St. John’s Jubilation and Fall Ministry Fair Next Sunday
St. John’s Fall Kick Off celebration, Ministry Fair and Sunday School registration takes place next Sunday, September 9, following the 10:00 a.m. liturgy. Come catch up with parishioners after summer vacations, browse displays of activities and ministries at St. John’s and register children for Sunday School.
Last Call for Delegates for Diocesan Convention
The 175th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago takes place this year November 16-17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. More information is available on the diocesan website. Everyone is invited to attend; you may register on-line. If you are interested in serving as a delegate from St. John’s please speak to the Rector.
Thank You to James Janssen
Throughout most of the summer James Janssen has provided organ music and musical leadership for our Sunday worship services. His presence has been a wonderful gift and a blessing. Next Sunday he returns to his regular “winter” job at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Evanston.
2012-2013 Parish Calendar Available
A summary calendar of activities and holy days for the upcoming year at St. John’s is available. Print copies are available on the information tables and an electronic copy was e-mailed with last week’s e-vangelist.
Parish Office Closed for Labor Day
The parish office will be closed Monday, September 3, in observance of Labor Day.
Children’s Choral Workshop Here!
The Grande Prairie Choral Arts Children’s Choral Workshop will meet this fall here at St. John’s. Open to all students in first through fourth grades, the sessions meet on Tuesday afternoons. For more information, visit www.grandeprairiechoral.org or call 708-481-8684.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Reflection for September 2
For Labor Day
Grant us grace, our Father, to do our work this day as workmen who need not be ashamed. Give us the spirit of diligence and honest enquiry in our quest for the truth, the spirit of charity in all our dealings with our fellows, and the spirit of gaiety, courage, and a quiet mind in facing all tasks and responsibilities (Reinhold Niebuhr).
Grant us grace, our Father, to do our work this day as workmen who need not be ashamed. Give us the spirit of diligence and honest enquiry in our quest for the truth, the spirit of charity in all our dealings with our fellows, and the spirit of gaiety, courage, and a quiet mind in facing all tasks and responsibilities (Reinhold Niebuhr).
Friday, August 24, 2012
Announcements for August 26
Blessing of the Backpacks
This Sunday Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks, book bags or brief cases to church this Sunday, August 26. During the 10:00 a.m. liturgy, we will offer special prayers of blessing and intercession for the new school year.
Seeking Delegates for Diocesan Convention
The 175th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago takes place this year November 16-17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. More information is available on the diocesan website. Everyone is invited to attend; you may register on-line. If you are interested in serving as a delegate from St. John’s please speak to the Rector.
St. John’s Jubilation and Fall Ministry Fair
St. John’s Fall Kick Off celebration, Ministry Fair and Sunday School registration takes place Sunday, September 9, following the 10:00 a.m. liturgy. Come catch up with parishioners after summer vacations, browse displays of activities and ministries at St. John’s and register children for Sunday School.
Office Manager Sandy Lawless is Retiring
St. John’s Office Manager Sandy Lawless is retiring. She has been at St. John’s since 1998. We pray God’s blessing on this new chapter in her life. Her last day in the office will be August 31.
June Vestry Minutes are On-line
Minutes from the June meeting of the vestry are now posted on this blog. Click on the "Vestry Minutes" label. Minutes are posted after they are approved. (The vestry did not meet in July.)
Children’s Choral Workshop Here!
The Grande Prairie Choral Arts Children’s Choral Workshop will meet this fall here at St. John’s. Open to all students in first through fourth grades, the sessions meet on Tuesday afternoons. For more information, visit www.grandeprairiechoral.org or call 708-481-8684.
Medication Take-Back Program
Thursday, August 30, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Bloom Township Senior Services, 425 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights. Citizens may drop off medications, vitamins, medicated liquids and ointments, inhalers, glass thermometers, and medical devices containing mercury. Unacceptable take-back items include narcotic medications, biohazardous materials, sharps and needles.
This Sunday Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks, book bags or brief cases to church this Sunday, August 26. During the 10:00 a.m. liturgy, we will offer special prayers of blessing and intercession for the new school year.
Seeking Delegates for Diocesan Convention
The 175th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago takes place this year November 16-17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. More information is available on the diocesan website. Everyone is invited to attend; you may register on-line. If you are interested in serving as a delegate from St. John’s please speak to the Rector.
St. John’s Jubilation and Fall Ministry Fair
St. John’s Fall Kick Off celebration, Ministry Fair and Sunday School registration takes place Sunday, September 9, following the 10:00 a.m. liturgy. Come catch up with parishioners after summer vacations, browse displays of activities and ministries at St. John’s and register children for Sunday School.
Office Manager Sandy Lawless is Retiring
St. John’s Office Manager Sandy Lawless is retiring. She has been at St. John’s since 1998. We pray God’s blessing on this new chapter in her life. Her last day in the office will be August 31.
June Vestry Minutes are On-line
Minutes from the June meeting of the vestry are now posted on this blog. Click on the "Vestry Minutes" label. Minutes are posted after they are approved. (The vestry did not meet in July.)
Children’s Choral Workshop Here!
The Grande Prairie Choral Arts Children’s Choral Workshop will meet this fall here at St. John’s. Open to all students in first through fourth grades, the sessions meet on Tuesday afternoons. For more information, visit www.grandeprairiechoral.org or call 708-481-8684.
Medication Take-Back Program
Thursday, August 30, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Bloom Township Senior Services, 425 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights. Citizens may drop off medications, vitamins, medicated liquids and ointments, inhalers, glass thermometers, and medical devices containing mercury. Unacceptable take-back items include narcotic medications, biohazardous materials, sharps and needles.
Reflection for August 26
Prayer
I work the graveyard shift of prayer, the nights that seem empty to some, but to those with a burdened heart, the nights that never end. I stay alert to the midnight call of the soul, the cry of one far away, whose spirit voice reaches out through deserted streets, to find someone, anyone, who can help remove the pain. I do not keep my vigil because I am good, but because, like you, I have been there, to the all night cafe, where you go when you just don't want to be alone. Can you stay awake with me, God asked, and yes, we said, yes, we can, this time, we can (The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston).
I work the graveyard shift of prayer, the nights that seem empty to some, but to those with a burdened heart, the nights that never end. I stay alert to the midnight call of the soul, the cry of one far away, whose spirit voice reaches out through deserted streets, to find someone, anyone, who can help remove the pain. I do not keep my vigil because I am good, but because, like you, I have been there, to the all night cafe, where you go when you just don't want to be alone. Can you stay awake with me, God asked, and yes, we said, yes, we can, this time, we can (The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston).
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Vestry Minutes - June 18, 2012
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests
Evening Prayer began at 7:00 PM. The vestry then met in the undercroft meeting room where the meeting began with each person offering prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were the rector, Kristin Orr; senior warden, Frank So; junior warden, Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry member Greg Lawrence and the treasurer Clay Denton were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from the May Meeting
Bev Keene moved that the minutes from the May meeting be approved, and R.J. VanSwol seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of the treasurer, the rector reported that our finances are in good shape with nothing unusual having happened over the past month. Revenues are good, and we are saving some money on salaries due to staff vacancies. There was no formal treasurer’s report this month.
Information
Rector’s Report
During Pastor Orr’s upcoming vacation, July 10-31, the wardens will be in charge. Chuck Hensel will serve as supply priest for all three Sundays during that period. The search for an organist is ongoing. Pastor Orr is in the process of assembling a committee to evaluate candidates. Publicity on the vacancy will be out soon.
Sandy Lawless will retire from her position as office manager at the end of August. We will keep in mind, when planning a way to celebrate her many years of service to the church, that Sandy would prefer a low-key response from the parish.
In the fall, Pastor Orr is planning to invite the parish to document, in some way, the sprouting of the Kingdom of God in the world.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
The wardens had no reports.
Gale Michael reported that the Ice Cream Social is coming together nicely and that she is grateful for parish help.
Upcoming Parish Events
The annual Community Ice Cream Social will follow the Flossmoor Parade on July 4th.
Discussion and Decisions
Reports on webinar presentations
Audrey Ongman, Mark Moxley, and Kristin Orr participated in the recent webinar presentation on endowments. The webinar staff taught that an endowment is not a managed investment; rather, the money is meant to be used as well as saved. If a church closes, the endowment belongs to the diocese.
Formation of columbarium task force
St. John’s columbarium is fully subscribed. It should be expanded and may have to be moved. Pastor Orr asked for volunteers for a committee to do preliminary work on finding out what companies do this kind of work. Frank So, Mark Moxley, and Candice Barrera offered to serve.
Accessibility project
Pastor Orr stated that we need to increase the visibility of this project within the parish and suggested parish meetings in the fall. Audrey suggested a coffee hour meeting with sandwiches at which we would present our work so far and ask people if they want to go forward with the project. Anne suggested that we involve people from past vestries who have participated in the planning. Mark said that this would be an opportunity to ask parishioners what they believe most needs to be done. Frank said that we should ask if people think the cost is worthwhile, and Anne added that if parishioners do not want to spend the money, we should find out their reasons. Steve noted that we need to include a meeting for the 8:00 worshippers. Candice suggested that the meeting be combined with a potluck.
Pastor Orr summarized the goals of the meeting as 1. to get the word out, 2. to test parish interest and invite comments, and 3. to give the vestry an opportunity to highlight the reasons to make the church more accessible.
To prepare for the meeting the vestry needs to brush up on the project plans. The parish meeting will be the main focus of the August vestry meeting.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting closed at 8:45 PM. There will be no July meeting. The vestry will reconvene on August 20th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis, Clerk of the Vestry
Approved, August 20, 2012
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests
Evening Prayer began at 7:00 PM. The vestry then met in the undercroft meeting room where the meeting began with each person offering prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were the rector, Kristin Orr; senior warden, Frank So; junior warden, Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry member Greg Lawrence and the treasurer Clay Denton were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from the May Meeting
Bev Keene moved that the minutes from the May meeting be approved, and R.J. VanSwol seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of the treasurer, the rector reported that our finances are in good shape with nothing unusual having happened over the past month. Revenues are good, and we are saving some money on salaries due to staff vacancies. There was no formal treasurer’s report this month.
Information
Rector’s Report
During Pastor Orr’s upcoming vacation, July 10-31, the wardens will be in charge. Chuck Hensel will serve as supply priest for all three Sundays during that period. The search for an organist is ongoing. Pastor Orr is in the process of assembling a committee to evaluate candidates. Publicity on the vacancy will be out soon.
Sandy Lawless will retire from her position as office manager at the end of August. We will keep in mind, when planning a way to celebrate her many years of service to the church, that Sandy would prefer a low-key response from the parish.
In the fall, Pastor Orr is planning to invite the parish to document, in some way, the sprouting of the Kingdom of God in the world.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
The wardens had no reports.
Gale Michael reported that the Ice Cream Social is coming together nicely and that she is grateful for parish help.
Upcoming Parish Events
The annual Community Ice Cream Social will follow the Flossmoor Parade on July 4th.
Discussion and Decisions
Reports on webinar presentations
Audrey Ongman, Mark Moxley, and Kristin Orr participated in the recent webinar presentation on endowments. The webinar staff taught that an endowment is not a managed investment; rather, the money is meant to be used as well as saved. If a church closes, the endowment belongs to the diocese.
Formation of columbarium task force
St. John’s columbarium is fully subscribed. It should be expanded and may have to be moved. Pastor Orr asked for volunteers for a committee to do preliminary work on finding out what companies do this kind of work. Frank So, Mark Moxley, and Candice Barrera offered to serve.
Accessibility project
Pastor Orr stated that we need to increase the visibility of this project within the parish and suggested parish meetings in the fall. Audrey suggested a coffee hour meeting with sandwiches at which we would present our work so far and ask people if they want to go forward with the project. Anne suggested that we involve people from past vestries who have participated in the planning. Mark said that this would be an opportunity to ask parishioners what they believe most needs to be done. Frank said that we should ask if people think the cost is worthwhile, and Anne added that if parishioners do not want to spend the money, we should find out their reasons. Steve noted that we need to include a meeting for the 8:00 worshippers. Candice suggested that the meeting be combined with a potluck.
Pastor Orr summarized the goals of the meeting as 1. to get the word out, 2. to test parish interest and invite comments, and 3. to give the vestry an opportunity to highlight the reasons to make the church more accessible.
To prepare for the meeting the vestry needs to brush up on the project plans. The parish meeting will be the main focus of the August vestry meeting.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting closed at 8:45 PM. There will be no July meeting. The vestry will reconvene on August 20th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis, Clerk of the Vestry
Approved, August 20, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Announcements for August 19
- Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, August 20, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
- Blessing of the Backpacks
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks, book bags or brief cases next Sunday, August 26. During the 10:00 a.m. liturgy, we will offer special prayers of blessing and intercession for the new school year.
- Attend Diocesan Convention
The 175th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago takes place this year November 16-17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. More information is available on the diocesan website. Everyone is invited to attend; you may register on-line. If you are interested in serving as a delegate from St. John’s please speak to the Rector.
- Reflecting on General Convention
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a message to the church following General Convention this summer. Read it here. A summary of actions from General Convention is available here.
- Wanna Have Fun?
Join a Bowling League The bowling season starts soon. Look for flyers in the undercroft describing this every other Sunday bowling league. For more information, see Gale Michael.
- Audition for Grande Prairie Singers
Would you like to join the chorus for its exciting 2012-13 season? Auditions will be held Saturday, August 25. Call 708-481-8684 for an appointment time.
- Children’s Choral Workshop Here!
The Grande Prairie Choral Arts Children’s Choral Workshop will meet this fall here at St. John’s. Open to all students in first through fourth grades, the sessions meet on Tuesday afternoons. For more information, visit www.grandeprairiechoral.org or call 708-481-8684.
- Medication Take-Back Program
Thursday, August 30, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Bloom Township Senior Services, 425 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights. Citizens may drop off medications, vitamins, medicated liquids and ointments, inhalers, glass thermometers, and medical devices containing mercury. Unacceptable take-back items include narcotic medications, biohazardous materials, sharps and needles.
- Infant Jesus of Prague Blockparty
Friends and neighbors are invited to this end of the summer party. August 25, 4:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Reflection for August 19
Reflecting on General Convention
All of this creative work means that we emerge with abundant hope, better discipline for working together and with partners beyond this Church, for our fundamental reason for being – engagement with God’s mission. We have moved beyond the entrenched conflict of recent years. I pray that our growing confidence is a sign of new humility, knowing that we are finite creatures who can always be wrong, that we can do God’s work only as part of the Body, and that disagreement is a mark of possibility (The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori).
All of this creative work means that we emerge with abundant hope, better discipline for working together and with partners beyond this Church, for our fundamental reason for being – engagement with God’s mission. We have moved beyond the entrenched conflict of recent years. I pray that our growing confidence is a sign of new humility, knowing that we are finite creatures who can always be wrong, that we can do God’s work only as part of the Body, and that disagreement is a mark of possibility (The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori).
Friday, August 10, 2012
Announcements for August 12
- Blessing of the Backpacks
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks, book bags or brief cases on Sunday, August 26. During the 10:00 a.m. liturgy, we will offer special prayers of blessing and intercession for the new school year.
- Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of academic study and group reflection intended to equip lay people for ministry. It is a program of the (Episcopal) University of the South at Sewanee. More information is available here. St. John’s has an EfM group that meets on Thursday evenings during the academic year. If you are interested in joining EfM, or if you are a returning student, please see Pastor Orr about registration for the upcoming year.
- Daughters of the King Meeting
The Daughters of the King will meet Saturday August 18 at 9:30 a.m. in the Guild Room.
- Wanna Have Fun?
Join a Bowling League The bowling season is starting soon. Look for flyers in the undercroft telling all about the every other Sunday bowling league. For more information, see Gale Michael.
- Audition for Grande Prairie Singers
Would you like to join the chorus for its exciting 2012-13 season? Auditions will be held Saturday, August 25. Call 708-481-8684 for an appointment time.
- Children’s Choral Workshop Here!
The Grande Prairie Choral Arts Children’s Choral Workshop will meet this fall here at St. John’s. Open to all students in first through fourth grades, the fun and active sessions run 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays for 14 weeks, starting September 4. No audition needed. Several flexible payment options are available, including family rates and a limited number of scholarships. For more information, visit www.grandeprairiechoral.org or call 708-481-8684.
Reflection for August 12
Prayer for the Sikh Community
Eternal God, every day you look after and behold all that you have created. Our world is engrossed in sin and evil. In the midst of the tragedy suffered by the Sikh community, we cry out to you for solace. Comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, and move us to compassionate action to transform our communities so they may reflect your eternal peace. Send your spirit throughout the world, that all peoples may be gathered as your children, sharing in your divine light which pervades us all. Amen. (The Rev. David Simmons, Rector of St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Waukesha, Wisconsin; drawing upon imagery from the Kirtan Sohila, which is the Sikh prayer for the evening also used at funerals).
Eternal God, every day you look after and behold all that you have created. Our world is engrossed in sin and evil. In the midst of the tragedy suffered by the Sikh community, we cry out to you for solace. Comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, and move us to compassionate action to transform our communities so they may reflect your eternal peace. Send your spirit throughout the world, that all peoples may be gathered as your children, sharing in your divine light which pervades us all. Amen. (The Rev. David Simmons, Rector of St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Waukesha, Wisconsin; drawing upon imagery from the Kirtan Sohila, which is the Sikh prayer for the evening also used at funerals).
Friday, August 3, 2012
Announcements for August 5
- Blessing of the Backpacks
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks, book bags or brief cases on Sunday, August 26. During the 10:00 a.m. liturgy, we will offer special prayers of blessing and intercession for the new school year.
- Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of academic study and group reflection intended to equip lay people for ministry. It is a program of the (Episcopal) University of the South at Sewanee. More information is available here. St. John’s has an EfM group that meets on Thursday evenings during the academic year. If you are interested in joining EfM, or if you are a returning student, please see Pastor Orr about registration for the upcoming year.
Reflection for August 5
Watch and Pray
Prayer is the ground of Christian faith and a test of theology, says Jürgen Moltmann. We can’t say things to others about God that we haven’t already said to God in prayer. In prayer, Moltmann says, we see the world with the eyes of God. But the biblical command is not to pray but to watch: “To pray means to open one’s eyes and watch what is happening, what is coming, the dangers and the opportunities.” Images in the catacombs show that the early Christians prayed with open hands and open eyes (Christian Century, June 27, 2012).
Prayer is the ground of Christian faith and a test of theology, says Jürgen Moltmann. We can’t say things to others about God that we haven’t already said to God in prayer. In prayer, Moltmann says, we see the world with the eyes of God. But the biblical command is not to pray but to watch: “To pray means to open one’s eyes and watch what is happening, what is coming, the dangers and the opportunities.” Images in the catacombs show that the early Christians prayed with open hands and open eyes (Christian Century, June 27, 2012).
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