Announcements for December 4

From the Vestry: Pledge Update 
I would just like to provide a friendly reminder to those still considering a pledge to St. John’s. As of Thursday, the amount pledged increased to $161,868. Again our total estimated budget for 2017 is $230,000. It is still possible to turn in a pledge card, or call or email the Parish office with a pledge amount for 2017. Thanks again to all who give of their time and their funds to our Parish. –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden 

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!

ReVive Center Christmas Baskets 
Thank you and bless you to everyone who so generously (and promptly!) participated in this year’s Christmas Basket program. 37 boxes of gifts are on their way to ReVive Center for Housing and Healing for distribution to seniors and families this Christmas.

St. John’s Fall UTO Ingathering 
St. John’s fall ingathering for the United Thank Offering raised $523.32. This money has been forwarded to the Diocesan ECW to be used towards UTO grants. The UTO call to thankfulness is ongoing. Please continue to use your blue boxes. Another ingathering will be held in the spring.

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.