Stewardship: Annual Pledge Drive
You should soon be receiving the mailing with information about St. John’s annual pledge drive. Please take the time to read and consider the enclosed information. Please also reflect on the words on the back of the pledge card. St. John’s is a “place to connect.” How does St. John’s help you connect to God, to your faith, to a caring community, and to the needs of the world? Pledge cards can be returned to the parish office at any time or you will have the opportunity to offer them within worship on Sunday, November 18.
Guest Preacher November 4: The Rev. Jim Steen
The Rev. Jim Steen, Director of Ministries on Bishop Lee’s leadership team, will preach at both services Sunday, November 4. He will also present a forum and be available for questions during the 9:00 a.m. hour in the adult Sunday School class in the Education Wing.
Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets
The youth of Little Hands are spearheading St. John’s participation in the Cathedral Shelter Christmas basket program this year. Look for their table during coffee hour. Or you can stop by the parish office anytime to adopt a family.
All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory
All parishioners and guests are invited to the Rector’s annual All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory, Sunday, November 4, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Remembering the Faithful Departed on All Saints’ Day
We will offer special prayers for the faithful departed at the Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist on November 7. Please phone or e-mail the parish office if you have individuals you would like included in these prayers.
Yarn Ministry
The yarn ministry will be meeting on Monday, November 5, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Guild Room
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Blue Jeans Sundays in November
Mark your calendars. Wear blue jeans to church on Sunday and plan to stay after for an hour or so and help with outside fall landscaping clean up work. November 11 and 24, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Central Standard Time Resumes November 4
Remember to set your clocks back one hour.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Reflection for October 28
For the Parish
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 817).
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 817).
Friday, October 19, 2012
Announcements for October 21
Vestry Town Hall Meeting This Sunday: Update on the Accessibility Project
During coffee hour this Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Please read reflections by Steve Hofer and Mark Moxley, posted here. A summary fact sheet on the accessibility project is available here.
Youth Worship This Sunday
Youth Worship resumes this Sunday, October 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Chapel in the education wing. Children of all ages are always welcome in church throughout the service, but grade school-aged children are invited to participate in youth worship if they wish. It is offered as an engaging age-appropriate worship experience for the liturgy of the Word of God, or the first portion of the Eucharist. Youth worship participants join their families and the parish family at the peace and all share Holy Communion together.
Little Hands Meets Sunday
St. John’s children’s outreach group, Little Hands, meets this Sunday, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the undercroft.
All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory
All parishioners and guests are invited to the Rector’s annual All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory, Sunday, November 4, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Blue Jeans Sundays in November
Mark your calendars. Wear blue jeans to church on Sunday and plan to stay after for an hour or so and help with outside fall landscaping clean up work. November 11 and 24, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
During coffee hour this Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Please read reflections by Steve Hofer and Mark Moxley, posted here. A summary fact sheet on the accessibility project is available here.
Youth Worship This Sunday
Youth Worship resumes this Sunday, October 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Chapel in the education wing. Children of all ages are always welcome in church throughout the service, but grade school-aged children are invited to participate in youth worship if they wish. It is offered as an engaging age-appropriate worship experience for the liturgy of the Word of God, or the first portion of the Eucharist. Youth worship participants join their families and the parish family at the peace and all share Holy Communion together.
Little Hands Meets Sunday
St. John’s children’s outreach group, Little Hands, meets this Sunday, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the undercroft.
All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory
All parishioners and guests are invited to the Rector’s annual All Saints’ Open House at the Rectory, Sunday, November 4, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
Blue Jeans Sundays in November
Mark your calendars. Wear blue jeans to church on Sunday and plan to stay after for an hour or so and help with outside fall landscaping clean up work. November 11 and 24, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Reflection for October 21
The holy life is not lived in isolation, in sterile conditions of religious purity, where everyone agrees and everyone gets along. Conformity is the death of creativity. Instead it is lived in the noisy marketplace of ideas and opinions, amid the many smells and sounds of our common humanity, the exhilarating and frustrating reality of being alive in the midst of life. If our fingernails are not dirty then we probably have not been practicing our religion. If our faith has not entertained a question we probably have not been thinking. Welcome to the holy chaos of God (Bishop Steven Charleston).
Fact Sheet on Accessibility Project
1. Why are we considering accessibility improvements?
2. When did the vestry start exploring improving accessibility?
3. What has been done so far?
4. What were the task force's specific recommendations?
5. Why do they propose an elevator in the west foyer?
6. Why can't we build a ramp?
7. Why are our current chair lifts inadequate?
8. What have the architects done so far?
9. What is included in these preliminary drawings/proposals?
10. Additional components that could be a part of the project.
11. Why has progress on this project been slow for the last year?
12. What are the cost estimates associated with the preliminary proposals?
13. Does this include efforts to reduce costs or any value engineering?
14. These seem high. Why?
15. Can we raise this much money?
16. How long would a capital campaign take?
17. If an elevator is installed, will there be additional ongoing costs as a result of its use?
18. Could we start improvements before the money is raised?
19. Are there other funding sources?
20. What are the next steps?
- St. John's presents significant barriers to individuals with various disabilities.
- Refer to individual vestry member's reflections.
2. When did the vestry start exploring improving accessibility?
- At least once in St. John's past (in 2003) and perhaps additional times, vestries have been concerned about the lack of accessibility and have given serious study to improving physical accessibility. There is no simple or easy solution.
- In 2009, as part of ongoing attention to building concerns, interest grew within the vestry to approach the issue again.
3. What has been done so far?
- A task force, chaired by Mike Madden, was appointed by the vestry to study the issue and present recommendations.
- The task force presented its report in the summer of 2010.
- Acting upon the recommendations of the task forces report, the vestry prepared a "Request for Proposal" which was sent to multiple architectural firms. After four firms were invited to make presentations to a vestry subcommittee, ESA was selected.
4. What were the task force's specific recommendations?
- Provide access to all three levels of the church. Installation of an elevator in the west foyer was the preferred method to achieve this.
- Create a designated handicapped entrance and parking.
- Enhance the worship experience for people with physical, visual and hearing disabilities.
- Provide an accessible restroom.
5. Why do they propose an elevator in the west foyer?
- It is a high traffic area that provides access to all three levels.
6. Why can't we build a ramp?
- To comply with ADA slope requirements, the ramp would need to be roughly 60 feet long. There are limited options for placement of a ramp of that length. The vestry's 2003 work on improving accessibility looked into an exterior ramp that would have run the length of the west side of the church. The architects report at the time said "We believe that this solution is a balance of economy and aesthetics. You may wish to consider an internal solution, such as providing a lift in the vestibule between the school and the church.... This solution will provide accessibility between all three levels of the facility and will be aesthetically superior."
- As mentioned above an exterior ramp would not provide access to the undercroft, an important location in the life of our parish community.
7. Why are our current chair lifts inadequate?
- They are useless for someone in a wheelchair.
- They require the presence of an able-bodied operator.
- They are frightening to ride.
- Unfortunately individuals forgo church rather than face the inconvenience and stigma of using the chair lifts.
8. What have the architects done so far?
- Prepared "as is" drawings of the property.
- Evaluated current electrical, water, HVAC systems.
- Prepared preliminary drawings for several proposed ways of addressing the task force' s recommendations.
9. What is included in these preliminary drawings/proposals?
- Elevator
- Accessible washroom.
10. Additional components that could be a part of the project.
- Provide an open, inviting "gathering" space in the west foyer area.
11. Why has progress on this project been slow for the last year?
- Replacement of the flat roof became unavoidably urgent and took time.
- Turnover in the architect's office. The architect who had primary responsibility for this project left the firm.
- Initial cost estimates were higher than anticipated. The architects asked us for rough figures on our fund raising potential and we needed some time to explore this.
12. What are the cost estimates associated with the preliminary proposals?
- 500,000 - 550,000
- These are very rough, provided by the architects, not a contractor.
13. Does this include efforts to reduce costs or any value engineering?
- Not yet.
14. These seem high. Why?
- The space is not quite large enough as is, so structural modifications would be required.
- Considerable reworking of HVAC systems is required.
- Elevators require 3 phase electricity, not available at the church. A special converter is required. (Or having ComEd bring it from downtown Flossmoor, where it is available--evidently an even less attractive alternative.)
15. Can we raise this much money?
- According to the Episcopal Church Foundation, a well-organized capital campaign can reasonably expect to raise from 3 to 5 times the annual giving of a congregation. For us that would be approximately $600,000 - $1,000,000.
16. How long would a capital campaign take?
- Not really known at this time, but typically at least three years.
17. If an elevator is installed, will there be additional ongoing costs as a result of its use?
- Yes. The actual costs would depend somewhat upon the type of elevator installed and are not specifically known at this time. They would include electricity, maintenance, and possibly a designated phone line for safety.
18. Could we start improvements before the money is raised?
- The vestry has not considered that option at this time. It would presumably require taking out a loan.
19. Are there other funding sources?
- Some grant money is potentially available. The largest we are aware of is $50,000. We don't know how likely we might be to receive it.
- The diocese does not have funds to aid self-sustaining parishes with this sort of improvement.
20. What are the next steps?
- At this point, nothing has been definitely decided.
- Input and conversations with parishioners are welcome.
- The next steps would presumably include a return to the architects to explore options more thoroughly, including possible cost reductions if desired.
- The vestry will decide on a plan to proceed.
Vestry Minutes - September 17, 2012
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
Evening prayer commenced at 7:00 PM and included a lesson on the life of Benedictine abbess, writer, composer and mystic, Hildegard of Bingen. The vestry then met in the undercroft meeting room where the meeting began with each person offering 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 Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol; the treasurer Clay Denton; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Candice Barrera and Greg Lawrence were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from August Meeting
Anne Edwards moved that the minutes from the August meeting be approved. Gale Michael seconded, and the motion was carried.
Treasurer’s Report
Clay Denton reported that August was a quiet month financially with no major expenses other than candles. August pledges fell behind but seem to be catching up this month. Audrey Ongman moved that the treasurer’s report be accepted. Bev Keene seconded, and the motion passed.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund
Pastor Orr distributed a report on the amounts available in the Discretionary Fund. R.J. VanSwol made a motion to note that the report had been received. After a second by Gale Michael, the motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr asked that the whole parish community be kept in everyone’s prayers following the recent spate of funerals we have had.
The rector expressed thanks to everyone who participated in the parish Jubilation celebration of ministries.
Within a few days the rector should be announcing the hiring of a new music director.
All educational opportunities are back in full swing for both children and adults. The Sunday morning adult class that the rector holds between services will start with an exploration of faith and science. Mary Agnes Long and Audrey Ongman lead the Wednesday morning Bible study class. Education for Ministry meets on Thursday evenings. On Sunday mornings, Cyndie Knoll teaches the junior high group, Mark Moxley the intermediate, and Patti Pohrte and Diane Walsh-Madden the primary. Pastor Orr expressed thanks to all teachers and students.
The rector presented a card for the vestry to sign that will be sent, along with a check, to Sandy Lawless to mark the occasion of her retirement from her role as office manager.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There was no report.
Upcoming Parish Events
The dinner group program is re-starting after being inactive for some time.
Discussion and Decisions
Delegates for Diocesan Convention
A slate of three delegates: Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, and Susan O’Brien, and two alternates: Gale Michael and Doris Sheffer, was presented to the vestry. John Huntoon moved that the slate be approved. R.J. VanSwol seconded, and the motion was carried.
Columbarium Project Report
Frank So suggested that, at an appropriate time, the accessibility project architects and two or three landscape architects should be interviewed about handling the project. We need to check with the diocese for recommendations about moving forward on the project. Frank believes that we should proceed with the accessibility project to see what will be happening on the columbarium side of the building before making final columbarium plans.
Accessibility Project
Pastor Orr reminded the vestry about Jim Steen’s comments at the recent vestry retreat. He said that the vestry was elected to lead; that a vestry should not go to the parish to help decide everything, but the parish should be included in the conversation. Then it is the vestry’s job to assemble to make decisions. Our vestry will be including the parish in the accessibility project conversation at a Town Hall meeting next month.
The vestry decided to set the meeting for October 21st after the 10:00 AM service. Vestry members will invite parishioners to the meeting through verbal announcements at both services for the two Sundays prior to the meeting. Frank So volunteered to speak on October 7th, and John Huntoon will speak on October 14th. There will also be “e-vangelist” announcements for those two weeks.
Steve Hofer commented that the things people will want to know are: the reason for the project, the cost, and the plan. It was also determined that a fact sheet would be helpful for the vestry. This would include answers to questions such as: How long will the project take? When will we start? Can we start before the money is raised? Where will the columbarium be located? What is the scope of the work to be done?
The Accessibility Task Force should be at the meeting to answer questions about what problems they identified in their study of the church facility and property. Closing After prayer, the meeting ended at 8:55. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: October 15, 2012
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
Evening prayer commenced at 7:00 PM and included a lesson on the life of Benedictine abbess, writer, composer and mystic, Hildegard of Bingen. The vestry then met in the undercroft meeting room where the meeting began with each person offering 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 Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol; the treasurer Clay Denton; and the clerk, Susan Marquis. Vestry members Candice Barrera and Greg Lawrence were absent.
Parish Stewardship
Approval of Minutes from August Meeting
Anne Edwards moved that the minutes from the August meeting be approved. Gale Michael seconded, and the motion was carried.
Treasurer’s Report
Clay Denton reported that August was a quiet month financially with no major expenses other than candles. August pledges fell behind but seem to be catching up this month. Audrey Ongman moved that the treasurer’s report be accepted. Bev Keene seconded, and the motion passed.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund
Pastor Orr distributed a report on the amounts available in the Discretionary Fund. R.J. VanSwol made a motion to note that the report had been received. After a second by Gale Michael, the motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
Pastor Orr asked that the whole parish community be kept in everyone’s prayers following the recent spate of funerals we have had.
The rector expressed thanks to everyone who participated in the parish Jubilation celebration of ministries.
Within a few days the rector should be announcing the hiring of a new music director.
All educational opportunities are back in full swing for both children and adults. The Sunday morning adult class that the rector holds between services will start with an exploration of faith and science. Mary Agnes Long and Audrey Ongman lead the Wednesday morning Bible study class. Education for Ministry meets on Thursday evenings. On Sunday mornings, Cyndie Knoll teaches the junior high group, Mark Moxley the intermediate, and Patti Pohrte and Diane Walsh-Madden the primary. Pastor Orr expressed thanks to all teachers and students.
The rector presented a card for the vestry to sign that will be sent, along with a check, to Sandy Lawless to mark the occasion of her retirement from her role as office manager.
Wardens’ Reports and/or Reports from Parish Organizations
There was no report.
Upcoming Parish Events
The dinner group program is re-starting after being inactive for some time.
Discussion and Decisions
Delegates for Diocesan Convention
A slate of three delegates: Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, and Susan O’Brien, and two alternates: Gale Michael and Doris Sheffer, was presented to the vestry. John Huntoon moved that the slate be approved. R.J. VanSwol seconded, and the motion was carried.
Columbarium Project Report
Frank So suggested that, at an appropriate time, the accessibility project architects and two or three landscape architects should be interviewed about handling the project. We need to check with the diocese for recommendations about moving forward on the project. Frank believes that we should proceed with the accessibility project to see what will be happening on the columbarium side of the building before making final columbarium plans.
Accessibility Project
Pastor Orr reminded the vestry about Jim Steen’s comments at the recent vestry retreat. He said that the vestry was elected to lead; that a vestry should not go to the parish to help decide everything, but the parish should be included in the conversation. Then it is the vestry’s job to assemble to make decisions. Our vestry will be including the parish in the accessibility project conversation at a Town Hall meeting next month.
The vestry decided to set the meeting for October 21st after the 10:00 AM service. Vestry members will invite parishioners to the meeting through verbal announcements at both services for the two Sundays prior to the meeting. Frank So volunteered to speak on October 7th, and John Huntoon will speak on October 14th. There will also be “e-vangelist” announcements for those two weeks.
Steve Hofer commented that the things people will want to know are: the reason for the project, the cost, and the plan. It was also determined that a fact sheet would be helpful for the vestry. This would include answers to questions such as: How long will the project take? When will we start? Can we start before the money is raised? Where will the columbarium be located? What is the scope of the work to be done?
The Accessibility Task Force should be at the meeting to answer questions about what problems they identified in their study of the church facility and property. Closing After prayer, the meeting ended at 8:55. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15th.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: October 15, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Announcements for October 14
Jackie Campbell Memorial Blood Drive: This Sunday, October 14
St. John’s annual fall blood drive is this Sunday, October 14, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the classrooms in the education wing. You may still sign up online at www.lifesource.org or walk-ins will be welcome.
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 15, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Vestry Town Hall Meeting: Update on the Accessibility Project
During coffee hour on Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Over the next few weeks, several vestry members will be sharing their reflections about the need for this work. Reflections by Frank So and Anne Edwards are here. Please give them your attention.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
St. John’s annual fall blood drive is this Sunday, October 14, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the classrooms in the education wing. You may still sign up online at www.lifesource.org or walk-ins will be welcome.
Vestry Meeting
The vestry meets Monday, October 15, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Vestry Town Hall Meeting: Update on the Accessibility Project
During coffee hour on Sunday, October 21, the vestry will present an update on efforts to improve overall accessibility at St. John’s. All parishioners are urged to come hear about what has been done thus far, to ask questions, and join in the conversation about this important initiative. Over the next few weeks, several vestry members will be sharing their reflections about the need for this work. Reflections by Frank So and Anne Edwards are here. Please give them your attention.
Parish Dinner Groups
Sign up for the 2012-2013 Parish Dinner Groups continues through Sunday, November 11. Information and forms for signing up will be found on a table in the undercroft. If you have any questions regarding this unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners a little bit better, please talk to Gale Michael or Pastor Orr.
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