May 13, 2021
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
Hello St. John’s Family,
 
  First, a few quick updates: we have 5 new neighbors, as the baby bluebirds hatched in early May! A few pictures are included, from May 4 (likely very close to when they hatched), May 7 (a face only a mother can love), and May 11 (a lot of growth in one week). For me, these pictures present a vivid reminder of both the beauty and fragility of life, as those hatchlings are completely dependent on Mom and Dad. Yet, in that dependency, the hatchlings also rest easily. I can’t help but think those pictures have much to teach us about our relationship with God, as we are also fragile beings in a harsh world, dependent on God’s provision and grace. We certainly have responsibilities, as those young bluebirds will soon learn. Yet trust placed in a good and trustworthy Source brings peace and contentment. Hold on to that in the difficult and anxious moments of life.
  
  Also, as many have heard, on Friday, May 7th a number of St. John’s members were contacted by text as part of a scam to solicit gift cards. The text appeared to come from me, though it was not from my cell phone number, and accurately addressed the recipients by their first name. Unfortunately, the Northampton Police were not able to track the number to a person, as a number masking app was likely used. We do not know how the targeted information was obtained, though it is likely it was collected from information publicly available through web searches. Thanks to your attentiveness, we were able to get the word out about the scam quickly.

 Please know that I or anyone on the St. John’s staff will never contact you by a text or email with a link for money/donations. If you receive a message that appears suspect, please call the Office (215-357-6998) and get confirmation on the details before responding or clicking a link. Also know that we are incredibly sensitive to privacy concerns and do not publicly post or share personal information.
 
  Sadly, the text scam some of us encountered was not the only instance of unsettling deception over the past week. We also heard of a major petroleum pipeline being hacked and subsequently shut down. Analysts estimate that 45% of the fuel used on the east coast flows through this pipeline, meaning shortages – and likely price increases – are on the way. Some of our southern neighbors are already experiencing these issues. Officials are also telling us not to “hoard gas” in the way that toilet paper, household cleaners, hand sanitizer, and (believe it or not) Raman noodles were hoarded early on in the pandemic. Perhaps I’m getting a little grumpy… but… which is it?!? Are shortages coming that we must prepare for, or are we ok?

  Joking aside, I sense one of the most difficult aspects of our modern life is constantly sifting through contradicting information. This has always been a challenge, yet I think that challenge has greatly accelerated in recent years. It seems that clear, direct, truthful answers to anything have gone the way of the dinosaur, as leaders and officials are afraid to be second-guessed or proven wrong – especially if information changes in an evolving situation. The lack of clear, truthful answers has bred broad distrust and skepticism, to the point of threatening the foundation of our society. To which Jesus says, All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;anything beyond this comes from the evil one (Matt. 5:37).

   Yes, Jesus was calling out showy oaths when he made that statement. Yet I sense this guidance is sorely needed in contemporary public discourse. In my note last week, I asked for prayer for elected leaders and public officials; I repeat that request now. Pray for a strong sense of obligation for honesty, integrity, and clarity in their work. Also pray for our ability to trust in Christ’s guidance and live such that Christ’s honesty, integrity, and sacrificial love are modeled for the world. In doing that, I believe we’ll offer a refreshing witness that others will notice. After all, as I said above, trust placed in a good and trustworthy Source brings peace and contentment!
 
                                                                                                     Grace and Peace,
                                                                                                           Pastor Brad
WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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. 

Worshippers will be seated in an alternating pattern, where one row has attendees seated at each end, a row is left vacant, and the following row has attendees seated in the middle of the row. The next row will remain vacant, then the pattern will repeat. Utilizing this approach can potentially increase attendance by 50%, depending on the number of people in each registration.

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.

One final reminder: if you are not feeling like your normal, healthy self, please do not attend worship. Thank you for your perseverance as we eagerly anticipate the day when Covid mitigation measures are a thing of the past.
 
Worship this Sunday, May 16, 2021
2 in-person services offered: One at 9 AM in the Sanctuary and
one at 10:30 AM in Fellowship Hall
Reservations via SignUp Genius required.

A recording of the 9 AM service will be posted to our website upon completion
www.stjohnsivyland.com

Past worship service videos can also be found:

The Baptism of Ryleigh Patricia Dingler,
daughter of Michael and Jamie Dingler, will be celebrated at the 9 AM service.
Reservations are open until until capacity is reached or Noon on Friday, whichever comes first.
Please update the SignUp Genius or contact the church office if there's a need to cancel your reservation so another may have the opportunity to attend.
Thank you!
Next Week, May 23 - Confirmation Sunday at the 9 AM service
After a long wait, the 2020 Confirmation Class is excited to profess their faith in Christ
and be officially welcomed as members in the St. John's family.
June 6 - New Members Sunday and Graduate Recognition
NEW MEMBER SUNDAY

If you feel you have found a church home at St John's, we invite you to become a member!
Our next "New Member Sunday" will be
Sunday, June 6, 2021. Those wishing to become members of St. John's will be invited to take the vows of membership during the worship services.
The only "requirement" for membership is that you feel a commitment to Christ and a desire to make St. John's your church family. If you feel God calling you to take this next step on your faith journey, we welcome you with open arms!

 If you are considering membership, please contact the church office (215-357-6998, stjumc@aol.com) or Pastor Ruth (outreachstjohns@yahoo.com) for further information..
GRADUATE RECOGNITION
Sunday, June 6th 
9 AM Worship Service

Please call or email the church office the name and school
of any St. John's graduate completing high school or college this spring.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
We are all meeting outside this week weather permitting! Pre-K - 6 will meet in the church parking lot at a NEW TIME 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Our Youth will meet in the church parking lot from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. as usual. If it rains, everyone will resume Zoom Sunday School.
Young Children (Pre-K - Grade 2)
What's In The Bible?
Sundays @ 10:45 am

Join Buck Denver and a group of hilarious friends as they journey through the Bible and discover what it means for us. Amy Scarlett will lead us as we discover What's In the Bible! Lesson length: 20-25 minutes.
Older Elementary Children (Grades 3 - 6)
Orange 252 Kids Sundays @ 10:45 am

Growing in faith is not something that happens by merely cramming more information about the Bible into a child’s brain. That knowledge means nothing if we don’t help our kids experience what that knowledge can do in their hearts. This month, we will talk about how to experience faith, how to practice faith, and how important it is to stay committed to our faith.
Lesson length: 25-35 minutes
Youth Study - Orange High School XP3
Sundays @ 11:30 am
Church Parking Lot (weather permitting)
Masks required
Bring your own chair and pen and paper!

People talk about “loving God” all the time, but how do you connect to someone who you can’t see and never seems to audibly respond? Join us as we try to answer this question and explore the faith habits that make it possible to connect with an invisible God. 
For more information, please contact Susan Seamans, Director of Children's Ministry: childrensministry.stjumc@gmail.com
OUTREACH
SEWING GROUP
 
St. John’s Mission Sewing Group is continuing our work on Sani-Panis for young girls in Africa.
 
We are in need of donations of flannel material and
 sew-on Velcro. There will be a box in the Narthex as well as one outside of Fellowship Hall for donations.
 
If you have any questions, please contact me at outreachstjohns@yahoo.com or
215-357-6998, ex 306. Thank you for your Heart for Missions. Pastor Ruth
During the Easter season we celebrate the resurrection of
our Lord and Savior and the new life it brings to us.
 
As a symbol of this new life, we gave packets of seeds to everyone on Easter Sunday morning. We invite you to plant
these seeds and watch as they burst forth
from seed to beautiful flowers.
 
When your flowers are in full bloom,
Take a picture and share it with us.
 
Please share your photos to:
 You can also go to our website and click More>Photos from dropdown menu www.stjohnsivyland.com/
 
Thank you for helping us share the beauty and love
of new resurrection life this Easter season!
BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday Evening Bible Study with Ken Lee Wednesdays, 7 PM
Letters of John and Jude
using the William Barclay New Study Bible.

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.

Please contact Ken Lee or the office by phone or email if you plan to attend. 215-357-6998, stjumc@aol.com.

MOSES BIBLE STUDY
In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet

Thursdays beginning May 13
Six week course
2 sessions offered at 10 AM and 7PM on ZOOM.
Book and Video components
Please contact the church office if interested in attending.
The Zoom Class, “Thinking About God” has ended for the summer months. Thank you to those persons who faithfully attended and participated. We will begin again in September, we hope you will join us for spiritually enriching conversation and thought-provoking study of the scriptures and Christian themes.
UMW/UMM
Big Event……The Last Recovery Men’s Breakfast!!
Saturday, May 15th at 10 AM
Sycamore Grill, Newtown
 
Program:  Planning September 18th Chicken BBQ
If you played a part in previous BBQ’s, please come !!!!
 
New Business: Next Breakfast and Where…….????
      August Meeting for September BBQ
Consideration:  Congregation Picture Directory/ United Methodist Men Project !!!!
 
Look forward to seeing you all………..Jack Donovan, Church Member

Please Contact Paul Henry or Jack Donovan if interested in attending!
 Naomi Circle Future Mission Project
What: new bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths.
Where: to be sent to Red Bird Mission for their Christmas gift boxes.
When: Month of June
PRAYERS


Prayer requests can be submitted
online (click here).or through the church email, stjumc@aol.com
Prayer requests are reviewed
Monday-Friday AM.

All "Ongoing Prayer Concerns"
will be listed for two weeks.
 Please submit a new prayer request,
if you desire to renew the listing for 2 additional weeks.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY 
Hand made prayer shawls (or lap robes for men) are again available for those experiencing serious illness, bereavement, or other major life issue. Each comes in a sealed plastic bag. Recipients need not be members of St. John's. Requests can be made via the comments section of the prayer request form on the church website, by calling or emailing the church office, or by calling Carol Rice at 215-357-1203. Requesters will be notified of contactless pickup arrangements at the main entrance of church building.
MISSIONS/OUTREACH
The Red Bird Mission Trailers will be open for Donations Tentatively on May 22nd
on Weekends from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

The Upper Room Devotionals
for May/June will be available in the Narthex,
outside of Fellowship Hall,
and in a container on the front porch of the church.
Be sure to pick up one for yourself and one for a friend.

DONATIONS NEEDED 
Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry are needed 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.
GIVING
MOBILE GIVING

  • Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
  • Click on the 'Give' button in red, Donate Any Amount and register.

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 
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 confidential. 

You may also send your tithes and offerings to the church office:
820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA 18974

If you have any questions about mobile or text giving,
email Lou Lescas at stjohns820@gmail.com
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.
If your contact information changes: 
address, phone, email, etc.
please notify the church office at 215-357-6998 or stjumc@aol.com and we'll be sure to update your information in our files.
Thank you!
WHAT'S HAPPENING!

The latest Devotionals, News and Worship Videos can be be accessed below, as well as, under the
"What's Happening"tab on our website.
www.stjohnsivyland.com
HELP NEEDED

Two significant needs and great opportunities to serve at St. John's!

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!
CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266


St. John's Ivyland
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
215-357-6998/stjumc@aol.com
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Sr. Pastor