Outreach Forum This Sunday: PADS
PADS works to relieve homelessness in the south suburbs. Many St. John’s parishioners have been active in PADS for years. Everyone is encouraged to attend the forum this Sunday, April 27, to learn more about the work of PADS and different ways that we can help. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Darryl Calhoon from South Suburban PADS will be presenting.
Easter Thank You’s
Thanks be to God for the choir, altar guild and friends, all of the liturgical ministers (especially acolytes, lay Eucharistic ministers and lectors), the Agape supper crew, everyone who kept watch through the night, Pat Smith Huntoon (Saturday youth worship) and the Turnquest men (the new fire at the Easter Vigil) for your ministries during Holy Week and Easter.
St. John’s Youth Group Walking to Alleviate Hunger
Sunday, May 4, our youth will participate in the South Suburban CROP Hunger Walk in Park Forest. Sponsored by Christian World Service, hunger walks raise money to alleviate hunger locally and throughout the world. Please help us help others by donating any amount. There’s a matching donation challenge from the Feinstein Foundation, so your dollars will count for even more! Several parishioners have already given generously. We’ll be collecting after the 10 o’clock service on April 20th and April 27th… OR donate online any time before May 4th! by going to this link: hunger.cwsglobal.org and then click through CROP Hunger Walk > Find Your Walk > Illinois > South Suburban CROP Hunger Walk > Donate > I want to support a TEAM > The Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist.
Recycle Plastic Easter Eggs
Please bring empty plastic Easter eggs to the church; they can be reused next year. A collection box is in the foyer near the parish office.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, May 5, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Reflection for April 27
Reading this short scene [with Thomas and Jesus] in the locked room always reminds me of the power of an encounter with Jesus. So very often I come to God on my own terms, full of my very sure self-knowledge of what I need. My own hands are clenched as I try to hold on to my bundle of needs, fears, weaknesses, and anxieties. I need the answer. I need a different answer. I need more time. I need more patience. I need more of everything. Except those things of which I need less.
And, miraculously, even while prattling on about my own needs, Jesus appears, and offers to help me carry my bundle of needs. And everything is transformed. Opening my fists to reach out to God, there is a welcome falling away of so much. And all of my long lists dissolve into Thomas’ simple confession: “My Lord and my God!” (The Rev. Melody Knowles, Ph.D., Virginia Theological Seminary).
And, miraculously, even while prattling on about my own needs, Jesus appears, and offers to help me carry my bundle of needs. And everything is transformed. Opening my fists to reach out to God, there is a welcome falling away of so much. And all of my long lists dissolve into Thomas’ simple confession: “My Lord and my God!” (The Rev. Melody Knowles, Ph.D., Virginia Theological Seminary).
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Minutes of Vestry Meeting - March 17, 2014
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & 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, Bill Bestow; the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis.
Vestry members Bob DeOliveira and Steve Hofer were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes
A snowstorm forced the cancellation of the scheduled vestry meeting in February. As a result, there were no February minutes, and the minutes from the December 2013 regular vestry meeting and the January 2014 budget meeting had not been approved.
Gale Michael moved that the December 2013 minutes be approved, and Jim Whitfield seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote.
Bill Bestow moved that the January 2014 budget meeting minutes be approved, and Mark Moxley seconded. This motion also passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that the 3% staff salary increase, which the vestry approved at the January budget meeting, has been enacted.
The budget has a program line for the Christian Education Director’s salary that will be used for family and youth ministry expenses during the time that the salaried position remains vacant. Responding to a question, the rector said that she always watches the budget and will continue to do so to ensure that sufficient funds will be available to hire a Christian Education Director should a promising candidate appear during the year.
Debbi announced that she will participate in 58 hours of class time that the diocese is offering to train church treasurers.
Gale Michael moved to accept the treasurer’s report, and Hans Zigmund seconded. The motion carried.
Acceptance of Rector’s Discretionary Account Report for the Fourth Quarter of 2013
Copies of the Rector’s Discretionary Account Report for the fourth quarter of 2013 were included in materials distributed to the vestry prior to the meeting. Bill Bestow made a motion stating that the vestry has seen and accepted the report. Jim Whitfield seconded the motion, and it passed.
Acceptance of 2013 Parochial Report
The rector noted that the vestry unanimously accepted the 2013 Parochial Report via an e-mail vote in February following the cancellation of the regular February vestry meeting.
Information
Rector’s Report
--As has been the custom, the rector gave new vestry members computer disks with information on church policies on such things as alcohol, gambling, marriages, endowments, etc.; and the entire vestry briefly reviewed several pages from a document on governing boards published by the Alban Institute. The rector reminded vestry members to think of themselves as exemplary parishioners who lead by example.
--The last vestry talked about outreach and committed themselves to doing something, either something new or continuing an ongoing outreach project; and last year’s pledge campaign focused on outreach opportunities. Pastor Orr is in the process of organizing a series of adult forums to take place during the Sunday education hour on four Sundays after Easter. Speakers are being invited to speak about PADS, the Night Ministry, Respond Now, and the community garden.
--The diocese has requested participation from each parish in support of the capital campaign to fund Places of Grace and Gladness at the diocesan center. Last year the vestry agreed to a one-time fundraiser in honor of confirmands. The amount raised will be matched by funds from the budget not to exceed $5,000.
--Pastor Orr will offer an adult Lenten class, Enriching Our Worship, on Wednesday evenings during Lent.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There were no reports.
Upcoming Parish Events
The annual Fish Fry is scheduled for Friday, April 4th.
Discussion and Decisions
Update on Accessibility
Dan Pohrte has not had time to do much architectural work on the church project lately. Pastor Orr hopes to bring in more concrete ideas next month on timing and costs.
Review of Building Issues
Several building issues have been identified and will need to be addressed at some point. They are:
--The education wing radiators that were installed in 2003 need valve replacements at a cost of approximately $2,400.
--Tuck-pointing and repair of the chimney in the education wing needs to be done.
--The floor tiles in the atrium rest room and the sacristies need attention. They are loose and warp in the winter.
--New lighting is needed in the sanctuary. Some of the specialty bulbs are no longer available, and the lighting is hot.
--The phone system needs updating.
--The ceiling in the foyer by the outdoor altar needs to be re-painted following water damage.
--The faucets and traps in the education wing boys’ and girls’ bathrooms need to be replaced.
The rector also noted that the air conditioning condensers in both the church and rectory are 18 years old and may need to be replaced.
Approval of Signers for Church Accounts
Typically, the wardens and the rector are listed as signers on church financial accounts. The signers are updated yearly at the bank as the wardens change. This year, the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden is a counter of Sunday plate collections. She and the rector have agreed that it would be preferable to have another signer to keep the deposit and withdrawal functions separate. Diane moved that third-year vestry member Gale Michael be put on the signer list. Hans Zigmund seconded, and the motion was approved.
Schedule the Vestry Retreat
The annual vestry retreat at the church was scheduled for 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM on Saturday May 3rd.
Closing
After prayer, the meeting ended at 9:08 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for April 21st.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved as amended: April 21, 2014
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & 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, Bill Bestow; the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis.
Vestry members Bob DeOliveira and Steve Hofer were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes
A snowstorm forced the cancellation of the scheduled vestry meeting in February. As a result, there were no February minutes, and the minutes from the December 2013 regular vestry meeting and the January 2014 budget meeting had not been approved.
Gale Michael moved that the December 2013 minutes be approved, and Jim Whitfield seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote.
Bill Bestow moved that the January 2014 budget meeting minutes be approved, and Mark Moxley seconded. This motion also passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that the 3% staff salary increase, which the vestry approved at the January budget meeting, has been enacted.
The budget has a program line for the Christian Education Director’s salary that will be used for family and youth ministry expenses during the time that the salaried position remains vacant. Responding to a question, the rector said that she always watches the budget and will continue to do so to ensure that sufficient funds will be available to hire a Christian Education Director should a promising candidate appear during the year.
Debbi announced that she will participate in 58 hours of class time that the diocese is offering to train church treasurers.
Gale Michael moved to accept the treasurer’s report, and Hans Zigmund seconded. The motion carried.
Acceptance of Rector’s Discretionary Account Report for the Fourth Quarter of 2013
Copies of the Rector’s Discretionary Account Report for the fourth quarter of 2013 were included in materials distributed to the vestry prior to the meeting. Bill Bestow made a motion stating that the vestry has seen and accepted the report. Jim Whitfield seconded the motion, and it passed.
Acceptance of 2013 Parochial Report
The rector noted that the vestry unanimously accepted the 2013 Parochial Report via an e-mail vote in February following the cancellation of the regular February vestry meeting.
Information
Rector’s Report
--As has been the custom, the rector gave new vestry members computer disks with information on church policies on such things as alcohol, gambling, marriages, endowments, etc.; and the entire vestry briefly reviewed several pages from a document on governing boards published by the Alban Institute. The rector reminded vestry members to think of themselves as exemplary parishioners who lead by example.
--The last vestry talked about outreach and committed themselves to doing something, either something new or continuing an ongoing outreach project; and last year’s pledge campaign focused on outreach opportunities. Pastor Orr is in the process of organizing a series of adult forums to take place during the Sunday education hour on four Sundays after Easter. Speakers are being invited to speak about PADS, the Night Ministry, Respond Now, and the community garden.
--The diocese has requested participation from each parish in support of the capital campaign to fund Places of Grace and Gladness at the diocesan center. Last year the vestry agreed to a one-time fundraiser in honor of confirmands. The amount raised will be matched by funds from the budget not to exceed $5,000.
--Pastor Orr will offer an adult Lenten class, Enriching Our Worship, on Wednesday evenings during Lent.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There were no reports.
Upcoming Parish Events
The annual Fish Fry is scheduled for Friday, April 4th.
Discussion and Decisions
Update on Accessibility
Dan Pohrte has not had time to do much architectural work on the church project lately. Pastor Orr hopes to bring in more concrete ideas next month on timing and costs.
Review of Building Issues
Several building issues have been identified and will need to be addressed at some point. They are:
--The education wing radiators that were installed in 2003 need valve replacements at a cost of approximately $2,400.
--Tuck-pointing and repair of the chimney in the education wing needs to be done.
--The floor tiles in the atrium rest room and the sacristies need attention. They are loose and warp in the winter.
--New lighting is needed in the sanctuary. Some of the specialty bulbs are no longer available, and the lighting is hot.
--The phone system needs updating.
--The ceiling in the foyer by the outdoor altar needs to be re-painted following water damage.
--The faucets and traps in the education wing boys’ and girls’ bathrooms need to be replaced.
The rector also noted that the air conditioning condensers in both the church and rectory are 18 years old and may need to be replaced.
Approval of Signers for Church Accounts
Typically, the wardens and the rector are listed as signers on church financial accounts. The signers are updated yearly at the bank as the wardens change. This year, the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden is a counter of Sunday plate collections. She and the rector have agreed that it would be preferable to have another signer to keep the deposit and withdrawal functions separate. Diane moved that third-year vestry member Gale Michael be put on the signer list. Hans Zigmund seconded, and the motion was approved.
Schedule the Vestry Retreat
The annual vestry retreat at the church was scheduled for 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM on Saturday May 3rd.
Closing
After prayer, the meeting ended at 9:08 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for April 21st.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved as amended: April 21, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Announcements for April 20
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, April 21, beginning with Evening Prayer in the church at 7:00 p.m.
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
The annual children’s Easter egg hunt will be held on the front lawn of the church following the 10:00 service. Children of all ages are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket for collecting.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, the Night Ministry, and St. John’s Parish Garden. A handout with more information is on the information tables.
St. John’s Youth Group Walking to Alleviate Hunger
Sunday, May 4, our youth will participate in the South Suburban CROP Hunger Walk in Park Forest. Sponsored by Christian World Service, hunger walks raise money to alleviate hunger locally and throughout the world. Please help us help others by donating any amount. There’s a matching donation challenge from the Feinstein Foundation, so your dollars will count for even more! Several parishioners have already given generously. We’ll be collecting after the 10 o’clock service on April 20th and April 27th... OR donate online any time before May 4th!
Christian Formation Classes on Vacation for Easter
Christian formation classes for children and adults will not meet Easter Sunday. Youth Worship is also on vacation. Both classes and Youth Worship will resume next Sunday, April 27.
Grande Prairie Singers Concert May 18
The Grande Prairie Singers present “Forces of Nature” at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 18, at Flossmoor Community Church. This season-ending concert features a wide variety of music, including “Singin’ in the Rain,” “All Through the Night,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and selections from Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and $10 for students. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for more info or tickets.
The vestry meets Monday, April 21, beginning with Evening Prayer in the church at 7:00 p.m.
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
The annual children’s Easter egg hunt will be held on the front lawn of the church following the 10:00 service. Children of all ages are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket for collecting.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, the Night Ministry, and St. John’s Parish Garden. A handout with more information is on the information tables.
St. John’s Youth Group Walking to Alleviate Hunger
Sunday, May 4, our youth will participate in the South Suburban CROP Hunger Walk in Park Forest. Sponsored by Christian World Service, hunger walks raise money to alleviate hunger locally and throughout the world. Please help us help others by donating any amount. There’s a matching donation challenge from the Feinstein Foundation, so your dollars will count for even more! Several parishioners have already given generously. We’ll be collecting after the 10 o’clock service on April 20th and April 27th... OR donate online any time before May 4th!
Christian Formation Classes on Vacation for Easter
Christian formation classes for children and adults will not meet Easter Sunday. Youth Worship is also on vacation. Both classes and Youth Worship will resume next Sunday, April 27.
Grande Prairie Singers Concert May 18
The Grande Prairie Singers present “Forces of Nature” at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 18, at Flossmoor Community Church. This season-ending concert features a wide variety of music, including “Singin’ in the Rain,” “All Through the Night,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and selections from Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and $10 for students. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for more info or tickets.
Reflection for Easter Day
How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven are joined and we are reconciled to God (From the Exsultet at the Great Vigil of Easter, BCP, p. 287).
Friday, April 11, 2014
Announcements for April 13
Palm Sunday: Blessing of the Palms Begins Early
This Sunday, April 13, both services will begin with the Blessing of the Palms at the Outdoor Altar. The liturgy of the palms begins, respectively, at 7:55 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. Children and families are especially encouraged to come for the blessing of the palms before the 10:00 a.m. service. Following the blessing we will process around Flossmoor.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, the Night Ministry, and St. John’s Parish Garden. A handout with more information is on the information tables.
Easter Flower Contributions
If you would like to contribute to the lilies and special flowers that adorn the church at Easter time, please look for special flower envelopes in the pews.
Sign up for The Watch
In commemoration of Jesus’ last night in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is our custom to keep watch with the Reserved Sacrament at the Altar of Repose during the night of Maundy Thursday until noon on Good Friday. Shifts are one hour. A sign up sheet is in the back of the church.
Holy Week Services
Services are offered every day during Holy Week. The schedule was distributed in the Easter letter and with last week’s e-vangelist. You will be blessed by as full participation as possible.
Good Friday Offering
Since 1922, Episcopalians in the United States have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in the Holy Land through the Good Friday offering. Special offering envelopes will be in the pews throughout Holy Week.
Christian Formation Classes on Vacation
Christian formation classes for children and adults will not meet this Sunday or Easter Sunday. Youth Worship will be offered this Sunday, Palm Sunday, but not on Easter.
For Children and Youth on Holy Saturday: Stations of the Cross & Raising the A*******
Children and young people are invited to a special event beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday, April 19. The event will include a version of Stations of the Cross for youth, the welcoming of the Easter light to the Youth Worship chapel, raising the A******* banners buried throughout Lent, and filling Easter eggs for the Easter morning Easter egg hunt.
This Sunday, April 13, both services will begin with the Blessing of the Palms at the Outdoor Altar. The liturgy of the palms begins, respectively, at 7:55 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. Children and families are especially encouraged to come for the blessing of the palms before the 10:00 a.m. service. Following the blessing we will process around Flossmoor.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, the Night Ministry, and St. John’s Parish Garden. A handout with more information is on the information tables.
Easter Flower Contributions
If you would like to contribute to the lilies and special flowers that adorn the church at Easter time, please look for special flower envelopes in the pews.
Sign up for The Watch
In commemoration of Jesus’ last night in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is our custom to keep watch with the Reserved Sacrament at the Altar of Repose during the night of Maundy Thursday until noon on Good Friday. Shifts are one hour. A sign up sheet is in the back of the church.
Holy Week Services
Services are offered every day during Holy Week. The schedule was distributed in the Easter letter and with last week’s e-vangelist. You will be blessed by as full participation as possible.
Good Friday Offering
Since 1922, Episcopalians in the United States have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in the Holy Land through the Good Friday offering. Special offering envelopes will be in the pews throughout Holy Week.
Christian Formation Classes on Vacation
Christian formation classes for children and adults will not meet this Sunday or Easter Sunday. Youth Worship will be offered this Sunday, Palm Sunday, but not on Easter.
For Children and Youth on Holy Saturday: Stations of the Cross & Raising the A*******
Children and young people are invited to a special event beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday, April 19. The event will include a version of Stations of the Cross for youth, the welcoming of the Easter light to the Youth Worship chapel, raising the A******* banners buried throughout Lent, and filling Easter eggs for the Easter morning Easter egg hunt.
Reflection for April 13
“Since becoming blind, I have paid more attention to a thousand things,” Lusseyran wrote. One of his greatest discoveries was how the [inner] light he saw changed with his condition. When he was sad or afraid the light decreased at once. Sometimes it went out altogether, leaving him deeply and truly blind. When he was joyful and attentive it returned as strong as ever. He learned very quickly that the best way to see the inner light and remain in its presence was to love (Barbara Brown Taylor, “Light Without Sight,” Christian Century, April 2, 2014; excerpted from her new book, Learning to Walk in the Dark).
Friday, April 4, 2014
Announcements for April 6
Palm Sunday Next Sunday, April 13
Next Sunday, April 13, both services will begin with the Blessing of the Palms at the Outdoor Altar. The liturgy of the palms begins, respectively, at 7:55 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. Christian Formation classes will not meet Palm Sunday or Easter Day.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, the Night Ministry, and St. John’s Community Garden. A handout with more information is on the information tables.
Yarn Ministry Meets This Monday
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, April 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Sign up for The Watch
In commemoration of Jesus’ last night in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is our custom to keep watch with the Reserved Sacrament at the Altar of Repose during the night of Maundy Thursday until noon on Good Friday. Shifts are one hour. A sign up sheet is in the back of the church.
Lenten Study Series
The final Wednesday Lenten study class this week will be a celebration of the Holy Eucharist using supplemental liturgical materials. All are welcome. The class begins at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Next Sunday, April 13, both services will begin with the Blessing of the Palms at the Outdoor Altar. The liturgy of the palms begins, respectively, at 7:55 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. Christian Formation classes will not meet Palm Sunday or Easter Day.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, the Night Ministry, and St. John’s Community Garden. A handout with more information is on the information tables.
Yarn Ministry Meets This Monday
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, April 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Sign up for The Watch
In commemoration of Jesus’ last night in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is our custom to keep watch with the Reserved Sacrament at the Altar of Repose during the night of Maundy Thursday until noon on Good Friday. Shifts are one hour. A sign up sheet is in the back of the church.
Lenten Study Series
The final Wednesday Lenten study class this week will be a celebration of the Holy Eucharist using supplemental liturgical materials. All are welcome. The class begins at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Reflection for April 6
[The] Bible: not a book but a plurality of books, as its names in Greek, Latin and even Anglo-Saxon proclaim. The Greek Biblia is in the plural and the Latin and later scholarly Anglo-Saxons made a direct borrowing from the classical Latin word for ‘library’ when they called the bound volume which we call a Bible first a bibliotheca and then a bibliodece. It is a pity that other languages and modern Western usage have forgotten this earlier realism of the Western Church about its canonical sacred literature. What it reminds us is that there are many voices to be heard within the Bible (Diarmaid MacCulloch, Silence: A Christian History).
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