All Saints Open House
Everyone is invited to the traditional All Saints Open House at the Rectory this Sunday, November 2, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome. Feel free to bring guests or friends. Come share conversation, beverages and hors d’oeuvres with old and new parish friends.
All Souls Day Service
This year we will commemorate All Souls Day on Monday, November 3. Please come for a special memorial celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 7:00 PM. If you wish to submit names of loved ones to be remembered among the faithful departed, please pass those names along to the parish office. You
may also bring an “ofrenda” to the service, some small memento of someone who has died. Along with candles, these will be placed on a special altar during the service.
High School Youth Group Joins Blue Jean Sunday
Instead of our regular meeting this week, let’s meet right after services and help ready our church grounds for winter. This is a service hour opportunity. Bring service hour sheets (NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, etc.) for sponsors to sign. One hour of service and fellowship rolled into one! Next Youth Group meeting: November 16.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2014-2015 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 9. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
Once again this year we have the opportunity to provide gifts and meet needs at Christmas time for families and seniors with limited income. Look for information in the undercroft.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet this month on Monday, November 17, not on their regular “first Monday.”
Ground Floor Opportunity
Ice Cream Social. Cookie Walk. Don’t miss out on what could be St. John’s next signature outreach event: Caroling for Canned Goods on Sunday, December 7th. Join our high school youth in strolling St. John’s immediate neighborhood that afternoon, singing Christmas carol favorites while collecting food donations for the Rich Township Food Pantry, which serves 1,000 needy families. Can’t sing, you say? We also need folks of all ages who can hum, chortle, ring jingle bells, pull wagons or who are simply willing to keep us company. Bring your friends. The best homemade cocoa will be served. Come do your part!
Friday, October 31, 2014
Reflection for November 2
This ‘November Triduum’ of All Hallows’ Even, All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days hold for us the same stark reality as does the Easter Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter: that death is real. It may come in the guise of cute children dressed up in all manner of costumes, begging candy from you or threatening tricks, but our pre-Christian and Christian ancestors in the faith would recognize Hallowe’en as that night when you stared at, and stared down, death (Br. James Koester, SSJE, “Brother – Give Us A Word”).
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - September 15, 2014
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM followed by offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Bill Bestow; the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Mark Moxley , Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Gale Michael and Patti Pohrte were absent. Three guests were present at the meeting: Dan Pohrte of Product Architecture Design, and Derrek Pathmann and Justin Pathmann of Pathmann Construction Management.
Stewardship
Minutes
It was suggested that the minutes be amended to state correctly that both of the lift approval motions, that is, both the motion for the lift purchase and the motion for the contractor’s bid, contained within the motions the direction that if additional funds are needed, the vestry must approve those funds. Steve Hofer moved that the minutes be approved as corrected, and Bob DeOliveira seconded. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer noted misquotes in the financial report. The amount of $10,960, which was charged in error to the building maintenance fund will be reclassified to the memorial fund, and $2,625.31 for radiator repair, which was charged in error to the operating fund, will be reclassified against the building reserve fund. Hans Zigmund moved to accept the treasurer’s report subject to the revisions stated by the treasurer. After a second by Diane Walsh-Madden, the motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
--Thanks to Rick Lawlor who, after ten seasons as PADS coordinator for St. John’s, is stepping down. Margi Strombeck will take over as coordinator.
--Thanks to the crew of parishioners who cleared items out of the areas of the church involved in the lift construction.
--Thanks to those involved in the ongoing lighting projects, in particular, Jim Whitfield, Harold Keene, Bill Bestow, and the donors.
--Thanks to Cynthia Turnquest and the volunteers of Loaves and Fishes for their work at the Ministry Fair.
--There has been huge progress on construction of the new church website.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There were no reports.
Upcoming Parish Events
The annual Blessing of Animals will be held at the outdoor altar on October 5th.
Discussions and Decisions
Diocesan Convention
A slate of candidates to represent St. John’s at the upcoming Diocesan Convention was presented. They are Debbi Huggett, Gale Michael, and Sue O’Brien as delegates, and Don Rubins and Doris Sheffer as alternates. Bill Bestow made a motion to accept the slate, and Mark Moxley seconded. The motion passed.
Pledge Campaign
Discussion on this year’s pledge campaign will take place at next month’s vestry meeting.
Lift Project
--Derrek Pathmann reported that they have discovered that there is electrical conduit where the slab must be cut for the lift. He will get a price in the next couple of days for the work that needs to be done to solve this problem.
--Pastor Orr announced that Jim Whitfield and Sailor Electrical offered a proposed contract for the electrical work that will significantly reduce the cost of the project to about $100,000.
--Pastor Orr raised the issue of how to deal with project questions that come up between vestry meetings. After discussion, Hans Zigmund moved that the vestry will empower the rector and the wardens to make day-to-day decisions and project financial decisions up to a limit of $10,000, either as a single cost or an aggregate amount. If the decisions involve more than $10,000, the vestry will be consulted. The vestry will be kept informed of any decisions that occur between meetings. After a second by Mark Moxley the motion was approved.
--Justin Pathmann reported that he expects the building permit to be issued within days, and Dan Pohrte estimated that the installation might be completed in six-to-eight weeks.
--Bill Bestow made a motion to approve a contract with Sailor Electrical for $4,750. Hans Zigmund seconded, and the motion passed with one abstention.
Closing
At 8:20 PM the meeting ended with prayer. The next vestry meeting will be held on October 20th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: October 20, 2014
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry assembled in the church for evening prayer at 7:00 PM followed by offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were the rector, Kristin Orr; the senior warden, Bill Bestow; the junior warden, Diane Walsh-Madden; vestry members Nichole Dailor, Bob DeOliveira, Steve Hofer, Mark Moxley , Ted Stone, Jim Whitfield, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer, Debbi Huggett; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Gale Michael and Patti Pohrte were absent. Three guests were present at the meeting: Dan Pohrte of Product Architecture Design, and Derrek Pathmann and Justin Pathmann of Pathmann Construction Management.
Stewardship
Minutes
It was suggested that the minutes be amended to state correctly that both of the lift approval motions, that is, both the motion for the lift purchase and the motion for the contractor’s bid, contained within the motions the direction that if additional funds are needed, the vestry must approve those funds. Steve Hofer moved that the minutes be approved as corrected, and Bob DeOliveira seconded. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer noted misquotes in the financial report. The amount of $10,960, which was charged in error to the building maintenance fund will be reclassified to the memorial fund, and $2,625.31 for radiator repair, which was charged in error to the operating fund, will be reclassified against the building reserve fund. Hans Zigmund moved to accept the treasurer’s report subject to the revisions stated by the treasurer. After a second by Diane Walsh-Madden, the motion passed.
Information
Rector’s Report
--Thanks to Rick Lawlor who, after ten seasons as PADS coordinator for St. John’s, is stepping down. Margi Strombeck will take over as coordinator.
--Thanks to the crew of parishioners who cleared items out of the areas of the church involved in the lift construction.
--Thanks to those involved in the ongoing lighting projects, in particular, Jim Whitfield, Harold Keene, Bill Bestow, and the donors.
--Thanks to Cynthia Turnquest and the volunteers of Loaves and Fishes for their work at the Ministry Fair.
--There has been huge progress on construction of the new church website.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There were no reports.
Upcoming Parish Events
The annual Blessing of Animals will be held at the outdoor altar on October 5th.
Discussions and Decisions
Diocesan Convention
A slate of candidates to represent St. John’s at the upcoming Diocesan Convention was presented. They are Debbi Huggett, Gale Michael, and Sue O’Brien as delegates, and Don Rubins and Doris Sheffer as alternates. Bill Bestow made a motion to accept the slate, and Mark Moxley seconded. The motion passed.
Pledge Campaign
Discussion on this year’s pledge campaign will take place at next month’s vestry meeting.
Lift Project
--Derrek Pathmann reported that they have discovered that there is electrical conduit where the slab must be cut for the lift. He will get a price in the next couple of days for the work that needs to be done to solve this problem.
--Pastor Orr announced that Jim Whitfield and Sailor Electrical offered a proposed contract for the electrical work that will significantly reduce the cost of the project to about $100,000.
--Pastor Orr raised the issue of how to deal with project questions that come up between vestry meetings. After discussion, Hans Zigmund moved that the vestry will empower the rector and the wardens to make day-to-day decisions and project financial decisions up to a limit of $10,000, either as a single cost or an aggregate amount. If the decisions involve more than $10,000, the vestry will be consulted. The vestry will be kept informed of any decisions that occur between meetings. After a second by Mark Moxley the motion was approved.
--Justin Pathmann reported that he expects the building permit to be issued within days, and Dan Pohrte estimated that the installation might be completed in six-to-eight weeks.
--Bill Bestow made a motion to approve a contract with Sailor Electrical for $4,750. Hans Zigmund seconded, and the motion passed with one abstention.
Closing
At 8:20 PM the meeting ended with prayer. The next vestry meeting will be held on October 20th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: October 20, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014
Announcements for October 19
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets this Monday, October 20, beginning with Evening Prayer in the church.
High School Youth Group
Show us your shirts! High School youth, be sure to bring your finished tie-dye to this Sunday's meeting (Oct 19th) to show off your creativity. Back to regular meeting time: 4:00 to 5:30 PM.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2014-2015 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 9, 2014. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity to bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Chicago Diocese. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (suggested amount is $50 from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the check and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.
Blue Jeans Sunday
Dress casually and plan to stay after church on Sunday, November 2, to help with landscape work.
All Saints Open House
Everyone is invited to the traditional All Saints Open House at the Rectory. Sunday, November 2, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome. Feel free to bring guests or friends. Come share conversation, beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
The vestry meets this Monday, October 20, beginning with Evening Prayer in the church.
High School Youth Group
Show us your shirts! High School youth, be sure to bring your finished tie-dye to this Sunday's meeting (Oct 19th) to show off your creativity. Back to regular meeting time: 4:00 to 5:30 PM.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2014-2015 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 9, 2014. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity to bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Chicago Diocese. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (suggested amount is $50 from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the check and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.
Blue Jeans Sunday
Dress casually and plan to stay after church on Sunday, November 2, to help with landscape work.
All Saints Open House
Everyone is invited to the traditional All Saints Open House at the Rectory. Sunday, November 2, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome. Feel free to bring guests or friends. Come share conversation, beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
Reflection for October 19
All I know is that there is eventually a major equivalence between you and the God you worship. If you are a merciful, forgiving person, then I know you’ve met the real God. If you are narrow, stingy, and fearful, then you are worshiping something that is not God, probably some form of yourself (Richard Rohr).
Friday, October 10, 2014
Announcements for October 12
Pet Blessing Photos and Winners on Facebook
Thanks to all who attended the pet blessing! Photos from the event, including all contest winners, are posted on the parish Facebook page. And, if you are on Facebook and haven’t “liked” the parish page, please consider it. The more “likes” we have, the broader our reach in the community.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
Next Thursday, October 16th, we’ll meet at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room to discuss Elaine Pagel’s Adam, Eve, and the Serpent, and everyone is welcome to join us. Our November book selection is A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith by Brian D. McLaren. We are in the midst of a sea change in organized religion. McLaren, a leader in the Emergent Church movement, describes the hope of where this change may lead us.
Last Call For Winter Clothes for Respond Now
The Daughters of the King are wrapping up their winter clothes drive. Please bring clean, lightly used coats, mittens, hats or other winter clothing. The clothes will be donated to Respond Now to be given to folks trying to keep warm this coming winter. Please bring items to the small conference room in the undercroft.
Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity to bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Diocese of Chicago. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (suggested amount is $50 from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the checks and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.
Uplifting Update
Demolition and construction are in full swing. It is exciting to see progress being made, but please be very careful in the “Construction Zone.” The hallway from the Atrium to the church is closed. Please go through the Guild Room to access the church from the parish office or education wing.
Thanks to all who attended the pet blessing! Photos from the event, including all contest winners, are posted on the parish Facebook page. And, if you are on Facebook and haven’t “liked” the parish page, please consider it. The more “likes” we have, the broader our reach in the community.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
Next Thursday, October 16th, we’ll meet at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room to discuss Elaine Pagel’s Adam, Eve, and the Serpent, and everyone is welcome to join us. Our November book selection is A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith by Brian D. McLaren. We are in the midst of a sea change in organized religion. McLaren, a leader in the Emergent Church movement, describes the hope of where this change may lead us.
Last Call For Winter Clothes for Respond Now
The Daughters of the King are wrapping up their winter clothes drive. Please bring clean, lightly used coats, mittens, hats or other winter clothing. The clothes will be donated to Respond Now to be given to folks trying to keep warm this coming winter. Please bring items to the small conference room in the undercroft.
Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity to bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Diocese of Chicago. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (suggested amount is $50 from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the checks and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.
Uplifting Update
Demolition and construction are in full swing. It is exciting to see progress being made, but please be very careful in the “Construction Zone.” The hallway from the Atrium to the church is closed. Please go through the Guild Room to access the church from the parish office or education wing.
Reflection for October 12
The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the heart of the oppressor. It first does something to the hearts and souls of those committed to it. It gives them new self-respect; it calls up resources of strength and courage they did not know they had (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., cited at gratefulness.org, “Word for the Day”).
Friday, October 3, 2014
Announcements for October 5
Pet Blessing This Sunday, October 5
The annual Blessing of the Animals service will be this Sunday, October 5, beginning at 4:30 PM at the outdoor altar. Companion animals of all sizes and species are invited. The service also offers an opportunity to pray for pets who have died. The usual contests will also be held. Come root for your favorite to win the Rector Look Alike Contest or the Owner-Pet Look Alike Contest!
Daughters of the King Collecting Winter Clothes for Respond Now
Throughout the fall the Daughters of the King will be collecting winter clothes. Please bring clean, lightly used coats, mittens, hats or other winter clothing. The clothes will be donated to Respond Now to be given to folks trying to keep warm this coming winter. Look for the collection table in the undercroft. Clothing will be collected through early November.
Uplifting Update
Much of the preliminary work necessary for the installation of the lift has been completed. Next week the construction of the shaft itself and access doorways will begin. Photos of the ongoing work are posted in the undercroft.
The annual Blessing of the Animals service will be this Sunday, October 5, beginning at 4:30 PM at the outdoor altar. Companion animals of all sizes and species are invited. The service also offers an opportunity to pray for pets who have died. The usual contests will also be held. Come root for your favorite to win the Rector Look Alike Contest or the Owner-Pet Look Alike Contest!
Daughters of the King Collecting Winter Clothes for Respond Now
Throughout the fall the Daughters of the King will be collecting winter clothes. Please bring clean, lightly used coats, mittens, hats or other winter clothing. The clothes will be donated to Respond Now to be given to folks trying to keep warm this coming winter. Look for the collection table in the undercroft. Clothing will be collected through early November.
Uplifting Update
Much of the preliminary work necessary for the installation of the lift has been completed. Next week the construction of the shaft itself and access doorways will begin. Photos of the ongoing work are posted in the undercroft.
Reflection for October 5
Where is the church that lives as if it really is God’s unexpected answer to what’s wrong with the world? The church that, in the end, wins through suffering witness and love? The church that shares an open table and tries breathlessly to keep up with the movements of the risen Christ? The church that dares to be incomprehensible to the world because it believes Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are true? That church is more ubiquitous than we knew (Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, in The Christian Century, September 22, 2014, reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the publication of their book Resident Aliens).
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