Holy Week and Easter Schedule

Palm Sunday, April 9           

7:55 a.m.       Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar

8:00 a.m.       The Holy Eucharist; Church

                          Christian Formation classes will not meet.

9:40 a.m.       Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar and procession around Flossmoor

10:00 a.m.     The Holy Eucharist; Church

Monday in Holy Week, April 10

7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Tuesday in Holy Week, April 11

 7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Wednesday in Holy Week, April 12

 9:00 a.m.       The Holy Eucharist with Healing

 7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday, April 13

6:30 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist (with foot washing for those who wish), followed by the agape meal and stripping of the altar

8:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Friday)  

                       Prayer Vigil and Watch at the altar of repose

Good Friday, April 14

12:00 p.m.     The Proper Liturgy for Good Friday

7:00 p.m.       Good Friday vespers

Easter Eve, Saturday, April 15

8:00 p.m.       The Great Vigil of Easter

Easter Day, April 16

8:00 a.m.            The Holy Eucharist

                        Christian Formation classes will not meet.

10:00 a.m.            The Holy Eucharist

                        Followed by an Easter egg hunt for children on the front lawn.

Announcements for April 9

Palm Sunday This Sunday – April 9: Come Early for the Procession
The liturgy of the palms begins before each service this week. We will gather at the outdoor altar at 7:55 AM before the early service and at 9:40 AM before the later service. Come be a part of the triumphal procession!

Sign Up for the Watch
A sign up sheet is available in the back of the church for the watch in the garden beginning the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 13, and continuing through noon on Good Friday.

Sunday School On Vacation
Sunday School for all ages is on vacation this Sunday, April 9 and next Sunday, Easter Sunday.

Help Prepare Easter Eggs
During coffee hour after the 10:00 AM service, everyone is invited to help fill Easter eggs to be used in the children’s Easter egg hunt on Easter morning. The hunt takes place on the front lawn of the church following the 10:00 AM service on Easter.

Worship During Holy Week
The schedule for Holy Week worship services was included with the Easter letter. Copies are also available at the church on the information tables.

Contribute to Easter Flowers
Please consider making a contribution towards the lilies and other flowers that will adorn the church at Easter time. Contributions may be made in memory or thanksgiving or simply to the Glory of God. Flower contribution envelopes were included with this week’s Easter letter; they are also available in the pews.

Fish Fry Success
The St. Barnabas Men's Fellowship of St. John's and Holy Family will hold its regular monthly breakfast meeting this Saturday, April 8, at 7:30 AM at St. John's in Flossmoor. Last Friday, the group hosted yet another successful ‘Episcopal Fish Fry’ for the community, serving some 130 customers and raising $1,000 for the South Suburban PADS homeless ministry. Special thanks to all who turned out, as well as to the volunteers. Lastly, thanks also to the Smiley Tillmon Band for once again making this fundraiser the catch of the season!

Interfaith Presentation for South Side Churches in Frankfort, April 22
SWIFT co-founder Khalid Mozaffar will be giving an ‘Islam 101’ presentation at the American Islamic Association, 8860 W Saint Francis Rd, Frankfort from 10am to 12pm on Sat., April 22. All interested members of St. John's have been invited to the AIA for what should be a fascinating talk. For more details or to RSVP please contact Rob McManamy no later than Wednesday, April 19.

Announcements for April 2

Palm Sunday Next Week – April 9 
The liturgy of the palms begins before each service next week. We will gather at the outdoor altar at 7:55 AM before the early service and at 9:40 AM before the later service. Come be a part of the triumphal procession!

Sign Up for the Watch
A sign up sheet is available in the back of the church for the watch in the garden beginning the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 13, and continuing through noon on Good Friday.

Worship During Holy Week
The schedule for Holy Week worship services was included with the Easter letter. Copies are also available at the church on the information tables.

Lent Adult Study Series
This year the Lenten study series is titled “Cloud of Witnesses.” It will explore some of the lesser- known saints that are remembered in the Episcopal Church. Classes begin at 7:00 PM on Wednesday evenings in the church. For the final class this week participants are invited to share information about their favorite saint.

Contribute to Easter Flowers
Please consider making a contribution towards the lilies and other flowers that will adorn the church at Easter time. Contributions may be made in memory or thanksgiving or simply to the Glory of God. Flower contribution envelopes were included with this week’s Easter letter; they are also available in the pews.

Yarn Ministry
Knitting and Crocheting Group will meet Monday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM in the Guild room.

Holy Week and Easter Services

Palm Sunday, March 20           

                             7:55 a.m.         Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar

                             8:00 a.m.       The Holy Eucharist; Church

                                    Christian Formation classes will not meet.

                             9:40 a.m.       Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar and procession around Flossmoor

                             10:00 a.m.       The Holy Eucharist; Church

Monday in Holy Week, March 21

                             7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Tuesday in Holy Week, March 22

                             7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Wednesday in Holy Week, March 23

                             9:00 a.m.       The Holy Eucharist with Healing

                             7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday, March 24

                             6:30 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist (with foot washing for those who wish), followed by the agape meal and stripping of the altar

                             8:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Friday)  

                                    Prayer Vigil and Watch at the altar of repose

Good Friday, March 25

                             12:00 p.m.       The Proper Liturgy for Good Friday

                                    (For those who wish to participate in the Proper Liturgy for Good Friday, but prefer an evening service, it will be offered at 7:00 p.m. at Church of the Holy Family in Park Forest.)

                             7:00 p.m.       Good Friday vespers

Easter Eve, Saturday, March 26

                             8:00 p.m.       The Great Vigil of Easter

Easter Day, March 27

            8:00 a.m.            The Holy Eucharist

                        Christian Formation classes will not meet.

            10:00 a.m.            The Holy Eucharist

                        Followed by an Easter egg hunt for children on the front lawn.

Announcements for March 20

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets this Monday, March 21, following the 7:00 PM celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Palm Sunday is This Sunday – Come Early for the Blessing of the Palms 
The Liturgy (Blessing) of the Palms precedes each service. Weather permitting, we will gather at the outdoor altar for the blessing of the palms, then process to the church. For the early service, the Liturgy of the Palms begins at 7:55; for the later service, the Liturgy of the Palms begins at 9:40.

Sign up for the Watch
In commemoration of Jesus’ final night in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is our custom to keep watch over the Reserved Sacrament throughout the night following the Maundy Thursday evening service until noon on Good Friday. Shifts are for one hour. A sign up sheet is located in the back of the church.

Holy Week Services
We worship as a faithful community every day during Holy Week. A schedule was mailed with the Easter letter. Print copies are available on the information tables.

Youth Group Meets This Sunday at 4:00 PM
Create something beautiful! Bring a friend to the undercroft and wear clothes you don’t care about. Sometimes things have to get messy to arrive at the beautiful (sort of like the whole Lenten season). Call/text Dee McManamy with your t-shirt size (and your friend’s) if you haven’t already.

Help Prepare for the Easter Egg Hunt
Parishioners of all ages are asked to help fill Easter eggs during coffee hour this Sunday. Stop by the Conference Room to help out, so we can prepare for a fabulous Easter egg hunt.

Sunday School Classes on Vacation
Sunday School classes are on vacation this Sunday, March 20, and Easter Sunday, March 27. They will resume April 3.

Announcements for March 29

Palm Sunday This Sunday: Blessing of the Palms and Procession Begins Early
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. The liturgy for blessing the palms will begin at the outdoor altar at 7:55 AM for the early service and at 9:40 AM for the later service.

Sunday School Classes on Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages, children and adults, are on vacation this Sunday and next Sunday. They will resume after Easter on April 12.

Holy Week Services
Worship services will be held daily throughout Holy Week. A full schedule is available on the parish blog HERE.

Sign Up for the Watch
Following the Maundy Thursday service prayerful watch is kept through the night with the Reserved Sacrament. Shifts are for one hour. A sign up sheet is available in the back of the church.

For Children and Youth: Stations of the Cross & Liturgy of Light
Children and young people are invited to a special liturgy Saturday, April 4, beginning at 3:00 PM. The event will include a version of the Stations of the Cross, the Liturgy of Light (celebrating the coming of the Easter light), and the raising of the A******* banner. We will also prepare Easter eggs for the Easter egg hunt.

Easter Flower Contributions
If you would like to contribute to the lilies and special flowers that adorn the church at Easter time, please look for special flower envelopes in the pews.

Good Friday Offering
Since 1922, Episcopalians in the United States have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in the Holy Land through the Good Friday offering. Special offering envelopes will be in the pews throughout Holy Week.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Tuesday, April 7 (NOT Monday, as usual), beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Blue Jean Sunday
Mark your calendars for the spring clean-up landscape work day, coming Sunday, April 19. Wear casual clothes and stay after church to help prepare the church grounds for spring glory.

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday, March 29

7:55 a.m. Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar
8:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist; Church 
Christian Formation classes will not meet.
9:40 a.m. Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar and procession around Flossmoor
10:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist; Church

Youth Worship will not meet on Palm Sunday. 
 

Monday in Holy Week, March 30
7:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist 

Tuesday in Holy Week, March 31
7:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist 

Wednesday in Holy Week, April 1
9:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist with Healing 
7:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist 

Maundy Thursday, April 2
6:30 p.m. The Holy Eucharist (with foot washing for those who wish), followed by the agape meal and stripping of the altar
8:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Friday) Prayer Vigil and Watch at the altar of repose 

Good Friday, April 3
12:00 p.m. The Proper Liturgy for Good Friday 
7:00 p.m. Good Friday vespers 

Easter Eve, Saturday, April 4
3:00 p.m. Youth Liturgy: Stations of the Cross and Welcoming of the Paschal Light. Followed by the raising of the A******* banner and preparation of Easter eggs. Gather in the Church.
8:00 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Baptism 

Easter Day, April 5
8:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist
Christian Formation classes will not meet.
Youth worship will not meet on Easter.
10:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist
Followed by an Easter egg hunt for children on the front lawn.

Announcements for March 22

Palm Sunday
Next Sunday, March 29, is Palm Sunday. The liturgy for blessing the palms will begin at the outdoor altar at 7:55 AM for the early service and at 9:40 AM for the later service. Sunday School classes will not meet on Palm Sunday.

New Parish Directories are Available
Pick up a copy of the newly revised parish directory from any of the information tables.

This Sunday: Sunday School Classes Commemorate the Last Supper
On March 22, during the Christian formation time, the children and youth of the church will be recreating the Last Supper. In order for the Last Supper to be successful, it is important that all who wish to participate arrive by 9:00 AM.

Sign Up for the Watch
Following the Maundy Thursday service prayerful watch is kept through the night with the Reserved Sacrament. Shifts are for two hours. A sign up sheet is available in the back of the church.

Announcements for April 13

Palm Sunday: Blessing of the Palms Begins Early
This Sunday, April 13, both services will begin with the Blessing of the Palms at the Outdoor Altar. The liturgy of the palms begins, respectively, at 7:55 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. Children and families are especially encouraged to come for the blessing of the palms before the 10:00 a.m. service. Following the blessing we will process around Flossmoor.

Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, the Night Ministry, and St. John’s Parish Garden. A handout with more information is on the information tables.

Easter Flower Contributions
If you would like to contribute to the lilies and special flowers that adorn the church at Easter time, please look for special flower envelopes in the pews.

Sign up for The Watch
In commemoration of Jesus’ last night in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is our custom to keep watch with the Reserved Sacrament at the Altar of Repose during the night of Maundy Thursday until noon on Good Friday. Shifts are one hour. A sign up sheet is in the back of the church.

Holy Week Services
Services are offered every day during Holy Week. The schedule was distributed in the Easter letter and with last week’s e-vangelist. You will be blessed by as full participation as possible.

Good Friday Offering
Since 1922, Episcopalians in the United States have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in the Holy Land through the Good Friday offering. Special offering envelopes will be in the pews throughout Holy Week.

Christian Formation Classes on Vacation
Christian formation classes for children and adults will not meet this Sunday or Easter Sunday. Youth Worship will be offered this Sunday, Palm Sunday, but not on Easter.

For Children and Youth on Holy Saturday: Stations of the Cross & Raising the A*******
Children and young people are invited to a special event beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday, April 19. The event will include a version of Stations of the Cross for youth, the welcoming of the Easter light to the Youth Worship chapel, raising the A******* banners buried throughout Lent, and filling Easter eggs for the Easter morning Easter egg hunt.

Announcements for April 6

Palm Sunday Next Sunday, April 13
Next Sunday, April 13, both services will begin with the Blessing of the Palms at the Outdoor Altar. The liturgy of the palms begins, respectively, at 7:55 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. Christian Formation classes will not meet Palm Sunday or Easter Day.

Outreach Forum Coming to St. John’s after Easter
On the four Sundays following Easter the Sunday morning adult education class will be devoted to presentations by several outreach ministries. The schedule includes South Suburban PADS, Respond Now, the Night Ministry, and St. John’s Community Garden. A handout with more information is on the information tables.

Yarn Ministry Meets This Monday
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, April 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.

Sign up for The Watch
In commemoration of Jesus’ last night in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is our custom to keep watch with the Reserved Sacrament at the Altar of Repose during the night of Maundy Thursday until noon on Good Friday. Shifts are one hour. A sign up sheet is in the back of the church.

Lenten Study Series
The final Wednesday Lenten study class this week will be a celebration of the Holy Eucharist using supplemental liturgical materials. All are welcome. The class begins at 7:00 p.m. in the church.

Announcements for March 24

Palm Sunday Procession This Sunday
This Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday. The Prayer Book states that the congregation should “gather at a place apart from the church, so that all may go into the church in procession.” The Liturgy of the Palms will begin at the outdoor altar at 7:55 preceding the early service, and at 9:40 preceding the later service. (In the event of bad weather the processions will begin, respectively, at 7:55 in the church and 9:40 in the education wing.)

No Sunday School Palm Sunday or Easter
Sunday morning Christian Education classes will not meet March 24 or 31.

Holy Week Services
Worship services are offered every day during Holy Week. The schedule is available here.

Youth Worship Saturday, March 30
Children and young people of all ages are invited to a special worship service beginning in the church at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. The service will include a modified Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross) and the Liturgy of Light. We will also raise the A******* banner and prepare eggs for the Easter egg hunt.

Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, April 1, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.

Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. We would like to hear from everyone, even if you think your information is current. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.

Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.

Holy Week and Easter Schedule

Holy Week and Easter, 2013

Palm Sunday, March 24           

    7:55 a.m.       Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar

    8:00 a.m.       The Holy Eucharist; Church

                                    Christian Formation classes will not meet.

    9:40 a.m.       Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar and procession around Flossmoor

    10:00 a.m.     The Holy Eucharist; Church

                                    Youth Worship will meet on Palm Sunday.

Monday in Holy Week, March 25

      7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Tuesday in Holy Week, March 26

      7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Wednesday in Holy Week, March 27

      9:00 a.m.       The Holy Eucharist with Healing

      7:00 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday, March 28

      6:30 p.m.       The Holy Eucharist (with foot washing for those who wish), followed by the agape meal and stripping of the altar

      8:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Friday)

                            Prayer Vigil and Watch at the altar of repose

Good Friday, March 29

      12:00 p.m.       The Proper Liturgy for Good Friday

       7:00 p.m.       Good Friday vespers

Easter Eve, Saturday, March 30

       3:00 p.m.       Youth Liturgy:  Stations of the Cross and Welcoming of the Paschal Light.  Followed by the raising of the A******* banner and preparation of Easter eggs.  Gather in the Church.

       8:00 p.m.       The Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Baptism

Easter Day, March 31

      7:40 a.m.        Morning Prayer

      8:00 a.m.        The Holy Eucharist

                        Christian Formation classes will not meet.

                        Youth worship will not meet on Easter.

     10:00 a.m.        The Holy Eucharist

                        Followed by an Easter egg hunt for children on the front lawn.

Announcements for March 17

Vestry Meeting Monday
The vestry meets Monday, March 18, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. in the church.

Palm Sunday Procession Next Sunday
Next Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday. The Prayer Book states that the congregation should “gather at a place apart from the church, so that all may go into the church in procession.” Weather permitting, the Liturgy of the Palms will begin at the outdoor altar at 7:55 preceding the early service, and at 9:40 preceding the later service.

Loaves and Fishes This Sunday
Everyone is invited to a St. Patrick’s Day-themed brunch following the 10:00 service this Sunday, March 17. If you can, bring a dessert or side dish, but even if you’re not able to bring a dish, you are welcome. Please come and join in the fellowship.

Wednesday Evening Classes for Lent
The final Wednesday evening Lent study class is this week. The class will explore the idea of heaven as it is presented in the prayers of the Book of Common Prayer.

Take a Stand Against Gun Violence: CROSSwalk
Bishop Lee and a resolution at last year’s Diocesan Convention urge all members of the Diocese of Chicago to become active in efforts to reduce gun violence. These efforts include public witness, political advocacy and support of positive youth programs. CROSSwalk brings these efforts together. This year’s CROSSwalk procession is Friday, March 22, beginning at St. James Commons at 6:00 p.m. More information is available here.

Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. We would like to hear from everyone, even if you think your information is current. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.

Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.

Announcements for March 10

Spring Forward This Sunday
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 10. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.

Loaves and Fishes Next Sunday
Loaves and Fishes has been moved from this Sunday to next Sunday, March 17. Everyone is invited to a St. Patrick’s Day-themed brunch following the 10:00 service. If you can, bring a dessert or side dish, but even if you’re not able to bring a dish, you are welcome. Please come and join in the fellowship.

Wednesday Evening Classes for Lent
Pastor Orr is offering an adult class for Lent on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the church. “Heaven: Who, What, When, Where, How.” You may still drop in on any of the classes. This week the class will explore the question of “when”—do we experience heaven during this life, or only after death, or not until the end of time?

Take a Stand Against Gun Violence: CROSSwalk
Bishop Lee and a resolution at last year’s Diocesan Convention urge all members of the Diocese of Chicago to become active in efforts to reduce gun violence. These efforts include public witness, political advocacy and support of positive youth programs. CROSSwalk brings these efforts together. This year’s CROSSwalk procession is Friday, March 22, beginning at St. James Commons at 6:00 p.m. More information is available at www.crosswalkchicago.org.

Updating Parish Records
Please help us update and expand our parish records. These records help us communicate as a parish community and enable us, as a community, to celebrate individual milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. You may provide or update your information, and submit it online, by going to this link. Thank you. Paper copies of the information form are also available around the church.

Sign up for the Watch
It is our custom to pray and keep watch over the reserved Sacrament from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the noonday service on Good Friday (March 28-29), just as Jesus asked the disciples to keep watch with him before his crucifixion. If you wish to participate in the watch, a sign up sheet is available in the back of the church. Sign ups are for one-hour segments.

Holy Week Service Schedule

• Palm Sunday, April 1
  7:55 a.m. Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar
  8:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist Church
  
  Christian Formation classes will not meet
  
  9:40 a.m. Blessing of the Palms; Outdoor Altar and procession around Flossmoor
  10:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist; Church
  
  Youth Worship will meet on Palm Sunday at 10:00 in the Youth Worship room.
  
  
• Monday in Holy Week, April 2
  7:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist
  
  
• Tuesday in Holy Week, April 3
  7:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist
  
  
• Wednesday in Holy Week, April 4
  9:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist with Healing
  7:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist
  
  
• Maundy Thursday, April 5
  6:30 p.m. The Holy Eucharist (with foot washing for those who wish), followed by the agape meal and the stripping of the altar.
  8:30 p.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Friday) Prayer Vigil and Watch at the altar of repose
  
  
• Good Friday, April 6
  12:00 p.m. The Proper Liturgy for Good Friday
  7:00 p.m. Good Friday vespers
  
  
• Easter Eve, Saturday, April 7
  3:00 p.m. Liturgy of Light for Children; Undercroft. With the raising of the A******* banner.
  8:00 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Baptism