From the Senior Warden
At the meeting on August 15th, the Vestry discussed plans to highlight the ministries of the church each month on bulletin boards in the undercroft. This will begin at the Jubilation on September 11, and continue throughout the year. An idea was introduced to create a more formal system to solicit volunteers for church projects and needs that are not necessarily ongoing. Vestry meetings are open to anyone, and the official minutes of each Vestry meeting are posted on this blog after they are approved.
2016-2017 Parish Calendar
Print copies of the 2016-2017 parish calendar are available on the information tables.
Jubilation: September 11
St. John’s fall celebration of the people, activities and ministries of the parish will take place Sunday, September 11, following the 10:00 AM service. Come for lunch and catch up with fellow parishioners after the summer. You can also browse program and ministry opportunities and sign up for Sunday School.
PADS
As the vestry Godparent to the PADS Group of St. John’s, I would like to ask the congregation to pray for their coming season, starting this October. PADS is a ministry that reaches beyond the doors of St. John the Evangelist into the community in need... Answering the call of Jesus. --Ted Stone
UTO Blue Boxes
Beginning in the 1880’s women of the Episcopal Church have coordinated the United Thank Offering. Central to the UTO are the familiar blue boxes. Pick one up from the information tables and take it home. Every time you are thankful or mindful of a blessing in your life, put a coin or two in the box. Collections from throughout the Episcopal church are gathered together and grants are made to help people in need and support the mission of the church. To learn more talk with Iris Bestow or check out this website.
Episcopal Relief and Development Responds to Louisiana Flooding
Episcopal Relief and Development is one way we, as Episcopalians, respond to disasters in this country and abroad. ERD is currently working to help people affected by the flooding in Louisiana and the fires in California. (As the name implies, ERD is also constantly working on development projects.) Learn more and donate HERE.
Vegetable Abundance
This week: Green cabbage and jalapeño peppers.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Reflection for August 28
Doubt
The God we know has left a trail of crumbs for us, but remains to a great extent elusive and just beyond the grasp of absolute certainties. And that in itself is a gift; we might say we have received the gift of doubt. Just enough doubt to take this world seriously, this world that God so loves. (Br. Mark Brown, Society of Saint John the Evangelist, Brother, Give Us a Word).
The God we know has left a trail of crumbs for us, but remains to a great extent elusive and just beyond the grasp of absolute certainties. And that in itself is a gift; we might say we have received the gift of doubt. Just enough doubt to take this world seriously, this world that God so loves. (Br. Mark Brown, Society of Saint John the Evangelist, Brother, Give Us a Word).
Monday, August 22, 2016
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - June 20, 2016
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry met in the church at 7:00 PM for Evening Prayer and then reconvened in the undercroft meeting room where everyone offered prayers of intercession and thanksgiving.
Attendance
Present: the rector Kristin Orr; the senior warden Anne Edwards; the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier, Alice Creason, Nichole Dailor, Cynthia Turnquest and Zoltan Sziky; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis
Absent: vestry members Randy Oyster, Ted Stone, and Hans Zigmund
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Alice Creason moved to accept the minutes from the May vestry meeting, and Rob Carrier seconded. Following a vote, the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that we are 3% behind in income, which is in keeping with the 97% of pledges that typically are collected. Expenses paid out are as expected. Bob Burgwald moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, and Anne Edwards seconded. The motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr received a letter from parishioner Ginny Eysenbach, requesting the use of the undercroft for a 50th anniversary celebration in September. The rector approved the  request. Regarding space use in general, an Alcoholics Anonymous group and the Grand Prairie Children’s Choir use space and are charged a small fee. The Girl Scouts use space occasionally.
—Pastor Orr ordered a new bracket for the church welcome sign on Leavitt Avenue and Flossmoor Road. She is grateful that the village allows the sign.
—The lift doors had not been closing properly. The lift was under warranty for parts but not for labor. After Pastor Orr pointed out that the installer had made mistakes, the lift was repaired at no cost to St. John’s.
—The air conditioning in the worship space broke two weeks ago. It has been repaired, although the bill is not in yet.
—The rector and the senior warden will be on vacation at the same time next month. A group of former wardens along with the junior warden will be on call during that time to handle parish emergencies.
Wardens’ Reports and Reports from Other Parish Organizations
Steve Hofer reported that he is continuing to collect information on the history of St. John’s. Currently, he is involved in typing notes into his computer to be printed later. There is a gap in the years 1994 to 2003 in which there are no listed vestry members and no minutes. Steve requested that anyone who has information about this missing data should contact him.
Upcoming Parish Events
The parish again will welcome the community to the annual Ice Cream Social after the Flossmoor parade on July 4th. Help is needed on July 3rd and 4th, and especially for clean-up on the 4th.
Discussion and Decisions
Columbarium Project
The design subcommittee has met once and will meet again soon. So far, only one bid has been received from a potential contractor.
Parish Godparents
Rob Carrier reported that he has contacted the Daughters of the King. Pastor Orr said that she welcomes short status reports to publish in the “e-vangelist” and reminded vestry godparents to think about and identify other people in the parish who might have something to offer their ministries. The senior warden offered to add a couple of comments to the “e-vangelist” following reports at each vestry meeting. Landscaping godparent Steve Hofer reported that native plants will be added to the south end of the education wing where bushes recently were removed. Pastor Orr will be doing the planting.
Stewardship
The vestry discussed ideas for the fall pledge campaign. Much of the discussion centered around publicizing the activities of the church community by use of bulletin boards and posters in the undercroft and sending out electronic reports once a month that highlight a ministry. Alice Creason, Nichole Dailor, Anne Edwards, and Steve Hofer volunteered to serve on a parish ministry marketing committee with help from Cynthia Turnquest.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting concluded at 8:35 P.M. The next meeting is scheduled for August 15th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry 
Approved by the vestry: August 15, 2016
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry met in the church at 7:00 PM for Evening Prayer and then reconvened in the undercroft meeting room where everyone offered prayers of intercession and thanksgiving.
Attendance
Present: the rector Kristin Orr; the senior warden Anne Edwards; the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier, Alice Creason, Nichole Dailor, Cynthia Turnquest and Zoltan Sziky; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis
Absent: vestry members Randy Oyster, Ted Stone, and Hans Zigmund
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Alice Creason moved to accept the minutes from the May vestry meeting, and Rob Carrier seconded. Following a vote, the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that we are 3% behind in income, which is in keeping with the 97% of pledges that typically are collected. Expenses paid out are as expected. Bob Burgwald moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, and Anne Edwards seconded. The motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr received a letter from parishioner Ginny Eysenbach, requesting the use of the undercroft for a 50th anniversary celebration in September. The rector approved the  request. Regarding space use in general, an Alcoholics Anonymous group and the Grand Prairie Children’s Choir use space and are charged a small fee. The Girl Scouts use space occasionally.
—Pastor Orr ordered a new bracket for the church welcome sign on Leavitt Avenue and Flossmoor Road. She is grateful that the village allows the sign.
—The lift doors had not been closing properly. The lift was under warranty for parts but not for labor. After Pastor Orr pointed out that the installer had made mistakes, the lift was repaired at no cost to St. John’s.
—The air conditioning in the worship space broke two weeks ago. It has been repaired, although the bill is not in yet.
—The rector and the senior warden will be on vacation at the same time next month. A group of former wardens along with the junior warden will be on call during that time to handle parish emergencies.
Wardens’ Reports and Reports from Other Parish Organizations
Steve Hofer reported that he is continuing to collect information on the history of St. John’s. Currently, he is involved in typing notes into his computer to be printed later. There is a gap in the years 1994 to 2003 in which there are no listed vestry members and no minutes. Steve requested that anyone who has information about this missing data should contact him.
Upcoming Parish Events
The parish again will welcome the community to the annual Ice Cream Social after the Flossmoor parade on July 4th. Help is needed on July 3rd and 4th, and especially for clean-up on the 4th.
Discussion and Decisions
Columbarium Project
The design subcommittee has met once and will meet again soon. So far, only one bid has been received from a potential contractor.
Parish Godparents
Rob Carrier reported that he has contacted the Daughters of the King. Pastor Orr said that she welcomes short status reports to publish in the “e-vangelist” and reminded vestry godparents to think about and identify other people in the parish who might have something to offer their ministries. The senior warden offered to add a couple of comments to the “e-vangelist” following reports at each vestry meeting. Landscaping godparent Steve Hofer reported that native plants will be added to the south end of the education wing where bushes recently were removed. Pastor Orr will be doing the planting.
Stewardship
The vestry discussed ideas for the fall pledge campaign. Much of the discussion centered around publicizing the activities of the church community by use of bulletin boards and posters in the undercroft and sending out electronic reports once a month that highlight a ministry. Alice Creason, Nichole Dailor, Anne Edwards, and Steve Hofer volunteered to serve on a parish ministry marketing committee with help from Cynthia Turnquest.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting concluded at 8:35 P.M. The next meeting is scheduled for August 15th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry 
Approved by the vestry: August 15, 2016
Friday, August 19, 2016
Announcements for August 21
Blessing of the Backpacks: This Sunday, August 21
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, August 21. We will bless the backpacks, students, teachers, and the journey of learning.
2016-2017 Parish Calendar
Print copies of the 2016-2017 parish calendar are available on the information tables.
Seeking Delegates and Alternates for Diocesan Convention
The 179th Diocesan Convention for the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. Please contact the Rector if you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate representing St. John’s. Youth in grades 9 – 12 may apply to serve as official youth delegates. Contact the Rector if you’re interested.
Episcopal Relief and Development Responds to Louisiana Flooding
Episcopal Relief and Development is one way we, as Episcopalians, respond to disasters in this country and abroad. ERD is currently working to help people affected by the flooding in Louisiana and the fires in California. (As the name implies, ERD is also constantly working on development projects.) Learn more and donate HERE.
Vegetable Abundance
This week: Beets and Cantaloupe.
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, August 21. We will bless the backpacks, students, teachers, and the journey of learning.
2016-2017 Parish Calendar
Print copies of the 2016-2017 parish calendar are available on the information tables.
Seeking Delegates and Alternates for Diocesan Convention
The 179th Diocesan Convention for the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. Please contact the Rector if you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate representing St. John’s. Youth in grades 9 – 12 may apply to serve as official youth delegates. Contact the Rector if you’re interested.
Episcopal Relief and Development Responds to Louisiana Flooding
Episcopal Relief and Development is one way we, as Episcopalians, respond to disasters in this country and abroad. ERD is currently working to help people affected by the flooding in Louisiana and the fires in California. (As the name implies, ERD is also constantly working on development projects.) Learn more and donate HERE.
Vegetable Abundance
This week: Beets and Cantaloupe.
Reflection for August 21
For Schools and Colleges
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn my find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 824).
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn my find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 824).
Friday, August 12, 2016
Announcements for August 14
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, August 15, beginning at 7:00 PM with Evening Prayer in the church.
Blessing of the Backpacks: Next Sunday, August 21
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to the 10:00 AM service on August 21. We will bless the backpacks, students, teachers, and the journey of learning.
Seeking Delegates and Alternates for Diocesan Convention
The 179th Diocesan Convention for the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. Please contact the Rector if you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate representing St. John’s.
Reductions in Diocesan Staff
In July, Bishop Lee announced that budget constraints necessitated reductions in the Diocesan staff. Three positions were eliminated: the Associate for Lifelong Christian Formation (Vicki Garvey), the Assistant for the Nicholas Center (Megan Krings) and the part-time position of Assistant for Youth Ministry (Jess Elfring-Roberts). In addition, two formerly full-time positions have been reduced to part-time: the Associate for the Liturgy and the Arts (Dent Davidson) and the Treasurer (Keith Kampert). Bishop Lee’s full letter is posted in the undercroft on the Diocese of Chicago bulletin board.
Vegetable Abundance is Back
This week: Fennel and Cantaloupe.
The vestry meets Monday, August 15, beginning at 7:00 PM with Evening Prayer in the church.
Blessing of the Backpacks: Next Sunday, August 21
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to the 10:00 AM service on August 21. We will bless the backpacks, students, teachers, and the journey of learning.
Seeking Delegates and Alternates for Diocesan Convention
The 179th Diocesan Convention for the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. Please contact the Rector if you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate representing St. John’s.
Reductions in Diocesan Staff
In July, Bishop Lee announced that budget constraints necessitated reductions in the Diocesan staff. Three positions were eliminated: the Associate for Lifelong Christian Formation (Vicki Garvey), the Assistant for the Nicholas Center (Megan Krings) and the part-time position of Assistant for Youth Ministry (Jess Elfring-Roberts). In addition, two formerly full-time positions have been reduced to part-time: the Associate for the Liturgy and the Arts (Dent Davidson) and the Treasurer (Keith Kampert). Bishop Lee’s full letter is posted in the undercroft on the Diocese of Chicago bulletin board.
Vegetable Abundance is Back
This week: Fennel and Cantaloupe.
Reflection for August 14
For our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 820).
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 820).
Friday, August 5, 2016
Announcements for August 7
Blessing of the Backpacks: August 21
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to the 10:00 AM service on August 21. We will bless the backpacks, the students, and the journey of learning.
Vegetable Abundance is Back
This week: Fennel.
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to the 10:00 AM service on August 21. We will bless the backpacks, the students, and the journey of learning.
Vegetable Abundance is Back
This week: Fennel.
Reflection for August 7
My parents prayed with us a lot when we were little…. Most nights, after we were fed and bathed and jammied and tucked in, my dad went from bed to bed, put his hand on our heads, and blessed us.
I never consciously planned to continue this practice, but when my first daughter was born it seemed the thing to do. Now she’s two, and it’s an established part of her bedtime routine, something she reminds me to do if I forget. Not that she reliably appreciates the blessing—half the time she squirms and resists it, or tries to negotiate for a song or a story instead. Yet she’s decided that peace and amen are her lines, not just mine, and when we get to those parts she invariably stops fighting it and chimes in (Steve Thorngate, “Blest and Kept,” The Christian Century, August 3, 2016).
I never consciously planned to continue this practice, but when my first daughter was born it seemed the thing to do. Now she’s two, and it’s an established part of her bedtime routine, something she reminds me to do if I forget. Not that she reliably appreciates the blessing—half the time she squirms and resists it, or tries to negotiate for a song or a story instead. Yet she’s decided that peace and amen are her lines, not just mine, and when we get to those parts she invariably stops fighting it and chimes in (Steve Thorngate, “Blest and Kept,” The Christian Century, August 3, 2016).
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