Well, here we are; it’s Thursday. Thursday in a week that, even by 2020 standards, has been marked by heightened uncertainty and anxiety. After months of rhetoric, billions of dollars spent (think about that for a moment – BILLIONS of dollars spent), and endless bickering, election day finally arrived. Now, two days later, we still do not know who our next President will be. Cue the rhetoric, bickering, and boatloads of money, now spent on lawyers instead of advertising. So many races will be decided by the slimmest of margins. About the only thing we do know is that when politicians speak on behalf of “the American people,” they’re speaking for 52% of us. At most.
I’ve thought and prayed quite a bit about those realities in recent weeks. What do I, as pastor, say to that? What would Jesus say to that? Immediately I went to comfort. Powerful verses from the Psalms, like be still and know that I am God (46:10) popped into my head, as did Christ’s promise at the end of Matthew’s gospel: I am with you always (28:20). “Do not let your hearts be troubled…” the opening words of John 14 – they are good ones too. Yet the more I reflected, the more these felt trite and forced. What would Jesus say to our anxiety and uncertainty? Follow me.
Follow me. Recall Jesus’ words to Peter in John 21. After a post-resurrection breakfast, Jesus directly addressed and restored Peter following Peter’s 3 denials. Jesus made it perfectly clear to Peter, and to us, that our focus must be on one thing: following Christ. Everything else is extraneous noise.
But… but… what about the mess? Follow me. What about our country, our democracy? Follow me. Don’t get me wrong, our country and our democracy are incredibly important. We need to prayerfully act with conviction; we need to vote; we need to speak out at injustice. Yet I sense we sometimes feel that we need to save the institutions and ideals we value. At that moment, we get it wrong. We must always remember that, on our own, we cannot save anything. Only Jesus – the crucified, resurrected, and reigning Christ – can save. Through Christ we are saved, and Christ’s saving work can then be extended through us. That’s a subtle, yet absolutely critical distinction.
So, what does acting with conviction look like in this moment? I believe that means turning off the T.V., setting aside our social media and email updates, and praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us through the day ahead. Pray the Holy Spirit will give us words appropriate for the moment at hand. Grant us the patience to navigate charged situations with grace and empathy. Nudge us to act when we see others in need, or when others are being treated unjustly. As we do that together, I truly believe God’s kingdom will be revealed, offering a witness that points to real hope – hope our community, country and world are longing for.
Pastor Brad
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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 Fellowship Hall 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:
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We've been blessed by a steady increase in attendance at our worship services!
If you are planning to attend, it is critical to register each week,
via Sign Up Genius or by calling the church office.
This enables our ushers to promptly seat you while maintaining safe distancing
necessitated by Covid.
Thank you for your sacrifice, patience and compliance with these interim procedures, as we all eagerly await the day when we can fill God's sanctuary again!
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A RECORDING OF THE SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE FOLLOWING WORSHIP.
The Sign-Up Reservation for Next Sunday, 11/15,
will be emailed and posted to the website by Noon, Monday.
Please update the SignUp Genius or contact the church office if there's a need to cancel/update your reservation.
Thank you!
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This Sunday, November 8, 2020
In-Person Worship (Registration Needed for both services - see above)
9 AM (in the Sanctuary)
10:30 AM (in Fellowship Hall)
Pastor Ruth, preaching
"Do You Believe in Miracles"
Luke 7:11-17
Accompanist: Brian Barber
9 AM: Amy Cons, Alissa Nelson, Roy Nelson, Erin Maurer
Special Music: Ring of Faith Bell Choir
10:30 AM: Tammy & Jack Coapman, Patricia Johnson, Kari File
Instrumentalists:
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This Sunday (November 8) the Youth Group will gather outside from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the church parking lot for class.
Classes for Pre-K through grade 5 will continue on Zoom this Sunday. Note that each lesson will have a video component and will also include follow-up materials that guide parents in talking about the concepts throughout the week. Hope to see you on Zoom!
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Young Children (Pre-K to Grade 2)
What's In the Bible?
Sundays at 11 am on Zoom
Join Buck Denver and a group of hilarious friends as they journey through the Bible and discover what it means for us. Amy Scarlett will lead us for the opening weeks as we discover What's In the Bible!
Lesson length: 20-25 minutes.
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Older Elementary Children (Grades 3-5)
Orange 252 Kids
Sundays @ 11am on Zoom
Our older elementary children will explore fun and engaging lessons from The Orange Group. This month Lance Kenney will talk about gratitude and inspire the children to share their gratitude by letting others know that they are thankful.
Lesson length: 25-35 minutes
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Youth Study - Like Me
Sunday, November 8th from 11:30 am - 1 pm
Church Parking Lot; Bring Your Own Chair!
So often we compare ourselves to others. We are focused on the friends we have, the clothes we wear, the number of "Likes" we get on our social media pages-it all feels like one long list of what others have and what we don't! In our next series, Like Me, we'll help our youth discover that comparison not only keeps them from liking others, it holds them back from being able to like themselves! And the further they move away from comparison toward contentment, the more they'll be able to love who they are just as they are. They will talk about comparisons and how those comparisons not only keep them from liking others, they hold them back from being able to like themselves!
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Paul Henry is offering a 14 week study course on Zoom, Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The course will provide a variety of short term topics for study and discussion so that you may join for subjects that interest you or participate in the entire series.
We began on September 22nd with a look at The Lord's Prayer. The words of this prayer are very familiar to all of us and we can recite it without thinking. But would you view the Lord's Prayer differently if you were an inhabitant of Galilee in 30 A.D.? Would you understand the prayer differently than a 21st century American Protestant? Join our virtual journey to a first century Jewish village and examine the differences in understanding.
There are no books to purchase, just register for the course and you will be provided with readings for each discussion topic.
If you would like to register for a week,
or by calling 215-962-6719.
11/10 and 11/17- Healings? Does God Still Act in the Present Age?
11/24 - Thanksgiving Break
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BIBLE STUDY
GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Wednesdays 7-8:30 PM
Fellowship Hall
Leader: Ken Lee
You are invited to join our Wednesday night Bible study in Fellowship Hall from 7 to 8:30PM. We're currently doing the Gospel of Matthew using the William Barclay New Daily Study Bible beginning with Chapter 14. This study is a continuation from last March but since each class is a standalone discussion of the Scriptures there is no need to catch up, just jump in. Take a deep dive into Matthew's Gospel to better understand what he wants you to know. Originally written to first century Jews, it is still relevant for us today! Barclay makes it easy to understand.
If anyone needs a book: either they can order it or we can and they can reimburse the church. We are social distancing and wearing masks in class but taking breaks for a breather.
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Prayer requests can be submitted
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 latest Devotionals, News and Worship Videos can be be found below, as well as, under the "What's Happening"tab
on our website.
www.stjohnsivyland.com
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UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL
for November/December
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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UPPER ROOMS FOR RED BIRD
The UMW is collecting used Upper Room magazines to send to Red Bird.
There is a collection box on the
UMW table.
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The Red Bird Mission will be closing for the winter November 15th 2020.
Thanks to everyone who has donated to this program, helping the people in Red Bird Kentucky. They are grateful for all items that have been sent. The Red bird committee would also like to thank all the volunteers who gave their time packing trailers.
Your effort’s have been greatly appreciated.
Red Bird Committee
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DONATIONS NEEDED
Donations of non-perishable food for the Eastwick Food Pantry are needed throughout the year. Please place contributions in the shopping carts located in the narthex and fellowship hall lobby.
Volunteers are also needed to deliver food and clothing to the Eastwick Food Bank. Please contact Lou Lescas, stjohns820@gmail.com if you are available to help.
Thank you for your support.
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UMW HEIFER PROJECT
The International Living Animal Gift Market is now open. All manner of wonderful creatures can be purchased throughout the Month of November online this year!
These gifts of animals provide an entire new way of life for the people who receive them. They provide food, income, health care & educational opportunities for poor families worldwide. Since 2001, St. John's through UMW has donated over $76,000 to Heifer. Thank you for your support!
Please contact Rosemarie Malizia at 215-598-8567 home or 856-364-0238 cell for more information.
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UNITED METHODIST MEN
The Recovery Breakfast II
Saturday, November 21st
10 AM
Hosted by the United Methodist Men
for All Men of St John's at the Sycamore Grill, Newtown
The Recovery Breakfast II is to bring back the Fellowship that supports our faith in God and to provide an engaging spirit to do good works.
Red Bird Mission Chicken BBQ Church maintenance
The meeting is a general discussion of our mission and gathering volunteers to decorate the church for Christmas on Friday, November 27th, 9 AM. (Men or women interested in helping to decorate can contact the church office).
The October Breakfast confirmed a safe environment by the 22 men that attended. There is a lot of room for safe distancing. Breakfast is paid for by the UMM.
Directions: 255 North Sycamore St.
Richboro/Newtown Rd. to Newtown at Sycamore (532) make left at light, after second light make first right... left into parking lot. If you have a problem with stairs, park out front.
Have Courage, Keep the Faith....
Jack Donovan
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MOBILE GIVING
- Just go to our website stjohnsivyland.com
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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.
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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A/V Help Needed!
Help is needed to ensure our audio-visual ministry can continue to offer meaningful online worship. We currently have very little flexibility within the team in the event someone needs to be away. While some aspects of this ministry requires technical expertise, other aspects are very straight-forward. If you have the ability to advance PowerPoint slides, you can help us offer online worship!
Will you prayerfully consider serving God by assisting with this crucial ministry? Our team will get you trained and comfortable as you join a rotation of volunteers. In that process, you will be helping St. John's offer meaningful worship to our friends who must remain at home as well as a powerful witness to our neighbors! Those interested in serving can contact the office at stjumc@aol.com or (215) 357-6998.
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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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