Announcements for September 30th

Father Jeremy’s Arrival

In anticipation of Father Jeremy’s arrival, it would be a good idea for everyone to reacquaint themselves with their nametags. If you haven’t been wearing yours regularly, please make sure you find it and put on each Sunday so that Father Jeremy can start getting to know everyone’s names. Additionally, if anyone needs a replacement nametag or cannot find theirs, simply drop off the old one in the box outside the parish office (or a note if yours is missing). It will be replaced for you.

2018 ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION

The 181st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. New this year: Registration fees include Friday Fun & Fellowship (dessert and dancing from 7-9:30 pm) and a Saturday networking lunch in the Junior Ballroom. Note: there will NOT be a dinner reception on Friday night. Please have dinner on your own and join us from 7-9:30 for dessert and dancing.

****If you are interested in serving as a delegate or an alternate delegate, please notify the parish office by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018.

  

Yarn Ministry – Meeting Monday, October 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild room

Announcements for September 23rd

Father Jeremy’s Arrival

In anticipation of Father Jeremy’s arrival, it would be a good idea for everyone to reacquaint themselves with their nametags. If you haven’t been wearing yours regularly, please make sure you find it and put on each Sunday so that Father Jeremy can start getting to know everyone’s names. Additionally, if anyone needs a replacement nametag or cannot find theirs, simply drop off the old one in the box outside the parish office (or a note if yours is missing). It will be replaced for you.

2018 ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION

The 181st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. New this year: Registration fees include Friday Fun & Fellowship (dessert and dancing from 7-9:30 pm) and a Saturday networking lunch in the Junior Ballroom. Note: there will NOT be a dinner reception on Friday night. Please have dinner on your own and join us from 7-9:30 for dessert and dancing.

****If you are interested in serving as a delegate or an alternate delegate, please notify the parish

        office by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018.

 Mum Sale

Thank you to ALL those who helped with the delivery, selling and hauling of the Mums.  We appreciate everyone who purchased mum(s).  The sale was a great success. Thank you to Mark Moxley for coordinating the purchase of the mums.

Yarn Ministry – Meeting Monday, October 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild room

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 February 12

Draft of New Parish Directory
We are working on updating the parish directory. DRAFTS are located on the information tables. Please check the accuracy of your information and add cell phone or email information if we don’t have it and you wish to share it. Thanks! The new directories will be available in a few weeks.

Know Your Bible
The Grades 2-6 Sunday School class has just completed a unit on “Knowing Your Bible.” During the 10 AM service this Sunday students Ruby Moxley, Oliver Zigmund, Owen Zigmund, Catherine Madden and Lola Pohrte will receive Bibles as a gift from the parish. And thank you to teachers Diane Walsh-Madden and Patti Pohrte for their ongoing work with this class.

Book Study with Bishop Lee for Lent
During Lent, which begins March 1, Bishop Lee and other diocesan leaders will hold an online book discussion of Living into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism in America, a collection of essays edited by Catherine Meeks. Living into God's Dream combines personal stories and theological reflection with real-world examples of new conversations about race. The book is available online from Church Publishing, Amazon (book and Kindle formats), and other retailers.

Black History Month: Annual Absalom Jones Celebration
The Union of Black Episcopalians Chicago will celebrate the annual Feast Day of Absalom Jones at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Chicago on Sunday, February 19 at 3 pm. This year's speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Walton, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church at Harvard University. All members of the diocese are invited to attend.

Announcements for February 5

Draft of New Parish Directory
We are working on updating the parish directory. DRAFTS are located on the information tables. Please check the accuracy of your information and add cell phone or email information if we don’t have it and you wish to share it. Thanks! The new directories will be available in a few weeks.

Embracing Forgiveness
The Daughters of the King invite all women of the parish to attend a five-part program “Embracing Forgiveness” by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton. We will meet the first and third Saturdays at 9:30am in the Guild Room. The first session is this Saturday, February 4. Call Cyndie Knoll with any questions.

Yarn Ministry
Knitting and Crocheting Group will meet Monday, February 6th at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Black History Month: Annual Absalom Jones Celebration
The Union of Black Episcopalians Chicago will celebrate the annual Feast Day of Absalom Jones at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Chicago on Sunday, February 19 at 3 pm. This year's speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Walton, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church at Harvard University. All members of the diocese are invited to attend.

Book Study with Bishop Lee for Lent
During Lent, which begins March 1, Bishop Lee and other diocesan leaders will hold an online book discussion of Living into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism in America, a collection of essays edited by Catherine Meeks. Living into God's Dream combines personal stories and theological reflection with real-world examples of new conversations about race. The book is available online from Church Publishing, Amazon (book and Kindle formats), and other retailers.

Reminders from Last Week
1) Remember to check out the photos from the feast posted in the undercroft. 2) If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of the vestry introductions from any of the information tables. 3) And, if you’re interested in getting involved in public policy advocacy, one way is through the Episcopal Public Policy Network.

Announcements for November 11

Annual Pledge Campaign – Pledge Sunday is This Sunday
You may offer your annual pledge cards this Sunday, November 13, during worship. IF you are unable to do so, please return them to the parish office as soon as possible.

United Thank Offering Ingathering This Sunday
If you have been participating in the United Thank Offering, please bring your offering this Sunday, November 13. You may turn in your filled blue boxes, or if you prefer to write a check, please make it out to St. John the Evangelist and note UTO in the memo line.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets: Several Families Still Need Adoption! 
Provide gifts this Christmas for a senior or family with limited financial means. Information is available in the undercroft. Wrapped and boxed gifts are due in the parish office by November 30.

Parish Kids Shopping Trip for Christmas Baskets
Children and young people of all ages are invited to participate in a shopping trip for a family in the Christmas Basket program. Meet at St. John’s next Sunday, November 20, at 3:00 PM. After shopping we’ll return to the church to wrap the gifts. Please let Pastor Orr know if you can come.

Loaves & Fishes This Sunday
The annual Thanksgiving-themed Loaves and Fishes will follow the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, November 13. Turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes will be served. Bring a side or dessert if you wish. All are welcome!

Parish Dinner Groups
November 13 is the last day to sign up for Parish Dinner Groups. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. 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 Off. Please turn in your forms to Gale, Pastor Orr or the Parish Office.

Blue Jeans Sunday: Next Sunday, November 20
Plan to help out with the fall landscape clean up day. Wear blue jeans and stay a little while after church to help clean up the church grounds for the winter.

Diocesan Convention Meets November 18 - 19 
The 179th annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago meets next week. Thank you to those who have offered themselves as delegates and alternates representing St. John’s: Sue O’Brien, Shirley Reilly, Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, Doris Sheffer and Don Rubins.

Bishop Lee’s Statement Following the Election
Many Bishops and church leaders have offered responses to the recent national election. You may read Bishop Lee’s HERE.

Announcements for October 16

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 17, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club
The Practicing Our Faith Book Club meets on Thursday, October 20, at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room to discuss the novel Jabbok by Kee Sloan. New members are always welcome!

All Souls Day Remembrance
On November 2 the church remembers “that vast body of the faithful” who share in the company of the redeemed with the well-known saints, but are “unknown to the wider fellowship of the church.” It is a day to remember, in particular, family and friends who have died during the last year. St. John’s will commemorate All Souls Day with a service at 7:00 PM on November 2. We will name all of the faithful departed who have been buried from St. John’s during the last year or have been remembered in the Prayers of the People. If you have additional names you would like added to the commemoration, please submit them to the parish office.

United Thank Offering Information
The United Thank Offering was begun in 1889 by the Women’s Auxiliary to the Board of Mission of the Episcopal Church. Every penny contributed goes to grants that support the mission and outreach projects of the church. Handouts with more information about UTO are located on the information tables. We will organize an “ingathering” of St. John’s contributions for sometime in early November so that our contributions can be offered and combined with others presented at Diocesan Convention.

Visit the Holy Land with Bishop Lee
Bishop Jeffrey Lee and the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, Dean of St. James Cathedral, will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land May 9-20, 2017. Participation in the trip is open; a deposit is due by October 31. Read more HERE.

Vegetable Abundance
No delivery this week.

Announcements for October 9

Blessing of the Animals Recap
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Blessing of the Animals last Sunday. It was wonderful to share this celebration with pets and people from Faith Lutheran and First Presbyterian Churches in Homewood. A list of contest winners and photos are posted in the undercroft.

All Souls Day Remembrance
On November 2 the church remembers “that vast body of the faithful” who share in the company of the redeemed with the well-known saints, but are “unknown to the wider fellowship of the church.” It is a day to remember, in particular, family and friends who have died during the last year. St. John’s will commemorate All Souls Day with a service at 7:00 PM on November 2. We will name all of the faithful departed who have been buried from St. John’s during the last year or have been remembered  in the Prayers of the People. If you have additional names you would like added to the commemoration, please submit them to the parish office.

United Thank Offering Information
The United Thank Offering was begun in 1889 by the Women’s Auxiliary to the Board of Mission of the Episcopal Church. Every penny contributed goes to grants that support the mission and outreach projects of the church. Handouts with more information about UTO are located on the information tables. We will organize an “ingathering” of St. John’s contributions for sometime in early November so that our contributions can be offered and combined with others presented at Diocesan Convention.

Visit the Holy Land with Bishop Lee
Bishop Jeffrey Lee and the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, Dean of St. James Cathedral, will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land May 9-20, 2017. Participation in the trip is open; a deposit is due by October 31. Read more HERE.

Episcopal Men's Group BBQ set for Saturday, Oct. 15
The prayerful males of St. John's in Flossmoor and Church of the Holy Family in Park Forest gathered at SJE on Saturday, Oct. 1, for a kickoff fellowship breakfast to start their fall ministry season. (Our thanks to Deacon John Whennen for leading our discussion.) Those who missed missed out, though, are still in luck >> The E-Men's group will hold a 2nd, more casual, October event on Saturday, October 15, 7 pm, at Mike Madden's house. (The start time is a little later to accommodate those at Holy Family attending their weekly 5:30 pm Saturday service.) All men of both churches are encouraged to attend -- and to help us decide on a new name, among other charitable endeavors. Who said spirituality can't be fun? Or delicious? RSVP to Mike by Thursday, Oct. 13, and please plan to bring a side or dessert.

Vegetable Abundance
Sweet Potatoes, Cooking Pumpkin, Onions.

Announcements for October 2

Blessing of the Animals: This Sunday, October 2
All pets and their human companions are invited to the blessing of the animals this Sunday, October 2, beginning at 4:30 PM at the outdoor altar. Bring a photo if you’d prefer a proxy blessing. Toy animals are also welcome. As usual, we will pray for dear pets who have died. The traditional contests, including the highly coveted Owner-Pet Look Alike Contest, will also be offered.

Best Buddies Pet Pantry Volunteer Day Rescheduled
Approximately every six weeks, volunteers from St. John’s gather to package dog food, dog treats, or cat food for distribution through the Best Buddies Pet Pantry. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the work day scheduled for this Saturday, October 1, has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 15.

United Thank Offering Information
The United Thank Offering was begun in 1889 by the Women’s Auxiliary to the Board of Mission of the Episcopal Church. Every penny contributed goes to grants that support the mission and outreach projects of the church. Handouts with more information about UTO are located on the information tables. We will organize an “ingathering” of St. John’s contributions for sometime in early November so that our contributions can be offered and combined with others presented at Diocesan Convention.

Visit the Holy Land with Bishop Lee
Bishop Jeffrey Lee and the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, Dean of St. James Cathedral, will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land May 9-20, 2017. Participation in the trip is open; a deposit is due by October 31. Read more HERE.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet this Monday, October 3, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Vegetable Abundance
No delivery this week. Still a few jalapenos from last week. 

Announcements for August 21

Blessing of the Backpacks: This Sunday, August 21 
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, August 21. We will bless the backpacks, students, teachers, and the journey of learning.

2016-2017 Parish Calendar
Print copies of the 2016-2017 parish calendar are available on the information tables.

Seeking Delegates and Alternates for Diocesan Convention
The 179th Diocesan Convention for the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. Please contact the Rector if you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate representing St. John’s. Youth in grades 9 – 12 may apply to serve as official youth delegates. Contact the Rector if you’re interested.

Episcopal Relief and Development Responds to Louisiana Flooding
Episcopal Relief and Development is one way we, as Episcopalians, respond to disasters in this country and abroad. ERD is currently working to help people affected by the flooding in Louisiana and the fires in California. (As the name implies, ERD is also constantly working on development projects.) Learn more and donate HERE.

Vegetable Abundance
This week: Beets and Cantaloupe. 

Announcements for August 14

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, August 15, beginning at 7:00 PM with Evening Prayer in the church.

Blessing of the Backpacks: Next Sunday, August 21 
Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags to the 10:00 AM service on August 21. We will bless the backpacks, students, teachers, and the journey of learning.

Seeking Delegates and Alternates for Diocesan Convention
The 179th Diocesan Convention for the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. Please contact the Rector if you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate representing St. John’s.

Reductions in Diocesan Staff
In July, Bishop Lee announced that budget constraints necessitated reductions in the Diocesan staff. Three positions were eliminated: the Associate for Lifelong Christian Formation (Vicki Garvey), the Assistant for the Nicholas Center (Megan Krings) and the part-time position of Assistant for Youth Ministry (Jess Elfring-Roberts). In addition, two formerly full-time positions have been reduced to part-time: the Associate for the Liturgy and the Arts (Dent Davidson) and the Treasurer (Keith Kampert). Bishop Lee’s full letter is posted in the undercroft on the Diocese of Chicago bulletin board.

Vegetable Abundance is Back
This week: Fennel and Cantaloupe.

Announcements for May 22

Parish Picnic This Sunday
The annual spring parish picnic is this Sunday, May 22. Gather on the south lawn following the 10:00 AM service. Hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided. Everyone is invited to come celebrate spring and our parish community! Bring a side or dessert if you wish. We will also plant the parish food garden.

Seeking Information on Graduates
Are you, or someone in your family, graduating this spring? As we do each year, we would like to celebrate graduates (at all levels). Please call or email the parish office with the information. You may also drop a note in the offering plate on Sunday. Please keep the announcements as brief as possible, but feel free to include information on majors, special honors and future plans, if known. The deadline for submitting information is June 1.

Photo Op – Get Your Photo Taken for St. John’s Photo Board
Vestry member Nichole Dailor is spearheading an effort to create a bulletin board for the undercroft with current photos of St. John’s parishioners. She’ll be available to take family or individual photos at the parish picnic. You may also supply your own photos if you wish, or there will be additional photo opportunities throughout the year.

Last Day of Sunday School
This Sunday, May 22, is the final day of Sunday School for this year. During the 10:00 AM service, we will celebrate the children and teachers who are a part of our Sunday School program.

Sign Up for Episcopal Summer Camp
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago runs a summer camp, Camp Chicago, for campers age 7 – 17. Week-long sessions run between June 26 – July 15. Scholarship assistance is available. Find more information HERE. 

Announcements for May 15

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, May 16, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 PM in the church.

Hail Thee, Festival Day: Pentecost is This Sunday – Wear Red
This Sunday (May 15th) is the Day of Pentecost, the day when we traditionally wear red to church to symbolize joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit. After the Eucharist, we’ll carry the celebration to the undercroft for coffee hour. This year, if you can, please bring some red finger food to share. Think of flames, wind, and doves. Be creative and have fun sharing on this festival day!

Diocesan Confirmation Service at St. James Cathedral: May 21
Young people from St. John’s will be among those confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Spring Diocesan Confirmation Service, Saturday, May 21, 11:00 AM at St. James Cathedral, 65 E. Huron St. in Chicago. It is a glorious service; everyone is invited to attend.

Seeking Information on Graduates
Are you, or someone in your family, graduating this spring? As we do each year, we would like to celebrate graduates (at all levels). Please call or email the parish office with the information. Please keep the announcements as brief as possible, but feel free to include information on majors, special honors and future plans, if known.

The Parish Picnic is Next Sunday, May 22
Weather permitting, we will gather on the south lawn for the annual parish spring picnic. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Please bring a salad or side if you can. We will also plant the parish food garden!

Sign Up for Episcopal Summer Camp
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago runs a summer camp, Camp Chicago, for campers age 7 – 17. Week-long sessions run between June 26 – July 15. Scholarship assistance is available. Find more information HERE.

Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.

Announcements for May 8

Thank You to Landscape Workers
A huge thank you to everyone who gamely ignored wet grass, mud and a cool and gloomy day last Sunday to work on the church grounds. And thanks to Lynn Ruschhaupt for coordinating the landscape efforts. It looks good!

Hail Thee, Festival Day
Next Sunday (May 15th) is the Day of Pentecost, the day when we traditionally wear red to church to symbolize joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit. After the Eucharist, we’ll carry the celebration to the undercroft for coffee hour. This year, if you can, please bring some red finger food to share. Think of flames, wind, and doves. Be creative and have fun sharing on this festival day!

ECW Luncheon
The women of the church are having a potluck luncheon this Wednesday, May 11, beginning at 11:30 AM in the undercroft. All are welcome.

Recyclepalooza, Saturday, May 14
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Parker Jr. High School Parking Lot, 2810 School Street, Flossmoor. Items to recycle include: Bikes, ink jets, American flags, pop tabs, magazines, hotel shampoos, plastic bags, plastic wrap, clothes, reusable bags, coats, sporting goods, cell phones, eyeglasses, electronics and more. Special Recycling Fee for TV’s @ $20/set.

Diocesan Confirmation Service at St. James Cathedral 
Young people from St. John’s will be among those confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Spring Diocesan Confirmation Service, Saturday, May 21, 11:00 AM at St. James Cathedral, 65 E. Huron St. in Chicago. It is a glorious service; everyone is invited to attend.

Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.

Announcements for May 1

Blue Jeans Sunday is This Sunday
This Sunday, May 1, is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.

Ascension Day Service – Thursday, May 5
Ascension Day is a major feast day in the church calendar. It always falls 40 days after Easter. Jesus’ ascension will be celebrated with the Holy Eucharist, Thursday, May 5, beginning at 7:00 PM.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting for the season; meetings will resume October 3.

District 161 Fun Run Near St. John’s May 1
The PTO of School District 161 is holding a fun run/walk/stroll Sunday morning, May 1. It begins at Parker Junior High and part of the course passes St. John’s. There will be NO street closures or parking restrictions. Please allow extra time, however, to get to church and be careful of participants who may be in the streets.

Recyclepalooza, Saturday, May 14
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Parker Jr. High School Parking Lot, 2810 School Street, Flossmoor. Items to recycle include: Bikes, ink jets, American flags, pop tabs, magazines, hotel shampoos, plastic bags, plastic wrap, clothes, reusable bags, coats, sporting goods, cell phones, eyeglasses, electronics and more. Special Recycling Fee for TV’s @ $20/set.

Diocesan Confirmation Service at St. James Cathedral
Young people from St. John’s will be among those confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Spring Diocesan Confirmation Service, Saturday, May 21, 11:00 AM at St. James Cathedral, 65 E. Huron St. in Chicago. It is a glorious service; everyone is invited to attend.

Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.

Announcements for April 24

Blue Jeans Sunday – May 1
Next Sunday, May 1, is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting for the season; meetings will resume October 3.

District 161 Fun Run Near St. John’s May 1 
The PTO of School District 161 is holding a fun run/walk/stroll Sunday morning, May 1. It begins at Parker Junior High and part of the course passes St. John’s. There will be NO street closures or parking restrictions. Please allow extra time, however, to get to church and be careful of participants who may be in the streets.

Bishop Montgomery Being Honored
St. Augustine College will honor The Rt. Rev. James W. Montgomery at its annual El Puente Awards Gala April 28. More information about this event is posted in the undercroft.

Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.

Announcements for April 17

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, April 18, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM.

Volunteers and Donations Needed for Best Buddies Pet Pantry
Here's an opportunity for a sit-down job with no heavy lifting and delightful co-workers! On Saturday, April 23rd, the Best Buddies coordinator will be dropping off dog treats that have been collected from donation locations throughout the southern suburbs. Our job is to repackage them in individual plastic bags for distribution to south suburban food pantries. We'll meet in the education wing at 10 AM. Let Susan Marquis know if you can help, or if you find yourself on April 23rd with an hour or two to spare, just show up. The donations that we have collected in the food pantry corner near the staircases will be picked up at that time, too. There's room in the collection box for more pet food and supplies!

New Adult Education Opportunity on Sunday Mornings
The adult Sunday School class begins a new course this Sunday, April 17. Using the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum the class will study the Scripture readings appointed for that day.

Blue Jeans Sunday – May 1 
May 1 is our spring landscape workday. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually, bring a rake or some clippers (or we’ll have some to borrow) and stay after church for a bit to help prepare the church grounds for spring.

Bishop Montgomery Being Honored
St. Augustine College will honor The Rt. Rev. James W. Montgomery at its annual El Puente Awards Gala April 28. More information about this event is posted in the undercroft.

Grande Prairie Singers Times Three
Enjoy and support the Grande Prairie Singers any of three ways! On Sunday, May 15, they present a cabaret-style concert at 4:00 pm at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. A fundraiser is on for Sunday, May 22, at Grape & Grain in Homewood. And they're selling raffle tickets. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for details or tickets.

Announcements for September 27

Sunday School Begins
Regular Sunday School classes for all ages begin this Sunday, September 27, during the 9:00 AM hour. The class for grades 4-6 meets in classroom 5 in the education wing. The Confirmation class (grades 7-8) meets in the small classroom near the parish office. The adult class meets in classroom 4 in the education wing. Coffee and the Chicago Tribune continue to be available in the undercroft.

Delegates for Diocesan Convention
Thank you to Sue O’Brien, Shirley Reilly, Gale Michael, Dorris Sheffer and Don Rubins for volunteering to represent St. John’s as delegates and alternates to Diocesan Convention.

Blessing of the Animals: October 4
This year we again join with the people of Faith Lutheran Church to offer the blessing of the pets. Pets of any size or species are invited to receive individual blessings within the context of a brief service of prayer and praise. Sunday, October 4, 4:30 PM at the Outdoor Altar. The “traditional” contests will also be offered.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, October 5, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Sing Handel’s Messiah
The Illiana Oratorio Society will begin rehearsals for Handel's Messiah on Monday, October 19, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. These rehearsals will be held at First Christian Reformed Church, 16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL. There will be seven rehearsals and the concert will be presented on Sunday, December 6 at 2 PM. All are welcome to join! Questions? Check with Gale Michael.

Announcements for September 20

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, September 21, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM with Evening Prayer.

Welcome Chad Senuta at 9:00 AM This Sunday
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s this Sunday, September 20. He will present a forum in the adult classroom in the Education Wing for parishioners of all ages during the 9:00 AM hour and will preach at the 10:00 AM service.

Last Call for Delegates for Diocesan Convention
This year’s annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held November 20 & 21 at the Westin Lombard. This year’s keynote speaker is the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms-Magdalene, a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Everyone is welcome to attend convention. If you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate from St. John’s to the business sessions, please let Pastor Orr know by this Sunday, September 20.

Sunday School Classes Begin Next Sunday September 27
Sunday School classes for all ages begin next Sunday, September 27. Children do not have to be pre-registered to participate.

2015 – 2016 Parish Calendar Available
Copies of the coming year’s calendar of services and activities are available on the information tables.

Announcements for September 6

Jubilation and Ministry Fair: Next Sunday, September 13 
The Jubilation, our fall program kick-off and celebration of the life and ministry of the people of St. John’s, will be held next Sunday, September 13, following the 10:00 AM service. Lunch will be served. Bring a side or dessert to share if you can. Ministries and activities will have informational displays and Sunday School registration will be held.

Seeking Delegates for Diocesan Convention
This year’s annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held November 20 & 21 at the Westin Lombard. This year’s keynote speaker is the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms-Magdalene, a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Everyone is welcome to attend convention. If you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate from St. John’s to the business sessions, please let Pastor Orr know by September 20.

Chad Senuta to Visit St. John’s
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, September 20. He will present a forum for parishioners of all ages during the 9:00 AM hour and will preach at the 10:00 AM service.

2015 – 2016 Parish Calendar Available
Copies of the coming year’s calendar of services and activities are available on the information tables.

Bowling League Sunday Afternoon
Church Bowling League is looking for bowlers for the 2015-2016 season. Teams of four (all men, all women, any mixture of men and women, your teenage children, too). Every other Sunday afternoon from 3 pm to 6 pm at Lynwood Bowl. For further information, contact Gale Michael.

Parish Office
The parish office will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Other than the holiday, the office has resumed regular hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.