Announcements for November 17

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, November 18, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.

Stewardship: Next Sunday is Pledge Sunday
This year you received three pledge cards: one for your pledge of financial support, one to pledge time and talent to programs and ministries at St. John’s, and one to pledge your efforts to outreach ministries. Please prayerfully consider what you can offer. Pledge Sunday is November 24. You may offer your pledge cards during worship on that day or return them to the parish office at any time before November 24.

High School Youth Group
The teen group will meet this Sunday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m. We will be studying the Living Compass curriculum (please bring the books with you). In addition, we will discuss our December service project. Pulled pork sandwiches will be served for dinner. All high school aged teens are welcome. See you Sunday!

Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
Cathedral Shelter is one of the Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of Chicago. It provides a wide range of services to homeless individuals and families and to people struggling with addiction. The Christmas Basket program provides gifts to families and seniors who otherwise would not be able to afford them. Information is available in the undercroft on how you can help by adopting a senior or a family. You may also contribute cash towards the family adopted by Little Hands. Pick up date is December 6.

Little Hands Cathedral Shelter Christmas Basket Shopping
Children of all ages are invited to participate in the Little Hands outreach ministry. Sunday, November 24, we will shop for a family in the Cathedral Shelter Christmas Basket program. Gather at the church at 3:00 p.m. After shopping we will return to the church to wrap the presents.

Holiday Cookie Walk
St. John’s annual Holiday Cookie Walk is December 7. Most of the money raised at the Cookie Walk goes to benefit local outreach and service agencies. Please say “yes” when we ask you to bake.

Blue Jeans Sunday – Next Sunday, November 24
Help out with fall clean up of our parish grounds. Wear your gardening clothes to church next Sunday, November 24, and stay a little while after church to do landscape work.

Thanksgiving Services
The community interfaith Thanksgiving service (featuring the Viking Choir) will be held Wednesday, November 27, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Infant Jesus of Prague. St. John’s Thanksgiving celebration of the Holy Eucharist will be Thursday, November 28, at 10:00 a.m.

Grande Prairie Singers Season Opener
“Winterlude 2013,” will feature holiday music of many genres. The concert will be at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 8, at Faith United Protestant Church, Park Forest. Highlights include the Grande Prairie Children's Choir and the Singers' new accompanist, our own Michael Soto! Advance-sale tickets are $15; $20 at the door; $10 for students at all times. Or consider a $40 season subscription for this concert and those in March and May. For more information or tickets, see Bob or Betsy Burgwald.