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Hello St. John’s Family,
I hope you’ve all fully adjusted to our time change and the loss of an hour of sleep this past weekend. If you’re like me, it takes a few days to adjust… and those first mornings are rough. The return to waking up in darkness doesn’t exactly help that transition, as increased darkness and increased grogginess seem to go hand in hand. It’s safe to say that my thankfulness for morning cup(s) of coffee increases exponentially in the days after we advance our clocks.
Yet, as I sat half asleep and clutching my coffee in the parsonage office early this week, I’ve been struck by the vivid shades of orange, pink, and red slowly appearing, then shining brightly in the sky for a few minutes each morning. This morning was particularly beautiful, as the bright colors appearing in the sky provided an amazing backdrop for Solly’s Farm. My internal grumbling over an alarm that sounded much too early gave way to a sense of awe at the amazing view before me. I’m pretty sure I even smiled, as the opening words of Psalm 19 came to mind:
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of God’s hands.
These simple, yet powerful moments have been a moving reminder for me of God’s enduring presence in our lives. God is there – in the joyous moments, in the challenging moments, in the sleepy moments, in every moment. And while I trust fully in God’s abiding presence, I can be incredibly good at forgetting about God’s immediate presence, especially when I’m tired. This morning reminded me of how thankful I am for God’s ability to remind us of God’s immediate presence in quiet, yet beautiful ways.
I’ve found that experiencing quiet moments to focus, study, pray, and take in God’s beauty are gifts that strengthen and energize us. I’m very thankful that I will be able to spend next week immersed in those moments as I travel to Duke Divinity School in Durham, NC to take part in a program called Study Leave for Ministry Professionals. During the week I’ll have the opportunity to worship in daily Chapel services, sit in on class lectures from professors in the Divinity School, participate in 1:1 meetings with 3 of the professors, and have access to all the resources in their expansive library. My focus will be on a vision for worship and preaching for the upcoming year, and I’m eager to speak with two excellent homiletics professors. Hopefully their skills will rub off on me!
I’m also looking forward to being with you in worship this Sunday, as we continue our sermon series on Matthew 23. In one of the most incisive verses in scripture, we’ll hear Jesus call out a hypocritical tendency to get lost in the minutia of religion while missing the foundational, weightier matters of relationship with God. I hope you’ll check out Matthew 23:23-24, then join me in worship on Sunday-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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Please click below to read the latest Congregational Update regarding COVID-19 measures: | |
Scripture: Matthew 23:23-24 | | |
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Come Worship with us this
4th Sunday of Lent and Scout Sunday:
March 19, 2023
Contemporary Praise Service
at 9:00 AM
Traditional Service
at 10:30 AM
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The Grace Cafe is Open!
Stop by between Services for a fresh cup of coffee, tea, a sweet treat and fellowship with your St. John’s family!
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LENT AT ST. JOHN'S IVYLAND | |
THIS WEEK FROM ST. JOHN'S IVYLAND | |
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Great Men’s Breakfast and Meeting
Outstanding opening prayer with Pastor Jim MacMain. Ray Swenson invited the Men to an outing to his LuLu Shriners Rod and Gun Club on April 1 thru April 3. Cost is $165.00 Good Time. Chicken BBQ set for September 16th. Take Out Only. Same as Last Year!
Men will start to clean out the church attic. It will be done in Small Groups. We have a couple of volunteers to run camera’s for the TV ministry. Will contact Mr Prim. Stew Horton, up dated the change of the Red Bird commitment. Closing prayer with Pastor Brad. The spirt of fellowship abounds!
March 18th is the Next Breakfast. Speaker is Denise Clark. Might have the chance to ask the question what is the direction The United Methodist is headed in these turbulent times.
More information to Follow.
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Be a part of a vibrant, growing ministry at St. John's UMC Ivyland as Director of Children's Ministries. Introduce and guide children from toddlers through 6th graders to the love of God through relationship with Jesus Christ. Provide programming leadership and direction to Sunday School teachers, coordinate the annual one-week Vacation Bible School, and work with families and their children to establish solid foundations to Christian life. | |
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This part-time, 20 to 25 hours/week staff position requires all background clearances and Safe Sanctuary Training be completed prior to employment. A heart for Jesus, a love of children, and effective communication and delegation skills are essential. A bachelor's degree or background in education and/or ministry is strongly desired.
Please send application or resume to Staff-Parish Relations Committee, St. John's United Methodist Church, 820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland PA 18974 or email to office.stjumc@gmail.com
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We are taking orders for Warrior Coffee roasted and delivered to you before Easter. You can place an order by signing up on the church bulletin board or by contacting Paul Henry directly at phenry605@verizon.net.
Remember when you drink Warrior Coffee you are supporting the Village of El Naranjito in the Dominican Republic and;
“fighting for what’s right one cup at a time.”
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GriefShare 13-week Session | |
Wednesdays from 6:30 pm -8:30 pm
March 1, 2023 – May 24, 2023
GriefShare is a support group that meets weekly.
You will find it to be a warm, caring environment;
and you will come to see your group as an
“oasis” on your journey through grief.
You may register online at griefshare.org.
There is a $20 fee for materials.
For further information
contact Carol Campbell
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United Women in Faith Sock It To Me Sunday | |
UPCOMING MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Please come and invite your friends for a morning of good fellowship and learning about the Passover ritual feast.
A Seder sampling will be prepared and we will learn about the Passover ritual feast commemorating the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. After the program we will celebrate the sacrament of holy communion.
A light breakfast of muffins, tea & coffee will be served.
The sign-up sheet is on the United Women in Faith bulletin board.
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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.
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WAYS TO SERVE AT ST. JOHN'S IVYLAND | |
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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
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St. John’s Ivyland offers a wide variety of Musical opportunities. Children and adults are invited to participate in musical groups of varying styles and skill levels, or provide support to help and serve the Music Ministry.
For more information about our Music Ministries, or to get involved, visit our website or send an email to Roy Nelson.
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Pre-cleared Adults please sign up here | Contact JT Crockett to get certified | |
MINISTRY & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES | |
Children, Youth & Family Ministries | |
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Pre-K - Grade 6
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
We often think about respect in terms of relationships we have with others—respect for parents, teachers, and people in authority. Those are important, but equally important are the relationships we have with people, like siblings, friends, and even people we may not get along with. This idea of valuing others and having mutual respect is seen all throughout Scripture, and is a necessary way to communicate with others and demonstrate God’s love with them.
This month we will talk about how God values us, and wants a forever relationship with us. God sent Jesus to make that possible, and we follow God’s example when we show others that they have value too.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
10 AM in the Parlor.
The 500th prayer shawl was given out on March 7, 2023! This ministry began in 2009.
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.
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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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Tuesday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 11:00 AM
March 21st, 2023
Topic: The Apostle Paul Continued
Discussion Sources: Acts & selected Epistles of Paul
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St. John's Book Club
We will meet on Wednesday. April 5, at 10:30 AM in the Grace Cafe.
Everyone is welcome. No sign up necessary.
Leaders are Barbara Schneider and Carol Campbell
Finding Dorothy
By Elizabeth Letts
A breathtaking read that will transport you over the rainbow and into the heart of one of America's most enduring fairy tales and the hardscrabble life that inspired it.
Thank you.
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Disciple III Fast Track
The Letters of Paul Disciple III Fast Track Bible Study is on-going and will continue through the spring. It's not too late to join because each session is a stand-alone reading and lesson from Paul's Letters.
Our sessions are on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM. This is a comprehensive study with daily scripture readings.
This is a wonderful opportunity to study God's Word, strengthen your faith, and form lasting friendships with fellow Disciples.
Ken Lee, facilitator
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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 | |
CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION | | |
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!
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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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CCLI Streaming License #CSPL049266 | | |
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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
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Hello St. John’s Family!
We were able to give 60 units of blood in February!
Thank you to everyone who donated blood, and/or volunteered their time to make this a great success.
We are getting ready for our next Blood Drive at St. John’s!
The date is May 5th, 2023 from 2:00-7:00 PM
We will need help with welcoming donors; providing
tasty treats, store bought or homemade; and offering those delicious treats to donors post- donation.
Please consider a donation!
Click on the link and it will take you to our Blood Drive.
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Please contact Joanne Lescas, if you have any questions. | | |
redcrossblood.org | 1-800-RED CROSS | 1-800-733-2767 | Download the Blood Donor App
Ⓒ The American National Red Cross | 161501
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