Announcements for August 20th!

        Don’t forget about the Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday, August 20^th at 10:00 a.m.!

        

        Call out for St. John's pictures!

We would like to continue the tradition of having pictures of life at St. John's, but we need everyone's help!  Whenever you see a good photo opportunity at St. John's (special event, holidays, good hair day), please pull out your phone or camera, take some pictures and email them to Anne Edwards.  Anne manages the Facebook page for the parish, so she will either post them or save them for the Parish.  And, if you haven't already, please like "St. John the Evangelist, Flossmoor."  

   

“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.

Updates from Steve Hofer, Junior Warden

The year plaques of Rev. Vander Slice (1993) and Rev. Orr (2017) have been engraved and are in the Guild Room. The Parish Office sign has been reprinted with letters on one side. Carpets in the Rector’s office and the Guild Room have been cleaned. Additionally, Mary Hofer would like to thank the Vestry and the Parish of St. John’s for their prayers for her recent VNS implant. Her results are outstanding!

Mary and RJ Van Swol: Calling all Babysitters!

When the new choir season starts, RJ and I will need someone to watch Teddy and Roman in the nursery during the practice after church from about 11:30-12:30. We will pay you for your time. If you are interested in taking this position for the 2017-2018 choir season, please contact me. Thanks!

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.

Announcements for February 1

Vestry Elections
At last Sunday’s annual parish meeting new vestry members were elected. A profound thank you to retiring vestry members Bill Bestow (Senior Warden), Steve Hofer, Gale Michael, and Mark Moxley. Newly elected are: Diane Walsh-Madden (Senior Warden), Anne Edwards (Junior Warden), and vestry members Bob Burgwald, Rob Carrier and Cynthia Turnquest.

Lift Project Video
The video slide show of the lift project shown at the annual meeting is available online HERE.

Teen Youth Group
The teen group and their parents will meet briefly (15 minutes) immediately following the 10:00 AM service to discuss details of Happening #99.

New Adult Sunday School Class
The adult Sunday morning class begins a new study this Sunday: Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles over Authentication. Why did some Scriptures “make the cut” and others didn’t? How did “orthodox” Christianity become established? The classes begin with a 30 minute DVD lecture by Prof. Bart Ehrman, followed by discussion. Join us!

Michael Soto Organ Recital
Michael Soto will be presenting a recital of musical hommages written by French composers of the 19th and 20th centuries played alongside works of the composers who inspired them. The program includes selections by Frank, Frescobaldi, Dupré, and Duruflé. The event will be at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 2330 West Sunnyside, Chicago on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 7:30 pm.

Yarn Ministry Meets This Monday
The knitting group will meet Monday evening, February 2, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Mark Your Calendars: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Yes, before we know it, Lent will be here. The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17. More details will follow.

Announcements for November 30

Uplifting Update
The lift is now operational. This Sunday look for guidelines and instructions on use. The final components of the associated renovations should wrap up soon.

Fall Pledge Campaign Follow Up
Thank you to everyone who has turned in a pledge card. We had a wonderful response on pledge Sunday. If you have not yet turned yours in, please offer it in worship or get it to the parish office as soon as possible.

The Cookie Walk is Coming: December 6
Hopefully everyone is busy baking! Cookies may be dropped off Friday, December 5, anytime between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. And volunteers are always needed, both Friday and Saturday. Please contact Alison Deniston if you can help.

Advent Wreath Making This Sunday
The Advent wreath is a wonderful way to keep the Advent season in your home. Materials for constructing Advent wreaths will be available in the undercroft this Sunday, November 30, during the 9:00 hour. (If you already have a ring, please bring it.)

Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets: Pick up Date is December 5
All families have been adopted! Thank you also to everyone who contributed money for the youth shopping expedition. Please read the directions for wrapping and boxing carefully. Boxes must be delivered to the parish office by 9:00 AM, Friday, December 5.

Sunday School Classes on Vacation
Sunday School classes for children and adults are on vacation this Sunday, November 30, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and to provide the opportunity for making Advent wreaths. They will resume next Sunday, December 7.

Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity to bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Diocese of Chicago. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the checks and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.

Grande Prairie Singers Concert
“Winterlude 2014” is the season opener for the Grande Prairie Singers, scheduled at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 14, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Tickets are $15 in advance ($10 for students); the three-concert subscription is $40. Enjoy holiday favorites! See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.

Announcements for October 12

Pet Blessing Photos and Winners on Facebook
Thanks to all who attended the pet blessing! Photos from the event, including all contest winners, are posted on the parish Facebook page. And, if you are on Facebook and haven’t “liked” the parish page, please consider it. The more “likes” we have, the broader our reach in the community.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club
Next Thursday, October 16th, we’ll meet at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room to discuss Elaine Pagel’s Adam, Eve, and the Serpent, and everyone is welcome to join us. Our November book selection is A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith by Brian D. McLaren. We are in the midst of a sea change in organized religion. McLaren, a leader in the Emergent Church movement, describes the hope of where this change may lead us.

Last Call For Winter Clothes for Respond Now
The Daughters of the King are wrapping up their winter clothes drive. 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. Please bring items to the small conference room in the undercroft.

Give to the Youth of Lawrence Hall
Once again we have the opportunity to bring joy to the kids and youth of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a ministry of the Diocese of Chicago. Daughters of the King encourages you to give checks or gift cards (suggested amount is $50 from places such as Best Buy, Target, Jewel-Osco, iTunes, movie theaters, restaurants, and Chicago attractions). Please give the checks and gift cards to Iris Bestow by December 7.

Uplifting Update
Demolition and construction are in full swing. It is exciting to see progress being made, but please be very careful in the “Construction Zone.” The hallway from the Atrium to the church is closed. Please go through the Guild Room to access the church from the parish office or education wing.

Announcements for October 5

Pet Blessing This Sunday, October 5
The annual Blessing of the Animals service will be this Sunday, October 5, beginning at 4:30 PM at the outdoor altar. Companion animals of all sizes and species are invited. The service also offers an opportunity to pray for pets who have died. The usual contests will also be held. Come root for your favorite to win the Rector Look Alike Contest or the Owner-Pet Look Alike Contest!

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. Look for the collection table in the undercroft. Clothing will be collected through early November.

Uplifting Update
Much of the preliminary work necessary for the installation of the lift has been completed. Next week the construction of the shaft itself and access doorways will begin. Photos of the ongoing work are posted in the undercroft.

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 June 22

Uplifting Update
At its June meeting, the vestry approved construction drawings for the installation of a vertical lift just off of the west foyer. The drawings and other information on the accessibility project are available in the undercroft.

Blue Jean Sunday: Help With Landscape Work
Please wear your gardening clothes, bring a rake or clippers, and stay after church next Sunday, June 29, to help with landscape work. Everything is growing well and we would like the grounds to look their best for the July 4th Ice Cream Social.

The Fourth of July is Almost Here! 
Every year individuals and families from the broader Flossmoor community attend St. John’s Fourth of July Ice Cream Social. We always offer special entertainment for kids. This year our balloon twisting clowns, Skiddles and Strawberry, will be back. We seek donations from parishioners to help defray the costs of providing this entertainment. You can help us offer this event to the community. Look for red, white and blue donation envelopes around the church. You may place your donation in the offering plate or drop it off at the parish office.

Summer Parish Office Hours
Parish office summer hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Announcements for May 25

Uplifting Update
Good News! The Accessibility Project is back on track and moving forward. We’ve hired a new architect and are awaiting drawings and cost estimates for a scaled-down project that will provide a lift between floors. Please ask anyone on the Vestry for more details.

ECW Potluck Luncheon
The Episcopal Church Women (all women of the parish) will hold a potluck luncheon on Wednesday, May 28, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Ascension Day Service
Ascension Day is one of the seven principal feast days in the church calendar. It falls 40 days after Easter. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 29, at 7:00 p.m.

Confirmation: May 31
Youth and adults from St. John’s will be Confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Diocesan Confirmation service at St. James Cathedral, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

Sunday School and Youth Worship on Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages (at 9:00 a.m.) and the Youth Worship service (at 10:00 a.m.) are on vacation for the summer.

Parish Picnic and Dedication of Food Garden – June 1
The annual beginning-of-summer parish picnic will be June 1, following the 10:00 a.m. service. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served on the south lawn. Bring a dessert or side to share. This year we will also plant seedlings in St. John’s new food garden and bless this new ministry.

Places of Grace and Gladness: One Way to Honor Confirmands
In 2013 St. John’s vestry decided to participate in the Diocesan capital campaign, Places of Grace and Gladness, by offering parishioners the opportunity to make a financial contribution in honor of confirmands (this year’s or previous year’s). Look for more information on the campaign and how you can participate on the information tables.

Holiday Closing
The parish office will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

Michael Soto Organ Recital
St. John’s Director of Music, Michael Soto, will present an organ recital on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the church. The program will include Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in A minor, César Franck’s Chorale in A minor, and Marcel Dupré’s Passion Symphony. The event is free to the public, and a free will donation will be collected for The Night Ministry.