Announcements for February 17th

Fleece Blanket Donation

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Monday, February 25th at 6:30pm in the undercroft.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring a sharp scissors and a ruler. We will be working with the fleece that was donated and if anyone had fleece purchased for this project we would appreciate your bringing it that evening.   Please contact Marilyn Kromer, Bev Keene, or Shirley Reilly with any questions.  Thank you.

Respond Now Needs Men’s Gloves!

Respond Now is asking for St. John’s help in collecting men’s gloves for this winter season. Any winter articles would be appreciated (hats, scarves, gloves, coats), but they have completely run out of men’s gloves to give out. Donations can be placed in the boxes at the top of the stairs to the undercroft.

Newcomer’s Reception – Friday, February 16^th at the Rectory, 5:00 p.m.

St. John’s Table – Sunday, February 24^th at 5:00 p.m.

The early church worshipped around the table, around a meal that we have ritualized into the modern mass. Join us as we reclaim an ancient form of worship, as we gather around the table and together seek the spirit’s movement in our own time and in our own community. Come to the Table!

Lector Training

There will be a Lector training session right after the 10 a.m. mass on Sunday, February 24. It shouldn’t last much more than 15 minutes. We have had a lot of changes and all lectors need to be informed of the tweaks in the ‘choreography.’ If you didn’t make the one last Saturday, please plan to attend this one. If you can’t make it, or no longer want to be a lector, please let me know. Thanks. Bill Moser.

TV Needed

The new Resource Room needs a 55-to-65-inch flat-screen television that can be mounted on the wall. It should have the capacity to connect to a laptop in order to run videos and Power Point presentations. Do you have such a TV in good condition that you can donate, or are you interested in donating a new one? If so, please contact Fr. Jeremy.

 “Recognizing Hate,” Event in Homewood

The SouthWest Interfaith Team (SWIFT), of which St. John’s is a member, was invited to attend an event put on by the South Suburban Housing Center concerning hate crimes, how to recognize them, and how to address them. The event will be at the Irwin Community Center in Homewood on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 6pm to 8pm. If you have any questions please talk to or email Bryan Burke.

SWIFT Speakers’ Forum, March 17 at St. John’s

St. John’s will be hosting the South West Interfaith Team’s (SWIFT) Spring Speakers’ Forum on Sunday, March 17. The topic is “Environmental Stewardship in Our Faiths” and will feature a Christian, Jewish, and Muslim speaker who will present the perspective of each faith on our responsibility to God’s creation. Registration starts at 2:30pm with the forum running from 3:00pm to 5:00pm with a Q&A following that. Those who cannot stay for the Q&A are free to not attend. There will be snacks and light refreshments throughout. If you have any questions please talk to or email Bryan Burke or Rob McManamy.

Daughters of the King meeting Saturday 9:30-11:00am in the Guild Room.

All women of the Parish are welcome.  We will be discussing our Lenten activities and planning for the Diocesan Meeting onApril 6th.  We will also continue with the study: The Quest; An Excursion Toward Intimacy with God.

Announcements for February 10th

Fleece Blanket Donation

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides fleece blankets to all children with whom they conduct sensitive interviews.  At this time they are running out of blankets.  We will be putting together blankets on Monday, February 25th at 6:30pm in the undercroft.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring a sharp scissors and a ruler. We will be working with the fleece that was donated and if anyone had fleece purchased for this project we would appreciate your bringing it that evening.   Please contact Marilyn Kromer, Bev Keene or Shirley Reilly with any questions.  Thank you.

Respond Now Needs Men’s Gloves!

Respond Now is asking for St. John’s help in collecting men’s gloves for this winter season. Any winter articles would be appreciated (hats, scarves, gloves, coats), but they have completely run out of men’s gloves to give out. Donations can be placed in the boxes at the top of the stairs to the undercroft.

St. John’s Table – Sunday, February 10^th and 24^th at 5:00 p.m.

The early church worshipped around the table, around a meal that we have ritualized into the modern mass. Join us as we reclaim an ancient form of worship, as we gather around the table and together seek the spirit’s movement in our own time and in our own community. Come to the Table!

Lector Training

There will be a Lector training session right after the 10 a.m. mass on Sunday, February 24. It shouldn’t last much more than 15 minutes. We have had a lot of changes and all lectors need to be informed of the tweaks in the ‘choreography.’ If you didn’t make the one last Saturday, please plan to attend this one. If you can’t make it, or no longer want to be a lector, please let me know. Thanks. Bill Moser.

TV Needed

The new Resource Room needs a 55-to-65-inch flat-screen television that can be mounted on the wall. It should have the capacity to connect to a laptop in order to run videos and Power Point presentations. Do you have such a TV in good condition that you can donate, or are you interested in donating a new one? If so, please contact Fr. Jeremy.

Newcomer’s Reception – Friday, February 16^th at the Rectory, 5:00 p.m.

Announcements for February 3rd

Yarn Ministry—Meeting Monday, February 4th at 7:00 PM in the Guild room.

Respond Now Needs Men’s Gloves!

Respond Now is asking for St. John’s help in collecting men’s gloves for this winter season. Any winter articles would be appreciated (hats, scarves, gloves, coats), but they have completely run out of men’s gloves to give out. Donations can be placed in the boxes at the top of the stairs to the undercroft.

18^th Annual Episcopal Men’s Pre-Lenten Retreat – Letting Faith Find You

The Annual Retreat will take place from Friday, February 8^th – Saturday, February 9^th at the Dekoven Center (600 21^st Street, Racine, Wisconsin). The Rev. Christopher Powell has agreed to serve as the Retreat Leader, where attendees will have opportunities to participate in small- and large-group discussions on important issues, as well as share fellowship with other men in worship. Flyers with additional information and registration forms will be available in the undercroft. Do not wait to register! Available spots are on a “first come, first registered” basis, and the registration post mark date will be used to determine if room is available.

  

Adult Server Training

There will be a training/refresher for Greeters and Ushers on Saturday, February 2^nd  from 9:00-11:00 am. This is a combined training as both ministries work together at the beginning of the service. Please plan on attending and notify Pat Smith-Huntoon if you are unable to attend and need to set up an alternative time. Additionally, there will be training for Lectors immediately following at 11:00 am. Contact Bill Moser for more information.

TV Needed

The new Resource Room needs a 55-to-65-inch flat-screen television that can be mounted on the wall. It should have the capacity to connect to a laptop in order to run videos and Power Point presentations. Do you have such a TV in good condition that you can donate, or are you interested in donating a new one? If so, please contact Fr. Jeremy.

St. John’s Table – Sunday, February 10^th and 24^th at 5:00 p.m.

The early church worshipped around the table, around a meal that we have ritualized into the modern mass. Join us as we reclaim an ancient form of worship, as we gather around the table and together seek the spirit’s movement in our own time and in our own community. Come to the Table!

Newcomer’s Reception – Friday, February 16^th at the Rectory, 5:00 p.m.

Announcements for January 27th

Yarn Ministry—Meeting Monday, February 4th at 7:00 PM in the Guild room.

Respond Now Needs Men’s Gloves!

Respond Now is asking for St. John’s help in collecting men’s gloves for this winter season. Any winter articles would be appreciated (hats, scarves, gloves, coats), but they have completely run out of men’s gloves to give out. Donations can be placed in the boxes at the top of the stairs to the undercroft.

18^th Annual Episcopal Men’s Pre-Lenten Retreat – Letting Faith Find You

The Annual Retreat will take place from Friday, February 8^th – Saturday, February 9^th at the Dekoven Center (600 21^st Street, Racine, Wisconsin). The Rev. Christopher Powell has agreed to serve as the Retreat Leader, where attendees will have opportunities to participate in small- and large-group discussions on important issues, as well as share fellowship with other men in worship. Flyers with additional information and registration forms will be available in the undercroft. Do not wait to register! Available spots are on a “first come, first registered” basis, and the registration post mark date will be used to determine if room is available.

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.

Adult Server Training

There will be a training/refresher for Greeters and Ushers on Saturday, February 2^nd  from 9:00-11:00 am. This is a combined training as both ministries work together at the beginning of the service. Please plan on attending and notify Pat Smith-Huntoon if you are unable to attend and need to set up an alternative time. Additionally, there will be training for Lectors immediately following at 11:00 am. Contact Bill Moser for more information.

TV Needed

The new Resource Room needs a 55-to-65-inch flat-screen television that can be mounted on the wall. It should have the capacity to connect to a laptop in order to run videos and Power Point presentations. Do you have such a TV in good condition that you can donate, or are you interested in donating a new one? If so, please contact Fr. Jeremy.

Announcements for January 28th

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will take place Saturday, January 20^th at 5 p.m. at the VanSwol residence. Contact Mary VanSwol if you are interested in attending.

Contribution Envelopes

2018 Contribution envelopes will be available in the undercroft.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In February, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Silence by Shusaku Endo, a novel about the persecution of Christians in 17th century Japan, told from the point-of-view of a Jesuit missionary. The book club will meet onThursday, February 22 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Yarn Ministry – will meet February 12^th instead of February 5^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.

Have a Heart! Show the Love!

Please take time to stop by the valentine table in the undercroft during the next two weeks to write a short message to our college freshmen.  By now, the shiny has probably worn off the gee-whiz-I’m-at-college feeling, and with these kids all at Midwestern schools, they might be feeling the soul-sapping effects of scarce sunlight and gracious plenty wind and snow.  Let’s lift them up with some goofy mail!  You’ll find all you need to write a simple message in the spirit of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of young people.  Many thanks to Nichole Dailor for this great idea!  If you know a college freshman who would enjoy this, please contact Dee McManamy, and we’ll happily add him/her to the mailing list!

Honor Roll!

Several students from St. John’s made the honor roll at HF. In order to achieve High Honors, the student must take at least five classes and receive all A’s; Honors is achieved through taking at least five classes and receiving at least two A’s, but no less than a B for all classes. Congratulations to Benjamin Turnquest and Madeline Moxley for achieving High Honors, and to Alex Barrera, Ethan Eisenberg, John Pohrte, and Alexandra VanVoorhees for achieving Honors! Keep up the good work, everyone!

Announcements for January 21st

Center for Independence Meeting Dates

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018, FOLLOWING THE 10:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE:

St. John’s annual meeting, which will include as an agenda item a vote on space utilization by the Center for Independence through Conductive Education.

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will take place Saturday, January 20^th at 5 p.m. at the VanSwol residence. Contact Mary VanSwol if you are interested in attending.

Contribution Envelopes

2018 Contribution envelopes will be available in the undercroft.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In February, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Silence by Shusaku Endo, a novel about the persecution of Christians in 17th century Japan, told from the point-of-view of a Jesuit missionary. The book club will meet onThursday, February 22 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

2018 Annual Meeting

Well, it almost that “Favorite Time of the Year” for Episcopalians---THE ANNUAL MEETING. This year our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday January 21, 2018, after the 10 am Eucharist. As we prepare, there will be a couple of changes that we want to make you aware of. It has been my custom, on the day of the Annual Meeting, to replace the Sermon with the Rector’s Address. In addition, this year we will not print all the various reports from committees and ministries. The reason for this is to save trees; we are trying to be good Stewards of God’s Creation. We will publish and post them. If any of the heads of committees and ministries wish to, they can deliver a verbal report. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at any time.

Peace and All Good,

Fr. Mike

Announcements for January 14th

Center for Independence Meeting Dates

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2018, FOLLOWING THE 10:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE:

There will be an open meeting between Fr. Mike, the Vestry and the congregation to discuss space utilization and the possibility of the Center for Independence through Conductive Education occupying space at St, John.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018, FOLLOWING THE 10:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE:

St. John’s annual meeting, which will include as an agenda item a vote on space utilization by the Center for Independence through Conductive Education.

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Vestry Nominating Committee

The Vestry has approved Cynthia Turnquest, Alice Creason , and Shirley Reilly to serve as the nominating committee for our new 2018 Vestry members.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will take place Saturday, January 20^th at 5 p.m. at the VanSwol residence. Contact Mary VanSwol if you are interested in attending.

Outdoor Altar Tiles

Parishioners or visitors can still donate and receive an original outdoor altar tile from around the Columbarium. For more information, feel free to contact Steve Hofer if you are interested. Available tiles are still on display down in the undercroft.

Contribution Envelopes

2018 Contribution envelopes will be available in the undercroft.

2018 Annual Meeting

Well, it almost that “Favorite Time of the Year” for Episcopalians---THE ANNUAL MEETING. This year our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday January 21, 2018, after the 10 am Eucharist. As we prepare, there will be a couple of changes that we want to make you aware. It has been my custom, on the day of the Annual Meeting, to replace the Sermon with the Rector’s Address. In addition, this year we will not print all the various reports from committees and ministries. The reason for this is to save trees; we are trying to be good Stewards of God’s Creation. We will publish and post them. If any of the heads of committees and ministries wish to, they can deliver a verbal report. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at any time.

Peace and All Good,

Fr. Mike

Announcements for January 7th

Center for Independence Meeting Dates

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018, FOLLOWING THE 8:00 AM AND 10:00 AM SERVICES:

Representatives from the Center for Independence through Conductive Education will present information on their program and provide opportunity for the congregation to ask questions.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2018, FOLLOWING THE 10:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE:

There will be an open meeting between Fr. Mike, the Vestry and the congregation to discuss space utilization and the possibility of the Center for Independence through Conductive Education occupying space at St, John.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018, FOLLOWING THE 10:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE:

St. John’s annual meeting, which will include as an agenda item a vote on space utilization by the Center for Independence through Conductive Education.

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Contribution Envelopes

2018 Contribution envelopes will be available in the undercroft.

Vestry Nominating Committee

The Vestry has approved Cynthia Turnquest, Alice Creason , and Shirley Reilly to serve as the nominating committee for our new 2018 Vestry members.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Outdoor Altar Tiles

Parishioners or visitors can still donate and receive an original outdoor altar tile from around the Columbarium. For more information, feel free to contact Steve Hofer if you are interested. Available tiles are still on display down in the undercroft.

2018 Annual Meeting

Well, it almost that “Favorite Time of the Year” for Episcopalians---THE ANNUAL MEETING. This year our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday January 21, 2018, after the 10 am Eucharist. As we prepare, there will be a couple of changes that we want to make you aware. It has been my custom, on the day of the Annual Meeting, to replace the Sermon with the Rector’s Address. In addition, this year we will not print all the various reports from committees and ministries. The reason for this is to save trees; we are trying to be good Stewards of God’s Creation. We will publish and post them. If any of the heads of committees and ministries wish to, they can deliver a verbal report. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at any time.

Peace and All Good,

Fr. Mike

Announcements for December 31st

Center for Independence Update

On Monday night members of the vestry attended the Flossmoor Village Trustees meeting. The purpose of our attendance was to ask the village to reinstate the “Special Use” Zoning exception that had expired a couple of years ago. The Trustees agreed to grant the exception unanimously.  Also, the Trustees thanked the church for being such a good institution for the village. They were very appreciative of our efforts to help the people of Flossmoor and the surrounding area. Now that we have the “Special Use Exception” in place the vestry can begin our exploratory conversations with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education. For more information please contact the vestry, or go to The Center’s web site at: http://www.center-for-independence.org

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Vestry Nominating Committee

The Vestry has approved Cynthia Turnquest, Alice Creason , and Shirley Reilly to serve as the nominating committee for our new 2018 Vestry members.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Outdoor Altar Tiles

Parishioners or visitors can still donate and receive an original outdoor altar tile from around the Columbarium. For more information, feel free to contact Steve Hofer if you are interested. Available tiles are still on display down in the undercroft.

From Alison Deniston

A very heartfelt thank you to all who participated in this year’s cookie walk. We would not have been successful without you baking, working, and shopping. Our profits were over $2,800 this year!

Announcements for December 24th

Center for Independence Update

On Monday night members of the vestry attended the Flossmoor Village Trustees meeting. The purpose of our attendance was to ask the village to reinstate the “Special Use” Zoning exception that had expired a couple of years ago. The Trustees agreed to grant the exception unanimously.  Also, the Trustees thanked the church for being such a good institution for the village. They were very appreciative of our efforts to help the people of Flossmoor and the surrounding area. Now that we have the “Special Use Exception” in place the vestry can begin our exploratory conversations with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education. For more information please contact the vestry, or go to The Center’s web site at: http://www.center-for-independence.org

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Outdoor Altar Tiles

Parishioners or visitors can still donate and receive an original outdoor altar tile from around the Columbarium. For more information, feel free to contact Steve Hofer if you are interested. Available tiles are still on display down in the undercroft.

Vestry Nominating Committee

The Vestry has approved Cynthia Turnquest, Alice Creason , and Shirley Reilly to serve as the nominating committee for our new 2018 Vestry members.

St. John’s Christmas Eve Pageant

Our Christmas Eve Mass will have a pageant! We will be using the book by Nikki Grimes, “Voices of Christmas” as our guide. There is still time to join the fun; we will meet after the 9:00 service this Sunday (12/24) to pick out/organize our props in the Adult Formation room. We will then meet back in that room at 4:40 pm to check in before the start of the service. Children of all ages are welcome; this is an opportunity for anyone who ever wanted to be in the pageant but never was brave enough to raise their hand or did not have a Christmas Pageant at their home church when they were younger.

From Alison Deniston

A very heartfelt thank you to all who participated in this year’s cookie walk. We would not have been successful without you baking, working, and shopping. Our profits were over $2,800 this year!

Announcements for December 17th

Center for Independence Update

On Monday night members of the vestry attended the Flossmoor Village Trustees meeting. The purpose of our attendance was to ask the village to reinstate the “Special Use” Zoning exception that had expired a couple of years ago. The Trustees agreed to grant the exception unanimously.  Also, the Trustees thanked the church for being such a good institution for the village. They were very appreciative of our efforts to help the people of Flossmoor and the surrounding area. Now that we have the “Special Use Exception” in place the vestry can begin our exploratory conversations with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education. For more information please contact the vestry, or go to The Center’s web site at: http://www.center-for-independence.org

St. John’s Christmas Eve Pageant

Our Christmas Eve Mass will have a pageant! We will be using the book by Nikki Grimes, “Voices of Christmas” as our guide. Children of all ages are welcome. This is an opportunity for anyone ever wanted to be in the pageant but never was brave enough to raise their hand or did not have a Christmas Pageant at their home church when they were younger. We will meet briefly this Sunday after church to get organized. Please let Pat Smith-Huntoon know if you are interested. You can just show up to the meeting this Sunday, call or text her, or email her. 

Pledge Sunday – December 17^th. Please remember to bring your completed pledge cards with you this Sunday.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Outdoor Altar Tiles

Parishioners or visitors can still donate and receive an original outdoor altar tile from around the Columbarium. For more information, feel free to contact Steve Hofer if you are interested. Available tiles are still on display down in the undercroft.

Vestry Nominating Committee

The Vestry has approved Cynthia Turnquest, Alice Creason , and Shirley Reilly to serve as the nominating committee for our new 2018 Vestry members.

Announcements for December 10th

A Note from Fr. Mike

My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? In a few days we will begin a new Liturgical Year on the First Sunday of Advent—a time of preparing ourselves, not just with presents, trees, and food, but internally as we celebrate The Word of God made real in flesh and bone—God becomes one of us! A miracle, a gift, and the food of Eternal Life.

This year, December 24^th is not only Christmas Eve but also the Fourth Sunday of Advent, so we need to tweak things a bit. Liturgically, Christmas Eve begins at sundown on the 24th. So…this year we can gather at 9:00am for a Eucharist (without music) to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. At 5:00pm we will gather for a Family Eucharist with Choir and a Pageant (still working on details). On Christmas Day we will again gather at 10:00am in celebration with hymns. There will not be a 10:00 pm Eucharist.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at any time. Let us all prepare well for the coming of Jesus into our lives.
                                                                                                                     
Peace and All Good,

Fr. Mike

Center for Independence Update

On Monday night members of the vestry attended the Flossmoor Village Trustees meeting. The purpose of our attendance was to ask the village to reinstate the “Special Use” Zoning exception that had expired a couple of years ago. The Trustees agreed to grant the exception unanimously.  Also, the Trustees thanked the church for being such a good institution for the village. They were very appreciative of our efforts to help the people of Flossmoor and the surrounding area. Now that we have the “Special Use Exception” in place the vestry can begin our exploratory conversations with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education. For more information please contact the vestry, or go to The Center’s web site at: http://www.center-for-independence.org

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Outdoor Altar Tiles

Parishioners or visitors can still donate and receive an original outdoor altar tile from around the Columbarium. For more information, feel free to contact Steve Hofer if you are interested. Available tiles are still on display down in the undercroft.

Vestry Nominating Committee

The Vestry has approved Cynthia Turnquest, Alice Creason , and Shirley Reilly to serve as the nominating committee for our new 2018 Vestry members.

Announcements for December 3rd

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Small Group Surveys

Please take a few minutes and fill out the small group availability form located in the Sunday leaflet.  Each small group will last for approximately 90 minutes. You can place the form in the offering plate or give it to a search committee member.

Cookie Walk – December 2^nd

Get out your baking supplies and whip up a few batches of homemade goodies because St. John’s will be having its annual Cookie Walk on December 2^nd from 9:00-11:30 a.m.! Please bring the cookies and candies to the undercroft on Friday, December 1^st between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and sign in so we know who to thank. If you aren’t baking this year, you can contact Alison Deniston to help out with set up or cleanup of the undercroft.

Outdoor Altar Tiles

During the cookie walk, there will be an opportunity for parishioners and visitors to donate and receive an original outdoor altar tile from around the Columbarium.

Announcements for November 26th

The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education

The Vestry of St. John’s has begun a preliminary conversation with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education, a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation dedicated to helping people with motor disorders. This includes people of all ages with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and other motor dysfunction like stroke victims. This past summer the Center offered a 4 week “summer camp” for the first time in the Homewood / Flossmoor area. As a result, these preliminary conversations began after The Center for Independence approached St. John’s as they began looking for a location in the area that would best fit their needs. We would like our members to join us in exploring whether or not this program would be a good fit for St. John’s and our outreach within our greater community. We look forward to having more conversations about the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education in the coming months. If you would like more information about this conversation, please contact a vestry member and look for announcements regarding future meetings. Your input is anticipated and appreciated by the Vestry. They have a wonderful website where you can get more information on their program and services. www.center-for-independence.org.

  

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Christmas Basket Program

Just a reminder that this year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Small Group Surveys

Please take a few minutes and fill out the small group availability form located in the Sunday leaflet.  Each small group will last for approximately 90 minutes. You can place the form in the offering plate or give it to a search committee member.

Cookie Walk – December 2^nd

Get out your baking supplies and whip up a few batches of homemade goodies because St. John’s will be having its annual Cookie Walk on December 2^nd from 9:00-11:30 a.m.! Please bring the cookies and candies to the undercroft on Friday, December 1^st between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and sign in so we know who to thank. If you aren’t baking this year, you can contact Alison Deniston to help out with set up or cleanup of the undercroft.

Announcements for November 19th

The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education

The Vestry of St. John’s has begun a preliminary conversation with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education, a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation dedicated to helping people with motor disorders. This includes people of all ages with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and other motor dysfunction like stroke victims. This past summer the Center offered a 4 week “summer camp” for the first time in the Homewood / Flossmoor area. As a result, these preliminary conversations began after The Center for Independence approached St. John’s as they began looking for a location in the area that would best fit their needs. We would like our members to join us in exploring whether or not this program would be a good fit for St. John’s and our outreach within our greater community. We look forward to having more conversations about the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education in the coming months. If you would like more information about this conversation, please contact a vestry member and look for announcements regarding future meetings. Your input is anticipated and appreciated by the Vestry. They have a wonderful website where you can get more information on their program and services. www.center-for-independence.org.

Thanksgiving Day Service —November 23^rd at 10:00 am. Lector is Andrea Barrera. LEM is Kristy Petersen.

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Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Christmas Basket Program

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Sign-up sheets and family packets are available in the undercroft. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Small Group Surveys

Please take a few minutes and fill out the small group availability form located in the Sunday leaflet.  Each small group will last for approximately 90 minutes. You can place the form in the offering plate or give it to a search committee member.

Lynn Ruschhaupt would like to add a thank you to the landscaping crew that worked on the front and back yards of the Rectory. Their hard work is much appreciated in helping us keep our grounds looking their best!

Announcements for November 12th

The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education

The Vestry of St. John’s has begun a preliminary conversation with The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education, a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation dedicated to helping people with motor disorders. This includes people of all ages with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and other motor dysfunction like stroke victims. This past summer the Center offered a 4 week “summer camp” for the first time in the Homewood / Flossmoor area. As a result, these preliminary conversations began after The Center for Independence approached St. John’s as they began looking for a location in the area that would best fit their needs. We would like our members to join us in exploring whether or not this program would be a good fit for St. John’s and our outreach within our greater community. We look forward to having more conversations about the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education in the coming months. If you would like more information about this conversation, please contact a vestry member and look for announcements regarding future meetings. Your input is anticipated and appreciated by the Vestry. They have a wonderful website where you can get more information on their program and services. www.center-for-independence.org.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

This month the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O'Connor, a collection of short stories written in the final decade of her life. The book club will meet on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and travel-size are needed.

Halloween Candy

Please donate your individually wrapped leftover Halloween candy for residents of the Manteno Veterans’ Home. There is a collection box between the staircases, and the collection will continue through Wednesday, November 15^th.

Christmas Basket Program

St. John’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing’s Christmas Basket Program. We are asking parishioners and church organizations to please volunteer and sponsor a family to provide them with a merry and memorable Christmas. Sign-up sheets and family packets are available in the undercroft. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

NOV. 12 - Annual SWIFT Inter-Faith Mixer/Dinner in Orland Park

Meet, greet and break bread with open-hearted members of other faiths next month at the annual SouthWest InterFaith Team (SWIFT) dinner, Sunday, November 12, at Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park. The traditional format of this fun event is to seat fellow SWIFT members at each table from all three Abrahamic faiths. The simple idea is to help promote dialogue and fellowship in a casual and communal setting ("Mohammed, please pass the butter?"). The Church is located at 151^st St & 80^th Ave., and doors open at 5:30 pm. The dinner runs from 6 pm—8 pm and tickets are $20 apiece. Please make checks payable to St. John's, and reserve your seat by Nov. 3. For more information, please contact our SWIFT ambassadors, Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke.

Parish Dinner Groups

Sign up for the 2018 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 12, 2017. 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.

Bible Study/Fellowship Group

This Bible study group will meet at members' houses for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mary VanSwol, and state whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced closer to the date.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.

Small Group Surveys

Please take a few minutes and fill out the small group availability form located in the Sunday leaflet.  Each small group will last for approximately 90 minutes. You can place the form in the offering plate or give it to a search committee member.