Hello St. John’s Family,
Here we go again… another week, another “potential” winter storm. Or maybe not. About 24 hours before the first snowflakes may fly, we really don’t know what to expect. I had to chuckle; in a 12-hour period, the weather app on my phone went from a 70% probability of snow on Saturday, to zero (no snowflake at all!), and then back to a 50% probability. Which pretty much mirrors the reporting on local news stations. I have a deep respect for the difficulty involved in weather forecasting, yet I wish we could get a little clarity.
I am thankful that Sunday morning looks to be clear, and we’ll be able to gather and worship together. As a reminder, whenever there’s a threat of winter storms, please watch your email or our Facebook page in case we need to alter our schedule. Also, if you are uncertain about the safety of road conditions, play it safe and join us online for worship.
On a much different note, I came across a story today about a local teenager who jumped into action when two other teens were in danger. Cory Hemberger, of Middletown Township, and a friend were leaving a local lake Sunday afternoon after playing ice hockey. As they were walking away, they heard frantic screams for help. Two younger teens had fallen through the ice and were now in the frigid water.
Cory and his friend quickly jumped into action. As the ice continued to crack, Cory cautiously walked toward the two youth who fell in, extended his hockey stick to them, and pulled them to safety. Later, when a parent of one of the persons rescued offered to buy him something as a reward, Cory humbly declined, saying “if I was in that situation, I would want somebody to help me too.”
As I read about Cory’s actions, I was struck by his empathy, willingness to help, and humility. So often today, young people are labelled as self-centered and unwilling to help others; Cory jumped right in. Similarly, I’ve seen our St. John’s youth willingly jump in to help each other and members of our congregation in times of need. I’ve also seen their moments of frustration that come from misguided perceptions often attached to young people. I’m thankful that many young people are much more like Cory and our wonderful young people at St. John’s, and I hope the picture of a “typical youth” begins to shift.
As I reflected on this, I began to wonder: what are we – Christ’s Church – known for? What are the characteristics that define us in the eyes of others, and how does that align with what Christ desires? Do our attitudes and actions paint an accurate and desirable picture of life together serving Christ, or do they conflict with that? I hope you’ll reflect on those questions too… and then join in worship this Sunday, as we take a closer look at the mark that defines the Body of Christ.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Brad
Those interested in reading more about the ice rescue can do so here:
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WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS |
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: |
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Worship this Sunday,
January 30, 2022
Contemporary Service
at 9:00 AM
Traditional Service
at 10:30 AM
This service can be viewed LIVE through
St. John's Youtube Channel
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or on our homepage:
www.stjohnsivyland.com
Past worship service videos can also be found:
Auto-generated closed captions are usually provided by YouTube about a week after the service has posted for the hearing impaired.
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- Sunday School helpers
- Ushers
- Greeters
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Children's Activities This Week
- Children's Sunday School at 10:30 AM
Parents, children will check-in at the mobile cart
in the Education Wing
- Joyful Voices Choir rehearsal Sunday 11:30 AM
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Pre-K - Grade 6
Sundays
10:30 - 11:30 AM
We trust God no matter what. Even when we face unexpected circumstances, we can respond to them with self-control. We can trust that we don't need to rush in or take matters into our own hands. We can trust that God is working. Please come and join us!
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Youth Activities This Week
January 30th 10:30 AM
Sunday 6:15 PM
Sunday evening
January 30th 7:15 - 8:30 PM
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Sunday,
January 30, 2022
Grades 7 - 12
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL at 10:30 AM in the Youth Lounge
From off-brand cereals to knock-off luxury items, we know that anything of value probably has a counterfeit version floating around out there. The same is true for our faith. Maybe copying the behaviors of other believers was a great place to start your faith journey (we all start somewhere), but how can we move beyond copying Christians to actually following Jesus? How do we make our faith our own? The difference between a counterfeit faith and an authentic faith is growth and heart change.
Join Mrs. Gutsch and Mrs. Zesinger and discover that God can use just about anything to help us grow a faith of our own.
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Youth Night
Grades 7 - 12
This Sunday,
January 30, 2022
7:15 - 8:30 pm
Youth Lounge
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Next Confirmation Class
1st Communion Sunday
Sunday, February 06th
10:30 AM
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All God's Children Have a Place in the Choir!
Join the choir - you'll be glad you did.
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Living Nativity Participants, please return your laundered costume to the church as soon as possible. We are still missing Angels A2, 12 & 16; Shepherd SH 7. Thank you for participating and thank you to all who have returned their costumes.
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Donations Needed of
Non-perishable foods
Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex
Volunteers are also needed to deliver food and clothing to the Eastwick Food Bank.
Thank you for your support.
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BIBLE STUDIES & DEVOTIONALS |
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Wednesday nights
at 7 PM in the parlor
Throughout Scripture, the people who were moved by the Holy Spirit knew Him in a personal way. In this study, we will gain a better understanding of the role the Holy Spirit played in the lives of early believers, and how we too can personally know the Holy Spirit in our own life.
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Please contact Ken Lee to order a book, Cost is $20.00 |
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Special Zoom Session featuring
Blair Revak, MD
Tuesday,
February 8th
at 10:30 AM
‘OH GOD, I HAVE CANCER”
On Tuesday, February 8th, Paul Henry’s Zoom class will feature Blair Revak, MD, speaking of her husband’s nearly two-year journey through a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. David, her husband, also a physician, died in 2014, but during his two years of treatment following the diagnosis, David dealt with his feelings by beginning to paint. During that time period he completed over 70 paintings, many with religious themes.
David and Blair practiced medicine for 33 years in Bloomsburg, PA. They relocated to Arizona to be closer to family and David continued as a physician with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. David played college football, and with relaxed time he became a season ticket holder with the Arizona Cardinals. He also was a season patron of the Phoenix Symphony. After years of long hours in family practice he and Blair were enjoying retirement. Then came the diagnosis.
On Zoom, Blair will show us the art work he did and discuss David’s journey through his diagnosis and treatment.
Blair is a life-long active Lutheran, and she facilitates grief support groups and speaks on grief.
If you wish to join the Zoom group for this special session please contact Paul at 215-962-6719, or email at phenry605@verizon.net
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Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Topics will include:
- Three-part series based on Dan Patterson's book "Questioning Christianity"
- Special guest speaker Blair Revak, MD
- Old Testament Heroes and Heroines
- C. S. Lewis - The Great "Apologist"
of the 20th Century
Contact Paul Henry at phenry605@verizon.net for Zoom info
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St. John's Book Club
When God Winks
by Squire Rushnell substantiates that every single one of us can constantly be guided by God. When you think about your own life, you realize just how important coincidences are. The question is are they really coincidences?
Join us Wednesday,
February 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM or 7:00 PM in the Grace Cafe'. Carol Campbell & Barbara Schneider, facilitators.
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We're back for another award-winning team effort!
UMW Souper Bowl Sundays
Now thru
February 13th
Please place your donations of non-perishable food items in the big green barrel located just off the Narthex. This year, food donations will go to
Jesus Focus Ministry Food Pantry at Bethanna.
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Please save your aluminum tab tops for the UMW Naomi Circle collection for Ronald McDonald House. The collection bin is beneath the UMW bulletin board just off the Narthex.
Thank you for supporting this worthy cause.
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United Methodist Men
February Breakfast Meeting
St. John's has talent!
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St. John’s congregation has talented people with many wonderful and exciting experiences to share. United Methodist Men will be featuring this talent at their monthly meetings on the third Saturday of each month.
Our February speaker will be
Wade (Sandy) Rice.
Sandy is a retired military transportation specialist for the Department of Defense. He finished his Federal career as the Transportation Officer at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Sandy has been active for almost 40 years in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Historical Society, where he served on the Board of Directors, gave presentations at railroad history conferences, and authored articles published in its historical journal. Since moving to Bucks County, he has also become a member of the Reading Railroad Technical and Historical Society. Sandy's presentation will focus on The Baltimore Locomotive Works, which was a Philadelphia industrial giant from 1831 to 1951.
Please join us at The Sycamore Grill, 255 North Sycamore Street, Newtown on
Saturday, February 19th at 10 a.m.
We will enjoy a great breakfast and good fellowship, as well as Sandy's interesting presentation. Other talent who will be sharing with us in future months will include Jonathan Seamans.
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Prayer requests can be submitted
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.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
10 AM in the Parlor.
Come join us in knitting/crocheting various items for those in need.
Contact Carol Rice for more information.
Requests for prayer shawls or lap robes to comfort those experiencing serious illness, bereavement, or other major life issues may be made through the prayer request form on the church website, or by contacting the church office
at 215-357-6998 or stjumc@aol.com.
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MOBILE GIVING
- Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
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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.
TEXT GIVING
Simply 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!
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,
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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!
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Click on the button below to view the video about Bright Future Academy at El Mesias UMC, the recipient of our
2021 Advent Offering
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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
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CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266 |
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St. John's Ivyland
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Sr. Pastor
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