- Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, June 18, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
- Looking Ahead: Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
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, the highly popular balloon twisters will be back again with their wonderful creations. We seek donations from parishioners to help defray the costs of providing this entertainment. 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.
- Pot Luck Brunch with Julians
The Julian year, part of the Episcopal Service Corps, offers young adults the time and the space to live by faith and work for justice in the city of Chicago. Participants in the Julian year, “Julians,” work four days each week in community service or advocacy organizations. They spend one day per week developing the leadership skills, spiritual depth, and supportive relationships that help form them into courageous and compassionate agents of change. For the last several years, St. John’s ECW has offered financial support to the Julian Year program. This Wednesday, June 20, several Julians will join the ECW for a pot luck lunch, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the undercroft. Anyone in the parish who is interested is invited to attend. If you can, please bring a dish to share.
- St. John’s is on Facebook
If you use Facebook, search for “St. John the Evangelist, Flossmoor.” In addition to updates and announcements, photos of parish events are posted. Photos of St. John’s participation in the recent diocesan confirmation service have recently been added.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Announcements for June 17
Reflection for June 17
If I were to ask my parents whether “church worked for them,” they would likely not understand the question. They didn’t expect church to work. Or, more accurately, they went to church out of a sense of faithfulness. That’s just what you did on Sunday morning. Sure, sometimes it was more uplifting and inspiring than others, but that wasn’t the point. They didn’t go with the primary expectation that church would “meet their needs,” but rather attended out of a mixture of faith, habit, and duty…. Like it or not, the days when people go to church in large numbers just because “they’re supposed to” are over. And, to be honest, I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. My heart is strangely warmed by the idea that people may someday go to church because they actually want to (David Lose, “Will Churches Go the Way of Bookstores?” on his blog …in the Meantime).
Friday, June 8, 2012
Announcements for June 10
- Thank You to Vestry Members
Thank you to members of the vestry for taking time away from families and other activities to participate in the vestry retreat last Saturday. It was an interesting and informative event, facilitated by the Rev. Jim Steen, Director of Ministries on the Bishop’s staff at the Diocese of Chicago.
- Looking Ahead: Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
July 4 is only 31⁄2 weeks away. St. John’s ice cream social is our gift to the people, young and old, of Flossmoor. Financial contributions are needed to help cover the cost of the children’s entertainment. And many volunteers are needed to run the event. Contact Gale Michael to volunteer. Look for the red, white and blue donation envelopes around the church.
- Don’t Forget Pets in Need
Some pets are abandoned or turned into shelters every summer simply because they cannot be accommodated on the family vacation. The Little Hands Donation box for the South Suburban Humane Society is still available. Donations are sought of dog or cat food, kitty litter (non-clumping), old blankets or towels, bleach, or dog and cat toys.
Reflection for June 10
Prayer for the Good Use of Leisure:
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 825)
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 825)
Friday, June 1, 2012
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - April 16, 2012
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests
After Evening Prayer in the Church, which began at 7:00 PM, vestry members met in the undercroft meeting room where each person offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were the rector, Kristin Orr; senior warden, Frank So; junior warden, Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol as well as the clerk, Susan Marquis. Those absent were the treasurer Clay Denton and vestry members Anne Edwards and Greg Lawrence.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from March Meeting
Audrey Ongman moved that the March minutes be approved, and after a second by Gale Michael, the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
There were no unusual expenses over the last month, and income has been pretty good. Frank So made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Bev Keene seconded. The motion was approved.
Acceptance of Rector’s Discretionary Account Report
Pastor Orr distributed copies of the quarterly Rector’s Discretionary Account Report. Gale Michael moved that the report be accepted, and R.J. VanSwol seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Discussion of CD Renewal
One of our certificates of deposit is maturing. Following discussion, Audrey Ongman moved that we roll over the CD for 12 months at the current interest rate of 3/10 of one percent. Steve Hofer seconded. The motion carried.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr gave thanks for all of the people who were involved in Holy Week. Two parishioners, Janet Dehn and Leslie McBride, died during the past month. Cyndie Knoll is instructing four or five young people in preparation for confirmation. The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Lockport installed a new vicar, the Rev. Matthew Humm, on April 11th. The Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park will install their new rector, the Rev. Nicholas Romans, in June.
The Diocese of Quincy will meet with the Diocese of Chicago in Chicago in the near future. This will be part of ongoing conversations about the possibility of Quincy joining our diocese.
The Rev. Jim Steen will lead our parish vestry retreat on June 2nd from 9:00 AM until approximately 12:30 PM at St. John’s. Pastor Orr has suggested that lay leadership may be a topic of interest, and she requested that vestry members submit to her suggestions of other topics of interest.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Junior warden Audrey Ongman reported that we need new people to volunteer to be coffee hour hosts. She also noted that she is working on finding some toilet paper dispenser replacements.
Pastor Orr expressed thanks to Harold Keene for his ongoing work on sidewalk lighting by the columbarium.
Senior warden Frank So thanked Bill Bestow and his crew for all of their work on another successful Friday Fish Fry during Lent.
Upcoming Parish Events
There was no report.
Discussion and Decisions
Accessibility Project
Anne Edwards has a list of resources to explore.
Pastor Orr asked for volunteers to take part in two Capital Campaign Webinars that will be offered by the Episcopal Church Foundation.
Frank, Gale, Mark, and Audrey volunteered to participate in “Basics of a Parish Capital Campaign” on April 26th from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
Frank, Mark, and Audrey will participate in “Spending Rules for Endowments” on May 23rd from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
Kristin and Bev will try to join both webinars as well.
Closing
At 8:10 PM, after prayer, the meeting concluded. The next vestry meeting will be on May 21st.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Marquis Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: May 21, 2012
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests
After Evening Prayer in the Church, which began at 7:00 PM, vestry members met in the undercroft meeting room where each person offered prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Attendance
Present at the meeting were the rector, Kristin Orr; senior warden, Frank So; junior warden, Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol as well as the clerk, Susan Marquis. Those absent were the treasurer Clay Denton and vestry members Anne Edwards and Greg Lawrence.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from March Meeting
Audrey Ongman moved that the March minutes be approved, and after a second by Gale Michael, the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
There were no unusual expenses over the last month, and income has been pretty good. Frank So made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Bev Keene seconded. The motion was approved.
Acceptance of Rector’s Discretionary Account Report
Pastor Orr distributed copies of the quarterly Rector’s Discretionary Account Report. Gale Michael moved that the report be accepted, and R.J. VanSwol seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Discussion of CD Renewal
One of our certificates of deposit is maturing. Following discussion, Audrey Ongman moved that we roll over the CD for 12 months at the current interest rate of 3/10 of one percent. Steve Hofer seconded. The motion carried.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr gave thanks for all of the people who were involved in Holy Week. Two parishioners, Janet Dehn and Leslie McBride, died during the past month. Cyndie Knoll is instructing four or five young people in preparation for confirmation. The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Lockport installed a new vicar, the Rev. Matthew Humm, on April 11th. The Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park will install their new rector, the Rev. Nicholas Romans, in June.
The Diocese of Quincy will meet with the Diocese of Chicago in Chicago in the near future. This will be part of ongoing conversations about the possibility of Quincy joining our diocese.
The Rev. Jim Steen will lead our parish vestry retreat on June 2nd from 9:00 AM until approximately 12:30 PM at St. John’s. Pastor Orr has suggested that lay leadership may be a topic of interest, and she requested that vestry members submit to her suggestions of other topics of interest.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
Junior warden Audrey Ongman reported that we need new people to volunteer to be coffee hour hosts. She also noted that she is working on finding some toilet paper dispenser replacements.
Pastor Orr expressed thanks to Harold Keene for his ongoing work on sidewalk lighting by the columbarium.
Senior warden Frank So thanked Bill Bestow and his crew for all of their work on another successful Friday Fish Fry during Lent.
Upcoming Parish Events
There was no report.
Discussion and Decisions
Accessibility Project
Anne Edwards has a list of resources to explore.
Pastor Orr asked for volunteers to take part in two Capital Campaign Webinars that will be offered by the Episcopal Church Foundation.
Frank, Gale, Mark, and Audrey volunteered to participate in “Basics of a Parish Capital Campaign” on April 26th from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
Frank, Mark, and Audrey will participate in “Spending Rules for Endowments” on May 23rd from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
Kristin and Bev will try to join both webinars as well.
Closing
At 8:10 PM, after prayer, the meeting concluded. The next vestry meeting will be on May 21st.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Marquis Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: May 21, 2012
Announcements for June 3
- Parish Picnic This Sunday
Everyone is invited to the parish picnic, beginning after the 10:00 a.m. service (around 11:15) this Sunday, June 3. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Bring a side or dessert if you can, but definitely come join in the fun and fellowship.
- Honoring Graduates
We will offer special prayers for graduates this Sunday, June 3, during the 10:00 a.m. service.
- Looking Ahead: Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
St. John’s ice cream social is a wonderful part of the Fourth of July tradition in Flossmoor. Can you contribute time to help set up, host, or clean up for the event or money to help cover costs? Contact Gale Michael to volunteer. Look for donation envelopes around the church.
- Diocesan Confirmation Service – June 9
The Diocesan Confirmation Service is Saturday, June 9, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Cathedral, located at the corner of Huron and Wabash downtown. Bishop Lee will confirm and preach. Everyone is invited. St. John’s will be presenting candidates for confirmation and reception.
Reflection for June 3
Reverence has more to do with politics than with religion. We can easily imagine religion without reverence; we see it, for example, wherever religion leads people into aggressive war or violence. But power without reverence—that is a catastrophe for all concerned. Power without reverence is aflame with arrogance, while service without reverence is smoldering toward rebellion. Politics without reverence is blind to the general good and deaf to advice from people who are powerless. And life without reverence? Entirely without reverence? That would be brutish and selfish, and it had best be lived alone (Paul Woodruff, Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue).
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