Help Write the History of St. John’s
Junior Warden Steve Hofer is working on compiling a history of St. John’s. Many of you have information and stories to contribute. Look for the display in the Conference Room in the Undercroft and let Steve know how you can help.
Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent is looking at the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February at 7:00 PM in the church. This Wednesday the class will explore different ways that the Psalms (which have always been the hymns of the faithful) are sung today.
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves and Fishes will offer brunch next Sunday, March 6, following the 10:00 AM service. Pot-luck sides and desserts are always welcome. The main dish will be provided. All are welcome!
Grande Prairie Singers Concert
Grande Prairie Singers say “Vive la France!” with their next concert at 4 PM, Sunday, March 13, at Flossmoor Community Church. The concert includes Faure's “Requiem” and organ selections by our own Michael Soto. For tickets, see Bob or Betsy Burgwald.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting/crocheting group will meet Monday, March 7, at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.
Don’t Forget the Fish Fry
The annual Lenten fish fry is coming Friday, March 18.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Reflection for February 28
Like himself, [Miles thought], Father Mark, as a child, had been reassured by the imagined proximity of God, whereas adults, perhaps because they so often were up to no good, took more comfort from His remoteness. Though Miles didn’t think of himself as a man up to no good, he did prefer the notion of an all-loving God to that of an all-knowing one. It pleased him to imagine God as someone like his mother, someone beleaguered by too many responsibilities, too dog-tired to monitor an energetic boy every minute of the day, but who, out of love and fear for safety, checked in on him whenever she could (Empire Falls, Richard Russo).
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Weather News: Wednesday, February 24
- The Wednesday morning service of Holy Eucharist with healing WILL be held as usual.
- Because of the threat of inclement weather, the Wednesday morning Bible study class has been CANCELED.
- As of 4:00 PM, the Rector's Lent study class has been CANCELED.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Announcements for February 21
Getting to Know Your Vestry
Brief introductory biographical statements are available for current members of the vestry, including the new members elected at the recent annual meeting. In addition to being distributed by email, they are available on the information tables.
High School Youth Group
There will be no youth group meeting this Sunday, February 21. We’ll reconvene the first Sunday in March.
Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent is looking at the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February at 7:00 PM in the church. This Wednesday the class will explore the rich use of the psalms in the Book of Common Prayer.
Grande Prairie Singers Concert
Grande Prairie Singers say “Vive la France!” with their next concert at 4 PM, Sunday, March 13, at Flossmoor Community Church. The concert includes Faure's “Requiem” and organ selections by our own Michael Soto. For tickets, see Bob or Betsy Burgwald.
Don’t Forget the Fish Fry
The annual Lenten fish fry is coming Friday, March 18.
Brief introductory biographical statements are available for current members of the vestry, including the new members elected at the recent annual meeting. In addition to being distributed by email, they are available on the information tables.
High School Youth Group
There will be no youth group meeting this Sunday, February 21. We’ll reconvene the first Sunday in March.
Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent is looking at the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February at 7:00 PM in the church. This Wednesday the class will explore the rich use of the psalms in the Book of Common Prayer.
Grande Prairie Singers Concert
Grande Prairie Singers say “Vive la France!” with their next concert at 4 PM, Sunday, March 13, at Flossmoor Community Church. The concert includes Faure's “Requiem” and organ selections by our own Michael Soto. For tickets, see Bob or Betsy Burgwald.
Don’t Forget the Fish Fry
The annual Lenten fish fry is coming Friday, March 18.
Reflection for February 21
Prayer for Mission
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 101).
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 101).
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - December 14, 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: 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, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer Debbi Huggett, and the clerk Susan Marquis Absent: Hans Zigmund
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the October meeting. Rob Carrier seconded, and the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reminded the vestry that the 2015 budget had a $4,000 deficit, but it looks like we will end the year with a favorability of $5,000 due to savings in heating, cooling, and snow removal from mild weather and savings from unspent youth and family ministry funds. Jim Whitfield moved to accept the treasurer’s report, and Diane Walsh- Madden seconded the motion, which then was approved on a vote.
Discussion of 2016 Budget
Debbi Huggett reported that there have been 60 pledges for 2016 for a total of $179,000. Ten pledges from 2015 have not yet been received for next year. The dollar amounts of 21 pledges were increased, while five pledges were decreased. There was one new pledge. Some pledges were lost due to relocation and death.
Pastor Orr noted that it is reasonable to expect the revenue for 2016 will be similar to 2015 with the total, including non-pledge offerings, to be about $232,000. We have pared down the operating budget as much as we can over the years. The areas with the largest discretionary spending are programs, salaries, and the diocesan pledge. The vestry should think about the budget in advance of the January budget meeting.
2016 Parsonage Allowance
Jim Whitfield presented the following motion:
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 2016, that $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 year 2016 and all future years unless otherwise provided.
Nichole Dailor seconded the motion, and the vestry unanimously approved it.
Information
Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr will be preaching at St. James Cathedral this coming Saturday, December 19th.
—The Village of Flossmoor will have a zoning hearing on Thursday night of this week regarding a possible housing facility on Leavitt Avenue for people with adult mental disabilities. There is not yet much information. Representatives from St. John’s will attend.
—After many years of devoted service, Sue Buckman has retired from her position as Altar Guild directress, although she still plans to be active in Altar Guild work. Donna Blackburn has volunteered to take over as directress.
—The rector expressed thanks to Jim Whitfield and Harold Keene for their recently completed work on the church lighting project.
—The rector also thanked the delegates to the diocesan convention and noted that she was appointed for a final term as Dean of the Joliet Deanery.
Upcoming Parish Events
Two Christmas Eve services
Christmas Day service
Epiphany Eucharist, January 6th at 7:00 PM
Vestry-sponsored patronal feast, January 9th
MIQRA diocesan youth event, January 14-16
Annual parish meeting, January 24th at 11:30 AM
Discussion and Decisions
Columbarium Project
—Pastor Orr announced that Bill MacAdam has made a commitment of $10,000 toward the columbarium project and wishes to name one of the additions after his parents, Gordon and Mary Lou MacAdam. There is also a possibility of funding for the other addition.
—There are several broken tiles on the outdoor altar paved circle. The circle is in memory of Barry and Patty Berg’s sister. Although he is now living out-of-state, Barry told Pastor Orr that he is eager to help in physically replacing the tiles.
—Diane Walsh-Madden’s neighbor is a stone mason. She will ask him to look at the current columbarium to determine if there might be an inexpensive way to access the lowest level, which currently is unused. We should have a proposal and cost by the next vestry meeting.
—One of the aspects of the new design is trellis installation to soften the harshness of the architecture of the education wing addition. The trellises would be placed on the walls outside of the guild room and junior high classroom. The vestry discussed concerns about attaching trellises to the walls and whether or not vines would cause damage to the building. No decision was made about this.
—The vestry discussed materials for the garden path and the sidewalk and whether these should be exposed aggregate or some other type of material. No decision was made.
—The vestry agreed that the design is flexible enough to do parts of it over a period of several years as funds become available. Hans Zigmund pointed out that borrowing funds is an option that we may or may not want to pursue with one advantage to borrowing being that there could be lower labor and material costs when more work is done at once.
—To start work on the bench additions we will need specific construction drawings. Pastor Orr will go back to the landscape architect and ask him for an estimate to do the drawings and also ask him about various garden path materials.
—The start time for construction most likely will be during the summer of 2016.
Feast Planning
Diane Walsh-Madden, Anne Edwards, Rob Carrier, and Cynthia Turnquest volunteered to serve on a sub-committee to plan this year’s feast. They will meet after church on December 20th. All vestry members are encouraged and expected to help on January 8th and 9th.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:27 PM. The next meeting will formalize the budget for 2016 and will be held after the 10:00 AM church service on January 10th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: February 15, 2016
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: 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, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer Debbi Huggett, and the clerk Susan Marquis Absent: Hans Zigmund
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the October meeting. Rob Carrier seconded, and the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reminded the vestry that the 2015 budget had a $4,000 deficit, but it looks like we will end the year with a favorability of $5,000 due to savings in heating, cooling, and snow removal from mild weather and savings from unspent youth and family ministry funds. Jim Whitfield moved to accept the treasurer’s report, and Diane Walsh- Madden seconded the motion, which then was approved on a vote.
Discussion of 2016 Budget
Debbi Huggett reported that there have been 60 pledges for 2016 for a total of $179,000. Ten pledges from 2015 have not yet been received for next year. The dollar amounts of 21 pledges were increased, while five pledges were decreased. There was one new pledge. Some pledges were lost due to relocation and death.
Pastor Orr noted that it is reasonable to expect the revenue for 2016 will be similar to 2015 with the total, including non-pledge offerings, to be about $232,000. We have pared down the operating budget as much as we can over the years. The areas with the largest discretionary spending are programs, salaries, and the diocesan pledge. The vestry should think about the budget in advance of the January budget meeting.
2016 Parsonage Allowance
Jim Whitfield presented the following motion:
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 2016, that $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 year 2016 and all future years unless otherwise provided.
Nichole Dailor seconded the motion, and the vestry unanimously approved it.
Information
Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr will be preaching at St. James Cathedral this coming Saturday, December 19th.
—The Village of Flossmoor will have a zoning hearing on Thursday night of this week regarding a possible housing facility on Leavitt Avenue for people with adult mental disabilities. There is not yet much information. Representatives from St. John’s will attend.
—After many years of devoted service, Sue Buckman has retired from her position as Altar Guild directress, although she still plans to be active in Altar Guild work. Donna Blackburn has volunteered to take over as directress.
—The rector expressed thanks to Jim Whitfield and Harold Keene for their recently completed work on the church lighting project.
—The rector also thanked the delegates to the diocesan convention and noted that she was appointed for a final term as Dean of the Joliet Deanery.
Upcoming Parish Events
Two Christmas Eve services
Christmas Day service
Epiphany Eucharist, January 6th at 7:00 PM
Vestry-sponsored patronal feast, January 9th
MIQRA diocesan youth event, January 14-16
Annual parish meeting, January 24th at 11:30 AM
Discussion and Decisions
Columbarium Project
—Pastor Orr announced that Bill MacAdam has made a commitment of $10,000 toward the columbarium project and wishes to name one of the additions after his parents, Gordon and Mary Lou MacAdam. There is also a possibility of funding for the other addition.
—There are several broken tiles on the outdoor altar paved circle. The circle is in memory of Barry and Patty Berg’s sister. Although he is now living out-of-state, Barry told Pastor Orr that he is eager to help in physically replacing the tiles.
—Diane Walsh-Madden’s neighbor is a stone mason. She will ask him to look at the current columbarium to determine if there might be an inexpensive way to access the lowest level, which currently is unused. We should have a proposal and cost by the next vestry meeting.
—One of the aspects of the new design is trellis installation to soften the harshness of the architecture of the education wing addition. The trellises would be placed on the walls outside of the guild room and junior high classroom. The vestry discussed concerns about attaching trellises to the walls and whether or not vines would cause damage to the building. No decision was made about this.
—The vestry discussed materials for the garden path and the sidewalk and whether these should be exposed aggregate or some other type of material. No decision was made.
—The vestry agreed that the design is flexible enough to do parts of it over a period of several years as funds become available. Hans Zigmund pointed out that borrowing funds is an option that we may or may not want to pursue with one advantage to borrowing being that there could be lower labor and material costs when more work is done at once.
—To start work on the bench additions we will need specific construction drawings. Pastor Orr will go back to the landscape architect and ask him for an estimate to do the drawings and also ask him about various garden path materials.
—The start time for construction most likely will be during the summer of 2016.
Feast Planning
Diane Walsh-Madden, Anne Edwards, Rob Carrier, and Cynthia Turnquest volunteered to serve on a sub-committee to plan this year’s feast. They will meet after church on December 20th. All vestry members are encouraged and expected to help on January 8th and 9th.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:27 PM. The next meeting will formalize the budget for 2016 and will be held after the 10:00 AM church service on January 10th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: February 15, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
Announcements for February 14
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, February 15, beginning with Evening Prayer in the church at 7:00 PM.
The Observance of a Holy Lent
Guidelines for observing Lent (“Lent for Dummies”) and various resources are available on the information tables.
Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent will explore the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February 17 at 7:00 PM in the church.
New Office Manager: Diane Pugh
As announced at the annual meeting Tracie Moxley is leaving the position of Office Manager to work with her husband Mark in his business, Lake Street Supply. Her last day in the office is February 12. Please welcome our new office manager, Diane Pugh, who lives with her husband, Ralph, and her son, Daniel, in Homewood. She formerly worked as the Preservation Manager for the American Theological Library Association, based in downtown Chicago. She feels God has led her here, and is excited to begin using her skills and strengths for the benefit of the parish.
Don’t Forget the Fish Fry
The annual Lenten fish fry is coming Friday, March 18.
The Great Litany
Sunday’s worship services will begin with the Great Litany. Published in English in 1544 (before the first English Book of Common Prayer was published in 1549), it was constructed by Thomas Cranmer, then Archbishop of Canterbury, at the request of Henry VIII. Ideally, it is said or sung in procession and is particularly appropriate for penitential occasions.
The vestry meets Monday, February 15, beginning with Evening Prayer in the church at 7:00 PM.
The Observance of a Holy Lent
Guidelines for observing Lent (“Lent for Dummies”) and various resources are available on the information tables.
Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent will explore the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February 17 at 7:00 PM in the church.
New Office Manager: Diane Pugh
As announced at the annual meeting Tracie Moxley is leaving the position of Office Manager to work with her husband Mark in his business, Lake Street Supply. Her last day in the office is February 12. Please welcome our new office manager, Diane Pugh, who lives with her husband, Ralph, and her son, Daniel, in Homewood. She formerly worked as the Preservation Manager for the American Theological Library Association, based in downtown Chicago. She feels God has led her here, and is excited to begin using her skills and strengths for the benefit of the parish.
Don’t Forget the Fish Fry
The annual Lenten fish fry is coming Friday, March 18.
The Great Litany
Sunday’s worship services will begin with the Great Litany. Published in English in 1544 (before the first English Book of Common Prayer was published in 1549), it was constructed by Thomas Cranmer, then Archbishop of Canterbury, at the request of Henry VIII. Ideally, it is said or sung in procession and is particularly appropriate for penitential occasions.
Reflection for February 14
I invite you, therefore, 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 5, 2016
Announcements for February 7
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 10. The Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes will be offered at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 7:00 PM.
Shrove Tuesday: Pancake Feast and Burial of the Alleluia
The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be held Tuesday, February 9, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children. All proceeds will benefit the youth group outreach projects. And all children of the parish are invited to come help decorate and bury the Alleluia banner for Lent.
The Observance of a Holy Lent
Guidelines for observing Lent (“Lent for Dummies”) and various resources are available on the information tables.
Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent will explore the use of the Psalms in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February 17 at 7:00 PM.
Youth Group Resumes This Sunday, 4:00 PM
Welcome back from an extended break… just in time for Lent! We’ll take a positive spin on this traditionally dreary church season and see how beautifully we emerge at Easter. Bring a friend. Super-quick service activity. Super-simple planning for a spring party with IJP and Flossmoor Community Church youth. Plus something super-goofy. And all done long before the Super Bowl begins. Preguntas? Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.
Thank You from Pets and Their Families
Do our hands still smell like dog treats? Last Saturday, eight volunteers spent a couple of hours at St. John’s packaging treats for dogs whose families are registered at various south suburban township food pantries. The Best Buddies Pet Pantry program provides extra pet food assistance in order to keep pets in homes and out of shelters. Many thanks to our volunteers who did the packaging and to those who donated items over the past couple of months. Now the collection box is empty. When you bring in donations for the Rich Township food pantry, please consider bringing in dog or cat food. You can drop it off in the BBPP box next to the Rich Township baskets. Thank you!
Thank You from the Yarn Ministry
We thank you all very much for your HUGE support of the warm clothing collections we had this winter for PADS and Respond Now. With your and God’s help, we were able to keep many people in need warm this winter.
Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 10. The Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes will be offered at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 7:00 PM.
Shrove Tuesday: Pancake Feast and Burial of the Alleluia
The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be held Tuesday, February 9, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children. All proceeds will benefit the youth group outreach projects. And all children of the parish are invited to come help decorate and bury the Alleluia banner for Lent.
The Observance of a Holy Lent
Guidelines for observing Lent (“Lent for Dummies”) and various resources are available on the information tables.
Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent will explore the use of the Psalms in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February 17 at 7:00 PM.
Youth Group Resumes This Sunday, 4:00 PM
Welcome back from an extended break… just in time for Lent! We’ll take a positive spin on this traditionally dreary church season and see how beautifully we emerge at Easter. Bring a friend. Super-quick service activity. Super-simple planning for a spring party with IJP and Flossmoor Community Church youth. Plus something super-goofy. And all done long before the Super Bowl begins. Preguntas? Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.
Thank You from Pets and Their Families
Do our hands still smell like dog treats? Last Saturday, eight volunteers spent a couple of hours at St. John’s packaging treats for dogs whose families are registered at various south suburban township food pantries. The Best Buddies Pet Pantry program provides extra pet food assistance in order to keep pets in homes and out of shelters. Many thanks to our volunteers who did the packaging and to those who donated items over the past couple of months. Now the collection box is empty. When you bring in donations for the Rich Township food pantry, please consider bringing in dog or cat food. You can drop it off in the BBPP box next to the Rich Township baskets. Thank you!
Thank You from the Yarn Ministry
We thank you all very much for your HUGE support of the warm clothing collections we had this winter for PADS and Respond Now. With your and God’s help, we were able to keep many people in need warm this winter.
Reflection for February 7 (Transfiguration Sunday)
The new heavens and the new earth are not replacements for the old ones; they are transfigurations of them. The redeemed order is not the created order forsaken; it is the created order - all of it - raised and glorified (Robert Farrar Capon).
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