Announcements for April 22

• Easter Flower Acknowledgments
  An updated listing of those who made contributions for Easter flowers will be printed as part of this week’s service leaflet. Thank you for contributing to the beauty of the church at Easter time.
  
• Daughters of the King Meet Saturday
  The Daughters of the King will be having their monthly meeting this Saturday, April 21, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  We will be discussing one in a DVD series of meditations, entitled "The Four Acts of Prayer" by Walter Wangerin.  The Rev. Wangerin was formerly writer in residence at Valparaiso University.  All women of the parish are welcome.
  
• Episcopal Relief and Development Has Distributed 8.5 Million Mosquito Nets
  Since its inception in 2006, Episcopal Relief and Development’s NetsforLife® program has distributed a total of 8.5 million mosquito nets as part of its campaign to fight malaria. Combined with the community education and net monitoring work of nearly 74,000 trained Malaria Control Agents, these nets have saved the lives of over 100,000 children under five and reduced the overall malaria-related death rate by 45% in communities where NetsforLife® is active. (You can read the full story here.
   
• The Altar Guild’s Music Video
  St. John’s Altar Guild video on You Tube has had 112 views! Check out the fun (and prayerful...) video on the construction of the garden and altar of repose for Maundy Thursday. It stars Sue Buckman and Harold Keene, with cameo appearances by Susan Marquis, Alison Deniston and Lynn Ruschhaupt.  View it here.
   
• Recycle and Reuse your Plastic Easter Eggs
  Remember to bring in your now empty plastic Easter eggs to the church, and we will reuse them in next year’s children’s Easter egg hunt. Look for the pastel lavender collection box near the parish office.
   
• Vestry Minutes On-line
  The minutes from the March meeting of the vestry (approved at the recent April meeting) are now on-line on this blog.  Click the Vestry Minutes label.
   
• Thank You for Yarn Donations
  Thank you to everyone for your generous donations of yarn to help the knitters in Japan affected by last year’s earthquake and tsunami. We are no longer collecting yarn. And thank you to Mary Agnes Long for spearheading this effort and to the St. John’s yarn ministry for coordinating the collection.

Announcements for April 15

• Vestry Meeting
  The vestry meets this Monday, April 16, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Easter Flower Acknowledgments
  A listing of those who made contributions for Easter flowers will be printed as part of this week’s service leaflet. Thank you for contributing to the beauty of the church at Easter time.
  
  
• The Altar Guild’s Music Video
  St. John’s Altar Guild is on You Tube! Check out the fun (and prayerful...) video on the construction of the garden and altar of repose for Maundy Thursday. It's posted here.
  
  
• Recycle and Reuse your Plastic Easter Eggs
  Bring your now empty plastic Easter eggs to the church, and we will reuse them in next year’s children’s Easter egg hunt. Look for the pastel lavender collection box near the parish office.
  
  
• Youth Confirmation Classes Begin This Sunday
  Confirmation classes for young people begin this Sunday, April 15, at 9:00 in the 7th/8th Grade Sunday School Room (the small conference room across from the parish office). If you have questions, please speak with Cyndie Knoll or Pastor Orr.
  
  
• Christian Formation Classes Resume
  Following the Easter break Christian formation classes for children and adults resume this Sunday, April 15, at 9:00 a.m. Youth worship will also be held this Sunday, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
  
  
• Faith in Films is Taking a Break
  Faith in films is taking a break for the rest of this spring. They will not meet April 13 (as had been previously announced). If you’d like to be part of a conversation about the shape of Faith in Films for the future, please be in touch with Mary Jean Bond or Gale Michael.
  
  
• Yarn Donations Still Welcome
  If you have extra yarn to donate to the knitters in Japan, please bring it to the box in the undercroft by April 29. For more information, see the Wall Street Journal article on the table near the box.
  
  
• Program on the 1940 Census
  The South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society is hosting a panel discussion on the 1940 US census. The meeting is in the undercroft at St. John’s on Saturday, April 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It is free and open to parishioners. See Peter Irvine for more details.

Announcements for December 19

• Vestry Meeting
  The vestry will meet Monday, December 20, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
  
  
• Children’s Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
  Rehearsals for the Christmas Pageant this are Sunday, December 19, from 9-10 a.m. (speaking parts only; other children attend Sunday School) and Thursday, December 23 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the church for all parts.
  
  
• Help Decorate the Church for Christmas
  The altar guild will decorate the church on Thursday, December 23, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Note date change.) All are welcome to help. Lunch will be served. Call Sue Buckman to RSVP for lunch.
  
  
• Wednesday Healing Service Canceled
  The Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist with healing will not be held on Wednesday, December 29.

Announcements for December 12

• Pledge Reminder
  If you have not yet turned in your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. The vestry will be meeting soon to work on the 2011 budget. You may place it in the offering plate on Sunday or return it to the parish office. Thank you.
  
  
• Children’s Christmas Pageant
  All children (ages 3-12) are invited to participate in the Christmas Pageant on Friday, December 24 at the 4:00 p.m. service. Please contact Donica Van Voorhees ASAP if your child would like to participate in a speaking or non-speaking role. Rehearsals are Sunday, December 19, from 9-10 a.m. (speaking parts only) and Thursday, December 23 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the church for all parts.
  
  
• ECW Potluck
  The Episcopal Church Women (all women of the church) will hold a Christmas potluck luncheon this Wednesday, December 15, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
  
  
• Help Decorate the Church for Christmas
  The altar guild will decorate the church on Thursday, December 23, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Note date change.) All are welcome to help. Lunch will be served. Call Sue Buckman to RSVP for lunch.
  
  
• Lawrence Hall Christmas Gifts
  On behalf of the Daughters of the King, Iris Bestow is collecting gifts cards for the children of Lawrence Hall Youth Services. Checks made out to Lawrence Hall are also welcome.
  
  
• Ushers needed for Christmas Eve Services
  If you are an usher who will be attending either of the services on Christmas Eve, please call the church office and volunteer to serve. Obviously, this is an especially important ministry at these particular services. Thank you.
  
  
• Cookie Walk Thanks
  After waiting a year of looking forward to our annual Holiday Cookie Walk sale, a little snow wasn’t about to keep our faithful buyers away. There they were lined up patiently waiting for the doors to open at 9:00 a.m. And thanks to our expert bakers, candy makers, knitters, jewelry makers and army of helpers, they weren’t disappointed. Our Holiday Cookie Walk was a success once again!
  
  
• IPO Holiday Concert
  The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Holiday Concerts featuring guest choruses and soloists on Saturday, December 18 at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 19 at 3:00 p.m. Both concerts will be held at the Lincoln-Way East Performing Arts Center in Frankfort. New this year is a 45- minute production of ”Scrooge” the Musical. To purchase tickets, call 481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.

Announcements for December 5

• Pledge Reminder
  If you have not yet turned in your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. You may place it in the offering plate on Sunday or return it to the parish office. Thank you.
  
  
• Faith in Films: Jesus Son on December 10
  Everyone is invited to view this film on Friday, December 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. The film’s focus on healing is appropriate during Advent because healing is a hopeful sign of the coming of the Savior. Scripture passages for reflection: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 and Matthew 11:2-11.
  
  
• Help Decorate the Church for Christmas
  The altar guild will decorate the church on Thursday, December 23, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Note date change.) All are welcome to help. Lunch will be served. Call Sue Buckman to RSVP for lunch.
  
  
• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  Thank you and God bless you to everyone who has adopted seniors and families. Pick up date is December 9.
  
  
• Lawrence Hall Christmas Gifts
  Since 2004 the Daughters of the King have been committed to sharing the spirit of the Christmas season with the children of Lawrence Hall. Parishioners are invited to provide gift certificates in increments of $10 to $50 from any book/music store, fast food restaurants, department stores or theaters. Checks made out to Lawrence Hall are also welcome. Please remember that your donation may be the only gift these children receive. If you can help, contact Iris Bestow.
  
  
• Handel’s Messiah December 5
  The Illiana Oratorio Society will present Handel’s Messiah this Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. The two-hour presentation will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 S. Park Ave, South Holland. Admission is free, but a free-will offering will be received.
  
  
• Joyous Holiday Concert Sunday, December 12
  Grande Prairie Singers present their Holiday Concert at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 12, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. New director Jo Rodenburg has put together an audience- cheering program of traditional carols, secular favorites such as "Sleigh Ride," and Vivaldi's oratorio Gloria. For more information or tickets, please contact Betsy Burgwald.
  
  
• Advent Lessons and Carols at Holy Family
  On Sunday, December 12, beginning at 4:00 p.m. the choirs of the Church of the Holy Family in Park Forest (102 Marquette Street at Orchard) will present a traditional service of Advent lessons and carols. Everyone is invited to this moving holiday service.

Announcements for December 20

• Vestry Meeting Monday
  The vestry meets Monday, December 21, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Christmas Services
  The Holy Eucharist and children’s Christmas pageant, Christmas Eve, 4:00 p.m.
  Festival Choral Holy Eucharist, Christmas Eve, music at 10:00 p.m., worship at 10:30 p.m.
  The Holy Eucharist on Christmas Day at 10:00 a.m.
  Christmas Lessons and Carols (with Holy Communion), Sunday, December 27, at 10:00 a.m.
  
  
• Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
  There will be a rehearsal for all children cast in speaking roles in the Christmas pageant this Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m. Both of the younger Sunday School classes (Godly Play and Catechesis) will meet for Sunday School as usual. ALL participants in the pageant, please attend rehearsal Wednesday, December 23, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  
  
• Donate Christmas Flowers for the Church
  Envelopes are available in the pews if you would like to contribute to the Christmas beauty of the church. Donations may be made in honor or celebration of a loved one or event, in memory of the faithful departed, or to the glory of God.
  
  
• Altar Guild Correction
  The altar guild will gather to decorate the church for Christmas on Wednesday, December 23rd (not the 22nd, as printed in The Evangelist), at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Sue Buckman for lunch.
  
  
• Vestry Nominations
  The vestry nominating committee will be meeting soon. If you feel called to serve on the vestry, please speak to Pastor Orr or one of the wardens.
  
  
• Pledge Reminder
  As the year comes to a close, please remember the importance of fulfilling your 2009 pledge to support the ministry of St. John’s. And if you have not yet returned your pledge card for 2010, please do so as soon as possible.
  
  
• Parish Office Closed
  The parish office will be closed December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday.

Announcements for December 13

• Saturday’s Cookie Walk
  You did it again! Thanks to our cookie bakers, candy makers, knitters, jewelry makers and our helpers who worked so hard, once again our annual Cookie Walk was a success. St. John’s reputation for baking delicious, beautifully decorated cookies is spreading. One customer even came from Alton, Illinois! Local charities that have been hard hit because of the recession will be grateful to receive donations from the proceeds. Proceeds are currently estimated at $3,900. Once again – many thanks.
  
  
• Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
  Praise God for the generosity of St. John’s parishioners to help others at Christmas time. The following all contributed to the Christmas Basket program: St. John’s Sunday School, Donica Van Voorhees, Harold and Bev Keene, Lynn Ruschhaupt, Audrey Ongman, Bill and Pat Braker, Moxley family, MJ and Mike Bond, Girl Scout Troup 60144, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, John Huntoon and Pat Smith Huntoon, Mike Juskelis, Steven Russell and Richard Lieb, Ann Glascoff, Frank So and Debbi Huggett, Margi Strombeck, Cyndie Knoll, and May Lawler.
  
  
• Christmas Pageant
  Don’t forget the first rehearsal for all participants in the pageant is Sunday, December 20, at 9:00 a.m.
  
  
• Lawrence Hall
  The final tally of donations to Lawrence Hall is $1460, along with a collection of mittens and hats.
  
  
• Altar Guild Correction
  The altar guild will gather to decorate the church for Christmas on Wednesday, December 23rd (not the 22nd, as printed in The Evangelist), at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Sue Buckman for lunch.