RSVP for the Feast
Where were you when everyone had “Saturday Night Fever?” Were you sporting your brand new leisure suit? Sporting plaid pants, or bell bottoms? Were you still being dressed by your parents, growing up in an avocado and gold kitchen? Were you watching Star Wars for the 11th time? Or did you connect with the decade years later while dressing up for Halloween? Please bring a copy of your best 70's look to the Feast on Jan 14. Just put your name on the back of your picture(s) and we will try to guess who's who.
Don't forget to RSVP for the feast. Please bring your reply card to church on Sunday. We need your reply by Wednesday Jan 11, but responses before Friday Jan 7 are especially appreciated.
Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.
Wednesday Service
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist WILL resume this week, January 4.
Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 3. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.
Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes will NOT meet this Sunday, January 1.
Christmas Thanks
Thank you to everyone who, in small ways and large, contributed to Christmas services at St. John’s. Special thanks to Michael Soto and the choir and to the Altar Guild for all of their extra work. And thanks be to God for the young people who read the “Voices of Christmas” at the early Christmas Eve service.
Vestry Budget Meeting
The vestry meets next Sunday, January 8, following the 10:00 AM service to finalize the 2017 budget.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Reflection for January 1
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (Collect for the Incarnation, BCP, p. 252).
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - November 21, 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 were the rector Kristin Orr; the senior warden Anne Edwards; the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Alice Creason, Nichole Dailor, Randy Oyster, Ted Stone Zoltan Sziky, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis. Absent were vestry members Rob Carrier and Cynthia Turnquest.
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the October vestry meeting, and Nichole Dailor seconded. Following a vote, the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that contributions still are behind expectations, but they are picking up. Expenses are below expectations for this point in the year, mostly resulting from a prior employment vacancy, lower gas bills, and timing of billing. The approximate $2,000 deficit may be wiped out by these favorabilities.
Debbi presented an update on pledging for 2017. Fifty-four pledges have been made so far for a total of about $154,000. There are another 17 pledges from 2016 that have not yet been made for 2017. In response to a question, Debbi stated that there is no apparent correlation between church attendance and giving.
Bob Burgwald moved to accept the October Treasurer’s Report, and Hans Zigmund seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr will be on vacation the weekend of December 10-11, and the Rev. Shawn Schreiner will serve as supply priest.
—Over the last month eight kneelers have been re-upholstered. A few more are starting to fray and will need to be recovered in the near future.
—Pastor Orr is grateful for Randy Oyster’s work in cutting off a tree limb that had been rubbing on the rectory gutters.
—Thanks to those who helped do church lawn work on Blue Jeans Sunday, especially Lynn Ruschhaupt for her coordination of the work.
—We celebrate those who bought Christmas gifts and food gift certificates for the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing in Chicago.
—Thanks to Harold Keene for supplying his time and materials to replace the timer to light the St. John stained glass window above the church’s front door.
—United Thank Offering boxes are being collected from parishioners. The funds support UTO charities around the world. The UTO has existed since the 1800s as a ministry of the women of the church. Boxes with coin slots are taken home, and people can make donations as they become aware of reasons to be thankful for things in their daily lives.
Reports from Wardens and Other Parish Organizations
Junior Warden Steve Hofer reported that things are moving along in his St. John’s history project. He coated the front doors of the church with a spray-on wood treatment. Steve told of his experience at Honey Field restaurant in Lockport that offers a 10% meal discount on those who pray.
Upcoming Events
—Wednesday, November 23rd, 7:30 PM, St. Joseph’s in Homewood: Community Interfaith Thanksgiving service with a collection for Respond Now
—Thursday, November 24th, 10:00 AM: Thanksgiving service at St. John’s
—Sunday, November 27th, 9:00 AM: Advent wreath-making in the undercroft
—Saturday, December 3rd, 9:00 AM in the undercroft: Cookie Walk
Discussion and Decisions
Stewardship
—The office will send out reminder post cards to parishioners who have not yet submitted their pledge cards. The senior warden will write simple weekly updates in the “e-vangelist” tracking the progress of of pledge totals received.
—The vestry godparent bulletin board has not been updated since September’s acolyte display. The vestry is in favor of continuing this project, and a new display will appear soon.
Vestry Nominating Committee
As described in our by-laws, a nominating committee for new wardens and vestry members consists of the rector, the wardens, and one representative from each of the three incoming vestry classes to be determined by drawing lots. The vestry members chosen for this year’s committee are Nichole Dailor, Rob Carrier, and Zoltan Sziky.
The Feast of St. John the Evangelist
—There will be a planning committee meeting after church on November 27th.
—On December 18th after church vestry volunteers are needed to address invitations.
—Volunteers are needed on January 13th from 1:00-4:00 PM and from 6:00-8:00 PM to work on various set-up tasks. All vestry members also are needed on January 14th from 9:00 AM until noon for final preparations.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:05 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for December 19th at which the vestry will review 2017 budget guidelines.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: December 19, 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 were the rector Kristin Orr; the senior warden Anne Edwards; the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Alice Creason, Nichole Dailor, Randy Oyster, Ted Stone Zoltan Sziky, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis. Absent were vestry members Rob Carrier and Cynthia Turnquest.
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the October vestry meeting, and Nichole Dailor seconded. Following a vote, the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that contributions still are behind expectations, but they are picking up. Expenses are below expectations for this point in the year, mostly resulting from a prior employment vacancy, lower gas bills, and timing of billing. The approximate $2,000 deficit may be wiped out by these favorabilities.
Debbi presented an update on pledging for 2017. Fifty-four pledges have been made so far for a total of about $154,000. There are another 17 pledges from 2016 that have not yet been made for 2017. In response to a question, Debbi stated that there is no apparent correlation between church attendance and giving.
Bob Burgwald moved to accept the October Treasurer’s Report, and Hans Zigmund seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr will be on vacation the weekend of December 10-11, and the Rev. Shawn Schreiner will serve as supply priest.
—Over the last month eight kneelers have been re-upholstered. A few more are starting to fray and will need to be recovered in the near future.
—Pastor Orr is grateful for Randy Oyster’s work in cutting off a tree limb that had been rubbing on the rectory gutters.
—Thanks to those who helped do church lawn work on Blue Jeans Sunday, especially Lynn Ruschhaupt for her coordination of the work.
—We celebrate those who bought Christmas gifts and food gift certificates for the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing in Chicago.
—Thanks to Harold Keene for supplying his time and materials to replace the timer to light the St. John stained glass window above the church’s front door.
—United Thank Offering boxes are being collected from parishioners. The funds support UTO charities around the world. The UTO has existed since the 1800s as a ministry of the women of the church. Boxes with coin slots are taken home, and people can make donations as they become aware of reasons to be thankful for things in their daily lives.
Reports from Wardens and Other Parish Organizations
Junior Warden Steve Hofer reported that things are moving along in his St. John’s history project. He coated the front doors of the church with a spray-on wood treatment. Steve told of his experience at Honey Field restaurant in Lockport that offers a 10% meal discount on those who pray.
Upcoming Events
—Wednesday, November 23rd, 7:30 PM, St. Joseph’s in Homewood: Community Interfaith Thanksgiving service with a collection for Respond Now
—Thursday, November 24th, 10:00 AM: Thanksgiving service at St. John’s
—Sunday, November 27th, 9:00 AM: Advent wreath-making in the undercroft
—Saturday, December 3rd, 9:00 AM in the undercroft: Cookie Walk
Discussion and Decisions
Stewardship
—The office will send out reminder post cards to parishioners who have not yet submitted their pledge cards. The senior warden will write simple weekly updates in the “e-vangelist” tracking the progress of of pledge totals received.
—The vestry godparent bulletin board has not been updated since September’s acolyte display. The vestry is in favor of continuing this project, and a new display will appear soon.
Vestry Nominating Committee
As described in our by-laws, a nominating committee for new wardens and vestry members consists of the rector, the wardens, and one representative from each of the three incoming vestry classes to be determined by drawing lots. The vestry members chosen for this year’s committee are Nichole Dailor, Rob Carrier, and Zoltan Sziky.
The Feast of St. John the Evangelist
—There will be a planning committee meeting after church on November 27th.
—On December 18th after church vestry volunteers are needed to address invitations.
—Volunteers are needed on January 13th from 1:00-4:00 PM and from 6:00-8:00 PM to work on various set-up tasks. All vestry members also are needed on January 14th from 9:00 AM until noon for final preparations.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:05 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for December 19th at which the vestry will review 2017 budget guidelines.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: December 19, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Christmas Worship Services & Events
Schedule of Worship Services and Events, 2016
Christmas Eve (December 24
4:00 PM, The Holy Eucharist with the Children’s Christmas Pageant
10:00 PM, Christmas Music
10:30 PM, Choral Holy Eucharist
Christmas Day (December 25)
10:00 AM, The Holy Eucharist
The First Sunday after Christmas Day (January 1)
8:00 AM, The Holy Eucharist
10:00 AM, Christmas Lessons and Carols with the Holy Eucharist
The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6)
7:00 PM, The Holy Eucharist
The First Sunday after the Epiphany (January 8)
8:00 AM, The Holy Eucharist
10:00 AM, The Holy Eucharist
The Feast of St. John the Evangelist (Saturday, January 14)
4:30 PM, Evening Prayer
5:00 PM, Appetizers and Fellowship
6:00 PM, Dinner
Notes:
Christmas Eve (December 24
4:00 PM, The Holy Eucharist with the Children’s Christmas Pageant
10:00 PM, Christmas Music
10:30 PM, Choral Holy Eucharist
Christmas Day (December 25)
10:00 AM, The Holy Eucharist
The First Sunday after Christmas Day (January 1)
8:00 AM, The Holy Eucharist
10:00 AM, Christmas Lessons and Carols with the Holy Eucharist
The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6)
7:00 PM, The Holy Eucharist
The First Sunday after the Epiphany (January 8)
8:00 AM, The Holy Eucharist
10:00 AM, The Holy Eucharist
The Feast of St. John the Evangelist (Saturday, January 14)
4:30 PM, Evening Prayer
5:00 PM, Appetizers and Fellowship
6:00 PM, Dinner
Notes:
- There will be NO 8:00 AM service on Sunday, Christmas Day.
- The 9:00 AM Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist with healing will NOT take place December 28. It WILL be offered December 21 and January 4.
- Regular Sunday School classes will not meet December 18 (Pageant Rehearsal), December 25 or January 1. Classes for all ages will resume January 8.
- The Parish Office will be closed December 23 - January 2.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Announcements for December 18
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, December 19, beginning at 7:00 PM with Evening Prayer in the church.
From the Vestry: Pledge Update
Yet again this week, more pledges have come in to bring us closer to our estimated 2017 budget of $230,000. This week we have pledges that total $177,918. For anyone who is still considering a pledge, please do so before the end of this month by calling or emailing the Parish office. Thanks to all for everything you do, and have a blessed Christmas! –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden
Contribute to Christmas Decorations
If you would like to contribute to the decorations that adorn the church during Christmas time, please use the flower envelope found in the pews or provided in the Christmas letter. Contributions may be given in memory of a loved one, in celebration or thanksgiving, or simply to the Glory of God.
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!
That was definitely our theme song as we caroled through St. John’s neighborhood December 11th. The weather didn’t deter our stalwart crew from bringing good cheer to neighbors and gathering canned goods for the Rich Township food pantry. Our efforts hauled in over 80 lbs of food and several cash donations for the pantry. Many thanks to everyone who participated!
Christmas Worship Services
On Christmas Eve, the family service begins at 4:00PM. The “midnight” Christ Mass begins with music at 10:00PM, followed by the Holy Eucharist at 10:30PM. On Christmas Day, the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 10:00 AM. (Although it is a Sunday, there will be no 8:00AM service on Christmas Day.)
Parish Office Holiday Closing
The parish office will be closed December 23 – January 2.
The vestry meets Monday, December 19, beginning at 7:00 PM with Evening Prayer in the church.
From the Vestry: Pledge Update
Yet again this week, more pledges have come in to bring us closer to our estimated 2017 budget of $230,000. This week we have pledges that total $177,918. For anyone who is still considering a pledge, please do so before the end of this month by calling or emailing the Parish office. Thanks to all for everything you do, and have a blessed Christmas! –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden
Contribute to Christmas Decorations
If you would like to contribute to the decorations that adorn the church during Christmas time, please use the flower envelope found in the pews or provided in the Christmas letter. Contributions may be given in memory of a loved one, in celebration or thanksgiving, or simply to the Glory of God.
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!
That was definitely our theme song as we caroled through St. John’s neighborhood December 11th. The weather didn’t deter our stalwart crew from bringing good cheer to neighbors and gathering canned goods for the Rich Township food pantry. Our efforts hauled in over 80 lbs of food and several cash donations for the pantry. Many thanks to everyone who participated!
Christmas Worship Services
On Christmas Eve, the family service begins at 4:00PM. The “midnight” Christ Mass begins with music at 10:00PM, followed by the Holy Eucharist at 10:30PM. On Christmas Day, the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 10:00 AM. (Although it is a Sunday, there will be no 8:00AM service on Christmas Day.)
Parish Office Holiday Closing
The parish office will be closed December 23 – January 2.
Reflection for December 18
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne (Charles Wesley, The Hymnal 1982, #66).
Friday, December 9, 2016
Announcements for December 11
From the Vestry: This Week’s Pledge Update
Thanks to those who turned in their pledge to St. John's during this busy time of expectation. The pledges that came in this week brings us to a total of $172,718. Again, our total estimated budget for 2017 is $230,000. It is still possible to turn in a pledge card, call or email the Parish office with a pledge amount for 2017. And yet again (and again and again), thanks to all who give of their time and their funds to our Parish. –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden
Christmas Pageant Orientation Meeting This Sunday
The annual children’s Christmas Pageant is part of the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve. All children who would like to participate the pageant and their parents are asked to attend a brief organizational meeting in the church after the 10:00 service this Sunday. If you would like to be in the pageant, but cannot make the meeting please text (708.651.1389) or email (peshuntoon@yahoo.com) Pat Smith-Huntoon by Sunday afternoon.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
The Practicing Our Faith Book Club is meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7pm in the Guild Room to discuss The Name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis. New members are always welcome!
Best Buddies Pet Pantry Seeks Toys
The Bloom Township food pantry holds a Christmas party for their clients each year. Dale from Best Buddies Pet Pantry attends with dog and cat toys and invites the kids to choose a toy to give their pets for Christmas. If you can donate a new toy, please drop it off in the Best Buddies collection box by the staircases. Of course pet food donations are always welcome as well. Our next re-packaging work day at St. John's is on December 10th at 10 AM, so that's when the toys and food will be picked up. Thanks for your support!
St. John's Annual Caroling for Canned Goods & Best Cocoa Ever: December 11, 4:00 pm.
Everyone's invited...bring your friends of all ages! Join church youth in collecting canned goods for Rich Township Food Pantry with our church neighborhood caroling party! Meet in St. J's undercroft at 4pm on December 11th for homemade cocoa (the real McCoy). Bring canned goods to contribute and a wagon, if you have one. Please join us--it's a fun activity and really brings on the Christmas Spirit in a remarkably short time--little more than an hour. Perfect for those who need service hours! Questions or suggestions: Contact Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.
Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 pm at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Selections include “A Boy Was Born” by Benjamin Britten and John Rutter songs such as “Candlelight Carol” and “Shepherd's Pipe Carol.” Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults ($20 at the door), available from Bob Burgwald or Betsy Elliot.
Thanks to those who turned in their pledge to St. John's during this busy time of expectation. The pledges that came in this week brings us to a total of $172,718. Again, our total estimated budget for 2017 is $230,000. It is still possible to turn in a pledge card, call or email the Parish office with a pledge amount for 2017. And yet again (and again and again), thanks to all who give of their time and their funds to our Parish. –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden
Christmas Pageant Orientation Meeting This Sunday
The annual children’s Christmas Pageant is part of the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve. All children who would like to participate the pageant and their parents are asked to attend a brief organizational meeting in the church after the 10:00 service this Sunday. If you would like to be in the pageant, but cannot make the meeting please text (708.651.1389) or email (peshuntoon@yahoo.com) Pat Smith-Huntoon by Sunday afternoon.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
The Practicing Our Faith Book Club is meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7pm in the Guild Room to discuss The Name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis. New members are always welcome!
Best Buddies Pet Pantry Seeks Toys
The Bloom Township food pantry holds a Christmas party for their clients each year. Dale from Best Buddies Pet Pantry attends with dog and cat toys and invites the kids to choose a toy to give their pets for Christmas. If you can donate a new toy, please drop it off in the Best Buddies collection box by the staircases. Of course pet food donations are always welcome as well. Our next re-packaging work day at St. John's is on December 10th at 10 AM, so that's when the toys and food will be picked up. Thanks for your support!
St. John's Annual Caroling for Canned Goods & Best Cocoa Ever: December 11, 4:00 pm.
Everyone's invited...bring your friends of all ages! Join church youth in collecting canned goods for Rich Township Food Pantry with our church neighborhood caroling party! Meet in St. J's undercroft at 4pm on December 11th for homemade cocoa (the real McCoy). Bring canned goods to contribute and a wagon, if you have one. Please join us--it's a fun activity and really brings on the Christmas Spirit in a remarkably short time--little more than an hour. Perfect for those who need service hours! Questions or suggestions: Contact Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.
Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 pm at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Selections include “A Boy Was Born” by Benjamin Britten and John Rutter songs such as “Candlelight Carol” and “Shepherd's Pipe Carol.” Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults ($20 at the door), available from Bob Burgwald or Betsy Elliot.
Reflection for December 11
Act
What will we do with the blessings God gives us in answer to prayer? When we pray and God heals us, what will we do with our restored health? When we cry out of our need and God meets that need, what will we do with the resources that have come to us in answer to our prayer? (AdventWord, Br. David Vryhof, Society of Saint John the Evangelist).
What will we do with the blessings God gives us in answer to prayer? When we pray and God heals us, what will we do with our restored health? When we cry out of our need and God meets that need, what will we do with the resources that have come to us in answer to our prayer? (AdventWord, Br. David Vryhof, Society of Saint John the Evangelist).
Friday, December 2, 2016
St. John's Holiday Cookie Walk
St. John's annual Holiday Cookie Walk is Saturday, December 3. Doors are open for shopping from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Come browse a wide selection of premium homemade cookies and candies. Select your own assortment and pay by the pound. Proceeds benefit local social service agencies and the ministries of the church.
Announcements for December 4
From the Vestry: Pledge Update
I would just like to provide a friendly reminder to those still considering a pledge to St. John’s. As of Thursday, the amount pledged increased to $161,868. Again our total estimated budget for 2017 is $230,000. It is still possible to turn in a pledge card, or call or email the Parish office with a pledge amount for 2017. Thanks again to all who give of their time and their funds to our Parish. –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden
Best Buddies Pet Pantry Seeks Toys
The Bloom Township food pantry holds a Christmas party for their clients each year. Dale from Best Buddies Pet Pantry attends with dog and cat toys and invites the kids to choose a toy to give their pets for Christmas. If you can donate a new toy, please drop it off in the Best Buddies collection box by the staircases. Of course pet food donations are always welcome as well. Our next re-packaging work day at St. John's is on December 10th at 10 AM, so that's when the toys and food will be picked up. Thanks for your support!
ReVive Center Christmas Baskets
Thank you and bless you to everyone who so generously (and promptly!) participated in this year’s Christmas Basket program. 37 boxes of gifts are on their way to ReVive Center for Housing and Healing for distribution to seniors and families this Christmas.
St. John’s Fall UTO Ingathering
St. John’s fall ingathering for the United Thank Offering raised $523.32. This money has been forwarded to the Diocesan ECW to be used towards UTO grants. The UTO call to thankfulness is ongoing. Please continue to use your blue boxes. Another ingathering will be held in the spring.
St. John's Annual Caroling for Canned Goods & Best Cocoa Ever: December 11, 4:00 pm.
Everyone's invited...bring your friends of all ages! Join church youth in collecting canned goods for Rich Township Food Pantry with our church neighborhood caroling party! Meet in St. J's undercroft at 4pm on December 11th for homemade cocoa (the real McCoy). Bring canned goods to contribute and a wagon, if you have one. Please join us--it's a fun activity and really brings on the Christmas Spirit in a remarkably short time--little more than an hour. Perfect for those who need service hours! Questions or suggestions: Contact Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.
Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 pm at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Selections include “A Boy Was Born” by Benjamin Britten and John Rutter songs such as “Candlelight Carol” and “Shepherd's Pipe Carol.” Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults ($20 at the door), available from Bob Burgwald or Betsy Elliot.
I would just like to provide a friendly reminder to those still considering a pledge to St. John’s. As of Thursday, the amount pledged increased to $161,868. Again our total estimated budget for 2017 is $230,000. It is still possible to turn in a pledge card, or call or email the Parish office with a pledge amount for 2017. Thanks again to all who give of their time and their funds to our Parish. –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden
Best Buddies Pet Pantry Seeks Toys
The Bloom Township food pantry holds a Christmas party for their clients each year. Dale from Best Buddies Pet Pantry attends with dog and cat toys and invites the kids to choose a toy to give their pets for Christmas. If you can donate a new toy, please drop it off in the Best Buddies collection box by the staircases. Of course pet food donations are always welcome as well. Our next re-packaging work day at St. John's is on December 10th at 10 AM, so that's when the toys and food will be picked up. Thanks for your support!
ReVive Center Christmas Baskets
Thank you and bless you to everyone who so generously (and promptly!) participated in this year’s Christmas Basket program. 37 boxes of gifts are on their way to ReVive Center for Housing and Healing for distribution to seniors and families this Christmas.
St. John’s Fall UTO Ingathering
St. John’s fall ingathering for the United Thank Offering raised $523.32. This money has been forwarded to the Diocesan ECW to be used towards UTO grants. The UTO call to thankfulness is ongoing. Please continue to use your blue boxes. Another ingathering will be held in the spring.
St. John's Annual Caroling for Canned Goods & Best Cocoa Ever: December 11, 4:00 pm.
Everyone's invited...bring your friends of all ages! Join church youth in collecting canned goods for Rich Township Food Pantry with our church neighborhood caroling party! Meet in St. J's undercroft at 4pm on December 11th for homemade cocoa (the real McCoy). Bring canned goods to contribute and a wagon, if you have one. Please join us--it's a fun activity and really brings on the Christmas Spirit in a remarkably short time--little more than an hour. Perfect for those who need service hours! Questions or suggestions: Contact Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.
Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 pm at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Selections include “A Boy Was Born” by Benjamin Britten and John Rutter songs such as “Candlelight Carol” and “Shepherd's Pipe Carol.” Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults ($20 at the door), available from Bob Burgwald or Betsy Elliot.
Reflection for December 4
Alain de Botton, a British-based philosopher and author of The News: A User’s Manual, believes that in contemporary culture news has largely replace religion as “our central source of guidance and our touchstone of authority.” The news—not scripture, tradition, or inspired ritual—informs how we handle suffering and make moral choices (Peter W. Marty, “Consumed by the news,” Christian Century, November 23, 2016).
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