Announcements for December 23rd

Christmas Services

Friday, December 21^st            Blue Christmas Service, 7:00 p.m.

Monday, December 24^th         Family Service with Pageant, 4:00 p.m.

                                                

Music & Christmas Carols, 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve “Midnight” Mass, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 25^th         Christmas Day Service, 9:00 a.m.

                                           

Fundraising Coupon Booklets

The Vestry is supporting a new easy and fun product to sell as a fundraising campaign for St. John’s. We are selling fundraising coupon books for $20.00 from a company called Simple Qpons. The books allow individuals to save money with things like buy-one-get-one-free and 50% off discounts at tons of our favorite local merchants. These books make for great small gifts and stocking stuffers. There are two editions of the book: one for Northwest Indiana and one for Southland Chicago. You can contact Vestry members or the church office to either purchase books yourself  OR to help in selling books for this fundraiser.

Christmas Pageant

We will be doing a run through of the Christmas Pageant right after the 10:00 service on Sunday December 23rd. We will also go through costumes and props to prepare everyone for their role. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Smith-Huntoon.

Annual Meeting—Sunday, January 20^th following the 10:00 a.m. service.

Parish Office Closed

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, December 24^th through Tuesday, January 1^st. The Office will reopen on Wednesday, January 2^nd.

Announcements for December 16th

Christmas Services

Friday, December 21^st             Blue Christmas Service, 7:00 p.m.

Monday, December 24^th          Family Service with Pageant, 4:00 p.m.

 Music & Christmas Carols, 10:00 p.m.

 Christmas Eve “Midnight” Mass, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 25^th          Christmas Day Service, 9:00 a.m.

FMSC: Thank you, people of St. John’s!

The very generous donations from our parish (just shy of $550) paid for 2,196 meals—enough to feed 6 children for a full year.  Twelve of your fellow parishioners went on to pack 5,508 meals in just two short hours at the Aurora facility of  Feed My Starving Children this past Saturday…that’s enough food to feed 17 children for a full year.  We were part of a group of roughly 200 volunteers who together packed 41,472 meals for malnourished and starving children.  That massive number feeds 114 children for a full year. Please seek out these people and ask them about their experience and consider joining us the next time we go to FMSC:  Laurie & Jack Zielinski, Margi Strombeck, Lita Morgan, Ann Moser, Ted Stone, Eric Turnquest, Mike & Catherine Madden, Elliot McManamy and Rob & Dee McManamy.  You’ll hear just how fun it was and how the Holy Spirit was with everyone there, helping us move a mountain of food.  [To learn more about this highly rated and respected organization, please go to www.fmsc.org]

Fundraising Coupon Booklets

The Vestry is supporting a new easy and fun product to sell as a fundraising campaign for St. John’s. We are selling fundraising coupon books for $20.00 from a company called Simple Qpons. The books allow individuals to save money with things like buy-one-get-one-free and 50% off discounts at tons of our favorite local merchants. These books make for great small gifts and stocking stuffers. There are two editions of the book: one for Northwest Indiana and one for Southland Chicago. You can contact Vestry members or the church office to either purchase books yourself  OR to help in selling books for this fundraiser.

Christmas Pageant

We will be having a pageant at the 4:00 pm Christmas Eve service this year, and children of all ages are encouraged to participate. There are up to 15 parts.  If you are interested, please see Pat Smith-Huntoon after the 10:00 am service, phone her or email her.

Announcements for December 9th

Fundraising Coupon Booklets

The Vestry is supporting a new easy and fun product to sell as a fundraising campaign for St. John’s. We are selling fundraising coupon books for $20.00 from a company called Simple Qpons. The books allow individuals to save money with things like buy-one-get-one-free and 50% off discounts at tons of our favorite local merchants. These books make for great small gifts and stocking stuffers. There are two editions of the book: one for Northwest Indiana and one for Southland Chicago. You can contact Vestry members or the church office to either purchase books yourself  OR to help in selling books for this fundraiser.

South Holland Master Chorale’s Annual Christmas Concert

The popular Christmas concert will include songs and carols, new and old, sung by the Chorale with help from the organ, instruments, children’s choire, and the audience. The Southlake Children’s Choir will join the Chorale in this concert. This marks the 18^th time the Chorale has presented its Christmas concert at St. Victor. The date for the concert is Sunday, December 9^th at 3:00 pm at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Parish (500 Northgate Dr., Dyer, Indiana). All Chorale Concerts are free, but free-will donations are gratefully accepted.

FMSC Volunteers:  Be on the Look-out!  

Please check your email frequently leading up to our Dec 8th trip to the Aurora facility.  You will receive emails directly from Feed My Starving Children regarding specific details of our volunteer work.  Pay close attention to what they suggest you wear and what they ask you to leave at home.  Also watch for emails from me about our departure time and transport from St. John's. Thanks so much to all of you who have volunteered for this worthwhile project (which should also be a very fun time).  Please contact Dee McManamy with any questions or updates.

Holiday Cookie Walk

The 19^th Annual Cookie Walk will take place on Saturday, December 8^th from 9:00 –11:30 am. All proceeds are a benefit of the OUTREACH commitment and St. John’s. Historically, we have netted over $3,800.00 yearly. We need everyone to make a DOUBLE or TRIPLE batch of cookies, candy, jam, or jelly. The emphasis is on homemade. Dog treats will be available. All items should be brought (in non-returnable containers) to the undercroft on Friday, December 7^th before 7:00 pm. Helpers of all ages are needed Friday, December 7^th  from 10:00-1:00 and 1:00-4:00 and Saturday, December 8^th from 8:30-10:00am, 10:00-11:30am, and 11:30am-1:00 pm. Any questions? Contact Alison Deniston.

Announcements for December 2nd

Christmas Basket Program  https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach/christmasbaskets.

This year’s deadline for dropping off your Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, December 5^th. If you are unable to shop and would like to be a part of this blessing, please give checks made out to St. John's, with "Revive Christmas Baskets" in the memo.  The youth of the congregation will be adopting/shopping and wrapping the presents for the family. Checks should get to the church by Friday, November 30^th.

Fundraising Coupon Booklets

The Vestry is supporting a new easy and fun product to sell as a fundraising campaign for St. John’s. We are selling fundraising coupon books for $20.00 from a company called Simple Qpons. The books allow individuals to save money with things like buy-one-get-one-free and 50% off discounts at tons of our favorite local merchants. These books make for great small gifts and stocking stuffers. There are two editions of the book: one for Northwest Indiana and one for Southland Chicago. You can contact Vestry members or the church office to either purchase books yourself  OR to help in selling books for this fundraiser.

South Holland Master Chorale’s Annual Christmas Concert

The popular Christmas concert will include songs and carols, new and old, sung by the Chorale with help from the organ, instruments, children’s choire, and the audience. The Southlake Children’s Choir will join the Chorale in this concert. This marks the 18^th time the Chorale has presented its Christmas concert at St. Victor. The dates for the concert are Sunday, December 2^nd at 4:00 pm at St. Victor Catholic Church (553 Hirsch Ave., Calumet City); and Sunday, December 9^th at 3:00 pm at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Parish (500 Northgate Dr., Dyer, Indiana). All Chorale Concerts are free, but free-will donations are gratefully accepted.

FMSC Volunteers:  Be on the Look-out!  

Please check your email frequently leading up to our Dec 8th trip to the Aurora facility.  You will receive emails directly from Feed My Starving Children regarding specific details of our volunteer work.  Pay close attention to what they suggest you wear and what they ask you to leave at home.  Also watch for emails from me about our departure time and transport from St. John's. Thanks so much to all of you who have volunteered for this worthwhile project (which should also be a very fun time).  Please contact Dee McManamy with any questions or updates.

Holiday Cookie Walk

The 19^th Annual Cookie Walk will take place on Saturday, December 8^th from 9:00 –11:30 am. All proceeds are a benefit of the OUTREACH commitment and St. John’s. Historically, we have netted over $3,800.00 yearly. We need everyone to make a DOUBLE or TRIPLE batch of cookies, candy, jam, or jelly. The emphasis is on homemade. Dog treats will be available. All items should be brought (in non-returnable containers) to the undercroft on Friday, December 7^th before 7:00 pm. Helpers of all ages are needed Friday, December 7^th  from 10:00-1:00 and 1:00-4:00 and Saturday, December 8^th from 8:30-10:00am, 10:00-11:30am, and 11:30am-1:00 pm. Any questions? Contact Alison Deniston.

Announcements for November 25th

Christmas Basket Program  https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach/christmasbaskets.

This year’s deadline for dropping off your Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, December 5^th. If you are unable to shop and would like to be a part of this blessing, please give checks made out to St. John's, with "Revive Christmas Baskets" in the memo.  The youth of the congregation will be adopting/shopping and wrapping the presents for the family. Checks should get to the church by Friday, November 30^th.

Only 5 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org . For more information, please contact Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details.  

Alternative Christmas Gift Market

Are you thinking about Christmas shopping? The Alternative Christmas Gift Market enables you to contribute to a charitable organization. An alternative Christmas gift to friends and family will benefit those in need. Your alternative gift to another will extend the true meaning of Christmas and ensure spiritual action after Christmas has passed and other gifts are forgotten or discarded. For each donation made, you will receive a decorative card indicating the name of the organization to which you have donated. This card can then be given as your alternative Christmas gift.

The following organizations will be included this year:

* Cancer Support Group                                    * Bakery Dos Corazones

* Christian Peace Makers                                  * ReVive

* The Night Ministry                                         * Respond Now

* Episcopal Relief and Development                 * Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy

You will be able to purchase donations in the amounts of $5, $10, $15 or $25. Payment will be made to Transfiguration. Order forms will be distributed on November 11th, November 18th, and November 25th. On the back of the order forms there will be a brief description of each organization. Order form will be collected along with payment in cash or checks made out to Transfiguration on November 18th and November 25th. Cards with a copy of the order form will be distributed to participants on November 25th and December 2nd.

Dinner Groups

This is your last chance to sign up for St. John’s Dinner Groups. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Groups of six to eight will meet at each other’s homes at least three times. This is an interesting way to get to know other parishioners better. Sign up by November 25 with Gale Michael before or after mass. For more information contact Gale Michael.

Announcements for November 18th

Christmas Basket Program  https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach/christmasbaskets.

We have one family left that needs sponsoring, so anyone who is able, please contact Fr. Jeremy to receive their Family Packet. This year’s deadline for dropping off your Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, December 5^th. If you are unable to shop and would like to be a part of this blessing, please give checks made out to St. John's, with "Revive Christmas Baskets" in the memo.  The youth of the congregation will be adopting/shopping and wrapping the presents for the family. Checks should get to the church by Friday, November 30^th.

Fleece Blanket Donations

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, a ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly.  Thank you!

Only 5 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org  If you want to go with us and help pack meals, please email Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details.  

Ping-Pong Table

The church has a ping-pong table that could be yours for the taking! It folds in half for moving and storage and is on wheels. You probably would have to buy a new net for it. If you or an organization you know of would like to have it, speak with Fr. Jeremy or Susan Marquis.

Interfaith Dinner, November 18^th

The South West Interfaith Team (SWIFT) will be having its annual interfaith dinner at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Homewood on Sunday, November 18 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of food and great conversation. Tickets are $20 and must be bought ahead of time. If you are interested please talk to Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. 

Alternative Christmas Gift Market

Are you thinking about Christmas shopping? The Alternative Christmas Gift Market enables you to contribute to a charitable organization. An alternative Christmas gift to friends and family will benefit those in need. Your alternative gift to another will extend the true meaning of Christmas and ensure spiritual action after Christmas has passed and other gifts are forgotten or discarded. For each donation made, you will receive a decorative card indicating the name of the organization to which you have donated. This card can then be given as your alternative Christmas gift.

The following organizations will be included this year:

* Cancer Support Group                                              * Bakery Dos Corazones

* Christian Peace Makers                                 * ReVive

* The Night Ministry                                        * Respond Now

* Episcopal Relief and Development               * Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy

You will be able to purchase donations in the amounts of $5, $10, $15 or $25. Payment will be made to Transfiguration. Order forms will be distributed on November 11th and November 18th. One the back of the order forms there will be a brief description of each organization. Order form will be collected along with payment in cash or checks made out to Transfiguration on November 18th and November 25th. Cards with a copy of the order form will be distributed to participants on November 25th and December 2nd.

Dinner Groups

Make new friends and reconnect with old ones ant St. John’s Dinner Groups. Groups of six to eight will meet at each other’s homes at least three times. You don’t have to host to participate. Conversation will flow, and it doesn’t even have to be religious! Sign up by November 25^th with Gale Michael, before or after mass. For more information, contact Gale Michael.

Announcements for November 11th

Christmas Basket Program  https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach/christmasbaskets.

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Packets will be available in the undercroft that provide information about the families, such as the number of members and the corresponding family number they’ve been assigned. When you select a family, please print your name and phone number on the sign-up sheet next to the family number you are taking, and make sure you take the correct packet! This year’s deadline for dropping off your Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, December 5^th. If you are unable to shop and would like to be a part of this blessing, please give checks made out to St. John's, with "Revive Christmas Baskets" in the memo.  The youth of the congregation will be adopting/shopping and wrapping the presents for the family. Checks should get to the church by Friday, November 30. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT A FAMILY AND CAN’T MAKE IT TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY, PLEASE EMAIL Fr. Jeremy with the approximate size of the family you are willing to adopt by November 11^th, 2018.

Blue Jean Yard Cleanup — Sunday, November 11^th

Fleece Blanket Donations

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Sunday 11-11-2018 after the 10:00am service and Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, a ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly at 708-305-2540.  Thank you!

Interfaith Dinner, November 18^th

The South West Interfaith Team (SWIFT) will be having its annual interfaith dinner at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Homewood on Sunday, November 18 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of food and great conversation. Tickets are $20 and must be bought ahead of time. If you are interested please talk to Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. 

Don't Throw Away Your Halloween Candy

Again this year we will be collecting left-over (or specially purchased) Halloween candy for the Manteno Veterans' Home. The facility serves up to 294 veterans with medical and special needs issues. The residents are provided with meals but not with extras, so candy is a real treat for them -- especially the fun-sized candy bars. You may donate opened bags of candy as long as the candy pieces are individually wrapped. There will be a donation box in the food collection area between the two staircases. The collection will continue through Sunday, November 11th, which, appropriately, is Veterans' Day.

Only 5 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org  If you want to go with us and help pack meals, please email Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details.  

Ping-Pong Table

The church has a ping-pong table that could be yours for the taking! It folds in half for moving and storage and is on wheels. You probably would have to buy a new net for it. If you or an organization you know of would like to have it, speak with Fr. Jeremy or Susan Marquis.

Announcements for November 4th

Fleece Blanket Donations

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Sunday 11-11-2018 after the 10:00am service and Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, a ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly. Thank you!

Blue Jean Yard Cleanup — Sunday, November 11^th

Yarn Ministry — Monday, November 5^th at 7:00 pm in the Guild Room

Interfaith Dinner, November 18^th

The South West Interfaith Team (SWIFT) will be having its annual interfaith dinner at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Homewood on Sunday, November 18 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of food and great conversation. Tickets are $20 and must be bought ahead of time. If you are interested please talk to Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. 

Don't Throw Away Your Halloween Candy

Again this year we will be collecting left-over (or specially purchased) Halloween candy for the Manteno Veterans' Home. The facility serves up to 294 veterans with medical and special needs issues. The residents are provided with meals but not with extras, so candy is a real treat for them -- especially the fun-sized candy bars. You may donate opened bags of candy as long as the candy pieces are individually wrapped. There will be a donation box in the food collection area between the two staircases. The collection will continue through Sunday, November 11th, which, appropriately, is Veterans' Day.

All Souls Day — Friday, November 2^nd at 7:00 pm.

You can still bring photographs and/or mementos of loved ones who have passed away for us to include in our Shrine of Remembrance for this All Saints Day, which will remain up through the month of November. You can give them to Fr. Jeremy or drop them by the church office. Also, please send your list of names that you would like to be remembered in the All Souls bulletin to the church email.

Only 5 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org  If you want to go with us and help pack meals, please email Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details.  

Ping-Pong Table

The church has a ping-pong table that could be yours for the taking! It folds in half for moving and storage and is on wheels. You probably would have to buy a new net for it. If you or an organization you know of would like to have it, speak with Fr. Jeremy or Susan Marquis.

Announcements for October 28th

Fleece Blanket Donations

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Sunday 11-11-2018 after the 10:00am service and Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, a ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly at 708-305-2540.  Thank you!

Blue Jean Yard Cleanup — Sunday, November 11^th

2018-2019 Directory

A new edition of the directory is underway, and a draft has been placed in the back of the church. This Sunday, please look at the information we have listed for you (the entry under your name as well as birthdays/anniversaries, and if you are listed as a contact for a group) and verify that everything is correct. If you need to update anything, take a pen and correct it right in the directory. Any written changes noted will be changed in the master copy of the directory before copies are made.

Yarn Ministry — Monday, November 5^th at 7:00 pm in the Guild Room

Who Has Church Keys?

Also located in the back of the church will be a sort of sign-up sheet for anyone who has been given a church key. If you currently have a key, please write your name down (first and last name). We’ve never kept a record of how many people have keys, and it is good practice that we start doing so for insurance purposes. Thank you in advance for helping us out with that.

Interfaith Dinner, November 18^th

The South West Interfaith Team (SWIFT) will be having its annual interfaith dinner at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Homewood on Sunday, November 18 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of food and great conversation. Tickets are $20 and must be bought ahead of time. If you are interested please talk to Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. 

All Souls Day — Friday, November 2^nd at 7:00 pm.

This Sunday, please bring photographs and/or mementos of loved ones who have passed away for us to include in our Shrine of Remembrance for this All Saints Day, which will remain up through the month of November. You can give them to Fr. Jeremy or drop them by the church office. Also, please send to the church email your list of names that you would like to be remembered in the All Souls bulletin.

Don't Throw Away Your Halloween Candy

Again this year we will be collecting left-over (or specially purchased) Halloween candy for the Manteno Veterans' Home. The facility serves up to 294 veterans with medical and special needs issues. The residents are provided with meals but not with extras, so candy is a real treat for them -- especially the fun-sized candy bars. You may donate opened bags of candy as long as the candy pieces are individually wrapped. There will be a donation box in the food collection area between the two staircases. The collection will continue through Sunday, November 11th, which, appropriately, is Veterans' Day.

Only 7 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org. If you want to go with us and help pack meals, please email Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details. 

Announcements for October 21

Got Freshmen?  We'll Send Care Packages!

If you know a college freshman who would enjoy a fun care package, please give us their name and mailing address. If your freshman attends school locally, they need a care package too! Everyone can help. Look for our collection area in the undercroft this Sunday; we'll collect items until Wednesday, Oct 24.  Keep it simple and inexpensive. Appreciated items are gum, pencils, ChapStick, individual packs of Kleenex, lotion, etc.  So far, we have seven young women and five young men on our list. Questions?  Contact Dee McManamy, Margi Strombeck, or Mike Madden.

Fleece Blanket Donations

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Sunday 11-11-2018 after the 10:00am service and  Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly.  Thank you!

2018-2019 Directory

A new edition of the directory is underway, and a draft has been placed in the back of the church. Over the next two weeks, please look at the information we have listed for you (the entry under your name as well as birthdays/anniversaries, and if you are listed as a contact for a group) and verify that everything is correct. If you need to update anything, take a pen and correct it right in the directory. Any written changes noted will be changed in the master copy of the directory before copies are made.

Who Has Church Keys?

Also located in the back of the church will be a sort of sign-up sheet for anyone who has been given a church key. If you currently have a key, please write your name down (first and last name). We’ve never kept a record of how many people have keys, and it is good practice that we start doing so for insurance purposes. Thank you in advance for helping us out with that.

Blue Jean Yard Cleanup – Sunday, November 11^th

Announcements for October 14th

Got Freshmen?  We'll Send Care Packages!

If you know a college freshman who would enjoy a fun care package, please give us their name and mailing address. If your freshman attends school locally, they need a care package too! Everyone can help. Look for our collection area in the undercroft this Sunday; we'll collect items until Wednesday, Oct 24.  Keep it simple and inexpensive. Appreciated items are gum, pencils, ChapStick, individual packs of Kleenex, lotion, etc.  So far, we have seven young women and five young men on our list. Questions?  Contact Dee McManamy, Margi Strombeck, or Mike Madden.

SWIFT Event

SWIFT will be hosting an event called “Women in Faith” on Sunday, October 14^th at Faith United Methodist Church (15101 South 80^th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462). This will be a speaker’s forum offering insight from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish perspectives. Registration for the event is at 2:30 pm, with the program taking place from 3:00-6:00 pm. SWIFT also encourages those attending to bring along a toiletry item to donate to Respond Now. If you have any questions, please contact Rob McManamy.

  

Care for Our Common Home: Interfaith Forest Clean-up at the Little Red Schoolhouse

The SouthWest InterFaith Team (SWIFT) will be spending a morning working to help protect the trees by clearing out invasive species around the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs, IL on Saturday, October 13, 10:00am to 12:00pm. Light refreshments, gloves, and tools will be provided and a ranger will be on-site to help with identifying invasive plants. This is a great opportunity if you need community service hours for school as well as a great opportunity to work and talk with people of different faiths. Contact Bryan Burke by October 10 to sign-up.

Fleece Blanket Donations

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Sunday 10-21-2018 after the 10:00am service or 10-23-2018 at 7pm.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly at 708-305-2540.  Thank you! 

Blue Jean Yard Cleanup – Sunday, November 11^th

Announcements for October 7th

A Note from Fr. Jeremy

Dear Friends,

Someone told me this week that she didn’t think this day would ever arrive.  I hope that she was exaggerating the way we all did as children when we thought Christmas would “never” get here.  But I realize that this has been a long road for you. Transitions are always difficult, even for the best prepared congregations.  I delight with you all that Brave and I have finally arrived. We are slowly getting settled in the Rectory and look forward to hosting an open house soon(ish).  Your parish leadership has done a commendable job, in the search process and in preparing St. John’s and the Rectory for our arrival.  I hope that you will join me in saying thank you, thank you, thank you!!  You all should be commended as well for the great care you have taken in maintaining the life and mission of St. John’s during this time of transition.  This is not always the case – and I would venture to say is most often not the case.  

We are looking forward to joining you in worship for the first time this Sunday and to beginning our common ministry together.  We have so many opportunities to impact our community and to make known the life-giving, life-affirming love of God in the person of Jesus Christ.  So let’s make this Sunday, “Bring a Friend to Church Sunday,” and begin this this next chapter in the life of St. John’s.  Again, thank you to everyone who was involved in making this day “finally arrive,” from the Search Committee and Vestry, to those who have worked so hard to renovate the Rectory, clean the church, purge the stuff that collects so quickly and easily, wear their nametags, and to all of you who kept praying and preparing all along and for your presence in this wonderful community.  I can’t wait to meet you all!

Grace and peace,

Fr. Jeremy

Nametags

This will be Fr. Jeremy’s first Sunday with us, so make sure you put on your nametag to help him start getting to know everyone’s names. Additionally, if anyone needs a replacement nametag or cannot find theirs, simply drop off the old one in the box outside the parish office (or a note if yours is missing). It will be replaced for you.

Got Freshmen?  We'll Send Care Packages!

If you know a college freshman who would enjoy a fun care package, please give us their name and mailing address. If your freshman attends school locally, they need a care package too! Everyone can help. Look for our collection area in the undercroft this Sunday; we'll collect items until Wednesday, Oct 24.  Keep it simple and inexpensive. Appreciated items are gum, pencils, ChapStick, individual packs of Kleenex, lotion, etc.  So far, we have seven young women and five young men on our list. Questions?  Contact Dee McManamy, Margi Strombeck, or Mike Madden.

SWIFT Event

SWIFT will be hosting an event called “Women in Faith” on Sunday, October 14^th at Faith United Methodist Church (15101 South 80^th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462). This will be a speaker’s forum offering insight from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish perspectives. Registration for the event is at 2:30 pm, with the program taking place from 3:00-6:00 pm. SWIFT also encourages those attending to bring along a toiletry item to donate to Respond Now. If you have any questions, please contact Rob McManamy.

Care for Our Common Home: Interfaith Forest Clean-up at the Little Red Schoolhouse

The SouthWest InterFaith Team (SWIFT) will be spending a morning working to help protect the trees by clearing out invasive species around the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs, IL on Saturday, October 13, 10:00am to 12:00pm. Light refreshments, gloves, and tools will be provided and a ranger will be on-site to help with identifying invasive plants. This is a great opportunity if you need community service hours for school as well as a great opportunity to work and talk with people of different faiths. Contact Bryan Burke by October 10 to sign-up

A Thank You from Fr. Mike

Dear Sisters and Brothers, thank you so much for your generous gift last Sunday. Jane and I very much appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thank you all for letting me be your priest these past 11 months; you have taught me much about being a child of God. Please keep Jane and me in your prayers. May God’s Spirit bless you and keep you, and may his face shine upon you and give you Peace.

Peace and All Good,

Fr. Mike & Jane

The Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 7^th at 4:30 pm.

Announcements for September 30th

Father Jeremy’s Arrival

In anticipation of Father Jeremy’s arrival, it would be a good idea for everyone to reacquaint themselves with their nametags. If you haven’t been wearing yours regularly, please make sure you find it and put on each Sunday so that Father Jeremy can start getting to know everyone’s names. Additionally, if anyone needs a replacement nametag or cannot find theirs, simply drop off the old one in the box outside the parish office (or a note if yours is missing). It will be replaced for you.

2018 ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION

The 181st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. New this year: Registration fees include Friday Fun & Fellowship (dessert and dancing from 7-9:30 pm) and a Saturday networking lunch in the Junior Ballroom. Note: there will NOT be a dinner reception on Friday night. Please have dinner on your own and join us from 7-9:30 for dessert and dancing.

****If you are interested in serving as a delegate or an alternate delegate, please notify the parish office by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018.

  

Yarn Ministry – Meeting Monday, October 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild room

Announcements for September 23rd

Father Jeremy’s Arrival

In anticipation of Father Jeremy’s arrival, it would be a good idea for everyone to reacquaint themselves with their nametags. If you haven’t been wearing yours regularly, please make sure you find it and put on each Sunday so that Father Jeremy can start getting to know everyone’s names. Additionally, if anyone needs a replacement nametag or cannot find theirs, simply drop off the old one in the box outside the parish office (or a note if yours is missing). It will be replaced for you.

2018 ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION

The 181st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. New this year: Registration fees include Friday Fun & Fellowship (dessert and dancing from 7-9:30 pm) and a Saturday networking lunch in the Junior Ballroom. Note: there will NOT be a dinner reception on Friday night. Please have dinner on your own and join us from 7-9:30 for dessert and dancing.

****If you are interested in serving as a delegate or an alternate delegate, please notify the parish

        office by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018.

 Mum Sale

Thank you to ALL those who helped with the delivery, selling and hauling of the Mums.  We appreciate everyone who purchased mum(s).  The sale was a great success. Thank you to Mark Moxley for coordinating the purchase of the mums.

Yarn Ministry – Meeting Monday, October 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild room

Announcements for September 16th

Recital Announcement:

Michael Soto will be performing a recital at Madonna della Strada Chapel on Loyola University campus on Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 pm. The program features works of blind organists from the 15^th to the 20^th century, including Louis Vierne, George Shearing, and the final choral preludes of J.S. Bach. Admission is free, and free parking is available in the garage on campus. Loyola is located at 1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL.

Father Jeremy’s Arrival

In anticipation of Father Jeremy’s arrival, it would be a good idea for everyone to reacquaint themselves with their nametags. If you haven’t been wearing yours regularly, please make sure you find it and put on each Sunday so that Father Jeremy can start getting to know everyone’s names. Additionally, if anyone needs a replacement nametag or cannot find theirs, simply drop off the old one in the box outside the parish office (or a note if yours is missing). It will be replaced for you.

Announcements for September 9th

Mum Sale

Mums will be available for pick up on Friday, September 7^th, from 5-7 pm or Sunday, September 9^th, after each service at the church.  If you did not have a chance to order mums but would like to, we will also be selling them at Flossmoor Fest on September 8^th from 10 am-6 pm.  You can help out by working a 2 hour shift or just stop by say hello.  If you would like to volunteer, contact Pat Smith-Huntoon.

Recital Announcement:

Michael Soto will be performing a recital at Madonna della Strada Chapel on Loyola University campus on Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 pm. The program features works of blind organists from the 15^th to the 20^th century, including Louis Vierne, George Shearing, and the final choral preludes of J.S. Bach. Admission is free, and free parking is available in the garage on campus. Loyola is located at 1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL.

 St. John’s Ministry Fair

The annual Ministry Fair will take place this Sunday, September 9^th, following the 10 a.m. service. This is your opportunity to learn about and/or sign up for all the different organizations and service ministries available at the church. Please make sure you attend and let your interests be known.

Announcements for September 2nd

Mum Sale

St. Johns is having a mum sale, and the proceeds will go to the updated Resource Room.  The mums are in 9” pots and are approximately 16” tall.  Here is a link for the form:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/17ez_WhdWeaDpDDsePOPF82XiXtvs_BeV/view?usp=sharing

Please get your order form to the office, Pat Smith-Huntoon or Shirley Reilly by August  31^st .  We will also be selling mums at Flossmoor Fest on September 8^th from 10 am-6 pm.  You can help out by working a 2 hour shift or just stop by say hello.  If you would like to volunteer, contact Pat Smith-Huntoon.

Youth Group

Our youth 8^th-12^th grade are getting together 1-2 times per month to plan and participate in service projects and a bit of fun.  They met on 8/19/18 and came up with some great ideas.  Look forward to seeing them in action throughout the year!

Recital Announcement:

Michael Soto will be performing a recital at Madonna della Strada Chapel on Loyola University campus on Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 pm. The program features works of blind organists from the 15^th to the 20^th century, including Louis Vierne, George Shearing, and the final choral preludes of J.S. Bach. Admission is free, and free parking is available in the garage on campus. Loyola is located at 1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL.

Announcements for August 26th

Mum Sale

St. Johns is having a mum sale, and the proceeds will go to the updated Resource Room.  The mums are in 9” pots and are approximately 16” tall.  Here is a link for the form:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/17ez_WhdWeaDpDDsePOPF82XiXtvs_BeV/view?usp=sharing

Please get your order form to the office, Pat Smith-Huntoon or Shirley Reilly by August  31^st .  We will also be selling mums at Flossmoor Fest on September 8^th from 10 am-6 pm.  You can help out by working a 2 hour shift or just stop by say hello.  If you would like to volunteer, contact Pat Smith-Huntoon.

Youth Group

Our youth 8^th-12^th grade are getting together 1-2 times per month to plan and participate in service projects and a bit of fun.  They met on 8/19/18 and came up with some great ideas.  Look forward to seeing them in action throughout the year!

  

Rectory Open House
The work is done and we are anxious for you to see the improvements your generosity has made possible!!  We will be there after both services this Sunday, August 26. Sincerely, the rectory remodeling committee: (Donna, Cyndie, Susan, Debbi, and Tracie)

Announcements for August 19th

An Announcement from Susan Marquis

Noah Benjamin Ramsland was born on August 1st. He's the son of Molly and Jordan Ramsland of Wheaton and the grandson of Susan and Bob Marquis. Both Molly and the baby are doing well, and you can take it from Susan that the baby is just as cute as can be.

Blessing of the Backpacks

The annual Blessing of the Backpacks will take place this Sunday, August 19^th during the Prayers of the People.

Announcements for August 12th

Air Conditioning Update

Southwest Mechanical came to inspect the Air Conditioning problems in the church. The one AC roof unit on the east transept is dead. The one AC roof unit on the west transept is still functioning. So we now have 50% cooling functioning in the church. The air handlers (blowers) are still both working. The plan now is for Southwest Mechanical to present us with possible proposals to correct the problem and get us back to 100% cooling in the church.

Sam & Theresa Otoo

With your help, the vestry is setting up a special monetary fund to help Sam and Theresa Otoo and their family. Members who would like to contribute can do so by sending checks made out to The Church of St. John with "Sam and Theresa Otoo" on the memo line, or dropping off checks/cash to the church office. People can also place checks made out the same way in the Collection Plate this Sunday. All cash donations in the Collection Plate this Sunday, August 12th, will be donated to Sam and Theresa. You can also reach out to them personally to offer assistance and your support.

  

Jeannine Brattstrom

Candice Barrera’s mother, Jeannine Brattstrom, went to God early Sunday morning, August 5th. Services will be at St. Andrews Methodist Church next Sunday August 12 with Visitation from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and a Funeral Service at 4:00pm. May she rest in peace.