Announcements for October 2

• Blessing of the Animals This Sunday
  Pets of all species (suitably restrained or contained) are invited to the Blessing of the Animal this Sunday, October 2, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the outdoor altar. Humans can come, too.
  
  
• Children’s Participation in the Offertory
  Remember, children are invited to participate directly in the offertory in Sunday services by bringing their own offerings to the altar. Non-perishable food items or items for the Humane Society are possible offerings, but God cherishes all offerings. Don’t forget to bring yours.
  
  
• Yarn Ministry
  Yarn Ministry will meet this Monday, October 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room at the church. If you are unable to attend the gatherings, we also welcome items you create at home. Our handy work is donated to a number of charities. All levels of experience are welcome. If you would like to learn to knit, Sue O’Brien is willing to instruct. Yarn Ministry is not limited to just knitters, crocheters are also welcome. Hope to see you there.
  
  
• Sunday School Classes are Underway
  Christian Formation classes for children and adults are offered on Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m.
  
  
• Sing Handel’s Messiah
  The Illiana Oratorio Society begins the first of seven rehearsals for Handel’s Messiah on Monday, October 17, at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Performance dates are Sunday, December 4, in South Holland and Saturday, December 10, at Trinity Christian College. For further information, contact Gale Michael.
  
  
• Benefit for Young Musicians
  A chamber music concert featuring the music of Robert Schuman, performed by Lisa Kristina and other musicians, will take place on Sunday, October 9, at 4:00 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. The admission price of $25 will benefit the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra’s “Incredible Opportunity” program, which provides inexpensive group string lessons, including free loan of an instrument, to elementary school children in the south suburbs. Tickets are available at the door or on-line here. The Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit organization, and is also seeking donations of used string instruments, especially smaller-sized instruments for children.
  
  
• Caregiving and Spirituality: A Quiet Day for Those Who Care for Others
  Offered by the Spirituality Network of Chicago, this quiet day will be led by St. John’s parishioner Dr. Anne Edwards, psychologist and director of the Gerontology Institute at Purdue University, Calumet. Saturday, October 22, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palos Hills. For more information or to register, call (708) 497-9699 or e-mail info@SpiritChicago.org.