Blue Jeans Sunday is This Sunday
This Sunday, May 1, is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Ascension Day Service – Thursday, May 5
Ascension Day is a major feast day in the church calendar. It always falls 40 days after Easter. Jesus’ ascension will be celebrated with the Holy Eucharist, Thursday, May 5, beginning at 7:00 PM.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting for the season; meetings will resume October 3.
District 161 Fun Run Near St. John’s May 1
The PTO of School District 161 is holding a fun run/walk/stroll Sunday morning, May 1. It begins at Parker Junior High and part of the course passes St. John’s. There will be NO street closures or parking restrictions. Please allow extra time, however, to get to church and be careful of participants who may be in the streets.
Recyclepalooza, Saturday, May 14
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Parker Jr. High School Parking Lot, 2810 School Street, Flossmoor. Items to recycle include: Bikes, ink jets, American flags, pop tabs, magazines, hotel shampoos, plastic bags, plastic wrap, clothes, reusable bags, coats, sporting goods, cell phones, eyeglasses, electronics and more. Special Recycling Fee for TV’s @ $20/set.
Diocesan Confirmation Service at St. James Cathedral
Young people from St. John’s will be among those confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Spring Diocesan Confirmation Service, Saturday, May 21, 11:00 AM at St. James Cathedral, 65 E. Huron St. in Chicago. It is a glorious service; everyone is invited to attend.
Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Reflection for May 1
According to John’s Gospel, Jesus told his followers, “I am the way.” This expression contrasts sharply with “I am the answer,” something many Christians assume he must have said, but didn’t. The difference between the two self-descriptions is huge. The former invites grand adventure and openness to all of the ambiguities and doubts that go with a journey along uncertain paths. The latter suggests a packaged arrangement—a relationship involving little risk (Peter Marty, “Tourist and Traveler,” Christian Century, April 27, 2016)
Friday, April 22, 2016
Announcements for April 24
Blue Jeans Sunday – May 1
Next Sunday, May 1, is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting for the season; meetings will resume October 3.
District 161 Fun Run Near St. John’s May 1
The PTO of School District 161 is holding a fun run/walk/stroll Sunday morning, May 1. It begins at Parker Junior High and part of the course passes St. John’s. There will be NO street closures or parking restrictions. Please allow extra time, however, to get to church and be careful of participants who may be in the streets.
Bishop Montgomery Being Honored
St. Augustine College will honor The Rt. Rev. James W. Montgomery at its annual El Puente Awards Gala April 28. More information about this event is posted in the undercroft.
Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.
Next Sunday, May 1, is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting for the season; meetings will resume October 3.
District 161 Fun Run Near St. John’s May 1
The PTO of School District 161 is holding a fun run/walk/stroll Sunday morning, May 1. It begins at Parker Junior High and part of the course passes St. John’s. There will be NO street closures or parking restrictions. Please allow extra time, however, to get to church and be careful of participants who may be in the streets.
Bishop Montgomery Being Honored
St. Augustine College will honor The Rt. Rev. James W. Montgomery at its annual El Puente Awards Gala April 28. More information about this event is posted in the undercroft.
Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.
Reflection for April 24
Unfortunately, for centuries the Christian vision of church was narrowed to what we have today—a preoccupation with very private salvation. Our “personal relationship with Christ” seems to be with a very small notion of Christ. We’ve modeled church after a service station where members attend weekly services to get their faith fix. We’ve commodified the very notion of salvation. No wonder church attendance and membership is down, while there’s a dramatic increase in the “Nones” and the “Spiritual-but-not-religious”—those who don’t identify with a particular religious tradition at all.
People want something more from church; they long for a spirituality that connects with their whole life, not just on Sunday morning. The very nature of our lifestyle and our church teaching must point to the goal: the communion of saints, a shared life together as one family, Trinitarian relationship, the “Reign of God.” Church is meant to be a place that nurtures and supports individuals along their journey toward this goal. (Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, “The Loss of Community”).
People want something more from church; they long for a spirituality that connects with their whole life, not just on Sunday morning. The very nature of our lifestyle and our church teaching must point to the goal: the communion of saints, a shared life together as one family, Trinitarian relationship, the “Reign of God.” Church is meant to be a place that nurtures and supports individuals along their journey toward this goal. (Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, “The Loss of Community”).
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - March 21, 2016
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
This being Monday in Holy Week, the vestry assembled in the church at 7:00 PM for a Eucharist, and then the vestry offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession in the meeting room.
Attendance
Present: the rector Kristin Orr; the senior warden Anne Edwards, the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier, Alice Creason, Randy Oyster, Cynthia Turnquest, Ted Stone, Zoltan Sziky, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis Absent: Nichole Dailor
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the February vestry meeting, and Cynthia Turnquest seconded. The motion passed with one abstention from someone who was not at the February meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett distributed copies of the budget for 2016, which was revised last month.
The new budget shows a $2,400 loss for the year.
With 16% of the year past, we have used 18% of the budget.
There is a new account line for the ECW. The account previously was separate; now it has been brought into the general fund. The flower fund, which again existed separately, has now been renamed the Altar Guild fund.
Hans Zigmund moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, and Bob Burgwald seconded. The motion passed.
Parochial Report
Each Episcopal parish in the United States is required to file a Parochial Report annually with the national church. The report includes statistics about membership, attendance, and finances. Copies of St. John’s report were distributed to vestry members. Pastor Orr noted that while membership is steady, attendance is down, as is the case in all mainline churches. Rob Carrier moved to approve the report, and Steve Hofer seconded. The motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
There was a net profit of $859 with approximately 160 people attending the Lenten Fish Fry. Proceeds will be donated to PADS. This is the beginning of Holy Week, and there are opportunities to come to church for worship every day.
Wardens’ Reports and Reports from Parish Organizations
Junior Warden Steve Hofer reported on his St. John’s church history project. He has organized the vestry minutes from 1947, 1948, and 1949 and is trying to retrieve information from 1926-1946 when church services were held first at Leavitt Avenue School and then at the Flossmoor Civic Center. Steve is planning to schedule an information-gathering meeting with Bishop Montgomery, and the undercroft display includes sheets requesting information from parishioners.
Upcoming Parish Events
Saturday, April 9th - Vestry retreat at St. John’s, beginning at 8:30-9:00 AM and ending no later than 12:30 PM
Discussions and Decisions
Review Columbarium Project and Discuss Moving Forward
Before the meeting Pastor Orr distributed copies of a narrative summary of the project especially, but not only, for new vestry members.
During a discussion of funding for the project, suggestions emerged including inviting donations outright and finding opportunities to set up memorials as well as charging for space. Pledges toward the project have been received from Bill MacAdam, Bill Braker, May Lawler, and the ECW. The vestry will need to determine what will be charged for columbarium space and for in-ground space.
Previous vestry discussions favored portions of landscape architect Scott Mehaffey’s “Concept A,” which proposed columbarium benches, hedges and other plantings, wood benches, and exposed aggregate walkways.
Steve Hofer made a motion that we enter into a contract with Mr. Mehaffey to develop drawings of the project as the vestry had previously discussed. The cost of the drawings is not to exceed $5,000. Anne Edwards seconded, and the motion was approved. Hans Zigmund moved that, with the full support of the vestry, columbarium plans and information be presented to the parish. Zoltan Sziky seconded, and the motion was approved.
Hans Zigmund moved to present to the parish the opportunity to purchase four teak benches as a way to contribute toward the project and to establish memorials. Alice Creason seconded, and the motion was approved.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:42 PM. The next vestry meeting is scheduled for April 18th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the vestry
Approved, as amended: April 18, 2016
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
This being Monday in Holy Week, the vestry assembled in the church at 7:00 PM for a Eucharist, and then the vestry offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession in the meeting room.
Attendance
Present: the rector Kristin Orr; the senior warden Anne Edwards, the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier, Alice Creason, Randy Oyster, Cynthia Turnquest, Ted Stone, Zoltan Sziky, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis Absent: Nichole Dailor
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the February vestry meeting, and Cynthia Turnquest seconded. The motion passed with one abstention from someone who was not at the February meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett distributed copies of the budget for 2016, which was revised last month.
The new budget shows a $2,400 loss for the year.
With 16% of the year past, we have used 18% of the budget.
There is a new account line for the ECW. The account previously was separate; now it has been brought into the general fund. The flower fund, which again existed separately, has now been renamed the Altar Guild fund.
Hans Zigmund moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, and Bob Burgwald seconded. The motion passed.
Parochial Report
Each Episcopal parish in the United States is required to file a Parochial Report annually with the national church. The report includes statistics about membership, attendance, and finances. Copies of St. John’s report were distributed to vestry members. Pastor Orr noted that while membership is steady, attendance is down, as is the case in all mainline churches. Rob Carrier moved to approve the report, and Steve Hofer seconded. The motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
There was a net profit of $859 with approximately 160 people attending the Lenten Fish Fry. Proceeds will be donated to PADS. This is the beginning of Holy Week, and there are opportunities to come to church for worship every day.
Wardens’ Reports and Reports from Parish Organizations
Junior Warden Steve Hofer reported on his St. John’s church history project. He has organized the vestry minutes from 1947, 1948, and 1949 and is trying to retrieve information from 1926-1946 when church services were held first at Leavitt Avenue School and then at the Flossmoor Civic Center. Steve is planning to schedule an information-gathering meeting with Bishop Montgomery, and the undercroft display includes sheets requesting information from parishioners.
Upcoming Parish Events
Saturday, April 9th - Vestry retreat at St. John’s, beginning at 8:30-9:00 AM and ending no later than 12:30 PM
Discussions and Decisions
Review Columbarium Project and Discuss Moving Forward
Before the meeting Pastor Orr distributed copies of a narrative summary of the project especially, but not only, for new vestry members.
During a discussion of funding for the project, suggestions emerged including inviting donations outright and finding opportunities to set up memorials as well as charging for space. Pledges toward the project have been received from Bill MacAdam, Bill Braker, May Lawler, and the ECW. The vestry will need to determine what will be charged for columbarium space and for in-ground space.
Previous vestry discussions favored portions of landscape architect Scott Mehaffey’s “Concept A,” which proposed columbarium benches, hedges and other plantings, wood benches, and exposed aggregate walkways.
Steve Hofer made a motion that we enter into a contract with Mr. Mehaffey to develop drawings of the project as the vestry had previously discussed. The cost of the drawings is not to exceed $5,000. Anne Edwards seconded, and the motion was approved. Hans Zigmund moved that, with the full support of the vestry, columbarium plans and information be presented to the parish. Zoltan Sziky seconded, and the motion was approved.
Hans Zigmund moved to present to the parish the opportunity to purchase four teak benches as a way to contribute toward the project and to establish memorials. Alice Creason seconded, and the motion was approved.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:42 PM. The next vestry meeting is scheduled for April 18th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the vestry
Approved, as amended: April 18, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
Announcements for April 17
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, April 18, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM.
Volunteers and Donations Needed for Best Buddies Pet Pantry
Here's an opportunity for a sit-down job with no heavy lifting and delightful co-workers! On Saturday, April 23rd, the Best Buddies coordinator will be dropping off dog treats that have been collected from donation locations throughout the southern suburbs. Our job is to repackage them in individual plastic bags for distribution to south suburban food pantries. We'll meet in the education wing at 10 AM. Let Susan Marquis know if you can help, or if you find yourself on April 23rd with an hour or two to spare, just show up. The donations that we have collected in the food pantry corner near the staircases will be picked up at that time, too. There's room in the collection box for more pet food and supplies!
New Adult Education Opportunity on Sunday Mornings
The adult Sunday School class begins a new course this Sunday, April 17. Using the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum the class will study the Scripture readings appointed for that day.
Blue Jeans Sunday – May 1
May 1 is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Bishop Montgomery Being Honored
St. Augustine College will honor The Rt. Rev. James W. Montgomery at its annual El Puente Awards Gala April 28. More information about this event is posted in the undercroft.
Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.
The vestry meets Monday, April 18, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM.
Volunteers and Donations Needed for Best Buddies Pet Pantry
Here's an opportunity for a sit-down job with no heavy lifting and delightful co-workers! On Saturday, April 23rd, the Best Buddies coordinator will be dropping off dog treats that have been collected from donation locations throughout the southern suburbs. Our job is to repackage them in individual plastic bags for distribution to south suburban food pantries. We'll meet in the education wing at 10 AM. Let Susan Marquis know if you can help, or if you find yourself on April 23rd with an hour or two to spare, just show up. The donations that we have collected in the food pantry corner near the staircases will be picked up at that time, too. There's room in the collection box for more pet food and supplies!
New Adult Education Opportunity on Sunday Mornings
The adult Sunday School class begins a new course this Sunday, April 17. Using the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum the class will study the Scripture readings appointed for that day.
Blue Jeans Sunday – May 1
May 1 is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Bishop Montgomery Being Honored
St. Augustine College will honor The Rt. Rev. James W. Montgomery at its annual El Puente Awards Gala April 28. More information about this event is posted in the undercroft.
Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.
Reflection for April 17
Few things reveal or express our spirituality and core values more than the decisions we make about how we spend and share our money. As we pause to file our income taxes this time of year, it is also a good time to reflect on how fully the decisions we are making about money align with our core values (The Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner, the Living Compass Wellness Initiative).
Friday, April 8, 2016
Announcements for April 10
Blue Jeans Sunday – May 1
May 1 is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Recycle and Reuse Plastic Easter Eggs
If you have left over plastic Easter eggs at home, please bring them to the church. We can use them for next year’s Easter egg hunt. A collection box is near the parish office.
May 1 is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Recycle and Reuse Plastic Easter Eggs
If you have left over plastic Easter eggs at home, please bring them to the church. We can use them for next year’s Easter egg hunt. A collection box is near the parish office.
Reflection for April 10
From the Baptismal Covenant:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God’s help.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 305)
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God’s help.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 305)
Friday, April 1, 2016
Announcements for April 3
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the worship services and activities of Holy Week and Easter. Your efforts help make it a holy time for everyone in the parish.
Sunday School Classes Resume
Sunday School classes for all ages resume this Sunday, April 3.
Easter Flower Acknowledgment
A list of everyone who contributed to the glorious Easter flowers this year will be included as part of the worship leaflet this Sunday.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, April 4, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.
Blue Jeans Sunday – May 1
May 1 is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the worship services and activities of Holy Week and Easter. Your efforts help make it a holy time for everyone in the parish.
Sunday School Classes Resume
Sunday School classes for all ages resume this Sunday, April 3.
Easter Flower Acknowledgment
A list of everyone who contributed to the glorious Easter flowers this year will be included as part of the worship leaflet this Sunday.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, April 4, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.
Blue Jeans Sunday – May 1
May 1 is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.
Reflection for April 3
Among those whose say they're not religious, the data does not suggest a total lack of faith in religious teachings. The most surprising finding, Dr. [Ryne] Sherman says, was that Americans’ belief in an afterlife continues to thrive. Younger Americans now believe in some sort of heaven at a higher rate than did previous generations. Americans’ decreasing attention to religion in this life has an inverse impact on their concern for it in the next.
The contrast points to a rise in individualism, Sherman says, or even entitlement, as the idea of receiving something for nothing trickles through American thought.
“There’s still this idea that even if I don’t pray, even if I don’t believe in God, there’s still going to be something in the afterlife for me,” Sherman says (“Is American religiosity on a downward spiral? Yes and no.” The Christian Science Monitor, March 22, 2016).
The contrast points to a rise in individualism, Sherman says, or even entitlement, as the idea of receiving something for nothing trickles through American thought.
“There’s still this idea that even if I don’t pray, even if I don’t believe in God, there’s still going to be something in the afterlife for me,” Sherman says (“Is American religiosity on a downward spiral? Yes and no.” The Christian Science Monitor, March 22, 2016).
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