Announcements for December 11

From the Vestry: This Week’s Pledge Update 
Thanks to those who turned in their pledge to St. John's during this busy time of expectation. The pledges that came in this week brings us to a total of $172,718. Again, our total estimated budget for 2017 is $230,000. It is still possible to turn in a pledge card, call or email the Parish office with a pledge amount for 2017. And yet again (and again and again), thanks to all who give of their time and their funds to our Parish. –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden

Christmas Pageant Orientation Meeting This Sunday
The annual children’s Christmas Pageant is part of the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve. All children who would like to participate the pageant and their parents are asked to attend a brief organizational meeting in the church after the 10:00 service this Sunday. If you would like to be in the pageant, but cannot make the meeting please text (708.651.1389) or email (peshuntoon@yahoo.com) Pat Smith-Huntoon by Sunday afternoon.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club
The Practicing Our Faith Book Club is meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7pm in the Guild Room to discuss The Name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis. New members are always welcome!

Best Buddies Pet Pantry Seeks Toys
The Bloom Township food pantry holds a Christmas party for their clients each year. Dale from Best Buddies Pet Pantry attends with dog and cat toys and invites the kids to choose a toy to give their pets for Christmas. If you can donate a new toy, please drop it off in the Best Buddies collection box by the staircases. Of course pet food donations are always welcome as well. Our next re-packaging work day at St. John's is on December 10th at 10 AM, so that's when the toys and food will be picked up. Thanks for your support!

St. John's Annual Caroling for Canned Goods & Best Cocoa Ever: December 11, 4:00 pm.
Everyone's invited...bring your friends of all ages! Join church youth in collecting canned goods for Rich Township Food Pantry with our church neighborhood caroling party! Meet in St. J's undercroft at 4pm on December 11th for homemade cocoa (the real McCoy). Bring canned goods to contribute and a wagon, if you have one. Please join us--it's a fun activity and really brings on the Christmas Spirit in a remarkably short time--little more than an hour. Perfect for those who need service hours! Questions or suggestions: Contact Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.

Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 pm at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Selections include “A Boy Was Born” by Benjamin Britten and John Rutter songs such as “Candlelight Carol” and “Shepherd's Pipe Carol.” Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults ($20 at the door), available from Bob Burgwald or Betsy Elliot.