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 November 4th

Fleece Blanket Donations

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 Sunday 11-11-2018 after the 10:00am service and Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, a ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly. Thank you!

Blue Jean Yard Cleanup — Sunday, November 11^th

Yarn Ministry — Monday, November 5^th at 7:00 pm in the Guild Room

Interfaith Dinner, November 18^th

The South West Interfaith Team (SWIFT) will be having its annual interfaith dinner at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Homewood on Sunday, November 18 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of food and great conversation. Tickets are $20 and must be bought ahead of time. If you are interested please talk to Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. 

Don't Throw Away Your Halloween Candy

Again this year we will be collecting left-over (or specially purchased) Halloween candy for the Manteno Veterans' Home. The facility serves up to 294 veterans with medical and special needs issues. The residents are provided with meals but not with extras, so candy is a real treat for them -- especially the fun-sized candy bars. You may donate opened bags of candy as long as the candy pieces are individually wrapped. There will be a donation box in the food collection area between the two staircases. The collection will continue through Sunday, November 11th, which, appropriately, is Veterans' Day.

All Souls Day — Friday, November 2^nd at 7:00 pm.

You can still bring photographs and/or mementos of loved ones who have passed away for us to include in our Shrine of Remembrance for this All Saints Day, which will remain up through the month of November. You can give them to Fr. Jeremy or drop them by the church office. Also, please send your list of names that you would like to be remembered in the All Souls bulletin to the church email.

Only 5 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org  If you want to go with us and help pack meals, please email Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details.  

Ping-Pong Table

The church has a ping-pong table that could be yours for the taking! It folds in half for moving and storage and is on wheels. You probably would have to buy a new net for it. If you or an organization you know of would like to have it, speak with Fr. Jeremy or Susan Marquis.

Announcements for October 28th

Fleece Blanket Donations

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 Sunday 11-11-2018 after the 10:00am service and Tuesday 11-13-2018 at 6:30pm.  If you are planning to help assemble the blankets please bring sharp scissors, a ruler and a marker.  If you would like to donate towards supplies, please contact Shirley Reilly at 708-305-2540.  Thank you!

Blue Jean Yard Cleanup — Sunday, November 11^th

2018-2019 Directory

A new edition of the directory is underway, and a draft has been placed in the back of the church. This Sunday, please look at the information we have listed for you (the entry under your name as well as birthdays/anniversaries, and if you are listed as a contact for a group) and verify that everything is correct. If you need to update anything, take a pen and correct it right in the directory. Any written changes noted will be changed in the master copy of the directory before copies are made.

Yarn Ministry — Monday, November 5^th at 7:00 pm in the Guild Room

Who Has Church Keys?

Also located in the back of the church will be a sort of sign-up sheet for anyone who has been given a church key. If you currently have a key, please write your name down (first and last name). We’ve never kept a record of how many people have keys, and it is good practice that we start doing so for insurance purposes. Thank you in advance for helping us out with that.

Interfaith Dinner, November 18^th

The South West Interfaith Team (SWIFT) will be having its annual interfaith dinner at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Homewood on Sunday, November 18 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of food and great conversation. Tickets are $20 and must be bought ahead of time. If you are interested please talk to Rob McManamy or Bryan Burke. 

All Souls Day — Friday, November 2^nd at 7:00 pm.

This Sunday, please bring photographs and/or mementos of loved ones who have passed away for us to include in our Shrine of Remembrance for this All Saints Day, which will remain up through the month of November. You can give them to Fr. Jeremy or drop them by the church office. Also, please send to the church email your list of names that you would like to be remembered in the All Souls bulletin.

Don't Throw Away Your Halloween Candy

Again this year we will be collecting left-over (or specially purchased) Halloween candy for the Manteno Veterans' Home. The facility serves up to 294 veterans with medical and special needs issues. The residents are provided with meals but not with extras, so candy is a real treat for them -- especially the fun-sized candy bars. You may donate opened bags of candy as long as the candy pieces are individually wrapped. There will be a donation box in the food collection area between the two staircases. The collection will continue through Sunday, November 11th, which, appropriately, is Veterans' Day.

Only 7 Spots Left to Help Feed the World! 

Join other St. John volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, as we pack nutritious meals for the world's malnourished children.  We will caravan from church (approx 1:00 pm) to the packing facility for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, IL, where we--along with over 200 other volunteers--will assemble and pack meals for shipment to the hungry.  It's fun fellowship with like-minded folks, it's perfect for chalking up service hours, and it is quite literally life-saving, soulful work.  Can't join us?  PLEASE consider donating money to cover the cost of the meals we will pack!  Each volunteer will pack $50 worth of food which translates to 216 meals!  Our goal is to raise $750...that's 3,240 meals. Make checks payable to Church of St. John with FMSC on the memo line.  Want to know more about FMSC?  Check out this amazing Christian organization at http://www.fmsc.org. If you want to go with us and help pack meals, please email Dee McManamy. There are jobs for everyone and for every ability from age 5 yrs upward. Need to sit while working? We've got those jobs, too!  If you signed up for this project during St. J's Ministry Fair in September, look for info emails soon with more details. 

Announcements for September 30th

Father Jeremy’s Arrival

In anticipation of Father Jeremy’s arrival, it would be a good idea for everyone to reacquaint themselves with their nametags. If you haven’t been wearing yours regularly, please make sure you find it and put on each Sunday so that Father Jeremy can start getting to know everyone’s names. Additionally, if anyone needs a replacement nametag or cannot find theirs, simply drop off the old one in the box outside the parish office (or a note if yours is missing). It will be replaced for you.

2018 ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION

The 181st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. New this year: Registration fees include Friday Fun & Fellowship (dessert and dancing from 7-9:30 pm) and a Saturday networking lunch in the Junior Ballroom. Note: there will NOT be a dinner reception on Friday night. Please have dinner on your own and join us from 7-9:30 for dessert and dancing.

****If you are interested in serving as a delegate or an alternate delegate, please notify the parish office by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018.

  

Yarn Ministry – Meeting Monday, October 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild room

Announcements for September 23rd

Father Jeremy’s Arrival

In anticipation of Father Jeremy’s arrival, it would be a good idea for everyone to reacquaint themselves with their nametags. If you haven’t been wearing yours regularly, please make sure you find it and put on each Sunday so that Father Jeremy can start getting to know everyone’s names. Additionally, if anyone needs a replacement nametag or cannot find theirs, simply drop off the old one in the box outside the parish office (or a note if yours is missing). It will be replaced for you.

2018 ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION

The 181st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will be held Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. New this year: Registration fees include Friday Fun & Fellowship (dessert and dancing from 7-9:30 pm) and a Saturday networking lunch in the Junior Ballroom. Note: there will NOT be a dinner reception on Friday night. Please have dinner on your own and join us from 7-9:30 for dessert and dancing.

****If you are interested in serving as a delegate or an alternate delegate, please notify the parish

        office by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018.

 Mum Sale

Thank you to ALL those who helped with the delivery, selling and hauling of the Mums.  We appreciate everyone who purchased mum(s).  The sale was a great success. Thank you to Mark Moxley for coordinating the purchase of the mums.

Yarn Ministry – Meeting Monday, October 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild room

Announcements for May 6th

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.

Blue Jean Yard Clean-Up — Will meet Sunday, May 6^th after the 10:00 a.m. service.

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.

Yarn Ministry — Meeting will be May 7th at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

Announcements for April 29th

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.

Blue Jean Yard Clean-Up — Will meet Sunday, May 6^th after the 10:00 a.m. service.

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.

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.

Yarn Ministry — Meeting will be May 7th at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. 

Rectory Open House

Now that you've seen the rectory as it has been for -- oh, forty years or so -- you can look forward to another open house when it's all spiffed up! As a result of your generous contributions, we can begin to move ahead with improvements in anticipation of the arrival of our new rector. We expect work to begin in two or three weeks. For those who want to contribute but have not done so yet, there are envelopes and a donation box in the undercroft. For those who would like to see the rectory but didn't have an opportunity last week, we'd love to offer private tours. Set up a time with Donna Blackburn, Tracie Moxley, Cyndie Knoll, Debbi Huggett, or Susan Marquis. We thank you for your donations of funds, your suggestions for improvements, your offers to do specific tasks, and your supportive attitude!

Announcements for April 1st (Easter Sunday)

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.

Yarn Ministry – Meeting will be April 2, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.

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.

Announcements for March 25th

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 .

Yarn Ministry – Meeting will be April 2, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room.

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.

Announcements for March 4th

FUNDRAISER!

We are selling coupon books for Carson’s Community days to raise funds for the rectory redecorating!  The dates for the Community event are March 1-3 (Thursday-Saturday). The booklets have lots of coupons including a $10.00 off coupon.  We are selling the books for $5.00 and we get to keep all the money raised!  Please see Donna Blackburn to get your books!! 

A Few Reminders

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

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

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

Bible Study

The next Bible study/fellowship group will meet at the VanSwol residence on March 3 at 5 pm.  Contact Mary for details.

Yarn Ministry — Meeting will be March 5^th  at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. 

Grande Prairie Singers Cabaret

On Sunday, March 11^th  at 4:00 p.m., the Grande Prairie Singers will perform a cabaret-style concert at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. The theme is jazz and you’ll enjoy the whole chorus, ensembles, and solos of “I Got Rhythm,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and more. Plus Michael Soto’s piano stylings. See him or Betsy Elliot for tickets ($15 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for students).

Announcements for February 25th

FUNDRAISER!

We are selling coupon books for Carson’s Community days to raise funds for the rectory redecorating!  The dates for the Community event are March 1-3 (Thursday-Saturday). The booklets have lots of coupons including a $10.00 off coupon.  We are selling the books for $5.00 and we get to keep all the money raised!  Please see Donna Blackburn to get your books!! 

A Few Reminders

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

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

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

Bible Study

The next Bible study/fellowship group will meet at the VanSwol residence on March 3 at 5 pm.  Contact Mary for details.

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 on Thursday, February 22 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New members are always welcome!

Yarn Ministry — Meeting will be March 5^th  at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. 

Grande Prairie Singers Cabaret

On Sunday, March 11^th  at 4:00 p.m., the Grande Prairie Singers will perform a cabaret-style concert at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. The theme is jazz and you’ll enjoy the whole chorus, ensembles, and solos of “I Got Rhythm,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and more. Plus Michael Soto’s piano stylings. See him or Betsy Elliot for tickets ($15 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for students)

Announcements for February 11th

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!

FUNDRAISER!

We are selling coupon books for Carson’s Community days to raise funds for the rectory redecorating!  The dates for the Community event are March 1-3 (Thursday-Saturday). The booklets have lots of coupons including a $10.00 off coupon.  We are selling the books for $5.00 and we get to keep all the money raised!  Please see Donna Blackburn to get your books!! 

A Few Reminders

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

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

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

Practicing Our Faith Book Club

In 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 on Thursday, 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.

Announcements for February 4th

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!

FUNDRAISER!

We are selling coupon books for Carsons Community days to raise funds for the rectory redecorating!  The dates for the Community event are March 1-3 (Thursday-Saturday). The booklets have lots of coupons including a $10.00 off coupon.  We are selling the books for $5.00 and we get to keep all the money raised!  Please see Donna Blackburn to get your books!! 

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!

Contribution Envelopes

2018 Contribution envelopes will be available in the undercroft.

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

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 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 1st

We Need Your Feedback!  

The Search Committee is asking that everyone complete the Church Assessment Tool, or CAT.  This survey is designed to tell us who we are as a parish and who we want to be going forward as we search for our new rector.  If you are 16 and over and consider St. John's your church home, please go online and take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StJohnEvangelistIL.  Hard copies are also available if you'd prefer.  The next phase of research will be small group discussions and all ages are encouraged to participate.  More information to come.

Yarn Ministry – Will meet Monday, October 2^nd in the Guild room at 7:00 p.m.

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!

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday,  October 1^st at 4:30 p.m.

Announcements for September 24th

We Need Your Feedback!  

The Search Committee is asking that everyone complete the Church Assessment Tool, or CAT.  This survey is designed to tell us who we are as a parish and who we want to be going forward as we search for our new rector.  If you are 16 and over and consider St. John's your church home, please go online and take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StJohnEvangelistIL.  Hard copies are also available if you'd prefer.  The next phase of research will be small group discussions and all ages are encouraged to participate.  More information to come.

Yarn Ministry – Will meet Monday, October 2^nd in the Guild room at 7:00 p.m.

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!

Announcements for April 30

Recycle Plastic Easter Eggs
If you have now empty plastic Easter eggs left over from St. John’s Easter egg hunt or others, you may bring them to St. John’s to be used next year. A collection box is near the parish office.

Blue Jean Sunday Next Week, May 7
Wear gardening clothes, bring your rake and help beautify St. John’s landscape for spring. Following the 10:00 AM service next Sunday, May 7.

Yarn Ministry
The knitting and crocheting group will meet Monday, May 1st at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room. This is the last meeting, until we start up again in the fall.

St. John’s Joins Interfaith Group 
At its April meeting, St. John’s vestry voted to join the SouthWest InterFaith Team (SWIFT), the 15-year-old area group that promotes meaningful dialogue and joint community service among the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. St. John's becomes the 15th faith community to join the group, which includes churches, synagogues, and mosques. Of note, we are also the first Episcopal church ever to join SWIFT. Looking ahead, each congregation designates two representatives to help steer SWIFT planning and events. Rob McManamy and Bryan Burke will be St. John’s liaisons. The pair already attended SWIFT's annual planning retreat last Sunday in Frankfort, and will have more info to share soon. To learn more about SWIFT, and see the other members, visit their website HERE.