Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
The annual children’s Easter egg hunt takes place on the front lawn following the 10:00 a.m. service. Bring your own baskets!
No Sunday School on Easter
Sunday morning Christian Education classes will not Easter Day, March 31. Classes for children and adults will resume on Sunday, April 7.
Adult Sunday School Class: Surprised by Hope
During the Easter season the Living Faithfully adult Sunday School class will study N. T. Wright’s book Surprised by Hope. We will use a curriculum that utilizes DVD sessions with Bishop Wright and a participants’ guide. The participants’ guide is available for $10.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, April 1, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Friday, March 29, 2013
For Reflection - March 31, Easter Day
Easter Message 2013
Rejoice, rejoice and sing, rejoice and be glad… for earth and heaven are joined and humanity is reconciled to God! [1]
As the Lenten season ends in Easter rejoicing, note what has been wrought in you this year. A remarkable cross-section of America has been practicing Lenten disciplines, even some who are not active Christians. [2] There is a deep hunger in our collective psyche to re-orient our lives toward life and light, healing and peace. We share a holy hunger for clarity about what is good and life-giving, and we yearn to re-focus on what is most central and important in life.
Easter celebrates the victory of light and life over darkness and death. God re-creates and redeems all life from dead, dry, and destroyed bones. We are released from the bonds of self-obsession, addiction, and whatever would steal away the radical freedom of God-with-us. Our lives re-center in what is most holy and creative, the new thing God is continually doing in our midst. Practicing vulnerability toward the need and hunger of others around us, we have cultivated compassionate hearts. We join in baptismal rebirth in the midst of Jesus’ own passing-over.
The wonder of the resurrection is upon us once more. May we embrace God’s ever-new life with every cell of our being, every yearning of our soul, and every muscle of our will. Christ is risen, death is vanquished, humanity is restored to holy and creative relationship with God’s ongoing and eternal liveliness. Praise God who brings light out of darkness, life out of death, and newness out of the stale and moribund. Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
[1] From the Exsultet, Book of Common Prayer pp 286-7
[2] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/us/a-ritual-of-lent-attracts-nonbelievers.html?_r=0
Rejoice, rejoice and sing, rejoice and be glad… for earth and heaven are joined and humanity is reconciled to God! [1]
As the Lenten season ends in Easter rejoicing, note what has been wrought in you this year. A remarkable cross-section of America has been practicing Lenten disciplines, even some who are not active Christians. [2] There is a deep hunger in our collective psyche to re-orient our lives toward life and light, healing and peace. We share a holy hunger for clarity about what is good and life-giving, and we yearn to re-focus on what is most central and important in life.
Easter celebrates the victory of light and life over darkness and death. God re-creates and redeems all life from dead, dry, and destroyed bones. We are released from the bonds of self-obsession, addiction, and whatever would steal away the radical freedom of God-with-us. Our lives re-center in what is most holy and creative, the new thing God is continually doing in our midst. Practicing vulnerability toward the need and hunger of others around us, we have cultivated compassionate hearts. We join in baptismal rebirth in the midst of Jesus’ own passing-over.
The wonder of the resurrection is upon us once more. May we embrace God’s ever-new life with every cell of our being, every yearning of our soul, and every muscle of our will. Christ is risen, death is vanquished, humanity is restored to holy and creative relationship with God’s ongoing and eternal liveliness. Praise God who brings light out of darkness, life out of death, and newness out of the stale and moribund. Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
[1] From the Exsultet, Book of Common Prayer pp 286-7
[2] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/us/a-ritual-of-lent-attracts-nonbelievers.html?_r=0
Friday, March 22, 2013
Announcements for March 24
Palm Sunday Procession This Sunday
This Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday. The Prayer Book states that the congregation should “gather at a place apart from the church, so that all may go into the church in procession.” The Liturgy of the Palms will begin at the outdoor altar at 7:55 preceding the early service, and at 9:40 preceding the later service. (In the event of bad weather the processions will begin, respectively, at 7:55 in the church and 9:40 in the education wing.)
No Sunday School Palm Sunday or Easter
Sunday morning Christian Education classes will not meet March 24 or 31.
Holy Week Services
Worship services are offered every day during Holy Week. The schedule is available here.
Youth Worship Saturday, March 30
Children and young people of all ages are invited to a special worship service beginning in the church at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. The service will include a modified Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross) and the Liturgy of Light. We will also raise the A******* banner and prepare eggs for the Easter egg hunt.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, April 1, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. We would like to hear from everyone, even if you think your information is current. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.
Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.
This Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday. The Prayer Book states that the congregation should “gather at a place apart from the church, so that all may go into the church in procession.” The Liturgy of the Palms will begin at the outdoor altar at 7:55 preceding the early service, and at 9:40 preceding the later service. (In the event of bad weather the processions will begin, respectively, at 7:55 in the church and 9:40 in the education wing.)
No Sunday School Palm Sunday or Easter
Sunday morning Christian Education classes will not meet March 24 or 31.
Holy Week Services
Worship services are offered every day during Holy Week. The schedule is available here.
Youth Worship Saturday, March 30
Children and young people of all ages are invited to a special worship service beginning in the church at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. The service will include a modified Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross) and the Liturgy of Light. We will also raise the A******* banner and prepare eggs for the Easter egg hunt.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, April 1, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. We would like to hear from everyone, even if you think your information is current. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.
Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.
Reflection for March 24
They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!” (Mark 11:7-10)
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Minutes from Vestry Meeting - February 18, 2013
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM. The group then gathered in the undercroft meeting room and offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were: the rector, Kristin Orr; the junior warden, Bill Bestow; vestry members Candice Barrera, Bob Berner, Anne Edwards, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley and Patti Pohrte; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Absent were the senior warden, Audrey Ongman and vestry members Steve Hofer, Greg Lawrence, and Jim Whitfield.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from the November Meeting
The vestry received two sets of minutes this month. Candice Barrera made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 2012 meeting, with a second from Mark Moxley. The motion was approved. Anne Edwards moved to approve the minutes from the January 2013 budget meeting. Gale Michael seconded, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett was welcomed as the new parish treasurer, having taken over from Clay Denton, who served long and well in the position. Since the vestry did not meet in regular session in January, the December report had not yet been approved. Anne Edwards made a motion to approve the December report, and Gale Michael seconded. The motion was approved.
Debbi reported that she will show monthly revenue expectations by dividing the budget by the number of Sundays in the year rather than dividing by the number of months in the year. The diocesan pledge, likewise, will be divided evenly. Utilities will be spread the way they were paid last year. Salaries will be divided by pay period. If Debbi does not know the schedule of how something is paid, she will divide it by quarter.
A recent office furniture purchase was offset in the budget by the savings realized as a result of not having to pay benefits to the office manager.
Gale Michael made the motion to accept the January treasurer’s report, followed by a second from Mark Moxley. The motion passed.
With the new vestry, an update is needed on the list of signers for all church bank accounts. Pastor Orr will remain on the list, as will Audrey Ongman, who moved from Junior to Senior Warden. Junior Warden Bill Bestow, will be added to the list, and retired Warden Frank So will be removed. Candice Barrera moved that the list of signers be updated as described. After a second by Anne Edwards, the motion was approved.
Rector’s Discretionary Account Fund Report
Prior to the meeting, Pastor Orr made available to the vestry the Rector’s Discretionary Fund account report for the fourth quarter of 2012. This benevolence account is budgeted at $500 per year. In addition the rector typically donates her funeral honoraria to the fund. At present there is $565 in the account. Mark Moxley made a motion to receive the report. After a second by Patti Pohrte, the motion was carried.
2012 Parochial Report
The national Episcopal Church requires all parishes to file a parochial report annually. The rector prepares the membership page, and the treasurer (in this case Clay Denton) prepares the financial page. Pastor Orr reported that membership numbers have remained fairly steady for the last five or six years with newcomers offsetting losses of parishioners through death or moving. Gale Michael moved to accept the report, and Anne Edwards seconded. The motion was upheld.
Information
Rector’s Report
For the benefit of new members and as a review for continuing members, the vestry read through some materials from the Alban Institute dealing with maintaining healthy parish communications. Pastor Orr suggested that vestry leadership largely consists of vestry members as parishioners who set a good example.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Upcoming Parish Events There was no report.
Upcoming Parish Events
A Lenten study series will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays during Lent. The topic this year will be “Heaven.” Classes start on February 20th. No registration is required.
The annual St. John’s Fish Fry is scheduled for March 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Last year’s popular musician Smiley Tillmon will perform again. Proceeds will be donated to PADS.
Discussion and Decisions
Update on Ongoing Projects
--Columbarium The project status was explained for the benefit of new vestry members. It was reported that Mark Moxley and Frank So had been working on the project. Recently former parishioner and architect, Barry Berg, offered his services pro bono. Bob Berner asked if village approval is needed (yes), and if there is a timetable (none yet). Patti Pohrte asked if money was set aside for the project (yes, approximately $33,000) and if there are guidelines about where ashes can be placed (they can go almost anywhere). Pastor Orr hopes that the columbarium plans will be put in place over the next year.
--Access
Again, the work to date was described for the new vestry members. Patti Pohrte and Mark Moxley volunteered to serve on a sub-committee to move this project along. They may be joined by a couple of others who no longer are on the vestry but who were involved in past work on this access project.
Schedule Vestry Retreat
The vestry scheduled a retreat meeting at the church on the morning of Saturday, May 11th.
Closing
After prayer, the meeting closed at 9:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: March 18, 2013
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM. The group then gathered in the undercroft meeting room and offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were: the rector, Kristin Orr; the junior warden, Bill Bestow; vestry members Candice Barrera, Bob Berner, Anne Edwards, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley and Patti Pohrte; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Absent were the senior warden, Audrey Ongman and vestry members Steve Hofer, Greg Lawrence, and Jim Whitfield.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from the November Meeting
The vestry received two sets of minutes this month. Candice Barrera made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 2012 meeting, with a second from Mark Moxley. The motion was approved. Anne Edwards moved to approve the minutes from the January 2013 budget meeting. Gale Michael seconded, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett was welcomed as the new parish treasurer, having taken over from Clay Denton, who served long and well in the position. Since the vestry did not meet in regular session in January, the December report had not yet been approved. Anne Edwards made a motion to approve the December report, and Gale Michael seconded. The motion was approved.
Debbi reported that she will show monthly revenue expectations by dividing the budget by the number of Sundays in the year rather than dividing by the number of months in the year. The diocesan pledge, likewise, will be divided evenly. Utilities will be spread the way they were paid last year. Salaries will be divided by pay period. If Debbi does not know the schedule of how something is paid, she will divide it by quarter.
A recent office furniture purchase was offset in the budget by the savings realized as a result of not having to pay benefits to the office manager.
Gale Michael made the motion to accept the January treasurer’s report, followed by a second from Mark Moxley. The motion passed.
With the new vestry, an update is needed on the list of signers for all church bank accounts. Pastor Orr will remain on the list, as will Audrey Ongman, who moved from Junior to Senior Warden. Junior Warden Bill Bestow, will be added to the list, and retired Warden Frank So will be removed. Candice Barrera moved that the list of signers be updated as described. After a second by Anne Edwards, the motion was approved.
Rector’s Discretionary Account Fund Report
Prior to the meeting, Pastor Orr made available to the vestry the Rector’s Discretionary Fund account report for the fourth quarter of 2012. This benevolence account is budgeted at $500 per year. In addition the rector typically donates her funeral honoraria to the fund. At present there is $565 in the account. Mark Moxley made a motion to receive the report. After a second by Patti Pohrte, the motion was carried.
2012 Parochial Report
The national Episcopal Church requires all parishes to file a parochial report annually. The rector prepares the membership page, and the treasurer (in this case Clay Denton) prepares the financial page. Pastor Orr reported that membership numbers have remained fairly steady for the last five or six years with newcomers offsetting losses of parishioners through death or moving. Gale Michael moved to accept the report, and Anne Edwards seconded. The motion was upheld.
Information
Rector’s Report
For the benefit of new members and as a review for continuing members, the vestry read through some materials from the Alban Institute dealing with maintaining healthy parish communications. Pastor Orr suggested that vestry leadership largely consists of vestry members as parishioners who set a good example.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Upcoming Parish Events There was no report.
Upcoming Parish Events
A Lenten study series will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays during Lent. The topic this year will be “Heaven.” Classes start on February 20th. No registration is required.
The annual St. John’s Fish Fry is scheduled for March 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Last year’s popular musician Smiley Tillmon will perform again. Proceeds will be donated to PADS.
Discussion and Decisions
Update on Ongoing Projects
--Columbarium The project status was explained for the benefit of new vestry members. It was reported that Mark Moxley and Frank So had been working on the project. Recently former parishioner and architect, Barry Berg, offered his services pro bono. Bob Berner asked if village approval is needed (yes), and if there is a timetable (none yet). Patti Pohrte asked if money was set aside for the project (yes, approximately $33,000) and if there are guidelines about where ashes can be placed (they can go almost anywhere). Pastor Orr hopes that the columbarium plans will be put in place over the next year.
--Access
Again, the work to date was described for the new vestry members. Patti Pohrte and Mark Moxley volunteered to serve on a sub-committee to move this project along. They may be joined by a couple of others who no longer are on the vestry but who were involved in past work on this access project.
Schedule Vestry Retreat
The vestry scheduled a retreat meeting at the church on the morning of Saturday, May 11th.
Closing
After prayer, the meeting closed at 9:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: March 18, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Holy
Week and Easter, 2013
Palm Sunday, March 24
7:55
a.m. Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor
Altar
8:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist; Church
Christian Formation classes will not meet.
9:40
a.m. Blessing
of the Palms; Outdoor Altar and procession around Flossmoor
10:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist; Church
Youth
Worship will meet on Palm Sunday.
Monday in Holy
Week, March 25
7:00
p.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Tuesday in Holy
Week, March 26
7:00
p.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Wednesday in Holy
Week, March 27
9:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist with Healing
7:00
p.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Maundy Thursday, March
28
6:30
p.m. The
Holy Eucharist (with foot washing for those who wish), followed by the agape
meal and stripping of the altar
8:00
p.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Friday)
Prayer
Vigil and Watch at the altar of repose
Good Friday, March
29
12:00
p.m. The
Proper Liturgy for Good Friday
7:00
p.m. Good
Friday vespers
Easter Eve,
Saturday, March 30
3:00
p.m. Youth
Liturgy: Stations of the Cross and
Welcoming of the Paschal Light.
Followed by the raising of the A******* banner and preparation of Easter
eggs. Gather in the Church.
8:00
p.m. The
Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Baptism
Easter Day, March 31
7:40
a.m. Morning
Prayer
8:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Christian Formation classes will not meet.
Youth
worship will not meet on Easter.
10:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Followed
by an Easter egg hunt for children on the front lawn.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Announcements for March 17
Vestry Meeting Monday
The vestry meets Monday, March 18, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Palm Sunday Procession Next Sunday
Next Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday. The Prayer Book states that the congregation should “gather at a place apart from the church, so that all may go into the church in procession.” Weather permitting, the Liturgy of the Palms will begin at the outdoor altar at 7:55 preceding the early service, and at 9:40 preceding the later service.
Loaves and Fishes This Sunday
Everyone is invited to a St. Patrick’s Day-themed brunch following the 10:00 service this Sunday, March 17. If you can, bring a dessert or side dish, but even if you’re not able to bring a dish, you are welcome. Please come and join in the fellowship.
Wednesday Evening Classes for Lent
The final Wednesday evening Lent study class is this week. The class will explore the idea of heaven as it is presented in the prayers of the Book of Common Prayer.
Take a Stand Against Gun Violence: CROSSwalk
Bishop Lee and a resolution at last year’s Diocesan Convention urge all members of the Diocese of Chicago to become active in efforts to reduce gun violence. These efforts include public witness, political advocacy and support of positive youth programs. CROSSwalk brings these efforts together. This year’s CROSSwalk procession is Friday, March 22, beginning at St. James Commons at 6:00 p.m. More information is available here.
Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. We would like to hear from everyone, even if you think your information is current. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.
Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.
The vestry meets Monday, March 18, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Palm Sunday Procession Next Sunday
Next Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday. The Prayer Book states that the congregation should “gather at a place apart from the church, so that all may go into the church in procession.” Weather permitting, the Liturgy of the Palms will begin at the outdoor altar at 7:55 preceding the early service, and at 9:40 preceding the later service.
Loaves and Fishes This Sunday
Everyone is invited to a St. Patrick’s Day-themed brunch following the 10:00 service this Sunday, March 17. If you can, bring a dessert or side dish, but even if you’re not able to bring a dish, you are welcome. Please come and join in the fellowship.
Wednesday Evening Classes for Lent
The final Wednesday evening Lent study class is this week. The class will explore the idea of heaven as it is presented in the prayers of the Book of Common Prayer.
Take a Stand Against Gun Violence: CROSSwalk
Bishop Lee and a resolution at last year’s Diocesan Convention urge all members of the Diocese of Chicago to become active in efforts to reduce gun violence. These efforts include public witness, political advocacy and support of positive youth programs. CROSSwalk brings these efforts together. This year’s CROSSwalk procession is Friday, March 22, beginning at St. James Commons at 6:00 p.m. More information is available here.
Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. We would like to hear from everyone, even if you think your information is current. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.
Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.
Reflection for March 17
I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three. I bind this day to me for ever, by power of faith, Christ’s incarnation; his baptism in the Jordan river; his death on cross for my salvation; his bursting from the spiced tomb; his riding up the heavenly way; his coming at the day of doom: I bind unto myself today. I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead, his eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to hearken to my need; the wisdom of my God to teach, his hand to guide, his shield to ward; the word of God to give me speech, his heavenly host to be my guard. Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger (Lorica, attributed to St. Patrick; Hymn 370).
Friday, March 8, 2013
Announcements for March 10
Spring Forward This Sunday
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 10. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.
Loaves and Fishes Next Sunday
Loaves and Fishes has been moved from this Sunday to next Sunday, March 17. Everyone is invited to a St. Patrick’s Day-themed brunch following the 10:00 service. If you can, bring a dessert or side dish, but even if you’re not able to bring a dish, you are welcome. Please come and join in the fellowship.
Wednesday Evening Classes for Lent
Pastor Orr is offering an adult class for Lent on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the church. “Heaven: Who, What, When, Where, How.” You may still drop in on any of the classes. This week the class will explore the question of “when”—do we experience heaven during this life, or only after death, or not until the end of time?
Take a Stand Against Gun Violence: CROSSwalk
Bishop Lee and a resolution at last year’s Diocesan Convention urge all members of the Diocese of Chicago to become active in efforts to reduce gun violence. These efforts include public witness, political advocacy and support of positive youth programs. CROSSwalk brings these efforts together. This year’s CROSSwalk procession is Friday, March 22, beginning at St. James Commons at 6:00 p.m. More information is available at www.crosswalkchicago.org.
Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. These records help us communicate as a parish community and enable us, as a community, to celebrate individual milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.
Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 10. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.
Loaves and Fishes Next Sunday
Loaves and Fishes has been moved from this Sunday to next Sunday, March 17. Everyone is invited to a St. Patrick’s Day-themed brunch following the 10:00 service. If you can, bring a dessert or side dish, but even if you’re not able to bring a dish, you are welcome. Please come and join in the fellowship.
Wednesday Evening Classes for Lent
Pastor Orr is offering an adult class for Lent on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the church. “Heaven: Who, What, When, Where, How.” You may still drop in on any of the classes. This week the class will explore the question of “when”—do we experience heaven during this life, or only after death, or not until the end of time?
Take a Stand Against Gun Violence: CROSSwalk
Bishop Lee and a resolution at last year’s Diocesan Convention urge all members of the Diocese of Chicago to become active in efforts to reduce gun violence. These efforts include public witness, political advocacy and support of positive youth programs. CROSSwalk brings these efforts together. This year’s CROSSwalk procession is Friday, March 22, beginning at St. James Commons at 6:00 p.m. More information is available at www.crosswalkchicago.org.
Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. These records help us communicate as a parish community and enable us, as a community, to celebrate individual milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.
Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.
Reflection for March 10
They say that seeing is believing, but as many of us who follow a spiritual path know, it is just the reverse. If you want to see the presence of God in your life, you must first believe that it is there. Despair, the lack of belief that anything good can change our world, is what blinds us to the reality of the grace that surrounds us. Anger, greed, jealousy: there are so many ways that we can cloud our vision. Believe and you will see. Have faith and you will start to notice the choices you can make that will bring you peace. Let trust open your eyes to the love you may be missing (Bishop Steven Charleston, posted on Facebook).
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Weather Update - March 5
Another snowy Tuesday.
The Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist with healing WILL be held. But, please, do not travel if conditions are bad in your area.
Wednesday Bible study has been cancelled (for March 6).
The Wednesday evening Lenten study class WILL meet as scheduled.
The Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist with healing WILL be held. But, please, do not travel if conditions are bad in your area.
Wednesday Bible study has been cancelled (for March 6).
The Wednesday evening Lenten study class WILL meet as scheduled.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Announcements for March 3
Reservations Requested by Monday for the Fifth Annual Lenten Fish Fry
A sign-up sheet will be at the back of the church this Sunday and in the undercroft during coffee hour. The fish fry is coming Friday, March 8, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Once again Smiley Tillman will be providing entertainment. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. All proceeds benefit PADS. Mark your calendars and invite your friends! You may also call the parish office by Monday, March 4, to make a reservation.
Spring Forward Next Sunday
Daily Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.
Loaves and Fishes Next Sunday
Next Sunday, March 10, Loaves and Fishes will serve brunch in the undercroft following the 10:00 a.m. service. Everyone is invited. The entrée will be provided. Please bring a dessert or side if you can.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet this coming Monday, March 4, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Wednesday Evening Classes for Lent
Pastor Orr is offering an adult class for Lent on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the church. “Heaven: Who, What, When, Where, How.” You may attend any or all of the classes. This week the class will explore the question of “who”-- different perspectives on the process of salvation.
Singers Go British on March 3
On Sunday, March 3, at 4 p.m., the Grande Prairie Singers present "On This Island: Music of the British Isles." Venue is Faith UP Church in Park Forest; tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Enjoy the music of Benjamin Britten, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. Truly fab are songs from those four Lads from Liverpool. You can't Beat-le it! --Bob and Betsy Burgwald
A sign-up sheet will be at the back of the church this Sunday and in the undercroft during coffee hour. The fish fry is coming Friday, March 8, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Once again Smiley Tillman will be providing entertainment. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. All proceeds benefit PADS. Mark your calendars and invite your friends! You may also call the parish office by Monday, March 4, to make a reservation.
Spring Forward Next Sunday
Daily Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.
Loaves and Fishes Next Sunday
Next Sunday, March 10, Loaves and Fishes will serve brunch in the undercroft following the 10:00 a.m. service. Everyone is invited. The entrée will be provided. Please bring a dessert or side if you can.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet this coming Monday, March 4, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Wednesday Evening Classes for Lent
Pastor Orr is offering an adult class for Lent on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the church. “Heaven: Who, What, When, Where, How.” You may attend any or all of the classes. This week the class will explore the question of “who”-- different perspectives on the process of salvation.
Singers Go British on March 3
On Sunday, March 3, at 4 p.m., the Grande Prairie Singers present "On This Island: Music of the British Isles." Venue is Faith UP Church in Park Forest; tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Enjoy the music of Benjamin Britten, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. Truly fab are songs from those four Lads from Liverpool. You can't Beat-le it! --Bob and Betsy Burgwald
Reflection for March 3
If your eye gets plucked out in this life, will it be waiting up in heaven with your wife (Crash Test Dummies, “God Shuffled His Feet.”)?
If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell (Matthew 5:29).
I believe, to be sure, that any man who reaches Heaven will find that what he abandoned (even in plucking out his right eye) has not been lost: that the kernel of what he was really seeking even in his most depraved wishes will be there, beyond expectation, waiting for him in ‘the High Countries.’ (C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce).
If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell (Matthew 5:29).
I believe, to be sure, that any man who reaches Heaven will find that what he abandoned (even in plucking out his right eye) has not been lost: that the kernel of what he was really seeking even in his most depraved wishes will be there, beyond expectation, waiting for him in ‘the High Countries.’ (C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce).
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