Hello St. John’s Family,
One of the things I enjoy – and that brings me peace on hectic days – is looking outside and observing the birds at our backyard birdfeeder. Watching the goldfinches and cardinals; the red-winged blackbirds and red-bellied woodpeckers, and all our other daily visitors is a relaxing way to unwind while appreciating the amazing beauty that surrounds us. According to my family, this also certifies me as a bird nerd… and I’m OK with that! Out of all the birds we see regularly, one of my favorites are the bluebirds.
When I first saw the area around the parsonage, I was immediately excited as the area is perfect for a bluebird box. Open space, bordered by brush and small trees, in close proximity to fenceposts to perch on and watch for bugs – the parsonage backyard is ideal nesting area. And sure enough, when I placed a box outside this spring, a pair of bluebirds showed up within a day. Their nest is now complete – hopefully with eggs to follow shortly. In an ideal environment with their critical needs supplied, this bluebird pair quickly responded to the good opportunity before them.
As I watched our new backyard neighbors this week, it struck me how God has acted in our lives in a very similar manner. Graciously providing us with what we need and an environment in which we can thrive, God has blessed us in amazing and powerful ways! The question for us now is how will we respond?
Friends, I recognize how the past year has been an incredibly difficult one. Yet in the midst of all the challenges, all the unrest, and all the distance, God has provided for us in amazing ways! As we continue to celebrate the Easter season – and the amazing gift of new, resurrection life – I am trying to keep focused on all the good things; all the blessings that God has granted me. With that focus, I’ve noticed how it’s much easier to brush off the challenges and work toward the opportunities that Christ places before us.
I hope you’ll take a moment today and give thanks to God for all the blessings and opportunities He has provided. In the process, I pray that God will grant you a glimpse of the beauty around us… and a picture of the good things that God intends for our St. John’s Family!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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WORSHIP - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS |
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Given the overall decreasing trend in Covid cases and the expansion of vaccinations, St. John’s leadership has investigated options for additional seating in the sanctuary. All discussions have focused on maintaining a safe environment for our most vulnerable attendees while expanding the number of persons who can attend.
Worshippers will be seated in an alternating pattern, where one row has attendees seated at each end, a row is left vacant, and the following row has attendees seated in the middle of the row. The next row will remain vacant, then the pattern will repeat. Utilizing this approach can potentially increase attendance by 50%, depending on the number of people in each registration.
Please note that all other mitigation measures, including wearing a mask or face shield, maintaining six feet of distance, and pre-registering for worship attendance via Signup Genius will remain in place at this time. Pre-registration is critical in enabling our Ushers to safely and efficiently seat all worshippers. We recognize this is a sacrifice and appreciate your compliance in this endeavor.
One final reminder: if you are not feeling like your normal, healthy self, please do not attend worship. Thank you for your perseverance as we eagerly anticipate the day when Covid mitigation measures are a thing of the past.
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The Sign-Up Reservation for next Sunday
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 your reservation so another may have the opportunity to attend.
Thank you!
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Sunday School classes K-6 will continue on Zoom this Sunday. Links to Zoom meetings will be emailed separately. Our Youth will have Sunday School outside in the church parking lot this week weather permitting! Note that Pre-K to Grade 6 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! For more information, please contact Susan Seamans, Director of Children's Ministry: childrensministry.stjumc@gmail.com
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Young Children (Pre-K - Grade 2)
What's In The Bible?
Sundays @ 11am
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 as we discover What's In the Bible! Lesson length: 20-25 minutes.
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Older Elementary Children (Grades 3 - 6) Orange 252 Kids Sundays @ 11am
When we make peace with others, it’s like we're building a bridge across to the other side. This month we will talk about building bridges to reconnect and prove we care more about each other more than winning an argument. Lesson length: 25-35 minutes
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Youth Study - Orange High School XP3
Sundays @ 11:30 am
Church Parking Lot (weather permitting)
Masks required
Bring your own chair and pen and paper!
What is it that makes temptation so tricky? How is it possible that we know something is bad for us and do it anyway? This month our youth will talk about the temptations Jesus faced and how He managed to overcome them and discover that whether we win or lose with temptation, the battle is often fought in our minds before anywhere else.
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During this Easter season we celebrate the resurrection of
our Lord and Savior and the new life it brings to us.
As a symbol of this new life, we gave packets of seeds to everyone on Easter Sunday morning. We invite you to plant
these seeds and watch as they burst forth
from seed to beautiful flowers.
When your flowers are in full bloom,
Take a picture and share it with us.
Please share your photos to:
Thank you for helping us share the beauty and love
of new resurrection life this Easter season!
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ST. JOHN'S EASTER
FLOWERING CROSS
Christ’s resurrection brings new life to the whole world—it is the beginning of the restoration of all things! Even the terrible, rugged cross, the instrument of Jesus’ death, can become an emblem of new life in Christ when covered with flowers. Thank you for helping to create this beautiful symbol of new life for all to enjoy!
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Thinking About God
Paul Henry's Zoom Class “Thinking About God” continues to meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. If you are interested in joining these discussions please contact Paul at 215-962-6719 or phenry605@verizon.net so that he can get you set up on Zoom.
This presentation and discussion format is designed with a number of topical areas so that you can participate as topics interest you or you can be a part of the Zoom course through April. If you are interested in joining a session, please contact Paul Henry at phenry605@verizon.net.
April 20 - Words that Matter - Sacrament and Community
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The Wednesday Evening Bible Study with Ken Lee will begin their next study on Wednesday, April 21
Letters of John and Jude
using the William Barclay New Study Bible.
The group will meet each Wednesday at 7pm in the Parlor. By studying this Gospel in Fellowship, the group aims to develop and grow our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Please contact the office by phone or email if you plan to attend. 215-357-6998, stjumc@aol.com.
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HANDBELL FESTIVAL/CONCERT
April 25th
3 PM
At the present time, there are no seats available.
All seats are occupied by choir members and their families.
A video of the Festival will be posted to our website on Monday! www.stjohnsivyland.com
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Naomi Circle Future Mission Project
What: new bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths.
Where: to be sent to Red Bird Mission for their Christmas gift boxes.
When: Month of June
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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
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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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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Joanne and I recently delivered 18 boxes of food to the Eastwick Food Bank.
Annette Glover and all of the volunteers were so appreciative! The need is always so great- moreso this year than ever, as many food cupboards are stressed beyond normal limits from the pandemic. Thank you, St John’s for your passionate generosity for the last 25 years, and in the future!
Lou Lescas
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The Red Bird Mission are CLOSED
but are expected to open soon.
Please check our website for updates.
Drivers Wanted
If anyone at St. John's holds a Pennsylvania Commercial Drivers License (CDL), or knows of anyone who does, the Church's Redbird Missions is actively seeking drivers to haul full trailers of donated goods to the Redbird Mission store in Beverly, Kentucky.
For more details, any interested party should contact
Bob Snarr at (215) 779-9464.
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Men's Breakfast: April 17th
10 AM
Sycamore Grill, Newtown, PA
Report from the UMM Recovery Breakfast V held on March 20th
11 Members were Present
Lead By Paul Henry
Concerns for Our Church were discussed.
Lots of Laughter & Fellowship
Plus, a Great Breakfast was enjoyed !!!
A Special Guest was Ira Hoffman, Chairman of Church Leadership Board
It was reported that there is a positive move to open the church kitchen in June.
The following was agreed to:
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Continue Men’s Recovery Breakfast at Sycamore Grill April 17th and May 15th
- Start planning for Chicken BBQ - tentatively in September.
- A plan will be presented at the April 17th Men’s Breakfast for the stripped down BBQ
and pick a date. (Those active in Previous BBQ would be A Big Help in Planning )
Jack Donovan, Church Member
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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.
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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Gmail account users:
In addition to your inbox,
please check your "Promotions" file for any St. John's emails.
Bulk emails may appear there. Simply by moving the message from Promotions to your primary inbox or by adding
St. John's as a contact should allow our messages to go directly to your inbox.
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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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HELP NEEDED
Two significant needs and great opportunities to serve at St. John's!
A small team of dedicated audio-visual ministry volunteers enable us to offer meaningful online worship each week. We're in need of additional help, as there's 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!
Similarly, ushers are needed for in-person worship to greet worshippers, direct them to their seats, and assist with questions. This is a simple yet meaningful opportunity to serve God by serving our St. John's family.
Please consider serving God by assisting with one of these this crucial ministries. Those interested in serving can contact the office at stjumc@aol.com or (215) 357-6998. Thank you for your faithful support of all we do in service to Christ at St. John's!
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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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