As part of the St. John’s family, we’re all called to share our gifts, abilities, and skills for God’s glory. Everyone is essential, as the unique gifts that you offer in service to Christ greatly impact our community and world. We’re committed to helping you connect with God and our St. John’s family as you discover the meaningful ways God longs to use your gifts in service and mission.
Below are some of the ways we love God and extend God’s love to others here at St. John’s. We’d love to have you join us as we extend our Open Arms and Serving Hands to the Ivyland community and beyond!
Worship
Acolyte
What is the job of an acolyte? An acolyte's role is to bring in the light of Christ prior to the service and to take the light of Christ out at the end of the service. Anyone in grades 3 - 6 can serve as an acolyte and light and douse candles during worship services. This is a great way to start to get our even our youngest members active in our church. For more information, send an email to Jen Haas.
Acolyte Leader
Help train Acolytes to serve during worship services. For more information, send an email to Jen Haas.
Scripture Reader
Read Scripture during service from lectern.
Adult Choir
If you have been blessed with the ability to sing, we are always looking for new members. The choir sings in worship every Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service and for special performances during Advent and Lent. Rehearsals are every Thursday from 8 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, send an email to Roy Nelson or call (215) 962-8928.
Youth Choir
Our youth choir welcomes children in grades 6-12. The choir sings in worship on the 2nd and 4th Sunday each month at the 10:30 a.m. service and for special performances during Advent and Lent. Rehearsals are every Sunday from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. For more information, send an email to Roy Nelson or call (215) 962-8928.
Joyful Voices
Joyful Voices, our children’s choir, is always looking for new members. Children grades K-5 will learn basic singing and musical skills as well as songs for worship. The children usually sing on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at the 10:30 a.m. service and for special performances during Advent and Lent. Rehearsals are every week immediately following the 10:30 worship service. For more information, send an email to Roy Nelson or call (215) 962-8928.
GENesis Bell Choir
The GENesis Bell Choir is a multi-generational choir. The choir rings on the 2nd Sunday each month at the 10:30 a.m. service and for special performances during Advent and Lent. Rehearsals are every Sunday from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Reading music is a plus but is not required. This is a unique music ministry that requires dedication and a love of music. For more information, send an email to Roy Nelson or call (215) 962-8928.
Celebration Ringers Adult Bell Choir
This adult bell choir rings several times a year during Advent and Lent and at some Sunday worship services. Rehearsals are typically held on Mondays. For more information, send an email to Roy Nelson or call (215) 962-8928.
Praise Band
The Praise Band leads our 9 a.m. contemporary worship service on Sunday mornings. Singers and instrumentalists are invited to join us. Practices are held on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, send an email to Roy Nelson or call (215) 962-8928.
Usher
Greet each person with a smile. Answer visitor's questions and extend extra help in seating those who need assistance. Hand out bulletins before service and organize pews after the service. Take up the church offering. Stand ready to assist anyone in the congregation who might need help. For more information, send an email to Glenn Kavash.
Spiritual Growth
Bible Studies
Are you interested in participating in or leading a Bible study? Consider helping others grow in their faith and love for Jesus. Send an email to Pastor Brad to let him know you are interested or call the church office (215) 357-6998
Children's Sunday School Leader
We need teachers, assistants, and substitute teachers for children's age 4 - Grade 6. You do not need teaching experience, just a love for children and Jesus. For more information, send an email to Susan Seamans or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 305.
Youth Sunday School Leader
Enjoy exploring scripture and guiding others on how God works in our life? Teaching and mentoring youth are great ways to impact young lives and grow in your faith. Help plan and facilitate Sunday school discussions as part of our youth team. For more information, send an email to Susan Seamans or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 305.
Youth Group Leader
Help plan and organize activities for our youth. For more information, send an email to Susan Seamans or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 305.
Sunday School Youth Helper
Anyone in Grades 6 - 12 can assist our Sunday School Leaders each week. For more information, send an email to Susan Seamans or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 305.
Nursery
We need nurturing people to play with our children during the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. For more information, send an email to Susan Seamans or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 305.
Ministries and Teams
Food Pantry
Donations can be dropped off at the church each week when you come to worship. Please leave the donations in the cart as you enter the building. Donations can also be dropped off at the office entrance Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. For a list of items needed for our food cupboard, click here. For more information, send an email to Lou Lescas.
Caring for Friends Ministry
As long-term care facilities continue to respond to the recent health crisis; our team will primarily provide care and support through phone calls and notes. For more information, send an email to Nancy MacMillan.
Prayer Warrior Team
Our Prayer Warrior Team prays daily intercessory prayers for all who request prayer. Please consider becoming a part of the Prayer Warrior Team. For more information, send an email to Ruth Portzline or call (215) 357-6998, Ext 306.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Do you know how to knit or crochet? Do you want to learn how to knit or crochet? Come be a part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. John's. A shawl may be given to those undergoing a medical procedure, shut-ins, those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, or those facing other serious life challenges. Most shawls are hand knitted or crocheted. There is no right or wrong way to create these gifts of love. The ministry meets in the Parlor at 10 a.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. We discuss the ministry and work on the shawls. For more information on the Prayer Shawl Ministry send an email to the Church Office or call (215) 357-6998.
Hospital Visitations
As hospitals permit visitations prior to surgery or during the recovery time, we will resume hospital visits. Please call Pastor Brad at (215) 357-6998, Ext. 301 or Ruth Portzline at (215) 357-6998, Ext 306 to make them aware of your hospitalization.
Pass-it-On Ministry
We will send birthday cards to our homebound members on or near their birthday unless visits are welcomed. For more information, send an email to Ruth Portzline or call (215) 357-6998, Ext 306.
Telephone Calls
Call members who are home-bound. Our Callers are making weekly calls and engaging in cheerful conversation about hobbies, careers, books, movies, etc. The conversations are powerful. Friendships are being formed and love for one another is growing. If you are interested in receiving weekly calls or if you can help us call the home-bound, please send an email to Ruth Portzline or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 306.
Vacation Bible School Team
So much goes into planning VBS. We need teachers, artists, crafters, singers, and kitchen help. For more information, send an email to Susan Seamans or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 305.
Sunday School Decorating Team
Help create a fun environment for the children based on monthly message and theme. For more information, send an email to Susan Seamans or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 305.
Hospitality Team
Help set up coffee in Grace Cafe every Sunday and clean up after fellowship is over. For more information, send an email to Ruth Portzline or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 306.
Audio Visual / Media Team
Run sound board, operate camera for YouTube Live, or run PowerPoint slides during worship. For more information, send an email to Matt Floyd.
Photography Team
Photography is one of the best ways to tell a good story, and we want to tell St. John's story. Take photos of the church for our website and social media. Attend and photograph various special events through the year. For more information, send and email to Susan Seamans.
Holiday Decorating Team
Help with decorating the church for Advent and Lent. For more information, send an email to Ruth Portzline or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 306.
Visitor Welcome Bags Team
Prepare bags with a small gift for visitors and replenish items as needed. For more information, send an email to Ruth Portzline or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 306.
Children's Quiet Bags Team
Prepare bags with activities for kids to do during worship and maintain and replenish items in the bags as needed. For more information, send an email to Susan Seamans or call (215) 357-6998, Ext. 305.
Would you like to serve in some other way? Please send an email to Janice Steinmetz or call the Church Office at (215) 357-6998.