Stewardship: Annual Pledge Drive
You should soon be receiving the mailing with information about St. John’s annual pledge drive. Please take the time to read and consider the enclosed information. Please also reflect on the words on the back of the pledge card. St. John’s is a “place to connect.” How does St. John’s help you connect to God, to your faith, to a caring community, and to the needs of the world? Pledge cards can be returned to the parish office at any time or you will have the opportunity to offer them within worship on Sunday, November 18.
Guest Preacher November 4: The Rev. Jim Steen
The Rev. Jim Steen, Director of Ministries on Bishop Lee’s leadership team, will preach at both services Sunday, November 4. He will also present a forum and be available for questions during the 9:00 a.m. hour in the adult Sunday School class in the Education Wing.
Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
The youth of Little Hands are spearheading St. John’s participation in the Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program this year. Look for their table during coffee hour. Or you can stop by the parish office anytime to adopt a family.
All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory
All parishioners and guests are invited to the Rector’s annual All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory, Sunday, November 4, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Remembering the Faithful Departed on All Saints’ Day
We will offer special prayers for the faithful departed at the Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist on November 7. Please phone or e-mail the parish office if you have individuals you would like included in these prayers.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will be meeting on Monday, November 5, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Blue Jeans Sundays in November
Mark your calendars. Wear blue jeans to church on Sunday and plan to stay after for an hour or so and help with outside fall landscaping clean up work. November 11 and 24, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Central Standard Time Resumes November 4
Remember to set your clocks back one hour.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Reflection for October 28
For the Parish
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 817).
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 817).
Friday, October 19, 2012
Announcements for October 21
Vestry Town Hall Meeting This Sunday: Update on the Accessibility Project
During coffee hour this Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Please read reflections by Steve Hofer and Mark Moxley, posted here. A summary fact sheet on the accessibility project is available here.
Youth Worship This Sunday
Youth Worship resumes this Sunday, October 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Chapel in the education wing. Children of all ages are always welcome in church throughout the service, but grade school-aged children are invited to participate in youth worship if they wish. It is offered as an engaging age-appropriate worship experience for the liturgy of the Word of God, or the first portion of the Eucharist. Youth worship participants join their families and the parish family at the peace and all share Holy Communion together.
Little Hands Meets Sunday
St. John’s children’s outreach group, Little Hands, meets this Sunday, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the undercroft.
All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory
All parishioners and guests are invited to the Rector’s annual All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory, Sunday, November 4, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Blue Jeans Sundays in November
Mark your calendars. Wear blue jeans to church on Sunday and plan to stay after for an hour or so and help with outside fall landscaping clean up work. November 11 and 24, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
During coffee hour this Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Please read reflections by Steve Hofer and Mark Moxley, posted here. A summary fact sheet on the accessibility project is available here.
Youth Worship This Sunday
Youth Worship resumes this Sunday, October 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Chapel in the education wing. Children of all ages are always welcome in church throughout the service, but grade school-aged children are invited to participate in youth worship if they wish. It is offered as an engaging age-appropriate worship experience for the liturgy of the Word of God, or the first portion of the Eucharist. Youth worship participants join their families and the parish family at the peace and all share Holy Communion together.
Little Hands Meets Sunday
St. John’s children’s outreach group, Little Hands, meets this Sunday, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the undercroft.
All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory
All parishioners and guests are invited to the Rector’s annual All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory, Sunday, November 4, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Blue Jeans Sundays in November
Mark your calendars. Wear blue jeans to church on Sunday and plan to stay after for an hour or so and help with outside fall landscaping clean up work. November 11 and 24, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Reflection for October 21
The holy life is not lived in isolation, in sterile conditions of religious purity, where everyone agrees and everyone gets along. Conformity is the death of creativity. Instead it is lived in the noisy marketplace of ideas and opinions, amid the many smells and sounds of our common humanity, the exhilarating and frustrating reality of being alive in the midst of life. If our fingernails are not dirty then we probably have not been practicing our religion. If our faith has not entertained a question we probably have not been thinking. Welcome to the holy chaos of God (Bishop Steven Charleston).
Fact Sheet on Accessibility Project
1. Why are we considering accessibility improvements?
2. When did the vestry start exploring improving accessibility?
3. What has been done so far?
4. What were the task force's specific recommendations?
5. Why do they propose an elevator in the west foyer?
6. Why can't we build a ramp?
7. Why are our current chair lifts inadequate?
8. What have the architects done so far?
9. What is included in these preliminary drawings/proposals?
10. Additional components that could be a part of the project.
11. Why has progress on this project been slow for the last year?
12. What are the cost estimates associated with the preliminary proposals?
13. Does this include efforts to reduce costs or any value engineering?
14. These seem high. Why?
15. Can we raise this much money?
16. How long would a capital campaign take?
17. If an elevator is installed, will there be additional ongoing costs as a result of its use?
18. Could we start improvements before the money is raised?
19. Are there other funding sources?
20. What are the next steps?
- St. John's presents significant barriers to individuals with various disabilities.
- Refer to individual vestry member's reflections.
2. When did the vestry start exploring improving accessibility?
- At least once in St. John's past (in 2003) and perhaps additional times, vestries have been concerned about the lack of accessibility and have given serious study to improving physical accessibility. There is no simple or easy solution.
- In 2009, as part of ongoing attention to building concerns, interest grew within the vestry to approach the issue again.
3. What has been done so far?
- A task force, chaired by Mike Madden, was appointed by the vestry to study the issue and present recommendations.
- The task force presented its report in the summer of 2010.
- Acting upon the recommendations of the task forces report, the vestry prepared a "Request for Proposal" which was sent to multiple architectural firms. After four firms were invited to make presentations to a vestry subcommittee, ESA was selected.
4. What were the task force's specific recommendations?
- Provide access to all three levels of the church. Installation of an elevator in the west foyer was the preferred method to achieve this.
- Create a designated handicapped entrance and parking.
- Enhance the worship experience for people with physical, visual and hearing disabilities.
- Provide an accessible restroom.
5. Why do they propose an elevator in the west foyer?
- It is a high traffic area that provides access to all three levels.
6. Why can't we build a ramp?
- To comply with ADA slope requirements, the ramp would need to be roughly 60 feet long. There are limited options for placement of a ramp of that length. The vestry's 2003 work on improving accessibility looked into an exterior ramp that would have run the length of the west side of the church. The architects report at the time said "We believe that this solution is a balance of economy and aesthetics. You may wish to consider an internal solution, such as providing a lift in the vestibule between the school and the church.... This solution will provide accessibility between all three levels of the facility and will be aesthetically superior."
- As mentioned above an exterior ramp would not provide access to the undercroft, an important location in the life of our parish community.
7. Why are our current chair lifts inadequate?
- They are useless for someone in a wheelchair.
- They require the presence of an able-bodied operator.
- They are frightening to ride.
- Unfortunately individuals forgo church rather than face the inconvenience and stigma of using the chair lifts.
8. What have the architects done so far?
- Prepared "as is" drawings of the property.
- Evaluated current electrical, water, HVAC systems.
- Prepared preliminary drawings for several proposed ways of addressing the task force' s recommendations.
9. What is included in these preliminary drawings/proposals?
- Elevator
- Accessible washroom.
10. Additional components that could be a part of the project.
- Provide an open, inviting "gathering" space in the west foyer area.
11. Why has progress on this project been slow for the last year?
- Replacement of the flat roof became unavoidably urgent and took time.
- Turnover in the architect's office. The architect who had primary responsibility for this project left the firm.
- Initial cost estimates were higher than anticipated. The architects asked us for rough figures on our fund raising potential and we needed some time to explore this.
12. What are the cost estimates associated with the preliminary proposals?
- 500,000 - 550,000
- These are very rough, provided by the architects, not a contractor.
13. Does this include efforts to reduce costs or any value engineering?
- Not yet.
14. These seem high. Why?
- The space is not quite large enough as is, so structural modifications would be required.
- Considerable reworking of HVAC systems is required.
- Elevators require 3 phase electricity, not available at the church. A special converter is required. (Or having ComEd bring it from downtown Flossmoor, where it is available--evidently an even less attractive alternative.)
15. Can we raise this much money?
- According to the Episcopal Church Foundation, a well-organized capital campaign can reasonably expect to raise from 3 to 5 times the annual giving of a congregation. For us that would be approximately $600,000 - $1,000,000.
16. How long would a capital campaign take?
- Not really known at this time, but typically at least three years.
17. If an elevator is installed, will there be additional ongoing costs as a result of its use?
- Yes. The actual costs would depend somewhat upon the type of elevator installed and are not specifically known at this time. They would include electricity, maintenance, and possibly a designated phone line for safety.
18. Could we start improvements before the money is raised?
- The vestry has not considered that option at this time. It would presumably require taking out a loan.
19. Are there other funding sources?
- Some grant money is potentially available. The largest we are aware of is $50,000. We don't know how likely we might be to receive it.
- The diocese does not have funds to aid self-sustaining parishes with this sort of improvement.
20. What are the next steps?
- At this point, nothing has been definitely decided.
- Input and conversations with parishioners are welcome.
- The next steps would presumably include a return to the architects to explore options more thoroughly, including possible cost reductions if desired.
- The vestry will decide on a plan to proceed.
Vestry Minutes - September 17, 2012
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
Evening prayer commenced at 7:00 PM and included a lesson on the life of Benedictine abbess, writer, composer and mystic, Hildegard of Bingen. 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 Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol; the treasurer Clay Denton; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Candice Barrera and Greg Lawrence were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from August Meeting
Anne Edwards moved that the minutes from the August meeting be approved. Gale Michael seconded, and the motion was carried.
Treasurer’s Report
Clay Denton reported that August was a quiet month financially with no major expenses other than candles. August pledges fell behind but seem to be catching up this month. Audrey Ongman moved that the treasurer’s report be accepted. Bev Keene seconded, and the motion passed.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund
Pastor Orr distributed a report on the amounts available in the Discretionary Fund. R.J. VanSwol made a motion to note that the report had been received. After a second by Gale Michael, the motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr asked that the whole parish community be kept in everyone’s prayers following the recent spate of funerals we have had.
The rector expressed thanks to everyone who participated in the parish Jubilation celebration of ministries.
Within a few days the rector should be announcing the hiring of a new music director.
All educational opportunities are back in full swing for both children and adults. The Sunday morning adult class that the rector holds between services will start with an exploration of faith and science. Mary Agnes Long and Audrey Ongman lead the Wednesday morning Bible study class. Education for Ministry meets on Thursday evenings. On Sunday mornings, Cyndie Knoll teaches the junior high group, Mark Moxley the intermediate, and Patti Pohrte and Diane Walsh-Madden the primary. Pastor Orr expressed thanks to all teachers and students.
The rector presented a card for the vestry to sign that will be sent, along with a check, to Sandy Lawless to mark the occasion of her retirement from her role as office manager.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There was no report.
Upcoming Parish Events
The dinner group program is re-starting after being inactive for some time.
Discussion and Decisions
Delegates for Diocesan Convention
A slate of three delegates: Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, and Susan O’Brien, and two alternates: Gale Michael and Doris Sheffer, was presented to the vestry. John Huntoon moved that the slate be approved. R.J. VanSwol seconded, and the motion was carried.
Columbarium Project Report
Frank So suggested that, at an appropriate time, the accessibility project architects and two or three landscape architects should be interviewed about handling the project. We need to check with the diocese for recommendations about moving forward on the project. Frank believes that we should proceed with the accessibility project to see what will be happening on the columbarium side of the building before making final columbarium plans.
Accessibility Project
Pastor Orr reminded the vestry about Jim Steen’s comments at the recent vestry retreat. He said that the vestry was elected to lead; that a vestry should not go to the parish to help decide everything, but the parish should be included in the conversation. Then it is the vestry’s job to assemble to make decisions. Our vestry will be including the parish in the accessibility project conversation at a Town Hall meeting next month.
The vestry decided to set the meeting for October 21st after the 10:00 AM service. Vestry members will invite parishioners to the meeting through verbal announcements at both services for the two Sundays prior to the meeting. Frank So volunteered to speak on October 7th, and John Huntoon will speak on October 14th. There will also be “e-vangelist” announcements for those two weeks.
Steve Hofer commented that the things people will want to know are: the reason for the project, the cost, and the plan. It was also determined that a fact sheet would be helpful for the vestry. This would include answers to questions such as: How long will the project take? When will we start? Can we start before the money is raised? Where will the columbarium be located? What is the scope of the work to be done?
The Accessibility Task Force should be at the meeting to answer questions about what problems they identified in their study of the church facility and property. Closing After prayer, the meeting ended at 8:55. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: October 15, 2012
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
Evening prayer commenced at 7:00 PM and included a lesson on the life of Benedictine abbess, writer, composer and mystic, Hildegard of Bingen. 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 Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol; the treasurer Clay Denton; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Candice Barrera and Greg Lawrence were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from August Meeting
Anne Edwards moved that the minutes from the August meeting be approved. Gale Michael seconded, and the motion was carried.
Treasurer’s Report
Clay Denton reported that August was a quiet month financially with no major expenses other than candles. August pledges fell behind but seem to be catching up this month. Audrey Ongman moved that the treasurer’s report be accepted. Bev Keene seconded, and the motion passed.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund
Pastor Orr distributed a report on the amounts available in the Discretionary Fund. R.J. VanSwol made a motion to note that the report had been received. After a second by Gale Michael, the motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr asked that the whole parish community be kept in everyone’s prayers following the recent spate of funerals we have had.
The rector expressed thanks to everyone who participated in the parish Jubilation celebration of ministries.
Within a few days the rector should be announcing the hiring of a new music director.
All educational opportunities are back in full swing for both children and adults. The Sunday morning adult class that the rector holds between services will start with an exploration of faith and science. Mary Agnes Long and Audrey Ongman lead the Wednesday morning Bible study class. Education for Ministry meets on Thursday evenings. On Sunday mornings, Cyndie Knoll teaches the junior high group, Mark Moxley the intermediate, and Patti Pohrte and Diane Walsh-Madden the primary. Pastor Orr expressed thanks to all teachers and students.
The rector presented a card for the vestry to sign that will be sent, along with a check, to Sandy Lawless to mark the occasion of her retirement from her role as office manager.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There was no report.
Upcoming Parish Events
The dinner group program is re-starting after being inactive for some time.
Discussion and Decisions
Delegates for Diocesan Convention
A slate of three delegates: Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, and Susan O’Brien, and two alternates: Gale Michael and Doris Sheffer, was presented to the vestry. John Huntoon moved that the slate be approved. R.J. VanSwol seconded, and the motion was carried.
Columbarium Project Report
Frank So suggested that, at an appropriate time, the accessibility project architects and two or three landscape architects should be interviewed about handling the project. We need to check with the diocese for recommendations about moving forward on the project. Frank believes that we should proceed with the accessibility project to see what will be happening on the columbarium side of the building before making final columbarium plans.
Accessibility Project
Pastor Orr reminded the vestry about Jim Steen’s comments at the recent vestry retreat. He said that the vestry was elected to lead; that a vestry should not go to the parish to help decide everything, but the parish should be included in the conversation. Then it is the vestry’s job to assemble to make decisions. Our vestry will be including the parish in the accessibility project conversation at a Town Hall meeting next month.
The vestry decided to set the meeting for October 21st after the 10:00 AM service. Vestry members will invite parishioners to the meeting through verbal announcements at both services for the two Sundays prior to the meeting. Frank So volunteered to speak on October 7th, and John Huntoon will speak on October 14th. There will also be “e-vangelist” announcements for those two weeks.
Steve Hofer commented that the things people will want to know are: the reason for the project, the cost, and the plan. It was also determined that a fact sheet would be helpful for the vestry. This would include answers to questions such as: How long will the project take? When will we start? Can we start before the money is raised? Where will the columbarium be located? What is the scope of the work to be done?
The Accessibility Task Force should be at the meeting to answer questions about what problems they identified in their study of the church facility and property. Closing After prayer, the meeting ended at 8:55. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: October 15, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Announcements for October 14
Jackie Campbell Memorial Blood Drive: This Sunday, October 14
St. John’s annual fall blood drive is this Sunday, October 14, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the classrooms in the education wing. You may still sign up online at www.lifesource.org or walk-ins will be welcome.
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 15, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Vestry Town Hall Meeting: Update on the Accessibility Project
During coffee hour on Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Over the next few weeks, several vestry members will be sharing their reflections about the need for this work. Reflections by Frank So and Anne Edwards are here. Please give them your attention.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
St. John’s annual fall blood drive is this Sunday, October 14, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the classrooms in the education wing. You may still sign up online at www.lifesource.org or walk-ins will be welcome.
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 15, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Vestry Town Hall Meeting: Update on the Accessibility Project
During coffee hour on Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Over the next few weeks, several vestry members will be sharing their reflections about the need for this work. Reflections by Frank So and Anne Edwards are here. Please give them your attention.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Reflection for October 14
Over the course of my life, I have taken on all manner of spiritual practices, from now-I-lay-me- down-to-sleep to centering prayer. I have prayed with the Psalms, with the rosary, with icons. I have picked up practices and put them down. Some still discipline and nourish my praying life.
But of all the spiritual disciplines I have ever attempted, the habit of steady reading has helped me most and carried me farthest. Of course, reading scripture has been indispensable. But reading fiction—classics of world literature, fairy tales and Greek myths, science fiction and detective novels—has done more to baptize my imagination, inform my faith and strengthen my courage than all the prayer techniques in the world (Deborah Smith Douglas, “Saved by fiction,” Christian Century, October 3, 2012).
But of all the spiritual disciplines I have ever attempted, the habit of steady reading has helped me most and carried me farthest. Of course, reading scripture has been indispensable. But reading fiction—classics of world literature, fairy tales and Greek myths, science fiction and detective novels—has done more to baptize my imagination, inform my faith and strengthen my courage than all the prayer techniques in the world (Deborah Smith Douglas, “Saved by fiction,” Christian Century, October 3, 2012).
Friday, October 5, 2012
Vestry Reflections on the Importance of Accessibility
One of the most obvious benefits of improving the church's accessibility will be to retain (and in some cases, gain or regain) older parishioners who have developed trouble using stairs. This group is a vibrant and valuable part of our parish community, and serving these people through the proposed building improvements is a worthy goal on its own. However, it's good to keep in mind that an elevator and other proposed changes can serve a much larger group than we might initially think.
There are several reasons that people of any age may be able to benefit from a more accessible building. Sometimes, a mobility impairment is only the temporary result of an injury. Not long after I took part in a parish accessibility survey in 2010, I tore some cartilage in my left knee and was using crutches for a total of two months pre- and post-surgery. It gave me a better appreciation for the issues that some of our members and visitors face every time they come to our church.
Sometimes, a person may have intermittent or recurring trouble getting around. Someone with arthritis may be able to attend church without problems for months at a time and yet know all the while that another flare-up may come the next week, or the next, or the next.
And sometimes, a person may have a constant and lifelong condition. When Mary and I celebrated the baptism of our son Ted last Pentecost, we were blessed to have numerous relatives attend the service, but I knew it would pose problems for my college-aged cousin Brad. He was born with spina bifida and has always had to use a wheelchair. For a visitor like Brad to feel comfortable at St. John's involves not just an elevator or an accessible bathroom but the whole path from car to pew, including parking, signage, and entrances.
Many churches have plans and good intentions when it comes to serving the needs of members and visitors in these categories. I feel proud to have been part of the process of putting these intentions into action at St. John's, and for many years to come, I look forward to welcoming new people to our parish who can attend because of the vision and dedication that we all share today.
--R.J. VanSwol
I’ve been thinking about how the name of our church, “St. John the Evangelist” relates to how the vestry has been focusing on accessibility issues for the past couple of years. The dictionary definition of “evangelist” is one who practices evangelism by enthusiastically promoting or promulgating something.” And, “evangelism” is defined as “zealous preaching and dissemination of the gospel.”
How much do we as individuals practice evangelism? In the modern world we don’t do much. In fact, the most obvious and frequent evangelism most of us observe are the small groups of two or three members of a few denominations that walk the streets of our neighborhoods and knock on our doors to pass out literature about the gospel. They want to share their beliefs with us. I know that many people, including me, aren’t especially comfortable and welcoming when we here such a knock on own doors at home.
But imagine for a moment that someone is metaphorically knocking on the door at St. John’s church, not to persuade us to share their beliefs, but to want to experience and share ours. The vestry had heard such a knock from some of our own parishioners and potential new ones. Those knocks come from people who are disabled, perhaps temporarily with a healing knee or hip, or those who won’t heal and must try to cope with steep stairs between three floor levels.
Will we hear the knocks and respond so that our current members can continue to share the body of Christ? Or, so that potential new members who have disabilities can partake of it? The vestry believes we must respond by making our church accessible to all. Then we may call ourselves evangelists.
--Frank So
Our community, our worship, and our building are gifts that we are called to give everyone throughout their lives. I think of the Accessibility Project as a way that St. John's can live into this statement. I know that many of us have talked about how St. John's has been a gift to us in our lives, but how often do we acknowledge the gift we are to others? Do we think of what a gift St. John's is to other members of our church, to those from the community, or to folks who simply come in once and happen to find comfort and the grace of God within these walls?
I think acknowledging that we are a gift to others is hard; not because it would be thought of as conceited or prideful, but because as Christians there is always work involved. I am not a theologian, but I don't remember many stories in the Bible when someone understands that they are a gift, and then they get to sit back and gloat. There is usually a long journey and some hard work in there somewhere.
A few years ago, members of St. John's realized that while we were a gift to many, we couldn't be a gift to everyone who might want what we had to offer. Folks who can't navigate stairs well, or are prone to trip on uneven surfaces are not welcome here in the same way that everyone else is. We stop being a gift to long-time members of St. John's if they have to give up some of their dignity to enter our worship space. We are robbed of new members who could bless our community if they see an obstacle course instead of a place to enrich their spiritual lives.
And so the journey begins. In a few weeks we will present the information we have about the accessibility needs of this parish, and some options concerning what we need to do to make the gift of St. John's available to everyone throughout their lives. I believe the journey will be worth it, and that we will really discover what a gift we are, and more importantly, what a gift we can be to all those who enter.
--Anne Edwards
To me, the word accessibility can be examined from more than just one aspect. The physical aspect would be the building of St. John the Evangelist Church. The easier it is for both members and visitors to enter the building, the greater the access to what and why the Church exists in Flossmoor. This extends to all worship and prayer services, congregational meetings, Sunday school, Coffee Hour, Vestry meetings, committee meetings and other uses of the building. The outward visual image of the Church is one of open and natural to the casual observer.
An additional aspect is the spiritual being of the Church. Both members and visitors must be able to enter easily for whatever reason. The access of people to be able to easily attend the worship services, prayer services, speak/meet with the Rector, as well as weddings and funerals are vital activities of any house of worship. People should not have to think twice about attending St. John’s because of limited access to the Church or the Undercroft for any Church related or community activity.
Church structures, as well as their staff, are considered to be havens when disasters, both natural and personal, confront people. Both of these should be open to all, regardless of any physical disability. If St. John’s is to attain this level, changes must be made to truly be accessible to all who desire or need what can be found inside its walls.
The planning, financing, purchase and installation of an elevator will be that first step for the accessibility to all of the numerous activities, both religious and community oriented, that St. John’s offers. The Church must expand its involvement with ideas from those whose bodies may fail, but their minds are still active and continue to have so much to offer the community.
The world, in the 21st century, has changed drastically because of the continuance of manmade information/communication inventions. Most of these have caused a restructuring of the family in the last 75 years. As a result of this, the role of the Church has been reduced in importance in many American homes. St. John’s can become even more of a leader in Flossmoor, as well as the surrounding communities, as more modern, caring, outreaching and very trusting Church. St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church can be a place where, anyone in our world, can enter to find the peace, understanding or answers that they desire.
Both Mary and I worked on this assignment. Perhaps we view the Episcopal Church as a balance between our Lutheran and Catholic backgrounds. The whole Episcopal religion seems steeped in its unique ability to accept anyone at their communion table. There seems to be a flowing of genuine care and thanksgiving everywhere in and around the St. John’s community.
--Dr. Steve Hofer
Accessibility. It’s an interesting word. When thinking about a facility, this word is a measure to determine if that building is available to as many people as possible.
But what does accessible mean when thinking about a community of faith? I suppose it is a measure by which that community is available and welcoming to as many as possible. But ultimately, I think it is a word that measures the quality of its entry points. An entry point is a means by which we enter the community of faith in deeper, more meaningful ways. At these points God is revealed to us and we are reminded who we are.
I find the concept of the entry point – that point of access – to be one of the most persistent realities in my own walk of faith. As a young child, my points of entry were Christmas and Easter and the many interesting characters in Scripture. I found small yet lasting truths while experiencing these elements of Christian tradition. As a teenager, the entry point was music. I am not a musician, but at that time of my life it was the hook that kept me thinking about God’s kingdom on earth. And as a college student, the entry point was a series of trips I took to serve the poor in Latin America. These trips had a lasting impact on my sense of place in the broader community of God.
Throughout those years and the years since, I have either grown in my Christian faith because there were various ways to access God’s truth, or not grown because I could not find or had stopped looking for the entry points.
So what does this have to do with our accessibility needs here at St. Johns in 2012? What are our limitations in terms of entry points in our church? Though I genuinely find our congregation to be warm and welcoming, I also think we can do better to improve some foundational entry points. For those with limited vision and mobility, we have a facility that rates very poorly, and thereby we reduce our capacity for a more complete community. But I fear the work to be done on this project may crowd out a host of other critical entry points that existed here at St. Johns in the past. Where is our collective effort to foster Christian development in our teenagers? Have we collectively forgotten our commitment to the millennium development goals or a similar initiative? Will we find a solution to a columbarium that has no more room for many of us?
How do we faithfully pursue an accessibility project that offers a diversity of entry points such as these?
Last Christmas, our existing system was malfunctioning and so several men carried a parishioner down the steps from the sanctuary. It was frightening and lacked dignity, and I believe it is time to solve this lasting problem. But how do we engage this project without limiting the entry points that are an important part of our past? As we continue on our journey to improve this facility, it is essential that we create an accessibility project that promotes diverse ways to access the community of faith.
--Mark Moxley
There are several reasons that people of any age may be able to benefit from a more accessible building. Sometimes, a mobility impairment is only the temporary result of an injury. Not long after I took part in a parish accessibility survey in 2010, I tore some cartilage in my left knee and was using crutches for a total of two months pre- and post-surgery. It gave me a better appreciation for the issues that some of our members and visitors face every time they come to our church.
Sometimes, a person may have intermittent or recurring trouble getting around. Someone with arthritis may be able to attend church without problems for months at a time and yet know all the while that another flare-up may come the next week, or the next, or the next.
And sometimes, a person may have a constant and lifelong condition. When Mary and I celebrated the baptism of our son Ted last Pentecost, we were blessed to have numerous relatives attend the service, but I knew it would pose problems for my college-aged cousin Brad. He was born with spina bifida and has always had to use a wheelchair. For a visitor like Brad to feel comfortable at St. John's involves not just an elevator or an accessible bathroom but the whole path from car to pew, including parking, signage, and entrances.
Many churches have plans and good intentions when it comes to serving the needs of members and visitors in these categories. I feel proud to have been part of the process of putting these intentions into action at St. John's, and for many years to come, I look forward to welcoming new people to our parish who can attend because of the vision and dedication that we all share today.
--R.J. VanSwol
I’ve been thinking about how the name of our church, “St. John the Evangelist” relates to how the vestry has been focusing on accessibility issues for the past couple of years. The dictionary definition of “evangelist” is one who practices evangelism by enthusiastically promoting or promulgating something.” And, “evangelism” is defined as “zealous preaching and dissemination of the gospel.”
How much do we as individuals practice evangelism? In the modern world we don’t do much. In fact, the most obvious and frequent evangelism most of us observe are the small groups of two or three members of a few denominations that walk the streets of our neighborhoods and knock on our doors to pass out literature about the gospel. They want to share their beliefs with us. I know that many people, including me, aren’t especially comfortable and welcoming when we here such a knock on own doors at home.
But imagine for a moment that someone is metaphorically knocking on the door at St. John’s church, not to persuade us to share their beliefs, but to want to experience and share ours. The vestry had heard such a knock from some of our own parishioners and potential new ones. Those knocks come from people who are disabled, perhaps temporarily with a healing knee or hip, or those who won’t heal and must try to cope with steep stairs between three floor levels.
Will we hear the knocks and respond so that our current members can continue to share the body of Christ? Or, so that potential new members who have disabilities can partake of it? The vestry believes we must respond by making our church accessible to all. Then we may call ourselves evangelists.
--Frank So
Our community, our worship, and our building are gifts that we are called to give everyone throughout their lives. I think of the Accessibility Project as a way that St. John's can live into this statement. I know that many of us have talked about how St. John's has been a gift to us in our lives, but how often do we acknowledge the gift we are to others? Do we think of what a gift St. John's is to other members of our church, to those from the community, or to folks who simply come in once and happen to find comfort and the grace of God within these walls?
I think acknowledging that we are a gift to others is hard; not because it would be thought of as conceited or prideful, but because as Christians there is always work involved. I am not a theologian, but I don't remember many stories in the Bible when someone understands that they are a gift, and then they get to sit back and gloat. There is usually a long journey and some hard work in there somewhere.
A few years ago, members of St. John's realized that while we were a gift to many, we couldn't be a gift to everyone who might want what we had to offer. Folks who can't navigate stairs well, or are prone to trip on uneven surfaces are not welcome here in the same way that everyone else is. We stop being a gift to long-time members of St. John's if they have to give up some of their dignity to enter our worship space. We are robbed of new members who could bless our community if they see an obstacle course instead of a place to enrich their spiritual lives.
And so the journey begins. In a few weeks we will present the information we have about the accessibility needs of this parish, and some options concerning what we need to do to make the gift of St. John's available to everyone throughout their lives. I believe the journey will be worth it, and that we will really discover what a gift we are, and more importantly, what a gift we can be to all those who enter.
--Anne Edwards
To me, the word accessibility can be examined from more than just one aspect. The physical aspect would be the building of St. John the Evangelist Church. The easier it is for both members and visitors to enter the building, the greater the access to what and why the Church exists in Flossmoor. This extends to all worship and prayer services, congregational meetings, Sunday school, Coffee Hour, Vestry meetings, committee meetings and other uses of the building. The outward visual image of the Church is one of open and natural to the casual observer.
An additional aspect is the spiritual being of the Church. Both members and visitors must be able to enter easily for whatever reason. The access of people to be able to easily attend the worship services, prayer services, speak/meet with the Rector, as well as weddings and funerals are vital activities of any house of worship. People should not have to think twice about attending St. John’s because of limited access to the Church or the Undercroft for any Church related or community activity.
Church structures, as well as their staff, are considered to be havens when disasters, both natural and personal, confront people. Both of these should be open to all, regardless of any physical disability. If St. John’s is to attain this level, changes must be made to truly be accessible to all who desire or need what can be found inside its walls.
The planning, financing, purchase and installation of an elevator will be that first step for the accessibility to all of the numerous activities, both religious and community oriented, that St. John’s offers. The Church must expand its involvement with ideas from those whose bodies may fail, but their minds are still active and continue to have so much to offer the community.
The world, in the 21st century, has changed drastically because of the continuance of manmade information/communication inventions. Most of these have caused a restructuring of the family in the last 75 years. As a result of this, the role of the Church has been reduced in importance in many American homes. St. John’s can become even more of a leader in Flossmoor, as well as the surrounding communities, as more modern, caring, outreaching and very trusting Church. St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church can be a place where, anyone in our world, can enter to find the peace, understanding or answers that they desire.
Both Mary and I worked on this assignment. Perhaps we view the Episcopal Church as a balance between our Lutheran and Catholic backgrounds. The whole Episcopal religion seems steeped in its unique ability to accept anyone at their communion table. There seems to be a flowing of genuine care and thanksgiving everywhere in and around the St. John’s community.
--Dr. Steve Hofer
Accessibility. It’s an interesting word. When thinking about a facility, this word is a measure to determine if that building is available to as many people as possible.
But what does accessible mean when thinking about a community of faith? I suppose it is a measure by which that community is available and welcoming to as many as possible. But ultimately, I think it is a word that measures the quality of its entry points. An entry point is a means by which we enter the community of faith in deeper, more meaningful ways. At these points God is revealed to us and we are reminded who we are.
I find the concept of the entry point – that point of access – to be one of the most persistent realities in my own walk of faith. As a young child, my points of entry were Christmas and Easter and the many interesting characters in Scripture. I found small yet lasting truths while experiencing these elements of Christian tradition. As a teenager, the entry point was music. I am not a musician, but at that time of my life it was the hook that kept me thinking about God’s kingdom on earth. And as a college student, the entry point was a series of trips I took to serve the poor in Latin America. These trips had a lasting impact on my sense of place in the broader community of God.
Throughout those years and the years since, I have either grown in my Christian faith because there were various ways to access God’s truth, or not grown because I could not find or had stopped looking for the entry points.
So what does this have to do with our accessibility needs here at St. Johns in 2012? What are our limitations in terms of entry points in our church? Though I genuinely find our congregation to be warm and welcoming, I also think we can do better to improve some foundational entry points. For those with limited vision and mobility, we have a facility that rates very poorly, and thereby we reduce our capacity for a more complete community. But I fear the work to be done on this project may crowd out a host of other critical entry points that existed here at St. Johns in the past. Where is our collective effort to foster Christian development in our teenagers? Have we collectively forgotten our commitment to the millennium development goals or a similar initiative? Will we find a solution to a columbarium that has no more room for many of us?
How do we faithfully pursue an accessibility project that offers a diversity of entry points such as these?
Last Christmas, our existing system was malfunctioning and so several men carried a parishioner down the steps from the sanctuary. It was frightening and lacked dignity, and I believe it is time to solve this lasting problem. But how do we engage this project without limiting the entry points that are an important part of our past? As we continue on our journey to improve this facility, it is essential that we create an accessibility project that promotes diverse ways to access the community of faith.
--Mark Moxley
Announcements for October 7
Jackie Campbell Memorial Blood Drive: Next Sunday, October 14
St. John’s annual fall blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, October 14, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the classrooms in the education wing. Please sign up to donate. A sign up sheet is located on the table in the west foyer or you may sign up online at www.lifesource.org.
The Blessing of the Animals: This Sunday, October 7
The annual blessing of the animals will take place Sunday, October 7, at the outdoor altar, beginning at 4:30 p.m. All beloved pets and their human companions are welcome. Every pet receives an individual blessing. Also, a prayer will be offered for pets who have died. Another round of fun contests will also be held. Come see which pet wins the Rector Look-Alike Contest this year.
Vestry Town Hall Meeting: Update on the Accessibility Project
During coffee hour on Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Over the next few weeks, several vestry members will be sharing their reflections about the need for this work. A reflection by R.J. VanSwol is posted on this blog here.
St. John’s annual fall blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, October 14, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the classrooms in the education wing. Please sign up to donate. A sign up sheet is located on the table in the west foyer or you may sign up online at www.lifesource.org.
The Blessing of the Animals: This Sunday, October 7
The annual blessing of the animals will take place Sunday, October 7, at the outdoor altar, beginning at 4:30 p.m. All beloved pets and their human companions are welcome. Every pet receives an individual blessing. Also, a prayer will be offered for pets who have died. Another round of fun contests will also be held. Come see which pet wins the Rector Look-Alike Contest this year.
Vestry Town Hall Meeting: Update on the Accessibility Project
During coffee hour on Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Over the next few weeks, several vestry members will be sharing their reflections about the need for this work. A reflection by R.J. VanSwol is posted on this blog here.
Reflection for October 7
St. Francis' Day (October 4)
Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired, but probably the least imitated (Lesser Feasts and Fasts).
Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired, but probably the least imitated (Lesser Feasts and Fasts).
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