Flower Fundraiser

A wonderful opportunity awaits you as flowers (annuals only), vegetables, and herbs are for sale at St. John’s!  Make your gardens beautiful while helping our Parish.  The plants will be sold by the flats only and cost $15.00 each (money due upon pick-up). You must order by Sunday, April 29th. The pick-up will be Saturday May 12, between 9am and noon at St. John’s.  When you complete your order form, please give it to Bev Keene or Shirley Reilly.  Proceeds from the flower sale will be used towards the rectory renovations. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Reilly. 

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.

Save the Date

On April 22nd, there will be an open house at the rectory after the 8:00 AM service AND after the 10:00 AM service. The last updates were made before Fr. Vanderslice moved in. Come and see the rectory now and learn about the updates we plan before our new rector moves in. Yes, there will be snacks!

A Note from Stewart Scott

Many of you remember Bob and Marty Christopher, dedicated members of St. John’s from the early 80s through the late 90s.  In his retirement, Bob wrote eight books, seven novels and his autobiography.  All the books reflect Bob’s strong faith. These books are now in the St. John’s library.  I have read all of his books.  Bob has been a brother in Christ, a business client, and a good friend since we first met on the steps of St. John’s in 1981.

Please check out one of his books. They are in the undercroft on the library bookshelves.

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!

BLUEGRASS CONCERT MAY 20!

Grande Prairie Singers present a bluegrass concert at 4 pm, Sunday, May 20, at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. Down-home music complete with terrific bluegrass musicians. For info or tickets, see Michael Soto or Betsy Elliot.

Bible Study

The evening Bible Study and dinner group will meet Sunday, April 29 at 5 pm at the VanSwol residence. Contact Mary if you plan to attend.

Announcements for April 15th

Flower Fundraiser

A wonderful opportunity awaits you as flowers (annuals only), vegetables, and herbs are for sale at St. John’s!  Make your gardens beautiful while helping our Parish.  The plants will be sold by the flats only and cost $15.00 each (money due upon pick-up). You must order by Sunday, April 29th. The pick-up will be Saturday May 12, between 9am and noon at St. John’s.  When you complete your order form, please give it to Bev Keene or Shirley Reilly.  Proceeds from the flower sale will be used towards the rectory renovations. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Reilly 708-305-2540. 

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.

Save the Date

On April 22nd, there will be an open house at the rectory after the 8:00 AM service AND after the 10:00 AM service. The last updates were made before Fr. Vanderslice moved in. Come and see the rectory now and learn about the updates we plan before our new rector moves in. Yes, there will be snacks!

A Note from Stewart Scott

Many of you remember Bob and Marty Christopher, dedicated members of St. John’s from the early 80s through the late 90s.  In his retirement, Bob wrote eight books, seven novels and his autobiography.  All the books reflect Bob’s strong faith. These books are now in the St. John’s library.  I have read all of his books.  Bob has been a brother in Christ, a business client, and a good friend since we first met on the steps of St. John’s in 1981.

Please check out one of his books. They are in the undercroft on the library bookshelves.

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!

BLUEGRASS CONCERT MAY 20!

Grande Prairie Singers present a bluegrass concert at 4 pm, Sunday, May 20, at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. Down-home music complete with terrific bluegrass musicians. For info or tickets, see Michael Soto or Betsy Elliot.

Announcements for April 8th

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.

Center for Independence Update

St. John and the Center for Independence have mutually agreed to move forward with our space usage agreement. It will begin with their Summer Program, which will run from April thru July 2018. We felt this would serve as a good first step towards a possible long term agreement. We will keep the parish informed of future developments.

Save the Date

On April 22nd, there will be an open house at the rectory after the 8:00 AM service AND after the 10:00 AM service. The last updates were made before Fr. Vanderslice moved in. Come and see the rectory now and learn about the updates we plan before our new rector moves in. Yes, there will be snacks!

A Note from Stewart Scott

Many of you remember Bob and Marty Christopher, dedicated members of St. John’s from the early 80s through the late 90s.  In his retirement, Bob wrote eight books, seven novels and his autobiography.  All the books reflect Bob’s strong faith. These books are now in the St. John’s library.  I have read all of his books.  Bob has been a brother in Christ, a business client, and a good friend since we first met on the steps of St. John’s in 1981.

Please check out one of his books. They are in the undercroft on the library bookshelves.

Announcements for March 13

Daylight Saving Time Begins THIS Sunday, March 13
Please remember to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday.

Fish Fry Reservations Due by Tuesday
The 8th annual Lenten Fish Fry is coming March 18. Blues musician Smiley Tillmon will provide entertainment. Dinner will be served 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 this Tuesday, March 15, to make your reservations.

Palm Sunday is Next 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.

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: Guest Speaker Rabbi Harari
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent is looking at the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning at 7:00 PM in the church. This Wednesday we’re excited to welcome Rabbi Carmit Harari to discuss the use of the psalms in Jewish worship.

Grande Prairie Singers Concert This Sunday
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.

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.