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Click on the links below to go directly to that section of the newsletter.
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PRAYER LIST
Please click to view
Prayer requests can be submitted
or through the church email, stjumc@aol.com.
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
Hand made prayer shawls (or lap robes for men) are again available for those experiencing serious illness, bereavement, or other major life issue. Each comes in a sealed plastic bag. Recipients need not be members of St. John's. Requests can be made via the comments section of the prayer request form on the church website, by calling or emailing the church office, or by calling Carol Rice at 215-357-1203. Requesters will be notified of contactless pickup arrangements at the main entrance of church building.
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The Upper Room Devotional
for September/October is now available.
Copies are in the Narthex
and also in a container on the front porch of the church.
Be sure to pick up your copy and take one for a friend as well.
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The Tuesday Devotionals and
under the "What's Happening"tab.
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MOBILE GIVING
- Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
- Click on the 'Give' button in red 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 confidential.
If you have any questions about mobile or text giving,
You may also send your tithes and offerings to the church office:
820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA 18974 Thank you for your generosity!
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VIDEOS
Our previously recorded worship videos can be accessed here or under the "What's Happening" tab on our website - See the "Videos" link.
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Last Sunday's Worship Service
August 23, 2020
Special Music: Jennifer Haas,
Valerie Haenn, Valerie and David Sharper
Accompanist: Brian Barber
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THE RED BIRD TRAILERS ARE CLOSED
AT THIS TIME.
The Red Bird Trailer Ministry is in need of volunteers packers.
We are considering packing on Saturdays depending on the availability of volunteers.
September 1st is being considered as a reopening date for accepting donations (depending on the availability of volunteer packers). If anyone wants to volunteer or has any questions about volunteering, please contact Rick Poll l.poll@verizon.net) or the church office (stjumc@aol.com).
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UMC LINKS
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As I sit down to write this note, I find myself distracted - and troubled - by an update I just heard regarding hurricane Laura. Now a powerful category 4 hurricane, Laura is projected to bring a 15 to 20-foot storm surge when it makes landfall near the Louisiana and Texas border. A storm of that magnitude would be difficult to deal with in normal times; trying to safely evacuate thousands and thousands of people during a pandemic is even worse. As is often the case, the most vulnerable will suffer the most. I find myself shaking my head and asking out loud "Really? What else can happen?"
There is little doubt that uncertainty and the accompanying unrest are the dominant feelings most of us are experiencing right now. We've struggled with how to live our lives in a safe, responsible way during a health emergency. We've struggled to grasp, process, and respond to inequality and racism that are stubbornly persistent in our society. We see the violence and unrest gripping our country and know that's not the answer to our struggles. Yet our culture offers few ideas for meaningful change and shows little energy to implement them. It feels like a broken record is playing. In every direction there's turmoil; we're longing for peace.
One of the greatest blessings God has granted humankind is the promise that the very real troubles of this world are not permanent. Christ Jesus was well aware that his followers were going to face incredible difficulty; trials and burdens beyond what they alone could bear. In John's gospel, immediately before his arrest and Passion, Jesus clearly addresses this with his closest friends. His message is best summed up in John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Friends, we can take heart in the fact that God has overcome the worst of this world in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. That reality is the one thing we can place our trust in, regardless of what happens around us. And that reality brings us peace, as we are assured there is nothing that can separate us from God through the love of Jesus. Our challenge and call are to live such that Christ's ways are the foundation of our lives, providing an authentic witness to the broken ways of this world.
So, friends, if you are weary, take heart! Christ has overcome the mess, and Christ will strengthen us to live out His example of radical love, compassion, mercy, and grace for the least and the lost of this broken world.
Pastor Brad |
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COVID-19 PRE-CAUTIONS UPDATE
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As a reminder, our ability to continue in-person worship is contingent on compliance with mandates and best practices, including wearing masks or face shields, maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet, use of hand sanitizer and frequent hand washing, and adjusting foot traffic to minimize close contact. The SignUpGenius reservation tool has enabled us to coordinate the reduced capacity and traffic flow patterns in the Sanctuary and will continue to be used. Most importantly, if you registered for worship but do not feel like your normal, healthy self, please remain at home and worship along with the recording of the service.
Know that we recognize how difficult the past months have been. Thank you for your patience and consistent compliance with all aspects of our approach. Your commitment to Christ and heartfelt caring for each other are greatly appreciated. Please read:
Please sign up by Noon on Friday, 8/28,
if you plan to attend.
Following the in-person service, the worship service will be available to view on our website.
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This Sunday, August 30
In-Person Worship - 9 AM
or
View the service recording on our website
(following the in-person service)
"Rocks Built Together: Living Stones"
Pastor Brad
I Peter 2:1-10
Sermon Series: Building on the Rock
Worship Assistant: Ruth Portzline, CLM
Music: Alissa Nelson, Roy Nelson,
Valerie and David Sharper
Accompanist: Brian Barber
The Order of Worship will be sent out on Friday.
You may print a copy and bring with you to worship.
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*Communion Note: Sunday, August 30
The Covid pandemic has altered many of the meaningful rhythms in our lives. One of the greatest longings many of us have experienced is the desire to commune with our Lord at His table. This Sunday, August 30, the Sacrament of Communion will be offered in worship and to all in a drive-through format.
During our 9AM worship service, individual, prepackaged elements will be consecrated and offered to in-person worshippers. Those not able or comfortable attending in-person are asked to join us online for worship; we expect the service will be posted around 10:15 AM. Then come to St. John's between 11 & 12 noon to receive the Communion elements. You will be asked to please remain in your car.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing in Christ's love together through the Sacrament of Holy Communion!
Communion Offering: Red Bird Trailer Mission
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Pastor Brad would love to meet you!
Meet and Greet opportunities are being scheduled for small groups of up to 10 people to gather for about an hour to share in a time of conversation and prayer. Opportunities to meet outdoors (at the rear of the parking lot under the shade of our trees - please bring a lawn chair!) and indoors in Fellowship Hall will be offered; appropriate distancing and masking precautions will be maintained. Sign-up via SignUp Genius is required to attend.
Come out and hear a little bit about Pastor Brad, ask any questions you may have, and pray together for the ongoing ministries at St. John's!
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| Tuesday, August 25th Meet and Greet
photo: Carol Rice
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Children and youth ministries are available on ZOOM.
Parents of younger children: please help your child by joining the classes on Zoom: Let David Bigam know by email (dbigam@gmail.com) that you'll be joining us and he'll send you an invitation to the Zoom meeting.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ON FRIDAY
Fridays at 10 AM
grades K-5
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays at 10:30 AM (Note: Change in time)
grades 6-12
YOUTH GROUP
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
grades 6-12
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 And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me.'
Matthew 25:40
Food insecurity has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During these troubled times, the ability to obtain food is difficult for many people.
As the pandemic continues to take a toll on the economy, many people are left struggling. St. John's is offering the opportunity for you to do it to one of the least of these by donating non-perishable food items to be distributed to local food banks. This Food Drive will continue from Sunday, August 16 through Sunday, August 30.
You may bring your items to the church on Sunday mornings or you may drop them off in the collection bin on the front porch from 9 am - 5 pm every day. The food items will be collected each evening.
Suggested items that run out quickly include:
15-oz. jars of peanut butter
jelly
pasta sauce
canned fruit
baked beans, kidney beans, black beans, etc.
canned tuna fish or chicken
boxes or bags of rice
boxed cereal
pasta
boxes of mac and cheese
canned vegetables and soup
*Please note: Since we will be making the deliveries to the food banks after August 30, fresh produce will not be accepted at this time.
We know that you will be blessed as you share the love of Christ with those who are struggling.
Thank you for all that you do!
Pastor Ruth
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 UMW IN-GATHERING
The year 2020 has certainly not been without challenges for everyone. While we have all tried to remain safe from the Covid virus we have also had to try and keep some sense of normalcy. Many of our family and friends have had to step up and put themselves in harms way just to keep us going. Doctors, nurses, food stores, gas stations, pharmacy employees have all gone back to work to help us. The list goes on and on. We might not be on the front line but we can do other things to help. The United Methodist Women have given us just that chance.
From September 13th to the 27th we will be collecting new clothing and other items to help people in need and those in shelters.
Suggested items:
Pajamas: Men, women, children, toddlers and infants
Underwear: All sizes, Adult, teens, children and infant
Diapers: Children toddler, infant
Adult Disposable underwear: Men and women, all sizes
Socks: Men, women, teens, children and infants
Baby Clothes and blankets: All sizes
New Personal hygiene items: Tooth brushes, tooth paste, deodorant
If you want to help now is the time.
There will be boxes for your donated items inside the church under the UMW bulletin board. For those who are going to church via the internet there will be a bin outside the front door for easy contact free drop off.
The United Methodist Woman thank you and every person who is touched by your donation thanks you as well.
Stay safe and until we can all meet and worship together again, God Bless.
Kathy Keppol
UMW Social Action
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SAVE THE DATE!
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S GATHERING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020
8 AM
(more information to follow) Pastor Emeritus Paul Henry has agreed to be interim President The Agenda: - A moment for Ed Campbell
- Welcome of Pastor Brad
- Treasury Report
- Red Bird Trailers - Robert Snarr
- Wednesday's Church Maintenance Gang - George Schok
- New UMM President - Nominate / Vote or Appoint
All Men of St John's Church are Members of The United Methodist Men. "Men's Breakfast is the Telling of Tails, the Bragging about Children & Grandchildren, the Sharing of Experiences and Travels, and the News - all grounded in Christian Fellowship." Come out ... And Bring a Mask!!! |
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