Dent Davidson is Coming to the Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series continues on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. This week Dent Davidson, Associate for Arts and Liturgy with the Diocese of Chicago, will lead a sing-along on alternative versions of the service music (the portions of the prayer book liturgy that the congregation often sings). The theme throughout these classes is the deepening and strengthening of our encounter with God through worship.
Lenten Fish Fry, April 4: RSVP by April 1
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillmon will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place. If you can help out as a volunteer (both men and women), please be in touch with Bill Bestow.
Learn About Episcopal Summer Camp this Sunday
Did you know that the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago offers a summer camp program for kids? In 2014 three different one-week programs will be offered, open to kids ages 7 – 17. Deacon Mike Bond will be at St. John’s during coffee hour this Sunday, March 30, with information on camp. In addition, for those who are interested, he will offer a short presentation around 11:30 in classroom 4. You can also read more about camp here.
Lenten Taizé Service at IJP
Infant Jesus of Prague is offering a Lenten Taizé service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. All are invited. IJP is located at 1131 Douglas (at Flossmoor Road) in Flossmoor.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, Night Ministry, and St. John’s Community Garden. Watch for more details.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, April 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Reflection for March 30
At a time when the world is full of bloodshed, society must have the courage to say that one of the weapons we have to make people's souls gentler and more harmonious is music. We have to make a start. Music teaches us how to live in consonanza (consonance) in a world filled with dissonanza (dissonance) (Riccardo Muti, Chicago Tribune, March 26, 2014).
Friday, March 21, 2014
Announcements for March 23
Teen Youth Group
The teen group will meet on Sunday, March 23, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Our group will be planning future meetings that will include our participation in the upcoming Crop Walk and shopping for McAllister Nursing Home. We will be working on Easter cards for local nursing facilities (please bring scissors). Please bring your friends. Snacks will be provided.
Vicki Garvey is Coming to the Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series takes place on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. This week Vicki Garvey, Associate for Lifelong Christian Formation with the Diocese of Chicago, will present a session on making the Prayers of the People actually be the prayers of the people. The theme throughout these classes is the deepening and strengthening of our encounter with God through worship.
Lenten Fish Fry – April 4
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillmon will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place.
Learn About Episcopal Summer Camp
Did you know that the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago offers a summer camp program for kids? In 2014 three different one-week programs will be offered, open to kids ages 7 – 17. Deacon Mike Bond will be at St. John’s during coffee hour next Sunday, March 30, with information on camp. You can also read more about it here.
Lenten Taizé Service at IJP
Infant Jesus of Prague is offering a Lenten Taizé service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. All are invited. IJP is located at 1131 Douglas (at Flossmoor Road) in Flossmoor.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. Already confirmed are Respond Now, St. John’s Community Garden, and the Night Ministry. Watch for more details.
The teen group will meet on Sunday, March 23, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Our group will be planning future meetings that will include our participation in the upcoming Crop Walk and shopping for McAllister Nursing Home. We will be working on Easter cards for local nursing facilities (please bring scissors). Please bring your friends. Snacks will be provided.
Vicki Garvey is Coming to the Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series takes place on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. This week Vicki Garvey, Associate for Lifelong Christian Formation with the Diocese of Chicago, will present a session on making the Prayers of the People actually be the prayers of the people. The theme throughout these classes is the deepening and strengthening of our encounter with God through worship.
Lenten Fish Fry – April 4
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillmon will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place.
Learn About Episcopal Summer Camp
Did you know that the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago offers a summer camp program for kids? In 2014 three different one-week programs will be offered, open to kids ages 7 – 17. Deacon Mike Bond will be at St. John’s during coffee hour next Sunday, March 30, with information on camp. You can also read more about it here.
Lenten Taizé Service at IJP
Infant Jesus of Prague is offering a Lenten Taizé service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. All are invited. IJP is located at 1131 Douglas (at Flossmoor Road) in Flossmoor.
Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. Already confirmed are Respond Now, St. John’s Community Garden, and the Night Ministry. Watch for more details.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Minutes of the Vestry Budget Meeting - January 12, 2014
Opening and Attendance
The vestry convened for a meeting after church on 1/12/14 in order to prepare a budget for the upcoming year.
Present at the meeting were: Pastor Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, Greg Lawrence, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Patti Pohrte, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. The junior warden, Bill Bestow, was absent.
Housing Allowance
The first order of business was the following motion put forth by Audrey Ongman:
Whereas the Reverend Kristin Orr is employed as a minister of the Gospel by the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in Flossmoor, IL, which, although providing a residence, does not provide the full cost of maintaining and furnishing such a residence, the vestry resolves that, of the total compensation to be paid to the Rev. Orr during 2014, $3,000.00 be designated a parsonage allowance within the meaning of that term as used in Section 107 of the IRS Code of 1986. This housing allowance will apply to the year 2014 and all future years unless otherwise provided.
Greg Lawrence seconded the motion, and it passed.
2014 Budget
Debbi Huggett reported that St. John’s collected 94% of what was pledged in 2013. In addition, approximately $5,000 still is expected to come in.
Income:
The pledge total for 2014 is ~$187,000.
Twenty-five pledges were increased over last year.
There were seven new pledges, and four people left as a result of relocation or death.
Although there are more new pledges than lost pledges, the total dollar amount is lower. In addition to pledges, there also will be income from building use gifts (e.g. Girl Scouts and A.A.), loose offerings, special events, and special-purpose gifts (e.g. the organ upgrade and carpet replacement). With these additional sources, the total income for 2014 is projected at ~$240,000.
Expenses:
Over the years expenses have been trimmed from the budget where they can be trimmed. The budget choices at this point mostly include the amount for the diocesan pledge as well as salaries and benefits adjustments.
Discussion
The vestry considered the diocesan pledge and whether or not to fully fund the open parish position of Director of Christian Education for the full year.
The vestry also discussed cost-of-living increases for the staff. During this part of the discussion, those who would be directly affected (Pastor Orr and Mark Moxley, whose wife is the interim office manager) left the room.
Budget Decisions
Greg Lawrence moved:
that the budget would be based on the full amount that has been pledged,
that all staff would receive a 3% pay increase starting with the next paycheck,
that the diocesan giving would be increased by 3%,
and that a line amount for children/youth ministry be funded at the same amount as budgeted in 2013 for the Director of Christian Education.
Steve Hofer seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
The budget having been approved, the meeting concluded.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: March 17, 2014
The vestry convened for a meeting after church on 1/12/14 in order to prepare a budget for the upcoming year.
Present at the meeting were: Pastor Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, Greg Lawrence, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, Patti Pohrte, and Jim Whitfield; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. The junior warden, Bill Bestow, was absent.
Housing Allowance
The first order of business was the following motion put forth by Audrey Ongman:
Whereas the Reverend Kristin Orr is employed as a minister of the Gospel by the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in Flossmoor, IL, which, although providing a residence, does not provide the full cost of maintaining and furnishing such a residence, the vestry resolves that, of the total compensation to be paid to the Rev. Orr during 2014, $3,000.00 be designated a parsonage allowance within the meaning of that term as used in Section 107 of the IRS Code of 1986. This housing allowance will apply to the year 2014 and all future years unless otherwise provided.
Greg Lawrence seconded the motion, and it passed.
2014 Budget
Debbi Huggett reported that St. John’s collected 94% of what was pledged in 2013. In addition, approximately $5,000 still is expected to come in.
Income:
The pledge total for 2014 is ~$187,000.
Twenty-five pledges were increased over last year.
There were seven new pledges, and four people left as a result of relocation or death.
Although there are more new pledges than lost pledges, the total dollar amount is lower. In addition to pledges, there also will be income from building use gifts (e.g. Girl Scouts and A.A.), loose offerings, special events, and special-purpose gifts (e.g. the organ upgrade and carpet replacement). With these additional sources, the total income for 2014 is projected at ~$240,000.
Expenses:
Over the years expenses have been trimmed from the budget where they can be trimmed. The budget choices at this point mostly include the amount for the diocesan pledge as well as salaries and benefits adjustments.
Discussion
The vestry considered the diocesan pledge and whether or not to fully fund the open parish position of Director of Christian Education for the full year.
The vestry also discussed cost-of-living increases for the staff. During this part of the discussion, those who would be directly affected (Pastor Orr and Mark Moxley, whose wife is the interim office manager) left the room.
Budget Decisions
Greg Lawrence moved:
that the budget would be based on the full amount that has been pledged,
that all staff would receive a 3% pay increase starting with the next paycheck,
that the diocesan giving would be increased by 3%,
and that a line amount for children/youth ministry be funded at the same amount as budgeted in 2013 for the Director of Christian Education.
Steve Hofer seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
The budget having been approved, the meeting concluded.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: March 17, 2014
Minutes of Vestry Meeting - December 16, 2013
Formation
Opening
After Evening Prayer, vestry members shared individual prayers of thanksgiving and prayer requests.
Attendance
Present were the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Audrey Ongman; the junior warden, Bill Bestow; vestry members Candice Barrera, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Greg Lawrence, and Patti Pohrte; treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Anne Edwards, Mark Moxley, and Jim Whitfield were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes
Gale Michael moved that the minutes from the November meeting be accepted as presented. Greg Lawrence seconded, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that the year probably will end well financially largely because of the open Director of Christian Education position. So far we have received twenty-two pledges (70-80% of last year’s number). Greg Lawrence moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Following a second by Patti Pohrte, the motion was carried.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr thanked parishioners for their leadership roles in various activities: Anne Edwards for her planning and leadership efforts on the upcoming patronal feast, Alison Deniston for her leadership in the Cookie Walk; all of the bakers and workers at the Cookie Walk; those who reached out to do God’s work for the Cathedral Shelter and Lawrence Hall, and Pat Huntoon for directing the Christmas pageant.
The rector noted that there should be a small savings in the new phone plan for the rectory.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Audrey Ongman reported that 118 people brought cookies for the Cookie Walk, approximately 60 people bought cookies during the event, and about $3,600 was collected.
Upcoming Parish Events
Christmas service times will be the same as usual. Information will be mailed to all parishioners. The annual patronal feast, presented by the vestry for the parish, will be held on Saturday, January 4th.
Discussion and Decisions
Accessibility Project
Architect Dan Pohrte has taken measurements in the church and is working on drawings.
Feast Planning
Gale Michael presented a timeline for feast preparations. On Friday, December 27th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM volunteers are needed to assemble the lasagnas. Other menu items will be salad, garlic bread, and tiramisu. On Friday, January 3rd and Saturday, January 4th vestry workers will set up the tables, decorate, and finish the food preparation. Everyone on the vestry is asked to participate in at least one work session and is asked to bring two plates of hors d’oeuvres to the feast itself. Frank So and Debbi Huggett will donate wine. Pastor Orr is planning to assemble a slide show focusing on St. John’s outreach activities. The theme this year is A Light in the Darkness.
Budget Meeting
A special vestry meeting was scheduled for January 5th after church for the purpose of approving a budget for 2014.
Closing
After prayer, the meeting closed at 8:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: March 17, 2014
Opening
After Evening Prayer, vestry members shared individual prayers of thanksgiving and prayer requests.
Attendance
Present were the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Audrey Ongman; the junior warden, Bill Bestow; vestry members Candice Barrera, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Greg Lawrence, and Patti Pohrte; treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Anne Edwards, Mark Moxley, and Jim Whitfield were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes
Gale Michael moved that the minutes from the November meeting be accepted as presented. Greg Lawrence seconded, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that the year probably will end well financially largely because of the open Director of Christian Education position. So far we have received twenty-two pledges (70-80% of last year’s number). Greg Lawrence moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Following a second by Patti Pohrte, the motion was carried.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr thanked parishioners for their leadership roles in various activities: Anne Edwards for her planning and leadership efforts on the upcoming patronal feast, Alison Deniston for her leadership in the Cookie Walk; all of the bakers and workers at the Cookie Walk; those who reached out to do God’s work for the Cathedral Shelter and Lawrence Hall, and Pat Huntoon for directing the Christmas pageant.
The rector noted that there should be a small savings in the new phone plan for the rectory.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Audrey Ongman reported that 118 people brought cookies for the Cookie Walk, approximately 60 people bought cookies during the event, and about $3,600 was collected.
Upcoming Parish Events
Christmas service times will be the same as usual. Information will be mailed to all parishioners. The annual patronal feast, presented by the vestry for the parish, will be held on Saturday, January 4th.
Discussion and Decisions
Accessibility Project
Architect Dan Pohrte has taken measurements in the church and is working on drawings.
Feast Planning
Gale Michael presented a timeline for feast preparations. On Friday, December 27th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM volunteers are needed to assemble the lasagnas. Other menu items will be salad, garlic bread, and tiramisu. On Friday, January 3rd and Saturday, January 4th vestry workers will set up the tables, decorate, and finish the food preparation. Everyone on the vestry is asked to participate in at least one work session and is asked to bring two plates of hors d’oeuvres to the feast itself. Frank So and Debbi Huggett will donate wine. Pastor Orr is planning to assemble a slide show focusing on St. John’s outreach activities. The theme this year is A Light in the Darkness.
Budget Meeting
A special vestry meeting was scheduled for January 5th after church for the purpose of approving a budget for 2014.
Closing
After prayer, the meeting closed at 8:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: March 17, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Announcements for March 16
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, March 17, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
The Observance of a Holy Lent
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. “Lent for Dummies,” a guide to the observance of Lent, is available on the information tables. Various resources for daily prayer and reflection are also available. It’s not too late to take up a Lenten discipline.
Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series takes place on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. A flyer with more information on this year’s class is available on the information tables. This week’s class will look at expansive language and imagery in the Eucharist. Underlying all of the classes will be the study of how and why we worship as a community.
Loaves and Fishes This Sunday, March 16
Everyone is invited to brunch this Sunday, March 16, following the 10:00 a.m. service. The main dish is ham. If you can, bring a side dish. All are welcome; please come!
Lenten Fish Fry – April 4
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillmon will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place.
Learn About Episcopal Summer Camp
Did you know that the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago offers a summer camp program for kids? In 2014 three different one-week programs will be offered, open to kids ages 7 – 17. Deacon Mike Bond will be at St. John’s during coffee hour on March 30 with information on camp. You can also read more about it here.
The vestry meets Monday, March 17, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
The Observance of a Holy Lent
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. “Lent for Dummies,” a guide to the observance of Lent, is available on the information tables. Various resources for daily prayer and reflection are also available. It’s not too late to take up a Lenten discipline.
Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series takes place on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. A flyer with more information on this year’s class is available on the information tables. This week’s class will look at expansive language and imagery in the Eucharist. Underlying all of the classes will be the study of how and why we worship as a community.
Loaves and Fishes This Sunday, March 16
Everyone is invited to brunch this Sunday, March 16, following the 10:00 a.m. service. The main dish is ham. If you can, bring a side dish. All are welcome; please come!
Lenten Fish Fry – April 4
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillmon will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place.
Learn About Episcopal Summer Camp
Did you know that the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago offers a summer camp program for kids? In 2014 three different one-week programs will be offered, open to kids ages 7 – 17. Deacon Mike Bond will be at St. John’s during coffee hour on March 30 with information on camp. You can also read more about it here.
Reflection for March 16
I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that he will guide me to do whatever I’m supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I’m praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things (attributed to Mother Teresa).
Friday, March 7, 2014
Announcements for March 9
The Observance of a Holy Lent
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. “Lent for Dummies,” a guide to the observance of Lent, is available on the information tables. Various resources for daily prayer and reflection are also available.
Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series begins Wednesday evening, March 12. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. A flyer with more information on this year’s class is available on the information tables. Dent Davidson and Vicky Garvey from the Diocesan staff will lead two of the sessions as we explore many of the supplemental liturgical materials available for our common worship. Underlying all of the classes will be the study of how and why we worship as a community.
Daylight Saving Time Begins This Sunday
This Sunday, March 9, remember to set your clocks one hour forward.
High School Youth Group Meets This Sunday
The high school youth group will meet this Sunday, March 9, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Wear comfortable clothes for physical activity. As always, your friends are welcome. Questions? Call or text Dee McManamy. Yes, there will be snacks.
Loaves and Fishes Next Sunday, March 16
Everyone is invited to brunch next Sunday, March 16, following the 10:00 a.m. service.
Lenten Fish Fry – April 4
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillman will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place.
Gospel Concert March 9
Grande Prairie Singers present “I Remember When the Stars Fell,” featuring music of the era of slavery in our country, 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 9, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Selections include “This Little Light of Mine,” “Deep River,” “My Lord, What a Morning,” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Don't miss this inspiring concert! See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. “Lent for Dummies,” a guide to the observance of Lent, is available on the information tables. Various resources for daily prayer and reflection are also available.
Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series begins Wednesday evening, March 12. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. A flyer with more information on this year’s class is available on the information tables. Dent Davidson and Vicky Garvey from the Diocesan staff will lead two of the sessions as we explore many of the supplemental liturgical materials available for our common worship. Underlying all of the classes will be the study of how and why we worship as a community.
Daylight Saving Time Begins This Sunday
This Sunday, March 9, remember to set your clocks one hour forward.
High School Youth Group Meets This Sunday
The high school youth group will meet this Sunday, March 9, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Wear comfortable clothes for physical activity. As always, your friends are welcome. Questions? Call or text Dee McManamy. Yes, there will be snacks.
Loaves and Fishes Next Sunday, March 16
Everyone is invited to brunch next Sunday, March 16, following the 10:00 a.m. service.
Lenten Fish Fry – April 4
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillman will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place.
Gospel Concert March 9
Grande Prairie Singers present “I Remember When the Stars Fell,” featuring music of the era of slavery in our country, 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 9, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Selections include “This Little Light of Mine,” “Deep River,” “My Lord, What a Morning,” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Don't miss this inspiring concert! See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.
Reflection for March 9
What [the Gospel of John] really invites me into, and I think our community into, is a sense that Christ is always speaking a new word and that while scripture is important and these stories are important, there is an expectation from the gospel of John that this is a tradition that’s going to continue in the life of the church. So there’s always a new word. And even though we live this very traditional life, my expectation for myself and for my Brothers and for the people that we minister with is about a new word. A word — an experience of the risen Christ that speaks to our situation and who we are (Br. Tom Shaw, Society of Saint John the Evangelist, from their Lenten series, Love Life, www.ssje.org).
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