Recycle Plastic Easter Eggs
If you have now empty plastic Easter eggs left over from St. John’s Easter egg hunt or others, you may bring them to St. John’s to be used next year. A collection box is near the parish office.
Blue Jean Sunday Next Week, May 7
Wear gardening clothes, bring your rake and help beautify St. John’s landscape for spring. Following the 10:00 AM service next Sunday, May 7.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting, until we start up again in the fall.
St. John’s Joins Interfaith Group
At its April meeting, St. John’s vestry voted to join the SouthWest InterFaith Team (SWIFT), the 15-year-old area group that promotes meaningful dialogue and joint community service among the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. St. John's becomes the 15th faith community to join the group, which includes churches, synagogues, and mosques. Of note, we are also the first Episcopal church ever to join SWIFT. Looking ahead, each congregation designates two representatives to help steer SWIFT planning and events. Rob McManamy and Bryan Burke will be St. John’s liaisons. The pair already attended SWIFT's annual planning retreat last Sunday in Frankfort, and will have more info to share soon. To learn more about SWIFT, and see the other members, visit their website HERE.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Reflection for April 30
For theology and liturgy, poetry has always mattered….
The reasons for the deep draw to poetry are no doubt many, but perhaps in this cultural moment we are discovering a particularly salient one: the failure of arguments. Propositional speech and expository writing have always been limited in their power to move and convince, which is why the best orators and authors throughout history have won over their audiences with poetic speech—language rife with image, metaphor, ambiguity, and lyricism and uninterested in didacticism and moralizing. For Christians who recognize the dreariness of staking one’s life solely on a list of propositions to be assented to, poetry turns out to be “like fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry” (Quoted passage by Mary Oliver in “An invitation to wonder” by Debra Dean Murphy, Christian Century, April 26, 2017).
The reasons for the deep draw to poetry are no doubt many, but perhaps in this cultural moment we are discovering a particularly salient one: the failure of arguments. Propositional speech and expository writing have always been limited in their power to move and convince, which is why the best orators and authors throughout history have won over their audiences with poetic speech—language rife with image, metaphor, ambiguity, and lyricism and uninterested in didacticism and moralizing. For Christians who recognize the dreariness of staking one’s life solely on a list of propositions to be assented to, poetry turns out to be “like fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry” (Quoted passage by Mary Oliver in “An invitation to wonder” by Debra Dean Murphy, Christian Century, April 26, 2017).
Monday, April 24, 2017
Announcements for April 23
Recycle Plastic Easter Eggs
If you have now empty plastic Easter eggs left over from St. John’s Easter egg hunt or others, you may bring them to St. John’s to be used next year. Look for the lilac colored collection box near the parish office.
New Usher “Pins”
Steve and Mary Hofer have recently donated a set of St. John the Evangelist usher “pins” (that attach magnetically) to be worn by ushers at worship services. They are given in memory of Dick Keller, 8:00 AM usher extraordinaire.
Sunday School Classes Resume
Sunday School classes for all ages resume this Sunday, April 23, after the Easter break.
Easter Flowers
Thank you to everyone who so generously contributed to the Easter flowers in the church this year. A list of contributors is included with this Sunday’s worship leaflet.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
In May the Practicing Our Faith Book Club will be reading Truth Speaks to Power: The Counterculture Nature of Scripture by Walter Brueggemann, which "invites readers to take a closer look at the subversive messages found within the Old Testament." Read the book, and then join us on Thursday, May 18 at 7pm in the Guild Room for the discussion. New members are always welcome.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting, until we start up again in the fall.
If you have now empty plastic Easter eggs left over from St. John’s Easter egg hunt or others, you may bring them to St. John’s to be used next year. Look for the lilac colored collection box near the parish office.
New Usher “Pins”
Steve and Mary Hofer have recently donated a set of St. John the Evangelist usher “pins” (that attach magnetically) to be worn by ushers at worship services. They are given in memory of Dick Keller, 8:00 AM usher extraordinaire.
Sunday School Classes Resume
Sunday School classes for all ages resume this Sunday, April 23, after the Easter break.
Easter Flowers
Thank you to everyone who so generously contributed to the Easter flowers in the church this year. A list of contributors is included with this Sunday’s worship leaflet.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
In May the Practicing Our Faith Book Club will be reading Truth Speaks to Power: The Counterculture Nature of Scripture by Walter Brueggemann, which "invites readers to take a closer look at the subversive messages found within the Old Testament." Read the book, and then join us on Thursday, May 18 at 7pm in the Guild Room for the discussion. New members are always welcome.
Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting, until we start up again in the fall.
Reflection for April 23
Nicholas Kristof: With Easter approaching, let me push you on the Resurrection. If you heard a report today from the Middle East of a man brought back to life after an execution, I doubt you’d believe it even if there were eyewitnesses. So why believe ancient accounts written years after the events?
President Carter: I would be skeptical of a report like you describe. My belief in the resurrection of Jesus comes from my Christian faith, and not from any need for scientific proof. I derive a great personal benefit from the totality of this belief, which comes naturally to me. (Interview in the New York Times, April 15, 2017)
President Carter: I would be skeptical of a report like you describe. My belief in the resurrection of Jesus comes from my Christian faith, and not from any need for scientific proof. I derive a great personal benefit from the totality of this belief, which comes naturally to me. (Interview in the New York Times, April 15, 2017)
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - March 20, 2017
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 Greg Lawrence; the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Alice Creason, Randy Oyster, Shirley Reilly, and Mary VanSwol; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis. Vestry members Mike Bond, Rob Carrier, Zoltan Sziky, and Cynthia Turnquest were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
There was a typo in the minutes, with one word having been typed twice. Mary VanSwol moved to accept the minutes with the error corrected, and Shirley Reilly seconded. The motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that for the first two months of the year the budget is on-track with no extraordinary expenses.
Bequest
Pastor Orr suggested that the bequest from Vickie O’Neill could be used for an as-of-yet-unspecified Altar Guild memorial since Vickie was a very devoted Altar Guild member for many years. The bequest can be found in the treasurer’s report in the “Funds” category. The vestry will carry over further discussion and decisions about this until next month.
Information
Rector's Report
Pastor Orr reminded the vestry that, even though Lent has started, it still is appropriate to begin personal Lenten disciplines; and she suggested, as examples, the Lent Madness online competition, and the Wednesday evening Lenten class here at St. John’s.
Wardens’ Reports and Reports from Parish Organizations
Steve Hofer said that he has donated magnetic lapel pins to identify the ushers at the Sunday services.
Upcoming Events
March 31st - Annual Fish Fry
April 9th - Palm Sunday
April 10th, 11th, 12th - Holy week Eucharists at 7:00 PM
April 13th - Maundy Thursday with Holy Eucharist, Agape Supper, and Stripping of the Altar at 6:30 PM
April 14th - Good Friday Proper Liturgy at noon, Vespers at 7:00 PM
April 15th - The Great Vigil of Easter at 8:00 PM
April 16th - Easter Day
April 29th - Vestry retreat
Discussion and Decisions
Columbarium Project
Parishioner Mark Moxley and the rector have found one person who is interested in managing the entire columbarium project. We have no cost quote yet. A couple of other contractors have been contacted but have not responded so far.
Fund-Raising Projects
The senior warden, Greg Lawrence, asked the vestry to think about ways to raise funds for the church, given our deficit budget this year and possibly in years to come. Greg suggested that the projects should not involve selling things, but rather should be some combination of fellowship with fund-raising. The vestry brainstormed a few ideas including a daytime vacation bible school and some kind of seasonal festival.
Next Sunday, March 26th, the wardens will make announcements during church asking for ideas and for volunteers to serve on a fund-raising committee.
Shay Craig, who works on stewardship development on the diocesan staff, will join the vestry at next month’s meeting to help us further develop ideas.
SWIFT
Parishioner Rob McManamy asked the senior warden to discuss with the vestry the possibility of the parish joining the South West Interfaith Team, which holds educational meetings to promote understanding among the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religious communities in the southwest Chicago suburban area. To join there is a one-time $125 fee per congregation. The vestry will consider this and re-visit the issue next month.
Pictures of Parishioners
The vestry considered having parishioner photos taken and then publishing them in a directory or displaying them on a bulletin board. No decisions were made, and the vestry will discuss this again next month.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 8:25 PM. The next meeting will be held on April 17th, and Shay Craig, from the diocesan staff, will attend to assist in the discussion on parish fund-raising.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: April 17, 2017
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 Greg Lawrence; the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Alice Creason, Randy Oyster, Shirley Reilly, and Mary VanSwol; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis. Vestry members Mike Bond, Rob Carrier, Zoltan Sziky, and Cynthia Turnquest were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
There was a typo in the minutes, with one word having been typed twice. Mary VanSwol moved to accept the minutes with the error corrected, and Shirley Reilly seconded. The motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that for the first two months of the year the budget is on-track with no extraordinary expenses.
Bequest
Pastor Orr suggested that the bequest from Vickie O’Neill could be used for an as-of-yet-unspecified Altar Guild memorial since Vickie was a very devoted Altar Guild member for many years. The bequest can be found in the treasurer’s report in the “Funds” category. The vestry will carry over further discussion and decisions about this until next month.
Information
Rector's Report
Pastor Orr reminded the vestry that, even though Lent has started, it still is appropriate to begin personal Lenten disciplines; and she suggested, as examples, the Lent Madness online competition, and the Wednesday evening Lenten class here at St. John’s.
Wardens’ Reports and Reports from Parish Organizations
Steve Hofer said that he has donated magnetic lapel pins to identify the ushers at the Sunday services.
Upcoming Events
March 31st - Annual Fish Fry
April 9th - Palm Sunday
April 10th, 11th, 12th - Holy week Eucharists at 7:00 PM
April 13th - Maundy Thursday with Holy Eucharist, Agape Supper, and Stripping of the Altar at 6:30 PM
April 14th - Good Friday Proper Liturgy at noon, Vespers at 7:00 PM
April 15th - The Great Vigil of Easter at 8:00 PM
April 16th - Easter Day
April 29th - Vestry retreat
Discussion and Decisions
Columbarium Project
Parishioner Mark Moxley and the rector have found one person who is interested in managing the entire columbarium project. We have no cost quote yet. A couple of other contractors have been contacted but have not responded so far.
Fund-Raising Projects
The senior warden, Greg Lawrence, asked the vestry to think about ways to raise funds for the church, given our deficit budget this year and possibly in years to come. Greg suggested that the projects should not involve selling things, but rather should be some combination of fellowship with fund-raising. The vestry brainstormed a few ideas including a daytime vacation bible school and some kind of seasonal festival.
Next Sunday, March 26th, the wardens will make announcements during church asking for ideas and for volunteers to serve on a fund-raising committee.
Shay Craig, who works on stewardship development on the diocesan staff, will join the vestry at next month’s meeting to help us further develop ideas.
SWIFT
Parishioner Rob McManamy asked the senior warden to discuss with the vestry the possibility of the parish joining the South West Interfaith Team, which holds educational meetings to promote understanding among the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religious communities in the southwest Chicago suburban area. To join there is a one-time $125 fee per congregation. The vestry will consider this and re-visit the issue next month.
Pictures of Parishioners
The vestry considered having parishioner photos taken and then publishing them in a directory or displaying them on a bulletin board. No decisions were made, and the vestry will discuss this again next month.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 8:25 PM. The next meeting will be held on April 17th, and Shay Craig, from the diocesan staff, will attend to assist in the discussion on parish fund-raising.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: April 17, 2017
Friday, April 14, 2017
Announcements for Easter Sunday, April 16
Easter Services
Saturday, April 15: The Great Vigil of Easter, 8:00 PM.
Sunday, Easter Morning, April 16: The Holy Eucharist at 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM.
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
Following the 10:00 AM service, all children of the parish are invited to participate in an Easter egg hunt on the front lawn of the church. Bring your own baskets.
Vestry
The vestry meets Monday, April 17, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM.
Sunday School On Vacation
Sunday School for all ages is on vacation this Sunday, April 16. Classes will resume April 23. Contribute to Easter Flowers It’s not too late. Please consider making a contribution towards the lilies and other flowers that adorn the church at Easter time. Contributions may be made in memory or thanksgiving or simply to the Glory of God. Flower contribution envelopes were included with the Easter letter; they are also available in the pews.
Interfaith Presentation for South Side Churches in Frankfort, April 22
SWIFT co-founder Khalid Mozaffar will be giving an ‘Islam 101’ presentation at the American Islamic Association, 8860 W Saint Francis Rd, Frankfort from 10am to 12pm on Sat., April 22. All interested members of St. John's have been invited to the AIA for what should be a fascinating talk. For more details or to RSVP please contact Rob McManamy by no later than Wednesday, April 19.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Palm Sunday, April 9
7:55
a.m. Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor
Altar
8:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist; Church
Christian Formation classes will not meet.
9:40
a.m. Blessing
of the Palms; Outdoor Altar and procession around Flossmoor
10:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist; Church
Monday in Holy
Week, April 10
7:00
p.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Tuesday in Holy
Week, April 11
7:00
p.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Wednesday in Holy
Week, April 12
9:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist with Healing
7:00
p.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Maundy Thursday, April
13
6:30
p.m. The
Holy Eucharist (with foot washing for those who wish), followed by the agape meal and stripping of the altar
8:00
p.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Friday)
Prayer
Vigil and Watch at the altar of repose
Good Friday, April
14
12:00
p.m. The
Proper Liturgy for Good Friday
7:00
p.m. Good
Friday vespers
Easter Eve,
Saturday, April 15
8:00
p.m. The
Great Vigil of Easter
Easter Day, April 16
8:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Christian Formation classes will not meet.
10:00
a.m. The
Holy Eucharist
Followed
by an Easter egg hunt for children on the front lawn.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Announcements for April 9
Palm Sunday This Sunday – April 9: Come Early for the Procession
The liturgy of the palms begins before each service this week. We will gather at the outdoor altar at 7:55 AM before the early service and at 9:40 AM before the later service. Come be a part of the triumphal procession!
Sign Up for the Watch
A sign up sheet is available in the back of the church for the watch in the garden beginning the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 13, and continuing through noon on Good Friday.
Sunday School On Vacation
Sunday School for all ages is on vacation this Sunday, April 9 and next Sunday, Easter Sunday.
Help Prepare Easter Eggs
During coffee hour after the 10:00 AM service, everyone is invited to help fill Easter eggs to be used in the children’s Easter egg hunt on Easter morning. The hunt takes place on the front lawn of the church following the 10:00 AM service on Easter.
Worship During Holy Week
The schedule for Holy Week worship services was included with the Easter letter. Copies are also available at the church on the information tables.
Contribute to Easter Flowers
Please consider making a contribution towards the lilies and other flowers that will adorn the church at Easter time. Contributions may be made in memory or thanksgiving or simply to the Glory of God. Flower contribution envelopes were included with this week’s Easter letter; they are also available in the pews.
Fish Fry Success
The St. Barnabas Men's Fellowship of St. John's and Holy Family will hold its regular monthly breakfast meeting this Saturday, April 8, at 7:30 AM at St. John's in Flossmoor. Last Friday, the group hosted yet another successful ‘Episcopal Fish Fry’ for the community, serving some 130 customers and raising $1,000 for the South Suburban PADS homeless ministry. Special thanks to all who turned out, as well as to the volunteers. Lastly, thanks also to the Smiley Tillmon Band for once again making this fundraiser the catch of the season!
Interfaith Presentation for South Side Churches in Frankfort, April 22
SWIFT co-founder Khalid Mozaffar will be giving an ‘Islam 101’ presentation at the American Islamic Association, 8860 W Saint Francis Rd, Frankfort from 10am to 12pm on Sat., April 22. All interested members of St. John's have been invited to the AIA for what should be a fascinating talk. For more details or to RSVP please contact Rob McManamy no later than Wednesday, April 19.
The liturgy of the palms begins before each service this week. We will gather at the outdoor altar at 7:55 AM before the early service and at 9:40 AM before the later service. Come be a part of the triumphal procession!
Sign Up for the Watch
A sign up sheet is available in the back of the church for the watch in the garden beginning the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 13, and continuing through noon on Good Friday.
Sunday School On Vacation
Sunday School for all ages is on vacation this Sunday, April 9 and next Sunday, Easter Sunday.
Help Prepare Easter Eggs
During coffee hour after the 10:00 AM service, everyone is invited to help fill Easter eggs to be used in the children’s Easter egg hunt on Easter morning. The hunt takes place on the front lawn of the church following the 10:00 AM service on Easter.
Worship During Holy Week
The schedule for Holy Week worship services was included with the Easter letter. Copies are also available at the church on the information tables.
Contribute to Easter Flowers
Please consider making a contribution towards the lilies and other flowers that will adorn the church at Easter time. Contributions may be made in memory or thanksgiving or simply to the Glory of God. Flower contribution envelopes were included with this week’s Easter letter; they are also available in the pews.
Fish Fry Success
The St. Barnabas Men's Fellowship of St. John's and Holy Family will hold its regular monthly breakfast meeting this Saturday, April 8, at 7:30 AM at St. John's in Flossmoor. Last Friday, the group hosted yet another successful ‘Episcopal Fish Fry’ for the community, serving some 130 customers and raising $1,000 for the South Suburban PADS homeless ministry. Special thanks to all who turned out, as well as to the volunteers. Lastly, thanks also to the Smiley Tillmon Band for once again making this fundraiser the catch of the season!
Interfaith Presentation for South Side Churches in Frankfort, April 22
SWIFT co-founder Khalid Mozaffar will be giving an ‘Islam 101’ presentation at the American Islamic Association, 8860 W Saint Francis Rd, Frankfort from 10am to 12pm on Sat., April 22. All interested members of St. John's have been invited to the AIA for what should be a fascinating talk. For more details or to RSVP please contact Rob McManamy no later than Wednesday, April 19.
Reflection for April 9
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ (Matthew 21:6-9).
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