Announcements for November 1

• All Saints Open House at the Rectory
  Parishioners, family and friends are all invited to an Open House at the Rectory this Sunday, November 1, All Saints’ Day. Stop by anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. for refreshments (wine, homemade lemonade, spinach balls, meatballs) and conversation.
  
  
• All Saints Prayers for the Faithful Departed
  At the Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist on November 4 we will name in prayer all the faithful departed who have been buried from this parish since All Saints’ Day last year. If you have additional names you would like included in the prayers, please call the parish office.
  
  
• Brotherly Gratitude for Lobsterfest Success
  The results are in, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew reports that last week’s Lobsterfest III fundraiser netted $1,040 for local charities. In all, parishioners and friends purchased 110 lobsters, flown in ‘live’ from Boston, then distributed and/or cooked in the undercroft. Special thanks to our kitchen magicians, Brothers Ted Stone and Mark Moxley, who prepared more than 40 crustaceans, as well as to Brothers Mike Juskelis, Bob Dehn and Bob Burgwald, who handled the cleanup and paperwork. Brothers Bill Bestow, Richard Lieb, Steven Russell and Sam Otoo also pitched in. But it is the people of St. John's who deserve the most credit for keeping Lobsterfest above water in these difficult economic times.
  
  
• Parish Dinner Groups
  Sign up for the 2009-2010 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8, 2009. Forms for signing up will be found on a table near the entrance of the church. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Steven Russell, Dee McManamy, or Pastor Orr.
  
  
• Church Landscape Cleanup Dates
  November 7 and/or November 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m., or whenever you are available. Help is needed to tidy up our grounds before the onset of winter. Bring a favorite tool, rake, clipper or edger and your garden gloves. Some equipment will be available.
  
  
• Help the Children of Lawrence Hall Celebrate Christmas
  Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.
  
  
• Daughters of the King November Meetings
  The Saint John’s Daughters of the King are discussing what selected Psalms mean to them. This month’s meetings are in the Guild Room: Wednesday, November 4, 7:30-9:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m. (beginning with a light breakfast). All women of the parish are welcome.
  
  
• Greeter and Usher Training November 14
  All currently active greeters and ushers, both rookies and veterans, are encouraged to attend a training session at the church Saturday, November 14. Greeter training is from 9:00-10:00; usher training is from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Reflection for November 1

All Saints
The Church is “the communion of Saints,” that is, a people made holy through their mutual participation in the mystery of Christ. This communion exists through history, exists now, and endures beyond “the grave and gate of death” into heaven. For “God is not a God of the dead but of the living,” and those still on their earthly pilgrimage continue to have fellowship “with those whose work is done.” The pilgrim Church and the Church at rest join in watching and praying for that great day when Christ shall come again to change and make perfect our common humanity in the image of Christ’s risen glory. [Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2000, Church Publishing]

Announcements for October 25

All Saints Open House at the Rectory
Parishioners, family and friends are all invited to an Open House at the Rectory next Sunday, November 1, All Saints' Day. Stop by anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. for refreshments and conversation.

All Saints Prayers for the Faithful Departed
At the Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist on November 4 we will name in prayer all the faithful departed who have been buried from this parish since All Saints’ Day last year. If you have additional names you would like included in the prayers, please call the parish office.

Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2009-2010 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8, 2009. Forms for signing up will be found on a table near the entrance of the church. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Steven Russell, Dee McManamy, or Pastor Orr.

Church Landscape Cleanup Dates
November 7 and/or November 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m., or whenever you are available. Help is needed to tidy up our grounds before the onset of winter. Bring a favorite tool, rake, clipper or edger and your garden gloves. Some equipment will be available

Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
Information is now available in the parish office for this year’s Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program.

Help the Children of Lawrence Hall Celebrate Christmas
Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. We invite the St. John’s community to help us in the project. Our goal is to provide gift cards in increments of $10 to $50 from Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Borders or Barnes and Noble. Donations of new warm hats and gloves are also needed. Financial donations by check made out to Lawrence Hall Youth Services are also welcome. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.

Bible Study Resource Book
Anyone interested in ordering a copy of Understanding the Sunday Scriptures – Year C please see Iris Bestow or sign up in the undercroft. This book is used in the Sunday Morning Bible study class. Year C begins the first Sunday of Advent. The cost is $16.50.

ECW “Baby Shower” Benefit
The diocesan ECW baby shower to benefit new mothers is this Thursday evening, October 29, at St. John’s Church in Lockport. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sue O’Brien.

Reflection for October 25

Worship
Phrases like Worship service or Service of Worship are tautologies. To worship God means to serve him. Basically there are two ways to do it. One way is to do things for him that he needs to have done—run errands for him, carry messages for him, fight on his side, feed his lambs, and so on. The other way is to do things for him that you need to do—sing songs for him, create beautiful things for him, give things up for him, tell him what’s on your mind and in your heart, in general rejoice in him and make a fool of yourself for him the way lovers have always made fools of themselves for the one they love…. Unless there is an element of joy and foolishness in [worship], the time would be better spent doing something useful. [Wishful Thinking, A Theological ABC by Frederick Buechner]

Announcements for October 18

• The Redclaws are Coming! Brotherhood Lobsterfest, October 24
  The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s annual fall fundraiser is just around the corner. Saturday, October 24, is the date for Lobsterfest III: Return of the Claw. On that date, ‘live’ Maine lobsters will arrive from Boston for our communal dining pleasure and for the benefit of South Suburban PADS and Episcopal Charities and Community Services. Order forms are available throughout the church.
  
• Vestry Meeting on Monday
  The October meeting of the vestry is Monday, October 19, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  
• Bishop Lee’s Pastoral Letter on School Violence
  On October 14, Bishop Lee issued a pastoral letter to the Diocese of Chicago on the subject of violence in schools. In it, he writes, “God loves every one of us in Christ. There are no lives that don’t count and it is love, not violence, which ultimately wins…. We are bound by our baptismal covenant to embody this triumphant love by striving for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.” The full text of the letter and links to resources on overcoming violence in schools are available at http://www.episcopalchicago.org/.
  
• All Saints Open House at the Rectory
  Parishioners, family and friends are invited to an All Saints Open House at the Rectory, Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
  
• Help the Children of Lawrence Hall celebrate Christmas
  Once again the Daughters of the King are committed to sharing with the children of Lawrence Hall the joy, the spirit, the hope of Christmas. We invite the St. John’s community to help us in the project. Our goal is to provide gift cards in increments of $10 to $50 from Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Borders or Barnes & Noble. Donations of new warm hats and gloves are also needed. Financial donations by check made out to Lawrence Hall Youth Services are also welcome. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Iris Bestow by December 1.
  
• Bible Study Resource Book
  Anyone interested in ordering a copy of Understanding the Sunday Scriptures – Year C, please see Iris Bestow. This book is used in the Sunday Morning Bible study class. The cost is $16.50.
  
• ECW “Baby Shower” Benefit
  All women are invited to a baby shower hosted by the diocesan Episcopal Church Women to benefit new young mothers through the Night Ministry, located on Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago. The shower takes place Thursday, October 29, from 6:45-8:30 p.m. at St. John’s Church, 312 East 11th Street in Lockport. Please bring one (or more) of the following items as a donation: 8 oz baby bottle, baby lotion, pacifier, sleeper or onesie, booties and hat set, disposable diapers (newborn or size 1), baby powder, bottle brush, rattle, baby towels, receiving blanket, baby bath, petroleum jelly, baby bib, baby book. RSVP to Susan O’Brien.

Reflection for October 18

Episcopal Identity
Episcopalians believe that a fundamental way to discover one another, and themselves, is around a common Table. At table for Eucharist, they share in receiving Christ’s presence, are knit together as Christ’s body, and witness Christ in one another. At table in each other’s homes, they share the warmth of Godly hospitality and learn of each other’s lives. Gathered at one table for vestries, councils, and ministries, they discuss, argue, decide and assess. In doing so, they bring their passions, gifts, and fallibilities to bear on the life and work of the Church. Episcopalians see table fellowship as part of a deeper ethic, one that favors maintaining bonds of mutual affection above discord and quarrel. (From a new study on Episcopal Identity, Around One Table, available at www.episcopalchurch.org/AroundOneTable)

Announcements for October 11

• Bishop Lee visits this Sunday, October 11
  This Sunday we welcome Bishop Jeffrey Lee and his wife Lisa to St. John’s for his first visit as Bishop of Chicago. Bishop Lee will preside, preach and confirm at the 10:00 a.m. service. A special reception for the Confirmands and Bishop will follow the service. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this special celebration.
  
• Blessing of the Animals: Contest Results
  Photos from last Sunday’s Blessing of the Animals are posted in the undercroft. Special congratulations to Bridget (Wehmeier), winner of the Most Cheerful Pet award; Brando (Moser) winner of the Most Aristocratic Pet award; Toqui (Barrera), winner of the Bishop Lee Look-Alike award; and Bella (Madden) and the Madden family for a repeat win in the Owner-Pet Look-Alike contest. Congratulations also to the pets from Faith Lutheran Church who were winners in the other categories.
  
• NetsforLife Receives $1.34 million USAID Grant
  NetsforLife, Episcopal Relief and Development's program partnership to combat malaria, received a three-year, $1.34 million grant for its work in Ghana from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Read the full story at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81799_115395_ENG_HTM.htm
  
• The Redclaws are Coming! Brotherhood Lobsterfest, October 24
  The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s annual fall fundraiser is just around the corner. Saturday, October 24, is the date for Lobsterfest III: Return of the Claw. On that date, ‘live’ Maine lobsters will arrive from Boston for our communal dining pleasure and for the benefit of South Suburban PADS and Episcopal Charities and Community Services. Watch this space for more details, or just pick up one of the Brotherhood event flyers in the church undercroft.
  
• Parish Announcements Available On-line
  The weekly parish announcements are now posted on our blog: http://sjenews.blogspot.com. A link is provided from the parish webpage. Also, remember to subscribe for electronic delivery of the e-vangelist. Send your request to sje2640@gmail.com.

Reflection for October 11

Christianity: According to Twitter
Xianity140: Adam&Eve hungry so we=sinners. JC died&rose so we=saved. Is God3in1/Bible true/Kingdom coming/Pope Catholic? Believe/Love! Ahh! —A definition of Christianity, using only 140 characters, by Stephen Prothero, professor of religious studies at Boston University.

Announcements for October 4

• Blessing of the Animals
  This Sunday, October 4 @ 4:30 p.m.This Sunday is St. Francis’ Day and all pets are invited to gather at the outdoor altar at 4:30 p.m. to receive a blessing. All species in God’s creation (suitably restrained) are welcome. Again this year, Faith Lutheran Church in Homewood is hosting this event with St. John’s. Donations to aid the South Suburban Humane Society will also be accepted. The top items on their wish list are: Purina Kitten Chow, Paper Towels, and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. More information and donation suggestions are available at http://www.sshspets.org/.
  
• Bishop Lee visits next Sunday, October 11
  Next Sunday, the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee will make his first official visit to St. John’s as Bishop of Chicago. He will preside and preach at the 10:00 service, including Confirmation. A special reception for the confirmands and the Bishop follows the service. During his visit, Bishop Lee will also meet with the Sunday School children and spend time with the vestry.
  
• Daughters of the King Meeting this week
  Regular meeting of the Daughters Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. The St. John’s chapter of the Daughters of the King will host a one-day retreat on Saturday, October 17 at the PORTIUNCULA Center for Prayer (“The Port”) in Frankfort. All women of the parish are welcome.
  
• Faith in Films Opens Friday, October 9, with Life is Beautiful
  The third season of St. John’s cinematic get-together premieres Friday, October 9, with the 1997 Oscar winner, Life is Beautiful. Roberto Benigni’s tale of faith and humor, set in Nazi-occupied Italy, will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
  
• The Redclaws are Coming! Brotherhood Lobsterfest, October 24
  The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s annual fall fundraiser is just around the corner. Saturday, October 24, is the date for Lobsterfest III: Return of the Claw. On that date, ‘live’ Maine lobsters will arrive from Boston for our communal dining pleasure and for the benefit of South Suburban PADS and Episcopal Charities and Community Services. Watch this space for more details, or just pick up one of the Brotherhood event flyers in the church undercroft.
  
• Receive the e-vangelist electronically
  80 individuals are now receiving the weekly e-vangelist electronically. You can subscribe by sending your request to sje2640@gmail.com.

Reflection for October 4

Saint Francis
Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired, but probably the least imitated; few have attained to his total identification with the poverty and suffering of Christ. From Lesser Feasts and Fasts, Church Publishing Incorporated.