Announcements for October 3

• Commissioning of Sunday School Teachers
  At the 10:00 a.m. service this Sunday, we will commission all those who minister as teachers in St. John’s Christian Formation classes.
  
  
• Blessing of the Animals This Afternoon, October 3
  Our annual celebration of the blessing God bestows upon us through companion animals will take place Sunday, October 3, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Outdoor Altar. Once again we will share this celebration with Faith Lutheran Church. All pets and their companions are welcome.
  
  
• Yarn Ministry Meets Monday, October 4
  Knitters of any skill level are invited to gather with the St. John’s yarn ministry Monday night, October 4, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
  
  
• Daughters of the King to Meet October 6 & 16
  St. John’s chapter of Daughters of the King will meet Wednesday, October 6, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, October 16, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (starting with a light breakfast). We’re beginning a new study from the national office, reflections that undoubtedly will encourage discussion as well as our commitment to prayer. Please join us in the Guild Room. All women of the parish are welcome.
  
  
• Faith in Films Meets Next Friday, October 8
  Next Friday, October 8, Faith in Films will view Philadelphia. Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, and Jason Robards, Jr., star in this story about the human reality and tragedy of AIDS.
  
  
• Retreat Focusing on Hearing God in Nature and the Heart
  The Rev. Lynn Ramshaw and Sr. Evelyn Sommers will present an ecumenical quiet day focusing on listening to God in nature and within the human heart on Saturday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at St. Helena’s Episcopal Church in Burr Ridge.
  
  
• Youth Symphony Benefit
  “Stairway to the Stars,” a concert at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 17th at Freedom Hall in Park Forest benefits the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra’s “Incredible Opportunity” program, offering inexpensive group violin lessons, with rental instruments included, to students who can’t afford private lessons and have no string programs in their schools. The concert will include a string quartet, jazz combo, hammered dulcimer, and some of the young members of SYSO. Tickets are $10. Contact Lisa Kristina.
  
  
• Sing Handel’s Messiah
  The Illiana Oratorio Society begins Messiah rehearsals on Monday, October 18, 8:00 p.m. Seven rehearsals are scheduled at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 S. Park Ave. in South Holland. All singers are welcome in this our 63rd season. Performance date is December 5, 2010, 2:00 p.m. For more information, contact Gale Michael.