Reflection for October 16

"But do you preach for a decision?” The question has haunted me. We preachers proclaim good news and speak about all the amazing ways that good news penetrates, comforts, challenges and transforms lives. But my questioner had a point: proclaiming good news ought to in some way lead to a response, a decision of some kind. Otherwise proclaiming the good news of unconditional divine love can be an exercise in what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace.” Preaching ought to lead to people caring more, giving more and living more. It is the assurance of God’s presence, to be sure, and it is testimony to God’s healing love. But it is also an invitation to do something (John M. Buchanan, “Editor’s Desk,” Christian Century, October 4, 2011).

Announcements for October 9

• Little Hands Meets Next Sunday
  Little Hands is an opportunity for children to participate in outreach ministry. The projects are designed primarily for grade school aged children, but older and younger children are welcome. Little Hands will meet next Sunday, October 16, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. to work on a project about water.
  
  
• Faith in Films: See The Power of Forgiveness Friday, October 14
  The 2011/2012 Faith in Films season begins with "The Power of Forgiveness" a film that won the Best Documentary Award at the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival in 2007. The film highlights included on the DVD cover state: "To forgive someone can be simple. But this simple act can have powerful consequences – and may lead to a personal and spiritual transformation. Over the last 20 years the study of forgiveness has come into its own. Clinicians now help guide people to forgive transgressions and get on with their lives. From Northern Ireland to Ground Zero to the Amish countryside, featuring Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, best selling authors Thomas Moore and Marianne Williamson, the Reverend James Forbes and others, The Power of Forgiveness explores this important work, and reveals how forgiveness can transform your life." Gather in the Guild Room at 7:00 p.m. for the film, popcorn and discussion.
  
  
• Sing Handel’s Messiah
  The Illiana Oratorio Society begins the first of seven rehearsals for Handel’s Messiah on Monday, October 17, at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Performance dates are Sunday, December 4, in South Holland and Saturday, December 10, at Trinity Christian College. For further information, contact Gale Michael.
  
  
• Field Trip to See Saint John’s Bible
  The St. John’s Bible (www.saintjohnsbible.org) is the first illuminated, handwritten Bible to be commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in modern times. It is a spectacular work. A portion is currently on display at the Loyola University Museum of Art downtown. Parishioner Steven Russell is coordinating a field trip Thursday, October 20. Please contact him if you would like to participate.
  
  
• Caregiving and Spirituality: A Quiet Day for Those Who Care for Others
  Offered by the Spirituality Network of Chicago, this quiet day will be led by St. John’s parishioner Dr. Anne Edwards, psychologist and director of the Gerontology Institute at Purdue University, Calumet. Saturday, October 22, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palos Hills. For more information or to register, call (708) 497-9699 or e-mail info@SpiritChicago.org.

Reflection for October 9

Laws for the Journey
If the Ten Commandments were written today they would probably be different, argues Old Testament scholar Terence Fretheim. He points out that Deuteronomy revises the Ten Commandments recorded in Exodus: A wife is no longer listed as property and the neighbor is not necessarily male. The law was first given when the people of Israel were on a journey, and it became a compass for their wilderness wanderings. Over time their circumstances changed, and therefore the law had to change too. “Just because laws are from God does not make them unchangeable; the texts witness to a God who makes changes in the law,” so that God can be true to God’s own character and to the relational commitments made to Israel through changing times and places (Christian Century, October 4, 2011, from Word & World, Summer).

Announcements for October 2

• Blessing of the Animals This Sunday
  Pets of all species (suitably restrained or contained) are invited to the Blessing of the Animal this Sunday, October 2, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the outdoor altar. Humans can come, too.
  
  
• Children’s Participation in the Offertory
  Remember, children are invited to participate directly in the offertory in Sunday services by bringing their own offerings to the altar. Non-perishable food items or items for the Humane Society are possible offerings, but God cherishes all offerings. Don’t forget to bring yours.
  
  
• Yarn Ministry
  Yarn Ministry will meet this Monday, October 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room at the church. If you are unable to attend the gatherings, we also welcome items you create at home. Our handy work is donated to a number of charities. All levels of experience are welcome. If you would like to learn to knit, Sue O’Brien is willing to instruct. Yarn Ministry is not limited to just knitters, crocheters are also welcome. Hope to see you there.
  
  
• Sunday School Classes are Underway
  Christian Formation classes for children and adults are offered on Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m.
  
  
• Sing Handel’s Messiah
  The Illiana Oratorio Society begins the first of seven rehearsals for Handel’s Messiah on Monday, October 17, at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Performance dates are Sunday, December 4, in South Holland and Saturday, December 10, at Trinity Christian College. For further information, contact Gale Michael.
  
  
• Benefit for Young Musicians
  A chamber music concert featuring the music of Robert Schuman, performed by Lisa Kristina and other musicians, will take place on Sunday, October 9, at 4:00 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. The admission price of $25 will benefit the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra’s “Incredible Opportunity” program, which provides inexpensive group string lessons, including free loan of an instrument, to elementary school children in the south suburbs. Tickets are available at the door or on-line here. The Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit organization, and is also seeking donations of used string instruments, especially smaller-sized instruments for children.
  
  
• Caregiving and Spirituality: A Quiet Day for Those Who Care for Others
  Offered by the Spirituality Network of Chicago, this quiet day will be led by St. John’s parishioner Dr. Anne Edwards, psychologist and director of the Gerontology Institute at Purdue University, Calumet. Saturday, October 22, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palos Hills. For more information or to register, call (708) 497-9699 or e-mail info@SpiritChicago.org.

Reflection for October 2

We thank you, Lord, for the gift of animals in our lives. We thank you for animals that comfort us, delight us and give us companionship. We thank you for dogs and cats, birds and hamsters, guinea pigs and fish. We also thank you, Lord, for animals that give us wool and feathers to keep us warm. We thank you for the animals that give us milk, cheese and eggs to help us grow and to keep us healthy. We thank you for horses, donkeys and oxen that work hard on farms around the world. We thank you, Lord, for animals that eat plants and fertilize the soil, making it richer and more fertile for new growth and new life. We thank you, Lord, for the gift of insects, and especially bees, to pollinate fruit and vegetalbe plants for us to eat and flowers to give us joy. (Episcopal Relief and Development, The Abundant Life Garden Project: A Program for the Children of the Episcopal Church; Blessing of the Animals)

Announcements for September 25

• Blood Drive Results
  Praise God for everyone who offered to donate blood. 28 units were collected, exceeding Lifesource’s goal, and significantly exceeding the total from last year’s drive.
  
  
• Children’s Participation in the Offertory
  Remember, beginning this Sunday, children are invited to participate directly in the offertory by bringing their own offerings to the altar. Non-perishable food items or items for the Humane Society are possible offerings, but God cherishes all offerings. Don’t forget to bring yours.
  
  
• Regular Children’s Sunday School Classes Begin This Sunday
  Families should have received a confirmation letter with class information and locations. Whether or not you had a chance to register previously, all children are welcome. Classes begin at 9:00 a.m.
  
  
• Living Faithfully Adult Class Begins This Sunday
  The adult Living Faithfully class begins a study of emergent Christianity with a DVD featuring Phyllis Tickle. Join us in Classroom 4, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
  
  
• Flat Roof Replacement Underway
  Materials have been delivered to begin replacement of all St. John’s flat roofs. Weather permitting, the work should take 1 1/2 - 2 weeks. Check out St. John’s on Facebook to see photos.
  
  
• Taize Service at IJP this Thursday
  Infant Jesus of Prague will be offering a Taize prayer service this Thursday evening, September 29, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Taize is an ecumenical, meditative form of worship. All are welcome. St. John’s is exploring partnering with IJP to offer these services throughout the year.
  
  
• Field Trip to See Saint John’s Bible
  The St. John’s Bible is the first illuminated, handwritten Bible to be commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in modern times. It is a spectacular work. A portion is currently on display at the Loyola University Museum of Art downtown. Parishioner Steven Russell is coordinating a field trip Thursday, October 20. Please contact him if you would like to participate.
  
  
• Blessing of the Animals Next Sunday
  The annual blessing of the pets takes place next Sunday, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the outdoor altar.

Reflection for September 25

Luther, when he said Sola Scriptura, shouldn’t be blamed for what happened, namely Protestant inerrancy. There was no way that Luther could have foreseen Protestant inerrancy. What we mean by inerrancy is the belief that the Bible is absolutely, word for word, the word of God: historically accurate, consistent (if you don’t read it!), and to be taken as a piece of history.

I love emergence theology. I’m persuaded by so much of it. It’s brilliant theology! One of the places I find it most appealing is that emergents will say, “Absolutely, the Bible is the word of God. It is God among us, but it is articulated in human speech and you cannot reduce God almighty to human speech articulation. Its worth to us is its actualness. To argue its historicity is to confine it down to the limitations of our own intellect. How dare we! What is the arrogance that allows for that position!” (Phyllis Tickle, Embracing Emergence Christianity).