Hello St. John’s Family,
In a society and culture often marked by division, the difficult reality is that conflict is often present within the Church. Many denominations and independent / non-denominational congregations have struggled with increasing conflict over important concerns, including foundational theology and beliefs, the historical prevalence and lack of response to all forms of abuse, and differing understandings of human sexuality – just to name a few. The United Methodist Church has wrestled with many of these concerns for a long time; recent years, though, have brought some of the UMC’s conflicts more prominently into view. The depth of these concerns has resulted in some congregations – from a range of differing theological perspectives – investigating separation from the UMC. I’ve received some questions regarding this recently and wanted to share a few thoughts from my perspective.
The best definition of theology I’ve encountered is faith seeking understanding, as stated by St. Anselm in the 11th century and traced to St. Augustine in the 5th century. Everything begins with faith: the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Thus, there is a foundation in which we must place our trust. Ultimately, that foundation is the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Tenets such as the full divinity and humanity of Christ; the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead to break the power of death over all creation; the saving work of grace accomplished through Christ and the cross; the authority of scripture to reveal the love of God; the grace of Christ, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit; and the covenantal relationship God desires with every human form the basis of this faith. These are many of the foundational understandings we place our trust in as we seek to know and more fully understand God and God’s ways, so we can live such that those ways reveal God’s goodness and love to all people.
As we seek greater understanding of God’s ways, conflict will inevitably occur. I earnestly believe the differences that will surface as we seek God can be healthy, so long as our foundational faith is maintained. What makes the current environment so challenging is that some believe foundational tenets are being compromised while others do not. Questions abound, and trust is very low. As noted above, some congregations are investigating and even pursuing separation. With all that swirling, the biggest question is obvious: will this impact us at St. John’s? The answer is yes… and no.
Yes, St. John’s will be impacted… simply because we already have been impacted. The conflict, uncertainty, and questions have impacted a number of you, as you’ve wondered if our denomination is splitting or if our beliefs are changing. This uncertainty takes a real toll, as it consumes energy that should be focused on extending our Open Arms and Serving Hands, Transforming Lives Through Christ. I firmly believe that mission must be our unwavering focus. We cannot hide our eyes to the reality of conflict, yet we also cannot let conflict move us from Christ’s call.
I feel it’s also important to emphasize that monumental changes will not simply happen. Denominational uncertainty will remain until the next General Conference in 2024, and likely beyond. You have my commitment to keep abreast of current updates, to share developments with leadership and congregants alike, and to be available for questions. In all our efforts, we will remain committed to Christ and Christ’s work here, such that the transforming love of God is extended to all people. That will not change.
In this time where conflict and uncertainty abound, I seek your prayers. Pray for our congregation, for our leaders, and for me. Pray the Holy Spirit will strengthen and guide us to live out our mission with energy, excellence, and unwavering love. In doing that, I am absolutely convinced St. John’s Ivyland will continue to be an amazing, vital congregation committed to Christ’s work for a long, LONG time.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Brad
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Come Worship with us this Sunday,
July 17, 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
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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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St. John's UMC, Ivyland
American Red Cross Blood Drive
You did it again! We exceeded our goal and collected 50 units of blood! That’s 150 lives positively affected by those who donated! We could not have done it without the generosity of our blood donors and volunteers!
Yes - God is Good!
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St. John's Chicken BBQ
Saturday,
September 17, 2022
Food, Fun, Fellowship
Save the date to volunteer and to have a great dinner, too.
And don't forget to invite
all your friends!
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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.
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Kids Church and Sunday School will be back in September with more great times and interesting Bible stories. Enjoy summer worship with your family. |
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Youth Activities Calendar
Youth Sunday School and regular Sunday night Youth Group will resume in the fall. Check back regularly for summer happenings including Community Campfire nights, which start July 6th
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Community Campfires in July and August
Starting on
July 6th
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All ages Community Campfires
Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring your family members. Bring a chair
and a soft drink!
Hot dogs and marshmallows provided.
7:30 - 9 PM
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Throughout the summer months, our Music Ministry features special music by many of our talented singers and musicians. Be sure to let them know how their gifts enriched your worship experience.
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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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St. John's Book Club
Wednesday, August 3rd
10 AM and 7 PM
The Personal Librarian is fictionalized telling of the lifework of Belle da Costa Greene, the personal librarian to J. P. Morgan, as well as the first director of the Morgan Library & Museum
Facilitators: Carol Campbell and
Barbara Schneider
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Starting in the Fall of 2022
Think you know all about the Old Testament prophets? And why should you care anyway?
You may be surprised!
Our next study on Wednesdays evenings will be Disciple III FastTrack. 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.
Ken Lee, facilitator
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Disciple III FastTrack study guide on The Prophets available at Cokesbury or Christianbook.com or other online providers. |
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To view the video shown on UWF Sunday, please click
the link.
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United Methodist Men
We're back . . .
with a Gourmet Breakfast on Saturday, August 20th at 9 AM
HERE in Fellowship Hall.
(Free will offering to cover cost of breakfast.)
RSVP to Jack Donovan
Final planning meeting for our
world-famous Chicken BBQ to be held on September 17th.
(Can you help in the kitchen at 7 AM? Let Jack know.
Please and thank you!
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Prayer requests can be submitted
Prayer requests are reviewed
Monday-Friday AM.
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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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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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CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266 |
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