Friday, December 25, 2015

Announcements for December 27

RSVP for the Feast
Our annual celebration of our parish community, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, will take place Saturday evening, January 9. The event begins with Evening Prayer commemorating our patron saint and continues with a feast hosted by the vestry. Please RSVP by January 5.

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.

2016 Offering Envelopes are Available
Please pick up your 2016 offering envelopes in the undercroft.

Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 3. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.

Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes will NOT meet this Sunday, December 27.

Christmas Thanks
Thank you to everyone who, in small ways and large, contributed to Christmas services at St. John’s. Special thanks to Michael Soto and the choir and to the Altar Guild for all of their extra work. And thanks be to God for the wonderful cast of the Christmas Pageant (and Director Pat Smith Huntoon) for bringing the Christmas story to life at the early service.

Reflection for December 27

If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy,
Then flit not from this heavenly boy.

(Robert Southwell, 1561 - 1595)

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Christmas Services

December 24:  Christmas Eve
  • 4:00 PM - Family Service including the Children's Christmas Pageant and Holy Communion.
  • 10:30 PM - The Christ Mass.  Choral, congregational, and organ music begins at 10:00 PM, followed by a sung celebration of Holy Communion.
December 25:  Christmas Day
  • 10:00 AM - The Holy Eucharist
December 27:  The First Sunday after Christmas
  • 8:00 AM - The Holy Eucharist 
  • 10:00 AM - A Service of Christmas Lessons & Carols, including Holy Communion
The regular Wednesday 9:00 AM service of Holy Eucharist with Healing will NOT be held December 30.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - November 16, 2015

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, Diane Walsh- Madden, the junior warden, Anne Edwards, vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier, Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, Cynthia Turnquest, Jim Whitfield and Hans Zigmund; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. The treasurer, Debbi Huggett, was absent.

Parish Stewardship

Minutes
Jim Whitfield moved to accept the minutes from the October meeting. Hans Zigmund seconded, and the motion was approved.

Treasurer’s Report
There was a question about why expenses were below budget as stated in the treasurer’s report summary:

"For the 10 months ending October 31, 2015 expenses are below budget by $7k: $3k lower utilities, $3k unspent Youth and Family Ministry money, $1k other Program expenses."

Pastor Orr clarified that funds were earmarked for heat, children’s programs, etc. in case those funds unexpectedly were needed. It turned out that because, for example, the winter was fairly mild, and we did not hire a youth director, we did not need to spend all of the budgeted funds. 

Information

Rector’s Report
The rector thanked vestry members who gave pledge campaign talks at church over the past few weeks. Upcoming Parish Events
—The diocesan convention is this Friday and Saturday. Pastor Orr expressed thanks to those who are attending as delegates and alternates from our parish. They include Sue O’Brien, Gale Michael, Doris Sheffer, Don Rubins, and Shirley Reilly.
—Blue Jeans Sunday is this coming Sunday for parishioners to do some fall lawn work after the 10:00 AM service.
—The Thanksgiving service at St. John’s is Thursday 11/26 at 10:00 AM
—The interfaith Thanksgiving service on 11/25 at 7:30 PM at Temple Anshe Sholom with the Rev. Claude King preaching
—Registration for the January diocesan youth convention is now open.
—Next Sunday is Pledge Sunday.

Discussion and Decisions

Columbarium Project
—Earlier today, landscape architect Scott Mehaffey dropped off new plan drawings for the project with some cost estimates. It will need committee review. It is unclear whether we want Scott to do detailed drawings of the entire project or only of the part(s) we want to do now.
—The columbarium extensions (seats) have been reduced from three to two. Each holds approximately 40 cremain units for a total of 80. The rectangular extensions have been re-designed into a curved shape. Each is estimated to cost about $14,500.
—The project also involves cleaning and repairing the steps and interior chamber of the existing columbarium. This probably would be paid for out of a different part of the budget than the new construction.
—Other work includes installing a bottom shelf in the existing columbarium, which would provide about 40 extra spaces. This would require the work of a stone mason. The existing patio needs repair and re-grouting. We will have to decide whether or not to remove the existing bench.
—Two walkways need to be replaced. The gravel pathway is to be replaced with pavers. There are many questions about the specifics of this pathway. The current sidewalk outside of the guild room is to be replaced with stone/concrete aggregate, and the sidewalk from the office to the street with broom-finish concrete.
—The plan also includes the addition of two teak benches with backs, the installation of trellises on the brick wall outside the guild room addition, and new landscaping.
—In a general discussion, the vestry considered what we can afford. There is approximately $40,000 in an earmarked columbarium fund. Fundraising and financing are possibilities. The vestry will consider this further.

Building Maintenance Projects Update
Jim Whitfield is working on supervision of the installation of a replacement door to the back parking area.

Nominating Committee
Every year a committee is formed to nominate wardens and new vestry members in preparation for the annual meeting. The committee includes the rector, both wardens, and one vestry member from each class chosen by drawing straws. This year the class representatives are Patti Pohrte, Hans Zigmund, and Bob Burgwald.

Closing

Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:08 PM. The next meeting was scheduled for December 21st, but because attendance would be a problem for many people, the vestry decided to move up the meeting to December 14th.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis Clerk of the Vestry

Approved:  December 14, 2015

Friday, December 18, 2015

Announcements for December 20

Children’s Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
There will be a rehearsal after church this Sunday, December 20. The dress rehearsal is at 4:00 PM on December 23. Questions? Contact Pat Smith Huntoon.

Mark Your Calendars for the Feast!
Our annual celebration of our parish community, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, will take place Saturday evening, January 9. The event begins with Evening Prayer commemorating our patron saint and continues with a feast hosted by the vestry. Please RSVP by January 5.

Cookie Walk Thank You
A sincere thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s cookie walk. $3,500 was raised, and of that, $2,100 has already been distributed to local charities. A special thank you to Alison Deniston for coordinating!

Yarn Ministry still needs the congregation’s assistance
We will be collecting some winter clothing articles for the PADS Ministry. Donations of hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children. PADS is also accepting coats and socks for all their people in need. Donated items, if not new, should be clean and gently used. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, to please help the Yarn Ministry make this another very successful project. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance. There is a PADS collection bin located in the undercroft, as well. Deposit items in any of the containers, Thank you. The next collection date is January 31.

Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes will NOT meet December 20 or 27.

Christmas Services
The schedule for Christmas Services is as it has been in past years. The family Christmas Eve service with pageant begins at 4:00 PM. The Christ Mass begins at 10:30 PM, preceded by special music beginning at 10:00 PM. The service on Christmas Day begins at 10:00 AM.

Parish Office Holiday Closing
The parish office will be closed December 24 through January 3.

Reflection for December 20

Lord Jesus Christ; Let me seek you by desiring you, and let me desire you by seeking you; let me find you by loving you, and love you in finding you…. I do not seek to understand so that I can believe, but I believe so that I may understand; and what is more, I believe that unless I do believe, I shall not understand (St. Anselm in The Oxford Book of Prayer).

Friday, December 11, 2015

Announcements for December 13

Children’s Christmas Pageant: Meet This Sunday 
The children’s Christmas Pageant is offered as the proclamation of the Gospel during the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve. Calling all kids! We will assign parts and read through the script after the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, December 13. Additional rehearsals will be after church on December 20 and at 4:00 PM on December 23. Questions? Contact Pat Smith Huntoon.

Mark Your Calendars for the Feast! 
Our annual celebration of our parish community, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, will take place Saturday evening, January 9. The event begins with Evening Prayer commemorating our patron saint and continues with a feast hosted by the vestry. Invitations will be arriving soon in your mailbox. Hope to see you there!

Yarn Ministry still needs the congregation’s assistance 
We will be collecting some winter clothing articles for the PADS Ministry. Donations of hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children. PADS is also accepting coats and socks for all their people in need. Donated items, if not new, should be clean and gently used. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, to please help the Yarn Ministry make this another very successful project. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance. There is a PADS collection bin located in the undercroft, as well. Deposit items in any of the containers, Thank you. Collection dates are December 13 and January 31.

Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
The concert will be held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, December 13, at St Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Great selections from "In the Bleak Midwinter" to Britten's "A Hymn to the Virgin" to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.

Christmas Services
The schedule for Christmas Services is as it has been in past years. The family Christmas Eve service with pageant begins at 4:00 PM. The Christ Mass begins at 10:30 PM, preceded by special music beginning at 10:00 PM. The service on Christmas Day begins at 10:00 AM.

Reflection for December 13

What if we dared to believe that, by being the best versions of ourselves rather than the worst, we could take hold of the promises of salvation? Our hope during Advent is a waiting, watchful hope for the coming savior, mighty to save, yet who will come into the world as one of the most helpless creatures of all. What if we dared to believe enough in our savior that we could welcome the helpless of today into our midst? What if we dared to believe in the radical grace we receive from God enough to embody a glimmer of that grace into the world? May we dare to believe, to cast away our fears, and rise on wings of faith to embrace with confidence the true freedom embodied in Christ (Leslie Scoopmire, “Dare to Believe,” Episcopal Cafe).

Friday, December 4, 2015

Announcements for December 6

Fall Pledge Campaign
If you have not already done so, please turn in your pledge cards as soon as possible. You may place them in the alms basins on Sunday or mail them to the parish office.

MIQRA: For Youth Grades 6 - 12
Miqra is a weekend youth retreat focusing on the Bible. Gather with new and old friends, have fun, and learn about the Bible. Sponsored by the Diocese of Chicago. Held at Grace Church, Oak Park, January 16-18. More information and registration HERE.

Children’s Christmas Pageant
The children’s Christmas Pageant is offered as the proclamation of the Gospel during the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve. Calling all kids! We will assign parts and read through the script after the 10:00 AM service Sunday, December 13. Additional rehearsals will be after church on December 20 and at 4:00 PM on December 23. Questions? Contact Pat Smith Huntoon.

Youth Group
Inner child to be unleashed this Sunday, 4 PM at St. John’s. Gather your friends and come for pre-semester finals fun and games. Designed to help you take a breather and a brain break before the craziness sets in. It’s St. Nicholas’ Day—come see if he brings goodies for you (even if you’ve been naughtier than nice this year)! Text Dee or Margi to let us know if you’re coming and how many friends you’ll bring.

Yarn Ministry still needs the congregation’s assistance
We will be collecting some winter clothing articles for the PADS Ministry. Donations of hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children. PADS is also accepting coats and socks for all their people in need. Donated items, if not new, should be clean and gently used. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, to please help the Yarn Ministry make this another very successful project. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance. There is a PADS collection bin located in the undercroft, as well. Deposit items in any of the containers, Thank you. Collection dates are December 13 and January 31.

Handel’s Messiah
Illiana Oratorio Society is pleased to announce its performance of Handel's Messiah which will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2015. It will be held at First Christian Reformed Church of South Holland (16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL) at 2p.m. This year's soloists will feature: Elaine DeYoung, Maria Bouwhamp-Luttjeboer, Jack Cotterell, and Douglas Anderson. All are welcome to attend!

Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
The concert will be held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, December 13, at St Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Great selections from "In the Bleak Midwinter" to Britten's "A Hymn to the Virgin" to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.

Reflection for December 6

Advent is a time of invitation.

These invitations are both spiritual and literal. Advent is an invitation into the life of Jesus Christ. We are invited to be present with a history of Christians awaiting Jesus's first coming, as well as His second. We are invited to be present with each other, reflecting on who we are as a faith in anticipation of the new liturgical year. We are invited to witness God's love, in the most unexpected places (Emma Koch, read the full reflection HERE).

Friday, November 27, 2015

St. John's Holiday Cookie Walk


Saturday, December 5.  Doors open at 9 AM.  Come early for the best selection.  Select your own cookies and pay by the pound.  Proceeds benefit local social service agencies and the ministries of St. John's.

Announcements for November 29

Fall Pledge Campaign
If you have not already done so, please turn in your pledge cards as soon as possible. You may place them in the alms basins on Sunday or mail them to the parish office.

The Holiday Cookie Walk is Coming Soon: Bake and Bring Your Cookies! 
The annual holiday cookie walk is Saturday, December 5, from 9 – 11:30 AM. Please bring your cookies to the church on Friday, December 4, anytime between 9 AM and 7 PM. Questions? Call Alison Deniston.

Make Your Own Advent Wreath 
Keeping Advent at home with simple prayers and an Advent wreath is the best way to prepare for Christmas. Information and materials to construct an Advent wreath will be available in the undercroft during the 9:00 AM hour on Sunday morning. Please stop by.

Best Buddies Pet Pantry
What will some elderly people do when they don’t have enough to eat for themselves and for their only companions, who often are their pets? They share, of course, but then no one gets enough. Next to the food pantry collection baskets there is a collection box for the Best Buddies Pet Pantry. Please donate pet food and treats to help food pantry clients and their best buddies get the food they need.

Yarn Ministry still needs the congregation’s assistance
We will be collecting some winter clothing articles for the PADS Ministry. Donations of hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children. PADS is also accepting coats and socks for all their people in need. Donated items, if not new, should be clean and gently used. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, to please help the Yarn Ministry make this another very successful project. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance. There is a PADS collection bin located in the undercroft, as well. Deposit items in any of the containers, Thank you.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets Drop Off
Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office BEFORE 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Handel’s Messiah
Illiana Oratorio Society is pleased to announce its performance of Handel's Messiah which will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2015. It will be held at First Christian Reformed Church of South Holland (16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL) at 2p.m. This year's soloists will feature: Elaine DeYoung, Maria Bouwhamp-Luttjeboer, Jack Cotterell, and Douglas Anderson. All are welcome to attend!

Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
The concert will be held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, December 13, at St Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Great selections from "In the Bleak Midwinter" to Britten's "A Hymn to the Virgin" to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.

Reflection for November 29

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your 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 living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever Amen (The Advent Collect, Book of Common Prayer, p. 211).

Friday, November 20, 2015

Announcements for November 22

Pledge Sunday
This Sunday is pledge Sunday. Please bring your completed pledge cards and place them as an offering on the altar during worship.

The Holiday Cookie Walk is Coming Soon: December 5 
Have you started baking? We need lots of bakers and volunteers. Questions? Call Alison Deniston.

Thanksgiving Services
The community interfaith Thanksgiving service featuring the Viking Choir will be held this year at Temple Anshe Sholom, 20820 Western Avenue, Wednesday, November 25 at 7:30 PM. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. John’s Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 10:00 AM.

Best Buddies Pet Pantry
What will some elderly people do when they don’t have enough to eat for themselves and for their only companions, who often are their pets? They share, of course, but then no one gets enough. Next to the food pantry collection baskets there is a collection box for the Best Buddies Pet Pantry. Please donate pet food and treats to help food pantry clients and their best buddies get the food they need.

Make Your Own Advent Wreath
Advent is a wonderful season to celebrate at home. Materials will be available during the 9:00 hour next Sunday, November 29, for you to make your own Advent wreath. Sunday School classes will not meet.

Adult Education: An Introduction to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
For the next few Sundays the adult education class will view sermons and interviews with new Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. In the Youth Worship Chapel beginning at 9:00 AM.

From the Yarn Ministry
On behalf of the Yarn Ministry, we would like to extend a WARM prayerful thank you for the generous donation of hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets
Thank you to everyone who has adopted a family or senior. Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office before 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Youth Group
Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday! Margi & Dee certainly give thanks for all of you and your collective good will and questioning mind. Next gathering is 4:00 PM, Sunday, December 6. Bring friends and a “playful spirit,” as Margi & Dee will challenge you to game that just might become your favorite. Also, please respond to a text you’ll receive soon regarding Caroling for Canned Goods. Your input is important! Questions? Contact Dee or Margi.

Reflection for November 22

Despite the rising number of Americans who identify with no religion—especially the case among millennials—the United States if far from becoming a churchless nation. On any given Sabbath four out of ten Americans attend a house of worship, a number that hasn’t fluctuated much in the past half-century. More than 81 percent of Americans say they identify with a specific religion or denomination and 78 percent say religion is either very or fairly important in their lives. That people have greater freedom to say they belong to no religion may mean that those who claim religious faith actually take it more seriously than was the case when identifying with religious faith was a matter of social obligation (The Christian Science Monitor, October 11).

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - October 19, 2015

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, Diane Walsh- Madden; the junior warden, Anne Edwards; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Rob Carrier, Patti Pohrte, and Cynthia Turnquest were absent.

Parish Stewardship

Minutes from the last meeting
Jim Whitfield moved to accept the minutes from the September 19th vestry meeting. Bob Burgwald seconded. The motion was approved with one abstention from a vestry member who was not at the September meeting.

Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that the past month has been unexceptional and that she had nothing to add to the materials she had sent out electronically to the vestry. Hans Zigmund moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. After a second by Jim Whitfield and a vote, the motion was approved.

Rector’s Discretionary Account
The rector provided a report for the Rector’s Discretionary Account for the third quarter of 2015. The end date was incorrect and should be changed to the end of September 2015. Hans Zigmund moved to accept the report as amended, and Anne Edwards seconded. The motion passed.

Information

Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr commended the members of the re-organized men’s group after their first meeting of the year. They plan to meet monthly for prayer, study, and outreach.
—The All Souls’ Day service will take place on Monday, November 2nd. This is a fairly new and growing service in which we remember those who died in the past year and others. People are invited to bring photos or other small mementos of those who have died.

Upcoming Parish Events
—October 25th: parish photo for the Flossmoor Village Yearbook to be taken after the 10:00 am service
—November 1st: the rector’s annual open house
—November 2nd: All Soul’s Day service

Discussion and Decisions

Columbarium
In the days following the last meeting, vestry members examined and made comments on the three plans that landscape architect, Scott Mehaffey, presented. Pastor Orr collated these and shared them electronically with the vestry. Pastor Orr stated that the vestry will not be making any final decisions about the columbarium plans until we receive some minor adjustments and cost estimates from Mr. Mehaffey. Construction will not begin until at least next spring. The rector spoke with former vestry member Mark Moxley about the project. Mark believes that replacing the gravel walkway is something that we could do on our own. He also suggested that, if seating walls are constructed, they should not be skateboard friendly.

Door Replacement
The vestry has received estimates for replacing the door to the alley parking area from two companies, A Better Door and Preferred Window and Door. The estimates include the cost of replacing the door as well as widening the existing frame from 32” to 36”. Both estimates also include the separate cost of installing an automatic door opener. Following discussion, the vestry decided to replace the door and frame but not to install the opener until later since the sidewalk leading up to the door would need repair before the door opener would be useful for accessibility. There was support of A Better Door due to personal recommendations. Hans Zigmund moved that we accept the bid of A Better Door to install a commercial grade door and that it and any additional costs for locks be funded through the building maintenance fund. Bob Burgwald seconded, and the motion was approved.

Fall Pledge Campaign
Pastor Orr reported that a pledge mailing to all parishioners will be sent out within the next few days.
The vestry decided to have vestry members speak briefly about pledging at church services in early November with some core ideas that include:
—how we cannot put a price tag on community
—in what ways people are touched because this parish exists
—how pledging is more than giving to another charity since it is not only good for the community, but it is also good for us
The tentative speakers’ schedule is as follows:
November 1st - possibly Cynthia Turnquest and/or Patti Pohrte with Jim Whitfield as a back-up
November 8th - definitely Bob Burgwald at both services
November 15th - possibly Rob Carrier at 8:00 AM and definitely Bob deOliveira at 10:00 AM

Closing

Following prayer, the vestry meeting ended at 9:15 PM.
 The next meeting is scheduled for November 16th at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis, Clerk of the Vestry

Approved:  November 16, 2015

Friday, November 13, 2015

Announcements for November 15

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, November 16, beginning at 7 PM with Evening Prayer in the church.

Annual Pledge Campaign
Please seriously and prayerfully consider your annual pledge of time, talent and treasure. You may return your pledge card to the parish office, place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or place it on the altar on pledge Sunday, next week, November 22.

Thanksgiving Services
The community interfaith Thanksgiving Service featuring the Viking Choir will be Wednesday, November 25, at Temple Anshe Sholom in Olympia Fields, beginning at 7:30 PM.  The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. John's Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 10:00 AM.

Looking Ahead to the Holiday Cookie Walk
Save the date. The annual cookie walk is December 5th. We need bakers and helpers. Questions? Call Alison Deniston.

Adult Education: An Introduction to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
For the next few Sundays the adult education class will view sermons and interviews with new Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. In the Youth Worship Chapel in the Education Wing, beginning at 9:00 AM.

Parish Photo
The parish photo taken for the Flossmoor yearbook is on display in the undercroft with directions for ordering a copy if you wish.

Loaves and Fishes
Please join us for our annual Thanksgiving brunch following the 10:00 AM service. Roast turkey and dressing will be served. Bring a potluck side or dessert if you wish. All are welcome.

Last Call from the Yarn Ministry for Donations
We are collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. Deadline for donations is November 15th. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

Yarn Ministry Meets Monday
Yarn Ministry meets Monday, November 16, beginning at 7 PM in the Guild Room.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets 
Information is available in the undercroft on adopting a senior or family for Christmas through the ReVive Christmas Basket program. If you prefer, you may also make a cash contribution and children of the parish will shop and wrap presents for a family. Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office before 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Musical at H-F 
This weekend only HF Theater presents The Addams Family musical, Friday & Saturday at 7 pm. The musical comedy features an original story & score, and two of St. John’s youth are in the cast: Maddie Moxley & Sarah Skorupa. Tickets can be purchased at the door. More information HERE.

Reflection for November 15

[Being] a Christian is not essentially about joining a church or being a nice person, but about following in the footsteps of Jesus, taking his teachings seriously, letting his Spirit take the lead in our lives, and in so doing helping to change the world from our nightmare into God’s dream (Bishop Michael Curry, Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus).

Friday, November 6, 2015

Announcements for November 8

Annual Pledge Campaign
Please seriously and prayerfully consider your annual pledge of time, talent and treasure. You may return your pledge card to the parish office, place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or place it on the altar on pledge Sunday, November 22.

Looking Ahead to the Holiday Cookie Walk
Save the date. The annual cookie walk is December 5th. We need bakers and helpers. Questions? Call Alison Deniston.

Loaves & Fishes Next Sunday
Our annual Thanksgiving-themed Sunday brunch will be next Sunday, November 15, following the 10:00 AM service. Side dishes or desserts to share are always welcome, but most importantly, come!

Yarn Ministry Needs the Congregation’s Assistance
We will be collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. We would like to have the items by November 15th. Collections bins will be located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets 
Information is available in the undercroft on adopting a senior or family for Christmas through the ReVive Christmas Basket program. If you prefer, you may also make a cash contribution and children of the parish will shop and wrap presents for a family. Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office before 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Parish Dinner Groups 
Today is the last day to sign up for Parish Dinner Groups. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr. Please turn in your forms to Gale, Pastor Orr or the Parish office.

Episcopal Men's Group 2.0 renaissance continues! 
Building on its inspiring comeback last month, St. John's reborn Episcopal Men's Group will meet again this Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 a.m. in the church undercroft. Once again, after morning prayer and a hearty, marginally healthy breakfast, our own Deacon John Whennen will lead reflections on the week's Gospel and its practical application to current events and our daily lives. This week, we will also discuss community service and the group's role in helping to fill a large ReVive Christmas Basket. As promised, these meetings end promptly at 9 a.m., so you can return to families, recreation and/or duties refreshed and spiritually renewed.

Reflection for November 8

Prayer
Take time regularly to be alone with God, to sit at the feet of the Master. This is the one thing needful, the pearl of great price, the better part “which will not be taken away from you” (Brother Geoffrey Tristram, Society of Saint John the Evangelist, Brother, Give Us a Word).

Friday, October 30, 2015

Announcement for November 1

Annual Pledge Campaign
Please seriously and prayerfully consider your annual pledge of time, talent and treasure. You may return your pledge card to the parish office, place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or place it on the altar on pledge Sunday, November 22.

All Saints Open House
Pastor Orr will host her annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Parishioners, guests and friends of all ages are welcome.

All Souls Day Service: Remembering the Faithful Departed
The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on All Souls Day, Monday, November 2, at 7:00 PM. This is a peaceful, moving service at which we remember and give thanks for the saints of God whom we have been blessed to know. If you have names you would like added to the prayers, please call the parish office. You are also encouraged to bring a memento or ofrenda of someone whose memory you cherish to the service.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets 
Information is available in the undercroft on adopting a senior or family for Christmas through the ReVive Christmas Basket program. If you prefer, you may also make a cash contribution and children of the parish will shop and wrap presents for a family. Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office before 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Christmas Shopping Spree for Youth Group This Sunday 
What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to shop for our Christmas basket family? Meet at St. John’s a little early Sunday afternoon for a 4pm departure. Bring your friends to help us gather gifts for a 5yr old, an 8yr old and their mother. Nothing says “Good Times” better than “Good Works”.

Yarn Ministry Needs the Congregation’s Assistance 
We will be collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. We would like to have the items by November 15th. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, please help the Yarn Ministry make this a very successful project. Collections bins will be located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

Parish Dinner Groups 
Sign up for the 2015-2016 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.

Reflection for November 1, All Saints Day

The Church is “the communion of Saints,” that is, a people made holy through their mutual participation in the mystery of Christ. This communion exists through history, continues in the present, and endures beyond the grave and gate of death into heaven, for God is not a God of the dead but of the living, and those still on their earthly pilgrimage continue to have fellowship with those whose work is done. The pilgrim Church and the Church at rest join in watching and praying for that great day when Christ shall come again to change and make perfect our common humanity in the image of Christ’s risen glory (Holy Women, Holy Men).

Friday, October 23, 2015

Announcements for October 25

Parish Photograph for the Flossmoor Yearbook: This Sunday, October 25 
The Village of Flossmoor is creating a photographic yearbook. Residents, businesses, churches and other organizations are all participating. Our parish photograph will be taken Sunday morning, October 25, following the 10:00 AM service. We hope everyone can participate!

Daylight Saving Time Ends Next Weekend
Next Saturday, October 31, remember to set your clocks BACK one hour before you go to bed.

All Souls Day Service: Remembering the Faithful Departed
The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on All Souls Day, Monday, November 2, at 7:00 PM. This is a peaceful, moving service at which we remember and give thanks for the saints of God whom we have been blessed to know. We will pray for all those known to the parish who have died in the last year. If you have additional names you would like added to the prayers, please call the parish office. You are also encouraged to bring a memento or ofrenda of someone whose memory you cherish to the service.

Yarn Ministry Needs the Congregation’s Assistance
We will be collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. The first group we have been asked to contribute to is “SoulScarves,” a human warmth project from Grace Place Episcopal Church in Chicago. Grace Place serves breakfast to over 150 predominantly male guests each Saturday morning. We would like to have the items for them by November 15th. The other group will be PADS, for various people in need. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, please help the Yarn Ministry make this a very successful project. Collections bins will be located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up or the 2015-2016 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.

All Saints Open House
Pastor Orr will host her annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Parishioners, guests and friends of all ages are welcome.

Reflection for October 25

To make suggests making something out of something else the way a man makes wooden boxes out of wood. To create suggests making something out of nothing the way a man makes paintings or poems.... When God created the Creation he made something where before there had been nothing, and as the author of The Book of Job puts it, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7) at the sheer and shimmering novelty of the thing. “New every morning is the love / Our wakening and uprising prove” says the hymn. Using the same old materials of earth, air, fire, and water, every twenty-four hours God creates something new out of them. If you think you’re seeing the same show all over again seven times a week, you’re crazy. Every morning you wake up to something that in all eternity never was before and never will be again. And the you that wakes up was never the same before and will never be the same again either (Frederick Buechner, “Creation,” Wishful Thinking).

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - September 21, 2015

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, Diane Walsh-Madden; the junior warden, Anne Edwards; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier, Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Patti Pohrte, Cynthia Turnquest, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry member Hans Zigmund was absent. Landscape architect Scott Mehaffey was present for the first part of the meeting.

Discussion and Decisions — Part 1 

Columbarium Project

Scott Mehaffey distributed copies of a summary of what the vestry said it wanted to include in the project. He then presented three different plans with sketches that illustrated design options. Scott distributed copies of the plans and answered questions. He left at 8:20 PM, and the vestry continued its discussion of the options. Pastor Orr suggested that over the next week each vestry member should examine the plans, make a list of the positive and negative aspects of each of the three plans, and submit those lists to her by October 1st.

Parish Stewardship

Minutes from the August meeting

Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the August 17th vestry meeting, and Bob DeOliveira seconded. The motion was approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Debbi Huggett reported that both the revenue and expenses are on course for this year’s budget. Cynthia Turnquest moved to accept the report as presented. Patti Porte seconded, and the motion passed.

Information

Rector’s Report

As the program year began, it was nice to have Chad Senuta from the diocese’s Youth and Campus Ministry visit St. John’s yesterday.

Christian Education begins next Sunday. We are adding a low-key Sunday School program in the nursery with some high school students presenting felt board Bible stories.

Since there is only one child in the Kindergarten-3rd grade category this year, he will join the older class. Youth worship was originally designed for the K-3 group, so that will not be offered this year.

Diane Walsh-Madden and Patti Pohrte are teaching the 4th-to-sixth grade class. Cyndie Knoll is teaching the junior high group, and this year they will be preparing for confirmation.

Adult education opportunities are offered on Sunday morning at 9 AM, Bible Study on Wednesdays at 10 AM, and our Christian book club on the third Thursday of each month at 7 PM.

Dominic Barrington is the new Dean at St. James Cathedral.

Upcoming Events

October 4th — Blessing of the Animals to be held with Faith Lutheran Church at our outdoor altar

Discussion and Decisions — Part 2

Building Maintenance

Pastor Orr announced that tuck pointing on the church will begin on Wednesday, September 23rd. Payment will come from the building maintenance reserve.

Preferred Window and Door submitted a new door proposal that estimated separate costs for the door itself and for a handicap door closure. Jim Whitfield has a new proposal from A Better Door and Window. The vestry decided to table a decision until next month to give the vestry the opportunity to look at the updated proposals.

Fall Pledge Campaign

Pastor Orr said that she and the wardens have talked about the pledge campaign, and she asked the vestry for input, suggestions, and ideas.

Some suggestions included:
• Asking what would happen if people increased their pledge by just a little bit
• Reminding people of what they get here compared with what they get elsewhere
• Asking people to consider what they have gained from being part of this community
• Reminding people of the opportunity to be a member of a face-to-face community of people of diverse ages and interests
• Asking people to write down a prayer for the church based on the question, “What are you grateful for?”
• Asking people to imagine what we could do to make a bigger difference in our community if we had a little more
• Reminding people of our responsibility to keep going what our predecessors set in motion

The vestry was in favor of maintaining the traditional pledge campaign parish mailing consisting of a letter from the senior warden and a nuts-and-bolts financial page. The pledge campaign discussion will continue at the October vestry meeting.

Convention Delegates

A slate of candidates was presented for the annual diocesan convention in November. Gale Michael, Sue O’Brien, and Shirley Reilly were nominated as delegates, and Don Rubins and Doris Sheffer as alternates. Diane Walsh-Madden moved to accept the slate, and Bob Burgwald seconded. The motion was approved.

Closing

Following prayer, the meeting closed at 9:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for October 19th.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry

Approved:  October 19, 2015

Friday, October 16, 2015

Announcements for October 18

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 19, beginning at 7:00 PM in the church.

Parish Photograph for the Flossmoor Yearbook: Next Sunday, October 25 
The Village of Flossmoor is creating a photographic yearbook. Residents, businesses, churches and other organizations are all participating. Our parish photograph will be taken Sunday morning, October 25, following the 10:00 AM service. We hope everyone can participate!

Youth Group Meets This Sunday, October 18 
The youth group will meet this Sunday, 4:00 – 5:30 PM. We’ll gather in the Youth Room at 4:00 PM. All high school youth and their friends are welcome. Come with your best Santa Claus mindset! Any questions, please text or call Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.

ECW Pot Luck
The Episcopal Church Women will be holding a pot lunch this Wednesday, October 21, beginning at 11:30 AM in the undercroft. All women are welcome.

Yarn Ministry Needs the Congregation’s Assistance
We will be collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. The first group we have been asked to contribute to is “SoulScarves,” a human warmth project from Grace Place Episcopal Church in Chicago. Grace Place serves breakfast to over 150 predominantly male guests each Saturday morning. We would like to have the items for them by November 15th. The other group will be PADS, for various people in need. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, please help the Yarn Ministry make this a very successful project. Collections bins will be located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

PADS Begins Next Weekend
Attention PADS volunteers. Our first weekend is next weekend, October 23 and 24th. Please remember the site has moved to St. Lawrence O'Toole, 4101 St. Lawrence Avenue, Matteson. This is one block South of Rt. 30 off Governors Highway. Look for an email with information about location and parking. Interested in volunteering? We still need help 5-7 AM on Saturdays to clean up. Unsure of making a monthly commitment? Volunteer to be a sub. Contact Margi Strombeck. Thank you for your support of this crucial ministry.

Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up or the 2015-2016 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.

All Saints Open House
Pastor Orr will host her annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Parishioners, guests and friends of all ages are welcome.

Reflection for October 18

Be what you see; receive what you are (St. Augustine, Sermon on the Eucharist).

Friday, October 9, 2015

Announcements for October 11

Parish Photograph for the Flossmoor Yearbook: October 25 
The Village of Flossmoor is creating a photographic yearbook. Residents, businesses, churches and other organizations are all participating. Our parish photograph will be taken Sunday morning, October 25, following the 10:00 AM service. We hope everyone can participate!

Yarn Ministry Needs the Congregation’s Assistance-
We will be collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. The first group we have been asked to contribute to is “SoulScarves,” a human warmth project from Grace Place Episcopal Church in Chicago. Grace Place serves breakfast to over 150 predominantly male guests each Saturday morning. We would like to have the items for them by November 15th. The other group will be PADS, for various people in need. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, please help the Yarn Ministry make this a very successful project. Collections bins will be located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

Blessing of the Animals
Thanks to all people and pets who participated. Photos and a list of contest winners are posted in the undercroft.  Photos are also available on the parish Facebook page.

New Parking Regulations in Flossmoor
New parking regulations went into effect October 1 in Flossmoor. There is no change to parking regulations on Leavitt, Central and Park. (Parking is still permitted on both sides of Leavitt; regulations on Central and Park remain as they currently are.) If, however, you park on Bruce or Burns, note that parking is now allowed only on the non-hydrant side of the street (the west side). More information and a map are available HERE.

Episcopal Men’s Group 2.0 Reboots, Ready for More! 
Back by popular demand, the St. John's Episcopal Men's Group held its inaugural breakfast meeting on Saturday, Oct. 3, and nearly a dozen thoughtful adult Christian males participated. Led in prayerful study and discussion by Deacon John Whennen, attendees uniformly agreed afterward that a bond had formed and something worth cultivating had been created. Come, see for yourself what that "something" is, at the group's next meeting, Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 a.m. in the undercroft. As promised, the meeting ends promptly at 9 a.m., so you all will be able to return your many weekend responsibilities, refreshed and spiritually renewed.

Adult Sunday School
The Living Faithfully adult Sunday School class continues a course on “Lost Christianities,” a look at the diversity within the early Christian movement and the evolution of what is now known as orthodox Christianity. All are welcome; you may join the class at any time. Sundays at 9:00 AM in Classroom 4 in the education wing.

Reflection for October 11

On the whole, I do not find Christians, outside of the catacombs, sufficiently sensible of conditions. Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping god may wake someday and take offense, or the waking god may draw us out to where we can never return (Teaching a Stone to Talk, Annie Dillard).

Friday, October 2, 2015

Announcements for October 4

Blessing of the Animals: This Sunday, October 4
This year we again join with the people of Faith Lutheran Church to offer the blessing of the pets. Pets of any size or species are invited to receive individual blessings within the context of a brief service of prayer and praise. Sunday, October 4, 4:30 PM at the Outdoor Altar. The “traditional” contests will also be offered.

New Parking Regulations in Flossmoor
New parking regulations went into effect October 1 in Flossmoor. There is no change to parking regulations on Leavitt, Central and Park. (Parking is still permitted on both sides of Leavitt; regulations on Central and Park remain as they currently are.) If, however, you park on Bruce or Burns, note that parking is now allowed only on the non-hydrant side of the street (the west side). More information and a map are available HERE.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, October 5, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Adult Sunday School
The Living Faithfully adult Sunday School class continues a course on “Lost Christianities,” a look at the diversity within the early Christian movement and the evolution of what is now known as orthodox Christianity. All are welcome; you may join the class at any time. Sundays at 9:00 AM in Classroom 4 in the education wing.

Sing Handel’s Messiah 
The Illiana Oratorio Society will begin rehearsals for Handel's Messiah on Monday, October 19, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. These rehearsals will be held at First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL. There will be seven rehearsals and the concert will be presented on Sunday, December 6 at 2 PM. All are welcome to join! Questions? Check with Gale Michael.

Reflection for October 4

Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired, but probably the least imitated; few have attained to his total identification with the poverty and suffering of Christ (“Francis of Assisi,” October 4, Holy Women, Holy Men).

Friday, September 25, 2015

Announcements for September 27

Sunday School Begins
Regular Sunday School classes for all ages begin this Sunday, September 27, during the 9:00 AM hour. The class for grades 4-6 meets in classroom 5 in the education wing. The Confirmation class (grades 7-8) meets in the small classroom near the parish office. The adult class meets in classroom 4 in the education wing. Coffee and the Chicago Tribune continue to be available in the undercroft.

Delegates for Diocesan Convention
Thank you to Sue O’Brien, Shirley Reilly, Gale Michael, Dorris Sheffer and Don Rubins for volunteering to represent St. John’s as delegates and alternates to Diocesan Convention.

Blessing of the Animals: October 4
This year we again join with the people of Faith Lutheran Church to offer the blessing of the pets. Pets of any size or species are invited to receive individual blessings within the context of a brief service of prayer and praise. Sunday, October 4, 4:30 PM at the Outdoor Altar. The “traditional” contests will also be offered.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, October 5, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Sing Handel’s Messiah
The Illiana Oratorio Society will begin rehearsals for Handel's Messiah on Monday, October 19, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. These rehearsals will be held at First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL. There will be seven rehearsals and the concert will be presented on Sunday, December 6 at 2 PM. All are welcome to join! Questions? Check with Gale Michael.

Reflection for September 27

By reading the scriptures I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me. The sky seems to be a pure, a cooler blue, the trees a deeper green. The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet (Thomas Merton).

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - August 17, 2015

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, Diane Walsh- Madden; the junior warden, Anne Edwards; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier, Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund.; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry member Cynthia Turnquest was absent. Landscape architect Scott Mehaffey was present for part of the meeting.

Discussion and Decisions — Part 1

Columbarium Project
In July, landscape architect Scott Mehaffey organized a tour of several North Shore columbaria. The rector and several vestry members participated. At the vestry meeting Scott presented a slide show with pictures from those sites as well as columbarium pictures from around the world. The projects were varied, including those that were formal and informal, gardens, walls, walkways, scattering beds, vine trellises, and direct internment. Following the slideshow, the vestry discussed impressions from the North Shore tour and from the slides that were presented with special emphasis on which aspects would work best for St. John’s. Scott left after gathering information from the discussion. He said that he would return for the September vestry meeting with schematics for the project, and he encouraged vestry members to contact him with further comments during the month.

Parish Stewardship

Minutes from the June Meeting
Anne Edwards moved to approve the minutes from the June vestry meeting. Patti Porte seconded, and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that there was nothing extraordinary in the budget this month. By June, halfway through the year, 52.49% of the year’s budget had been spent. The Ice Cream Social took in $88.00 above expenses. Hans Zigmund moved to accept the Treasurer’s Reports from June and July. After a second from Rob Carrier, the motion was approved.

The coffee hour receipts again are falling behind expenses. When this has happened in the past, parishioners have responded to a reminder announcement. Diane Walsh-Madden offered to present a reminder at the 10:00 AM service.

Prior to the meeting, Pastor Orr electronically distributed the second quarter’s Rector’s Discretionary Account report. Jim Whitfield made a motion to accept the report, and Bob Burgwald seconded. The motion was approved.

Information

Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr expressed thanks to the wardens, Anne Edwards and Diane Walsh-Madden, for their coverage during her recent vacation.

Upcoming Events
August 23rd: Blessing of the Backpacks at the 10:00 AM service
September 13th: Jubilation and Ministry Fair during coffee hour
September 20th: Chad Senuta, from the diocese’s Youth and Campus Ministry, visits for discussion during the 9:00 AM hour. He will preach at the later service. No Sunday School classes will be held on this day.

Discussion and Decisions — Part 2 

Tuckpointing
At the June meeting, the vestry received three proposals for tuckpointing. Given that the work must be done before cold weather sets in, Jim Whitfield moved that the vestry accept the proposal from Best Brick after determining if they have workers’ compensation, insurance, etc. Tuckpointing and weatherproofing would include work on the bell tower, the exterior of the balcony area on the north side of the church, and church and rectory chimneys. Rob Carrier seconded, and the motion was approved.

Door Replacement
Prior to the meeting, proposals for the replacement of the door that leads to the back parking lot were distributed to vestry members. Proposals were from The Door Store, A Better Door and Window, and Preferred Window and Door. Discussion led to informal support for A Better Door and Window’s proposal. There were some questions about an electric door opener. Jim Whitfield will research this further.

Closing

The meeting ended at 9:30 PM following prayer. The next vestry meeting is scheduled for September 21st.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis,
Clerk of the Vestry

Approved:  September 21, 2015

Friday, September 18, 2015

Announcements for September 20

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, September 21, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM with Evening Prayer.

Welcome Chad Senuta at 9:00 AM This Sunday
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s this Sunday, September 20. He will present a forum in the adult classroom in the Education Wing for parishioners of all ages during the 9:00 AM hour and will preach at the 10:00 AM service.

Last Call for Delegates for Diocesan Convention
This year’s annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held November 20 & 21 at the Westin Lombard. This year’s keynote speaker is the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms-Magdalene, a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Everyone is welcome to attend convention. If you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate from St. John’s to the business sessions, please let Pastor Orr know by this Sunday, September 20.

Sunday School Classes Begin Next Sunday September 27
Sunday School classes for all ages begin next Sunday, September 27. Children do not have to be pre-registered to participate.

2015 – 2016 Parish Calendar Available
Copies of the coming year’s calendar of services and activities are available on the information tables.

Reflection for September 20

The children of Abraham have ever been reminded to care for the widow and orphan and the sojourner in their midst, who were the refugees and homeless of the time. Jesus charged his followers to care for the least of these and proclaim the near presence of the Reign of God – in other words, feed the hungry, water the thirsty, house the homeless, heal the sick, and liberate the captives. We cannot ignore the massive human suffering in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, nor in Asia and the Americas. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, and our lives are bound up with theirs. The churchwide ministry of Episcopalians has included refugee resettlement since the refugee crisis of World War II. It continues today through the leadership of Episcopal Migration Ministries, and I urge your involvement, action, and support. Read about their work HERE, and share these opportunities with friends and co-workers. You will discover anew the power of good news in the face of the world’s tragedies.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, 
Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Announcements for September 6

Jubilation and Ministry Fair: Next Sunday, September 13 
The Jubilation, our fall program kick-off and celebration of the life and ministry of the people of St. John’s, will be held next Sunday, September 13, following the 10:00 AM service. Lunch will be served. Bring a side or dessert to share if you can. Ministries and activities will have informational displays and Sunday School registration will be held.

Seeking Delegates for Diocesan Convention
This year’s annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held November 20 & 21 at the Westin Lombard. This year’s keynote speaker is the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms-Magdalene, a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Everyone is welcome to attend convention. If you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate from St. John’s to the business sessions, please let Pastor Orr know by September 20.

Chad Senuta to Visit St. John’s
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, September 20. He will present a forum for parishioners of all ages during the 9:00 AM hour and will preach at the 10:00 AM service.

2015 – 2016 Parish Calendar Available
Copies of the coming year’s calendar of services and activities are available on the information tables.

Bowling League Sunday Afternoon
Church Bowling League is looking for bowlers for the 2015-2016 season. Teams of four (all men, all women, any mixture of men and women, your teenage children, too). Every other Sunday afternoon from 3 pm to 6 pm at Lynwood Bowl. For further information, contact Gale Michael.

Parish Office
The parish office will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Other than the holiday, the office has resumed regular hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Reflection for September 6

We need places to pray as if someone were listening, to study as if we might learn something worth writing on our hearts, to join with others in service as if the world might be transformed. Churches are places to learn to practice, with others, a continual conversion of life, a permanent openness to change (Stephanie Paulsell, “Soul experiments,” Faith Matters, Christian Century.).

Friday, August 28, 2015

Announcements for August 30

Jubilation and Ministry Fair: September 13 
The Jubilation, our fall program kick-off and celebration of the life and ministry of the people of St. John’s, will be held the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 13. Lunch will be served. Ministries and activities will have informational displays and Sunday School registration will be held.

Chad Senuta to Visit St. John’s 
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, September 20. He will present a forum for parishioners of all ages during the 9:00 AM hour and will preach at the 10:00 AM service.

2015 – 2016 Parish Calendar Available 
Copies of the calendar of services and activities for the upcoming program year are available on the information tables.

Bowling League
Sunday Afternoon Church Bowling League is looking for bowlers for the 2015-2016 season. Teams of four (all men, all women, any mixture of men and women, your teenage children, too). Every other Sunday afternoon from 3 pm to 6 pm at Lynwood Bowl. For further information, contact Gale Michael.

Reflection for August 30

If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them with a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it (Lyndon B. Johnson).

Friday, August 21, 2015

Announcements for August 23

Blessing of the Backpacks – This Sunday, August 23
As students of all ages return to school after summer break we will bless their backpacks and pray for all who teach and all who learn during the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, August 23.

Looking Ahead to the Jubilation
The Jubilation, our fall program kick-off and celebration of the life and ministry of the people of St. John’s, will be held the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 13.

Chad Senuta to Visit St. John’s
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, September 20. More details will be provided later.

Vestry Minutes
A reminder that vestry minutes are posted on this blog after they are approved by the vestry.  For example, the June minutes (approved at the recent August meeting) are posted here.  A paper copy is also posted in the glass-cased bulletin board near the parish office.

Reflection for August 23

Joy is the most infallible sign of the existence of God (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, via Stephen Colbert.  More of Colbert reflecting on his faith is available here).

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - June 15, 2015

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, Anne Edwards; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier, Nichole Dailor, Patti Pohrte, Ted Stone, Cynthia Turnquest, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Absent from the meeting were the senior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; and vestry members Bob DeOliveira, and Hans Zigmund.

Parish Stewardship

Minutes from the May Meeting
Jim Whitfield moved to accept the minutes from the May vestry meeting. Cynthia Turnquest seconded, and the motion was approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that things are fine with the budget, with no unanticipated expenses, and with revenue coming in uneventfully. Anne Edwards moved to accept the treasurer’s report, and Patti Pohrte seconded. The motion was approved.

Information

Rector’s Report
• Pastor Orr reminded the vestry that she will be on vacation for four weeks, the time including the last two Sundays of July and the first two Sundays of August.
• Greg Knoll asked the rector to express thanks to the vestry for the gifts of a personal letter from the White Sox and a restaurant gift card that were given to him to thank him for the years that he donated his grass-mowing services to the parish.
• Thanks to the generosity of Bill Braker, the overgrown yews at the south end of the education wing have been removed. Pastor Orr and Lynn Ruschhaupt are working on ideas for new plantings in that area.
• Pastor Orr expressed gratitude for the vestry’s work on the day of Bishop Epting’s visit and the days leading up to it.
• The diocese offers at least three electronic newsletters on the topics of youth, general information, and leadership. The rector encouraged those on the vestry who have not done so, to go to the diocesan website and sign up for at least the general information newsletter. Nichole Dailor noted that the youth newsletter recently announced that the Associate and Assistant for Youth Ministry are available to come out to parishes to encourage kids to participate in diocesan youth events. Pastor Orr also had noticed this and will look into it further.
• Pastor Orr recently received a communication from Bishop Lee’s administrative assistant stating that the bishop is considering scheduling parish visits, starting next year, for events other than Sunday eucharists. The vestry should think about which events the bishop could be invited to visit at St. John’s.

Upcoming Events
July 4th - St. John’s Annual Community Ice Cream Social

Discussion and Decisions

Columbarium Project
Last month the vestry decided to enter into an agreement with landscape architect Scott Mehaffey. He has sent a specific contract that formalizes what was in his previous written narrative. The contract covers an evaluation of our site, a local tour for the vestry to see other columbaria, Mr. Mehaffey’s research, and the presentation of three design options. Jim Whitfield made a motion that the vestry will engage in this contract as presented with funding from the Columbarium Fund. Nicole Dailor seconded, and the motion was approved.

Building Maintenance
• Since last month’s meeting the issue of a non-working outdoor faucet nearest to the community garden seems to have been resolved, perhaps by being forced on by the workers who removed the yews. In any event, there is no need for repair at this point.
• Anne Edwards continues to look into flooring options for the front undercroft stairs, sacristy, and rectory kitchen.
• Jim Whitfield has had people out to look at the door to the staff parking lot.
• Rob Carrier has received three tuck pointing estimates after having talked with at least four companies. The vestry discussed possible reasons why the bell tower tuck pointing that was done in 2006 has not held up. It could have been the result of faulty workmanship, but it also could have been due to such things as the building shifting, vibrations, or weather. Prior to the meeting, estimates from Bruno’s, Best Brick, and Steve Coleman were distributed to vestry members. Because the proposals were not specific on some issues, the vestry did not feel ready to commit to any company this month. Rob will check on issues with various companies such as who provides ladders and scaffolding, what will they do to protect the landscape, do they have bonding and licensing proof, how much is the down payment, what is the time line, and what is the description of the work. The vestry will re-address the issue at the August meeting.

Closing
Pastor Orr stated that she will notify the vestry when Scott Mehaffey has scheduled the local columbarium tour, and she encourages as many vestry members as possible to attend.
After prayer, the meeting ended at 8:35 PM.
As always, there will be no vestry meeting in July. The next meeting is scheduled for August 17th.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry

Approved:  August 17, 2015

Friday, August 14, 2015

Announcements for August 16

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, August 17, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 PM in the church.

Blessing of the Backpacks – August 23
As students of all ages return to school after summer break we will bless their backpacks and pray for all who teach and all who learn during the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, August 23.

Looking Ahead to the Jubilation
The Jubilation, our fall program kick-off and celebration of the life and ministry of the people of St. John’s, will be held the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 13.

Chad Senuta to Visit St. John’s 
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, September 20. More details will be provided later.

Reflection for August 16

Over the next few hours, I went by the laundry room. Each time I meant to wash [my shirt recently stained with coffee], but there was always something else to do. So the shirt, my favorite shirt, just sat there. I really did mean to wash it, but it was two days before I actually got to wash the shirt. When the shirt came out of the machine, there was my shirt — and there was the stain. Washed, but not removed.

I had waited too long to remove the stain. The stain had set in. Oh my favorite shirt.

That’s when it came to me: our hearts are like this too.

Sometimes we get a stain on our hearts. An injury, an insult. A sadness, an anger. A frustration, a resentment. We could wash it away right then and there, with some kindness.

But we wait.

We postpone the washing, the cleansing, the forgiving. We move on to some other task, a new guest, a new emotion. The “stain” of that negative emotion sets in our hearts.

If something as simple as coffee can set in a shirt, how much more can anger and resentment set in our luminous hearts? Our hearts are the seat of the spirit, meant to hold God and naught but God.

Instead we stain our heart. We stain the hearts of others. We fail to remove the stain. We wait too long to remove the stain (Omid Safe, “We Wait Too Long to Remove the Stain, On Being blog).

Friday, July 31, 2015

Announcements for August 2

Supply Priest
We welcome the Rev. Stacy Alan back to St. John’s this Sunday. She currently serves as chaplain to Brent House, the Episcopal Campus Ministry at the University of Chicago.





Recap of Respond Now School Supply Drive
Thank you to the Daughters of the King for sponsoring St. John’s participation in Respond Now’s school supply drive. And praise God for everyone who so generously participated. 49 binders, 62 pairs of scissors and 98 packages of loose leaf paper were delivered to Respond Now.

Wednesday Service is Morning Prayer
This Wednesday, August 5, the 9:00 AM service will be Morning Prayer with special prayers for healing. The Holy Eucharist will resume August 12.

Reflection for August 2

It was inevitable that the Prayer Book would have a key role in deciding what was good English: it was destined to be one of the most frequently printed and often most heard texts in the language. Whatever its content it would have become decisive; as it was, the Prayer Book’s language was created by an individual with a natural ear for formal prose: for sound and sentence construction. For this reason Cranmer deserves the gratitude not merely of the Church of England, but of all English speakers throughout the world. Through his connoisseurship, his appreciative pilfering of other people’s words and his own adaptations, he created a prose which was self-consciously formal and highly crafted, intended for repeated use until it was polished as smooth as a pebble on the beach…. He stands prominently amid a select band of Tudor writers, from Tyndale to Shakespeare, who set English on its future course….

Twentieth-century scholarship has reminded us just how fundamental is the structure of language to the way in which we construct our lives and our culture. Cranmer’s language lies at the heart of our own English-speaking culture, which has now become so central to the destiny of the world (Thomas Cranmer, Diarmaid MacCullough).

Friday, July 24, 2015

Announcements for July 26

Supply Priest
We welcome the Rev. Sam Portaro back to St. John’s this Sunday.

Best Buddies Pet Pantry
Best Buddies is a local, all-volunteer organization that provides free pet food to families who are facing economic hardship. Their hope is to keep pets and families together and reduce the number of pets that are surrendered to shelters. Look for more information in flyers on the information tables. In addition to supplies, financial donations are also welcome. A donation box is in the west foyer, or speak to Susan Marquis about volunteer opportunities. (You may also, of course, continue to help the work of the South Suburban Humane Society. A donation box is in the undercroft. They particularly welcome towels, blankets and bleach in addition to pet food.)

Wednesday Service is Morning Prayer
This Wednesday, July 29, the 9:00 AM service will be Morning Prayer with special prayers for healing. The Holy Eucharist will resume August 12.

Reflection for July 26

A Prayer for the Church 
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 280).

Friday, July 17, 2015

Announcements for July 19

Supply Priest
We welcome the Rev. Sam Portaro back to St. John’s this Sunday.

School Supplies for Respond Now: This Sunday is the Deadline
The Daughters of the King are coordinating our participation in a drive to collect school supplies for clients of Respond Now. Specifically requested: Children’s scissors (either safety or pointed are OK), “college ruled” notebook paper, and 2 inch ring binders. Please bring donations to church by this Sunday, July 19. Thank you.

Best Buddies Pet Pantry
Best Buddies is a local, all-volunteer organization that provides free pet food to families who are facing economic hardship. Their hope is to keep pets and families together and reduce the number of pets that are surrendered to shelters. Look for more information in flyers on the information tables. A donation box is in the west foyer or speak to Susan Marquis about volunteer opportunities. (You may also, of course, continue to help the work of the South Suburban Humane Society. A donation box is in the undercroft. They particularly welcome towels, blankets and bleach in addition to pet food,)

Wednesday Service is Morning Prayer
This Wednesday, July 22, the 9:00 AM service will be Morning Prayer with special prayers for healing. The Holy Eucharist will resume August 12.

Reflection for July 19

Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. And, I suppose I should add, it is traditionalism that gives tradition such a bad name (Jaroslav Pelikan, "The Vindication of Tradition: The 1983 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities").

Friday, July 10, 2015

Announcements for July 12

School Supplies for Respond Now: Next Week is the Deadline
The Daughters of the King are coordinating our participation in a drive to collect school supplies for clients of Respond Now. Specifically requested: Children’s scissors (either safety or pointed are OK), “college ruled” notebook paper, and 2 inch ring binders. Please bring donations to church by Sunday, July 19. Thank you.

Summary of General Convention
You may read an online wrap-up of the actions of the recent General Convention of the Episcopal Church HERE.  Paper copies are also available on the information tables at the church.

Best Buddies Pet Pantry
Best Buddies is a local, all-volunteer organization that provides free pet food to families who are facing economic hardship. Their hope is to keep pets and families together and reduce the number of pets that are surrendered to shelters. Look for more information in flyers on the information tables. A donation box will be coming soon or speak to Susan Marquis about volunteer opportunities. (You may also, of course, continue to help the work of the South Suburban Humane Society. A donation box is in the undercroft. They particularly welcome towels, blankets and bleach in addition to pet food,)

Wednesday Service is Morning Prayer
This Wednesday, July 15, the 9:00 AM service will be Morning Prayer with special prayers for healing. The Holy Eucharist will resume August 12.

Reflection for July 12

Faith lives in the human world by the grace of God, because of the love and loyalty of God, and in the presence of God, which is free, indifferent to our anxieties, to our categories, and, quite emphatically, I think, to our very negative judgments about the spiritual state of our neighbors (Marilynne Robinson, “Sacred inwardness,” Christian Century, July 8, 2015).

Friday, July 3, 2015

Announcements for July 5

Ice Cream Social
A big thank you to everyone who did or is about to (depending on when you’re reading this) participate in the Ice Cream Social by scooping ice cream, cutting watermelon, setting up tents and tables, arranging flowers, pouring lemonade and iced tea, serving ice cream, lemonade and iced tea, grilling hotdogs, selling food, overseeing the children’s table, helping the balloon ladies, greeting the community, attending, cleaning up, donating to the entertainment (you still can!) and most importantly praying for good weather. This event would not work as well if all of you didn’t support it. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

School Supplies for Respond Now
The Daughters of the King are coordinating our participation in a drive to collect school supplies for clients of Respond Now. Specifically requested: Children’s scissors (either safety or pointed are OK), “college ruled” notebook paper, and 2 inch ring binders. Please bring donations to church by Sunday, July 19. Thank you.

Reflection for July 5

For the Nation
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 258).

Friday, June 26, 2015

Announcements for June 28

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, Saturday, July 4. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m.; we begin serving around 10:15 a.m. Skiddles and Twistina will be twisting balloons into all sorts of fun shapes. Come enjoy free ice cream and cool drinks. Hot dogs will be available for purchase. (Financial contributions to help underwrite the event are still welcome.)

School Supplies for Respond Now
The Daughters of the King are coordinating our participation in a drive to collect school supplies for clients of Respond Now. Specifically requested: Children’s scissors (either safety or pointed are OK), “college ruled” notebook paper, and 2 inch ring binders. Please bring donations to church by Sunday, July 19. Thank you.

Reflection for June 28

What is one of the best ways to share our faith with others? Smile. I think that’s the best witness we can make. If we would like people to discover what we have found in our belief system, then show them a smile, because if we have nothing to smile about, we have little to believe in. People who say they are religious but seem constantly unhappy or angry strike me as a spiritual oxymoron. Our deepest joy comes from the peace we feel in a love we practice with confidence. Of course we know moments of sorrow, but we also know how to live through them. That’s worth a smile (Bishop Steven Charleston, via Facebook).

Friday, June 19, 2015

Announcements for June 21

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 twisters Skiddles and Twistina, 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.

Keep Up With Diocesan News
The Diocese of Chicago publishes several e-newsletters. One, in particular, provides general news on diocesan programs and events and is intended for all friends and members of the diocese. It is published every two weeks. You may sign up to receive it HERE.

Bishop Lee’s Invitation to Fight Gun Violence
The day before the recent shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston Bishop Lee issued an invitation to all of us to stand and work together to help prevent gun violence. His letter was written in anticipation of the upcoming General Convention of the Episcopal Church. You can read it HERE.

Reflfection for June 21

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen (Prayer attributed to St. Francis).

Friday, June 12, 2015

Announcements for June 14

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, June 15, beginning in the church with Evening Prayer at 7:00 PM.

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. To make a financial contribution, look for the red, white and blue donation envelopes around the church.

Parish Office Summer Hours
Just a reminder: the parish office is now on summer schedule. The office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM.

Reflection for June 14

These Sundays, sometimes called “Green Sundays,” are not simply filler or “ordinary time.” The season after Pentecost continues the Paschal cycle from the commemoration of the first Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, to the celebration of the final Advent or “Second Coming,” when Christ will come in glory…. It is, of course, in these Sundays after Pentecost that we actually live—that is, in the period between the first and final coming (Advent); but in the liturgy, all of time, past, present, and future, is laid before us to be celebrated in the mystery of the liturgical year (Leonel L. Mitchell, Praying Shapes Believing).

Friday, June 5, 2015

Announcements for June 7

We Welcome Bishop Epting This Sunday
The Rt. Rev. C. Christopher Epting, assisting bishop in the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s this Sunday, June 7. He will preach and preside at both services. Deacon Chere Bates will also be joining us. Please plan to be present to welcome them to the parish. Read more about Bishop Epting HERE.

Forum With Bishop Epting
What is an assisting Bishop? What’s new in the Diocese of Chicago? Parishioners of all ages are invited to a forum with Bishop Epting at 9:00 AM on Sunday. Bring all of your questions! The forum will meet in the adult education classroom in the education wing.

Michael Soto Recital at St. John’s 
You are invited to an exploration of musical influences and inspirations, featuring works of J.S. Bach, Alan Hovhaness, Jean Langlais, and Maurice Duruflé. The recital will take place at St. John's on Saturday, June 13 at 7:00 pm. A free-will offering will benefit the Grande Prairie Children’s Choir.

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. 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.

Parish Office Summer Hours
This Monday, June 8, the parish office begins summer hours. The office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM.

Reflection for June 7

My doing science is kind of like playing a board game with God. It is a great game, where God and I can interact with each other. We are not equals, but God is happy to see someone solve the puzzle a little bit (Guy Consolmagno, SJ, researcher at the Vatican Observatory, interviewed in Christian Century, June 10, 2015).

Friday, May 29, 2015

Announcements for May 31

Parish Picnic and Planting the Garden this Sunday
The annual beginning of summer parish picnic will be this Sunday, May 31, following the 10:00 AM service. As usual hot dogs and hamburgers will be served. Bring a side or dessert if you wish. And wear gardening clothes and bring a trowel if you can. We have over 100 plants to plant in the parish food garden. Throughout the summer the produce from these plants will be donated to a local food pantry.

The Bishop is Coming
The Rt. Rev. C. Christopher Epting, assisting bishop in the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, June 7. Please plan to be present to welcome him to the parish. Read more about Bishop Epting HERE.

Michael Soto Recital at St. John’s
You are invited to an exploration of musical influences and inspirations, featuring works of J.S. Bach, Alan Hovhaness, Jean Langlais, and Maurice Duruflé. The recital will take place at St. John's on Saturday, June 13 at 7:00 pm. A free-will offering will benefit the Grande Prairie Children’s Choir.

Ice Cream Social
We’re gearing up for the St. John’s Annual Community Ice Cream Social scheduled for Saturday, July 4th. Skiddles and Twistina will entertain us with their balloon creations. We will have ice cream, cold drinks, hot dogs and cookies. All of this happens immediately following the 10 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.