Uplifting Update
The lift is now operational. This Sunday look for guidelines and instructions on use. The final components of the associated renovations should wrap up soon.
Fall Pledge Campaign Follow Up
Thank you to everyone who has turned in a pledge card. We had a wonderful response on pledge Sunday. If you have not yet turned yours in, please offer it in worship or get it to the parish office as soon as possible.
The Cookie Walk is Coming: December 6
Hopefully everyone is busy baking! Cookies may be dropped off Friday, December 5, anytime between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. And volunteers are always needed, both Friday and Saturday. Please contact Alison Deniston if you can help.
Advent Wreath Making This Sunday
The Advent wreath is a wonderful way to keep the Advent season in your home. Materials for constructing Advent wreaths will be available in the undercroft this Sunday, November 30, during the 9:00 hour. (If you already have a ring, please bring it.)
Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets: Pick up Date is December 5
All families have been adopted! Thank you also to everyone who contributed money for the youth shopping expedition. Please read the directions for wrapping and boxing carefully. Boxes must be delivered to the parish office by 9:00 AM, Friday, December 5.
Sunday School Classes on Vacation
Sunday School classes for children and adults are on vacation this Sunday, November 30, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and to provide the opportunity for making Advent wreaths. They will resume next Sunday, December 7.
Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity to bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Diocese of Chicago. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the checks and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.
Grande Prairie Singers Concert
“Winterlude 2014” is the season opener for the Grande Prairie Singers, scheduled at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 14, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Tickets are $15 in advance ($10 for students); the three-concert subscription is $40. Enjoy holiday favorites! See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Reflection for November 30
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen (The Advent Collect, Book of Common Prayer, p. 159).
Friday, November 21, 2014
Announcements for November 23
Fall Pledge Campaign: Pledge Sunday is This Sunday
You will have the opportunity share your pledge of time, talent and treasure as an offering in worship this Sunday, November 23.
Thanksgiving Services
This year’s community interfaith Thanksgiving service featuring the Viking Choir will be held on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:30 PM at Flossmoor Community Church. Thanksgiving will be celebrated with the Holy Eucharist at St. John’s on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, at 10:00 AM.
Holiday Cookie Walk
If you didn’t get a call asking you to bake your festive cookies or make candies for our Cookie Walk sale on December 6th, please know it was an oversight. We need your help! Our Cookie Walk is famous throughout the community and it helps raise money for outreach and for parish needs. In addition to bakers, a host of volunteers are needed. Please contact Alison Deniston.
Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
A few families still need to be adopted! Look for information in the undercroft. Pick up date is December 5.
Children and Youth Shopping for Christmas Baskets
Children and youth of all ages are invited to help shop for families in the Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program. We will meet at the church Sunday, November 23, at 3:00 PM. After shopping we will return to the church to wrap the presents.
Blue Jeans Sunday II
The trees have provided more raking opportunities. Weather permitting, if you are able, please stay after church this Sunday, November 23, and help prepare the church grounds for winter.
Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Diocese of Chicago. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the checks and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.
Grande Prairie Singers Concert
“Winterlude 2014” is the season opener for the Grande Prairie Singers, scheduled at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 14, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Tickets are $15 in advance ($10 for students); the three-concert subscription is $40. Enjoy holiday favorites! See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.
You will have the opportunity share your pledge of time, talent and treasure as an offering in worship this Sunday, November 23.
Thanksgiving Services
This year’s community interfaith Thanksgiving service featuring the Viking Choir will be held on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:30 PM at Flossmoor Community Church. Thanksgiving will be celebrated with the Holy Eucharist at St. John’s on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, at 10:00 AM.
Holiday Cookie Walk
If you didn’t get a call asking you to bake your festive cookies or make candies for our Cookie Walk sale on December 6th, please know it was an oversight. We need your help! Our Cookie Walk is famous throughout the community and it helps raise money for outreach and for parish needs. In addition to bakers, a host of volunteers are needed. Please contact Alison Deniston.
Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
A few families still need to be adopted! Look for information in the undercroft. Pick up date is December 5.
Children and Youth Shopping for Christmas Baskets
Children and youth of all ages are invited to help shop for families in the Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program. We will meet at the church Sunday, November 23, at 3:00 PM. After shopping we will return to the church to wrap the presents.
Blue Jeans Sunday II
The trees have provided more raking opportunities. Weather permitting, if you are able, please stay after church this Sunday, November 23, and help prepare the church grounds for winter.
Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Diocese of Chicago. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the checks and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.
Grande Prairie Singers Concert
“Winterlude 2014” is the season opener for the Grande Prairie Singers, scheduled at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 14, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Tickets are $15 in advance ($10 for students); the three-concert subscription is $40. Enjoy holiday favorites! See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.
Reflection for November 23
The war on leisure, after all, extends beyond Sunday. Commerce and work, and the political power that gathers around then, are eroding the concept of Sabbath—of divinely ordained rest—in every aspect of life (Benjamin J. Dueholm, “The war against rest: Sabbath piety and Sabbath politics”; Christian Century, November 26, 2014).
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - October 20, 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 junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Senior warden Bill Bestow, and vestry members Mark Moxley and Hans Zigmund were absent.
Stewardship
Minutes
Gale Michael moved to accept the minutes from the September meeting. Nichole Dailor seconded, and the motion was passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett had nothing to add to the information and report that she sent out by e-mail. Bob DeOliveira moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented, and Gale Michael seconded. The motion was approved.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Report
Before the meeting, Pastor Orr distributed the third quarter Rector’s Discretionary Fund Report by e-mail. Steve Hofer moved to accept the report, and Diane Walsh-Madden seconded. The motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
The church web page is almost ready to go online publicly, and the vestry should look at it. Its primary audience is expected to be visitors, although there is information for parishioners as well. Pastor Orr expressed thanks to Jordan Ramsland for his huge investment of time and commitment in re-doing the website. Following a discussion about the best way to keep acolyte parents updated on the acolyte schedule and frequent changes to that schedule, the vestry agreed that sending e-mails would be most preferable for both the office and the parents.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Diane Walsh-Madden thanked the acolyte moms for their flexibility in changing the serving schedule when commitment conflicts arise. She also thanked Jim Whitfield for all of the work he has been doing on the lift project.
Upcoming Parish Events
November 2nd - Baptism of Sarah Skorupa during the 10:00 AM service
November 2nd -Blue Jeans Sunday. After the 10:00 AM service, parishioners are asked to work on raking the church property.
November 2nd – Rectory open house from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM
November 3rd – All Soul’s Day service at 7:00 PM to remember the faithful departed in our own lives. A table will be set up in front of the altar where people can put objects that are unique to the spirit of those they are remembering.
November 9th – Loaves and Fishes potluck after the 10:00 AM service
Discussion and Decisions
Lift Project Update
Pastor Orr asked the vestry to think about a way to formally launch the new lift. She also reminded the vestry that they approved doing the painting in order to save money that otherwise would go to hired painters. The dates for painting are as yet unknown. Overall, the project is moving along on schedule.
Steve Hofer moved that handicapped access signs be placed in the outdoor bulletin board on Park Avenue and on the entrances to the church. Gale Michael seconded the motion, and it was approved. Steve will research signage.
Annual Pledge Campaign
The discussion included the following ideas regarding the importance of pledging: We should invite people to be generous. Pastor Orr remembered a parishioner in a former church who said, “Lights and salaries don’t have anything to do with it. This is what I need to do because of who I am.” All kinds of ministries exist because this parish exists. Ministry is God’s work. Pledging is not the same as giving to charity. The church is different because we are living the ministry we are called to do in taking care of one another. We validate each other through ministry.
The discussion then moved to deciding how to communicate these ideas to the parish, and how to cherish and celebrate the spiritual value of St. John’s. The vestry decided on a slogan, “Count your blessings. Share your blessings,” with perhaps another to-be-determined line added at the end. Vestry members will witness the importance of pledging by speaking for two-to-three minutes during the Sunday services and by submitting a brief written paragraph to be published in the “e-vangelist.” The rector will prepare a mailing that includes a cover letter along with an information sheet and pledge card.
The speaker schedule is as follows:
October 23rd – Patti Pohrte
November 9th – Jim Whitfield
November 16th – Steve Hofer at 8:00 AM and Bob DeOliveira at 10:00 AM.
The written paragraphs will appear in the “e-vangelist” on the following dates:
For October 26th – Nichole Dailor, Patti Pohrte, and Diane Walsh-Madden
For November 9th – Bill Bestow, Steve Hofer, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield
For November 16th – Bob DeOliveira, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and Hans Zigmund
Pledge Sunday is November 23rd.
Closing
The meeting ended with prayer at 9:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: November 17, 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 junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Senior warden Bill Bestow, and vestry members Mark Moxley and Hans Zigmund were absent.
Stewardship
Minutes
Gale Michael moved to accept the minutes from the September meeting. Nichole Dailor seconded, and the motion was passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett had nothing to add to the information and report that she sent out by e-mail. Bob DeOliveira moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented, and Gale Michael seconded. The motion was approved.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Report
Before the meeting, Pastor Orr distributed the third quarter Rector’s Discretionary Fund Report by e-mail. Steve Hofer moved to accept the report, and Diane Walsh-Madden seconded. The motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
The church web page is almost ready to go online publicly, and the vestry should look at it. Its primary audience is expected to be visitors, although there is information for parishioners as well. Pastor Orr expressed thanks to Jordan Ramsland for his huge investment of time and commitment in re-doing the website. Following a discussion about the best way to keep acolyte parents updated on the acolyte schedule and frequent changes to that schedule, the vestry agreed that sending e-mails would be most preferable for both the office and the parents.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Diane Walsh-Madden thanked the acolyte moms for their flexibility in changing the serving schedule when commitment conflicts arise. She also thanked Jim Whitfield for all of the work he has been doing on the lift project.
Upcoming Parish Events
November 2nd - Baptism of Sarah Skorupa during the 10:00 AM service
November 2nd -Blue Jeans Sunday. After the 10:00 AM service, parishioners are asked to work on raking the church property.
November 2nd – Rectory open house from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM
November 3rd – All Soul’s Day service at 7:00 PM to remember the faithful departed in our own lives. A table will be set up in front of the altar where people can put objects that are unique to the spirit of those they are remembering.
November 9th – Loaves and Fishes potluck after the 10:00 AM service
Discussion and Decisions
Lift Project Update
Pastor Orr asked the vestry to think about a way to formally launch the new lift. She also reminded the vestry that they approved doing the painting in order to save money that otherwise would go to hired painters. The dates for painting are as yet unknown. Overall, the project is moving along on schedule.
Steve Hofer moved that handicapped access signs be placed in the outdoor bulletin board on Park Avenue and on the entrances to the church. Gale Michael seconded the motion, and it was approved. Steve will research signage.
Annual Pledge Campaign
The discussion included the following ideas regarding the importance of pledging: We should invite people to be generous. Pastor Orr remembered a parishioner in a former church who said, “Lights and salaries don’t have anything to do with it. This is what I need to do because of who I am.” All kinds of ministries exist because this parish exists. Ministry is God’s work. Pledging is not the same as giving to charity. The church is different because we are living the ministry we are called to do in taking care of one another. We validate each other through ministry.
The discussion then moved to deciding how to communicate these ideas to the parish, and how to cherish and celebrate the spiritual value of St. John’s. The vestry decided on a slogan, “Count your blessings. Share your blessings,” with perhaps another to-be-determined line added at the end. Vestry members will witness the importance of pledging by speaking for two-to-three minutes during the Sunday services and by submitting a brief written paragraph to be published in the “e-vangelist.” The rector will prepare a mailing that includes a cover letter along with an information sheet and pledge card.
The speaker schedule is as follows:
October 23rd – Patti Pohrte
November 9th – Jim Whitfield
November 16th – Steve Hofer at 8:00 AM and Bob DeOliveira at 10:00 AM.
The written paragraphs will appear in the “e-vangelist” on the following dates:
For October 26th – Nichole Dailor, Patti Pohrte, and Diane Walsh-Madden
For November 9th – Bill Bestow, Steve Hofer, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield
For November 16th – Bob DeOliveira, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and Hans Zigmund
Pledge Sunday is November 23rd.
Closing
The meeting ended with prayer at 9:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: November 17, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Announcements for November 16
Fall Pledge Campaign: Pledge Sunday is November 23
“Count Your Blessings, Share Your Blessings: Celebrate the Experience” is the theme of this year’s pledge campaign. Please share any blessings you have received through your life in this parish on the large banner in the undercroft. Pledge Sunday is November 23.
St. John’s Has a New Website
St. John’s website has been totally redone. Check it out HERE (same address as before – new content). And pick up a new refrigerator magnet with the web address and other contact information on Sunday.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
At 7:00 PM next Thursday, November 20th, the book club will meet in the Guild Room to discuss Brian D. McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith. Please join us, or maybe you would like to participate in the December 18th meeting. If so, get a copy of Joan Chittester’s Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope, which Chittester describes as “an anatomy of struggle and an account of the way hope grows in us, despite our moments of darkness, regardless of our regular bouts of depression. It is an invitation to look again at the struggles of life in order that we might remember how to recognize new life in our souls the next time our hearts turn again to day.”
Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
This program provides gifts, necessities and food to families and seniors who otherwise would not be able to afford them at Christmas time. Information is available in the undercroft on how you can adopt a senior or family. Or you may contribute cash for the family that will be adopted by the children and youth of the parish. Pick up date is December 5.
Children and Youth Shopping for Christmas Baskets
Children and youth of all ages are invited to help shop for families in the Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program. We will meet at the church Sunday, November 23, at 3:00 PM. After shopping we will return to the church to wrap the presents.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, November 17, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.
Youth Group Meeting This Sunday, November 16th
Flashlights and long underwear...High School Youth, please dress for warmth (don’t forget your mittens!) and bring a flashlight for this Sunday’s gathering at 4 PM. We’ll be outside in the neighborhood for a short while prepping for Caroling for Canned Goods (December 7th). We’ll also make posters to rev up the parish. Come brimming with creativity. Your sponsors will supply warm snacks and unwavering faith in your abilities and talents.
Thanksgiving Services
This year’s community interfaith Thanksgiving service featuring the Viking Choir will be held on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:30 PM at Flossmoor Community Church. Thanksgiving will be celebrated with the Holy Eucharist at St. John’s on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, at 10:00 AM.
“Count Your Blessings, Share Your Blessings: Celebrate the Experience” is the theme of this year’s pledge campaign. Please share any blessings you have received through your life in this parish on the large banner in the undercroft. Pledge Sunday is November 23.
St. John’s Has a New Website
St. John’s website has been totally redone. Check it out HERE (same address as before – new content). And pick up a new refrigerator magnet with the web address and other contact information on Sunday.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
At 7:00 PM next Thursday, November 20th, the book club will meet in the Guild Room to discuss Brian D. McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith. Please join us, or maybe you would like to participate in the December 18th meeting. If so, get a copy of Joan Chittester’s Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope, which Chittester describes as “an anatomy of struggle and an account of the way hope grows in us, despite our moments of darkness, regardless of our regular bouts of depression. It is an invitation to look again at the struggles of life in order that we might remember how to recognize new life in our souls the next time our hearts turn again to day.”
Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
This program provides gifts, necessities and food to families and seniors who otherwise would not be able to afford them at Christmas time. Information is available in the undercroft on how you can adopt a senior or family. Or you may contribute cash for the family that will be adopted by the children and youth of the parish. Pick up date is December 5.
Children and Youth Shopping for Christmas Baskets
Children and youth of all ages are invited to help shop for families in the Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program. We will meet at the church Sunday, November 23, at 3:00 PM. After shopping we will return to the church to wrap the presents.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, November 17, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.
Youth Group Meeting This Sunday, November 16th
Flashlights and long underwear...High School Youth, please dress for warmth (don’t forget your mittens!) and bring a flashlight for this Sunday’s gathering at 4 PM. We’ll be outside in the neighborhood for a short while prepping for Caroling for Canned Goods (December 7th). We’ll also make posters to rev up the parish. Come brimming with creativity. Your sponsors will supply warm snacks and unwavering faith in your abilities and talents.
Thanksgiving Services
This year’s community interfaith Thanksgiving service featuring the Viking Choir will be held on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:30 PM at Flossmoor Community Church. Thanksgiving will be celebrated with the Holy Eucharist at St. John’s on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, at 10:00 AM.
Reflection for November 16
To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God (William Temple, Nature, Man and God).
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