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
Book Club
Music
GriefShare
Divorce Care
Souperbowl Sundays
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  
January 26, 2020
"Follow Me!
Matthew 4:18-22


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, January 23
6:45pm
  Ring of Faith
 
7:30pm
  NA
 
7:30pm
  Al-Anon
 
8:00pm
  Adult Choir
 
Sunday, January 26
9:00am
  Adult Sunday School
 
10:30am
  Children & Youth Sunday School
 
11:30am  
Joyful Voices  
 
6:00pm
  Youth Choir
 
Tuesday, January 28
5:45pm
  GENesis Bells
 
6:00pm
  Divorce Care
 
6:30pm
Girl Scout Troop 2395 Meeting  
 
7:00pm
  Praise Band
 
7:30pm
  AA
 
Wednesday, January 29
6:30pm
  Youth Group
 
7:00pm
  Gospel of Matthew
 
Thursday, January 30
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 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!
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  stjohns820@gmail.com

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 23, 2020
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
            As St. John's prepares for a pastoral change in July, I want to expand a bit in regard to the steps in the appointment process in the United Methodist Church. I briefly outlined the process in an article several months back. However, I've become aware in the last few weeks that many of you have questions and are somewhat confused about the way a new pastor is appointed in our denomination. The good news is that you will not be without a pastor for months or years as is common with a denominational "call" system; you also will not be sent a "interim" or a "bridge" pastor, and you will not be asked to form a pastoral "search" or "call" committee. The reason for this is that the United Methodist church has an "appointment" system, which means that our bishop (Peggy Johnson), with input from the cabinet (made up of all the district superintendents) appoints clergy to serve churches throughout the Annual Conference.
 
            The reality is that many of you have come to            St. John's from other denominations and may not be aware of the process. Others of you are life-long Methodists but        St. John's has, very unusually, not been through a true pastoral change in almost 24 years - an extraordinarily long time in a denomination such as ours where the ordained clergy are "itinerant." In other words, a change of pastors is very foreign to most of our members and attenders. The unusual thing is that I served St. John's for seven years as Associate Pastor (Bill Thompson was Senior Pastor) and when Pastor Bill retired in 2008, the SPRC requested that the Bishop appoint me as Senior Pastor. As it so happened, that request was granted (and I give thanks for that!) but it hardly felt like a pastoral change, did it?
 
         The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is the team who is now working closely with the District Superintendent throughout this process. As background, we ordained elders are clergy members of the Annual Conference and we are appointed annually to full-time pastoral charges within our Conference. We are all "itinerant" (the itineracy is one of John Wesley's historic General Rules which are still in effect today). Being "itinerant" means that we move around to fill the pastoral needs of the Annual Conference at the direction of the Bishop. Each one of us is re-appointed every July 1st either to our current "charge" or to another one, as needed. So the ordained clergy are not members of any local church - we are "Members in Full Connection" of the Annual Conference, and we are appointed by the Bishop to serve a particular church (or, in some cases, several small churches) for a one-year period each July 1st (incidentally, this is why retirements happen in June).
 
            When it comes to pastoral changes, we are not a "congregational" church where decisions are made by vote of the entire congregation. Instead, United Methodist churches make decisions by vote (or consensus) of elected leaders serving 3-year terms (with a 2-term limit) on administrative committees. SPRC is the committee that is charged with planning for and facilitating the appointment of a new pastor.
 
            Each year at Charge Conference, a lengthy "Church Profile" is submitted which gives guidance to the Bishop regarding all of the details of what makes a congregation "tick". It speaks about things like mission priorities, strategic goals, a congregation's successes and challenges; it speaks about what the surrounding community is like, and many other aspects of the ministry of a congregation. This information is used to help the bishop and cabinet make decisions about pastoral needs. In addition, since there is to be a pastoral change this year, the SPRC has had input as well. They've met with our District Superintendent, Tracy Bass, and helped provide direction helpful to the appointment process.
 
            Once the bishop has made a decision regarding the appointment of a new pastor, the SPRC is notified and an "intake interview" is scheduled where the SPRC will have the opportunity to meet, speak with, and ask questions of the new pastor. Once this process is complete, the SPRC will be instructed to announce the name of the pastor to the congregation. I expect that an announcement will be made at St. John's very soon since this is the month that most appointments to larger churches are being made.
 
            When I retire in June, I will have served St. John's for 19 years and I am extremely thankful to God and to our Annual Conference for allowing me this opportunity to serve alongside such faithful and committed people. However, I know, and so do you, that change is never easy. For one thing, this church is truly my family and it will be extremely difficult to leave, but I know it is time for me to listen to God's nudging. Although I may serve a church part-time in the North District where I'll be residing, I also hope for more time to explore different avenues of ministry. One thing I know is that God is a God Who constantly leads us toward new adventures as long as we keep following His lead.
 
           I also know that it is through God that all good things come! And God has great things in store for St. John's Ivyland. I give thanks that God gives us all unique gifts and graces for ministry and I trust that God will provide St. John's with the pastoral leadership needed to move forward in the years ahead. God is good - all the time! All the time - God is good!
 
                                                      Pastor Janice
Puerto Rico Earthquake Relief
Urgent help is needed to fund the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in Puerto Rico.
Please use a pink envelope (in pew rack) marked with the designation "Puerto Rico" in order to donate toward these relief efforts. Checks should be made out to St. John's United Methodist Church. As always, donating through UMCOR means that 100% of your donation will be used directly for relief work.
Thank you for your generosity!
ST. JOHN'S KIDS
 
St. John's Kids News
All children and youth please go directly to classrooms for Sunday School - 10:30 Service Only.

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 
 
_______________________________________

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 dbigam@gmail.com
BIBLE STUDY
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.
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
"Living a Holy Life"
 
Are you living a Holy life?
Would you know if you were?
_____________________________________________
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
dbigam@gmail.com

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
 
Broadway Night WILL NOT  
be held on Saturday, February 1st.   
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
roynel@aol.com  
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:
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 from Sunday January 12th 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 ecampbell6@aol.com.  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 edcampbell6@aol.com 
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!