Announcements for March 18th

A Few Reminders

v  EMERGENCY PRAYER LIST — If you or a loved one is in need of immediate prayer, please contact the church office or Ginny McCollum to activate the Emergency Prayer List.

v  INTERCESSORY PRAYER LIST — If you would like to add someone to St. John’s Intercessory Prayer list printed in the church bulletin, please contact the church office. It is just as important to notify the church when a name can be removed from the list.

v  ANY PASTORAL EMERGENCY — In all emergencies, please contact Fr. Mike on his cell phone no matter the time or day.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In April the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy by Anne Lamott, "a powerful exploration of mercy, its limitless (if sometimes hidden) presence, why we ignore it, and how we can embrace it." The book club will meet on Thursday, April 19 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome! 

Bowling Benefit

St. John’s is sponsoring a bowling benefit fundraiser on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at the Lynwood Bowl, 2581 Glenwood-Lansing Road, Lynwood, Illinois. Check-in is at 4:00 pm and bowling starts at 4:30 pm. The fee is $25.00 per person, which includes bowling, shoes and food. There will be raffles and a non-perishable donation for the Rich Township Food Pantry will be appreciated. Reservations required. Money due by April 29, 2018. Get your teams together. Round up your family, friends and neighbors. For more information contact Shirley Reilly  or Gale Michael .

Loaves & Fishes

Sunday, March 18^th following 10:00 a.m. worship service. Ham and scalloped potatoes will be served. Please bring sides and deserts.

Daughters of the King

The Daughters of the King diocesan meeting will be held this Saturday, March 17^th, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. here at St. John’s. All women of the parish are invited. There will be a Eucharist, followed by a program presented by Sue O’Brien. A light breakfast and lunch will be served.

Announcements for September 10th

    

       “Faith + Science” // Interfaith Forum // Sept 17, 3 pm, Frankfort

Next month, Episcopal Rev. Clayton Thomason, director of the medical ethics program at Rush University Medical Center, will offer a Christian perspective at the SWIFT Interfaith Forum on "Faith + Science." Muslim and Jewish speakers will also join him on a panel to present their distinct takes on this oft-contentious topic. The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 3-6 pm, at the St. Francis Woods Campus in Frankfort IL (9201 W St Francis Rd). Refreshments will be served, but attendees also are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item as a donation for Respond Now. For more details, please contact Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. For more about SWIFT, of which St. John's is now a member, go to www.swiftinterfaith.org, or visit the group's Facebook page.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!  URGENT HELP NEEDED!

We need volunteers for teaching Sunday School!  This is an important ministry that has a positive and lasting impact upon the children of our parish.  Volunteers do not need to be parents of current students, and can alternate Sundays to meet personal schedules.  If you are interested or want to know more about the program, please call Diane Walsh-Madden.

We Need Your Feedback!  

The Search Committee is asking that everyone complete the Church Assessment Tool, or CAT.  This survey is designed to tell us who we are as a parish and who we want to be going forward as we search for our new rector.  If you are 16 and over and consider St. John's your church home, please go online and take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StJohnEvangelistIL.

We will also have computers set up and ready with the CAT after both services this Sunday for anyone interested.  Thank you!

Jubilation – Sunday, September 10

All are welcome to celebrate St. John's Annual Ministry Jubilation directly following this Sunday's 10am service. Gather additional information and learn how to become more involved in our parish's ministries and activities. Lunch will be provided by Loaves and Fishes.

Announcements from Cyndie Knoll

Daughters of the King will be meeting on Saturday, September 9^th from 9:30-11:00 am. We will be discussing our plans for this year as well as preparing the display for the Jubilee. Also, Confirmation Registration is this weekend. All young people 7th through 12th grade are welcome to enroll. Classes will begin September 17^th.

Announcements for March 19

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, March 20, beginning at 7:00 PM in the church.

Loaves & Fishes
This Sunday Loaves and Fishes brunch this Sunday following the 10:00 service. We will be serving Ham and Scalloped Potatoes. If you are able, please bring side dishes or desserts.

Daughters of the King Program: Embracing Forgiveness
The fourth session of "Embracing Forgiveness" is this Saturday, March 18. The topic is "How to Start." All women of the parish are welcome. You may attend even if you have not participated in previous sessions. We start at 9:30am and end at 11:00, and we meet in the Guild Room.

PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) This Weekend
It's that time of the month. PADS will be needing our services Friday/Saturday March 24th/25th. Please let Margi Strombeck know if you are unable to work your scheduled shift.

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. Next week’s class will be on women saints.

Lent Fish Fry – March 31 Save the Date! 
The St. Barnabas Men’s Fellowship of St. John’s and Holy Family will sponsor their annual Lent Fish Fry on Friday, March 31. Serving will be from 5:30 – 7:30 PM with live entertainment again this year by Smiley Tilmon. Please call the parish office (708-798-4150) by March 28 to reserve your place.

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 March 6

Make Your Reservations for the Fish Fry
The 8th annual Lenten Fish Fry is coming March 18. Blues musician Smiley Tillmon will provide entertainment. Service is from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Tickets are $12/adults; $5/children 12 and under, payable at the door. Please call the parish office by March 15 to make your reservations.

Help Write the History of St. John’s
Junior Warden Steve Hofer is working on compiling a history of St. John’s. Many of you have information and stories to contribute. Look for the display in the Conference Room in the Undercroft and let Steve know how you can help.

Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent is looking at the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February at 7:00 PM in the church. This Wednesday the class will explore different ways that the Psalms are utilized in worship in the Book of Common Prayer.

Loaves & Fishes
This Sunday Loaves and Fishes will offer brunch this Sunday, March 6, following the 10:00 AM service. Pot-luck sides and desserts are always welcome. The main dish will be provided. All are welcome!

Grande Prairie Singers Concert
Grande Prairie Singers say “Vive la France!” with their next concert at 4 PM, Sunday, March 13, at Flossmoor Community Church. The concert includes Faure's “Requiem” and organ selections by our own Michael Soto. For tickets, see Bob or Betsy Burgwald.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting/crocheting group will meet Monday, March 7, at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Announcements for February 28

Help Write the History of St. John’s 
Junior Warden Steve Hofer is working on compiling a history of St. John’s. Many of you have information and stories to contribute. Look for the display in the Conference Room in the Undercroft and let Steve know how you can help.

Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent is looking at the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February at 7:00 PM in the church. This Wednesday the class will explore different ways that the Psalms (which have always been the hymns of the faithful) are sung today.

Loaves & Fishes
Loaves and Fishes will offer brunch next Sunday, March 6, following the 10:00 AM service. Pot-luck sides and desserts are always welcome. The main dish will be provided. All are welcome!

Grande Prairie Singers Concert
Grande Prairie Singers say “Vive la France!” with their next concert at 4 PM, Sunday, March 13, at Flossmoor Community Church. The concert includes Faure's “Requiem” and organ selections by our own Michael Soto. For tickets, see Bob or Betsy Burgwald.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting/crocheting group will meet Monday, March 7, at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Don’t Forget the Fish Fry
The annual Lenten fish fry is coming Friday, March 18.

Announcements for November 15

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

Annual Pledge Campaign
Please seriously and prayerfully consider your annual pledge of time, talent and treasure. You may return your pledge card to the parish office, place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or place it on the altar on pledge Sunday, next week, November 22.

Thanksgiving Services
The community interfaith Thanksgiving Service featuring the Viking Choir will be Wednesday, November 25, at Temple Anshe Sholom in Olympia Fields, beginning at 7:30 PM.  The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. John's Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 10:00 AM.

Looking Ahead to the Holiday Cookie Walk
Save the date. The annual cookie walk is December 5th. We need bakers and helpers. Questions? Call Alison Deniston.

Adult Education: An Introduction to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
For the next few Sundays the adult education class will view sermons and interviews with new Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. In the Youth Worship Chapel in the Education Wing, beginning at 9:00 AM.

Parish Photo
The parish photo taken for the Flossmoor yearbook is on display in the undercroft with directions for ordering a copy if you wish.

Loaves and Fishes
Please join us for our annual Thanksgiving brunch following the 10:00 AM service. Roast turkey and dressing will be served. Bring a potluck side or dessert if you wish. All are welcome.

Last Call from the Yarn Ministry for Donations
We are collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. Deadline for donations is November 15th. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

Yarn Ministry Meets Monday
Yarn Ministry meets Monday, November 16, beginning at 7 PM in the Guild Room.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets 
Information is available in the undercroft on adopting a senior or family for Christmas through the ReVive Christmas Basket program. If you prefer, you may also make a cash contribution and children of the parish will shop and wrap presents for a family. Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office before 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Musical at H-F 
This weekend only HF Theater presents The Addams Family musical, Friday & Saturday at 7 pm. The musical comedy features an original story & score, and two of St. John’s youth are in the cast: Maddie Moxley & Sarah Skorupa. Tickets can be purchased at the door. More information HERE.

Announcements for November 8

Annual Pledge Campaign
Please seriously and prayerfully consider your annual pledge of time, talent and treasure. You may return your pledge card to the parish office, place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or place it on the altar on pledge Sunday, November 22.

Looking Ahead to the Holiday Cookie Walk
Save the date. The annual cookie walk is December 5th. We need bakers and helpers. Questions? Call Alison Deniston.

Loaves & Fishes Next Sunday
Our annual Thanksgiving-themed Sunday brunch will be next Sunday, November 15, following the 10:00 AM service. Side dishes or desserts to share are always welcome, but most importantly, come!

Yarn Ministry Needs the Congregation’s Assistance
We will be collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. We would like to have the items by November 15th. Collections bins will be located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets 
Information is available in the undercroft on adopting a senior or family for Christmas through the ReVive Christmas Basket program. If you prefer, you may also make a cash contribution and children of the parish will shop and wrap presents for a family. Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office before 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Parish Dinner Groups 
Today 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 Orr. Please turn in your forms to Gale, Pastor Orr or the Parish office.

Episcopal Men's Group 2.0 renaissance continues! 
Building on its inspiring comeback last month, St. John's reborn Episcopal Men's Group will meet again this Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 a.m. in the church undercroft. Once again, after morning prayer and a hearty, marginally healthy breakfast, our own Deacon John Whennen will lead reflections on the week's Gospel and its practical application to current events and our daily lives. This week, we will also discuss community service and the group's role in helping to fill a large ReVive Christmas Basket. As promised, these meetings end promptly at 9 a.m., so you can return to families, recreation and/or duties refreshed and spiritually renewed.

Announcements for March 15

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, March 16, beginning at 7:00 PM in the church.

Make Your Reservations Now for the Fish Fry: Friday, March 20
Once again blues musician Smiley Tillmon will be providing entertainment. The menu includes fresh fried whitefish, roasted potatoes, cole slaw and dessert (or mac and cheese for those who prefer). Dinner will be served from 5:30 – 7:30 PM; tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, paid at the door. Proceeds benefit South Suburban PADS. Please contact the parish office by March 17 to make reservations.

Loaves & Fishes Brunch This Sunday
Everyone is invited to brunch following the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, March 22. If you wish to bring a side or dessert to share, please do, but come regardless. The entrée will be provided and all are welcome!

Wednesday Evening Class for Lent: Reading Assignments
This year the Wednesday evening Lenten class is studying The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Last Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. Classes meet in the church from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Reading assignments for the remaining weeks are: March 18 – Chapters 6 & 7; March 25 – Chapter 8.

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

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 with to participate arrive by 9:00 AM.

High School Youth Group Do-Over!
Let’s try shopping for supplies for the Humane Society this Sunday, March 15th. Meet at St. John’s at 4:00 PM, when we’ll depart for the store. (We’ll return by 5:30.) Please call or text Dee McManamy if you’re coming so we’re sure to have enough car space for you and any friends. Also, come prepared to discuss Youth Group Lock-in dates. Which Friday works best for you (and your family’s calendar): May 1, May 8 or May 29? We’re lining up a great roster of guests and activities for the lock-in. You really won’t want to miss it!

Announcements for September 7

Jubilation and Fall Ministry Fair – This Sunday, September 7 
The activities of our annual fall kick-off Sunday will be September 7, following the 10:00 am service. Loaves & Fishes will serve pulled pork sandwiches for brunch. If you wish, bring a salad or dessert to share. You can browse displays of many activities and ministries that are a part of our parish life. Sunday School registration will be held. And it is a good chance to catch up with friends after the summer. Everyone is invited!

2014 – 2015 Parish Calendar Available
The annual calendar highlighting events of the coming year is available. A copy will be sent with the electronic version of the e-vangelist. Or look for paper copies (yellow this year) on the information tables.

Seeking All Bowlers
A Sunday afternoon church bowling league is looking for new bowlers. If you are an experienced bowler or just learning, come and have fun with us. Bowling is every other Sunday afternoon from September 14 – April 26, 2015, at Lynwood Bowl. Check out the flyers on the table in the undercroft or see Gale Michael for more information.

Sunday School Begins September 14
The Sunday School year begins Sunday, September 14, with the annual “painting of the window” in the Atrium. Regular classes for children and adults begin the following Sunday, September 21.

Daughters of the King Collecting Winter Clothes for Respond Now
Throughout the fall the Daughters of the King will be collecting winter clothes. Please bring clean, lightly used coats, mittens, hats or other winter clothing. The clothes will be donated to Respond Now to be given to folks trying to keep warm this coming winter.

Seeking Delegates for Diocesan Convention
The annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held November 21 – 22 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. If you are interested in representing St. John’s at convention, please speak to the Rector.

Announcements for August 31

Jubilation and Fall Ministry Fair – Next Sunday, September 7
The activities of our annual fall kick-off Sunday will be September 7, following the 10:00 am service. Brunch will be served. You can browse displays of many activities and ministries that are a part of our parish life. Sunday School registration will be held. And it is a good chance to catch up with friends after the summer. Everyone is invited!

Seeking All Bowlers
A Sunday afternoon church bowling league is looking for new bowlers. If you are an experienced bowler or just learning, come and have fun with us. Bowling is every other Sunday afternoon from September 14 – April 26, 2015, at Lynwood Bowl. Check out the flyers on the table in the undercroft or see Gale Michael for more information.

Sunday School Begins September 14 
The Sunday School year begins Sunday, September 14, with the annual “painting of the window” in the Atrium. Regular classes for children and adults begin the following Sunday, September 21.

Seeking Delegates for Diocesan Convention
The annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held November 21 – 22 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. If you are interested in representing St. John’s at convention, please speak to the Rector.

Parish Office Hours
The parish office will be closed Monday, September 1, to commemorate Labor Day. Tuesday, September 2, regular (non-summer) office hours resume. The office will be open Monday through Friday, 9 am – 1 pm.

Announcements for August 24

Uplifting Update
At the August 18 vestry meeting the vestry approved the purchase of a vertical lift and a bid from a general contractor to do the associated renovations. The lift will provide access to all three levels of the church. More information on the project is available in the undercroft.

Blessing of the Backpacks
This Sunday Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or bookbags to the 10:00 a.m. service this Sunday, August 24, for a service of prayer and blessing as a new school year begins.

Jubilation and Fall Ministry Fair – September 7 
The activities of our annual fall kick-off Sunday will be September 7, following the 10:00 am service. Brunch will be served. You can browse displays of many activities and ministries that are a part of our parish life. Sunday School registration will be held. And it is a good chance to catch up with friends after the summer. Everyone is invited!

Seeking All Bowlers
A Sunday afternoon church bowling league is looking for new bowlers. If you are an experienced bowler or just learning, come and have fun with us. Bowling is every other Sunday afternoon from September 14 – April 26, 2015, at Lynwood Bowl. Check out the flyers on the table in the undercroft or see Gale Michael for more information.

Seeking Delegates for Diocesan Convention
The annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held November 21 – 22 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. If you are interested in representing St. John’s at convention, please speak to the Rector.

Announcements for May 4

Outreach Forum This Sunday: Respond Now
For over 40 years Respond Now has sought to meet emergency needs for food, housing and medical care for people in the south suburbs. Everyone is encouraged to attend the forum this Sunday, May 4, to learn more about the work of Respond Now and different ways that we can help. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Carl Wolf, Director of Respond Now, will be presenting.

Special Anniversary Loaves & Fishes This Sunday
On May 6, 2004, the Rev. Kristin Orr was installed as Rector of St. John’s. This Sunday, Loaves & Fishes will commemorate the 10 year anniversary of our ministry together. Breakfast entrees and sides will be provided. Donations of dessert are appreciated. Everyone is welcome!

Recycle Plastic Easter Eggs
Please bring empty plastic Easter eggs to the church; they can be reused next year. A collection box is in the foyer near the parish office.

Adopt an Easter Lily
The Easter lilies which adorned the altar for Easter are available for adoption. If planted outside, they will bloom again next year (in mid-summer).

Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, May 5, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Guild Room. This will be the last meeting before the summer. Meetings will resume October 6.

Grande Prairie Singers Concert May 18
The Grande Prairie Singers present “Forces of Nature” at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 18, at Flossmoor Community Church. This season-ending concert features a wide variety of music, including “Singin’ in the Rain,” “All Through the Night,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and selections from Mendelssohn's Elijah. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and $10 for students. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for more info or tickets.

Announcements for March 16

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, March 17, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.

The Observance of a Holy Lent
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. “Lent for Dummies,” a guide to the observance of Lent, is available on the information tables. Various resources for daily prayer and reflection are also available. It’s not too late to take up a Lenten discipline.

Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series takes place on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. A flyer with more information on this year’s class is available on the information tables. This week’s class will look at expansive language and imagery in the Eucharist. Underlying all of the classes will be the study of how and why we worship as a community.

Loaves and Fishes This Sunday, March 16
Everyone is invited to brunch this Sunday, March 16, following the 10:00 a.m. service. The main dish is ham. If you can, bring a side dish. All are welcome; please come!

Lenten Fish Fry – April 4
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillmon will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place.

Learn About Episcopal Summer Camp
Did you know that the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago offers a summer camp program for kids? In 2014 three different one-week programs will be offered, open to kids ages 7 – 17. Deacon Mike Bond will be at St. John’s during coffee hour on March 30 with information on camp. You can also read more about it here.

Announcements for March 9

The Observance of a Holy Lent
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. “Lent for Dummies,” a guide to the observance of Lent, is available on the information tables. Various resources for daily prayer and reflection are also available.

Lent Study Series: Enriching our Worship
The Lent study series begins Wednesday evening, March 12. Classes meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the church. A flyer with more information on this year’s class is available on the information tables. Dent Davidson and Vicky Garvey from the Diocesan staff will lead two of the sessions as we explore many of the supplemental liturgical materials available for our common worship. Underlying all of the classes will be the study of how and why we worship as a community.

Daylight Saving Time Begins This Sunday
This Sunday, March 9, remember to set your clocks one hour forward.

High School Youth Group Meets This Sunday
The high school youth group will meet this Sunday, March 9, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Wear comfortable clothes for physical activity. As always, your friends are welcome. Questions? Call or text Dee McManamy. Yes, there will be snacks.

Loaves and Fishes Next Sunday, March 16
Everyone is invited to brunch next Sunday, March 16, following the 10:00 a.m. service.

Lenten Fish Fry – April 4
Once again this year the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is offering a traditional Lenten Friday fish fry on April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Smiley Tillman will be back to perform the blues during the dinner. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Please call the parish office at 708-798-4150 by April 1 to reserve your place.

Gospel Concert March 9 
Grande Prairie Singers present “I Remember When the Stars Fell,” featuring music of the era of slavery in our country, 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 9, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Selections include “This Little Light of Mine,” “Deep River,” “My Lord, What a Morning,” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Don't miss this inspiring concert! See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.

Announcements for November 10

Stewardship: Annual Pledge Campaign
This year you received three pledge cards: one for your pledge of financial support, one to pledge time and talent to programs and ministries at St. John’s, and one to pledge your efforts to outreach ministries. Please prayerfully consider what you can offer. Pledge Sunday is November 24. You may offer your pledge cards during worship on that day or return them to the parish office at any time before November 24.

Loaves & Fishes This Sunday
Following the 10:00 a.m. service this Sunday, November 10, Loaves and Fishes is offering the traditional turkey and dressing brunch. Everyone is invited! If you can, bring a side or dessert to share. If it is not convenient to bring a dish, you are still welcome to share the feast and fellowship.

Parish Dinner Groups Sign Up Ends This Sunday
Sunday, November 10, 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 Orr. Please turn in your forms to Gale, Pastor Orr or the Parish office.

Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
Cathedral Shelter is one of the Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of Chicago. It provides a wide range of services to homeless individuals and families and to people struggling with addiction. The Christmas Basket program provides gifts to families and seniors who otherwise would not be able to afford them. Information is available in the undercroft on how you can help by adopting a senior or a family.

Coffee Hour Contributions
Thank you to all who have contributed over the last two weeks to support coffee hour expenses. In the weeks and months ahead please continue to be mindful of the need to support this ministry.

Holiday Cookie Walk
St. John’s annual Holiday Cookie Walk is December 7. Most of the money raised at the Cookie Walk goes to benefit local outreach and service agencies. Please say “yes” when we ask you to bake.

Blue Jeans Sunday – November 24
Help out with fall clean up of our parish grounds. Wear your gardening clothes to church Sunday, November 24, and stay a little while after church to do landscape work.

Announcements for November 3

Stewardship: Annual Pledge Drive 
The mission and ministry of St. John’s depend upon your financial support and participation. Pledge cards can be returned to the parish office at any time or you will have the opportunity to offer them within worship on Sunday, November 24.

All Saints Open House at the Rectory
Everyone is invited to the annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory this Sunday, November 3, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

High School Youth Group
The high school youth group meets this Sunday, November 3, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
 
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2013-2014 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 10. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. Please join us even if you are not a “couple” or you can’t host a dinner in your home. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.

Loaves & Fishes Next Sunday
Everyone is invited to stay for brunch following the 10:00 a.m. service next Sunday, November 10. More details in next week’s e-vangelist.

Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will meet Monday, November 4, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. All knitters and crocheters are welcome.

Blue Jeans Sunday – November 24
Help out with fall clean up of our parish grounds. Wear your gardening clothes to church Sunday, November 24, and stay a little while after church to do landscape work.

Daylight Saving Time Ends
Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 3. Remember to set your clocks back one hour.

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.