Announcements for December 2nd

Christmas Basket Program  https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach/christmasbaskets.

This year’s deadline for dropping off your Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, December 5^th. If you are unable to shop and would like to be a part of this blessing, please give checks made out to St. John's, with "Revive Christmas Baskets" in the memo.  The youth of the congregation will be adopting/shopping and wrapping the presents for the family. Checks should get to the church by Friday, November 30^th.

Fundraising Coupon Booklets

The Vestry is supporting a new easy and fun product to sell as a fundraising campaign for St. John’s. We are selling fundraising coupon books for $20.00 from a company called Simple Qpons. The books allow individuals to save money with things like buy-one-get-one-free and 50% off discounts at tons of our favorite local merchants. These books make for great small gifts and stocking stuffers. There are two editions of the book: one for Northwest Indiana and one for Southland Chicago. You can contact Vestry members or the church office to either purchase books yourself  OR to help in selling books for this fundraiser.

South Holland Master Chorale’s Annual Christmas Concert

The popular Christmas concert will include songs and carols, new and old, sung by the Chorale with help from the organ, instruments, children’s choire, and the audience. The Southlake Children’s Choir will join the Chorale in this concert. This marks the 18^th time the Chorale has presented its Christmas concert at St. Victor. The dates for the concert are Sunday, December 2^nd at 4:00 pm at St. Victor Catholic Church (553 Hirsch Ave., Calumet City); and Sunday, December 9^th at 3:00 pm at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Parish (500 Northgate Dr., Dyer, Indiana). All Chorale Concerts are free, but free-will donations are gratefully accepted.

FMSC Volunteers:  Be on the Look-out!  

Please check your email frequently leading up to our Dec 8th trip to the Aurora facility.  You will receive emails directly from Feed My Starving Children regarding specific details of our volunteer work.  Pay close attention to what they suggest you wear and what they ask you to leave at home.  Also watch for emails from me about our departure time and transport from St. John's. Thanks so much to all of you who have volunteered for this worthwhile project (which should also be a very fun time).  Please contact Dee McManamy with any questions or updates.

Holiday Cookie Walk

The 19^th Annual Cookie Walk will take place on Saturday, December 8^th from 9:00 –11:30 am. All proceeds are a benefit of the OUTREACH commitment and St. John’s. Historically, we have netted over $3,800.00 yearly. We need everyone to make a DOUBLE or TRIPLE batch of cookies, candy, jam, or jelly. The emphasis is on homemade. Dog treats will be available. All items should be brought (in non-returnable containers) to the undercroft on Friday, December 7^th before 7:00 pm. Helpers of all ages are needed Friday, December 7^th  from 10:00-1:00 and 1:00-4:00 and Saturday, December 8^th from 8:30-10:00am, 10:00-11:30am, and 11:30am-1:00 pm. Any questions? Contact Alison Deniston.

Announcements for November 25th

Christmas Basket Program  https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach/christmasbaskets.

This year’s deadline for dropping off your Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, December 5^th. If you are unable to shop and would like to be a part of this blessing, please give checks made out to St. John's, with "Revive Christmas Baskets" in the memo.  The youth of the congregation will be adopting/shopping and wrapping the presents for the family. Checks should get to the church by Friday, November 30^th.

Only 5 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org . For more information, please contact Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details.  

Alternative Christmas Gift Market

Are you thinking about Christmas shopping? The Alternative Christmas Gift Market enables you to contribute to a charitable organization. An alternative Christmas gift to friends and family will benefit those in need. Your alternative gift to another will extend the true meaning of Christmas and ensure spiritual action after Christmas has passed and other gifts are forgotten or discarded. For each donation made, you will receive a decorative card indicating the name of the organization to which you have donated. This card can then be given as your alternative Christmas gift.

The following organizations will be included this year:

* Cancer Support Group                                    * Bakery Dos Corazones

* Christian Peace Makers                                  * ReVive

* The Night Ministry                                         * Respond Now

* Episcopal Relief and Development                 * Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy

You will be able to purchase donations in the amounts of $5, $10, $15 or $25. Payment will be made to Transfiguration. Order forms will be distributed on November 11th, November 18th, and November 25th. On the back of the order forms there will be a brief description of each organization. Order form will be collected along with payment in cash or checks made out to Transfiguration on November 18th and November 25th. Cards with a copy of the order form will be distributed to participants on November 25th and December 2nd.

Dinner Groups

This is your last chance to sign up for St. John’s Dinner Groups. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Groups of six to eight will meet at each other’s homes at least three times. This is an interesting way to get to know other parishioners better. Sign up by November 25 with Gale Michael before or after mass. For more information contact Gale Michael.

Announcements for November 18th

Christmas Basket Program  https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach/christmasbaskets.

We have one family left that needs sponsoring, so anyone who is able, please contact Fr. Jeremy to receive their Family Packet. This year’s deadline for dropping off your Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, December 5^th. If you are unable to shop and would like to be a part of this blessing, please give checks made out to St. John's, with "Revive Christmas Baskets" in the memo.  The youth of the congregation will be adopting/shopping and wrapping the presents for the family. Checks should get to the church by Friday, November 30^th.

Fleece Blanket Donations

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, a ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly.  Thank you!

Only 5 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org  If you want to go with us and help pack meals, please email Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details.  

Ping-Pong Table

The church has a ping-pong table that could be yours for the taking! It folds in half for moving and storage and is on wheels. You probably would have to buy a new net for it. If you or an organization you know of would like to have it, speak with Fr. Jeremy or Susan Marquis.

Interfaith Dinner, November 18^th

The South West Interfaith Team (SWIFT) will be having its annual interfaith dinner at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Homewood on Sunday, November 18 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of food and great conversation. Tickets are $20 and must be bought ahead of time. If you are interested please talk to Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. 

Alternative Christmas Gift Market

Are you thinking about Christmas shopping? The Alternative Christmas Gift Market enables you to contribute to a charitable organization. An alternative Christmas gift to friends and family will benefit those in need. Your alternative gift to another will extend the true meaning of Christmas and ensure spiritual action after Christmas has passed and other gifts are forgotten or discarded. For each donation made, you will receive a decorative card indicating the name of the organization to which you have donated. This card can then be given as your alternative Christmas gift.

The following organizations will be included this year:

* Cancer Support Group                                              * Bakery Dos Corazones

* Christian Peace Makers                                 * ReVive

* The Night Ministry                                        * Respond Now

* Episcopal Relief and Development               * Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy

You will be able to purchase donations in the amounts of $5, $10, $15 or $25. Payment will be made to Transfiguration. Order forms will be distributed on November 11th and November 18th. One the back of the order forms there will be a brief description of each organization. Order form will be collected along with payment in cash or checks made out to Transfiguration on November 18th and November 25th. Cards with a copy of the order form will be distributed to participants on November 25th and December 2nd.

Dinner Groups

Make new friends and reconnect with old ones ant St. John’s Dinner Groups. Groups of six to eight will meet at each other’s homes at least three times. You don’t have to host to participate. Conversation will flow, and it doesn’t even have to be religious! Sign up by November 25^th with Gale Michael, before or after mass. For more information, contact Gale Michael.

Announcements for November 11th

Christmas Basket Program  https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach/christmasbaskets.

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Packets will be available in the undercroft that provide information about the families, such as the number of members and the corresponding family number they’ve been assigned. When you select a family, please print your name and phone number on the sign-up sheet next to the family number you are taking, and make sure you take the correct packet! This year’s deadline for dropping off your Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, December 5^th. If you are unable to shop and would like to be a part of this blessing, please give checks made out to St. John's, with "Revive Christmas Baskets" in the memo.  The youth of the congregation will be adopting/shopping and wrapping the presents for the family. Checks should get to the church by Friday, November 30. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT A FAMILY AND CAN’T MAKE IT TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY, PLEASE EMAIL Fr. Jeremy with the approximate size of the family you are willing to adopt by November 11^th, 2018.

Blue Jean Yard Cleanup — Sunday, November 11^th

Fleece Blanket Donations

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Sunday 11-11-2018 after the 10:00am service and Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, a ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly at 708-305-2540.  Thank you!

Interfaith Dinner, November 18^th

The South West Interfaith Team (SWIFT) will be having its annual interfaith dinner at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Homewood on Sunday, November 18 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of food and great conversation. Tickets are $20 and must be bought ahead of time. If you are interested please talk to Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. 

Don't Throw Away Your Halloween Candy

Again this year we will be collecting left-over (or specially purchased) Halloween candy for the Manteno Veterans' Home. The facility serves up to 294 veterans with medical and special needs issues. The residents are provided with meals but not with extras, so candy is a real treat for them -- especially the fun-sized candy bars. You may donate opened bags of candy as long as the candy pieces are individually wrapped. There will be a donation box in the food collection area between the two staircases. The collection will continue through Sunday, November 11th, which, appropriately, is Veterans' Day.

Only 5 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org  If you want to go with us and help pack meals, please email Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details.  

Ping-Pong Table

The church has a ping-pong table that could be yours for the taking! It folds in half for moving and storage and is on wheels. You probably would have to buy a new net for it. If you or an organization you know of would like to have it, speak with Fr. Jeremy or Susan Marquis.

Announcements for November 26th

The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education

The Vestry of St. John’s has begun a preliminary conversation with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education, a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation dedicated to helping people with motor disorders. This includes people of all ages with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and other motor dysfunction like stroke victims. This past summer the Center offered a 4 week “summer camp” for the first time in the Homewood / Flossmoor area. As a result, these preliminary conversations began after The Center for Independence approached St. John’s as they began looking for a location in the area that would best fit their needs. We would like our members to join us in exploring whether or not this program would be a good fit for St. John’s and our outreach within our greater community. We look forward to having more conversations about the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education in the coming months. If you would like more information about this conversation, please contact a vestry member and look for announcements regarding future meetings. Your input is anticipated and appreciated by the Vestry. They have a wonderful website where you can get more information on their program and services. www.center-for-independence.org.

  

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Christmas Basket Program

Just a reminder that this year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Small Group Surveys

Please take a few minutes and fill out the small group availability form located in the Sunday leaflet.  Each small group will last for approximately 90 minutes. You can place the form in the offering plate or give it to a search committee member.

Cookie Walk – December 2^nd

Get out your baking supplies and whip up a few batches of homemade goodies because St. John’s will be having its annual Cookie Walk on December 2^nd from 9:00-11:30 a.m.! Please bring the cookies and candies to the undercroft on Friday, December 1^st between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and sign in so we know who to thank. If you aren’t baking this year, you can contact Alison Deniston to help out with set up or cleanup of the undercroft.

Announcements for November 19th

The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education

The Vestry of St. John’s has begun a preliminary conversation with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education, a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation dedicated to helping people with motor disorders. This includes people of all ages with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and other motor dysfunction like stroke victims. This past summer the Center offered a 4 week “summer camp” for the first time in the Homewood / Flossmoor area. As a result, these preliminary conversations began after The Center for Independence approached St. John’s as they began looking for a location in the area that would best fit their needs. We would like our members to join us in exploring whether or not this program would be a good fit for St. John’s and our outreach within our greater community. We look forward to having more conversations about the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education in the coming months. If you would like more information about this conversation, please contact a vestry member and look for announcements regarding future meetings. Your input is anticipated and appreciated by the Vestry. They have a wonderful website where you can get more information on their program and services. www.center-for-independence.org.

Thanksgiving Day Service —November 23^rd at 10:00 am. Lector is Andrea Barrera. LEM is Kristy Petersen.

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Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Christmas Basket Program

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Sign-up sheets and family packets are available in the undercroft. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Small Group Surveys

Please take a few minutes and fill out the small group availability form located in the Sunday leaflet.  Each small group will last for approximately 90 minutes. You can place the form in the offering plate or give it to a search committee member.

Lynn Ruschhaupt would like to add a thank you to the landscaping crew that worked on the front and back yards of the Rectory. Their hard work is much appreciated in helping us keep our grounds looking their best!

Announcements for November 12th

The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education

The Vestry of St. John’s has begun a preliminary conversation with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education, a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation dedicated to helping people with motor disorders. This includes people of all ages with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and other motor dysfunction like stroke victims. This past summer the Center offered a 4 week “summer camp” for the first time in the Homewood / Flossmoor area. As a result, these preliminary conversations began after The Center for Independence approached St. John’s as they began looking for a location in the area that would best fit their needs. We would like our members to join us in exploring whether or not this program would be a good fit for St. John’s and our outreach within our greater community. We look forward to having more conversations about the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education in the coming months. If you would like more information about this conversation, please contact a vestry member and look for announcements regarding future meetings. Your input is anticipated and appreciated by the Vestry. They have a wonderful website where you can get more information on their program and services. www.center-for-independence.org.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

This month the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O'Connor, a collection of short stories written in the final decade of her life. The book club will meet on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Halloween Candy

Please donate your individually wrapped leftover Halloween candy for residents of the Manteno Veterans’ Home. There is a collection box between the staircases, and the collection will continue through Wednesday, November 15^th.

Christmas Basket Program

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Sign-up sheets and family packets are available in the undercroft. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

NOV. 12 - Annual SWIFT Inter-Faith Mixer/Dinner in Orland Park

Meet, greet and break bread with open-hearted members of other faiths next month at the annual SouthWest InterFaith Team (SWIFT) dinner, Sunday, November 12, at Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park. The traditional format of this fun event is to seat fellow SWIFT members at each table from all three Abrahamic faiths. The simple idea is to help promote dialogue and fellowship in a casual and communal setting ("Mohammed, please pass the butter?"). The Church is located at 151^st St & 80^th Ave., and doors open at 5:30 pm. The dinner runs from 6 pm—8 pm and tickets are $20 apiece. Please make checks payable to St. John's, and reserve your seat by Nov. 3. For more information, please contact our SWIFT ambassadors, Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke.

Parish Dinner Groups

Sign up for the 2018 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 12, 2017. 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.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Small Group Surveys

Please take a few minutes and fill out the small group availability form located in the Sunday leaflet.  Each small group will last for approximately 90 minutes. You can place the form in the offering plate or give it to a search committee member.

Announcements for November 5th

United Thank Offering

The collection for the United Thank Offering (UTO) will be this Sunday, November 5, 2017. Please bring your UTO boxes, or you may save your box and transfer your gift to an envelope marked UTO. If you prefer to write a check, make the check payable to St. John’s and reference UTO on the MEMO line. Thank you all for supporting this wonderful outreach ministry

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions are: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full-size and travel-size are needed.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

This month the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O'Connor, a collection of short stories written in the final decade of her life. The book club will meet on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Blue Jean Yard Clean Up – Will meet Sunday, November 12^th.

Yarn Ministry – Will meet Monday, November 6th in the Guild room at 7 PM.

Christmas Basket Program

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Sign-up sheets are available in the undercroft, so please start selecting the families you wish to sponsor. If you’ve selected a family, packets can be picked up in the church office. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

NOV. 12 - Annual SWIFT Inter-Faith Mixer/Dinner in Orland Park

Meet, greet and break bread with open-hearted members of other faiths next month at the annual SouthWest InterFaith Team (SWIFT) dinner, Sunday, November 12, at Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park. The traditional format of this fun event is to seat fellow SWIFT members at each table from all three Abrahamic faiths. The simple idea is to help promote dialogue and fellowship in a casual and communal setting ("Mohammed, please pass the butter?"). The Church is located at 151^st St & 80^th Ave., and doors open at 5:30 pm. The dinner runs from 6 pm—8 pm and tickets are $20 apiece. Please make checks payable to St. John's, and reserve your seat by Nov. 3. For more information, please contact our SWIFT ambassadors, Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke.

Parish Dinner Groups

Sign up for the 2018 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 12, 2017. 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.

Thanks to everyone who took the Church Assessment Tool, or CAT survey. This Sunday (Nov 5), at 9:00 am in the adult education wing, the search committee will present the top level findings from the survey. Please come join the conversation and hear about what's next - the small group discussions. Sign up will begin on the 5th for the small groups, which take what we learned from the CAT and add greater detail to it. 

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Halloween Candy

Please donate your individually wrapped leftover Halloween candy for residents of the Manteno Veterans’ Home. There is a collection box between the staircases, and the collection will continue through Wednesday, November 15^th.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists will begin this coming week, November 8^th, at 9 am. Then, at 10 am, Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Announcements for October 29th

United Thank Offering – IT’S EASY!

Notice the good things that happen each day? Give thanks to God for your Blessings and make an offering for each Blessing. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar offered in thanks through the United Thank Offering (UTO) is given to God’s mission in the world.  Every coin and bill transforms Lives in the United States and around the world. Turn your gratitude for your blessings into blessings for others.

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions are: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full-size and travel-size are needed.

Blue Jean Yard Clean Up – Will meet Sunday, November 12^th.

Yarn Ministry – Will meet Monday, November 6th in the Guild room at 7 PM.

Christmas Basket Program

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Sign-up sheets are available in the undercroft, so please start selecting the families you wish to sponsor. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

NOV. 12 - Annual SWIFT Inter-Faith Mixer/Dinner in Orland Park

Meet, greet and break bread with open-hearted members of other faiths next month at the annual SouthWest InterFaith Team (SWIFT) dinner, Sunday, November 12, at Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park. The traditional format of this fun event is to seat fellow SWIFT members at each table from all three Abrahamic faiths. The simple idea is to help promote dialogue and fellowship in a casual and communal setting ("Mohammed, please pass the butter?"). The Church is located at 151^st St & 80^th Ave., and doors open at 5:30 pm. The dinner runs from 6 pm—8 pm and tickets are $20 apiece. Please make checks payable to St. John's, and reserve your seat by Nov. 3. For more information, please contact our SWIFT ambassadors, Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke.

Fr. Jim Caldwell’s last Sunday with us will be October 29.

There will be a celebration of his ministry among us in the undercroft after the 10 am service. In gratitude for his service here, the Vestry would like to present him with a purse. If you wish to contribute to this, please place your check or cash (labeled “purse”) in the collection plate at next Sunday’s service.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

This month the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O'Connor, a collection of short stories written in the final decade of her life. The book club will meet on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Parish Dinner Groups

Sign up for the 2018 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 12, 2017. 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.

Thanks to everyone who took the Church Assessment Tool, or CAT survey. Next Sunday (Nov 5), at 9:00 am in the adult education wing, the search committee will present the top level findings from the survey. Please come join the conversation and hear about what's next - the small group discussions. Sign up will begin on the 5th for the small groups, which take what we learned from the CAT and add greater detail to it

Announcements for October 22nd

United Thank Offering – IT’S EASY!

Notice the good things that happen each day? Give thanks to God for your Blessings and make an offering for each Blessing. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar offered in thanks through the United Thank Offering (UTO) is given to God’s mission in the world.  Every coin and bill transforms Lives in the United States and around the world. Turn your gratitude for your blessings into blessings for others.

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions are: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full-size and travel-size are needed.

Christmas Basket Program

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Sign-up sheets are available in the undercroft, so please start selecting the families you wish to sponsor. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Diocesan Convention

The Vestry has approved the following slate of delegates for the November diocesan convention. They are: Steve Hofer, Sue O’Brien, and Shirley Reilly as delegates, and Gale Michael, Don Rubins, and Doris Sheffer as alternates.

A Robust and Heartfelt THANK YOU!

To the wonderfully generous parishioners of St. John’s!  Your thoughtful, useful, fun and delicious contributions to the college care packages are on their way to six college freshman who—surely—will be delighted by your gift.  Many of you included words of encouragement and/or scripture; we wager those supportive words will strike just the right chord and lift some spirits (or confidence) at just the right time. Good work, St. John’s! 

Fr. Jim Caldwell’s last Sunday with us will be October 29.

There will be a celebration of his ministry among us in the undercroft after the 10 am service. In gratitude for his service here, the Vestry would like to present him with a purse. If you wish to contribute to this, please place your check or cash (labeled “purse”) in the collection plate at next Sunday’s service.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

This month the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O'Connor, a collection of short stories written in the final decade of her life. The book club will meet on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Blue Jean Yard Clean Up – Will meet Sunday, November 12^th.

Announcements for October 15th

College Care Packages

St. John’s Outreach Ministry is sending college freshmen surprise care packages this fall. We’re asking everyone to bring something to contribute to the now 6 young people we’re collecting for. Keep it simple (gum, pencils, Post-it notes)…use your imagination. Stumped? See, text or call Mike Madden or Dee McManamy for suggestions or if you, too, know a college freshman who would like a fun surprise. Boxes will be in the undercroft during coffee hour for the next several Sundays. Remember: Notes of encouragement are always a welcomed addition!

United Thank Offering – IT’S EASY!

Notice the good things that happen each day? Give thanks to God for your Blessings and make an offering for each Blessing. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar offered in thanks through the United Thank Offering (UTO) is given to God’s mission in the world.  Every coin and bill transforms Lives in the United States and around the world. Turn your gratitude for your blessings into blessings for others.

Christmas Basket Program

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Sign-up sheets will be available shortly, so please start thinking about your individual or your organization’s participation in this worthy project. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions are: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full-size and travel-size are needed.