Announcements for January 13th

CELEBRATE! - ST. JOHN'S ANNUAL PATRONAL DINNER - SAT., JAN. 12 - 4:30 PM (Potluck!)

The Vestry of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist is pleased to invite all parishioners to gather joyfully for our annual Patronal Dinner celebrating the Feast Day of St. John (Dec. 27). This year's theme is the Patchwork Quilt, symbolizing the many diverse backgrounds and stories that we all bring to the table of our loving parish. With that in mind, parishioners are encouraged to bring their favorite quilts as decorations for the event, and/or to contribute less precious items to be used as tablecloths, too. As we all know, our new pastor Fr. Jeremy, himself, is the latest addition to our parish quilt, so this event will celebrate his new ministry, as well... 

REGARDING THE FOOD AND DRINK, since this is a true Pot Luck event, the Vestry will not be providing any main course, but will be like every other parishioner that will bring a dish or beverage. Please see the sign-up sheet this Sunday at St. John's to RSVP. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Vestry members Cyndie Knoll, Rob McManamy, or Jean Scott. Anyone who plans to attend should also RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 9. Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Annual Meeting—Sunday, January 20^th following the 10:00 a.m. service.

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. 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.

Painting with Friends

You don’t have to be able to draw a straight line because we won’t ask you to. Mark your calendars to join St. John’s Paint Party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, January 27 in the Undercroft. Shirley Reilly and Bill Moser will guide you through the steps to create your own painting. The class size is limited, and reservation deadline is Jan. 20. The cost is $40, and all materials will be supplied. Call Gale Michael, Shirley Reilly, or Bill Moser.

Announcements for January 6th

CELEBRATE! - ST. JOHN'S ANNUAL PATRONAL DINNER - SAT., JAN. 12 - 4:30 PM (Potluck!)

The Vestry of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist is pleased to invite all parishioners to gather joyfully for our annual Patronal Dinner celebrating the Feast Day of St. John (Dec. 27). This year's theme is the Patchwork Quilt, symbolizing the many diverse backgrounds and stories that we all bring to the table of our loving parish. With that in mind, parishioners are encouraged to bring their favorite quilts as decorations for the event, and/or to contribute less precious items to be used as tablecloths, too. As we all know, our new pastor Fr. Jeremy, himself, is the latest addition to our parish quilt, so this event will celebrate his new ministry, as well... 

REGARDING THE FOOD AND DRINK, since this is a true Pot Luck event, the Vestry will not be providing any main course, but will be like every other parishioner that will bring a dish or beverage. Please see the sign-up sheet this Sunday at St. John's to RSVP. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Vestry members Cyndie Knoll, Rob McManamy, or Jean Scott. Anyone who plans to attend should also RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 9. Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Annual Meeting—Sunday, January 20^th following the 10:00 a.m. service.

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. 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.

Announcements for January 29

Introducing New Vestry
At the annual parish meeting these individuals were elected to serve on the vestry: Senior Warden – Greg Lawrence; Junior Warden – Steve Hover; Vestry – Mike Bond, Shirley Reilly and Mary VanSwol.

Photos from the Feast
Photos taken at the parish feast are posted in the undercroft. If you wish to retrieve your ’70’s photo, look for them in a basket on the table in front of the bulletin board.

Episcopal Public Policy Network
The Episcopal Church maintains an Office of Government Relations In Washington. This office sponsors the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN). EPPN is a grassroots network of Episcopalians interested in the active ministry of public policy advocacy. EPPN provides information on the relationship between government actions and the baptismal covenant and the position of the Episcopal Church as expressed in General Convention. EPPN also provides easy tools and resources to be involved in particular issues of interest. Find out more or sign up HERE.

Announcements for January 8

Celebrate the EpiphanyTo celebrate the Epiphany the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated Friday, January 6, beginning at 7 PM.


RSVP for the Feast (and bring photos from the 70’s!) 
Where were you when everyone had “Saturday Night Fever?” Were you sporting your brand new leisure suit? Sporting plaid pants, or bell bottoms? Were you still being dressed by your parents, growing up in an avocado and gold kitchen? Were you watching Star Wars for the 11th time? Or did you connect with the decade years later while dressing up for Halloween? Please bring a copy of your best 70's look to the Feast on Jan 14. Just put your name on the back of your picture(s) and we will try to guess who's who. Don't forget to RSVP for the feast. Please bring your reply card to church on Sunday or there are extras on the information tables. We need your reply by Wednesday Jan 11, but responses before Friday Jan 7 are especially appreciated.

Help Needed for PADS
We will be serving dinner at PADS on Wednesday, Jan 11th at St. Lawrence O’Toole at 7 PM. I need volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal beginning at 6 PM. Please see me at church or contact me by phone or email if you are able to help. Thank you. –Margi Strombeck

Sunday School is Back 
Sunday School classes for all ages will meet this Sunday, January 8.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club
The Practicing Our Faith Book Cub is reading Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hahn this month. Read the book, and then join us on Thursday, January 19 at 7pm in the Guild roon for the discussion. New members are always welcome.

Annual Parish Meeting
The annual parish meeting will be held Sunday, January 22. Loaves and Fishes will serve brunch following the 10:00 AM service. The meeting will begin around 11:30 AM. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Thank You for Christmas Flower Donations 
A list of people who contributed for the special Christmas decorations in the church will be included in this Sunday’s service leaflet.

Offering Envelopes are Available
2017 offering envelopes are available in the back of the church for people who primarily attend the 8:00 AM service and in the undercroft for people who regularly attend at 10:00 AM.

Announcements for January 1

RSVP for the Feast
Where were you when everyone had “Saturday Night Fever?” Were you sporting your brand new leisure suit? Sporting plaid pants, or bell bottoms? Were you still being dressed by your parents, growing up in an avocado and gold kitchen? Were you watching Star Wars for the 11th time? Or did you connect with the decade years later while dressing up for Halloween? Please bring a copy of your best 70's look to the Feast on Jan 14. Just put your name on the back of your picture(s) and we will try to guess who's who.

Don't forget to RSVP for the feast. Please bring your reply card to church on Sunday. We need your reply by Wednesday Jan 11, but responses before Friday Jan 7 are especially appreciated.

Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.

Wednesday Service
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist WILL resume this week, January 4.

Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 3. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.

Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes will NOT meet this Sunday, January 1.

Christmas Thanks
Thank you to everyone who, in small ways and large, contributed to Christmas services at St. John’s. Special thanks to Michael Soto and the choir and to the Altar Guild for all of their extra work. And thanks be to God for the young people who read the “Voices of Christmas” at the early Christmas Eve service.

Vestry Budget Meeting
The vestry meets next Sunday, January 8, following the 10:00 AM service to finalize the 2017 budget.

The Feast

Everyone is invited to the Feast, our annual celebration of our patron saint and our parish community.  Saturday, January 9, beginning with Evening Prayer at 4:30 PM.  Appetizers will be served from 5 PM until 6 PM, followed by dinner.

Announcements for January 3

RSVP’s for the Feast Due This Week
Our annual celebration of our parish community, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, will take place Saturday evening, January 9. The event begins with Evening Prayer commemorating our patron saint and continues with a feast hosted by the vestry. Please RSVP by January 5.

Epiphany Service
The Epiphany, or The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, is one of the principal feast days on the church calendar. It always falls on January 6, after the twelve days of the Christmas season. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 7:00 PM on January 6.

2016 Offering Envelopes are Available
Please pick up your 2016 offering envelopes in the undercroft.

Sunday School Classes Resume
Sunday School classes for all ages resume this Sunday, January 3.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Only real trees, of course. Volunteers will be available to help Saturday, January 2, from 9 AM until Noon at the Irons Oaks parking lot on Vollmer (just west of Western). Or you may drop off your tree on your own any time before January 18. Folks physically unable to recycle their own trees may call for pick up. More information available HERE. 

Yarn Ministry still needs the congregation’s assistance
Thank you for all donations that have already come in. We are still collecting some winter clothing articles for the PADS Ministry. Donations of hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children are welcome. Coats are particularly needed. Donated items, if not new, should be clean and only gently used. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance. There is a PADS collection bin located in the undercroft, as well. Deposit items in any of the containers. The next collection date is January 31.

Announcements for December 27

RSVP for the Feast
Our annual celebration of our parish community, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, will take place Saturday evening, January 9. The event begins with Evening Prayer commemorating our patron saint and continues with a feast hosted by the vestry. Please RSVP by January 5.

Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.

No Service on Wednesday
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist will not take place December 31.

2016 Offering Envelopes are Available
Please pick up your 2016 offering envelopes in the undercroft.

Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 3. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.

Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes will NOT meet this Sunday, December 27.

Christmas Thanks
Thank you to everyone who, in small ways and large, contributed to Christmas services at St. John’s. Special thanks to Michael Soto and the choir and to the Altar Guild for all of their extra work. And thanks be to God for the wonderful cast of the Christmas Pageant (and Director Pat Smith Huntoon) for bringing the Christmas story to life at the early service.

Announcements for December 20

Children’s Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
There will be a rehearsal after church this Sunday, December 20. The dress rehearsal is at 4:00 PM on December 23. Questions? Contact Pat Smith Huntoon.

Mark Your Calendars for the Feast!
Our annual celebration of our parish community, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, will take place Saturday evening, January 9. The event begins with Evening Prayer commemorating our patron saint and continues with a feast hosted by the vestry. Please RSVP by January 5.

Cookie Walk Thank You
A sincere thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s cookie walk. $3,500 was raised, and of that, $2,100 has already been distributed to local charities. A special thank you to Alison Deniston for coordinating!

Yarn Ministry still needs the congregation’s assistance
We will be collecting some winter clothing articles for the PADS Ministry. Donations of hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children. PADS is also accepting coats and socks for all their people in need. Donated items, if not new, should be clean and gently used. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, to please help the Yarn Ministry make this another very successful project. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance. There is a PADS collection bin located in the undercroft, as well. Deposit items in any of the containers, Thank you. The next collection date is January 31.

Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes will NOT meet December 20 or 27.

Christmas Services
The schedule for Christmas Services is as it has been in past years. The family Christmas Eve service with pageant begins at 4:00 PM. The Christ Mass begins at 10:30 PM, preceded by special music beginning at 10:00 PM. The service on Christmas Day begins at 10:00 AM.

Parish Office Holiday Closing
The parish office will be closed December 24 through January 3.

Announcements for December 28

Lift Up Your Hearts: RSVP for the Feast
This year’s Feast of St. John the Evangelist has the theme “Lift Up Your Hearts.” We celebrate all of the things we give our hearts to at St. John’s. We will also formally dedicate the new lift. The evening begins with Evening Prayer in the church at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 3. Please RSVP to the parish office by December 31.

Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.

No Service on Wednesday
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist will not take place December 31.

Celebrate the Epiphany
The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, Tuesday, January 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Recycle Your Christmas Trees and Lights
Recycle your natural Christmas tree and lights. Information on drop off locations and dates is available HERE.

2015 Offering Envelopes are Available
Please pick up your 2015 offering envelopes in the undercroft.

Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 2. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.

Announcements for December 21

Christmas Pageant Rehearsals 
All children participating in the children’s Christmas pageant should attend the rehearsal this Sunday, December 21, beginning at 9:00 AM. The dress rehearsal is scheduled for December 23 at 4:00 PM.

The Feast is Coming
Our annual feast celebrating both our patron saint, St. John the Evangelist, and celebrating our parish community will be Saturday, January 3, beginning at 4:30 PM. Everyone is heartily invited to attend and join the celebration. Mark your calendar and watch for your invitation coming soon in the mail.

Christmas Service Schedule
On Christmas Eve, services of the Holy Eucharist will be held at 4:00 PM (including the children’s Christmas pageant) and at 10:00 PM (including special music by the organist and choir). On Christmas Day the celebration of the Holy Eucharist begins at 10:00 AM. The Wednesday morning healing service will not be held on Christmas Eve.

Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages and youth worship are on vacation this Sunday and next, December 21 and 28. Special Christmas Edition of the e-vangelist A special edition of the e-vangelist will be published Monday listing reminders of ministry assignments for Christmas services.

Office Closure
The parish office will be closed December 24 – January 2.

Announcements for December 29

RSVP for the Feast 
This year’s Feast of St. John the Evangelist begins with Evening Prayer in the church at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 4. Please RSVP to the parish office by December 31.

Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.

No Service on Wednesday
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist will not take place January 1.

Celebrate the Epiphany
The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, Monday, January 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Recycle Your Christmas Trees and Lights
Recycle your natural Christmas tree and lights. Information on drop off locations and dates is available here. 

2014 Offering Envelopes are Available
Please pick up your 2014 offering envelopes in the undercroft.

Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 1. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.

Announcements for December 22

Cookie Walk Thank You
A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Cookie Walk in any way—by baking, helping with set up, sales and clean up, and buying! Special thanks to coordinator Alison Deniston. This year’s Cookie Walk raised over $3,800.

Children’s Christmas Pageant
All participants in the Christmas Pageant should have received their role assignments and scripts. There will be rehearsals at 9:00 a.m. this Sunday, December 22; after church this Sunday; and at 4:00 p.m., December 23.

Schedule of Christmas Services
4:00 p.m., December 24: The Holy Eucharist with the Children’s Christmas Pageant
10:00 p.m., December 24: Christmas Music for organ, choir and congregation
10:30 p.m., December 24: Choral Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m., December 25: The Holy Eucharist
(The 9:00 a.m. Wednesday healing service will not take place this week.)

Sunday School Classes on Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages are on vacation until January 5.

The Feast of St. John the Evangelist
The annual celebration of our patron saint is scheduled for Saturday, January 4. The vestry prepares and hosts this feast each year in celebration and thanksgiving for the parish. All are invited. Please RSVP. Reply cards were included with the invitations. Additional copies are available in the information tables.

St. Nicholas at St. James Commons
If you’re downtown this holiday season, stop by St. James Commons for a special exhibit for all ages on St. Nicholas, the “Bishop Who Became Santa Claus.” Flyers are available at church or more information is available here.

Announcements for December 30

RSVP and Instructions for the Feast
This year’s Feast of St. John the Evangelist begins with Evening Prayer in the church at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 5. Please RSVP to the parish office by January 2. And everyone is asked to bring a small object to the feast that symbolizes or represents their particular connection to St. John’s. It can be fun or serious. Consider a memento or symbol for a special event (for example, a wedding or baptism), an activity or ministry that you particularly enjoy, a special place at St. John’s. Watch your e-mail for further suggestions.

Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.

Recycle Your Christmas Trees and Lights
Natural Christmas trees and holiday lights can be recycled at Irons Oaks (Vollmer and Western) on Saturdays, December 29 and January 5, from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Sunday School Classes are on Vacation
Christian Education classes for all ages are on vacation this Sunday, but will resume January 6.

2013 Offering Envelopes are Available
Please pick up your 2013 offering envelopes in the undercroft.

2012 Pledge Payments
For tax purposes, clearly marked 2012 pledge payments received through January 6 will be posted to 2012 statements. After January 6, 2012 payments are still welcome, but will be posted to 2013 statements, listed as previous year pledge payments.

Announcements for December 23

Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
Participants in the children’s Christmas pageant will rehearse this Sunday during the morning 9:00 hour and again at 4:00 p.m.

2013 Offering Envelopes are Available
Offering Envelopes for next year are available in the undercroft. Please pick yours up. Using the envelopes helps the parish record contributions more efficiently.

Parish Office Closed Christmas Week
The parish office will be closed December 24 through January 1. Phone messages will be checked periodically.

Contribute to Christmas Flowers
If you wish to contribute to the poinsettias and special greens that adorn the church during the Christmas season, please use the flower envelope included with the Christmas letter or found in the pews. Contributions may be designated as memorials, thanksgivings or purely to the Glory of God.

Save the Date for the Feast
The annual Feast of St. John the Evangelist, celebrating both our patron saint and our own parish community is scheduled for Saturday, January 5. Please plan to come. Invitations have been mailed; RSVP cards can be placed in the offering plate or returned to the parish office.

Gifts to Lawrence Hall
Thanks be to God for everyone who contributed money and gift cards to the youth of Lawrence Hall for Christmas. $1075.00 was raised.

Christmas Worship Schedule
Services on Christmas Eve will be at 4:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The early service includes the children’s Christmas pageant. The late service is the festive, choral Christ Mass. It is preceded by special Christmas music for choir, organ and congregation beginning at 10:00 p.m. The Christmas Day service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Announcements for December 16

Christmas Pageant Organizational Meeting This Sunday
Children of all ages are invited to participate in the children’s Christmas Pageant, offered during the 4:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. There will be a brief organizational meeting for parents and children in the church after the 10:00 service this Sunday, December 16.

Vestry Meeting
The December meeting of the vestry is Monday, December 17, beginning at 7:00 p.m..

New Parish E-mail Address
We have updated the computer and changed internet service providers in the parish office. Check with the parish office if you need the new e-mail address. Also, please note that we are no longer maintaining a dedicated fax line.

Contribute to Christmas Flowers
If you wish to contribute to the poinsettias and special greens that adorn the church during the Christmas season, please use the flower envelope included with the Christmas letter or found in the pews. Contributions may be designated as memorials, thanksgivings or purely to the Glory of God.

Save the Date for the Feast
The annual Feast of St. John the Evangelist, celebrating both our patron saint and our own parish community is scheduled for Saturday, January 5. Please plan to come. Invitations have been mailed; RSVP cards can be placed in the offering plate or returned to the parish office.

Cookie Walk Thanks
This year’s Cookie Walk was a great success. Heartfelt thanks to all the bakers, buyers and helpers. Without you the Cookie Walk could not function or exist. Profits are over $3,500. Save the date; next year’s Cookie Walk will be December 7, 2013. –Alison Deniston

Christmas Worship Schedule
Services on Christmas Eve will be at 4:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The early service includes the children’s Christmas pageant. The late service is the festive, choral Christ Mass. It is preceded by special Christmas music for choir, organ and congregation beginning at 10:00 p.m. The Christmas Day service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Announcements for January 1

• You’re Invited to the Feast! Saturday, January 7
  Again this year the vestry is planning a wonderful feast to celebrate our patron saint and, even more importantly, the people who are our Church of St. John the Evangelist. The date is Saturday, January 7, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with Evening Prayer. Please remember to turn in your RSVP cards or phone the parish office so we can get a head count for dinner.
  
  
• Lessons and Carols, January 1
  Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.
  
  
• The Feast of the Epiphany (The Manifestation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles)
  The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated Friday, January 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Recycle Your Live Christmas Tree
  Undecorated, live Christmas trees can be recycled January 7 and 14 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Irons Oaks (Vollmer Road just west of Western Avenue). Recycling keeps trees out of the landfill and the mulch will be used at Irons Oaks.
  
  
• Lawrence Hall Christmas Gifts
  Thank you to the Daughters of the King and Iris Bestow for coordinating Christmas donations for Lawrence Hall. And praise God for all who contributed. $1,210 in checks and gift cards helped provide Christmas gifts for the children at Lawrence Hall.
  
  
• Vestry Nominations
  The vestry nominating committee is meeting this Sunday. If you feel called to ministry on the vestry and would like to be considered in the nominating process, please speak to the Rector or one of the wardens.
  
  
• Vestry Minutes
  Vestry minutes continue to be posted on this blog. Click on the "Vestry Minutes" label. Minutes are posted after they are approved. The November minutes are now available.
  
  
• Offering Envelopes
  Offering Envelopes for 2012 are available for pick up in the undercroft. Envelopes that are not picked up will be mailed early in 2012.
  
  
• Holiday Office Closure
  The parish office will be closed December 30 and January 2 for the New Year’s Holiday.
  
  
• 2011 Contributions
  The “books” for 2011 will remain open through January 8. Contributions clearly marked 2011 will be posted to 2011 statements. All others will be posted to 2012.

Announcements for December 24/25

• RSVP for the Feast
  Again this year the vestry is planning a wonderful feast to celebrate our patron saint and, even more importantly, the people who are our Church of St. John the Evangelist. The date is Saturday, January 7. Please remember to turn in your RSVP cards.
  
  
• Lessons and Carols, January 1
  Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. Next Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.
  
  
• Christian Formation Classes on Vacation
  Christian formation classes for children and adults are on Christmas vacation. They will resume January 8.
  
  
• Pledge Reminder
  Thank you to all who have returned pledge cards for 2012. If you are still intending to get yours in, please do so as soon as possible.
  
  
• Offering Envelopes
  Offering Envelopes for 2012 are available for pick up in the undercroft. Envelopes that are not picked up will be mailed early in 2012.
  
  
• Holiday Office Closures
  The parish office will be closed Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26, for the Christmas holiday and December 30 and January 2 for the New Year’s Holiday.
  
  
• Wednesday Healing Service Canceled Next Week
  The Wednesday celebration of the Holy Eucharist with healing will not be held on Wednesday, December 28. It will resume January 4.

Announcements for December 18

• Vestry Meeting
  The vestry will meet Monday, December 19, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
  Rehearsals for the children’s Christmas pageant are this Sunday, December 18, at 9:00 a.m. and Friday, December 23, at 4:00 p.m.
  
  
• Christmas Service Schedule
  On Christmas Eve, worship services begin at 4:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The children’s Christmas pageant is part of the early service. The late service is preceded by a musical celebration of anthems and carols beginning at 10:00 p.m. On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, there will be one worship service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
  
  
• Sunday School Holiday
  Sunday School classes for all ages—children and adults—will not meet December 18, 25 and January 1. (During the Sunday School hour, children should come to the pageant rehearsal on December 18). Classes will resume January 8.
  
  
• Mark your Calendars for the Feast, January 7
  The vestry invites everyone in the parish to celebrate the feast day of our patron saint at a festive dinner Saturday, January 7. Your invitation will be arriving soon. We look forward to celebrating together.
  
  
• Sexton Position Open
  We are currently advertising to fill the sexton position on a permanent basis. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please ask him or her to contact Pastor Orr. It is a part-time position. The primary duties are cleaning and light maintenance.

Announcements for January 2

• RSVP for the Feast by Sunday, January 2
  Again this year the vestry is planning a wonderful feast to celebrate our patron saint and, even more importantly, the people who are our Church of St. John the Evangelist. The date is Saturday, January 8. Please remember to turn in your RSVP cards (extras are available in the church.) And we’ll see you Saturday at the feast, beginning at 4:30 p.m. with Evening Prayer in the church.
  
  
• Epiphany Service January 6
  We will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, with a service of Holy Eucharist, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6.
  
  
• Recycle Your Christmas Tree
  Undecorated, “real” Christmas trees can be recycled this year at Irons Oaks. The mulch will be used on their trails. Anyone may participate and the program is free. Take trees to the Irons Oaks Vollmer Road parking lot Saturdays, January 1 & 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  
  
• Holiday Office Closure
  The parish office will be closed Friday, December 31 and Monday, January 3, for the New Year’s Holiday.
  
  
• Sunday School Classes Resume next Sunday, January 9
  Sunday School classes for children and adults resume next Sunday, January 9.