All Souls Day Service – Saturday, November 2
The Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (also known as All Souls Day) developed—as sort of an extension of All Saints Day—as a day on which the Church remembers that vast body of the faithful who may be unknown in the wider fellowship of the church but are no less members of the company of the redeemed, particularly family members and friends. This year St. John’s will offer a service on All Souls Day, November 2, beginning at 5:00 p.m. You are invited to bring a small photo or memento of any individual you wish to remember at this service. These will be displayed during the service. You may also still submit names to be remembered in the prayers of the All Souls Day service by calling or e-mailing the parish office.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2013-2014 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 10. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. 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.
All Saints Open House at the Rectory
Everyone is invited to the annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory next Sunday, November 3, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
New Acolyte Photos on Display
A new compilation of photos of acolytes is now on display in the hallway outside the Guild Room.
Coffee Hour Contributions
A nudge from the vestry: Coffee hour contributions are running considerably less than costs. If you are a regular participant in coffee hour, please remember to toss a dollar or two in the basket.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, November 4, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. All knitters and crocheters are welcome.
Blue Jeans Sunday – November 24
Help out with fall clean up of our parish grounds. Wear your gardening clothes to church Sunday, November 24, and stay a little while after church to do landscape work.
New Rector at Church of the Holy Family
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Family in Park Forest has called a new Rector. The Rev. Rachael Gregory begins her tenure on November 1. Welcome, and God bless her in her new ministry.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Reflection for October 27
Baseball breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall all alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops (A. Bartlett Giamatti).
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Minutes of Vestry Meeting - September 16, 2013
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgivings & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM followed by offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were: the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Audrey Ongman; the junior warden, Bill Bestow; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and Patti Pohrte; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Bob Berner, Greg Lawrence and Jim Whitfield were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from the August Meeting
Anne Edwards moved that the August minutes be approved. A vote was taken after a second from Mark Moxley, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report from August
Debbi Huggett noted that collections continue to lag a bit from the summer. The ECW paid $579 for a new freezer to replace the old one. Nothing extraordinary has happened budget-wise in the last month. Gale Michael moved that the treasurer’s report be accepted. Steve Hofer seconded. The motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
The rector expressed gratitude to Cyndie Knoll, Candice Barrera, and Shirley Reilly who prepared food for the Jubilation, and to Cynthia Turnquest, who set up and decorated the tables.
In what has become an annual event, the church school children painted a mural on the large window in the Atrium. This year’s theme is All Creatures Great and Small.
Patti Pohrte and Diane Walsh-Madden will teach the church school children who are in kindergarten through third grade. Mark Moxley, Nichole Dailor, and Bob DeOliveira will teach fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, while Cyndie Knoll will prepare seventh and eighth graders for confirmation using a program called “Confirm Not Conform.” Pastor Orr will teach the adult class using a version of this same program. Larissa Smith is the new Nursery Director. Dee McManamy and Shirley Reilly are reinstating a high school youth program that will meet every-other-week on Sunday evenings.
Pastor Orr continues to think about a sabbatical, although she has no definite plans yet. She has one more week of vacation remaining this year.
Work has been completed on tree removal and pruning on church grounds.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Audrey Ongman reported that a new freezer has been delivered and is working in the sexton’s room. The kitchen will be professionally cleaned, and a parishioner has offered to pay for the service. One of the ovens in the kitchen is not working.
Upcoming Parish Events
September 29th – Bishop Lee will visit St. John’s. He will preach at both services and meet with the children of the parish during the 9:00 o’clock hour. He will meet with the vestry in the rectory for a potluck lunch. Vestry members signed up to bring food.
Discussion and Decisions
Convention
The rector presented a list of delegates and alternates for the diocesan convention to be held in November. Cyndie Knoll, Gale Michael, and Shirley Reilly were slated as delegates, and Sue O’Brien, Don Rubins, and Doris Sheffer were proposed as alternates. Bill Bestow moved that the list be approved. Audrey Ongman seconded, and the motion passed.
Stewardship
Pastor Orr recommended that the vestry read a stewardship article from “Vestry Papers.”
The vestry brainstormed a bit and came up with some preliminary ideas, including:
Accessibility
The vestry subcommittee that has been working on the accessibility project (Cyndie Knoll, Mark Moxley, and Patti Pohrte) met along with Steve Hofer and the rector to discuss the feasibility of installing a lift in the church rather than an elevator. The committee’s recommendation was that the vestry affirm an ongoing pursuit of a lift. There was general agreement that this pursuit should be undertaken. Steve met with a representative of one company to assess the site, and a second lift company will come out to do the same. Pastor Orr will be in contact the architectural firm that already did some work on the accessibility project.
Closing
The meeting ended with prayer and with Pastor Orr’s reminder to the vestry to come with specific ideas about stewardship at the next meeting on October 21st.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: October 21, 2013
Evening Prayer and Thanksgivings & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM followed by offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were: the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Audrey Ongman; the junior warden, Bill Bestow; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and Patti Pohrte; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Bob Berner, Greg Lawrence and Jim Whitfield were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from the August Meeting
Anne Edwards moved that the August minutes be approved. A vote was taken after a second from Mark Moxley, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report from August
Debbi Huggett noted that collections continue to lag a bit from the summer. The ECW paid $579 for a new freezer to replace the old one. Nothing extraordinary has happened budget-wise in the last month. Gale Michael moved that the treasurer’s report be accepted. Steve Hofer seconded. The motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
The rector expressed gratitude to Cyndie Knoll, Candice Barrera, and Shirley Reilly who prepared food for the Jubilation, and to Cynthia Turnquest, who set up and decorated the tables.
In what has become an annual event, the church school children painted a mural on the large window in the Atrium. This year’s theme is All Creatures Great and Small.
Patti Pohrte and Diane Walsh-Madden will teach the church school children who are in kindergarten through third grade. Mark Moxley, Nichole Dailor, and Bob DeOliveira will teach fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, while Cyndie Knoll will prepare seventh and eighth graders for confirmation using a program called “Confirm Not Conform.” Pastor Orr will teach the adult class using a version of this same program. Larissa Smith is the new Nursery Director. Dee McManamy and Shirley Reilly are reinstating a high school youth program that will meet every-other-week on Sunday evenings.
Pastor Orr continues to think about a sabbatical, although she has no definite plans yet. She has one more week of vacation remaining this year.
Work has been completed on tree removal and pruning on church grounds.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Audrey Ongman reported that a new freezer has been delivered and is working in the sexton’s room. The kitchen will be professionally cleaned, and a parishioner has offered to pay for the service. One of the ovens in the kitchen is not working.
Upcoming Parish Events
September 29th – Bishop Lee will visit St. John’s. He will preach at both services and meet with the children of the parish during the 9:00 o’clock hour. He will meet with the vestry in the rectory for a potluck lunch. Vestry members signed up to bring food.
Discussion and Decisions
Convention
The rector presented a list of delegates and alternates for the diocesan convention to be held in November. Cyndie Knoll, Gale Michael, and Shirley Reilly were slated as delegates, and Sue O’Brien, Don Rubins, and Doris Sheffer were proposed as alternates. Bill Bestow moved that the list be approved. Audrey Ongman seconded, and the motion passed.
Stewardship
Pastor Orr recommended that the vestry read a stewardship article from “Vestry Papers.”
The vestry brainstormed a bit and came up with some preliminary ideas, including:
- Vestry talks during the Sunday services
- Periodic talks about what various groups do
- Adults pledging to match youth contributions
- A garden/harvest theme
- Set aside an amount (e.g. 10%) up front to donate to Millennium Development Goals
- Direct, earmarked contributions to support the high school youth group
- Letters sent out aimed at different age groups
Accessibility
The vestry subcommittee that has been working on the accessibility project (Cyndie Knoll, Mark Moxley, and Patti Pohrte) met along with Steve Hofer and the rector to discuss the feasibility of installing a lift in the church rather than an elevator. The committee’s recommendation was that the vestry affirm an ongoing pursuit of a lift. There was general agreement that this pursuit should be undertaken. Steve met with a representative of one company to assess the site, and a second lift company will come out to do the same. Pastor Orr will be in contact the architectural firm that already did some work on the accessibility project.
Closing
The meeting ended with prayer and with Pastor Orr’s reminder to the vestry to come with specific ideas about stewardship at the next meeting on October 21st.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: October 21, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
Announcements for October 20
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 21, beginning at 7:00 p.m. with Evening Prayer in the church.
ECW Potluck
The Episcopal Church Women will hold a potluck luncheon Wednesday, October 23, beginning around 11:15. All women of the church are welcome.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2013-2014 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 10. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. 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.
All Souls Day Service – Saturday, November 2
The Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (also known as All Souls Day) developed—as sort of an extension of All Saints Day—as a day on which the Church remembers that vast body of the faithful who may be unknown in the wider fellowship of the church but are no less members of the company of the redeemed, particularly family members and friends. This year St. John’s will offer a service on All Souls Day, November 2, beginning at 5:00 p.m. You are invited to bring a photo or memento of any individual you wish to remember at this service. You may also still submit names to be remembered in the All Saints/All Souls Day services by calling or e-mailing the parish office.
All Saints Open House at the Rectory
Everyone is invited to the annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory Sunday, November 3, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Blue Jeans Sunday – November 24
Help out with fall clean up of our parish grounds. Wear your gardening clothes to church Sunday, November 24, and stay a little while after church to do landscape work.
The vestry meets Monday, October 21, beginning at 7:00 p.m. with Evening Prayer in the church.
ECW Potluck
The Episcopal Church Women will hold a potluck luncheon Wednesday, October 23, beginning around 11:15. All women of the church are welcome.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2013-2014 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 10. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. 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.
All Souls Day Service – Saturday, November 2
The Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (also known as All Souls Day) developed—as sort of an extension of All Saints Day—as a day on which the Church remembers that vast body of the faithful who may be unknown in the wider fellowship of the church but are no less members of the company of the redeemed, particularly family members and friends. This year St. John’s will offer a service on All Souls Day, November 2, beginning at 5:00 p.m. You are invited to bring a photo or memento of any individual you wish to remember at this service. You may also still submit names to be remembered in the All Saints/All Souls Day services by calling or e-mailing the parish office.
All Saints Open House at the Rectory
Everyone is invited to the annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory Sunday, November 3, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Blue Jeans Sunday – November 24
Help out with fall clean up of our parish grounds. Wear your gardening clothes to church Sunday, November 24, and stay a little while after church to do landscape work.
Reflection for October 20
Clergy Appreciation Month
Someone reminded me recently that October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I’d forgotten about this amid a major strategic planning initiative at the parish, sermon writing, liturgical planning, pastoral care, etc, etc.
Also because it’s the lamest thing going. Think Hallmark holiday for clergy but instead of Hallmark it was created by cheesy clergy supply houses. How do I know this? I sampled some of the gift items you can purchase for your pastor to show your appreciation (you can read the full post complete with photos here) ….
Of course if you really want to show your pastor/clergy/priest some appreciation, take a moment to share how his or her ministry has led you to a place of transformation or spiritual growth. Embrace Christian discipleship. Be a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Start a new ministry. Reach out to someone in need. Lend an ear. Make a donation to a charity in his/her name like Episcopal Relief & Development. Or be passive aggressive about it and donate a pig through Heifer International….
(Fr. Tim Schenck of Lent Madness fame, on his blog “Clergy Family Confidential”).
Someone reminded me recently that October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I’d forgotten about this amid a major strategic planning initiative at the parish, sermon writing, liturgical planning, pastoral care, etc, etc.
Also because it’s the lamest thing going. Think Hallmark holiday for clergy but instead of Hallmark it was created by cheesy clergy supply houses. How do I know this? I sampled some of the gift items you can purchase for your pastor to show your appreciation (you can read the full post complete with photos here) ….
Of course if you really want to show your pastor/clergy/priest some appreciation, take a moment to share how his or her ministry has led you to a place of transformation or spiritual growth. Embrace Christian discipleship. Be a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Start a new ministry. Reach out to someone in need. Lend an ear. Make a donation to a charity in his/her name like Episcopal Relief & Development. Or be passive aggressive about it and donate a pig through Heifer International….
(Fr. Tim Schenck of Lent Madness fame, on his blog “Clergy Family Confidential”).
Friday, October 11, 2013
Announcements for October 13
Fun at the Blessing of the Animals
Thanks to all pets and people who participated in the Blessing of the Animals. Photos of the event and the prize winners are posted here on the parish Facebook page. You don’t have to be “on” Facebook to view the photos, but if you do use Facebook, why not “like” St. John’s? It’s a good way to keep in touch and see photos from parish activities.
Youth Worship Continues This Sunday
Youth worship, an alternative, age-appropriate worship experience for children and young people, meets most Sundays during the school year. Children gather in the Youth Worship chapel at 10:00 a.m. for music, prayers, Scripture and a reflection. They join their families in church at the peace. On the last Sunday of the month children participate in the regular church service with their families and are, of course, always welcome in church any Sunday if they, or their parents, prefer.
High School Youth Group Needs Paint Brushes
The high school youth group is painting their youth room and they could use a few more paintbrushes. If you have brushes you could lend them, it would be helpful. At least two inches wide (it’s a big room). The brushes will be returned. If you have questions or can help, be in touch with Shirley Reilly or Dee McManamy.
Clergy Conference
The Rector will be participating in clergy conference this year Monday and Tuesday, October 14-15. Bishop Lee is the conference leader.
Thanks to all pets and people who participated in the Blessing of the Animals. Photos of the event and the prize winners are posted here on the parish Facebook page. You don’t have to be “on” Facebook to view the photos, but if you do use Facebook, why not “like” St. John’s? It’s a good way to keep in touch and see photos from parish activities.
Youth Worship Continues This Sunday
Youth worship, an alternative, age-appropriate worship experience for children and young people, meets most Sundays during the school year. Children gather in the Youth Worship chapel at 10:00 a.m. for music, prayers, Scripture and a reflection. They join their families in church at the peace. On the last Sunday of the month children participate in the regular church service with their families and are, of course, always welcome in church any Sunday if they, or their parents, prefer.
High School Youth Group Needs Paint Brushes
The high school youth group is painting their youth room and they could use a few more paintbrushes. If you have brushes you could lend them, it would be helpful. At least two inches wide (it’s a big room). The brushes will be returned. If you have questions or can help, be in touch with Shirley Reilly or Dee McManamy.
Clergy Conference
The Rector will be participating in clergy conference this year Monday and Tuesday, October 14-15. Bishop Lee is the conference leader.
Reflection for October 13
When the fundamental symbols expressed in an authentic liturgical act take root in our daily lives, those symbols have the power to touch the deepest levels of our humanity, leading us into a path of transformation. But if the symbols are engaged only on the surface, this potential for transformation is lost…. The consequence of this is a kind of Christianized veneer that is only skin deep.
The imperatives of the Gospel are proclaimed not only in the liturgical rites and their ritual symbols. Those imperatives, when they are truly heard and accepted, become embodied in the ways in which Christians live their lives. It is in our daily lives that the authenticity of our Christian faith meets its essential test. The significance of the liturgical act is not found merely in the performance of a religious routine, no matter how beautiful that routine may be. It is found when that act yields in us the spiritual fruit that it signifies (Louis Weil, Liturgical Sense).
The imperatives of the Gospel are proclaimed not only in the liturgical rites and their ritual symbols. Those imperatives, when they are truly heard and accepted, become embodied in the ways in which Christians live their lives. It is in our daily lives that the authenticity of our Christian faith meets its essential test. The significance of the liturgical act is not found merely in the performance of a religious routine, no matter how beautiful that routine may be. It is found when that act yields in us the spiritual fruit that it signifies (Louis Weil, Liturgical Sense).
Friday, October 4, 2013
Announcements for October 6
Blessing of the Animals – October 6
The annual celebration and blessing of all of our companion animals will take place this Sunday, October 6, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Outdoor Altar. Animals of all sorts and sizes are welcome for a brief service of thanksgiving and blessing. The usual and unusual prizes will be awarded (Rector Look Alike, Owner-Pet Look Alike). We will also remember in prayer those companion animals who have died but live on in our hearts.
Regular Sunday School Classes Resume this Week
Sunday School classes for all ages resume this week during the 9:00 a.m. hour on Sunday morning.
Youth Worship Begins This Sunday, October 6
Youth worship, an alternative, age-appropriate worship experience for children and young people, begins this Sunday, October 6. Children gather in the Youth Worship chapel at 10:00 a.m. for music, prayers, Scripture and a reflection. They join their families in church at the peace. Children are also always welcome in church for the entire service if they, or their parents, prefer.
High School Youth Group Meets This Sunday
The new high school youth group meets this Sunday, October 6, from 5:30 – 7:00 for pizza and painting. Everyone in grades 9 – 12 is welcome. Bring a friend! Wear your painting clothes.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, October 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. All knitters and crocheters are welcome.
The annual celebration and blessing of all of our companion animals will take place this Sunday, October 6, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Outdoor Altar. Animals of all sorts and sizes are welcome for a brief service of thanksgiving and blessing. The usual and unusual prizes will be awarded (Rector Look Alike, Owner-Pet Look Alike). We will also remember in prayer those companion animals who have died but live on in our hearts.
Regular Sunday School Classes Resume this Week
Sunday School classes for all ages resume this week during the 9:00 a.m. hour on Sunday morning.
Youth Worship Begins This Sunday, October 6
Youth worship, an alternative, age-appropriate worship experience for children and young people, begins this Sunday, October 6. Children gather in the Youth Worship chapel at 10:00 a.m. for music, prayers, Scripture and a reflection. They join their families in church at the peace. Children are also always welcome in church for the entire service if they, or their parents, prefer.
High School Youth Group Meets This Sunday
The new high school youth group meets this Sunday, October 6, from 5:30 – 7:00 for pizza and painting. Everyone in grades 9 – 12 is welcome. Bring a friend! Wear your painting clothes.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, October 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. All knitters and crocheters are welcome.
Reflection for October 6
Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired, but probably the least imitated. (Holy Women, Holy Men: Francis of Assisi, October 4).
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