Parish Picnic and Dedication of Food Garden – This Sunday, June 1
The annual beginning-of-summer parish picnic will be June 1, following the 10:00 a.m. service. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served on the south lawn. Bring a dessert or side to share. This year we will also plant seedlings in St. John’s new food garden and bless this new ministry.
Places of Grace and Gladness: One Way to Honor Confirmands
In 2013 St. John’s vestry decided to participate in the Diocesan capital campaign, Places of Grace and Gladness, by offering parishioners the opportunity to make a financial contribution in honor of confirmands (this year’s or previous year’s). Look for more information on the campaign and how you can participate on the information tables. Deadline for contributions is June 8.
Honoring Graduates
If you or a family member is graduating this spring please send us two or three sentences about the graduate and any future plans so that we, as a parish can celebrate their accomplishment and pray for their future endeavors. Feel free to include family members who are not members of the parish. For those graduates who are a part of our parish community, we will honor them during the 10:00 a.m. service on June 15. Please send information to the parish office.
Michael Soto Organ Recital
St. John’s Director of Music, Michael Soto, will present an organ recital on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the church. The program will include Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in A minor, César Franck’s Chorale in A minor, and Marcel Dupré’s Passion Symphony. The event is free to the public, and a free will donation will be collected for The Night Ministry.
Summer Blue Jeans Sunday – June 29
Please plan to stay after church on June 29 and help with landscape work so that our grounds will look their best for the July 4 Ice Cream Social.
Ice Cream Social
We’re gearing up for the St. John’s Annual Community Ice Cream Social scheduled for Thursday, July 4th. Skiddles and Strawberry, our clowns, will entertain us by twisting balloons into amazing animals, hats and other shapes. We’ll have ice cream, cold drinks, hot dogs and cookies. All of this happens immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Flossmoor Children’s Parade and runs through about 12:30 p.m. Your participation is what makes this event a success. Are you able to bring in some wildflowers or flowers from your garden? Can you put up flyers around town? Can you help move tables and tents outside? Can you meet and greet our guests? Can you scoop ice cream or cut watermelon on July 3rd? Do you have a card table or two that we can borrow? How about (and this is for everyone) praying for glorious weather? Contact Gale Michael with offers to help and/or questions.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Reflection for June 1
Well, I believed that there was a God because I was told it by my grandmother and later by other adults. But when I found that I knew not only that there was God but that I was a child of God, when I understood that, when I comprehended that, more than that, when I internalized that, ingested that, I became courageous…. I dared to do anything that was a good thing…. When I was asked to do something good, I often say yes, I’ll try, yes, I’ll do my best. And part of that is believing, if God loves me, if God made everything from leaves to seals and oak trees, then what is it I can’t do? (Dr. Maya Angelou, from a 2013 interview, quoted at Episcopal Cafe).
Friday, May 23, 2014
Announcements for May 25
Uplifting Update
Good News! The Accessibility Project is back on track and moving forward. We’ve hired a new architect and are awaiting drawings and cost estimates for a scaled-down project that will provide a lift between floors. Please ask anyone on the Vestry for more details.
ECW Potluck Luncheon
The Episcopal Church Women (all women of the parish) will hold a potluck luncheon on Wednesday, May 28, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Ascension Day Service
Ascension Day is one of the seven principal feast days in the church calendar. It falls 40 days after Easter. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 29, at 7:00 p.m.
Confirmation: May 31
Youth and adults from St. John’s will be Confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Diocesan Confirmation service at St. James Cathedral, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Sunday School and Youth Worship on Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages (at 9:00 a.m.) and the Youth Worship service (at 10:00 a.m.) are on vacation for the summer.
Parish Picnic and Dedication of Food Garden – June 1
The annual beginning-of-summer parish picnic will be June 1, following the 10:00 a.m. service. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served on the south lawn. Bring a dessert or side to share. This year we will also plant seedlings in St. John’s new food garden and bless this new ministry.
Places of Grace and Gladness: One Way to Honor Confirmands
In 2013 St. John’s vestry decided to participate in the Diocesan capital campaign, Places of Grace and Gladness, by offering parishioners the opportunity to make a financial contribution in honor of confirmands (this year’s or previous year’s). Look for more information on the campaign and how you can participate on the information tables.
Holiday Closing
The parish office will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
Michael Soto Organ Recital
St. John’s Director of Music, Michael Soto, will present an organ recital on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the church. The program will include Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in A minor, César Franck’s Chorale in A minor, and Marcel Dupré’s Passion Symphony. The event is free to the public, and a free will donation will be collected for The Night Ministry.
Good News! The Accessibility Project is back on track and moving forward. We’ve hired a new architect and are awaiting drawings and cost estimates for a scaled-down project that will provide a lift between floors. Please ask anyone on the Vestry for more details.
ECW Potluck Luncheon
The Episcopal Church Women (all women of the parish) will hold a potluck luncheon on Wednesday, May 28, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Ascension Day Service
Ascension Day is one of the seven principal feast days in the church calendar. It falls 40 days after Easter. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 29, at 7:00 p.m.
Confirmation: May 31
Youth and adults from St. John’s will be Confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Diocesan Confirmation service at St. James Cathedral, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Sunday School and Youth Worship on Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages (at 9:00 a.m.) and the Youth Worship service (at 10:00 a.m.) are on vacation for the summer.
Parish Picnic and Dedication of Food Garden – June 1
The annual beginning-of-summer parish picnic will be June 1, following the 10:00 a.m. service. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served on the south lawn. Bring a dessert or side to share. This year we will also plant seedlings in St. John’s new food garden and bless this new ministry.
Places of Grace and Gladness: One Way to Honor Confirmands
In 2013 St. John’s vestry decided to participate in the Diocesan capital campaign, Places of Grace and Gladness, by offering parishioners the opportunity to make a financial contribution in honor of confirmands (this year’s or previous year’s). Look for more information on the campaign and how you can participate on the information tables.
Holiday Closing
The parish office will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
Michael Soto Organ Recital
St. John’s Director of Music, Michael Soto, will present an organ recital on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the church. The program will include Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in A minor, César Franck’s Chorale in A minor, and Marcel Dupré’s Passion Symphony. The event is free to the public, and a free will donation will be collected for The Night Ministry.
Reflection for May 25
For Memorial Day
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead: We give thee thanks for all thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence; and give us such a lively sense of thy righteous will, that the work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 488).
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead: We give thee thanks for all thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence; and give us such a lively sense of thy righteous will, that the work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 488).
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - April 21, 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, Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry member Patti Pohrte was absent.
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
There was a correction for the March minutes. Rather than only the boys’ bathrooms in the education wing needing new faucets and traps, the minutes should state that both the boys’ and the girls’ bathrooms need new faucets and traps. Hans Zigmund moved that the minutes be accepted as amended. Mark Moxley seconded, and the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Debbi Huggett reported that collections are running about $3,600 behind. The severe weather this winter resulted in high costs for utilities and snow removal. The budget looks favorable, though, because of unused Christian Education money. The vestry discussed the Endowment Fund investment and return. Bill Bestow moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Bob DeOliveira seconded, and the motion passed.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Report
Because the vestry meeting was held the day after Easter, Pastor Orr had not had time to prepare the first quarter Discretionary Fund Report. It will be available for next month’s meeting.
Information
Rector’s Report
--Pastor Orr expressed thanks for all who worked during Holy Week, especially the choir, acolytes, and Altar Guild.
--The parish website needs rebuilding. Pastor Orr and Office Manager Tracie Moxley have been working on it, and Pastor Orr hopes to bring some results to the next vestry meeting.
Upcoming Parish Events
--Confirmation at 11:00 AM on May 31st at St. James Cathedral
--Outreach forums at 9:00 AM on the next four Sundays
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Bill Bestow reported that the Lenten Fish Fry was a success. He appreciates the additional volunteer help this year.
Discussion and Decisions
Lift Project Proposal
Product Architect and Design submitted a proposal for work on the installation of a three-level lift. Copies of the $10,750 proposal for professional architectural services were distributed to the vestry prior to the meeting. Steve Hofer moved to accept the proposal, and Diane Walsh-Madden seconded. The motion passed. New vestry members were advised that funding for the lift is planned to come from our memorial fund and from money brought to St. John’s after the closing of Christ the King church.
Miscellaneous Building Issues
--Diane Walsh-Madden contacted three tuckpointing firms for estimates on the repairs to the chimney above the education wing. Copies of the proposals were distributed to the vestry prior to the meeting. Bill Bestow moved to accept the proposal from Bruno’s Tuckpointing, Inc. for labor costs of $995 plus brick replacement costs of $10 each for an estimated 60 bricks. Gale Michael seconded the motion, and it was approved.
--Pastor Orr reported that an individual donor has offered to pay the costs of new floors in the sacristies to remedy the problem of floor tiles that have been coming loose.
--Jim Whitfield and a representative from a lighting company examined the lighting in the sanctuary. Further information-gathering will continue on this.
--Two proposals have been submitted for work on the radiators in the education wing, but the work need not be done until closer to the next heating season.
Places of Grace and Gladness Campaign
All parishes in the diocese have been asked to donate funds for the establishment of Places of Grace and Gladness at St. James Commons. Our parish decided to request special offerings to honor past and present confirmands. Nichole Dailor volunteered to lead this project.
Closing
Closing prayer was offered at 8:40 PM. The next vestry meeting is scheduled for May 19th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: May 19, 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, Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry member Patti Pohrte was absent.
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
There was a correction for the March minutes. Rather than only the boys’ bathrooms in the education wing needing new faucets and traps, the minutes should state that both the boys’ and the girls’ bathrooms need new faucets and traps. Hans Zigmund moved that the minutes be accepted as amended. Mark Moxley seconded, and the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Debbi Huggett reported that collections are running about $3,600 behind. The severe weather this winter resulted in high costs for utilities and snow removal. The budget looks favorable, though, because of unused Christian Education money. The vestry discussed the Endowment Fund investment and return. Bill Bestow moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Bob DeOliveira seconded, and the motion passed.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Report
Because the vestry meeting was held the day after Easter, Pastor Orr had not had time to prepare the first quarter Discretionary Fund Report. It will be available for next month’s meeting.
Information
Rector’s Report
--Pastor Orr expressed thanks for all who worked during Holy Week, especially the choir, acolytes, and Altar Guild.
--The parish website needs rebuilding. Pastor Orr and Office Manager Tracie Moxley have been working on it, and Pastor Orr hopes to bring some results to the next vestry meeting.
Upcoming Parish Events
--Confirmation at 11:00 AM on May 31st at St. James Cathedral
--Outreach forums at 9:00 AM on the next four Sundays
- April 27th: PADS
- May 4th: Respond Now
- May 11th: The Night Ministry
- May 18th: Parish Garden
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Bill Bestow reported that the Lenten Fish Fry was a success. He appreciates the additional volunteer help this year.
Discussion and Decisions
Lift Project Proposal
Product Architect and Design submitted a proposal for work on the installation of a three-level lift. Copies of the $10,750 proposal for professional architectural services were distributed to the vestry prior to the meeting. Steve Hofer moved to accept the proposal, and Diane Walsh-Madden seconded. The motion passed. New vestry members were advised that funding for the lift is planned to come from our memorial fund and from money brought to St. John’s after the closing of Christ the King church.
Miscellaneous Building Issues
--Diane Walsh-Madden contacted three tuckpointing firms for estimates on the repairs to the chimney above the education wing. Copies of the proposals were distributed to the vestry prior to the meeting. Bill Bestow moved to accept the proposal from Bruno’s Tuckpointing, Inc. for labor costs of $995 plus brick replacement costs of $10 each for an estimated 60 bricks. Gale Michael seconded the motion, and it was approved.
--Pastor Orr reported that an individual donor has offered to pay the costs of new floors in the sacristies to remedy the problem of floor tiles that have been coming loose.
--Jim Whitfield and a representative from a lighting company examined the lighting in the sanctuary. Further information-gathering will continue on this.
--Two proposals have been submitted for work on the radiators in the education wing, but the work need not be done until closer to the next heating season.
Places of Grace and Gladness Campaign
All parishes in the diocese have been asked to donate funds for the establishment of Places of Grace and Gladness at St. James Commons. Our parish decided to request special offerings to honor past and present confirmands. Nichole Dailor volunteered to lead this project.
Closing
Closing prayer was offered at 8:40 PM. The next vestry meeting is scheduled for May 19th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: May 19, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Announcements for May 18
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, May 19, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Outreach Forum This Sunday: St. John’s Food Garden
Mark Moxley will talk about plans to develop a food garden on the grounds of St. John’s. The purpose is to grow fresh produce to be given to people who otherwise would not have access to nourishing food. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Also, volunteers are needed Saturday, May 24, beginning at 9:00 a.m. to help fill the beds with soil and begin planting.
Sunday School End of Year Celebration
This Sunday, May 18, is the final day of Sunday School classes this year. Classes will meet as usual during the 9:00 hour. Then during the 10:00 service, we will celebrate all of the students and teachers who have participated in Sunday School this year.
Confirmation: May 31
Youth and adults from St. John’s will be Confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Diocesan Confirmation service at St. James Cathedral, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Places of Grace and Gladness: One Way to Honor Confirmands
The Diocese of Chicago is in the final stage of a capital campaign titled Places of Grace and Gladness. In this stage of the campaign contributions from the breadth of individuals and parishes within the diocese are needed to replenish diocesan funds—funds that help the diocese support and work for vitality within congregations. In 2013 St. John’s vestry decided to participate in this campaign by offering parishioners the opportunity to make a financial contribution in honor of confirmands (this year’s or previous year’s). Look for more information on the campaign and how you can participate on the information tables.
Attention High School Youth: Shopping for McAllister Nursing Home This Sunday, May 18
We’ll leave right after the conclusion of the 10:00 a.m. service (grab a doughnut!), and we’ll shop for various necessities for our elderly friends. Dee McManamy will drive. We should return to St. John’s between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. This outing will serve as our scheduled meeting for the day. Questions? Please call Dee McManamy or Shirley Reilly.
Michael Soto Organ Recital
St. John’s Director of Music, Michael Soto, will present an organ recital on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the church. The program will include Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in A minor, César Franck’s Chorale in A minor, and Marcel Dupré’s Passion Symphony. The event is free to the public, and a free will donation will be collected for The Night Ministry, a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care, and human connection to people struggling with poverty or homelessness.
The vestry meets Monday, May 19, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Outreach Forum This Sunday: St. John’s Food Garden
Mark Moxley will talk about plans to develop a food garden on the grounds of St. John’s. The purpose is to grow fresh produce to be given to people who otherwise would not have access to nourishing food. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Also, volunteers are needed Saturday, May 24, beginning at 9:00 a.m. to help fill the beds with soil and begin planting.
Sunday School End of Year Celebration
This Sunday, May 18, is the final day of Sunday School classes this year. Classes will meet as usual during the 9:00 hour. Then during the 10:00 service, we will celebrate all of the students and teachers who have participated in Sunday School this year.
Confirmation: May 31
Youth and adults from St. John’s will be Confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Diocesan Confirmation service at St. James Cathedral, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Places of Grace and Gladness: One Way to Honor Confirmands
The Diocese of Chicago is in the final stage of a capital campaign titled Places of Grace and Gladness. In this stage of the campaign contributions from the breadth of individuals and parishes within the diocese are needed to replenish diocesan funds—funds that help the diocese support and work for vitality within congregations. In 2013 St. John’s vestry decided to participate in this campaign by offering parishioners the opportunity to make a financial contribution in honor of confirmands (this year’s or previous year’s). Look for more information on the campaign and how you can participate on the information tables.
Attention High School Youth: Shopping for McAllister Nursing Home This Sunday, May 18
We’ll leave right after the conclusion of the 10:00 a.m. service (grab a doughnut!), and we’ll shop for various necessities for our elderly friends. Dee McManamy will drive. We should return to St. John’s between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. This outing will serve as our scheduled meeting for the day. Questions? Please call Dee McManamy or Shirley Reilly.
Michael Soto Organ Recital
St. John’s Director of Music, Michael Soto, will present an organ recital on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the church. The program will include Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in A minor, César Franck’s Chorale in A minor, and Marcel Dupré’s Passion Symphony. The event is free to the public, and a free will donation will be collected for The Night Ministry, a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care, and human connection to people struggling with poverty or homelessness.
Reflection for May 18
Adults in America don’t sing communally. Children routinely sing together in their schools and activities, and even infants have sing-alongs galore to attend, but past the age of majority, at grown-up commemorations, celebrations, and gatherings, this most essential human yawp of feeling—of marking, with a grace note, that we are together in this place at this time—usually goes missing…. This is a loss. It’s as if we’ve willingly cut off one of our senses: the pleasure center for full lungs and body resonance and shared emotion and connection to our fellow man…. In these divided times as much as ever, we need to do some singing and feeling together… (Karen Loew, The Atlantic, “How Communal Singing Disappeared From American Life”).
Friday, May 9, 2014
Announcements for May 11
Outreach Forum This Sunday: The Night Ministry
The Night Ministry compassionately provides housing, health care, outreach, spiritual care and social services to adults and youth who struggle with homelessness, poverty and loneliness, especially in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Everyone is encouraged to attend the forum this Sunday, May 11, to learn more about the work of the Night Ministry and different ways that we can help. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Aidan McCormack from the Night Ministry will be presenting.
St. John’s Food Garden
Plans are underway to develop a food garden on the grounds of St. John’s. The purpose is to grow fresh produce to be given to people who otherwise would not have access to nourishing food. Volunteers from throughout the parish are needed Saturday, May 24, to help fill the beds with soil and begin planting. To learn more about other ways to help, plan on attending the outreach forum next Sunday, May 18.
Youth Group Participate in Crop Walk
Walking to end hunger members of St. John's high school youth group raised $440 and participated in the Church World Service Crop Walk in Park Forest on May 4. Participants reflected on the great distances people all over the world walk (including here at home) hoping to obtain food, potable water and cooking fuel. With regional proceeds predicted to raise at least $1 million--a quarter of which will go to our region's services--organizations including South Suburban PADS, Rich Township Food Pantry, Respond Now, and several more pantries in Harvey, Hazel Crest, Chicago Heights and Lansing will gain much needed funds to aid their vital work. Thank you, St. John's, for your generous donations and support!
Seeking Summer PADS Volunteers
Are you interested in serving a hot breakfast for PADS clients over the summer? Jim Whitfield is looking for volunteers willing to cook a hot breakfast on the 4th Saturday of the month during the “summer season:” May – September, at Prince of Peace in Chicago Heights. The first Saturday is May 24, and it’s a two-hour commitment (5 am to 7 am). If you’ve never been involved with PADS before, this is your opportunity to try it out! Please contact Jim or the parish office if you’re interested.
Confirmation: May 31
Youth and adults from St. John’s will be Confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Diocesan Confirmation service at St. James Cathedral, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Next Youth Group Meeting – May 18 (time to be announced)
Service work opportunity: Acts of compassion. Let’s go shopping for residents of McAllister Nursing Home! Their needs are many—everything from toiletries to clothing—and their resources are few. If it’s something you need, they do, too. Please contact Shirley Reilly or Dee McManamy with questions or suggestions. Meanwhile, youth are needed to help break ground on St. John’s food garden. Saturday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m.
The Night Ministry compassionately provides housing, health care, outreach, spiritual care and social services to adults and youth who struggle with homelessness, poverty and loneliness, especially in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Everyone is encouraged to attend the forum this Sunday, May 11, to learn more about the work of the Night Ministry and different ways that we can help. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Aidan McCormack from the Night Ministry will be presenting.
St. John’s Food Garden
Plans are underway to develop a food garden on the grounds of St. John’s. The purpose is to grow fresh produce to be given to people who otherwise would not have access to nourishing food. Volunteers from throughout the parish are needed Saturday, May 24, to help fill the beds with soil and begin planting. To learn more about other ways to help, plan on attending the outreach forum next Sunday, May 18.
Youth Group Participate in Crop Walk
Walking to end hunger members of St. John's high school youth group raised $440 and participated in the Church World Service Crop Walk in Park Forest on May 4. Participants reflected on the great distances people all over the world walk (including here at home) hoping to obtain food, potable water and cooking fuel. With regional proceeds predicted to raise at least $1 million--a quarter of which will go to our region's services--organizations including South Suburban PADS, Rich Township Food Pantry, Respond Now, and several more pantries in Harvey, Hazel Crest, Chicago Heights and Lansing will gain much needed funds to aid their vital work. Thank you, St. John's, for your generous donations and support!
Seeking Summer PADS Volunteers
Are you interested in serving a hot breakfast for PADS clients over the summer? Jim Whitfield is looking for volunteers willing to cook a hot breakfast on the 4th Saturday of the month during the “summer season:” May – September, at Prince of Peace in Chicago Heights. The first Saturday is May 24, and it’s a two-hour commitment (5 am to 7 am). If you’ve never been involved with PADS before, this is your opportunity to try it out! Please contact Jim or the parish office if you’re interested.
Confirmation: May 31
Youth and adults from St. John’s will be Confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Diocesan Confirmation service at St. James Cathedral, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Next Youth Group Meeting – May 18 (time to be announced)
Service work opportunity: Acts of compassion. Let’s go shopping for residents of McAllister Nursing Home! Their needs are many—everything from toiletries to clothing—and their resources are few. If it’s something you need, they do, too. Please contact Shirley Reilly or Dee McManamy with questions or suggestions. Meanwhile, youth are needed to help break ground on St. John’s food garden. Saturday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m.
Reflection for May 11
Americans are both deeply religious and profoundly ignorant about religion. Atheists may be as rare in America as Jesus-loving politicians are in Europe, but here faith is almost entirely devoid of content. One of the most religious countries on earth is also a nation of religious illiterates (Stephen Prothero, Religious Literacy).
Friday, May 2, 2014
Announcements for May 4
Outreach Forum This Sunday: Respond Now
For over 40 years Respond Now has sought to meet emergency needs for food, housing and medical care for people in the south suburbs. Everyone is encouraged to attend the forum this Sunday, May 4, to learn more about the work of Respond Now and different ways that we can help. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Carl Wolf, Director of Respond Now, will be presenting.
Special Anniversary Loaves & Fishes This Sunday
On May 6, 2004, the Rev. Kristin Orr was installed as Rector of St. John’s. This Sunday, Loaves & Fishes will commemorate the 10 year anniversary of our ministry together. Breakfast entrees and sides will be provided. Donations of dessert are appreciated. Everyone is welcome!
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.
Adopt an Easter Lily
The Easter lilies which adorned the altar for Easter are available for adoption. If planted outside, they will bloom again next year (in mid-summer).
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, May 5, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Guild Room. This will be the last meeting before the summer. Meetings will resume October 6.
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.
For over 40 years Respond Now has sought to meet emergency needs for food, housing and medical care for people in the south suburbs. Everyone is encouraged to attend the forum this Sunday, May 4, to learn more about the work of Respond Now and different ways that we can help. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Carl Wolf, Director of Respond Now, will be presenting.
Special Anniversary Loaves & Fishes This Sunday
On May 6, 2004, the Rev. Kristin Orr was installed as Rector of St. John’s. This Sunday, Loaves & Fishes will commemorate the 10 year anniversary of our ministry together. Breakfast entrees and sides will be provided. Donations of dessert are appreciated. Everyone is welcome!
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.
Adopt an Easter Lily
The Easter lilies which adorned the altar for Easter are available for adoption. If planted outside, they will bloom again next year (in mid-summer).
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, May 5, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Guild Room. This will be the last meeting before the summer. Meetings will resume October 6.
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 May 4
Episcopalians have never been very good at finding ways to articulate the fact that they are people of faith.
(The Rev. Dr. James Farwell, in a conversation on “Open Communion.” View the entire interview and an alternative perspective at trinitywallstreet.org.)
(The Rev. Dr. James Farwell, in a conversation on “Open Communion.” View the entire interview and an alternative perspective at trinitywallstreet.org.)
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