Blue Jean Sunday – This Sunday
Please wear your gardening clothes, bring a rake or clippers, and stay after church this Sunday, June 29, to help with landscape work. Everything is growing well and we would like the grounds to look their best for the July 4th Ice Cream Social.
The Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
St. John’s Old Time Community Fourth of July Ice Cream Social begins after the Flossmoor Children’s Parade, Friday, July 4. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m.; we begin serving around 10:15 a.m. Our clowns, Skiddles and Strawberry will be twisting balloons into all sorts of fun shapes. Come enjoy free ice cream and cool drinks. Hot dogs and cookies are available for purchase. (Financial contributions to help underwrite the event are still welcome.)
“Like” St. John’s on Facebook
If you use Facebook, have you “liked” St. John’s? Search for St. John the Evangelist, Flossmoor. Photos of recent events (like the Ice Cream Social) are typically posted right after the event. There are also event reminders and other posts about parish activities. For example: A recent post and photo highlighted the newly replaced carriage lights along the sidewalk. Another one showed the altar guild burning this year’s palms to be used for ashes on Ash Wednesday. The newest photo album shows the food garden being built and planted. And remember, when you “like” or “share” St. John’s posts, you are spreading the word about the life of the parish. Evangelism couldn’t be easier!
Friday, June 27, 2014
Reflection for June 29
It takes practice
My eight-year-old grandson Alex’s Presbyterian church also understands the formative importance of practices. His mother helps with communion which is celebrated by intinction. Alex helps by holding the basket of bread and saying to each worshiper, “The bread of life.” His mother offers the cup and says, “The cup of salvation.”
One Sunday they were assigned to take the elements to the people sitting in the balcony. As Susan climbed the balcony stairs she realized that Alex was not following her. She turned around and saw him at the bottom of the stairs. “What are you doing, Alex?” she asked. He gave an answer that’s packed with theological and sacramental significance. He said, “I’m eating the bread of life. I’m hungry” (John M. Buchanan, “It takes practice,” The Christian Century, June 25, 2014).
My eight-year-old grandson Alex’s Presbyterian church also understands the formative importance of practices. His mother helps with communion which is celebrated by intinction. Alex helps by holding the basket of bread and saying to each worshiper, “The bread of life.” His mother offers the cup and says, “The cup of salvation.”
One Sunday they were assigned to take the elements to the people sitting in the balcony. As Susan climbed the balcony stairs she realized that Alex was not following her. She turned around and saw him at the bottom of the stairs. “What are you doing, Alex?” she asked. He gave an answer that’s packed with theological and sacramental significance. He said, “I’m eating the bread of life. I’m hungry” (John M. Buchanan, “It takes practice,” The Christian Century, June 25, 2014).
Friday, June 20, 2014
Announcements for June 22
Uplifting Update
At its June meeting, the vestry approved construction drawings for the installation of a vertical lift just off of the west foyer. The drawings and other information on the accessibility project are available in the undercroft.
Blue Jean Sunday: Help With Landscape Work
Please wear your gardening clothes, bring a rake or clippers, and stay after church next Sunday, June 29, to help with landscape work. Everything is growing well and we would like the grounds to look their best for the July 4th Ice Cream Social.
The Fourth of July is Almost Here!
Every year individuals and families from the broader Flossmoor community attend St. John’s Fourth of July Ice Cream Social. We always offer special entertainment for kids. This year our balloon twisting clowns, Skiddles and Strawberry, will be back. We seek donations from parishioners to help defray the costs of providing this entertainment. You can help us offer this event to the community. Look for red, white and blue donation envelopes around the church. You may place your donation in the offering plate or drop it off at the parish office.
Summer Parish Office Hours
Parish office summer hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
At its June meeting, the vestry approved construction drawings for the installation of a vertical lift just off of the west foyer. The drawings and other information on the accessibility project are available in the undercroft.
Blue Jean Sunday: Help With Landscape Work
Please wear your gardening clothes, bring a rake or clippers, and stay after church next Sunday, June 29, to help with landscape work. Everything is growing well and we would like the grounds to look their best for the July 4th Ice Cream Social.
The Fourth of July is Almost Here!
Every year individuals and families from the broader Flossmoor community attend St. John’s Fourth of July Ice Cream Social. We always offer special entertainment for kids. This year our balloon twisting clowns, Skiddles and Strawberry, will be back. We seek donations from parishioners to help defray the costs of providing this entertainment. You can help us offer this event to the community. Look for red, white and blue donation envelopes around the church. You may place your donation in the offering plate or drop it off at the parish office.
Summer Parish Office Hours
Parish office summer hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
Reflection for June 22
For the Good Use of Leisure
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 825).
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 825).
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - May 19, 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, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry member Hans Zigmund was absent.
Stewardship
Minutes
Bill Bestow made a motion to accept the minutes from the April 21st vestry meeting. Diane Walsh-Madden seconded, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that there was nothing particularly worrying in the budget. Gale Michael moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. After a second by Mark Moxley, the motion was approved.
The recently completed tuckpointing on the chimney above the education wing involved replacing about 90 bricks, which was about half of the chimney. The total cost was $1,895. Bob DeOliveira presented a motion to pay for the tuckpointing from the reserve fund (rather than as an expense item). Patti Pohrte seconded, and the motion passed.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Report
Prior to the meeting Pastor Orr distributed to the vestry copies of the Rector’s Discretionary Account Report for the first quarter of 2014. This quarter reflects the annual $500. parish budget contribution. Bill Bestow moved to accept the report as presented, and Gale Michael seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
--Pastor Orr expressed gratitude for those who were present for the recent education hour outreach talks.
--The freewill offering collected at the upcoming organ concert by Michael Soto will be donated to The Night Ministry.
--The Daughters of the King are supporting Respond Now
--The Practicing Our Faith Book Club donated cash to the parish garden project.
--Jim Whitfield is spearheading an increase in the parish’s PADS outreach.
--The parish garden will be planted and dedicated at the annual church picnic.
--Pastor Orr will be on vacation from July 15th through August 5th. Jim Caldwell will serve as supply priest on the first and third Sundays of that period, while Stacy Alan will serve on the second Sunday.
--Thanks to Jordan Ramsland (Molly Marquis’ fiancé), who is donating his time to re-work the parish website. He already has been extremely helpful.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There were no reports.
Upcoming Events
--Ascension Day, May 29th with the Eucharist at 7:00 PM
--Confirmation at St. James’ Cathedral on May 31st at 11:00 AM
--Parish picnic and garden planting after the 10:00 AM service on June 1st
--Organ recital by Michael Soto at the church on June 8th at 4:00 PM
--Pentecost and 10:00 AM baptism of Ethan Eisenberg on June 8th
Discussion and Decisions
Progress Report on Accessibility Project
--Pastor Orr forwarded an email to the vestry describing a working schedule for the lift project. The on-site measurements have been completed, and an electrical engineer is coming out this week to evaluate electrical systems. The rector will send email updates as progress occurs. It looks like the bid acceptance will happen in August. We may be able to have a functional lift in place by the end of the year.
--Funding can come from a combination of money brought from Christ the King church, from funds designated for accessibility, from memorial funds, and from undesignated reserve. A campaign to raise a certain amount of money also can be considered.
--The treasurer will create an accessibility project line in the budget.
--A discussion ensued about how to convey to the parish that the accessibility project is moving forward. Steve Hofer suggested that the “e-vangelist” contain news about the project under the title, “Uplifting Update.” Junior Warden Diane Walsh-Madden will make an announcement in church about the project.
Miscellaneous Building Issues
The radiators in the education wing do not function in that the temperature is not adjustable. Three companies submitted bids on the work, and these bids were distributed to vestry members prior to the meeting. Following a discussion, Bill Bestow moved that we go forward with the project using Hayes Mechanical to do the work. Gale Michael seconded the motion. The motion was approved with one abstention. Jim Whitfield moved that the project be paid for out of the reserve fund. Steve Hofer seconded, and the motion passed.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 8:40 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for June 16th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved as amended: June 16, 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, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry member Hans Zigmund was absent.
Stewardship
Minutes
Bill Bestow made a motion to accept the minutes from the April 21st vestry meeting. Diane Walsh-Madden seconded, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that there was nothing particularly worrying in the budget. Gale Michael moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. After a second by Mark Moxley, the motion was approved.
The recently completed tuckpointing on the chimney above the education wing involved replacing about 90 bricks, which was about half of the chimney. The total cost was $1,895. Bob DeOliveira presented a motion to pay for the tuckpointing from the reserve fund (rather than as an expense item). Patti Pohrte seconded, and the motion passed.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Report
Prior to the meeting Pastor Orr distributed to the vestry copies of the Rector’s Discretionary Account Report for the first quarter of 2014. This quarter reflects the annual $500. parish budget contribution. Bill Bestow moved to accept the report as presented, and Gale Michael seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
--Pastor Orr expressed gratitude for those who were present for the recent education hour outreach talks.
--The freewill offering collected at the upcoming organ concert by Michael Soto will be donated to The Night Ministry.
--The Daughters of the King are supporting Respond Now
--The Practicing Our Faith Book Club donated cash to the parish garden project.
--Jim Whitfield is spearheading an increase in the parish’s PADS outreach.
--The parish garden will be planted and dedicated at the annual church picnic.
--Pastor Orr will be on vacation from July 15th through August 5th. Jim Caldwell will serve as supply priest on the first and third Sundays of that period, while Stacy Alan will serve on the second Sunday.
--Thanks to Jordan Ramsland (Molly Marquis’ fiancé), who is donating his time to re-work the parish website. He already has been extremely helpful.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There were no reports.
Upcoming Events
--Ascension Day, May 29th with the Eucharist at 7:00 PM
--Confirmation at St. James’ Cathedral on May 31st at 11:00 AM
--Parish picnic and garden planting after the 10:00 AM service on June 1st
--Organ recital by Michael Soto at the church on June 8th at 4:00 PM
--Pentecost and 10:00 AM baptism of Ethan Eisenberg on June 8th
Discussion and Decisions
Progress Report on Accessibility Project
--Pastor Orr forwarded an email to the vestry describing a working schedule for the lift project. The on-site measurements have been completed, and an electrical engineer is coming out this week to evaluate electrical systems. The rector will send email updates as progress occurs. It looks like the bid acceptance will happen in August. We may be able to have a functional lift in place by the end of the year.
--Funding can come from a combination of money brought from Christ the King church, from funds designated for accessibility, from memorial funds, and from undesignated reserve. A campaign to raise a certain amount of money also can be considered.
--The treasurer will create an accessibility project line in the budget.
--A discussion ensued about how to convey to the parish that the accessibility project is moving forward. Steve Hofer suggested that the “e-vangelist” contain news about the project under the title, “Uplifting Update.” Junior Warden Diane Walsh-Madden will make an announcement in church about the project.
Miscellaneous Building Issues
The radiators in the education wing do not function in that the temperature is not adjustable. Three companies submitted bids on the work, and these bids were distributed to vestry members prior to the meeting. Following a discussion, Bill Bestow moved that we go forward with the project using Hayes Mechanical to do the work. Gale Michael seconded the motion. The motion was approved with one abstention. Jim Whitfield moved that the project be paid for out of the reserve fund. Steve Hofer seconded, and the motion passed.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 8:40 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for June 16th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved as amended: June 16, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
Announcements for June 15
Vestry Meeting
The June meeting of the vestry is Monday, June 16, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Summer Parish Office Hours
Parish office summer hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
Blue Jean Sunday: Help With Landscape Work
Please wear your gardening clothes, bring a rake or clippers, and stay after church on Sunday, June 29, to help with landscape work. Everything is growing well and we would like the grounds to look their best for the July 4th Ice Cream Social.
Looking Ahead: Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
July 4 is only three weeks away. St. John’s Ice Cream Social is our gift to the people, young and old, of Flossmoor. Financial contributions are needed to help cover the cost of the children’s entertainment. And many volunteers are needed to run the event. Contact Gale Michael to volunteer. Look for the red, white and blue donation envelopes around the church.
Parish Book Club
The first book that the Practicing Our Faith Book Club will be discussing in the fall is T.H. Luhrmann’s When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship with God. From the introduction: “So how, in the face of doubt and uncertainty, does God become real for someone? Particularly in our modern . . . American society, with all its exposure to scientific explanation, where the supernatural is often treated as entertaining fantasy, how does someone become confident that there is a supernatural God present in the everyday world? How does a living God become real to modern people?” We welcome you to join the discussion of this book on September 18th.
The June meeting of the vestry is Monday, June 16, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Summer Parish Office Hours
Parish office summer hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
Blue Jean Sunday: Help With Landscape Work
Please wear your gardening clothes, bring a rake or clippers, and stay after church on Sunday, June 29, to help with landscape work. Everything is growing well and we would like the grounds to look their best for the July 4th Ice Cream Social.
Looking Ahead: Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
July 4 is only three weeks away. St. John’s Ice Cream Social is our gift to the people, young and old, of Flossmoor. Financial contributions are needed to help cover the cost of the children’s entertainment. And many volunteers are needed to run the event. Contact Gale Michael to volunteer. Look for the red, white and blue donation envelopes around the church.
Parish Book Club
The first book that the Practicing Our Faith Book Club will be discussing in the fall is T.H. Luhrmann’s When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship with God. From the introduction: “So how, in the face of doubt and uncertainty, does God become real for someone? Particularly in our modern . . . American society, with all its exposure to scientific explanation, where the supernatural is often treated as entertaining fantasy, how does someone become confident that there is a supernatural God present in the everyday world? How does a living God become real to modern people?” We welcome you to join the discussion of this book on September 18th.
Reflection for June 15
No one longs for what he or she already has, and yet the accumulated insight of those wise about the spiritual life suggests that the reason so many of us cannot see the red X that marks the spot is because we are standing on it. The treasure we seek requires no lengthy expedition, no expensive equipment, no superior aptitude or special company. All we lack is the willingness to imagine that we already have everything we need. The only thing missing is our consent to be where we are (Barbara Brown Taylor in the Introduction to An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith).
Friday, June 6, 2014
Announcements for June 8
Wear Red for Pentecost
It is an informal tradition in the church to wear red on Pentecost Sunday, symbolizing the “tongues, as of fire” that rested on the disciples at Pentecost.
Honoring Graduates – Information Due by June 11
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.
High School Youth: Last Meeting for Summer this Sunday, June 8th
Let’s meet immediately after the 10 o’clock service for a quick lunch. We’ll organize the supplies we purchased, then deliver them to our elderly friends at McAllister nursing home. Contact Dee McManamy or Shirley Reilly with any questions.
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.
Michael Soto Organ Recital
St. John’s Director of Music, Michael Soto, will present an organ recital this 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 Parish Office Hours
Beginning this Monday, June 9, the parish office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Looking Ahead: Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
St. John’s ice cream social is a wonderful part of the Fourth of July tradition in Flossmoor. It is our gift to the community. Many volunteers are needed on July 4th, and also for set up on July 3rd and clean up afterwards. Can you contribute time to help set up, host, or clean up for the event? Contact Gale Michael to volunteer. Monetary contributions from parishioners help us continue to offer children’s entertainment at the event and to keep food costs low. Look for donation envelopes around the church.
It is an informal tradition in the church to wear red on Pentecost Sunday, symbolizing the “tongues, as of fire” that rested on the disciples at Pentecost.
Honoring Graduates – Information Due by June 11
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.
High School Youth: Last Meeting for Summer this Sunday, June 8th
Let’s meet immediately after the 10 o’clock service for a quick lunch. We’ll organize the supplies we purchased, then deliver them to our elderly friends at McAllister nursing home. Contact Dee McManamy or Shirley Reilly with any questions.
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.
Michael Soto Organ Recital
St. John’s Director of Music, Michael Soto, will present an organ recital this 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 Parish Office Hours
Beginning this Monday, June 9, the parish office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Looking Ahead: Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
St. John’s ice cream social is a wonderful part of the Fourth of July tradition in Flossmoor. It is our gift to the community. Many volunteers are needed on July 4th, and also for set up on July 3rd and clean up afterwards. Can you contribute time to help set up, host, or clean up for the event? Contact Gale Michael to volunteer. Monetary contributions from parishioners help us continue to offer children’s entertainment at the event and to keep food costs low. Look for donation envelopes around the church.
Reflection for June 8
When the Day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability (Acts 2:1-4).
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