RSVP for the Feast
This year’s Feast of St. John the Evangelist begins with Evening Prayer in the church at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 4. Please RSVP to the parish office by December 31.
Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.
No Service on Wednesday
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist will not take place January 1.
Celebrate the Epiphany
The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, Monday, January 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Recycle Your Christmas Trees and Lights
Recycle your natural Christmas tree and lights. Information on drop off locations and dates is available here.
2014 Offering Envelopes are Available
Please pick up your 2014 offering envelopes in the undercroft.
Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 1. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Reflection for December 29
The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this. Just as every natural events is the manifestation at a particular place and moment of Nature’s total character, so every particular Christian miracle manifests at a particular place and moment the character and significance of the Incarnation (C. S. Lewis, Miracles).
Friday, December 20, 2013
Announcements for December 22
Cookie Walk Thank You
A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Cookie Walk in any way—by baking, helping with set up, sales and clean up, and buying! Special thanks to coordinator Alison Deniston. This year’s Cookie Walk raised over $3,800.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
All participants in the Christmas Pageant should have received their role assignments and scripts. There will be rehearsals at 9:00 a.m. this Sunday, December 22; after church this Sunday; and at 4:00 p.m., December 23.
Schedule of Christmas Services
4:00 p.m., December 24: The Holy Eucharist with the Children’s Christmas Pageant
10:00 p.m., December 24: Christmas Music for organ, choir and congregation
10:30 p.m., December 24: Choral Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m., December 25: The Holy Eucharist
(The 9:00 a.m. Wednesday healing service will not take place this week.)
Sunday School Classes on Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages are on vacation until January 5.
The Feast of St. John the Evangelist
The annual celebration of our patron saint is scheduled for Saturday, January 4. The vestry prepares and hosts this feast each year in celebration and thanksgiving for the parish. All are invited. Please RSVP. Reply cards were included with the invitations. Additional copies are available in the information tables.
St. Nicholas at St. James Commons
If you’re downtown this holiday season, stop by St. James Commons for a special exhibit for all ages on St. Nicholas, the “Bishop Who Became Santa Claus.” Flyers are available at church or more information is available here.
A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Cookie Walk in any way—by baking, helping with set up, sales and clean up, and buying! Special thanks to coordinator Alison Deniston. This year’s Cookie Walk raised over $3,800.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
All participants in the Christmas Pageant should have received their role assignments and scripts. There will be rehearsals at 9:00 a.m. this Sunday, December 22; after church this Sunday; and at 4:00 p.m., December 23.
Schedule of Christmas Services
4:00 p.m., December 24: The Holy Eucharist with the Children’s Christmas Pageant
10:00 p.m., December 24: Christmas Music for organ, choir and congregation
10:30 p.m., December 24: Choral Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m., December 25: The Holy Eucharist
(The 9:00 a.m. Wednesday healing service will not take place this week.)
Sunday School Classes on Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages are on vacation until January 5.
The Feast of St. John the Evangelist
The annual celebration of our patron saint is scheduled for Saturday, January 4. The vestry prepares and hosts this feast each year in celebration and thanksgiving for the parish. All are invited. Please RSVP. Reply cards were included with the invitations. Additional copies are available in the information tables.
St. Nicholas at St. James Commons
If you’re downtown this holiday season, stop by St. James Commons for a special exhibit for all ages on St. Nicholas, the “Bishop Who Became Santa Claus.” Flyers are available at church or more information is available here.
Reflection for December 22
This is the night
when you can trust
that any direction
you go,
you will be walking
toward the dawn.
(From Blessing for the Longest Night, by Jan Richardson. Read the full poem here.)
when you can trust
that any direction
you go,
you will be walking
toward the dawn.
(From Blessing for the Longest Night, by Jan Richardson. Read the full poem here.)
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Minutes of Vestry Meeting - November 18, 2013
Formation
Opening
After Evening Prayer, vestry members shared individual prayers of thanksgiving and prayer requests.
Attendance
Present were the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and Jim Whitfield; treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Greg Lawrence and Patti Pohrte, and the junior warden, Bill Bestow, were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes
Regarding the report of a vestry member’s resignation, the rector suggested that the phrase “when the vacancy occurs near the end of the year” be added to the description of the procedure that has been used in the past, that is, “the position will remain open until a new member is voted in at the annual meeting to fill the remainder of the term.” Gale Michael moved that the minutes be accepted as edited. After a second from Jim Whitfield, the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that the Treasurer’s Report contains a new account for the Youth Group. This will need to be part of the budget for 2014. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew account of $1,100 has been added to the report in a separate line. We are falling a little short on revenues, but special offerings at Christmas may give revenues a boost. Debbi asked the vestry to give her any suggestions that would make her reports easier to understand. Audrey Ongman made a motion that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted. Anne Edwards seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
- The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s separate checking account has been closed, but there will be a separate line in the Treasurer’s Report for any income and expense such as the fish fry and PADS breakfasts.
-Pastor Orr thanked those who helped with stewardship conversations and with their commitment to help the parish grow.
- Twenty people attended the first All Souls Day service on November 2nd. This service with votives and pictures of the departed will be scheduled next November as well.
- Pastor Orr met with Dan Pohrte, who offered his architectural services to the parish pro bono. They discussed two possible locations for an elevator lift, including the pastor’s suggestion of the three levels located at sexton’s room/first floor hall/acolyte room. Mr. Pohrte anticipates doing the preliminary work over the winter. The entire project timeline is unclear since it will be done around his regular work commitments. Other accessibility work such as the bathrooms and entryway may be beyond our financial means at present.
- The diocesan convention will be held at the end of the week with Gale Michael, Shirley O’Reilly, and Cyndie Knoll serving as representatives, and Doris Sheffer, Don Rubins, and Sue O’Brien as alternates. At the convention Pastor Orr will be re-appointed as Dean of the Joliet Deanery.
- The rector is in the process of ordering carriage lights to replace those along the public sidewalk that had been vandalized. Mark Moxley is working on lighting along the sidewalk by the columbarium. The current motion-detector light is unreliable and does not illuminate the entire walkway for long enough. The plan is to install pathway lights.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Audrey Ongman reported that the sexton has requested some old towels to be used in cleaning. There may be a sufficient number available from the sacristy. Audrey will check with the Altar Guild directress.
Upcoming Parish Events
Discussion and Decisions
Feast
The annual patronal feast, celebrating the feast day of St. John the Evangelist, is scheduled this year on Saturday, January 4th. Anne Edwards volunteered to coordinate the event with volunteers Gale Michael, Candice Barrera, Greg Lawrence, and Steve Hofer volunteering for the planning committee. On January 3rd and 4th, all vestry members will decorate, cook, serve, and clean up.
Diocesan Fund Raiser
The diocesan office building recently has undergone major renovations. The plaza was updated, the first floor was opened up providing a space for art exhibits and a planned café, and the fifth floor has become a retreat center and office space for Living Compass. The diocesan staff is hoping to get some level of financial donations from every parish. After discussion, Steve Hofer moved that in the spring the vestry will accept donations in honor of the present class of confirmands and in honor of all past confirmands. The vestry will match parishioner gifts with funds from the budget up to a total of $5,000. Gale Michael seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Nominating Committee
According to the vestry by-laws, a nominating committee is formed every year in order to nominate parishioners for vestry and warden positions. The committee is to be made up of the rector, the wardens, and three vestry members, one from each class, chosen by lot. This year, the vestry members chosen are Candice Barrera, Mark Moxley, and Patti Pohrte.
Closing
The meeting ended at 8:35 following prayer. The next vestry meeting is scheduled for December 16th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: December 16, 2013
Opening
After Evening Prayer, vestry members shared individual prayers of thanksgiving and prayer requests.
Attendance
Present were the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and Jim Whitfield; treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Greg Lawrence and Patti Pohrte, and the junior warden, Bill Bestow, were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes
Regarding the report of a vestry member’s resignation, the rector suggested that the phrase “when the vacancy occurs near the end of the year” be added to the description of the procedure that has been used in the past, that is, “the position will remain open until a new member is voted in at the annual meeting to fill the remainder of the term.” Gale Michael moved that the minutes be accepted as edited. After a second from Jim Whitfield, the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that the Treasurer’s Report contains a new account for the Youth Group. This will need to be part of the budget for 2014. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew account of $1,100 has been added to the report in a separate line. We are falling a little short on revenues, but special offerings at Christmas may give revenues a boost. Debbi asked the vestry to give her any suggestions that would make her reports easier to understand. Audrey Ongman made a motion that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted. Anne Edwards seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
- The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s separate checking account has been closed, but there will be a separate line in the Treasurer’s Report for any income and expense such as the fish fry and PADS breakfasts.
-Pastor Orr thanked those who helped with stewardship conversations and with their commitment to help the parish grow.
- Twenty people attended the first All Souls Day service on November 2nd. This service with votives and pictures of the departed will be scheduled next November as well.
- Pastor Orr met with Dan Pohrte, who offered his architectural services to the parish pro bono. They discussed two possible locations for an elevator lift, including the pastor’s suggestion of the three levels located at sexton’s room/first floor hall/acolyte room. Mr. Pohrte anticipates doing the preliminary work over the winter. The entire project timeline is unclear since it will be done around his regular work commitments. Other accessibility work such as the bathrooms and entryway may be beyond our financial means at present.
- The diocesan convention will be held at the end of the week with Gale Michael, Shirley O’Reilly, and Cyndie Knoll serving as representatives, and Doris Sheffer, Don Rubins, and Sue O’Brien as alternates. At the convention Pastor Orr will be re-appointed as Dean of the Joliet Deanery.
- The rector is in the process of ordering carriage lights to replace those along the public sidewalk that had been vandalized. Mark Moxley is working on lighting along the sidewalk by the columbarium. The current motion-detector light is unreliable and does not illuminate the entire walkway for long enough. The plan is to install pathway lights.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Audrey Ongman reported that the sexton has requested some old towels to be used in cleaning. There may be a sufficient number available from the sacristy. Audrey will check with the Altar Guild directress.
Upcoming Parish Events
- November 27 at 7:30 PM at Infant Jesus of Prague – Community Thanksgiving service
- November 28 at 10 AM – St. John’s Thanksgiving service
- December 2 at 9 AM – Advent wreath-making in the undercroft
- December 8 – Director of Operations for the diocese, Courtney Reid, will visit St. John’s. She will preach at both services and hold a forum for parishioners at 9:00 AM.
Discussion and Decisions
Feast
The annual patronal feast, celebrating the feast day of St. John the Evangelist, is scheduled this year on Saturday, January 4th. Anne Edwards volunteered to coordinate the event with volunteers Gale Michael, Candice Barrera, Greg Lawrence, and Steve Hofer volunteering for the planning committee. On January 3rd and 4th, all vestry members will decorate, cook, serve, and clean up.
Diocesan Fund Raiser
The diocesan office building recently has undergone major renovations. The plaza was updated, the first floor was opened up providing a space for art exhibits and a planned café, and the fifth floor has become a retreat center and office space for Living Compass. The diocesan staff is hoping to get some level of financial donations from every parish. After discussion, Steve Hofer moved that in the spring the vestry will accept donations in honor of the present class of confirmands and in honor of all past confirmands. The vestry will match parishioner gifts with funds from the budget up to a total of $5,000. Gale Michael seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Nominating Committee
According to the vestry by-laws, a nominating committee is formed every year in order to nominate parishioners for vestry and warden positions. The committee is to be made up of the rector, the wardens, and three vestry members, one from each class, chosen by lot. This year, the vestry members chosen are Candice Barrera, Mark Moxley, and Patti Pohrte.
Closing
The meeting ended at 8:35 following prayer. The next vestry meeting is scheduled for December 16th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: December 16, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
Announcements for December 15
Stewardship: Annual Pledge Drive
Thank you to everyone who has turned in pledge cards. If you have not yet done so, please turn them in as soon as possible to the parish office or place them in the alms basin on Sunday.
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, December 16, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Cookie Walk Thank You
A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Cookie Walk in any way—by baking, helping with set up, sales and clean up, and buying! Special thanks to coordinator Alison Deniston. If you did not have the chance to shop, assorted cookies will be available through this Sunday in the undercroft.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
All children who wish to participate in the annual Christmas pageant should meet in the church after the 10:00 a.m. service. Parts will be assigned. The pageant takes place during the 4:00 p.m. family service on Christmas Eve. If you cannot attend the meeting on Sunday, but would like to be in the pageant, please be in touch with pageant director Pat Smith Huntoon.
Sunday School Meets This Sunday
Regular Sunday School classes for all ages WILL meet this Sunday, December 15.
Help the Kids at Lawrence Hall
Since 2004 the Daughters of the King have been committed to sharing the spirit of Christmas with the children of Lawrence Hall. Lawrence Hall Youth Services provides greatly needed services and programs for kids and their families suffering from trauma, abuse and neglect. Gift cards from Target or Best Buy or checks made out to Lawrence Hall may provide the only gifts these children receive this year. If you can help, please contact Iris Bestow. This is the last Sunday for contributions.
St. Nicholas at St. James Commons
If you’re downtown this holiday season, stop by St. James Commons for a special exhibit for all ages on St. Nicholas, the “Bishop Who Became Santa Claus.” Flyers are available at church or more information is available here.
Thank you to everyone who has turned in pledge cards. If you have not yet done so, please turn them in as soon as possible to the parish office or place them in the alms basin on Sunday.
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, December 16, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Cookie Walk Thank You
A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Cookie Walk in any way—by baking, helping with set up, sales and clean up, and buying! Special thanks to coordinator Alison Deniston. If you did not have the chance to shop, assorted cookies will be available through this Sunday in the undercroft.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
All children who wish to participate in the annual Christmas pageant should meet in the church after the 10:00 a.m. service. Parts will be assigned. The pageant takes place during the 4:00 p.m. family service on Christmas Eve. If you cannot attend the meeting on Sunday, but would like to be in the pageant, please be in touch with pageant director Pat Smith Huntoon.
Sunday School Meets This Sunday
Regular Sunday School classes for all ages WILL meet this Sunday, December 15.
Help the Kids at Lawrence Hall
Since 2004 the Daughters of the King have been committed to sharing the spirit of Christmas with the children of Lawrence Hall. Lawrence Hall Youth Services provides greatly needed services and programs for kids and their families suffering from trauma, abuse and neglect. Gift cards from Target or Best Buy or checks made out to Lawrence Hall may provide the only gifts these children receive this year. If you can help, please contact Iris Bestow. This is the last Sunday for contributions.
St. Nicholas at St. James Commons
If you’re downtown this holiday season, stop by St. James Commons for a special exhibit for all ages on St. Nicholas, the “Bishop Who Became Santa Claus.” Flyers are available at church or more information is available here.
Reflection for December 15
Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. (Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice). In the traditional Latin mass these words are the beginning of the Introit appointed for the Third Sunday of Advent. Hence, this Sunday is sometimes called “Gaudy” Sunday or Gaudete Sunday. If your Advent wreath includes a gaudy pink candle of rejoicing, this is the Sunday to light it. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Announcements for December 8
Stewardship: Annual Pledge Drive
Thank you to everyone who has turned in pledge cards. If you have not yet done so, please turn them in as soon as possible to the parish office or place them in the alms basin on Sunday.
Courtney Reid Visits St. John’s, This Sunday, December 8
Courtney Reid, Director of Operations on Bishop Lee’s staff, will visit St. John’s Sunday, December 8. She will preach at both services and present a forum during the 9:00 a.m. education hour.
This Sunday! Caroling for Canned Goods: Everyone’s Invited
St. John’s high school youth group invites all of St John’s (plus friends and neighbors of all ages) to join us in “Caroling for Canned Goods” in our parish neighborhood on Sunday, December 8th at 3:30 pm (we’ll meet in the undercroft). Help us help the hungry served by the Rich Township Food Pantry. And what caroling party would be complete without homemade cocoa? Please join us for the fun, and bring a wagon if you have one. Remember, musical talent is totally optional: it’s the spirit that counts! Questions or contributions? Please call Dee McManamy.
Postlude for This Sunday from Marcel Dupré’s Passion Symphony
Marcel Dupré was one of the most influential organists of the 20th century. A master improvisor, his custom was to perform improvisations on tunes suggested by the audience. At a concert in Philadelphia in 1921, he was given four hymn tunes on which he immediately conceived the four movements of the Passion Symphony. The first movement, “The World Awaiting the Savior,” uses the sonata form to treat the Advent themes of darkness and light. Darkness is represented by restless Stravinskian rhythms and light by the hymn Jesu Redemptor Omnium. The two themes struggle throughout the development of the piece, and light is ultimately triumphant, establishing order amid the chaos and announcing the coming of the Savior. –Michael Soto
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.
Advent Taize Service
A Taize service for the season of Advent will be offered at Infant Jesus of Prague (at the corner of Flossmoor Road and Leavitt Avenue in Flossmoor) Friday, December 13, beginning at 7:30 pm.
St. Nicholas at St. James Commons
If you’re downtown this holiday season, stop by St. James Commons for a special exhibit for all ages on St. Nicholas, the “Bishop Who Became Santa Claus.” Flyers are available at church or more information is available on-line here.
Thank you to everyone who has turned in pledge cards. If you have not yet done so, please turn them in as soon as possible to the parish office or place them in the alms basin on Sunday.
Courtney Reid Visits St. John’s, This Sunday, December 8
Courtney Reid, Director of Operations on Bishop Lee’s staff, will visit St. John’s Sunday, December 8. She will preach at both services and present a forum during the 9:00 a.m. education hour.
This Sunday! Caroling for Canned Goods: Everyone’s Invited
St. John’s high school youth group invites all of St John’s (plus friends and neighbors of all ages) to join us in “Caroling for Canned Goods” in our parish neighborhood on Sunday, December 8th at 3:30 pm (we’ll meet in the undercroft). Help us help the hungry served by the Rich Township Food Pantry. And what caroling party would be complete without homemade cocoa? Please join us for the fun, and bring a wagon if you have one. Remember, musical talent is totally optional: it’s the spirit that counts! Questions or contributions? Please call Dee McManamy.
Postlude for This Sunday from Marcel Dupré’s Passion Symphony
Marcel Dupré was one of the most influential organists of the 20th century. A master improvisor, his custom was to perform improvisations on tunes suggested by the audience. At a concert in Philadelphia in 1921, he was given four hymn tunes on which he immediately conceived the four movements of the Passion Symphony. The first movement, “The World Awaiting the Savior,” uses the sonata form to treat the Advent themes of darkness and light. Darkness is represented by restless Stravinskian rhythms and light by the hymn Jesu Redemptor Omnium. The two themes struggle throughout the development of the piece, and light is ultimately triumphant, establishing order amid the chaos and announcing the coming of the Savior. –Michael Soto
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.
Advent Taize Service
A Taize service for the season of Advent will be offered at Infant Jesus of Prague (at the corner of Flossmoor Road and Leavitt Avenue in Flossmoor) Friday, December 13, beginning at 7:30 pm.
St. Nicholas at St. James Commons
If you’re downtown this holiday season, stop by St. James Commons for a special exhibit for all ages on St. Nicholas, the “Bishop Who Became Santa Claus.” Flyers are available at church or more information is available on-line here.
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