Announcements for December 20

• Vestry Meeting Monday
  The vestry meets Monday, December 21, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Christmas Services
  The Holy Eucharist and children’s Christmas pageant, Christmas Eve, 4:00 p.m.
  Festival Choral Holy Eucharist, Christmas Eve, music at 10:00 p.m., worship at 10:30 p.m.
  The Holy Eucharist on Christmas Day at 10:00 a.m.
  Christmas Lessons and Carols (with Holy Communion), Sunday, December 27, at 10:00 a.m.
  
  
• Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
  There will be a rehearsal for all children cast in speaking roles in the Christmas pageant this Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m. Both of the younger Sunday School classes (Godly Play and Catechesis) will meet for Sunday School as usual. ALL participants in the pageant, please attend rehearsal Wednesday, December 23, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  
  
• Donate Christmas Flowers for the Church
  Envelopes are available in the pews if you would like to contribute to the Christmas beauty of the church. Donations may be made in honor or celebration of a loved one or event, in memory of the faithful departed, or to the glory of God.
  
  
• Altar Guild Correction
  The altar guild will gather to decorate the church for Christmas on Wednesday, December 23rd (not the 22nd, as printed in The Evangelist), at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Sue Buckman for lunch.
  
  
• Vestry Nominations
  The vestry nominating committee will be meeting soon. If you feel called to serve on the vestry, please speak to Pastor Orr or one of the wardens.
  
  
• Pledge Reminder
  As the year comes to a close, please remember the importance of fulfilling your 2009 pledge to support the ministry of St. John’s. And if you have not yet returned your pledge card for 2010, please do so as soon as possible.
  
  
• Parish Office Closed
  The parish office will be closed December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday.

Reflection for December 20

A Bidding Prayer for Advent

Dear People of God: In the season of Advent, it is our responsibility and joy to prepare ourselves to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger.

Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God’s loving purpose from the time of our rebellion against him until the glorious redemption brought to us by his holy Child Jesus, and let us look forward to the yearly remembrance of his birth with hymns and songs of praise.... [The Book of Occasional Services]

Announcements for December 13

• Saturday’s Cookie Walk
  You did it again! Thanks to our cookie bakers, candy makers, knitters, jewelry makers and our helpers who worked so hard, once again our annual Cookie Walk was a success. St. John’s reputation for baking delicious, beautifully decorated cookies is spreading. One customer even came from Alton, Illinois! Local charities that have been hard hit because of the recession will be grateful to receive donations from the proceeds. Proceeds are currently estimated at $3,900. Once again – many thanks.
  
  
• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  Praise God for the generosity of St. John’s parishioners to help others at Christmas time. The following all contributed to the Christmas Basket program: St. John’s Sunday School, Donica Van Voorhees, Harold and Bev Keene, Lynn Ruschhaupt, Audrey Ongman, Bill and Pat Braker, Moxley family, MJ and Mike Bond, Girl Scout Troup 60144, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, John Huntoon and Pat Smith Huntoon, Mike Juskelis, Steven Russell and Richard Lieb, Ann Glascoff, Frank So and Debbi Huggett, Margi Strombeck, Cyndie Knoll, and May Lawler.
  
  
• Christmas Pageant
  Don’t forget the first rehearsal for all participants in the pageant is Sunday, December 20, at 9:00 a.m.
  
  
• Lawrence Hall
  The final tally of donations to Lawrence Hall is $1460, along with a collection of mittens and hats.
  
  
• Altar Guild Correction
  The altar guild will gather to decorate the church for Christmas on Wednesday, December 23rd (not the 22nd, as printed in The Evangelist), at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Sue Buckman for lunch.

Reflection for December 13

In The Meaning Is in the Waiting, Paula Gooder admits her own impatience with the waiting of Advent. But her perspective changed during her first pregnancy. She realized then that she didn’t want the pregnancy to end prematurely, that the birth should go full term. Through her pregnancy she came to see waiting as both a way of being and a gift. “Pregnant waiting” deepens our experience of that which we anticipate. Yet to wait is not to remain passive, but rather to participate in a nurturing process.

Waiting during Advent is a spiritual discipline; it trains us in the art of seeing as Christians, in the ability to see where and how God breaks into our world. Sometimes God enters our world in the most unexpected ways and unlikely places—like a Christ child born in an unbecoming stable.

If something like that were to happen again, could we see it? (Richard A. Kauffman, “Must we wait for this?” posted at http://theolog.org)

Announcements for December 6

• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  One family of two and three seniors are still awaiting adoption. Please contact the parish office if you are able to provide for these people at Christmas time. Completed baskets are due December 10.
  
  
• Stewardship
  Please return your pledge cards as soon as possible. They may be placed in the collection plate on Sunday or returned to the parish office.
  
  
• Christmas Pageant
  Please speak with Donica Van Voorhees this Sunday, December 6, during coffee hour to let her know if your child(ren) will be participating in this year’s Christmas pageant, which will occur on Christmas Eve, December 24, at the 4:00 p.m. liturgy.
  
  
• Little Hands Outreach Ministry
  Next Saturday, December 12, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the undercroft. Grade school aged children (along with older or younger friends and siblings) are invited to come learn about the PADS ministry and to help package personal care products for PADS clients.
  
  
• Faith in Films: Juno
  The 2007 hit Juno will be shown Friday, December 11, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. Popcorn and stimulating discussion are provided. Everyone’s invited.
  
  
• Care Packages for College Students
  All youth are invited to put together care packages for our college students at the home of Betsy Elliot on Saturday, December 5, at 1:00 p.m. Please call or e-mail Betsy to let her know if you will attend.
  
  
• Advent Pilgrimage Canceled
  The youth Advent pilgrimage to the Cathedral, scheduled for December 12, has been canceled by the diocese.

Reflection for December 6

Advent Reflection

One of my favorite [Advent images] comes from the childhood of a Greek peasant during World War II.... One day Alexander discovered a piece of mirror from a crashed German motorcycle. He began to play with it and discovered that he could use it to reflect light into dark holes and crevices. As he grew up, he discovered in it the meaning of his own life, "shining light into dark places." We become those bits of mirror when we approach the dark places of life. The mirror can't do any significant reflective work if it stays too far away from the dark. The image of God in which we are created is meant to be a mirror, reflecting the light of the world into encounters where our connection with the divine is unrecognized.

This Advent, go looking for mirrors. You are more likely to find them in or near places that seem pretty poor and dark and mean. May you find the light of the world and become a reflector yourself. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, www.episcopalchurch.org/episcopal_life.htm.

Announcements for November 29

• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  Please sign up to provide Christmas food and gifts for a family in need. Information is available in the parish office. Completed baskets are due December 10.
  
  
• Holiday Cookie Walk: December 5
  Please bring your goodies to the undercroft next Friday, December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cookies should be brought in disposable containers and candies bagged or wrapped in small quantities. Thank you for taking the time and effort to bake cookies and make candies! The sale begins the following day, December 5, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your families, neighbors and friends.
  
  
• Advent Wreath Making This Sunday
  Everyone is invited to gather in the undercroft this Sunday, November 29, at 9:00 to make Advent wreaths. Celebrating Advent at home is a rich and faithful way to prepare for Christmas. All materials will be provided, but if you have a ring from previous years, bring it.
  
  
• Help the Children of Lawrence Hall Celebrate Christmas
  Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. The deadline is December 1; please be in touch with Iris Bestow this Sunday.
  
  
• College Student Addresses Needed
  If you have a child in college, please make sure we have his or her current address so we can send holiday good wishes. Please be in touch with Donica Van Voorhees.

Reflection for November 29

The Advent Collect
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. The Book of Common Prayer, p. 211.

Announcements for November 22

• Thanksgiving Services
  The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. John’s Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 10:00 am. The community interfaith Thanksgiving service, sponsored by the South Suburban Ministerial Association and featuring the Viking Choir, will be held Wednesday, November 25, beginning at 7:30 pm at Living Springs Church at 19051 S. Halsted.
  
  
• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  Please sign up to provide Christmas food and gifts for a family in need. Information is available in the parish office. Completed baskets are due December 10.
  
  
• Holiday Cookie Walk
  If you didn’t get a call asking you to bake cookies or make candies for our Cookie Walk sale on December 5th, please know it was an oversight. We need your help!
  
  
• Advent Wreath Making
  Everyone is invited to gather in the undercroft next Sunday, November 29, at 9:00 to make Advent wreaths. Celebrating Advent at home is a rich and faithful way to prepare for Christmas. All materials will be provided, but if you have a ring from previous years, bring it.
  
  
• Help the Children of Lawrence Hall Celebrate Christmas
  Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.
  
  
• Bible Study on Vacation
  Wednesday Bible study will not meet this week, November 25. The Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist with healing will be held as usual.
  
  
• Parish Office Closed for Thanksgiving
  The parish office will be closed November 26 & 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Reflection for November 22

Don't give up meeting together
Who is a Christian? Someone who has not given up meeting together. That's not all that needs to be said about Christianity, but down through the ages we have no record of a single faithful disciple who refuses to gather with other fellow believers. William H. Willimon, author and United Methodis bishop of the North Alabama Conference. Read the full post at http://theolog.org.

Announcements for November 15

• Brunch Bunch is Back
  Let’s give thanks for our Saint John’s community and share a meal together this Sunday following the 10:00 am service. We’ll provide the entrée of turkey and dressing. If you can, bring a dish to share (last name beginning with A-G, a dessert, please; H-Z, a side dish). The most important thing to bring is yourself!
  
  
• Vestry Meeting
  The vestry meets Monday, November 16, at 7:00 pm.
  
  
• ECW Luncheon this Wednesday
  All women of the parish are invited to a potluck luncheon this Wednesday, November 18, beginning at 11:30 am.
  
  
• Diocesan Council
  The 172nd Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago takes place November 20-21. St. John’s will be represented by Pastor Orr, Mary Jean Bond, Steven Russell, Gale Michael and Doris Sheffer.
  
  
• Holiday Cookie Walk
  Too bad the red claws are gone. But now we can look forward to our twelfth annual Cookie Walk on December 5th. We will need LOTS of your festive cookies and candies. Please say “Yes” when we ask you to bake.
  
  
• Church Landscape Cleanup Dates
  Thank you to everyone who pitched in last Saturday! We will do a final tidying of the grounds before winter on November 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m., or whenever you are available. Bring a favorite tool, rake, clipper or edger and your garden gloves. Some equipment will be available.
  
  
• Help the Children of Lawrence Hall Celebrate Christmas
  Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.

Reflection for November 15

On the whole, I do not find Christians, outside of the catacombs, sufficiently sensible of conditions. Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? ... It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping god may wake someday and take offense, or the waking god may draw us out to where we can never return. (Annie Dillard, Teaching a Stone to Talk)

Announcements for November 8

• Brunch Bunch is Back
  Let’s give thanks for our Saint John’s community and share a meal together on Sunday, November 15, immediately following the 10:00 am service. We’ll provide the entrée of turkey and dressing. If you can, bring a dish to share (last name beginning with A-G, a dessert, please; H-Z, a side dish). The most important thing to bring is yourself!
  
  
• Deadline to Sign up for Parish Dinner Groups
  Sign up for the 2009-2010 Parish Dinner Groups continues through this Sunday, November 8, 2009. Forms for signing up will be found on a table near the entrance of the church. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Steven Russell, Dee McManamy, or Pastor Orr.
  
  
• Little Hands Outreach Ministry: Saturday, November 14
  The Little Hands Ministry is an opportunity for grade school aged children to participate in an outreach ministry. Little Hands will gather in the undercroft Saturday, November 14, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm to prepare Advent baskets to deliver to parish shut-ins. Bring a friend! Call Pastor Orr if you have questions.
  
  
• Holiday Cookie Walk
  Our twelfth annual Cookie walk will be held on Saturday, December 5th, from 9:00 am ’til 12:30 pm. We’ll be phoning you soon to ask you to bake cookies or make candies. Please say “yes”.
  
  
• Quite a Day for Faith in Films
  On Friday, November 13, Faith in Films presents Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story. The 1996 movie about the remarkable founder of the Catholic Worker movement stars Moira Kelly and Martin Sheen. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. sharp in the Guild Room, with discussion afterward. Popcorn is served; bring your own beverage.
  
  
• Church Landscape Cleanup Dates – November 7
  November 7 and/or November 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m., or whenever you are available. Help is needed to tidy up our grounds before the onset of winter. Bring a favorite tool, rake, clipper or edger and your garden gloves. Some equipment will be available
  
  
• Help the Children of Lawrence Hall Celebrate Christmas
  Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.
  
  
• Greeter and Usher Training: November 14
  All currently active greeters and ushers, both rookies and veterans, are encouraged to attend a training session at the church Saturday, November 14. Greeter training is from 9:00-10:00; usher training is from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Reflection for November 8

A Way of Being Church
The Episcopal Church has often been described as a “pragmatic” church. In contrast to confessional churches, in which membership is marked by subscribing in some way to certain doctrinal statements, or to evangelical or Pentecostal churches in which a particular religious experience is expected, Anglicanism offers a practice of common worship. Participation in worship according to The Book of Common Prayer historically has marked the boundaries of belonging in this church. [Opening the Prayer Book by Jeffrey Lee]

Announcements for November 1

• All Saints Open House at the Rectory
  Parishioners, family and friends are all invited to an Open House at the Rectory this Sunday, November 1, All Saints’ Day. Stop by anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. for refreshments (wine, homemade lemonade, spinach balls, meatballs) and conversation.
  
  
• All Saints Prayers for the Faithful Departed
  At the Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist on November 4 we will name in prayer all the faithful departed who have been buried from this parish since All Saints’ Day last year. If you have additional names you would like included in the prayers, please call the parish office.
  
  
• Brotherly Gratitude for Lobsterfest Success
  The results are in, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew reports that last week’s Lobsterfest III fundraiser netted $1,040 for local charities. In all, parishioners and friends purchased 110 lobsters, flown in ‘live’ from Boston, then distributed and/or cooked in the undercroft. Special thanks to our kitchen magicians, Brothers Ted Stone and Mark Moxley, who prepared more than 40 crustaceans, as well as to Brothers Mike Juskelis, Bob Dehn and Bob Burgwald, who handled the cleanup and paperwork. Brothers Bill Bestow, Richard Lieb, Steven Russell and Sam Otoo also pitched in. But it is the people of St. John's who deserve the most credit for keeping Lobsterfest above water in these difficult economic times.
  
  
• Parish Dinner Groups
  Sign up for the 2009-2010 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8, 2009. Forms for signing up will be found on a table near the entrance of the church. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Steven Russell, Dee McManamy, or Pastor Orr.
  
  
• Church Landscape Cleanup Dates
  November 7 and/or November 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m., or whenever you are available. Help is needed to tidy up our grounds before the onset of winter. Bring a favorite tool, rake, clipper or edger and your garden gloves. Some equipment will be available.
  
  
• Help the Children of Lawrence Hall Celebrate Christmas
  Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.
  
  
• Daughters of the King November Meetings
  The Saint John’s Daughters of the King are discussing what selected Psalms mean to them. This month’s meetings are in the Guild Room: Wednesday, November 4, 7:30-9:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m. (beginning with a light breakfast). All women of the parish are welcome.
  
  
• Greeter and Usher Training November 14
  All currently active greeters and ushers, both rookies and veterans, are encouraged to attend a training session at the church Saturday, November 14. Greeter training is from 9:00-10:00; usher training is from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Reflection for November 1

All Saints
The Church is “the communion of Saints,” that is, a people made holy through their mutual participation in the mystery of Christ. This communion exists through history, exists now, and endures beyond “the grave and gate of death” into heaven. For “God is not a God of the dead but of the living,” and those still on their earthly pilgrimage continue to have fellowship “with those whose work is done.” The pilgrim Church and the Church at rest join in watching and praying for that great day when Christ shall come again to change and make perfect our common humanity in the image of Christ’s risen glory. [Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2000, Church Publishing]

Announcements for October 25

All Saints Open House at the Rectory
Parishioners, family and friends are all invited to an Open House at the Rectory next Sunday, November 1, All Saints' Day. Stop by anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. for refreshments and conversation.

All Saints Prayers for the Faithful Departed
At the Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist on November 4 we will name in prayer all the faithful departed who have been buried from this parish since All Saints’ Day last year. If you have additional names you would like included in the prayers, please call the parish office.

Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2009-2010 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8, 2009. Forms for signing up will be found on a table near the entrance of the church. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Steven Russell, Dee McManamy, or Pastor Orr.

Church Landscape Cleanup Dates
November 7 and/or November 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m., or whenever you are available. Help is needed to tidy up our grounds before the onset of winter. Bring a favorite tool, rake, clipper or edger and your garden gloves. Some equipment will be available

Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
Information is now available in the parish office for this year’s Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program.

Help the Children of Lawrence Hall Celebrate Christmas
Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. We invite the St. John’s community to help us in the project. Our goal is to provide gift cards in increments of $10 to $50 from Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Borders or Barnes and Noble. Donations of new warm hats and gloves are also needed. Financial donations by check made out to Lawrence Hall Youth Services are also welcome. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.

Bible Study Resource Book
Anyone interested in ordering a copy of Understanding the Sunday Scriptures – Year C please see Iris Bestow or sign up in the undercroft. This book is used in the Sunday Morning Bible study class. Year C begins the first Sunday of Advent. The cost is $16.50.

ECW “Baby Shower” Benefit
The diocesan ECW baby shower to benefit new mothers is this Thursday evening, October 29, at St. John’s Church in Lockport. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sue O’Brien.

Reflection for October 25

Worship
Phrases like Worship service or Service of Worship are tautologies. To worship God means to serve him. Basically there are two ways to do it. One way is to do things for him that he needs to have done—run errands for him, carry messages for him, fight on his side, feed his lambs, and so on. The other way is to do things for him that you need to do—sing songs for him, create beautiful things for him, give things up for him, tell him what’s on your mind and in your heart, in general rejoice in him and make a fool of yourself for him the way lovers have always made fools of themselves for the one they love…. Unless there is an element of joy and foolishness in [worship], the time would be better spent doing something useful. [Wishful Thinking, A Theological ABC by Frederick Buechner]

Announcements for October 18

• The Redclaws are Coming! Brotherhood Lobsterfest, October 24
  The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s annual fall fundraiser is just around the corner. Saturday, October 24, is the date for Lobsterfest III: Return of the Claw. On that date, ‘live’ Maine lobsters will arrive from Boston for our communal dining pleasure and for the benefit of South Suburban PADS and Episcopal Charities and Community Services. Order forms are available throughout the church.
  
• Vestry Meeting on Monday
  The October meeting of the vestry is Monday, October 19, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  
• Bishop Lee’s Pastoral Letter on School Violence
  On October 14, Bishop Lee issued a pastoral letter to the Diocese of Chicago on the subject of violence in schools. In it, he writes, “God loves every one of us in Christ. There are no lives that don’t count and it is love, not violence, which ultimately wins…. We are bound by our baptismal covenant to embody this triumphant love by striving for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.” The full text of the letter and links to resources on overcoming violence in schools are available at http://www.episcopalchicago.org/.
  
• All Saints Open House at the Rectory
  Parishioners, family and friends are invited to an All Saints Open House at the Rectory, Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
  
• Help the Children of Lawrence Hall celebrate Christmas
  Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. We invite the St. John’s community to help us in the project. Our goal is to provide gift cards in increments of $10 to $50 from Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Borders or Barnes & Noble. Donations of new warm hats and gloves are also needed. Financial donations by check made out to Lawrence Hall Youth Services are also welcome. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.
  
• Bible Study Resource Book
  Anyone interested in ordering a copy of Understanding the Sunday Scriptures – Year C, please see Iris Bestow. This book is used in the Sunday Morning Bible study class. The cost is $16.50.
  
• ECW “Baby Shower” Benefit
  All women are invited to a baby shower hosted by the diocesan Episcopal Church Women to benefit new young mothers through the Night Ministry, located on Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago. The shower takes place Thursday, October 29, from 6:45-8:30 p.m. at St. John’s Church, 312 East 11th Street in Lockport. Please bring one (or more) of the following items as a donation: 8 oz baby bottle, baby lotion, pacifier, sleeper or onesie, booties and hat set, disposable diapers (newborn or size 1), baby powder, bottle brush, rattle, baby towels, receiving blanket, baby bath, petroleum jelly, baby bib, baby book. RSVP to Susan O’Brien.

Reflection for October 18

Episcopal Identity
Episcopalians believe that a fundamental way to discover one another, and themselves, is around a common Table. At table for Eucharist, they share in receiving Christ’s presence, are knit together as Christ’s body, and witness Christ in one another. At table in each other’s homes, they share the warmth of Godly hospitality and learn of each other’s lives. Gathered at one table for vestries, councils, and ministries, they discuss, argue, decide and assess. In doing so, they bring their passions, gifts, and fallibilities to bear on the life and work of the Church. Episcopalians see table fellowship as part of a deeper ethic, one that favors maintaining bonds of mutual affection above discord and quarrel. (From a new study on Episcopal Identity, Around One Table, available at www.episcopalchurch.org/AroundOneTable)

Announcements for October 11

• Bishop Lee visits this Sunday, October 11
  This Sunday we welcome Bishop Jeffrey Lee and his wife Lisa to St. John’s for his first visit as Bishop of Chicago. Bishop Lee will preside, preach and confirm at the 10:00 a.m. service. A special reception for the Confirmands and Bishop will follow the service. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this special celebration.
  
• Blessing of the Animals: Contest Results
  Photos from last Sunday’s Blessing of the Animals are posted in the undercroft. Special congratulations to Bridget (Wehmeier), winner of the Most Cheerful Pet award; Brando (Moser) winner of the Most Aristocratic Pet award; Toqui (Barrera), winner of the Bishop Lee Look-Alike award; and Bella (Madden) and the Madden family for a repeat win in the Owner-Pet Look-Alike contest. Congratulations also to the pets from Faith Lutheran Church who were winners in the other categories.
  
• NetsforLife Receives $1.34 million USAID Grant
  NetsforLife, Episcopal Relief and Development's program partnership to combat malaria, received a three-year, $1.34 million grant for its work in Ghana from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Read the full story at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81799_115395_ENG_HTM.htm
  
• The Redclaws are Coming! Brotherhood Lobsterfest, October 24
  The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s annual fall fundraiser is just around the corner. Saturday, October 24, is the date for Lobsterfest III: Return of the Claw. On that date, ‘live’ Maine lobsters will arrive from Boston for our communal dining pleasure and for the benefit of South Suburban PADS and Episcopal Charities and Community Services. Watch this space for more details, or just pick up one of the Brotherhood event flyers in the church undercroft.
  
• Parish Announcements Available On-line
  The weekly parish announcements are now posted on our blog: http://sjenews.blogspot.com. A link is provided from the parish webpage. Also, remember to subscribe for electronic delivery of the e-vangelist. Send your request to sje2640@gmail.com.

Reflection for October 11

Christianity: According to Twitter
Xianity140: Adam&Eve hungry so we=sinners. JC died&rose so we=saved. Is God3in1/Bible true/Kingdom coming/Pope Catholic? Believe/Love! Ahh! —A definition of Christianity, using only 140 characters, by Stephen Prothero, professor of religious studies at Boston University.

Announcements for October 4

• Blessing of the Animals
  This Sunday, October 4 @ 4:30 p.m.This Sunday is St. Francis’ Day and all pets are invited to gather at the outdoor altar at 4:30 p.m. to receive a blessing. All species in God’s creation (suitably restrained) are welcome. Again this year, Faith Lutheran Church in Homewood is hosting this event with St. John’s. Donations to aid the South Suburban Humane Society will also be accepted. The top items on their wish list are: Purina Kitten Chow, Paper Towels, and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. More information and donation suggestions are available at http://www.sshspets.org/.
  
• Bishop Lee visits next Sunday, October 11
  Next Sunday, the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee will make his first official visit to St. John’s as Bishop of Chicago. He will preside and preach at the 10:00 service, including Confirmation. A special reception for the confirmands and the Bishop follows the service. During his visit, Bishop Lee will also meet with the Sunday School children and spend time with the vestry.
  
• Daughters of the King Meeting this week
  Regular meeting of the Daughters Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. The St. John’s chapter of the Daughters of the King will host a one-day retreat on Saturday, October 17 at the PORTIUNCULA Center for Prayer (“The Port”) in Frankfort. All women of the parish are welcome.
  
• Faith in Films Opens Friday, October 9, with Life is Beautiful
  The third season of St. John’s cinematic get-together premieres Friday, October 9, with the 1997 Oscar winner, Life is Beautiful. Roberto Benigni’s tale of faith and humor, set in Nazi-occupied Italy, will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
  
• The Redclaws are Coming! Brotherhood Lobsterfest, October 24
  The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s annual fall fundraiser is just around the corner. Saturday, October 24, is the date for Lobsterfest III: Return of the Claw. On that date, ‘live’ Maine lobsters will arrive from Boston for our communal dining pleasure and for the benefit of South Suburban PADS and Episcopal Charities and Community Services. Watch this space for more details, or just pick up one of the Brotherhood event flyers in the church undercroft.
  
• Receive the e-vangelist electronically
  80 individuals are now receiving the weekly e-vangelist electronically. You can subscribe by sending your request to sje2640@gmail.com.

Reflection for October 4

Saint Francis
Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired, but probably the least imitated; few have attained to his total identification with the poverty and suffering of Christ. From Lesser Feasts and Fasts, Church Publishing Incorporated.

Weekly Announcements September 27

• Blessing of the Animals: Next Sunday, October 4
  Next Sunday is St. Francis’ Day and all pets are invited to gather at the outdoor altar at 4:30 p.m. to receive a blessing. All species in God’s creation (suitably restrained) are welcome. Even if you don’t have a pet, come see which pet wins the Rector look-alike contest. Donations to aid the South Suburban Humane Society will also be accepted. The top items on their wish list are: Purina Kitten Chow, Paper Towels, and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. More information and donation suggestions are available at http://www.sshspets.org.
  
  
• Brotherhood Kickoff BBQ this Sunday
  If the leaves are falling and lobsters in Boston again are booking flights for Chicago, then it must be time for yet another season of faith, fellowship, and fundraising with St. John’s chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. The Episcopal men’s service group will kick things off this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. with burgers, brats, Bears (and Seahawks). All men of St. John’s are welcome to join us for what promises to be a very fun event, regardless of the football results.
  
• Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Potluck Luncheon Wednesday
  All women of the parish are invited to a potluck luncheon Wednesday, September 30, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Bring a dish if you can and join us for conversation and great food.
  
  
• Daughters of the King Retreat
  The St. John’s chapter of the Daughters of the King will host a one-day retreat on Saturday, October 17 at the PORTIUNCULA Center for Prayer (“The Port”) in Frankfort. All women of the parish are welcome. The next regular meeting of the Daughters is Wednesday evening, October 7.
  
  
• Receive the e-vangelist on Friday via e-mail
  You may subscribe by sending your request and e-mail address to sje2640@gmail.com.
  
  
• Faith in Films Opens October 9 with Life is Beautiful
  The third season of St. John’s cinematic get-together premieres Friday, October 9, with the 1997 Oscar winner, Life is Beautiful. Roberto Benigni’s tale of faith and humor, set in Nazi-occupied Italy, will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
  
• The Redclaws are Coming!
  Brotherhood Lobsterfest, October 24 The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s annual lobster sale is coming October 24. Proceeds benefit South Suburban PADS and Episcopal Charities. Watch for more info or pick up a flyer in the church.

Reflection for September 27

The Presiding Bishop on Individualism and Community

In my opening address at General Convention, I spoke about the "great Western heresy" of individualism…. Individualism (the understanding that the interests and independence of the individual necessarily trump the interests of others as well as principles of interdependence) is basically unbiblical and unchristian.

The spiritual journey, at least in the Judeo-Christian tradition, is about holy living in community. When Jesus was asked to summarize the Torah, he said, "love God and love your neighbor as yourself." That means our task is to be in relationship with God and with our neighbors. If salvation is understood only as "getting right with God" without considering "getting right with (all) our neighbors," then we've got a heresy (an unorthodox belief) on our hands. [From: Salvation's goal: returning all to right relationship, by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, August 27, 2009]