Lift Up Your Hearts: RSVP for the Feast
This year’s Feast of St. John the Evangelist has the theme “Lift Up Your Hearts.” We celebrate all of the things we give our hearts to at St. John’s. We will also formally dedicate the new lift. The evening begins with Evening Prayer in the church at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 3. Please RSVP to the parish office by December 31.
Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.
No Service on Wednesday
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist will not take place December 31.
Celebrate the Epiphany
The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, Tuesday, January 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Recycle Your Christmas Trees and Lights
Recycle your natural Christmas tree and lights. Information on drop off locations and dates is available HERE.
2015 Offering Envelopes are Available
Please pick up your 2015 offering envelopes in the undercroft.
Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 2. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Reflection for December 28
When the “Spirit of Christmas” is only about human nature, even human nature at its most noble, its most generous, its most hopeful… when the “Spirit of Christmas” is only about human nature, it is fleeting…. When we hang onto the gifts that God gives this night, then the Christmas spirit becomes more than fleeting acts of holiday goodwill. The true spirit of Christmas becomes a way of life. The true spirit of Christmas is the Christian life. Year round. Life shared with God. Christmas spirit is the Christian life (Christmas Eve sermon).
Monday, December 22, 2014
Christmas Worship at St. John's
Christmas Eve - December 24
- Family Service including Holy Communion and the Children's Christmas Pageant: 4:00 PM
- The Christ Mass - A festive choral service including Holy Communion and special music by the choir: Music begins at 10:00 PM; Liturgy begins at 10:30 PM
- The Holy Eucharist: 10:00 AM
- The Holy Eucharist, Rite 1 (traditional language): 8:00 AM
- A Festival of Christmas Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion: 10:00 AM
- Evening Prayer: 4:30 PM
- The Feast: 6:00 PM
- The Holy Eucharist, Rite 1 (traditional language): 8:00 AM
- Christian Education Classes for all ages resume after the Christmas break: 9:00 AM
- Youth Worship: 10:00 AM
- The Holy Eucharist, Rite 2 (contemporary language): 10:00 AM
- The Holy Eucharist: 7:00 PM
Friday, December 19, 2014
Announcements for December 21
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
All children participating in the children’s Christmas pageant should attend the rehearsal this Sunday, December 21, beginning at 9:00 AM. The dress rehearsal is scheduled for December 23 at 4:00 PM.
The Feast is Coming
Our annual feast celebrating both our patron saint, St. John the Evangelist, and celebrating our parish community will be Saturday, January 3, beginning at 4:30 PM. Everyone is heartily invited to attend and join the celebration. Mark your calendar and watch for your invitation coming soon in the mail.
Christmas Service Schedule
On Christmas Eve, services of the Holy Eucharist will be held at 4:00 PM (including the children’s Christmas pageant) and at 10:00 PM (including special music by the organist and choir). On Christmas Day the celebration of the Holy Eucharist begins at 10:00 AM. The Wednesday morning healing service will not be held on Christmas Eve.
Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages and youth worship are on vacation this Sunday and next, December 21 and 28. Special Christmas Edition of the e-vangelist A special edition of the e-vangelist will be published Monday listing reminders of ministry assignments for Christmas services.
Office Closure
The parish office will be closed December 24 – January 2.
All children participating in the children’s Christmas pageant should attend the rehearsal this Sunday, December 21, beginning at 9:00 AM. The dress rehearsal is scheduled for December 23 at 4:00 PM.
The Feast is Coming
Our annual feast celebrating both our patron saint, St. John the Evangelist, and celebrating our parish community will be Saturday, January 3, beginning at 4:30 PM. Everyone is heartily invited to attend and join the celebration. Mark your calendar and watch for your invitation coming soon in the mail.
Christmas Service Schedule
On Christmas Eve, services of the Holy Eucharist will be held at 4:00 PM (including the children’s Christmas pageant) and at 10:00 PM (including special music by the organist and choir). On Christmas Day the celebration of the Holy Eucharist begins at 10:00 AM. The Wednesday morning healing service will not be held on Christmas Eve.
Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages and youth worship are on vacation this Sunday and next, December 21 and 28. Special Christmas Edition of the e-vangelist A special edition of the e-vangelist will be published Monday listing reminders of ministry assignments for Christmas services.
Office Closure
The parish office will be closed December 24 – January 2.
Reflection for December 21
She struck the angel Gabriel as hardly old enough to have a child at all, let alone this child, but he’d been entrusted with a message to give her, and he gave it.
He told her what the child was to be named, and who he was to be, and something about the mystery that was to come upon her. “You mustn’t be afraid, Mary,” he said.
As he said it, he only hoped she wouldn’t notice that beneath the great, golden wings he himself was trembling with fear to think that the whole future of creation hung now on the answer of a girl (Frederick Buechner, Peculiar Treasures; illustrations by Katherine A. Buechner).
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - November 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
All were present at the meeting: 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, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis.
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 no additions to the information and report that she sent out by e-mail. In response to a question, Debbi explained that the increase in the Building Maintenance Fund was a correction of funds that had been misclassified. A small math error also was noted. Funds will need to be moved from Money Market investments to the checking account in order to cover approximately $46,000 in lift costs. Bill Bestow moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report pending corrections, and Bob DeOliveira seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
--Professional painting for the lift project was estimated at $8,000. So far, in doing the project ourselves, we have spent $200 for paint and will have to spend just a little more for additional paint. We will be hiring a professional to stain the doors on all three levels. The rector has one recommendation for a bid and needs at least one more.
--The Village of Flossmoor is newly strict about fire inspections. In a recent check of the church, three problems stood out: ceiling tile damage, the need for a functioning emergency sign, and a fire alarm system test.
--The church website is up and running and has garnered positive feedback. Pastor Orr passed around a card for vestry members to sign to thank Jordan Ramsland for setting up the website.
--Thanks to Loaves and Fishes volunteers for the recent, labor-intensive, turkey pot luck.
--Pastor Orr will take some time off to make up for the many Tuesdays that she has been at church during the duration of the lift project.
--Replacement of church lighting is continuing.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
--Bill Bestow asked if the community garden project would be continued next year. Pastor Orr said she expects that it will and that she was pleased with the results. Produce went to the Rich Township food pantry and to the food pantry at St. Clement’s in Harvey.
--Diane Walsh-Madden expressed thanks to the rector for being here and working on the lift project.
Upcoming Events
--Diocesan Convention on November 21st and 22nd
--Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on November 26th at 7:30 PM at Flossmoor Community Church
--St. John’s Thanksgiving service on November 27th at 10:00 AM
--Advent wreath making on November 30th from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM
--Cookie Walk on November 6th from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM
Discussions and Decisions
--The machinery parts have been delivered, and the lift company will do the installation.
--Steve Hofer researched outdoor handicapped access signage and reported that we can purchase two window signs and a sign on a stake for less than $30.
--Ted Stone noted that there were some items and labor charges included in the proposal that were not needed, and some of the work that has been done needs some fine-tuning. He also wondered if the doorway downstairs that goes into the lift area is large enough for a wheelchair. Jim Whitfield commented that the lift company specs and listed materials were wrong, causing us to pay for an extra day’s labor. Pastor Orr replied that the contractors are aware of the problems. She thanked Ted and Jim and asked for their help in taking note of these things on a final walk-through.
--Bill Bestow thanked Jim Whitfield for keeping the project going and on schedule.
Pledge Drive
Pastor Orr thanked those who spoke in church and all who submitted written comments regarding pledging.
Nominating Committee
A committee was chosen to nominate wardens and vestry members for the year 2015. As always, the committee consists of the wardens and one vestry member from each year’s group, chosen by drawing straws. The committee this year will consist of Bill Bestow, Diane Walsh-Madden, Gale Michael, Jim Whitfield, and Ted Stone. The rector will be an ex-officio member.
The Feast
Each year, on the first Saturday of January, the vestry presents a feast for parish members and friends to celebrate the feast of St. John the Evangelist. It is a high priority for vestry participation. This year, we will dedicate the lift, and the overall theme will be “Lift Up Your Hearts.” Gale Michael, Nichole Dailor, Debbi Huggett, and Susan Marquis volunteered to do the initial event planning.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting closed at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: December 15, 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
All were present at the meeting: 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, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis.
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 no additions to the information and report that she sent out by e-mail. In response to a question, Debbi explained that the increase in the Building Maintenance Fund was a correction of funds that had been misclassified. A small math error also was noted. Funds will need to be moved from Money Market investments to the checking account in order to cover approximately $46,000 in lift costs. Bill Bestow moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report pending corrections, and Bob DeOliveira seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
--Professional painting for the lift project was estimated at $8,000. So far, in doing the project ourselves, we have spent $200 for paint and will have to spend just a little more for additional paint. We will be hiring a professional to stain the doors on all three levels. The rector has one recommendation for a bid and needs at least one more.
--The Village of Flossmoor is newly strict about fire inspections. In a recent check of the church, three problems stood out: ceiling tile damage, the need for a functioning emergency sign, and a fire alarm system test.
--The church website is up and running and has garnered positive feedback. Pastor Orr passed around a card for vestry members to sign to thank Jordan Ramsland for setting up the website.
--Thanks to Loaves and Fishes volunteers for the recent, labor-intensive, turkey pot luck.
--Pastor Orr will take some time off to make up for the many Tuesdays that she has been at church during the duration of the lift project.
--Replacement of church lighting is continuing.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
--Bill Bestow asked if the community garden project would be continued next year. Pastor Orr said she expects that it will and that she was pleased with the results. Produce went to the Rich Township food pantry and to the food pantry at St. Clement’s in Harvey.
--Diane Walsh-Madden expressed thanks to the rector for being here and working on the lift project.
Upcoming Events
--Diocesan Convention on November 21st and 22nd
--Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on November 26th at 7:30 PM at Flossmoor Community Church
--St. John’s Thanksgiving service on November 27th at 10:00 AM
--Advent wreath making on November 30th from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM
--Cookie Walk on November 6th from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM
Discussions and Decisions
--The machinery parts have been delivered, and the lift company will do the installation.
--Steve Hofer researched outdoor handicapped access signage and reported that we can purchase two window signs and a sign on a stake for less than $30.
--Ted Stone noted that there were some items and labor charges included in the proposal that were not needed, and some of the work that has been done needs some fine-tuning. He also wondered if the doorway downstairs that goes into the lift area is large enough for a wheelchair. Jim Whitfield commented that the lift company specs and listed materials were wrong, causing us to pay for an extra day’s labor. Pastor Orr replied that the contractors are aware of the problems. She thanked Ted and Jim and asked for their help in taking note of these things on a final walk-through.
--Bill Bestow thanked Jim Whitfield for keeping the project going and on schedule.
Pledge Drive
Pastor Orr thanked those who spoke in church and all who submitted written comments regarding pledging.
Nominating Committee
A committee was chosen to nominate wardens and vestry members for the year 2015. As always, the committee consists of the wardens and one vestry member from each year’s group, chosen by drawing straws. The committee this year will consist of Bill Bestow, Diane Walsh-Madden, Gale Michael, Jim Whitfield, and Ted Stone. The rector will be an ex-officio member.
The Feast
Each year, on the first Saturday of January, the vestry presents a feast for parish members and friends to celebrate the feast of St. John the Evangelist. It is a high priority for vestry participation. This year, we will dedicate the lift, and the overall theme will be “Lift Up Your Hearts.” Gale Michael, Nichole Dailor, Debbi Huggett, and Susan Marquis volunteered to do the initial event planning.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting closed at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: December 15, 2014
Friday, December 12, 2014
Announcements for December 14
Vestry Meeting
The vestry will meet Monday, December 15, beginning with Evening Prayer in the church at 7:00 PM.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
All are welcome to join the book club discussion of Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope by Joan Chittester. We'll meet in the Guild Room on December 18th at 7:00 PM for what promises to be another lively exchange. Our selection for the third Thursday in January is Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the “Saint of Calcutta,” which chronicles Mother Teresa’s spiritual heights and doubtful desolation as she described them in writings to her spiritual advisors.
How Many Episcopalians does it take to drink three gallons of cocoa?
Apparently, it takes thirty-two. That’s how many people gathered December 7th for caroling for canned goods and complete cocoa consumption. Great success on both fronts: We collected more than 80 pounds of food for the Rich Township Food Pantry. Sincere thanks to our youth for their prep work and for bringing along friends and family. Thank you to other parishioners who joined us and brought friends and family, too. Finally, many thanks to the residents of Bruce Avenue who gave so generously.
Cathedral Shelter Thank You’s
For those who contributed to the Cathedral Shelter Christmas Basket program, thank you’s are in the undercroft. Look for the card with your name on it.
Sunday School for Children Meets This Week
Sunday School classes for children are in session this Sunday, December 14. After this Sunday, they will be on break until after Christmas.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Children and youth of all ages are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Pageant. The pageant is the proclamation of the Gospel at the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve. If you would like to be in the pageant, please gather in the church this Sunday, December 14, following the 10:00 AM service.
High School Youth Group
Good luck on semester finals, and enjoy your break. Our meetings will resume in February.
The vestry will meet Monday, December 15, beginning with Evening Prayer in the church at 7:00 PM.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
All are welcome to join the book club discussion of Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope by Joan Chittester. We'll meet in the Guild Room on December 18th at 7:00 PM for what promises to be another lively exchange. Our selection for the third Thursday in January is Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the “Saint of Calcutta,” which chronicles Mother Teresa’s spiritual heights and doubtful desolation as she described them in writings to her spiritual advisors.
How Many Episcopalians does it take to drink three gallons of cocoa?
Apparently, it takes thirty-two. That’s how many people gathered December 7th for caroling for canned goods and complete cocoa consumption. Great success on both fronts: We collected more than 80 pounds of food for the Rich Township Food Pantry. Sincere thanks to our youth for their prep work and for bringing along friends and family. Thank you to other parishioners who joined us and brought friends and family, too. Finally, many thanks to the residents of Bruce Avenue who gave so generously.
Cathedral Shelter Thank You’s
For those who contributed to the Cathedral Shelter Christmas Basket program, thank you’s are in the undercroft. Look for the card with your name on it.
Sunday School for Children Meets This Week
Sunday School classes for children are in session this Sunday, December 14. After this Sunday, they will be on break until after Christmas.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Children and youth of all ages are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Pageant. The pageant is the proclamation of the Gospel at the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve. If you would like to be in the pageant, please gather in the church this Sunday, December 14, following the 10:00 AM service.
High School Youth Group
Good luck on semester finals, and enjoy your break. Our meetings will resume in February.
Reflection for December 14
Children play a game called "Hide-and-Seek" in which everyone hides and tries not to get caught, but eventually, when the game goes as it should, everyone gets found. The game is interesting from a psychological point of view because "hiding" is not really very much fun. If you ask most children, "Do you want to sit somewhere all by yourself and keep very quiet for a long time?" you will not get many takers. What's fun about "Hide-and-Seek” is not hiding, but getting found. Everybody likes to be found.
So, when Advent comes around every year, we are reminded that God is coming to find us. We have our ways of hiding. But on Advent 2, when John the Baptist shouts, "Prepare the way of the Lord!" it is as though God has just called, "Ready or not, here I come!" And we remember: this is the God who always finds us (Mark Allan Powell, www.workingpreacher.org).
So, when Advent comes around every year, we are reminded that God is coming to find us. We have our ways of hiding. But on Advent 2, when John the Baptist shouts, "Prepare the way of the Lord!" it is as though God has just called, "Ready or not, here I come!" And we remember: this is the God who always finds us (Mark Allan Powell, www.workingpreacher.org).
Friday, December 5, 2014
Announcements for December 7
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 Here: December 6
Cookies may be dropped off Friday, December 5, anytime between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Doors open for shopping at 9:00 AM on Saturday. Come stock up on holiday treats. Bring your friends and neighbors.
Caroling for Canned Goods
Can’t sing? Perfect! What counts is your loving heart and good works. Our high school youth invite everyone to gather this Sunday, December 7th, at 3:30 PM in the undercroft for delicious homemade cocoa and caroling for canned goods in St. John’s neighborhood. We’ll bring Christmas cheer to Bruce Avenue residents between Park & Gordon, and they will give us canned goods for the Rich Township Food Pantry. What a great way to make the light of Christ burn brighter. Bring your friends!
Sunday School Classes Resume
Sunday School classes for children and adults are in session again this Sunday, December 7, after the Thanksgiving holiday.
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.
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 Here: December 6
Cookies may be dropped off Friday, December 5, anytime between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Doors open for shopping at 9:00 AM on Saturday. Come stock up on holiday treats. Bring your friends and neighbors.
Caroling for Canned Goods
Can’t sing? Perfect! What counts is your loving heart and good works. Our high school youth invite everyone to gather this Sunday, December 7th, at 3:30 PM in the undercroft for delicious homemade cocoa and caroling for canned goods in St. John’s neighborhood. We’ll bring Christmas cheer to Bruce Avenue residents between Park & Gordon, and they will give us canned goods for the Rich Township Food Pantry. What a great way to make the light of Christ burn brighter. Bring your friends!
Sunday School Classes Resume
Sunday School classes for children and adults are in session again this Sunday, December 7, after the Thanksgiving holiday.
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.
Reflection for December 7
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (For the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815).
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