As I thought about the powerful impact of encouraging words, I was also reminded of the destructive power of harsh words. I sense most of us have been mocked or called a name at some point in our lives, and thus understand how those experiences impact us in powerful ways. One of our most dangerous human tendencies is to use words to denigrate those who we disagree with, or who may simply be different than us in some way. In seminary, I formed a close friendship with a fellow student about my age who is African American. I will never forget the time he shared how, as a young child, the father of one of his playmates came down the street and pulled his young friend away by the arm, saying “You’re not gonna play with that [racial epithet] anymore.” While I’m thankful those words are no longer tolerated broadly in our society, I also recognize how too many people still encounter similar words. It grieves me greatly that any person would have to face the crushing weight of those hurtful words.

  I think we all recognize how our society at large is wrestling with the impact and power of our words. Much of that discussion has to do with freedoms and rights in a legal sense. And yes, those are very important considerations that must be carefully discerned. Yet I sense that, for followers of Christ Jesus, there is a more important consideration: how do our words reflect the image of our Lord? In other words, do our words affirm and bring Christ honor, or do they conflict with the teachings and example of Christ’s life? I believe the answers to those questions are crucial in our calling to embody God’s goodness and peace in this broken world! In closing, I’ll leave you with a short prayer to help us all allow God to guide our words. May it be so-

    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

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: Re-opening Letter to the Congregation

Communion Offering: Eastwick Food Bank Ministry

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!

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

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 for the opening weeks as we discover What's In the Bible!  

Whether it’s the kid being bullied at school, the children in other countries without enough to eat, or someone in their neighborhood being judged by the color of their skin, chances are our youth have all seen or experienced injustice in the world. And it’s probably caused them to stop and think, “Someone should do something about that!” Join us as we try to answer questions like "why is this happening," "what should I do," and "where is God?" at the same time discovering how much Jesus cares about injustice and how we can see something, say something, and do something in response.

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. 

What a year! We've managed to press on through the Covid Virus, political tensions, loss of life, loss of jobs and of course the loss of incomes. Our congregation can help with one of these tragedies by bringing non-perishable food items to church and placing them in the barrel located at the front entrance. The United Methodist Women will be collecting food on all four Sundays in February. 

February 20^th at  10 AM

online (click here).or through the church email, stjumc@aol.com. 

The Red Bird Mission are CLOSED for the winter.

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. 

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 

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

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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!