaware conferences, my beloved Philadelphia Area. It is a passionate plea that you do not engage in filing complaints around the issue of homosexuality. It simply exacerbates the painful, formidable wall that stands between people of good will who have different hearts.
 
Homosexuality complaints and trials do harm
Complaints and trials do an enormous amount of harm to everyone. Our baptism vows call us to "resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves." Nothing good can come from this battering. We can never legislate a heart.
 
As your bishop I am bound to receive and process complaints, but I do not believe it is helpful to engage in church trials. So, I will not refer any such complaints for a church trial. I say this not out of a sense of rebellion against the rules in our Book of Discipline but out of my pastor's heart that wishes to defend the people of our conferences against this destructive, divisive and expensive process.
 
The complaint paragraphs in the UM Book of Discipline call for a resolution that focuses on repairing any harm to people and communities and that can bring healing to all parties. Instead of filing a complaint, I suggest that those who have experienced harm begin with a conversation.
 
Engage people with whom you disagree. Hear their hearts and engage in humble inquiry about a person's life story and perspective. Explain where the harm is and craft a peace plan. And most importantly, pray with each other!
 
  Power of prayer to tear down walls, build a just peace
When I visited Germany last year and toured the former site of the Berlin Wall, our guide said that the Communist government was "no match for prayer and our candlelight vigils." The power of the risen Lord is available for us to tear down our walls, but we need to have the humble will to work at it and pray for it.
 
Is this not what Paul meant in Romans 12:18 when he said, "As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all"? I humbly suggest that you engage in these steps before sending a complaint to my office.
 
We are living in a "liminal" (transitional) time as we prepare for the May 5-15, 2020, General Conference. At that conference delegates will consider how we as a denomination can maximize our witness and craft a form of unity that brings a new wind of hope for all people.
 
Catch sight of God's vision of a church that is busy making disciples of Jesus Christ, a church that is engaging in ministry and mission, a church striving for equality and equity for all people.
 
We can only get there as we employ with grace all of the giftedness of the Body of Christ, not just one "side" or the other. Dividing our church would cut off some of our needed giftedness. We can only accomplish this vibrant ministry as we take down the walls in our hearts and "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God." (Micah 6:8)
 
I close this letter with two verses of a hymn that was sung in Germany during the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. It spread like wildfire around the churches, both East and West, as people yearned for freedom and unity. May it be a song in all of our hearts as well:
 
Have faith is God's new pathways, walk on in this new day.
God hopes you'll be a blessing for all upon the way.
The one who in the days gone by breathed life in us and hope,
Will lead us to the place where God wants and needs us most.
 
Have faith in God who shows us new paths that lead to life.
It's God who comes to meet us, the future is in God's hand.
Who follows God is full of hope, now and forevermore.
The door for us is open, the land is bright and free.

*"Tear down this wall" was the appeal U.S. President Ronald Reagan made in his Berlin Wall speech in West Berlin, Germany, on June 12, 1987.
 
Humbly submitted,
 
Bishop Peggy A. Johnson

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
of The United Methodist Church
 
THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
Wednesday, November 27
7 PM
MUSIC
Come Sing and Ring with Us!

 
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.
 
Joyful Voices!
Our Joyful Voices Choir is excited to announce we have welcomed five new members!  We would be thrilled to welcome even more new members. 
Any children grades K-4 are eligible to participate.  Rehearsals are on Sunday morning, following the 10:30 Worship Service.  Please consider having your child participate in the Joyful Voices choir. 

 
For more information on our Vocal and Handbell Choirs, please contact:  
Roy Nelson, Director
215-962-8928
roynel@aol.com 
 

ST. JOHN'S KIDS
 
St. John's Kids News
10:30 Service Only 
All children and youth please go directly to classrooms for Sunday School. 

Pre-K - 2nd Grade - Room B
Grades 3, 4 and 5 - Room A
Grades 6 thru 12 - Youth Room

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  
dbigam@gmail.com or cell 215-206-6779;  
Church 215-357-6998 
 
_______________________________________
 
We are proud to be bringing you this year's pageant...
"The Not-So-Silent Night"
 
Schedule for practice will be available November 10.   
If you have signed up to be in the show, all parts will be posted in the Education wing this Sunday!    

YOUTH GROUP
 
Fellowship and fun for youth grades 6 thru 12.

Looking for something meaningful to do on
Wednesday nights?
YOUTH GROUP  - Wednesday Nights!
That's right, it's now on Wednesdays!!!
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Join us for light snacks, a devo and fun.
___________________________________________
 
MORRISVILLE FOOD BANK MONDAY
Monday, November 11th
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!!!!
________________________________________________
   
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Sunday Mornings at 9:15 - Room E
This week's topic is "New Creation"
Are we ready?
_______________________________________________
And as always
Bring a Friend and Bring a Cn!

Have you HELPED anyone today?
Have you SAID SOMETHING NICE to anyone today?

David Bigam, Director of Children and Youth Ministries
dbigam@gmail.com

ADVENT STUDY
Down to Earth
Tuesdays, November 26 to December 17
10 AM and 7 PM
 
Facilitators: 
Pastor Janice and Pastor Sue
 
More than 2,000 years ago a baby was born in a backwater village of the Roman Empire - and the world was changed forever! In this 4-week Advent video study, Mike Slaughter explores the extraordinary story of how the Son of God chose to become a lowly human. We are challenged us to respond during Advent with down-to-earth love, humility, and obedience.
UMW

CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE 2019
    Sunday, November 17th -
Sunday, December 8th

Where does Santa keep his Elves?
Why, right here at St. John's United Methodist Church!
The Elves are busy decorating our Angel Tree with the names of needy families in our Philadelphia and Bucks County area.
 
Please take a tag from the tree, purchase a gift and return the unwrapped gift with the tag attached to the Narthex  
by Sunday Dec. 8th.

Should you have a gift receipt, please attach it to your gift with tape. This is a big help for the parents, should there be a change in size or a duplicate gift.

Thank you for sharing in this wonderful tradition and may you all have a truly blessed Holiday Season.

Should you have questions please contact Kathy Keppol at 215-357-7404 or speak to any of the United Methodist Women. 
Thanksgiving Turkey Collection
 
Thanksgiving is a time for a grateful heart, family togetherness and food.  Most of us are blessed with all three.  Many families, however, do not have the means to celebrate with the traditional feast we are accustomed to enjoying.   For years, the members of St. John's have worked diligently to try to correct this situation by donating turkeys for needy families.  Once again, we are collecting turkeys, free turkey certificates and monetary donations to provide a holiday meal for the less fortunate.   
 
Please bring donations to the church by November 24th.  Frozen turkeys may be placed in the freezer in the kitchen.  Certificates and donations can be placed in the bag on the UMW bulletin board.  
 
Thank you in advance for your support of this project.

OUTREACH
St. John's Christmas gift to our community!
December 15, 2019   5 PM - 8 PM
"Drive-thru Living Nativity"
Last year over 100 members of St. John's family were involved in this wonderful event. We were all blessed to be able to give our gift of
The Drive-thru Living Nativity to our community.
Over 200 cars drove through to experience the Christmas story - complete with live animals.

Volunteers Needed!
Sign-ups sheets are available in the Narthex!
 
If you missed this outreach opportunity
last year, please consider participating this year.
We guarantee that you will be blessed!

HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE TRIP!
Tuesday, December 17th

  • Bus leaves St. John's at 9:30 AM
  •  Matinee production of Our 2019 Holiday Musical,  a musical with songs, comedy sketches, dance numbers, and orchestra
  • $95 per person (includes deluxe motor coach transportation, full course meal, dessert buffet, tax & gratuity.)
  • Sign-up sheet in the Narthex, or contact Lara Bolte (610-945-5750 or larabolte@gmail.com).
  • Sign up by 12/10. Payment due ASAP. Make checks out to St. John's and write "Hunterdon" in the memo line.
 
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, from 6pm to 7:30pm  
in the Church Library
 
A complete schedule by topic, more details, and sign-ups are at:
Fall Session: Sept. 17 to Dec. 17, 2019   
*No Class on November 5 
 
Spring Session: Jan 28 to April 21, 2020  
  • 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:
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.
 

  
 
Surviving the Holidays Seminar
Saturday, November 23 
10 AM to 12 PM in the Library 
Sign-up available in the Narthex 
_______________________________________ 
GriefShare 13 week Sessions  
Mondays from 6:30-8:30 
 
2019-2020 GriefShare Schedule:
  • September 9-December 2, 2019:  13 Week Session
  • Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m. until noon in the Library -
    Surviving the Holidays seminar
  • January 6-April 6, 2020 (no class 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.

CPR CERTIFICATION
First Aid - AED Training

Dr. Andrew DeSaro will be offering an evening of CPR/First Aid/AED training

Tuesday, January 14th
6:30-9 PM
$35 per participant

Each participant will receive a book and will receive CPR certification.

Please sign up in the narthex ASAP!