SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

PASTOR'S REFLECTION

Hello St. John’s Family, 


  What a weekend! The energy and service; the laughter and love; the fellowship and community that are hallmarks of St. John’s Ivyland was on full display as you came together to offer an amazing Chicken BBQ for our community. I had the privilege of talking with a number of those community members, and many expressed their appreciation for your efforts. Many noted your spirit of genuine kindness and community that accompanies the excellent chicken and baked goods. Know how that is a beautiful reflection of the love of Christ being extended through you… and that others do see that! Thank you to Jack Donovan for coordinating the BBQ, and for everyone who came together to make the day a success. 


  Then on Sunday, many returned to worship and said yes to serving Christ in ministry and mission on Yes Day. At least 41 commitments were received to participate in the work we offer for Christ! Thank you to all who stepped forward. And for those who couldn’t attend, don’t worry – you didn’t miss your chance. There are many opportunities posted in the Narthex; look over the opportunities, fill out a card and join in the good work being accomplished for Christ at St. John’s.

  

 Over the weekend, as I was catching my breath and watching some football, I saw a commercial that made me chuckle. A father is driving, and upon seeing very high gas prices, he’s about to respond with very colorful language. However, he is interrupted by his daughter in the back seat, as she cries out “Dad!” while holding up a (very full) “swear jar” – with each coin in the jar representing a previous offense. I laughed… until I found myself sitting with my wife and daughter yesterday, and out of nowhere I let some colorful language fly! They thought it was hilarious (and wouldn’t let me hear the end of it). I, on the other hand, was quite embarrassed. 


 As I reflected a bit, this really troubled me. Not because I slipped up, as we all slip up from time to time. Rather, I was troubled by the frequency that crude, derogatory language is leveled at anything we do not agree with. Gas prices too high – curse. At a recent college volleyball match, fans at Brigham Young University allegedly yelled racist taunts at an opposing player. Shortly after, at football game, the visiting Brigham Young team heard a crude, derogatory chant directed toward Mormons. Let’s Go Brandon… a thinly veiled, crude remark against a politician. Make no mistake, this trend crosses the full spectrum of society: all political parties, all education levels, and unfortunately, many Christians, find themselves caught in this trap. If swear jars existed for crude, derogatory comments toward those we oppose or disagree with, many would find them overflowing. It's wrong, and it doesn’t reflect the light and love of Christ that we are to be known for. Christ ushered in a different way; a way we are called to follow.


This Sunday in worship, we’ll conclude our study of Esther. We’ll hear a powerful account of how God is faithful, bringing deliverance and redemption to a dire situation. We’ll also wrestle with the aftermath, as those who were delivered respond in a violent manner. Ultimately, we’ll consider how Christ directs us in a different way than cultural or worldly powers – a way where greatness is measured by our capacity for sacrificial love and service. I hope you’ll invest 20 minutes to read Chapters 5-10 in the book of Esther and Mark 10:35-45… and then join us Sunday in worship!



Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brad

WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures:
St. John's Policy Update
WORSHIP



Come Worship with us this Sunday,

September 25, 2022


Contemporary Praise Service

at 9:00 AM


Traditional Service

at 10:30 AM



This service can be viewed LIVE through
St. John's Youtube Channel
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.
yes day






Thank you to all who joined us for Yes Day!

FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNITY OUTREACH


SUNDAY, October 2, 2022

4:00 PM

ST. JOHN’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

(Front lawn)


(In case of rain, we will move to Fellowship Hall.)


Everyone is invited to attend with their animals (properly restrained, of course) as we give thanks for all God’s creation, and celebrate His gift of creatures, great and small.


Each animal will receive a personal blessing, a treat, a gift and a free picture of this special event.


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. 

Please contact Lou Lescas at stjohns820@gmail.com if you are available to help. 
 
Thank you for your support.

Recycling Event

to benefit Bright Futures Academy

(and our Planet Earth)


Through a program with the Trex Corporation, we are collecting clean and dry soft plastic bags (examples in flyer). Bags should be brought to St. John's and placed in the large white container in the Narthex. Upon collecting 500 lbs of material, Trex will provide us with a brand-new bench (can receive 1 bench every six months). Our first bench will be sent to the Bright Futures Academy for their new playground. This project is organized by two of our Youth Stars, Nicole & Melissa McDevitt. Click below for acceptable plastics to be recycled.

Recyclable Plastic Bags
The Grace Cafe is Open!
Stop by between services for a freshly brewed cup of Warrior Coffee, a sweet treat, and fellowship with your St. John's family.
Fellowship Team
Forming Now

Come join the fun and help to plan future opportunities to gather together as a Church family. We're looking for ideas from our youth and our "elders" and every age in between. Join the Fellowship Team or just come to planning sessions as you are able. Contact Pastor Ruth, Kathy Keppol or Lynne Tomlinson
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Kids Church and Sunday School is BACK with more great times and interesting Bible stories. Parents, please use the mobile check-in kiosk in the Education Wing before dropping your children off for Sunday School.


Pre-K - Grade 6


Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


We are so excited to welcome everyone back! This month we will focus on Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and talk about how God has been faithful to us.

We hope you’re enjoying our Journey Kids Newsletter!

YOUTH GROUP MINISTRIES

Grades 7 - 12

Sunday 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

Youth Room


WELCOME BACK!


This year our youth will try a new format. Starting this month, our Leaders will share devotional-based content and will encourage devotional time throughout the week. Based on feedback and input from our youth, they will also gather one Sunday each month and worship together in the sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. After worship, the youth will reflect on the scripture and sermon. The first "Sunday sermon debrief" will be September 25! Heidi Gutsch and Ashley Zesinger will Lead our youth again this year, but we need leaders and assistants! If you are able to serve periodically as a leader or assistant, or know someone who would be a good candidate to serve, please contact Pastor Brad. 





Youth Activities Calendar


Youth Sunday School is BACK!

Don't forget, 10:30 AM in the Youth room!

MUSIC MINISTRY


Music at St. John's


Our Music Ministry rehearsals have begun. There is still time to join. If you have any questions, please contact:


  • Director of Music Ministries, Roy Nelson
  • 215-962-8928
  • roynel@aol.com



JOYFUL VOICES CHOIR

The Joyful Voices Choir is for children in grades K-5. The Choir meets every Sunday following the 10:30 Worship Service. Rehearsals usually run about 45 minutes. The Joyful Voices sing twice a month at the 10:30 service. Singing Sundays are the FIRST and THIRD Sundays of the month.


 

YOUTH CHOIR (singing)

The Youth Choir is for children / youth in grades 6-12. The Choir meets every Sunday at 6:15 and the rehearsal lasts one hour. The Youth Choir sings twice a month at the 10:30 Worship Service. Singing Sundays are the SECOND and FOURTH Sundays of the month. Occasionally the choir will sing at the 9:00 Contemporary Worship. New members are welcome. Previous participation in a choir is not a requirement. 

 

ADULT CHOIR (singing)

Our Adult Choir presents music every week at the 10;30 Worship Service. The Adult Choir rehearses every Thursday night at 8:00. Rehearsals usually last until 9:30. New members who have had some singing experience are always welcome to join us for rehearsal. Please contact Roy Nelson for additional information.

 

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRAISE BAND

The Praise Band sings each week at the 9:00 Worship Service. Singers and instrumentalists (guitar / percussion) are invited to join us. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00. Adults and youth were invited to participate.

 

HOLY HANDBELLS (Handbell Choir)

We are hoping to re-start our Holy Handbell Choir. This Handbell Choir is for children grades 3-6. Rehearsals will be announced pending participation interest.  

 

GENesis Bells (Handbell Choir)

The GENesis Bells is a Handbell choir that includes both Youth and Adults. GENesis Bells rehearse on Sunday nights at 5:15 (before Youth Choir). The choir plays each month on the SECOND Sunday. There are several "vacancies" in our choir, due to members graduating. No previous experience with Handbells is necessary. Basic music knowledge is a plus for membership, but not required. Youth grades 6 - 12 are invited to participate. 

 

CELEBRATION RINGERS (Handbell Choir)

The Celebration Ringers rehearse once or twice a month, usually on Monday night. Previous Handbell experience is not necessary to join the choir. We have several spots open in the Celebration Ringers (Bass Bells and Middle Bells). Basic music knowledge is a plus for membership, but not required. Celebration Ringers play several times a year at "special events" and at some Sunday Worship Services. Please contact Roy Nelson for additional information.

 

RING OF FAITH (Handbell Choir)

The Ring of Faith Handbell Choir meets on Thursday nights at 6:45. The choir plays each month on the FOURTH Sunday. Presently, there are no opening in Ring of Faith, but experienced "subs" are needed. Please let Roy know if you are interested.


OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE


Join our

Volunteer Tech Team and see just how "Techie" you can be!


All ages welcome - youth, young adults, elder statesmen and stateswomen.

Amaze your family with your AV skills!


Skills taught weekly.


Contact church office

at 215-357-6998

BIBLE STUDIES & DEVOTIONALS

St. John's Book Club

"It's easy to feel at home in Mitford. In these high green hills, the air is pure, the village is charming, and the people are generally lovable. Yet, Father Tim, the bachelor rector, wants something more. Enter a dog the size of a sofa who moves in and won't go away. Add an attractive neighbor who begins wearing a path through the hedge. Now, stir in a lovable but unloved boy, a mystifying jewel thief and a secret that's 60 years old. A rich, provincial comedy in which mysteries and miracles abound."

Please join in on Wednesday, October 12, at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, in the Grace Cafe. All welcome. 

Leaders Barbara Schneider and

Carol Campbell


CONTRIBUTE A DEVOTION!!


Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. This should be a time for families to come together in prayer and devotion.


This has been another really difficult year for all of us. 

We look forward to a more normal Advent/Christmas season this year.


So, please consider writing a devotion for our Advent Devotional. As always we will have paper copies of the devotional available and, in addition we will be posting each day’s devotion online


If you are interested in contributing a devotion, please contact

Pastor Ruth.



We’ve started our Disciple III Fast Track, it’s not too late to join.



Our sessions are on  Wednesday evenings. This is a 24-week comprehensive study with manageable daily scripture readings. The first half focuses on Old Testament prophets; the second half on the Letters of Paul.

This is a wonderful opportunity to study God's Word, strengthen your faith, and form lasting friendships with fellow Disciples.


Please contact the office if you are planning to attend or if you need a book

215-357-6998


Ken Lee, facilitator

Disciple III FastTrack study guides on The Prophets and Letters of Paul can be purchased online from The Well Bookstore, UM Church of the Resurrection
Order Study Guides

Tuesday Morning Zoom Bible Study

Starting Tuesday, September 20th

at 10:30 AM

Join us for our Zoom Class which will explore the three words in ancient Greek (the language of the New Testament) which are used to define” love”. You may be surprised to find out how we English speaking Christians misuse one of the most important words in the scriptures. To join contact Paul Henry at phenry605@verizon.net to obtain the pass codes for the Zoom session.

The Zoom class meets Tuesdays at 10:30 am.

           CLICK HERE for Fall Schedule.

UWF/UMM

Red Bird Mission would like to include sports balls in the Christmas boxes for kids in the Beverly, KY area. The Communion offering on Sunday, October 2nd will go to Red Bird. Monetary donations will also be accepted on September 25th and added to the Communion Offering amount. 

Please contact Carol Campbell 215-431-7452 or Linda Barr 215-773-9865 with any questions.

Thank you in advance for your generosity! 

United Methodist Men




A big Thank You goes out to all who attended and especially to those who helped in the kitchen


Next meeting is on October 15th, 2022- breakfast meeting.

Agenda: Chicken BBQ Recap

and a Guest Speaker.




PRAYERS & PRAISE
Prayer List



Prayer requests can be submitted

online (click here).or through the church email at

office.stjumc@gmail.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

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 office.stjumc@gmail.com

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.

 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,
email Lou Lescas at stjohns820@gmail.com
ST.JOHN'S LINKS & INFORMATION
St. John's Staff
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!
View St John's Budget 2022
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
Devotionals
Announcements/Weekly Newsletter
Worship Videos
St. John's Bell Choir Videos
Click here to share your favorite St. John's photos with us!
Flowering Cross Photos





Please send all Cornerstone announcements and news by

1:00 PM each Wednesday to office.stjumc@gmail.com.


Thank you! :) 

CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266


St. John's Ivyland UMC

820 Almshouse Road

Ivyland, PA 18974


215-357-6998/office.stjumc@gmail.com

stjohnsivyland.com

Rev. Brad Leight, Sr. Pastor



Thank you to everyone who has followed us on Instagram! If you haven't yet, please do so! 


@stjohnsivyland



www.instagram.com/stjohnsivyland

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