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.