Announcements for September 2nd

Mum Sale

St. Johns is having a mum sale, and the proceeds will go to the updated Resource Room.  The mums are in 9” pots and are approximately 16” tall.  Here is a link for the form:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/17ez_WhdWeaDpDDsePOPF82XiXtvs_BeV/view?usp=sharing

Please get your order form to the office, Pat Smith-Huntoon or Shirley Reilly by August  31^st .  We will also be selling mums at Flossmoor Fest on September 8^th from 10 am-6 pm.  You can help out by working a 2 hour shift or just stop by say hello.  If you would like to volunteer, contact Pat Smith-Huntoon.

Youth Group

Our youth 8^th-12^th grade are getting together 1-2 times per month to plan and participate in service projects and a bit of fun.  They met on 8/19/18 and came up with some great ideas.  Look forward to seeing them in action throughout the year!

Recital Announcement:

Michael Soto will be performing a recital at Madonna della Strada Chapel on Loyola University campus on Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 pm. The program features works of blind organists from the 15^th to the 20^th century, including Louis Vierne, George Shearing, and the final choral preludes of J.S. Bach. Admission is free, and free parking is available in the garage on campus. Loyola is located at 1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL.

Announcements for October 23

Annual Pledge Campaign
Fall stewardship materials have been mailed. Please give them careful and prayerful attention. Pledge Sunday is November 13 or you may return your pledge cards any time before then.

Vestry Update
The Vestry met on Monday, October 17. The Columbarium project is ongoing, however construction will not begin until spring. This is due in part by a delay in getting drawings from the landscape architect, and partly due to the fact that many masonry contractors' schedules fill up quickly in the summer and fall. However, we are awaiting bids from a number of companies, and expect the project to go quickly in the spring. The Vestry approved moving the celebration of the Feast of St. John the Evangelist to one week later than it has been in the past. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, January 14, 2017. We hope that the change in date will allow more people to come who might have missed due to travel right after the Holidays.

All Souls Day Remembrance
If you have names of the faithful departed that you wish to have remembered in the service, please submit them to the parish office.

Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2017 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 13, 2016. 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 or Pastor Orr.

Happy Socktober! 
(Yes, it's a real thing--a wonderful thing). Come on, St. John's, let's get involved in this easy and great service project! What started in Tennessee five years ago with just a few dozen people has grown to an effort of more than a million people worldwide, all helping to ease the suffering of homelessness at their local level. How can we help? By donating new socks (tube socks are always a good choice but any type is great) and toiletry items (travel size is perfect). We'll collect items at St. John's through the month of October before delivering our collection to South Suburban PADS. Encourage friends, family and neighbors to get involved. Please contact Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck with any questions or service project ideas.

Practicing our Faith Book Club
Calling all animal lovers! The November book for the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is Two Dogs and a Parrot: What Our Animal Friends Can Teach Us About Life by Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B. Read the book, and then join us on Nov. 17 at 7pm in the Guild Room for our next meeting. New members are always welcome.

Vegetable Abundance
This week:  Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Leeks, Butternut Squash.

Announcements for September 11

Jubilation: This Sunday, September 11
St. John’s fall celebration of the people, activities and ministries of the parish will take place this Sunday, September 11, following the 10:00 AM service. Lunch will be served. Catch up with fellow parishioners after the summer. Browse program and ministry opportunities and register for Sunday School classes.

Introducing New Office Manager: Betsy Sloan
Betsy has lived in Flossmoor for the past eight years with her husband, Dan and daughters Lucy (a senior at HF) and Eleanor (an 8th grader at Parker Junior high). She has spent most of her working life as an administrative assistant at various levels at DePaul University. She looks forward to getting to know and working with the parishioners of St. John’s.

Choir Returns This Sunday
Following their summer break, the choir returns to participation in the 10:00 AM service this Sunday.

Practicing Our Faith Book Club
This month the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is reading Jabbok by Kee Sloan, a novel about a friendship between a white boy and an African-American preacher in rural Mississippi. The book club will meet on Thursday, October 20 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss Jabbok. New members are always welcome.

Organist Michael Soto in Concert
Michael will be performing with the Southwest Symphony in an upcoming concert. He’ll be playing Handel’s Concerto for Organ HWV 295, “The Cuckoo and the Nightingale,” and Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 for organ and orchestra. The concert is on Sunday, September 25 at 4:00 in Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W College Drive, Palos Heights. Information and tickets are available at www.southwestsymphony.com.

New Outreach Opportunity for Teens and Adults
Only have a little time to spare but you care about making a big difference? All hands, all minds, all ages invited to join in service. Look for St. John's new outreach ministry at this Sunday's Jubilation. We've listened to our high school teens and this is what they've told us: We are busy with academics, sports, clubs and jobs; the pressure can be intense. You also manage to carve out time for church and want to do good works. This last part makes you very special and--in today's world, sadly--a rarity. Our diocese has learned this the hard way, which has led to a significantly reduced diocesan youth program, including the elimination of decades-old programs like Happening. That's why St. John's wants to meet the challenge and support your commitment to our parish and your own spiritual growth. Here's the idea... each quarter we'll put forth at least one service project that parishioners of all ages and interests can join in. No regularly scheduled "meetings". Just projects and dates and details. You choose the ones you are able to do (and suggest your own ideas). We'll invite other Flossmoor churches to join us. Involve your friends, family, neighbors--whatever makes it fun and meaningful for you, and in the process, we'll help heal the world. God loves it when we do that.

Vegetable Abundance
This week: Arugula, green and jalapeno peppers. 

Announcements for March 20

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets this Monday, March 21, following the 7:00 PM celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Palm Sunday is This Sunday – Come Early for the Blessing of the Palms 
The Liturgy (Blessing) of the Palms precedes each service. Weather permitting, we will gather at the outdoor altar for the blessing of the palms, then process to the church. For the early service, the Liturgy of the Palms begins at 7:55; for the later service, the Liturgy of the Palms begins at 9:40.

Sign up for the Watch
In commemoration of Jesus’ final night in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is our custom to keep watch over the Reserved Sacrament throughout the night following the Maundy Thursday evening service until noon on Good Friday. Shifts are for one hour. A sign up sheet is located in the back of the church.

Holy Week Services
We worship as a faithful community every day during Holy Week. A schedule was mailed with the Easter letter. Print copies are available on the information tables.

Youth Group Meets This Sunday at 4:00 PM
Create something beautiful! Bring a friend to the undercroft and wear clothes you don’t care about. Sometimes things have to get messy to arrive at the beautiful (sort of like the whole Lenten season). Call/text Dee McManamy with your t-shirt size (and your friend’s) if you haven’t already.

Help Prepare for the Easter Egg Hunt
Parishioners of all ages are asked to help fill Easter eggs during coffee hour this Sunday. Stop by the Conference Room to help out, so we can prepare for a fabulous Easter egg hunt.

Sunday School Classes on Vacation
Sunday School classes are on vacation this Sunday, March 20, and Easter Sunday, March 27. They will resume April 3.

Announcements for February 21

Getting to Know Your Vestry
Brief introductory biographical statements are available for current members of the vestry, including the new members elected at the recent annual meeting. In addition to being distributed by email, they are available on the information tables.

High School Youth Group
There will be no youth group meeting this Sunday, February 21. We’ll reconvene the first Sunday in March.

Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent is looking at the Psalms used as prayers in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February at 7:00 PM in the church. This Wednesday the class will explore the rich use of the psalms in the Book of Common Prayer.

Grande Prairie Singers Concert
Grande Prairie Singers say “Vive la France!” with their next concert at 4 PM, Sunday, March 13, at Flossmoor Community Church. The concert includes Faure's “Requiem” and organ selections by our own Michael Soto. For tickets, see Bob or Betsy Burgwald.

Don’t Forget the Fish Fry
The annual Lenten fish fry is coming Friday, March 18.

Announcements for February 7

Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 10. The Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes will be offered at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 7:00 PM.

Shrove Tuesday: Pancake Feast and Burial of the Alleluia
The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be held Tuesday, February 9, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children. All proceeds will benefit the youth group outreach projects. And all children of the parish are invited to come help decorate and bury the Alleluia banner for Lent.

The Observance of a Holy Lent
Guidelines for observing Lent (“Lent for Dummies”) and various resources are available on the information tables.

Lent Study Series
This year the Rector’s study series for Lent will explore the use of the Psalms in worship. Classes are Wednesday evenings, beginning February 17 at 7:00 PM.

Youth Group Resumes This Sunday, 4:00 PM
Welcome back from an extended break… just in time for Lent! We’ll take a positive spin on this traditionally dreary church season and see how beautifully we emerge at Easter. Bring a friend. Super-quick service activity. Super-simple planning for a spring party with IJP and Flossmoor Community Church youth. Plus something super-goofy. And all done long before the Super Bowl begins. Preguntas? Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.

Thank You from Pets and Their Families
Do our hands still smell like dog treats? Last Saturday, eight volunteers spent a couple of hours at St. John’s packaging treats for dogs whose families are registered at various south suburban township food pantries. The Best Buddies Pet Pantry program provides extra pet food assistance in order to keep pets in homes and out of shelters. Many thanks to our volunteers who did the packaging and to those who donated items over the past couple of months. Now the collection box is empty. When you bring in donations for the Rich Township food pantry, please consider bringing in dog or cat food. You can drop it off in the BBPP box next to the Rich Township baskets. Thank you!

Thank You from the Yarn Ministry
We thank you all very much for your HUGE support of the warm clothing collections we had this winter for PADS and Respond Now. With your and God’s help, we were able to keep many people in need warm this winter.

Announcements for December 6

Fall Pledge Campaign
If you have not already done so, please turn in your pledge cards as soon as possible. You may place them in the alms basins on Sunday or mail them to the parish office.

MIQRA: For Youth Grades 6 - 12
Miqra is a weekend youth retreat focusing on the Bible. Gather with new and old friends, have fun, and learn about the Bible. Sponsored by the Diocese of Chicago. Held at Grace Church, Oak Park, January 16-18. More information and registration HERE.

Children’s Christmas Pageant
The children’s Christmas Pageant is offered as the proclamation of the Gospel during the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve. Calling all kids! We will assign parts and read through the script after the 10:00 AM service Sunday, December 13. Additional rehearsals will be after church on December 20 and at 4:00 PM on December 23. Questions? Contact Pat Smith Huntoon.

Youth Group
Inner child to be unleashed this Sunday, 4 PM at St. John’s. Gather your friends and come for pre-semester finals fun and games. Designed to help you take a breather and a brain break before the craziness sets in. It’s St. Nicholas’ Day—come see if he brings goodies for you (even if you’ve been naughtier than nice this year)! Text Dee or Margi to let us know if you’re coming and how many friends you’ll bring.

Yarn Ministry still needs the congregation’s assistance
We will be collecting some winter clothing articles for the PADS Ministry. Donations of hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children. PADS is also accepting coats and socks for all their people in need. Donated items, if not new, should be clean and gently used. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, to please help the Yarn Ministry make this another very successful project. Collections bins are located in the undercroft and at the office entrance. There is a PADS collection bin located in the undercroft, as well. Deposit items in any of the containers, Thank you. Collection dates are December 13 and January 31.

Handel’s Messiah
Illiana Oratorio Society is pleased to announce its performance of Handel's Messiah which will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2015. It will be held at First Christian Reformed Church of South Holland (16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL) at 2p.m. This year's soloists will feature: Elaine DeYoung, Maria Bouwhamp-Luttjeboer, Jack Cotterell, and Douglas Anderson. All are welcome to attend!

Grande Prairie Singers Holiday Concert
The concert will be held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, December 13, at St Lawrence O'Toole Church in Matteson. Great selections from "In the Bleak Midwinter" to Britten's "A Hymn to the Virgin" to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.

Announcements for November 22

Pledge Sunday
This Sunday is pledge Sunday. Please bring your completed pledge cards and place them as an offering on the altar during worship.

The Holiday Cookie Walk is Coming Soon: December 5 
Have you started baking? We need lots of bakers and volunteers. Questions? Call Alison Deniston.

Thanksgiving Services
The community interfaith Thanksgiving service featuring the Viking Choir will be held this year at Temple Anshe Sholom, 20820 Western Avenue, Wednesday, November 25 at 7:30 PM. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. John’s Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 10:00 AM.

Best Buddies Pet Pantry
What will some elderly people do when they don’t have enough to eat for themselves and for their only companions, who often are their pets? They share, of course, but then no one gets enough. Next to the food pantry collection baskets there is a collection box for the Best Buddies Pet Pantry. Please donate pet food and treats to help food pantry clients and their best buddies get the food they need.

Make Your Own Advent Wreath
Advent is a wonderful season to celebrate at home. Materials will be available during the 9:00 hour next Sunday, November 29, for you to make your own Advent wreath. Sunday School classes will not meet.

Adult Education: An Introduction to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
For the next few Sundays the adult education class will view sermons and interviews with new Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. In the Youth Worship Chapel beginning at 9:00 AM.

From the Yarn Ministry
On behalf of the Yarn Ministry, we would like to extend a WARM prayerful thank you for the generous donation of hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets
Thank you to everyone who has adopted a family or senior. Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office before 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Youth Group
Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday! Margi & Dee certainly give thanks for all of you and your collective good will and questioning mind. Next gathering is 4:00 PM, Sunday, December 6. Bring friends and a “playful spirit,” as Margi & Dee will challenge you to game that just might become your favorite. Also, please respond to a text you’ll receive soon regarding Caroling for Canned Goods. Your input is important! Questions? Contact Dee or Margi.

Announcement for November 1

Annual Pledge Campaign
Please seriously and prayerfully consider your annual pledge of time, talent and treasure. You may return your pledge card to the parish office, place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or place it on the altar on pledge Sunday, November 22.

All Saints Open House
Pastor Orr will host her annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Parishioners, guests and friends of all ages are welcome.

All Souls Day Service: Remembering the Faithful Departed
The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on All Souls Day, Monday, November 2, at 7:00 PM. This is a peaceful, moving service at which we remember and give thanks for the saints of God whom we have been blessed to know. If you have names you would like added to the prayers, please call the parish office. You are also encouraged to bring a memento or ofrenda of someone whose memory you cherish to the service.

ReVive (Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Baskets 
Information is available in the undercroft on adopting a senior or family for Christmas through the ReVive Christmas Basket program. If you prefer, you may also make a cash contribution and children of the parish will shop and wrap presents for a family. Wrapped and packaged gifts need to be dropped at the parish office before 9:00 AM, Friday, December 4.

Christmas Shopping Spree for Youth Group This Sunday 
What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to shop for our Christmas basket family? Meet at St. John’s a little early Sunday afternoon for a 4pm departure. Bring your friends to help us gather gifts for a 5yr old, an 8yr old and their mother. Nothing says “Good Times” better than “Good Works”.

Yarn Ministry Needs the Congregation’s Assistance 
We will be collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. We would like to have the items by November 15th. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, please help the Yarn Ministry make this a very successful project. Collections bins will be located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

Parish Dinner Groups 
Sign up for the 2015-2016 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8. 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 or Pastor Orr.

Announcements for October 18

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 19, beginning at 7:00 PM in the church.

Parish Photograph for the Flossmoor Yearbook: Next Sunday, October 25 
The Village of Flossmoor is creating a photographic yearbook. Residents, businesses, churches and other organizations are all participating. Our parish photograph will be taken Sunday morning, October 25, following the 10:00 AM service. We hope everyone can participate!

Youth Group Meets This Sunday, October 18 
The youth group will meet this Sunday, 4:00 – 5:30 PM. We’ll gather in the Youth Room at 4:00 PM. All high school youth and their friends are welcome. Come with your best Santa Claus mindset! Any questions, please text or call Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.

ECW Pot Luck
The Episcopal Church Women will be holding a pot lunch this Wednesday, October 21, beginning at 11:30 AM in the undercroft. All women are welcome.

Yarn Ministry Needs the Congregation’s Assistance
We will be collecting for various organizations hand or machine made (store bought) scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for men, women and children for this winter. The first group we have been asked to contribute to is “SoulScarves,” a human warmth project from Grace Place Episcopal Church in Chicago. Grace Place serves breakfast to over 150 predominantly male guests each Saturday morning. We would like to have the items for them by November 15th. The other group will be PADS, for various people in need. We urgently request all the crocheters, knitters, and shoppers in the parish, please help the Yarn Ministry make this a very successful project. Collections bins will be located in the undercroft and at the office entrance.

PADS Begins Next Weekend
Attention PADS volunteers. Our first weekend is next weekend, October 23 and 24th. Please remember the site has moved to St. Lawrence O'Toole, 4101 St. Lawrence Avenue, Matteson. This is one block South of Rt. 30 off Governors Highway. Look for an email with information about location and parking. Interested in volunteering? We still need help 5-7 AM on Saturdays to clean up. Unsure of making a monthly commitment? Volunteer to be a sub. Contact Margi Strombeck. Thank you for your support of this crucial ministry.

Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up or the 2015-2016 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 8. 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 or Pastor Orr.

All Saints Open House
Pastor Orr will host her annual All Saints Open House at the Rectory Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Parishioners, guests and friends of all ages are welcome.

Announcements for September 6

Jubilation and Ministry Fair: Next Sunday, September 13 
The Jubilation, our fall program kick-off and celebration of the life and ministry of the people of St. John’s, will be held next Sunday, September 13, following the 10:00 AM service. Lunch will be served. Bring a side or dessert to share if you can. Ministries and activities will have informational displays and Sunday School registration will be held.

Seeking Delegates for Diocesan Convention
This year’s annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held November 20 & 21 at the Westin Lombard. This year’s keynote speaker is the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms-Magdalene, a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Everyone is welcome to attend convention. If you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate from St. John’s to the business sessions, please let Pastor Orr know by September 20.

Chad Senuta to Visit St. John’s
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, September 20. He will present a forum for parishioners of all ages during the 9:00 AM hour and will preach at the 10:00 AM service.

2015 – 2016 Parish Calendar Available
Copies of the coming year’s calendar of services and activities are available on the information tables.

Bowling League Sunday Afternoon
Church Bowling League is looking for bowlers for the 2015-2016 season. Teams of four (all men, all women, any mixture of men and women, your teenage children, too). Every other Sunday afternoon from 3 pm to 6 pm at Lynwood Bowl. For further information, contact Gale Michael.

Parish Office
The parish office will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Other than the holiday, the office has resumed regular hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Announcements for August 30

Jubilation and Ministry Fair: September 13 
The Jubilation, our fall program kick-off and celebration of the life and ministry of the people of St. John’s, will be held the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 13. Lunch will be served. Ministries and activities will have informational displays and Sunday School registration will be held.

Chad Senuta to Visit St. John’s 
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, September 20. He will present a forum for parishioners of all ages during the 9:00 AM hour and will preach at the 10:00 AM service.

2015 – 2016 Parish Calendar Available 
Copies of the calendar of services and activities for the upcoming program year are available on the information tables.

Bowling League
Sunday Afternoon Church Bowling League is looking for bowlers for the 2015-2016 season. Teams of four (all men, all women, any mixture of men and women, your teenage children, too). Every other Sunday afternoon from 3 pm to 6 pm at Lynwood Bowl. For further information, contact Gale Michael.

Announcements for August 23

Blessing of the Backpacks – This Sunday, August 23
As students of all ages return to school after summer break we will bless their backpacks and pray for all who teach and all who learn during the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, August 23.

Looking Ahead to the Jubilation
The Jubilation, our fall program kick-off and celebration of the life and ministry of the people of St. John’s, will be held the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 13.

Chad Senuta to Visit St. John’s
Chad Senuta, Associate for Youth and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, September 20. More details will be provided later.

Vestry Minutes
A reminder that vestry minutes are posted on this blog after they are approved by the vestry.  For example, the June minutes (approved at the recent August meeting) are posted here.  A paper copy is also posted in the glass-cased bulletin board near the parish office.

Announcements for May 24

The Picnic is Coming
The annual beginning of summer parish picnic will be next Sunday, May 31, following the 10:00 AM service. (This is a week earlier than originally published.) As usual hot dogs and hamburgers will be served. Bring a side or dessert if you wish. We will also plant and bless the parish food garden.

The Bishop is Coming
The Rt. Rev. C. Christopher Epting, assisting bishop in the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, June 7. Please plan to be present to welcome him to the parish. Read more about Bishop Epting HERE.

Calling All Graduates
If you, or someone in your family, is graduating this spring (at any level) please email or phone the parish office. A couple of sentences with graduation details and future plans, if known, would be great. We will celebrate all parish graduates on May 31.

Michael Soto Recital at St. John’s
You are invited to an exploration of musical influences and inspirations, featuring works of J.S. Bach, Alan Hovhaness, Jean Langlais, and Maurice Duruflé. The recital will take place at St. John's on Saturday, June 13 at 7:00 pm. A free-will offering will benefit the Grande Prairie Children’s Choir.

A Request from Tuti Arquilla
I’m requesting caring Episcopalians to “baby sit” our home during our estate sale (under the direction of Joanne Fisher): Friday, May 29, 9-2; Saturday, May 30, 9-2; Sunday May 31, 11-3. Food and drinks will be provided and you will be allowed to shop. Call 798-1812. Thanks.

Don’t miss it! Youth Group lock-in is Friday, May 29th, 7:00 pm
Parents: pick up by 8:30 am, Saturday, May 30th. An overnight celebration of a great year together—bring your friends, sleeping bags, yoga mats and a willingness to explore the weird and wonderful. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation of yourselves and St. John’s. Please return your completed permission slips to the parish office, Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck before May 29th. Wear comfortable clothing you can be active in AND have clean feet (you’ll find out why). Any questions OR if you need permission slips for you and/or your guests, please call or text Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck.

Parish Office Closure
The parish office will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

Announcements for May 17

Vestry Meeting
The vestry will meet Monday, May 18, beginning in the church at 7:00 PM with Evening Prayer.

Celebrate Sunday School
This Sunday, May 17, is the last day of Sunday School classes. We will celebrate students and teachers during the 10:00 AM service.

The Picnic is Coming
The annual beginning of summer parish picnic will be Sunday, May 31, following the 10:00 AM service. (This is a week earlier than originally published.) As usual hot dogs and hamburgers will be served. Bring a side or dessert if you wish. We will also plant and bless the parish food garden.

The Bishop is Coming
The Rt. Rev. C. Christopher Epting, assisting bishop in the Diocese of Chicago, will visit St. John’s on Sunday, June 7. Please plan to be present to welcome him to the parish. Read more about Bishop Epting HERE.

Calling All Graduates
If you, or someone in your family, is graduating this spring (at any level) please email or phone the parish office. A couple of sentences with graduation details and future plans, if known, would be great. We will celebrate all parish graduates on May 31.

ECW Potluck
All women of the parish are invited to a potluck luncheon this Wednesday, May 20, beginning at 11:30 AM in the undercroft.

Wear Red for Pentecost Next Sunday
Next Sunday, May 24, is Pentecost, the day on which the church commemorates the giving of the Holy Spirit as recounted in Acts 2:1-4. It is traditional to wear red, symbolizing the “tongues, as of fire” that rested upon the disciples.

Attention Youth Group--Avengers: Age of Ultron this Sunday after church
Wanna go? Let Dee McManamy or Margi Strombeck know. We'll leave right after church. It's our thank-you for your many hours of service for others... you deserve a treat. Also plan on the Youth Group Lock-In Friday, May 29, our last activity for the school year. Don't miss it! Bring a friend, yoga mat and sleeping bag. Lots of fun and weird stuff planned (good weird).

Announcements for May 3

The Parish Picnic is Coming: May 31 
Mark your calendars for the annual parish spring picnic, May 31, following the 10:00 AM service (a change from the originally published date). At the picnic we will also plant this year’s crops in the parish food garden.

Milkweed for Monarchs
Over the past 20 years the monarch butterfly populations has decreased by over 80%, primarily due to lack of habitat, specifically the milkweed plant, which is essential in the monarch life cycle. Several organizations are spearheading efforts to plant milkweed wherever possible. Milkweed seed packets are available in the undercroft. Take as many as you like to plant and share. (More information: The Xerces Society, Save Our Monarchs Foundation)

Yarn Ministry
The knitting group will meet Monday, May 4, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Guild Room.

St. John's shows generosity (and sweet tooth) at bake sale
Once again, St. John parishioners opened their hearts and wallets to the needs of others and raised $383 through the Youth Group coffee hour bake sale to help feed the hungry, locally and beyond, as part of the efforts of the Church World Service's CROP Hunger Walk. Our donations will directly benefit local agencies including Respond Now, Rich Township Food Pantry and South Suburban PADS, to name a few. A resounding THANK YOU from our Youth Group to all of you who showed your support through your baking, donations, purchases and, of course, consumption of all those tasty treats. Extra special thanks to Tonya Eisenberg and Bill Moser, whose surprise (and delicious) contributions were particularly appreciated.

Grande Prairie Singers Feature Mozart… and Michael! 
Sunday, May 17, is the final concert of the Grande Prairie Singers’ season, “Haydn and Mozart: Composers and Friends.” Selections include Mozart's “Ave Verum” (a St. John’s Choir favorite) and “Te Deum in C” and Haydn’s “Great Organ Solo Mass” featuring our own Michael Soto. The concert is at 4:00 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) and $10 for students and are available from Bob or Betsy Burgwald.

Announcements for April 19

Blue Jeans Sunday is This Sunday
Wear casual clothes to church, bring a rake, and stay after church to help prepare the church grounds for spring glory.

Milkweed for Monarchs
Over the past 20 years the monarch butterfly populations has decreased by over 80%, primarily due to lack of habitat, specifically the milkweed plant, which is essential in the monarch life cycle. Several organizations are spearheading efforts to plant milkweed wherever possible. Milkweed seed packets are available in the undercroft. Take as many as you like to plant and share. (More information from the Xerces Society and the Save Our Monarchs Organization.)

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, April 20, beginning at 7:00 PM in the church.

High School Youth Group
Raking for beauty: Let's pitch in after church on 4/19 & help clean up St. John's for spring (garden gloves always fashionable). Baking for hunger: Make your favorite baked treats to sell at coffee hour after church on 4/26. All proceeds to benefit CROP Hunger Walk. More details to follow. High School Youth & Their Parents: Watch the mail for a letter outlining our Youth Group's final activities before the summer break, including details about our upcoming bake sale. Our youth have given so much of their time and talent to benefit others this year... now it's their turn to receive. Our gatherings in May will be entirely for fun and fellowship. Be sure to mark your calendars now for the long-anticipated overnight lock-in on Friday, May 29th!

Recycle Plastic Easter Eggs
If you have left over plastic Easter eggs, please place them in the lavender-colored box near the church office. We can reuse them in next year’s Easter egg hunt.

Grande Prairie Singers Feature Mozart… and Michael! 
Sunday, May 17, is the final concert of the Grande Prairie Singers’ season, “Haydn and Mozart: Composers and Friends.” Selections include Mozart's “Ave Verum” (a St. John’s Choir favorite) and “Te Deum in C” and Haydn’s “Great Organ Solo Mass” featuring our own Michael Soto. The concert is at 4:00 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) and $10 for students and are available from Bob or Betsy Burgwald.

Announcements for April 12

Easter Flowers
Thank you and blessings to everyone who contributed to the Easter flowers this year. A complete list will be included with this Sunday’s leaflet.

Sunday School Classes Back from Vacation
Sunday School classes for all ages, children and adults, resume this Sunday, April 12, following the Easter break.

Blue Jeans Sunday is Next Sunday
Mark your calendars for the spring clean-up landscape work day, coming next Sunday, April 19. Wear casual clothes and stay after church to help prepare the church grounds for spring glory.

High School Youth Group
Raking for beauty: Let's pitch in after church on 4/19 & help clean up St. John's for spring (garden gloves always fashionable). Baking for hunger: Make your favorite baked treats to sell at coffee hour after church on 4/26. All proceeds to benefit CROP Hunger Walk. More details to follow. High School Youth & Their Parents: Watch the mail for a letter outlining our Youth Group's final activities before the summer break, including details about our upcoming bake sale. Our youth have given so much of their time and talent to benefit others this year... now it's their turn to receive. Our gatherings in May will be entirely for fun and fellowship. Be sure to mark your calendars now for the long-anticipated overnight lock-in on Friday, May 29th!

Grande Prairie Singers Feature Mozart… and Michael! 
Sunday, May 17, is the final concert of the Grande Prairie Singers’ season, “Haydn and Mozart: Composers and Friends.” Selections include Mozart's “Ave Verum” (a St. John’s Choir favorite) and “Te Deum in C” and Haydn’s “Great Organ Solo Mass” featuring our own Michael Soto. The concert is at 4:00 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) and $10 for students and are available from Bob or Betsy Burgwald.

Announcements for March 15

Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, March 16, beginning at 7:00 PM in the church.

Make Your Reservations Now for the Fish Fry: Friday, March 20
Once again blues musician Smiley Tillmon will be providing entertainment. The menu includes fresh fried whitefish, roasted potatoes, cole slaw and dessert (or mac and cheese for those who prefer). Dinner will be served from 5:30 – 7:30 PM; tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, paid at the door. Proceeds benefit South Suburban PADS. Please contact the parish office by March 17 to make reservations.

Loaves & Fishes Brunch This Sunday
Everyone is invited to brunch following the 10:00 AM service this Sunday, March 22. If you wish to bring a side or dessert to share, please do, but come regardless. The entrée will be provided and all are welcome!

Wednesday Evening Class for Lent: Reading Assignments
This year the Wednesday evening Lenten class is studying The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Last Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. Classes meet in the church from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Reading assignments for the remaining weeks are: March 18 – Chapters 6 & 7; March 25 – Chapter 8.

New Parish Directories are Available
Pick up a copy of the newly revised parish directory from any of the information tables.

Sunday School Classes Commemorate the Last Supper
On March 22, during the Christian formation time, the children and youth of the church will be recreating the Last Supper. In order for the Last Supper to be successful, it is important that all who with to participate arrive by 9:00 AM.

High School Youth Group Do-Over!
Let’s try shopping for supplies for the Humane Society this Sunday, March 15th. Meet at St. John’s at 4:00 PM, when we’ll depart for the store. (We’ll return by 5:30.) Please call or text Dee McManamy if you’re coming so we’re sure to have enough car space for you and any friends. Also, come prepared to discuss Youth Group Lock-in dates. Which Friday works best for you (and your family’s calendar): May 1, May 8 or May 29? We’re lining up a great roster of guests and activities for the lock-in. You really won’t want to miss it!

Announcements for March 1

High School Youth Group
Attention High School Youth: Let's shop for our furry friends (because winter has been rrrrufff)! Meet at St. John's promptly at 4pm this Sunday, March 1. We'll take our proceeds from the Pancake Supper and shop for necessities for our animal friends at South Suburban Humane Society. Please call or text Dee so we know how much car space is needed. We will return to St. John's by 5:30pm.

Wednesday Evening Class for Lent: Reading Assignments 
This year the Wednesday evening Lenten class is studying The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Last Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. Classes meet in the church from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Reading assignments for the remaining weeks are: March 4 – Chapters 2 & 3; March 11 – Chapters 4 & 5; March 18 – Chapters 6 & 7; March 25 – Chapter 8.

The Fish Fry is Coming
Mark your calendars for St. John’s annual Lenten fish fry, coming March 20.

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 8 
Remember to set your clocks forward one hour sometime before church next Sunday, March 8.

Last Call: Draft of New Parish Directory
Draft copies of updated version of the parish directory are located on the information tables. Please check to ensure your information is up-do-date. We always welcome the addition of email addresses and cell phone numbers if you are willing to share those. Copies of the new directories will be available soon.

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

Spring is Almost Here
Well, at least musically, as the Grande Prairie Singers present a love-themed concert featuring West Side Story and Henry Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas. It will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 8, at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. Pianist is our own amazing Michael Soto. See Bob or Betsy Burgwald for tickets.