Announcements for November 27

• Pledge Reminder
  Pledge Sunday was last week, November 21. If you do plan to pledge and have not yet turned in your pledge card, please do so as promptly as possible. Thank you.
  
  
• Holiday Cookie Walk
  Please bring your goodies to the undercroft next Friday, December 2 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Cookies should be brought in disposable containers and candies bagged or wrapped in small quantities. Thank you for taking the time and effort to bake cookies and make candies! The sale begins the following day, December 3, from 9:00 am until 11:30 am. Be sure to bring your families, neighbors and friends.
  
  
• Taizé Service, December 4
  All are warmly invited to this service of simple songs, reflection and prayer. Give yourself the gift of peace and renewal during the Advent season. At St. John’s, Sunday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  Information on this year’s Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program is available in the parish office. Both families and seniors are available for adoption. Pick up day is December 8.
  
  
• Help the Kids at Lawrence Hall
  Since 2004 the Daughters of the King have been committed to sharing the spirit of Christmas with the children of Lawrence Hall. Lawrence Hall Youth Services provides greatly needed services and programs for kids and their families suffering from trauma, abuse and neglect. Gift cards from Target or Best Buy or checks made out to Lawrence Hall may provide the only gifts these children receive this year. If you can help, please contact Iris Bestow before December 6.
  
  
• Make Your Own Advent Wreath
  This Sunday, November 27, we will have materials available to make Advent wreaths for home use. Come to the undercroft during the 9:00 education hour. Sunday School classes are on vacation this Sunday.
  
  
• Handel’s Messiah, December 4
  The Illiana Oratorio Society presents Handel's Messiah at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 South Park Ave., in South Holland on Sunday, December 4th at 2:00 p.m. and again at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights on Saturday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m. in the Ozinga Chapel. For further information, see Gale Michael.
  
  
• Vestry Minutes Available Online
  Vestry minutes, along with general parish and diocesan policies on gambling, alcohol and Holy Matrimony/Holy Union are now being posted on this blog. Look for the “Vestry Minutes” or “Policies” labels.

Reflection for November 27

The Advent Collect
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - October 17, 2011

Formation

Following evening prayer, the vestry assembled in the undercroft meeting room. Those present were Pastor Kristin Orr, senior warden Cyndie Knoll; junior warden Frank So; vestry members Candice Barrera, Mary Jean Bond, Anne Edwards, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, R.J. Van Swol, and Jack Zielinski; treasurer Clay Denton; and clerk Susan Marquis. Vestry member Carolyn Oyster was absent.

Parish Stewardship

Minutes

Warden Frank So suggested that, in the wardens’ report section on page two of the September minutes, the wording be changed from “the building entranceway plans may have to be re-figured” to “the building entrance plans may be adaptable.”

Pastor Orr noted that in her report on page one, the class that Cynthia Turnquest and Mark Moxley are teaching should have been described as for children in grades 4-6 rather than grades 3-6.

Frank So moved that the minutes of the September vestry meeting be accepted, and John Huntoon seconded. The motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Clay Denton reported that September’s income was by far the lowest it has been in the last five years. We have, though, remained ahead of budget as a result of salary savings due to paid staff vacancies.

Cyndie Knoll made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. R.J. Van Swol seconded, and the motion passed.

Information

Rector’s Report

Pastor Orr presented a report on the rector’s discretionary account for the third quarter of 2011. Jack Zielinski moved to acknowledge receipt of the report, and Bev Keene seconded. The motion was approved.

Pastor Orr has phoned the bank a couple of times regarding the fees for this account, but the bank has not yet returned her calls.

The roof work was finished last week. The roofers had to replace some of the deck and wooden boards that frame the deck. The old leaks were repaired, however a new leak has sprung. The roofers are working to repair that new leak.

Little Hands Ministry met yesterday for a project on water as a valuable resource and the importance of conserving at home. After learning about people who do not have access to fresh water, the children constructed a wishing/prayer well out of blocks to collect funds for the Bishop’s Challenge for wells.

Over the past month Pastor Orr conducted conversations with each vestry member about the issue of same-sex unions and the blessing of such unions at St. John’s. Most felt that the blessing of these unions was a good thing, although a few felt some discomfort. All, however, expressed support of gay and lesbian people in their lives. Pastor Orr said that she would write guidelines for blessings of unions of any sort. One part of this will be the necessity for those being blessed to have some connection with this parish. Something will appear in writing in “The Evangelist” and The Weekly e-vangelist.” She further stated that vestry members can be sources of healthy communication with the parish and should encourage people who need to talk to the rector to do so.

St. John’s will host an Advent Taize service at a date to be determined. This will be in collaboration with IJP, which has been doing Taizes intermittently.

Reports from Wardens and/or Other Parish Organizations

Senior warden Cyndie Knoll stated that the vestry could be proud of the roof repair.

The annual feast is coming up on January 7^th, and the time has come to start planning. Cyndie asked for volunteers to form a feast-planning subcommittee to meet this Sunday after church. Cyndie, Frank, Bev, Candice, M.J. and Anne volunteered.

Upcoming Parish Events

The annual rector’s open house will be held on the afternoon of November 6^th at the rectory. Also on that day, there will be a baptism at the 11:00 AM worship service. There will be a fall landscaping day on a Sunday in November at a date to be announced. Parishioners will be encouraged to come to church in casual clothes and stay after the 11:00 AM service to do some church yard work.

Discussion and Decisions

The vestry made final plans for this year’s stewardship campaign in preparation for Pledge Sunday on November 20^th. In the past few years the church has mailed to parish households copies of financial data, pledge cards, and a letter from the senior warden. This will be done this year as well. There will be inserts in the bulletin during the month of November asking parishioners to submit a prayer for the parish. These prayers will be collected to be posted in the church and/or used in the Prayers of the People during worship. A vestry member will present stewardship reflections in the weeks leading up to Pledge Sunday. Speakers at both Sunday worship services will be Frank So on October 23, Cyndie Knoll on October 30^th, and R.J. Van Swol on November 13^th. Anne Edwards will submit written reflections for November 6^th.

Closing

The meeting closed at 9:35 with prayer. The next vestry meeting will be held on November 21^st.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Marquis

Approved: November 21, 2011

Announcements for November 20

• Vestry
  The vestry meets Monday, November 21, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Holiday Cookie Walk
  If you didn’t get a call asking you to bake your festive cookies or make candies for our Cookie Walk sale on December 3rd, please know it was an oversight. We need your help! Our Cookie Walk fame is spreading.
  
  
• Stewardship: Annual Pledge Campaign
  This Sunday, November 20, is stewardship Sunday. Please bring your pledges of time, talent and treasure and offer your pledge cards as part of the offertory during worship.
  
  
• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  Information on this year’s Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program is available in the parish office. Both families and seniors are available for adoption. Pick up day is December 8.
  
  
• St. John’s Thanksgiving Service
  The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, at 10:00 a.m.
  
  
• Little Hands Advent Project
  Little Hands, St. John’s children’s outreach ministry, will meet this Sunday, November 20, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Undercroft for our annual Advent pastoral inreach project.
  
  
• “Blue Jeans” Sunday: This Sunday, November 20
  Wear work clothes to church this Sunday, November 20, and stay an hour after church to help with fall landscaping work on the parish grounds.
  
  
• Help Provide Clean Water around the World
  This is the last Sunday the Little Hands “Praying Well” will be up in the undercroft. Please offer your prayers and your contributions to help provide clean water wells in areas of need.
  
  
• Make Your Own Advent Wreath
  Next Sunday, November 27, we will have materials available to make Advent wreaths for home use. Come to the undercroft during the 9:00 education hour.
  
  
• Holiday Concert Sunday, December 11
  The Grande Prairie Singers present "A Winter Serenade" at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 11, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. The performance opens with J.S. Bach's oratorio Magnificat with soloists and orchestra. The second half includes Schubert's "Ave Maria," "Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head," "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," and even Tom Lehrer's "I'm Spending Chanukah in Santa Monica"! Tickets are $20 at the door ($18 in advance); season tickets, $50. But they're available from Betsy Burgwald for the special price of only $10 each.

Reflection for November 20

On the manuscript of Rossini’s late masterpiece the Petite Messe solennelle, which he completed at the age of 71, he wrote this postscript: “Dear God, here it is finished, this poor little Mass. Is this sacred music which I have written or music of the devil? I was born for opera buffa, as you well know. A little science, a little heart, that’s all. Be blessed, then and admit me to paradise. G. Rossini. Passy 1863.”

Episcopal Diocese of Chicago: Policy on Gambling

No agencies, committees, congregations, or entities of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago shall raise funds by any form of gambling.

“An Outline of the Faith: commonly called the Catechism,” in the 1979 Book of Common Prayers says: “The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God” (p. 856). Our giving should be a generous heart response to the gift of God in Christ. Our giving helps to spread the good news of God in Christ around the world. Four aspects of gambling make it inconsistent with Christian stewardship.

1. Gambling is created for gain without service. The gambler always hopes to get something for nothing.
2. Gambling creates an artificial risk which is not at all similar to the unavoidable risks of life.
3. Gambling is done at the total cost of the loser. The winner cannot win save at the expense of another.
4. The outcome of gambling depends upon the turn of chance.

“Gambling challenges that view of life that the Christian Church exists to uphold and extend. Its glorification of mere chance is a denial of the divine order of nature…. [Gambling] disregards the insistence of the Church of every age that possessions are a trust and that we must account for their use. The persistent appeal to covetousness is fundamentally opposed to the unselfishness which was taught by Jesus Christ and by the New Testament as a whole.” --Archbishop William Temple

Episcopal Diocese of Chicago: Policy on Alcohol Use at Church Functions

· Alcohol should not be served prior to worship or business meetings.

· All beverages and food containing alcohol must be clearly and distinctly labeled. This guidelines is most often forgotten where food is concerned. It must be remembered that the flavor of liquor (in food where the alcohol has been cooked out) is something which many persons in recovery wish to avoid.

· Food must be available at all functions where alcohol is served.

· Equally attractive, non-alcoholic alternatives must be offered as conspicuously as alcoholic beverages. Persons who wish to abstain from alcohol must be able to do so comfortably. It is critical that alternatives to non-alcoholic beverages be of equal quality as those containing alcohol. It is inappropriate to serve a good bottle of wine in a crystal glass when the only alternative is a can of pop in the back of the refrigerator (or a pot of coffee on the stove) with nothing to drink from but a paper cup.

· The promotion of church functions must not use alcohol as an enticement to participation.

o No announcements, advertisements or promotional material should imply that drinking alcohol is a social requirement.

o Alcoholic beverages should not be a part of the identification of church events—e.g. “Bratwurst Festival” not “Beer and Bratwurst;” “Reception with Hors-d’oeuvres,” or “Reception with Light Refreshment,” not “Wine and Cheese Reception.”

o Alcohol should not be served in such a way as to teach children that growing up necessarily implies alcohol consumption. Thus, references to “kiddie cocktails,” and “Shirley Temples are to be avoided.

· All federal, state and local laws and ordinances must be observed. This includes regulations requiring licenses for the sale of alcohol, prohibiting the distribution of alcohol to minors, and serving alcohol to intoxicated persons. Serving alcoholic beverages entails incurring moral as well as potential legal and financial liability for those who become intoxicated. It is expected that responsibility will be taken for the safety of persons who become intoxicated at church functions (up to and including transportation for those whose driving might be impaired).

“But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block…” 1 Corinthians 8:9

The Blessing of Holy Matrimony and the Blessing of Holy Union at the Church of St. John the Evangelist

The Rev. Kristin Orr, Rector

(November, 2011)

Introduction

Illinois state law now permits civil unions between same-sex couples and a resolution from the 2009 (national) General Convention of the Episcopal Church permits the blessing of those unions in the church (in civil jurisdictions where they are legal). In June 2011 Bishop Lee provided Guidelines for the Solemnization of Holy Unions for those wishing to perform blessings of same sex civil unions in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. Bishop Lee writes: “The conviction behind these pastoral guidelines is that the faithful, loving, and lifelong union of two persons of the same sex is capable of signifying the never failing love of God in Christ for the church and the world…. A further conviction is that just as Holy Matrimony is a vocation leading a man and a woman to practice disciplines of holiness, so should the gift of a similar, publicly committed discipline be available to gay and lesbian members of the church.” The guidelines also provide a liturgy, enabling same sex couples to “surround their vows [of Holy Union] with the prayers and blessings of the baptismal community.”

I am grateful to vestry members for their faithful and open conversations with me on the subject of blessing same sex unions and for their dedication to the grace-filled life of this parish. Following on those conversations, I am proceeding with my desire to offer the blessing of same sex Holy Unions at St. John’s. The guidelines that govern my own offering of Holy Matrimony and Holy Union are given below. As is the case in the diocesan policy, my intent is to establish parity of both opportunity and responsibility between Holy Matrimony and Holy Union.

Policy at St. John the Evangelist

It has been my past practice to offer Holy Matrimony only to active parishioners or couples with a close family member currently active in the parish. Holy Matrimony (and now Holy Union) are not “private” services; they are part of our common life as a parish community. It is my ongoing intent to offer Holy Matrimony or Holy Union only to couples with an active and existing relationship to the parish. In general, I expect regular attendance in worship and some contribution to the life of the parish by at least one person in the couple for at least six months before I will discuss scheduling the celebration of Holy Matrimony or Holy Union.

Because the common worship life of the parish is centered in the church building of St. John the Evangelist, I will not officiate at celebrations of Holy Matrimony or Holy Union in settings other than the parish church.

Summary of the Canons of the Episcopal Church and the Policies of the Diocese of Chicago Pertaining to both Holy Matrimony and Holy Union

All clergy must conform to the laws of the state. A valid civil license is required. The parties cannot be related by close kinship, and must be legally free of any other marriage or civil union.

Both parties to the marriage or civil union must state their intent that the union be lifelong, mutual and of exclusive fidelity.

At least one party to the civil union or marriage must be a baptized Christian.

The couple must receive instruction in the church’s understanding of the nature, meaning and purpose of the commitments they are undertaking.

Both parties must freely and knowingly consent to the civil union or marriage, without fraud, coercion, mistake as to identity or mental reservation.

The ceremony must be attested by at least two witnesses and recorded in the parish register.

No member of the clergy can solemnize the marriage or civil union of any person who has been the husband, wife, or civil union partner of any other person who is still living without the permission of the bishop.

A clergy person may not be required to officiate at any marriage or civil union.

Announcements for November 13

• Holiday Cookie Walk
  Are you ready to bake lots of festive cookies for our big Cookie Walk on December 3rd? Please say “yes” when we ask you to bake.
  
  
• Stewardship: Annual Pledge Campaign
  Next Sunday, November 20, is stewardship Sunday. You will have the opportunity to offer your pledge card during worship on that day. You may also return it in worship or to the parish office earlier; but we hope to have all pledge cards in by November 20. Thank you to vestry member R.J. VanSwol, who will share his reflections on stewardship this Sunday.
  
  
• Brunch Bunch This Sunday
  Our annual pre-Thanksgiving Brunch Bunch is this Sunday, November 13, following the 10:00 a.m. service. We will provide the turkey and dressing. Those with last names that begin with A to F bring desserts and those with last names that begin with G to Z bring a side dish. Even if you’re not able to bring a dish, you are invited. We hope you’ll come.
  
  
• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  Information on this year’s Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program is available in the parish office. Both families and seniors are available for adoption.
  
  
• ECW Potluck Luncheon
  The Episcopal Church Women are holding a potluck luncheon this Wednesday, November 16, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Undercroft.
  
  
• Community Thanksgiving Service
  The annual community Thanksgiving service, hosted by the South Suburban Ministerial Association, will be Wednesday, November 23, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. As usual, the Viking choir will perform. This year Pastor Orr is the preacher.
  
  
• Little Hands Advent Project
  Little Hands, St. John’s children’s outreach ministry, will meet next Sunday, November 20, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Undercroft for our annual pastoral inreach project. We will make Advent cards and gifts for people who are not able to regularly attend church.
  
  
• “Blue Jeans” Sunday: November 20
  Wear blue jeans to church Sunday, November 20, and stay an hour after church to help with fall landscaping work on the parish grounds.
  
  
• Buy a Christmas tree and support Homewood schools!
  Foundation 153 is a local non-profit that raises money to fund innovative projects in Homewood's elementary schools. This year they are holding a holiday tree sale during Homewood's Holiday Lights Festival on December 2nd. Premium 6-7' Fraser Firs from Michigan will be sold from 3:00 - 9:00 pm in the Hickory Road parking lot (NW corner of Hickory and Dixie Highway). Select your tree and we will assist you with loading it onto your vehicle. Prices: $50 when pre-ordered by November 28th, $60 when purchased after November 28th. For more information and to pre-order, visit www.foundation153.org. And remember - you can recycle your tree at Irons Oaks on January 7th and 14th from 9 am to noon. Questions? Contact Tracie or Mark Moxley.

Reflection for November 13

Our present time is indeed a criticizing and critical time, hovering between the wish, and the inability to believe. Our complaints are like arrows shot up into the air at no target: and with no purpose they only fall back upon our own heads and destroy ourselves (Sir William Temple, 1628-1699; not to be confused with the 20th century Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple).

Good Stewards of Our Community

A couple of weeks ago, all of us received a letter from Cyndie Knoll, our Senior Warden, along with our pledge forms and some information about the finances of the parish. In that letter, she said that responsibility to the future was one of the themes of the discussion about stewardship. We also discussed the joy and blessings that come from being a part of this community. I think that the words “Blessing, Future,” and “Community” describe both stewardship and St. John’s fairly well, but community is the word that speaks to me now.

When I walked through the door of St. John’s in 1998, my goal was to come to church, get what I needed from the service, and get out. I’m not kidding. After being a member of Episcopal churches from the age of 3 to 22, I decided that I didn’t need church when I went to graduate school. After all, I was going to be an “intellectual.” That didn’t work, so then I decided to be spiritual but not religious. Then I finally had to admit that non-religious people don’t turn to the Book of Common Prayer on a regular basis.

I came to St. John’s wanting a place where I could connect with the ritual of the Episcopal Church. I wanted the words, and that was all. I think I was able to go to St. John’s without being a member of this community for about three weeks. Then the welcoming and encouraging began. I started to understand how the community of St. John’s and I needed each other.

Individuals never just insert themselves into a community. The community always has to welcome them in. That’s how it works. And then the work and the wonder begin. What does being a member of the community of St. John’s mean to you? For me, it means being with a group of people who inspire me to be more than I could be by myself. To be more understanding, more courageous, more forgiving, and more open. To be more of a Christian than I could be by myself.

We are part of something that, with God’s help, lasts longer, reaches further, and touches more lives than any of us can do alone. That is the power of community. Stewardship is about the community of people who are this Parish. All of us. All who gave so much to us in the past, and those who will give so much to this parish in the future because of what we do now.

What do we do to ensure that this community thrives now and in the future? We remember that this community belongs to God. We accept the responsibilities and the blessings that go with caring for it. We give to this community. We become a little more than we can be by ourselves. We continue to inspire each other.

Because the people of St. John’s were good stewards of this community thirteen years ago, I received more than I wanted, but exactly what I needed. We do that over and over again. And we will continue to give the gift of community to people over and over again because of what we do now.

Faithfully yours,

Anne Edwards

Member of the Community of St. John's
and the Vestry

Announcements for November 6

• Daylight Saving Time Ends
  Remember to turn your clocks back one hour this Saturday evening.
  
  
• All Saints’ Open House
  The annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory will be held this Sunday, November 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. All parishioners (and guests), including children, are welcome.
  
  
• Vestry Reflections on Stewardship
  During these weeks of the annual pledge drive several vestry members are sharing their reflections on stewardship and the nature of life within this parish community. Thank you to Wardens Cyndie Knoll and Frank So who have already shared their thoughts within the context of worship. This week vestry member Anne Edwards provides a written reflection, provided as the next blog post.
  
  
• Brunch Bunch Next Sunday
  Our annual pre-Thanksgiving Brunch Bunch will be Sunday, November 13, following the 10:00 a.m. service. We will provide the turkey and dressing. Those with last names that begin with A to F bring desserts and those with last names that begin with G to Z bring a side dish. Even if you’re not able to bring a dish, you are invited. We hope you’ll come.
  
  
• St. John’s Knitters
  The St. John Knitters are meeting this coming Monday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room at St. John’s. Bring your knitting or crocheting and join us.
  
  
• New Diocesan Executive Team
  Bishop Lee has announced the hiring of individuals to form the new executive team for the Diocese of Chicago: Director of Ministries – The Rev. Jim Steen; Director of Networking – The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows; Director of Operations – Ms. Courtney Reid. More information is available here on the diocesan website.
  
  
• Print Evangelist: Call for Material
  The Advent issue of the quarterly Evangelist will be published in mid-November. Please send in material by November 15.
  
  
• Faith in Films: Dead Man Walking
  Faith in Films will view Dead Man Walking on Friday, November 11, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.

Reflection for All Saints

In Remembrance of Past Worshipers
In our day of thanksgiving one psalm let us offer for the saints who before us have found their reward; when the shadow of death fell upon them, we sorrowed, but now we rejoice that they rest in the Lord. In the morning of life, and at noon and at even, he called them away from our worship below; but not till his love, at the font and the altar, had girt them with grace for the way they should go. These stones that have echoed their praises are holy, and dear is the ground where their feet have once trod; yet here they confessed they were strangers and pilgrims, and still they were seeking the city of God. Sing praise, then, for all who here sought and here found him, whose journey is ended, whose perils are past: they believed in the Light; and its glory is round then, where the clouds of earth’s sorrow are lifted at last (W. H. Draper).