Announcements for March 27

• Brunch Bunch This Sunday
  Everyone is invited for brunch bunch following the 10:00 service this Sunday, March 27. The entrée is ham; bring a potluck side dish or dessert if you can. But even if you can’t bring a dish, please bring yourself!
  
  
• Lenten Fish Fry April 1
  The Brotherhood of St. Andrew fish fry is Friday, April 1, from 5:30 – 7:30. Flyers with more information are available throughout the church. Please make a reservation by Tuesday, March 29.
  
  
• Lenten Study Series: Jesus’ Miracles
  This week’s adult Lenten study class will focus on Jesus’ miracles. The class meets in the church on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  
  
• Diocesan Chrism Mass, Saturday April 2 at St. James’ Cathedral
  Children are particularly encouraged to attend this event Saturday morning, April 2, from 9:30 – 12:30. A group from St. John’s will be going. Speak to Donica Van Voorhees or Pastor Orr if you are interested.
  
  
• St. John’s Yarn Ministry
  The St. John’s knitters will be meeting Monday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. All are welcome... knitters, crocheters, or talkers!
  
  
• Last Chance to Have a Spring Fling, Saturday, April 9
  Reply now to attend Altrusa International's Spring Fling Fundraiser Luncheon on Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.--2 p.m., at Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood. Speaker is author Karen Abbott. Proceeds fund local charities, literacy projects, and scholarships. For more info, contact parishioners Fran Schrader or Betsy Elliot (aka Burgwald).
  
  
• Illinois Philharmonic Rising Star Showcase
  The Friends of the IPO present the third annual Rising Star Showcase on April 17 (Palm Sunday) at 4:00 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. The benefit concert for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will feature seven talented musicians from the Southland, ages 8 – 18, playing violin, viola, piano, clarinet, and trombone. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from Donica Van Voorhees or directly through the IPO.

Reflection for March 27

Feast of the Annunciation: March 25
The angel said to [Mary], “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God... For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:35, 37). Gabriel’s parting words to Mary remind us that “nothing will be impossible with God.” In each of us there exists the potential not only to receive visits by angels, but even to serve as messengers of God. Like Gabriel’s life-changing, world-changing effect, each of us has the potential, and baptismal call, to change the world. It is us, God’s contemporary angels, who can heal a hurting world. The Holy Spirit bestows the resources, the will and the responsibility upon us at our baptism. A hungry child...a struggling woman, afraid for her life...a young boy, forced to hold a rifle...all are waiting for an angel. What will it take for you to be the angel? (Bonnie Anderson, ERD 2011 Lenten Devotions)

Announcements for March 20

• Vestry Meeting: Monday, March 21
  The March meeting of the vestry will be held this Monday, March 21, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Vestry members, remember that materials will be distributed only electronically for this meeting.
  
  
• Lenten Study Series: Baptism—Jesus’ and Ours
  Again this year Pastor Orr is offering a Lenten study series on Wednesday evenings. A handout with information is available in the undercroft. The class will address some of the big topics in Christian theology. This week’s class will address baptism. As a starting point, we will draw upon Dorothy Sayers’ plays on the life of Jesus: The Man Born to Be King. No soup this year. Just come for class in the church Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Although the classes are linked by Sayers’ plays, each class stands alone, so come when you can.
  
  
• Parish Raking Day
  Please come help rake up twigs and other winter debris on the church grounds: Saturday, March 26, beginning at 9:00 a.m. All hands are welcome. We will have several rakes, but if you have your own, please bring it. Another landscape work day in April will help prepare the beds and plantings for the growing season.

• Brunch Bunch Next Sunday
  Next Sunday, March 27, brunch bunch will serve ham following the 10:00 a.m. service. Everyone is welcome. If you can, please bring a dessert or side dish.
  
  
• Lenten Fish Fry April 1
  Mark your calendars. The master fryers of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew will offer a traditional fish fry Friday evening, April 1. More details to follow.
  
  
• Diocesan Chrism Mass, Saturday April 2 at St. James’ Cathedral
  Bishop Lee invites all people of the Diocese, as part of our Lenten preparation, to participate in the blessing of the Chrism for baptism and a program on “Anointing with the Spirit.” All activities are at St. James’ Cathedral, Saturday, April 2, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Children are particularly encouraged to attend. A group from St. John’s will be going. Speak to Donica Van Voorhees or Pastor Orr if you are interested.
  
  
• Lenten Devotions from Episcopal Charities and Community Services
  Episcopal Charities and Community Services is providing daily on-line devotions throughout Lent. They may be found at www.eccsonline.net.
  
  
• Altrusa Spring Fling Saturday, April 9
  Please join Altrusa International of Chicago's South Suburbs at its Spring Fling Fundraiser Luncheon on Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.--2 p.m., at Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood. Great venue, interesting vendors, raffle prizes, and a return of 2008's hit speaker--Karen Abbott, presenting her latest book, American Rose: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee. Proceeds fund local charities, literacy projects, and scholarships. Reservations due Friday, March 25. For more info, contact parishioners Fran Schrader or Betsy Elliot (aka Burgwald).

Reflection for March 20

[Jesus] was executed by a corrupt church, a timid politician, and a fickle proletariat led by professional agitators. His executioners made vulgar jokes about Him, called Him filthy names, taunted Him, smacked Him in the face, flogged Him with the cat, and hanged Him on the common gibbet—a bloody, dusty, sweaty, and sordid business.... It is curious that people who are filled with horrified indignation whenever a cat kills a sparrow can hear that story of the killing of God told Sunday after Sunday and not experience any shock at all (Dorothy Sayers, “Introduction” to The Man Born to Be King).

Announcements for March 13

• Spring Forward: Daylight Saving Time Begins
  Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday morning, March 13. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.
  
  
• Materials for Lent
  An updated version of “Lent for Dummies” is available on the information tables. Copies of this year’s Lenten meditations from Episcopal Relief and Development are also available.
  
  
• Lenten Study Series
  Again this year Pastor Orr will offer a Lenten study series on Wednesday evenings. A handout with information is available in the undercroft. The class will address some of the big topics in Christian theology: The Historical Jesus, Baptism—Jesus’ and Ours, Miracles, The Last Supper/The First Eucharist, and Why Did Jesus Die? As a starting point, we will draw upon Dorothy Sayers’ plays on the life of Jesus: The Man Born to Be King. No soup this year. Just come for class in the church Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. The first class meets this Wednesday, March 16.
  
  
• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Recap
  Thank you to chefs Geoff Eysenbach, Margi Strombeck, Ted Stone and Bill Bestow and servers Nia Green and friends. And thanks to all of the children who made TWO fabulous A******* banners and “buried” them—to remain hidden throughout Lent. It was a fun event, great fellowship and raised $180 to help support PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter).
  
  
• Lenten Fish Fry April 1
  Mark your calendars. The master fryers of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew will offer a traditional fish fry Friday evening, April. More details to follow.
  
  
• Upcoming Seabury Program
  All are invited to a lecture and book signing by Douglas Hicks on Living Faithfully in the Global Economy; How Much is Enough: Rethinking Money, Faith, and Well-being. March 18, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 Chestnut, Chicago. Mr. Hicks will also be offering a workshop on Saturday, March 19 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn. Flyers are posted and more information is available on the lecture here and on the workshop here.
  

Reflection for March 13

The Invitation to the Observance of a Holy Lent
Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting.... I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self- examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word (Book of Common Prayer, p. 264-265).

Announcements for March 6

• Materials for Lent
  An updated version of “Lent for Dummies” is available on the information tables. Copies of this year’s Lenten meditations from Episcopal Relief and Development are also available.
  
  
• Lenten Study Series
  Again this year Pastor Orr will offer a Lenten study series on Wednesday evenings. A handout with information is available in the undercroft. The class will address some of the big topics in Christian theology: The Historical Jesus, Baptism—Jesus’ and Ours, Miracles, The Last Supper/The First Eucharist, and Why Did Jesus Die? As a starting point, we will draw upon Dorothy Sayers’ plays onthe life of Jesus: The Man Born to Be King. No soup this year. Just come for class in the church Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
  
  
• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper this Tuesday
  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9. The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be offered Tuesday evening, March 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This year, it will be “pay at the door,” but please sign up so we can get a headcount. Suggested donations are $5.00/adult; $3.00/child. Also, please consider bringing a donation for the food pantry. Sign up sheets are available in the church and undercroft, or you may call the parish office.
  
  
• Ash Wednesday Services
  The Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes will be offered on Ash Wednesday, March 9, at 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• St. John’s Yarn (Knitting) Ministry
  The St. John’s knitters will be meeting this coming Monday, March 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild room. All are welcome... knitters, crocheters, or talkers!
  
  
• Little Hands Gather to Make a Rain Barrel
  All children are encouraged to join in the Little Hands project to create a rain barrel for St. John’s. Meet at Irons Oaks (Western at Vollmer) on Saturday, March 12, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Wear something you can paint in. Call Pastor Orr with questions.
  
  
• Faith in Films: Cookie’s Fortune on Friday, March 11
  As Lent begins, this film explores hypocrisy. Starring Glen Close, Julianne Moore, Liv Tyler, and Chris O’Donnell, directed by Robert Altman. Scripture readings for reflection: Joel 2:12-18 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. Gather in the Guild Room at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. All are welcome.
  
  
• Upcoming Seabury Program
  All are invited to a lecture and book signing by Douglas Hicks on Living Faithfully in the Global Economy; How Much is Enough: Rethinking Money, Faith, and Well-being. March 18, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 Chestnut, Chicago. Mr. Hicks will also be offering a workshop on Saturday, March 19 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn. Flyers are posted and more information on the lecture is available here and on the workshop here.
  

Reflection for March 6

The Rev. Dr. Peter J. Gomes, Plummer Professor Christian Morals and Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church at Harvard University, died Monday. A few remembrances, collected at Episcopal Café: “He was the first black minister of Memorial Church and the first pastor of that church to participate in a US president’s inauguration. The Rev. Gomes also was the only gay, black, Republican, Baptist preacher most people would ever meet” (Boston Globe). “The turning point for me was a shocking sermon he preached in 1991, ‘The Courage to Remember,’ where an African-American minister from Harvard railed against Harvard’s Memorial Hall because it only commemorated Union dead from the Civil War, not the Confederates. ‘Humanity transcends the sides and there are no victors ultimately; there are only those to be commended to God’” (Allegra Jordan at Faith and Leadership).