Introducing New Vestry
At the annual parish meeting these individuals were elected to serve on the vestry: Senior Warden – Greg Lawrence; Junior Warden – Steve Hover; Vestry – Mike Bond, Shirley Reilly and Mary VanSwol.
Photos from the Feast
Photos taken at the parish feast are posted in the undercroft. If you wish to retrieve your ’70’s photo, look for them in a basket on the table in front of the bulletin board.
Episcopal Public Policy Network
The Episcopal Church maintains an Office of Government Relations In Washington. This office sponsors the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN). EPPN is a grassroots network of Episcopalians interested in the active ministry of public policy advocacy. EPPN provides information on the relationship between government actions and the baptismal covenant and the position of the Episcopal Church as expressed in General Convention. EPPN also provides easy tools and resources to be involved in particular issues of interest. Find out more or sign up HERE.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Reflection for January 29
When Jesus says, “Our Father, who art in heaven,” I listen. Even during my doubting days in college I listened, and carefully, because Jesus knew not only more about God than I did—that was obvious; he also knew more about the world. He could talk convincingly to me about a father in heaven because he took seriously the earth’s homeless orphans. He could talk to me convincingly about living at peace in the hands of love because he knew that the world lived constantly at war in the grip of hatred. He could talk to me of light, and joy, and exultation, because I knew that he himself knew darkness, sorrow, and death. That’s why, eventually, Jesus became for me too my Lord and Savior, and that’s why I think it right to say that the authority of the Lord’s Prayer stems from the reliability of the source (William Sloane Coffin).
Friday, January 6, 2017
Announcements for January 8
Celebrate the EpiphanyTo celebrate the Epiphany the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated Friday, January 6, beginning at 7 PM.
RSVP for the Feast (and bring photos from the 70’s!)
Where were you when everyone had “Saturday Night Fever?” Were you sporting your brand new leisure suit? Sporting plaid pants, or bell bottoms? Were you still being dressed by your parents, growing up in an avocado and gold kitchen? Were you watching Star Wars for the 11th time? Or did you connect with the decade years later while dressing up for Halloween? Please bring a copy of your best 70's look to the Feast on Jan 14. Just put your name on the back of your picture(s) and we will try to guess who's who. Don't forget to RSVP for the feast. Please bring your reply card to church on Sunday or there are extras on the information tables. We need your reply by Wednesday Jan 11, but responses before Friday Jan 7 are especially appreciated.
Help Needed for PADS
We will be serving dinner at PADS on Wednesday, Jan 11th at St. Lawrence O’Toole at 7 PM. I need volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal beginning at 6 PM. Please see me at church or contact me by phone or email if you are able to help. Thank you. –Margi Strombeck
Sunday School is Back
Sunday School classes for all ages will meet this Sunday, January 8.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
The Practicing Our Faith Book Cub is reading Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hahn this month. Read the book, and then join us on Thursday, January 19 at 7pm in the Guild roon for the discussion. New members are always welcome.
Annual Parish Meeting
The annual parish meeting will be held Sunday, January 22. Loaves and Fishes will serve brunch following the 10:00 AM service. The meeting will begin around 11:30 AM. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Thank You for Christmas Flower Donations
A list of people who contributed for the special Christmas decorations in the church will be included in this Sunday’s service leaflet.
Offering Envelopes are Available
2017 offering envelopes are available in the back of the church for people who primarily attend the 8:00 AM service and in the undercroft for people who regularly attend at 10:00 AM.
RSVP for the Feast (and bring photos from the 70’s!)
Where were you when everyone had “Saturday Night Fever?” Were you sporting your brand new leisure suit? Sporting plaid pants, or bell bottoms? Were you still being dressed by your parents, growing up in an avocado and gold kitchen? Were you watching Star Wars for the 11th time? Or did you connect with the decade years later while dressing up for Halloween? Please bring a copy of your best 70's look to the Feast on Jan 14. Just put your name on the back of your picture(s) and we will try to guess who's who. Don't forget to RSVP for the feast. Please bring your reply card to church on Sunday or there are extras on the information tables. We need your reply by Wednesday Jan 11, but responses before Friday Jan 7 are especially appreciated.
Help Needed for PADS
We will be serving dinner at PADS on Wednesday, Jan 11th at St. Lawrence O’Toole at 7 PM. I need volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal beginning at 6 PM. Please see me at church or contact me by phone or email if you are able to help. Thank you. –Margi Strombeck
Sunday School is Back
Sunday School classes for all ages will meet this Sunday, January 8.
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
The Practicing Our Faith Book Cub is reading Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hahn this month. Read the book, and then join us on Thursday, January 19 at 7pm in the Guild roon for the discussion. New members are always welcome.
Annual Parish Meeting
The annual parish meeting will be held Sunday, January 22. Loaves and Fishes will serve brunch following the 10:00 AM service. The meeting will begin around 11:30 AM. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Thank You for Christmas Flower Donations
A list of people who contributed for the special Christmas decorations in the church will be included in this Sunday’s service leaflet.
Offering Envelopes are Available
2017 offering envelopes are available in the back of the church for people who primarily attend the 8:00 AM service and in the undercroft for people who regularly attend at 10:00 AM.
Reflection for January 8
Epiphany is the season of looking outward; it is the season when the mysterious visitors from the East come and pay homage to the Christ Child. It is the season of our Lord’s Baptism, when the identity of our Lord is affirmed in the words from the Father. It is the season of the transformation of the ordinary into extraordinary - water into wine - at the wedding in Cana…. Let us all live into the theology of this season - a theology that welcomes the other, a theology that witnesses to the significance of Christ, and a theology that believes God can take ordinary human beings and use us to create an amazing party to which all are invited (The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Dean and President, Virginia Theological Seminary).
Friday, December 30, 2016
Announcements for January 1
RSVP for the Feast
Where were you when everyone had “Saturday Night Fever?” Were you sporting your brand new leisure suit? Sporting plaid pants, or bell bottoms? Were you still being dressed by your parents, growing up in an avocado and gold kitchen? Were you watching Star Wars for the 11th time? Or did you connect with the decade years later while dressing up for Halloween? Please bring a copy of your best 70's look to the Feast on Jan 14. Just put your name on the back of your picture(s) and we will try to guess who's who.
Don't forget to RSVP for the feast. Please bring your reply card to church on Sunday. We need your reply by Wednesday Jan 11, but responses before Friday Jan 7 are especially appreciated.
Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.
Wednesday Service
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist WILL resume this week, January 4.
Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 3. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.
Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes will NOT meet this Sunday, January 1.
Christmas Thanks
Thank you to everyone who, in small ways and large, contributed to Christmas services at St. John’s. Special thanks to Michael Soto and the choir and to the Altar Guild for all of their extra work. And thanks be to God for the young people who read the “Voices of Christmas” at the early Christmas Eve service.
Vestry Budget Meeting
The vestry meets next Sunday, January 8, following the 10:00 AM service to finalize the 2017 budget.
Where were you when everyone had “Saturday Night Fever?” Were you sporting your brand new leisure suit? Sporting plaid pants, or bell bottoms? Were you still being dressed by your parents, growing up in an avocado and gold kitchen? Were you watching Star Wars for the 11th time? Or did you connect with the decade years later while dressing up for Halloween? Please bring a copy of your best 70's look to the Feast on Jan 14. Just put your name on the back of your picture(s) and we will try to guess who's who.
Don't forget to RSVP for the feast. Please bring your reply card to church on Sunday. We need your reply by Wednesday Jan 11, but responses before Friday Jan 7 are especially appreciated.
Lessons and Carols This Sunday
Services of Scripture readings interspersed with music of prayer and praise are a rich part of our Anglican worship tradition. This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service will be a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion, although not a traditional part of these services, will be included on Sunday.
Wednesday Service
The Wednesday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist WILL resume this week, January 4.
Parish Office Holiday Closure
The parish office is closed through January 3. Voice mail, email and snail mail are being checked regularly.
Sunday School Vacation
Sunday School classes will NOT meet this Sunday, January 1.
Christmas Thanks
Thank you to everyone who, in small ways and large, contributed to Christmas services at St. John’s. Special thanks to Michael Soto and the choir and to the Altar Guild for all of their extra work. And thanks be to God for the young people who read the “Voices of Christmas” at the early Christmas Eve service.
Vestry Budget Meeting
The vestry meets next Sunday, January 8, following the 10:00 AM service to finalize the 2017 budget.
Reflection for January 1
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (Collect for the Incarnation, BCP, p. 252).
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting - November 21, 2016
Formation
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry met in the church at 7:00 PM for Evening Prayer and then reconvened in the undercroft meeting room where everyone offered prayers of intercession and thanksgiving.
Attendance
Present were the rector Kristin Orr; the senior warden Anne Edwards; the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Alice Creason, Nichole Dailor, Randy Oyster, Ted Stone Zoltan Sziky, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis. Absent were vestry members Rob Carrier and Cynthia Turnquest.
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the October vestry meeting, and Nichole Dailor seconded. Following a vote, the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that contributions still are behind expectations, but they are picking up. Expenses are below expectations for this point in the year, mostly resulting from a prior employment vacancy, lower gas bills, and timing of billing. The approximate $2,000 deficit may be wiped out by these favorabilities.
Debbi presented an update on pledging for 2017. Fifty-four pledges have been made so far for a total of about $154,000. There are another 17 pledges from 2016 that have not yet been made for 2017. In response to a question, Debbi stated that there is no apparent correlation between church attendance and giving.
Bob Burgwald moved to accept the October Treasurer’s Report, and Hans Zigmund seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr will be on vacation the weekend of December 10-11, and the Rev. Shawn Schreiner will serve as supply priest.
—Over the last month eight kneelers have been re-upholstered. A few more are starting to fray and will need to be recovered in the near future.
—Pastor Orr is grateful for Randy Oyster’s work in cutting off a tree limb that had been rubbing on the rectory gutters.
—Thanks to those who helped do church lawn work on Blue Jeans Sunday, especially Lynn Ruschhaupt for her coordination of the work.
—We celebrate those who bought Christmas gifts and food gift certificates for the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing in Chicago.
—Thanks to Harold Keene for supplying his time and materials to replace the timer to light the St. John stained glass window above the church’s front door.
—United Thank Offering boxes are being collected from parishioners. The funds support UTO charities around the world. The UTO has existed since the 1800s as a ministry of the women of the church. Boxes with coin slots are taken home, and people can make donations as they become aware of reasons to be thankful for things in their daily lives.
Reports from Wardens and Other Parish Organizations
Junior Warden Steve Hofer reported that things are moving along in his St. John’s history project. He coated the front doors of the church with a spray-on wood treatment. Steve told of his experience at Honey Field restaurant in Lockport that offers a 10% meal discount on those who pray.
Upcoming Events
—Wednesday, November 23rd, 7:30 PM, St. Joseph’s in Homewood: Community Interfaith Thanksgiving service with a collection for Respond Now
—Thursday, November 24th, 10:00 AM: Thanksgiving service at St. John’s
—Sunday, November 27th, 9:00 AM: Advent wreath-making in the undercroft
—Saturday, December 3rd, 9:00 AM in the undercroft: Cookie Walk
Discussion and Decisions
Stewardship
—The office will send out reminder post cards to parishioners who have not yet submitted their pledge cards. The senior warden will write simple weekly updates in the “e-vangelist” tracking the progress of of pledge totals received.
—The vestry godparent bulletin board has not been updated since September’s acolyte display. The vestry is in favor of continuing this project, and a new display will appear soon.
Vestry Nominating Committee
As described in our by-laws, a nominating committee for new wardens and vestry members consists of the rector, the wardens, and one representative from each of the three incoming vestry classes to be determined by drawing lots. The vestry members chosen for this year’s committee are Nichole Dailor, Rob Carrier, and Zoltan Sziky.
The Feast of St. John the Evangelist
—There will be a planning committee meeting after church on November 27th.
—On December 18th after church vestry volunteers are needed to address invitations.
—Volunteers are needed on January 13th from 1:00-4:00 PM and from 6:00-8:00 PM to work on various set-up tasks. All vestry members also are needed on January 14th from 9:00 AM until noon for final preparations.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:05 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for December 19th at which the vestry will review 2017 budget guidelines.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: December 19, 2016
Evening Prayer and Thanksgiving & Prayer Requests
The vestry met in the church at 7:00 PM for Evening Prayer and then reconvened in the undercroft meeting room where everyone offered prayers of intercession and thanksgiving.
Attendance
Present were the rector Kristin Orr; the senior warden Anne Edwards; the junior warden Steve Hofer; vestry members Bob Burgwald, Alice Creason, Nichole Dailor, Randy Oyster, Ted Stone Zoltan Sziky, and Hans Zigmund; the treasurer Debbi Huggett; and the clerk Susan Marquis. Absent were vestry members Rob Carrier and Cynthia Turnquest.
Parish Stewardship
Minutes
Anne Edwards moved to accept the minutes from the October vestry meeting, and Nichole Dailor seconded. Following a vote, the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Debbi Huggett reported that contributions still are behind expectations, but they are picking up. Expenses are below expectations for this point in the year, mostly resulting from a prior employment vacancy, lower gas bills, and timing of billing. The approximate $2,000 deficit may be wiped out by these favorabilities.
Debbi presented an update on pledging for 2017. Fifty-four pledges have been made so far for a total of about $154,000. There are another 17 pledges from 2016 that have not yet been made for 2017. In response to a question, Debbi stated that there is no apparent correlation between church attendance and giving.
Bob Burgwald moved to accept the October Treasurer’s Report, and Hans Zigmund seconded. The motion was approved.
Information
Rector’s Report
—Pastor Orr will be on vacation the weekend of December 10-11, and the Rev. Shawn Schreiner will serve as supply priest.
—Over the last month eight kneelers have been re-upholstered. A few more are starting to fray and will need to be recovered in the near future.
—Pastor Orr is grateful for Randy Oyster’s work in cutting off a tree limb that had been rubbing on the rectory gutters.
—Thanks to those who helped do church lawn work on Blue Jeans Sunday, especially Lynn Ruschhaupt for her coordination of the work.
—We celebrate those who bought Christmas gifts and food gift certificates for the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing in Chicago.
—Thanks to Harold Keene for supplying his time and materials to replace the timer to light the St. John stained glass window above the church’s front door.
—United Thank Offering boxes are being collected from parishioners. The funds support UTO charities around the world. The UTO has existed since the 1800s as a ministry of the women of the church. Boxes with coin slots are taken home, and people can make donations as they become aware of reasons to be thankful for things in their daily lives.
Reports from Wardens and Other Parish Organizations
Junior Warden Steve Hofer reported that things are moving along in his St. John’s history project. He coated the front doors of the church with a spray-on wood treatment. Steve told of his experience at Honey Field restaurant in Lockport that offers a 10% meal discount on those who pray.
Upcoming Events
—Wednesday, November 23rd, 7:30 PM, St. Joseph’s in Homewood: Community Interfaith Thanksgiving service with a collection for Respond Now
—Thursday, November 24th, 10:00 AM: Thanksgiving service at St. John’s
—Sunday, November 27th, 9:00 AM: Advent wreath-making in the undercroft
—Saturday, December 3rd, 9:00 AM in the undercroft: Cookie Walk
Discussion and Decisions
Stewardship
—The office will send out reminder post cards to parishioners who have not yet submitted their pledge cards. The senior warden will write simple weekly updates in the “e-vangelist” tracking the progress of of pledge totals received.
—The vestry godparent bulletin board has not been updated since September’s acolyte display. The vestry is in favor of continuing this project, and a new display will appear soon.
Vestry Nominating Committee
As described in our by-laws, a nominating committee for new wardens and vestry members consists of the rector, the wardens, and one representative from each of the three incoming vestry classes to be determined by drawing lots. The vestry members chosen for this year’s committee are Nichole Dailor, Rob Carrier, and Zoltan Sziky.
The Feast of St. John the Evangelist
—There will be a planning committee meeting after church on November 27th.
—On December 18th after church vestry volunteers are needed to address invitations.
—Volunteers are needed on January 13th from 1:00-4:00 PM and from 6:00-8:00 PM to work on various set-up tasks. All vestry members also are needed on January 14th from 9:00 AM until noon for final preparations.
Closing
Following prayer, the meeting ended at 9:05 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for December 19th at which the vestry will review 2017 budget guidelines.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by the vestry: December 19, 2016
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