Announcements for November 5th

United Thank Offering

The collection for the United Thank Offering (UTO) will be this Sunday, November 5, 2017. Please bring your UTO boxes, or you may save your box and transfer your gift to an envelope marked UTO. If you prefer to write a check, make the check payable to St. John’s and reference UTO on the MEMO line. Thank you all for supporting this wonderful outreach ministry

Respond Now

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

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!

Blue Jean Yard Clean Up – Will meet Sunday, November 12^th.

Yarn Ministry – Will meet Monday, November 6th in the Guild room at 7 PM.

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 are available in the undercroft, so please start selecting the families you wish to sponsor. If you’ve selected a family, packets can be picked up in the church office. 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.

Thanks to everyone who took the Church Assessment Tool, or CAT survey. This Sunday (Nov 5), at 9:00 am in the adult education wing, the search committee will present the top level findings from the survey. Please come join the conversation and hear about what's next - the small group discussions. Sign up will begin on the 5th for the small groups, which take what we learned from the CAT and add greater detail to it. 

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.

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.

Wednesday Update

The Wednesday Eucharists will begin this coming week, November 8^th, at 9 am. Then, at 10 am, 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.

Announcements for October 29th

United Thank Offering – IT’S EASY!

Notice the good things that happen each day? Give thanks to God for your Blessings and make an offering for each Blessing. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar offered in thanks through the United Thank Offering (UTO) is given to God’s mission in the world.  Every coin and bill transforms Lives in the United States and around the world. Turn your gratitude for your blessings into blessings for others.

Respond Now

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

Blue Jean Yard Clean Up – Will meet Sunday, November 12^th.

Yarn Ministry – Will meet Monday, November 6th in the Guild room at 7 PM.

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 are available in the undercroft, so please start selecting the families you wish to sponsor. 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.

Fr. Jim Caldwell’s last Sunday with us will be October 29.

There will be a celebration of his ministry among us in the undercroft after the 10 am service. In gratitude for his service here, the Vestry would like to present him with a purse. If you wish to contribute to this, please place your check or cash (labeled “purse”) in the collection plate at next Sunday’s service.

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!

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.

Thanks to everyone who took the Church Assessment Tool, or CAT survey. Next Sunday (Nov 5), at 9:00 am in the adult education wing, the search committee will present the top level findings from the survey. Please come join the conversation and hear about what's next - the small group discussions. Sign up will begin on the 5th for the small groups, which take what we learned from the CAT and add greater detail to it

Announcements for October 22nd

United Thank Offering – IT’S EASY!

Notice the good things that happen each day? Give thanks to God for your Blessings and make an offering for each Blessing. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar offered in thanks through the United Thank Offering (UTO) is given to God’s mission in the world.  Every coin and bill transforms Lives in the United States and around the world. Turn your gratitude for your blessings into blessings for others.

Respond Now

The Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions are: soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full-size 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 are available in the undercroft, so please start selecting the families you wish to sponsor. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Diocesan Convention

The Vestry has approved the following slate of delegates for the November diocesan convention. They are: Steve Hofer, Sue O’Brien, and Shirley Reilly as delegates, and Gale Michael, Don Rubins, and Doris Sheffer as alternates.

A Robust and Heartfelt THANK YOU!

To the wonderfully generous parishioners of St. John’s!  Your thoughtful, useful, fun and delicious contributions to the college care packages are on their way to six college freshman who—surely—will be delighted by your gift.  Many of you included words of encouragement and/or scripture; we wager those supportive words will strike just the right chord and lift some spirits (or confidence) at just the right time. Good work, St. John’s! 

Fr. Jim Caldwell’s last Sunday with us will be October 29.

There will be a celebration of his ministry among us in the undercroft after the 10 am service. In gratitude for his service here, the Vestry would like to present him with a purse. If you wish to contribute to this, please place your check or cash (labeled “purse”) in the collection plate at next Sunday’s service.

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!

Blue Jean Yard Clean Up – Will meet Sunday, November 12^th.

Announcements for October 15th

College Care Packages

St. John’s Outreach Ministry is sending college freshmen surprise care packages this fall. We’re asking everyone to bring something to contribute to the now 6 young people we’re collecting for. Keep it simple (gum, pencils, Post-it notes)…use your imagination. Stumped? See, text or call Mike Madden or Dee McManamy for suggestions or if you, too, know a college freshman who would like a fun surprise. Boxes will be in the undercroft during coffee hour for the next several Sundays. Remember: Notes of encouragement are always a welcomed addition!

United Thank Offering – IT’S EASY!

Notice the good things that happen each day? Give thanks to God for your Blessings and make an offering for each Blessing. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar offered in thanks through the United Thank Offering (UTO) is given to God’s mission in the world.  Every coin and bill transforms Lives in the United States and around the world. Turn your gratitude for your blessings into blessings for others.

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 will be available shortly, so please start thinking about your individual or your organization’s participation in this worthy project. This year’s deadline for dropping off the Christmas Baskets at St. John’s will be no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Respond Now

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

Announements for October 8th

College Care Packages

St. John’s Outreach Ministry is sending college freshmen surprise care packages this fall. We’re asking everyone to bring something to contribute to the now 6 young people we’re collecting for. Keep it simple (gum, pencils, Post-it notes)…use your imagination. Stumped? See, text or call Mike Madden or Dee McManamy for suggestions or if you, too, know a college freshman who would like a fun surprise. Boxes will be in the undercroft during coffee hour for the next several Sundays. Remember: Notes of encouragement are always a welcomed addition!

  

United Thank Offering – IT’S EASY!

Notice the good things that happen each day? Give thanks to God for your Blessings and make an offering for each Blessing. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar offered in thanks through the United Thank Offering (UTO) is given to God’s mission in the world.  Every coin and bill transforms Lives in the United States and around the world. Turn your gratitude for your blessings into blessings for others.

Announcements for December 4

From the Vestry: Pledge Update 
I would just like to provide a friendly reminder to those still considering a pledge to St. John’s. As of Thursday, the amount pledged increased to $161,868. Again our total estimated budget for 2017 is $230,000. It is still possible to turn in a pledge card, or call or email the Parish office with a pledge amount for 2017. Thanks again to all who give of their time and their funds to our Parish. –Anne Edwards, Senior Warden 

Best Buddies Pet Pantry Seeks Toys 
The Bloom Township food pantry holds a Christmas party for their clients each year. Dale from Best Buddies Pet Pantry attends with dog and cat toys and invites the kids to choose a toy to give their pets for Christmas. If you can donate a new toy, please drop it off in the Best Buddies collection box by the staircases. Of course pet food donations are always welcome as well. Our next re-packaging work day at St. John's is on December 10th at 10 AM, so that's when the toys and food will be picked up. Thanks for your support!

ReVive Center Christmas Baskets 
Thank you and bless you to everyone who so generously (and promptly!) participated in this year’s Christmas Basket program. 37 boxes of gifts are on their way to ReVive Center for Housing and Healing for distribution to seniors and families this Christmas.

St. John’s Fall UTO Ingathering 
St. John’s fall ingathering for the United Thank Offering raised $523.32. This money has been forwarded to the Diocesan ECW to be used towards UTO grants. The UTO call to thankfulness is ongoing. Please continue to use your blue boxes. Another ingathering will be held in the spring.

St. John's Annual Caroling for Canned Goods & Best Cocoa Ever: December 11, 4:00 pm. 
Everyone's invited...bring your friends of all ages! Join church youth in collecting canned goods for Rich Township Food Pantry with our church neighborhood caroling party! Meet in St. J's undercroft at 4pm on December 11th for homemade cocoa (the real McCoy). Bring canned goods to contribute and a wagon, if you have one. Please join us--it's a fun activity and really brings on the Christmas Spirit in a remarkably short time--little more than an hour. Perfect for those who need service hours! Questions or suggestions: Contact Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.

Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 pm at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Selections include “A Boy Was Born” by Benjamin Britten and John Rutter songs such as “Candlelight Carol” and “Shepherd's Pipe Carol.” Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults ($20 at the door), available from Bob Burgwald or Betsy Elliot.

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 October 16

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 17, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club
The Practicing Our Faith Book Club meets on Thursday, October 20, at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room to discuss the novel Jabbok by Kee Sloan. New members are always welcome!

All Souls Day Remembrance
On November 2 the church remembers “that vast body of the faithful” who share in the company of the redeemed with the well-known saints, but are “unknown to the wider fellowship of the church.” It is a day to remember, in particular, family and friends who have died during the last year. St. John’s will commemorate All Souls Day with a service at 7:00 PM on November 2. We will name all of the faithful departed who have been buried from St. John’s during the last year or have been remembered in the Prayers of the People. If you have additional names you would like added to the commemoration, please submit them to the parish office.

United Thank Offering Information
The United Thank Offering was begun in 1889 by the Women’s Auxiliary to the Board of Mission of the Episcopal Church. Every penny contributed goes to grants that support the mission and outreach projects of the church. Handouts with more information about UTO are located on the information tables. We will organize an “ingathering” of St. John’s contributions for sometime in early November so that our contributions can be offered and combined with others presented at Diocesan Convention.

Visit the Holy Land with Bishop Lee
Bishop Jeffrey Lee and the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, Dean of St. James Cathedral, will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land May 9-20, 2017. Participation in the trip is open; a deposit is due by October 31. Read more HERE.

Vegetable Abundance
No delivery this week.

Announcements for October 9

Blessing of the Animals Recap
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Blessing of the Animals last Sunday. It was wonderful to share this celebration with pets and people from Faith Lutheran and First Presbyterian Churches in Homewood. A list of contest winners and photos are posted in the undercroft.

All Souls Day Remembrance
On November 2 the church remembers “that vast body of the faithful” who share in the company of the redeemed with the well-known saints, but are “unknown to the wider fellowship of the church.” It is a day to remember, in particular, family and friends who have died during the last year. St. John’s will commemorate All Souls Day with a service at 7:00 PM on November 2. We will name all of the faithful departed who have been buried from St. John’s during the last year or have been remembered  in the Prayers of the People. If you have additional names you would like added to the commemoration, please submit them to the parish office.

United Thank Offering Information
The United Thank Offering was begun in 1889 by the Women’s Auxiliary to the Board of Mission of the Episcopal Church. Every penny contributed goes to grants that support the mission and outreach projects of the church. Handouts with more information about UTO are located on the information tables. We will organize an “ingathering” of St. John’s contributions for sometime in early November so that our contributions can be offered and combined with others presented at Diocesan Convention.

Visit the Holy Land with Bishop Lee
Bishop Jeffrey Lee and the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, Dean of St. James Cathedral, will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land May 9-20, 2017. Participation in the trip is open; a deposit is due by October 31. Read more HERE.

Episcopal Men's Group BBQ set for Saturday, Oct. 15
The prayerful males of St. John's in Flossmoor and Church of the Holy Family in Park Forest gathered at SJE on Saturday, Oct. 1, for a kickoff fellowship breakfast to start their fall ministry season. (Our thanks to Deacon John Whennen for leading our discussion.) Those who missed missed out, though, are still in luck >> The E-Men's group will hold a 2nd, more casual, October event on Saturday, October 15, 7 pm, at Mike Madden's house. (The start time is a little later to accommodate those at Holy Family attending their weekly 5:30 pm Saturday service.) All men of both churches are encouraged to attend -- and to help us decide on a new name, among other charitable endeavors. Who said spirituality can't be fun? Or delicious? RSVP to Mike by Thursday, Oct. 13, and please plan to bring a side or dessert.

Vegetable Abundance
Sweet Potatoes, Cooking Pumpkin, Onions.

Announcements for October 2

Blessing of the Animals: This Sunday, October 2
All pets and their human companions are invited to the blessing of the animals this Sunday, October 2, beginning at 4:30 PM at the outdoor altar. Bring a photo if you’d prefer a proxy blessing. Toy animals are also welcome. As usual, we will pray for dear pets who have died. The traditional contests, including the highly coveted Owner-Pet Look Alike Contest, will also be offered.

Best Buddies Pet Pantry Volunteer Day Rescheduled
Approximately every six weeks, volunteers from St. John’s gather to package dog food, dog treats, or cat food for distribution through the Best Buddies Pet Pantry. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the work day scheduled for this Saturday, October 1, has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 15.

United Thank Offering Information
The United Thank Offering was begun in 1889 by the Women’s Auxiliary to the Board of Mission of the Episcopal Church. Every penny contributed goes to grants that support the mission and outreach projects of the church. Handouts with more information about UTO are located on the information tables. We will organize an “ingathering” of St. John’s contributions for sometime in early November so that our contributions can be offered and combined with others presented at Diocesan Convention.

Visit the Holy Land with Bishop Lee
Bishop Jeffrey Lee and the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, Dean of St. James Cathedral, will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land May 9-20, 2017. Participation in the trip is open; a deposit is due by October 31. Read more HERE.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet this Monday, October 3, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Vegetable Abundance
No delivery this week. Still a few jalapenos from last week.