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).

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).

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).

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).