High School Youth Group
Attention High School Youth: Let's shop for our furry friends (because winter has been rrrrufff)! Meet at St. John's promptly at 4pm this Sunday, March 1. We'll take our proceeds from the Pancake Supper and shop for necessities for our animal friends at South Suburban Humane Society. Please call or text Dee so we know how much car space is needed. We will return to St. John's by 5:30pm.
Wednesday Evening Class for Lent: Reading Assignments
This year the Wednesday evening Lenten class is studying The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Last Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. Classes meet in the church from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Reading assignments for the remaining weeks are: March 4 – Chapters 2 & 3; March 11 – Chapters 4 & 5; March 18 – Chapters 6 & 7; March 25 – Chapter 8.
The Fish Fry is Coming
Mark your calendars for St. John’s annual Lenten fish fry, coming March 20.
Daylight Saving Time Begins March 8
Remember to set your clocks forward one hour sometime before church next Sunday, March 8.
Last Call: Draft of New Parish Directory
Draft copies of updated version of the parish directory are located on the information tables. Please check to ensure your information is up-do-date. We always welcome the addition of email addresses and cell phone numbers if you are willing to share those. Copies of the new directories will be available soon.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, March 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.
Spring is Almost Here
Well, at least musically, as the Grande Prairie Singers present a love-themed concert featuring West Side Story and Henry Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas. It will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 8, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Pianist is our own amazing Michael Soto. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Reflection for March 1
The surest way to uphold or restore our endangered Church will be for each of her anxious children, in his own place and station, to resign himself more thoroughly to his God and Savior in those duties, public and private, which are not immediately affected by the emergencies of the moment: the daily and hourly duties, I mean, of piety, purity, charity, justice (The Rev. John Keble, Assize Sermon, 1833, quoted at HERE at Lent Madness).
Friday, February 20, 2015
Announcements for February 22
The Observance of a Holy Lent
Materials are available to help you observe the holy season of Lent. Look for the “Lent for Dummies” handout with information and suggestions. Several booklets and guides for daily reflection and devotion are also available on the information tables.
Wednesday Evening Class for Lent (Including Reading Assignments)
This year the Wednesday evening Lenten class will study The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Last Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. The class will include presentations of the material in the book along with discussion. If you wish to read the material before class, please acquire your own copy of the book. Classes begin February 25 and meet in the church from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Reading assignments for each week are: February 25 – Introduction & Chapter 1; March 4 – Chapters 2 & 3; March 11 – Chapters 4 & 5; March 18 – Chapters 6 & 7; March 25 – Chapter 8.
The Fish Fry is Coming
Mark your calendars for St. John’s annual Lenten fish fry, coming March 20.
The Great Litany
It is the custom of many parishes, including St. John’s, to pray the Great Litany on the First Sunday in Lent. A litany is a form of prayer in which the people make fixed responses to a series of short biddings or intercessions. They are an ancient liturgical tradition, often said or sung in procession. The Great Litany is the first liturgical rite published in English. Developed by Thomas Cranmer, it was published in 1544. The first English Book of Common Prayer was published in 1549.
Draft of New Parish Directory
Draft copies of updated version of the parish directory are located on the information tables. Please check to ensure your information is up-do-date. We always welcome the addition of email addresses and cell phone numbers if you are willing to share those.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, March 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.
Spring is Almost Here
Well, at least musically, as the Grande Prairie Singers present a love-themed concert featuring West Side Story and Henry Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas. It will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 8, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Pianist is our own amazing Michael Soto. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.
Materials are available to help you observe the holy season of Lent. Look for the “Lent for Dummies” handout with information and suggestions. Several booklets and guides for daily reflection and devotion are also available on the information tables.
Wednesday Evening Class for Lent (Including Reading Assignments)
This year the Wednesday evening Lenten class will study The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Last Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. The class will include presentations of the material in the book along with discussion. If you wish to read the material before class, please acquire your own copy of the book. Classes begin February 25 and meet in the church from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Reading assignments for each week are: February 25 – Introduction & Chapter 1; March 4 – Chapters 2 & 3; March 11 – Chapters 4 & 5; March 18 – Chapters 6 & 7; March 25 – Chapter 8.
The Fish Fry is Coming
Mark your calendars for St. John’s annual Lenten fish fry, coming March 20.
The Great Litany
It is the custom of many parishes, including St. John’s, to pray the Great Litany on the First Sunday in Lent. A litany is a form of prayer in which the people make fixed responses to a series of short biddings or intercessions. They are an ancient liturgical tradition, often said or sung in procession. The Great Litany is the first liturgical rite published in English. Developed by Thomas Cranmer, it was published in 1544. The first English Book of Common Prayer was published in 1549.
Draft of New Parish Directory
Draft copies of updated version of the parish directory are located on the information tables. Please check to ensure your information is up-do-date. We always welcome the addition of email addresses and cell phone numbers if you are willing to share those.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, March 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.
Spring is Almost Here
Well, at least musically, as the Grande Prairie Singers present a love-themed concert featuring West Side Story and Henry Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas. It will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 8, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Pianist is our own amazing Michael Soto. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.
Reflection for February 22
Well, these days I think we know only too well how we have sadly damaged and polluted the gift of God’s Creation. And I think we’re perhaps less aware of how much we have also damaged and, one could say, polluted the gift of time. For many of us, time is experienced no longer as a precious gift, but almost like an enemy. We haven’t got enough time…. Or on the other hand we waste time and we fritter it away and kill time. All of these things I think… bear witness to a sense of disorderedness, a disordered relationship with this precious gift (Brother Geoffrey Tristram, Society of St. John the Evangelist, Lenten Study Series, available HERE).
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Minutes of Vestry Budget Meeting - January 4
The vestry met at 11:25 AM in the conference room to approve a budget for 2015.
Those present were: Kristin Orr, rector; Bill Bestow, senior warden; Diane Walsh-Madden, junior warden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; Debbi Huggett, treasurer; and Susan Marquis, clerk.
Those absent were vestry members Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, and Patti Pohrte.
The treasurer guided the vestry through the 2014 financial report. The notable entries were high costs for snow removal and natural gas due to a severe winter, fewer office and nursery staff hours than were budgeted, and the Youth and Family Ministry fund that had not been used.
Pledges for 2015 total $191,659, which is about what was expected. A few more pledges are likely to come in.
The vestry discussed what changes could be made to bring the anticipated expenses more in line with anticipated revenue.
Pastor Orr and Mark Moxley (spouse of Office Manager, Tracie Moxley) excused themselves as the vestry discussed cost-of-living pay raises for staff.
After Pastor Orr and Mr. Moxley re-joined the group, Jim Whitfield moved to:
Diane Walsh-Madden made the following motion regarding the parsonage allowance: Whereas the Rev. Kristin Orr is employed as a minister of the Gospel by the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in Flossmoor IL, which, although providing a residence, does not provide the full cost of maintaining and furnishing such a residence, the Vestry resolves that of the total compensation to be paid to the Rev. Orr during 2015, $3,000.00 be designated a parsonage allowance within the meaning of that term as used in Section 107 of the IRS Code of 1986. This housing allowance will apply to the year 2015 and all future years unless otherwise provided.
Gale Michael seconded the motion, and the vestry voted to approve it.
The budget meeting ended at 12:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: February 16, 2015
Those present were: Kristin Orr, rector; Bill Bestow, senior warden; Diane Walsh-Madden, junior warden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; Debbi Huggett, treasurer; and Susan Marquis, clerk.
Those absent were vestry members Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, and Patti Pohrte.
The treasurer guided the vestry through the 2014 financial report. The notable entries were high costs for snow removal and natural gas due to a severe winter, fewer office and nursery staff hours than were budgeted, and the Youth and Family Ministry fund that had not been used.
Pledges for 2015 total $191,659, which is about what was expected. A few more pledges are likely to come in.
The vestry discussed what changes could be made to bring the anticipated expenses more in line with anticipated revenue.
Pastor Orr and Mark Moxley (spouse of Office Manager, Tracie Moxley) excused themselves as the vestry discussed cost-of-living pay raises for staff.
After Pastor Orr and Mr. Moxley re-joined the group, Jim Whitfield moved to:
- Reduce the office and nursery staff hours to their actual levels from 2014
- Leave the diocesan pledge at the 2014 level
- Decrease the Youth and Family Ministry fund to $7,000
- Increase paid staff (i.e. rector, office manager, sexton, and nursery attendant) salaries by 3%
- Reduce the utility budget by $1,000.
Diane Walsh-Madden made the following motion regarding the parsonage allowance: Whereas the Rev. Kristin Orr is employed as a minister of the Gospel by the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in Flossmoor IL, which, although providing a residence, does not provide the full cost of maintaining and furnishing such a residence, the Vestry resolves that of the total compensation to be paid to the Rev. Orr during 2015, $3,000.00 be designated a parsonage allowance within the meaning of that term as used in Section 107 of the IRS Code of 1986. This housing allowance will apply to the year 2015 and all future years unless otherwise provided.
Gale Michael seconded the motion, and the vestry voted to approve it.
The budget meeting ended at 12:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: February 16, 2015
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - December 15
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM followed by offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were: the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden Bill Bestow; the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members absent were: Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Patti Pohrte, and Hans Zigmund.
Stewardship
Minutes
Bill Bestow moved to accept the minutes from the November meeting. Nichole Dailor seconded, and the motion was passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that approximately $94,000 has been paid toward the lift so far with about $17,000 in outstanding bills. Pastor Orr said that the only outside work left to do on the lift project is staining the doors, and that work will start tomorrow. The parish needs to do a little more painting and moving things around.
Ms. Huggett noted that the favorable funds in her report largely are due to the unused Youth and Family Ministry payroll.
Gale Michael made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented, and Diane Walsh-Madden seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pledges have been coming in well, and a significant number of people raised their pledge amount this year. A few more pledges are likely to be coming in soon. About a week ago printed reminder cards were sent out to those who have not yet turned in their pledge cards.
For the upcoming budget meeting, Pastor Orr reminded the vestry that most budget items cannot be cut any further. The discretionary items include Christian education/youth programming, potential cost-of-living salary increases, and the diocesan pledge. We will have to pay for an annual lift inspection after the first year as well as about $40.00 per month for an emergency phone in the lift. Regular phone charges will be increasing as well.
Pastor Orr expressed thanks for the work of the diocesan convention delegates as well as to everyone who participated in the Cookie Walk, and especially the coordinator, Alison Deniston.
After having completed many hours of coursework through the diocese, Debbi Huggett is now a Certified Church Treasurer.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Other Parish Organizations
Diane Walsh-Madden wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Upcoming Events
December 24th:Christmas Eve service with pageant at 4:00 PM, and Christmas Eve service at 10:30 PM (with music starting at 10:00 PM)
December 25th: Christmas Day service at 10:00 AM
January 3rd: The Feast hosted by the vestry
January 4th: vestry budget meeting during coffee hour
January 18th: annual parish meeting
Discussions and Decisions
Gale Michael reminded vestry members to commit to work on The Feast by signing up for specific hours and tasks. In preparation for the next meeting, Pastor Orr asked the vestry to think about things that need to be done around the church building, such as addressing the need for columbarium space.
The nominating committee decided to meet at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17th.
Closing
The meeting closed with prayer at 8:45 PM. The next regular vestry meeting will be held on February 16th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis,
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: February 16, 2015
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM followed by offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were: the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden Bill Bestow; the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Ted Stone, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members absent were: Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Patti Pohrte, and Hans Zigmund.
Stewardship
Minutes
Bill Bestow moved to accept the minutes from the November meeting. Nichole Dailor seconded, and the motion was passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that approximately $94,000 has been paid toward the lift so far with about $17,000 in outstanding bills. Pastor Orr said that the only outside work left to do on the lift project is staining the doors, and that work will start tomorrow. The parish needs to do a little more painting and moving things around.
Ms. Huggett noted that the favorable funds in her report largely are due to the unused Youth and Family Ministry payroll.
Gale Michael made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented, and Diane Walsh-Madden seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pledges have been coming in well, and a significant number of people raised their pledge amount this year. A few more pledges are likely to be coming in soon. About a week ago printed reminder cards were sent out to those who have not yet turned in their pledge cards.
For the upcoming budget meeting, Pastor Orr reminded the vestry that most budget items cannot be cut any further. The discretionary items include Christian education/youth programming, potential cost-of-living salary increases, and the diocesan pledge. We will have to pay for an annual lift inspection after the first year as well as about $40.00 per month for an emergency phone in the lift. Regular phone charges will be increasing as well.
Pastor Orr expressed thanks for the work of the diocesan convention delegates as well as to everyone who participated in the Cookie Walk, and especially the coordinator, Alison Deniston.
After having completed many hours of coursework through the diocese, Debbi Huggett is now a Certified Church Treasurer.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Other Parish Organizations
Diane Walsh-Madden wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Upcoming Events
December 24th:Christmas Eve service with pageant at 4:00 PM, and Christmas Eve service at 10:30 PM (with music starting at 10:00 PM)
December 25th: Christmas Day service at 10:00 AM
January 3rd: The Feast hosted by the vestry
January 4th: vestry budget meeting during coffee hour
January 18th: annual parish meeting
Discussions and Decisions
Gale Michael reminded vestry members to commit to work on The Feast by signing up for specific hours and tasks. In preparation for the next meeting, Pastor Orr asked the vestry to think about things that need to be done around the church building, such as addressing the need for columbarium space.
The nominating committee decided to meet at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17th.
Closing
The meeting closed with prayer at 8:45 PM. The next regular vestry meeting will be held on February 16th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis,
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: February 16, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
Announcements for February 15
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, February 16, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 PM in the church.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
The traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is Tuesday, February 17, beginning at 5:00 PM. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under, available at the door. Come enjoy pre-Lenten pancakes, bacon and sausage.
Calling All Kids: Help Bury the Alleluia
Another pre-Lenten tradition is the burying of the Alleluia (since we don’t say “Alleluia” during Lent). All children of the parish are specially invited to the pancake supper to help decorate and bury this year’s Alleluia.
Ash Wednesday Services
The imposition of ashes with Holy Communion will be offered at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Ash Wednesday, February 18.
The Observance of a Holy Lent
Materials are available to help you observe the holy season of Lent. Look for the “Lent for Dummies” handout with information and suggestions. Several booklets and guides for daily reflection and devotion are also available on the information tables.
Wednesday Evening Class for Lent
This year the Wednesday evening Lenten class will study The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Last Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. The class will include presentations of the material in the book along with discussion. If you wish to read the material before class, please acquire your own copy of the book. Classes begin February 25 and meet in the church from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Draft of New Parish Directory
Draft copies of updated version of the parish directory are located on the information tables. Please check to ensure your information is up-do-date. We always welcome the addition of email addresses and cell phone numbers if you are willing to share those.
The vestry meets Monday, February 16, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 PM in the church.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
The traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is Tuesday, February 17, beginning at 5:00 PM. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under, available at the door. Come enjoy pre-Lenten pancakes, bacon and sausage.
Calling All Kids: Help Bury the Alleluia
Another pre-Lenten tradition is the burying of the Alleluia (since we don’t say “Alleluia” during Lent). All children of the parish are specially invited to the pancake supper to help decorate and bury this year’s Alleluia.
Ash Wednesday Services
The imposition of ashes with Holy Communion will be offered at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Ash Wednesday, February 18.
The Observance of a Holy Lent
Materials are available to help you observe the holy season of Lent. Look for the “Lent for Dummies” handout with information and suggestions. Several booklets and guides for daily reflection and devotion are also available on the information tables.
Wednesday Evening Class for Lent
This year the Wednesday evening Lenten class will study The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Last Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. The class will include presentations of the material in the book along with discussion. If you wish to read the material before class, please acquire your own copy of the book. Classes begin February 25 and meet in the church from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Draft of New Parish Directory
Draft copies of updated version of the parish directory are located on the information tables. Please check to ensure your information is up-do-date. We always welcome the addition of email addresses and cell phone numbers if you are willing to share those.
Reflection for February 15
I invite you in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word (Book of Common Prayer, p. 265).
Friday, February 6, 2015
Announcements for Februry 8
Copies of Annual Reports
Paper copies of the reports to this year’s annual parish meeting are available on the information tables in the church, west foyer and undercroft. Please email the parish office if you would like to receive a copy electronically (PDF format).
Getting to Know Your Vestry
Look for brief introductory statements from new and continuing vestry members on the information tables.
Memorial Service for Bishop Wiedrich
A memorial service for former Suffragan Bishop William Wiedrich, who died November 26, will be held at St. James Cathedral on Saturday, February 14 at 11 AM. The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold will preach and preside.
High School Youth and Their Parents
Please attend a very quick informational meeting regarding the Episcopal high school youth retreat--Happening #99--immediately following this Sunday's 10 AM service. Check out the diocese's website HERE for more info about the retreat (March 6th - 8th).
New Adult Sunday School Class
The adult Sunday morning class begins a new study this Sunday: Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles over Authentication. Why did some Scriptures “make the cut” and others didn’t? How did “orthodox” Christianity become established? The classes begin with a 30 minute DVD lecture by Prof. Bart Ehrman, followed by discussion. Join us!
Wednesday Evening Class for Lent
This year, the Wednesday evening Lenten class will study The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan. The class will include presentations on the material in the book as well as discussion. If you wish to read the material before class, please acquire your own copy of the book.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Yes, Lent is almost here. The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper is Tuesday, February 17, beginning at 5:00 PM. It’s time to clear the larder of “delicacies” like eggs, milk and bacon before the Lenten fast begins.
Paper copies of the reports to this year’s annual parish meeting are available on the information tables in the church, west foyer and undercroft. Please email the parish office if you would like to receive a copy electronically (PDF format).
Getting to Know Your Vestry
Look for brief introductory statements from new and continuing vestry members on the information tables.
Memorial Service for Bishop Wiedrich
A memorial service for former Suffragan Bishop William Wiedrich, who died November 26, will be held at St. James Cathedral on Saturday, February 14 at 11 AM. The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold will preach and preside.
High School Youth and Their Parents
Please attend a very quick informational meeting regarding the Episcopal high school youth retreat--Happening #99--immediately following this Sunday's 10 AM service. Check out the diocese's website HERE for more info about the retreat (March 6th - 8th).
New Adult Sunday School Class
The adult Sunday morning class begins a new study this Sunday: Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles over Authentication. Why did some Scriptures “make the cut” and others didn’t? How did “orthodox” Christianity become established? The classes begin with a 30 minute DVD lecture by Prof. Bart Ehrman, followed by discussion. Join us!
Wednesday Evening Class for Lent
This year, the Wednesday evening Lenten class will study The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan. The class will include presentations on the material in the book as well as discussion. If you wish to read the material before class, please acquire your own copy of the book.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Yes, Lent is almost here. The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper is Tuesday, February 17, beginning at 5:00 PM. It’s time to clear the larder of “delicacies” like eggs, milk and bacon before the Lenten fast begins.
Reflection for February 8
“Passion” is from the Latin noun passio, meaning “suffering.” But in everyday English we also use “passion” for any consuming interest, dedicated enthusiasm, or concentrated commitment. In this sense, a person’s passion is what she or he is passionate about…. The first passion of Jesus was the kingdom of God… (The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem, Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan).
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