Dear Friends,
As we remember Bishop Montgomery today, and the legacy he left, not only in this Parish, but in this Diocese and the broader Church, I am reminded of something he once said: "Never be so concerned with institutional success or economic security that you lose sight of the world in which we live." We live in a world that is changing, sometimes too fast it seems, and change often evokes responses that are based in fear. My challenge to all of us is to embrace this changing world. Embrace it so that we may respond, not out of fear, but out of love. For it is only in love that we will encounter the life-transforming power of God.
The latest Pew Survey on religious life in this country just came out, and again it indicates that far fewer individuals identify as Christian in this country than a decade ago and fewer still attend church regularly. The Episcopal Church has also just recently released its numbers and we have seen another year of declining attendance and financial contributions, though we can proudly say that St. John's has seen an increase in both those numbers in the last year. But as we confront a changing world, and as we continue discerning how we can be church for those we are called to serve in this community, let us remember Bishop Montgomery's words. Let us never be so concerned with success that is measured by attendance or finances, that we lose sight of our true purpose here, of our call to make God's love known and to serve those who are the least of these. Let us walk in faith, trusting in God's Holy Spirit to guide us, even when it seems we are stepping out into uncertainty, for this is where we will find God's blessings. I can think of no better way to honor Bishop Montgomery's legacy here in this community.
Faithfully,
Fr. Jeremy+
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St. John's by the Numbers
Attendance Last Sunday:83
Last Week's Offering: $2,675.00
We need an average of $4,294.93 each week to maintain our budget.
Our income year-to-date is $158,664.24 which is $21,722.82 (12%) BELOW our budgeted need.
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We would love to remember and pray for your loved ones who have passed, please be sure to submit your names for the All Souls Day Mass by Wednesday, October 30th. Sarra is more than happy to take names via telephone but for the sake of ensuring correct spelling, email (office@mysje.org) is very much appreciated!
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PADS is an emergency Shelter Program that provides hospitality, food and overnight emergency shelter to the homeless. The Winter season of PADS is up and running between now and April 30, 2020.
You may be wondering "how can I help?". PADS relies on local churches and volunteer-based assistance to keep the program going. There are a variety of locations and time slots available. We have shift lengths as short as 2 hours and the commitment is only for ONCE A MONTH. Please contact Laura Brady lcmbrady@comcast.net if you have any questions or are able to lend a hand. To read more about the PADS program you can visit:
http://www.sspads.org/index.html
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TRAINING
As you may have noticed, there is now an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) located in the Narthex, next to the door going out to the Columbarium. This generous gift to St. John's helps to make us a safer Church. Now, we want to make sure that people know how to use it in the event of a cardiac emergency. The Flossmoor Fire Department has offered to come to St. John's to offer a Friends & Family CPR & AED training class. This will be a low-key training, geared to be accessible to people of all comfort levels. The training will be:
Saturday, November 16
at 9:00 am
in the Resource Room
The training is free, but space will be limited, so it is important that you register with the Church Office. Please let Sarra know if you plan to attend either by email or by calling (708) 798-4150. If we have enough interest we will add an additional class.
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This week's Birthdays
October 26: Lois Hein
October 27: Margi Strombeck
October 28: Astrid Ciaglia
October 30: Alice & Stuart Creason
October 31: Jean Ratko
November 1: Robert Stevens
Dearest Heavenly Father, we come to you in humble thanksgiving for those who are celebrating this week. May they find nothing but good health, spiritual wealth, and prosperity over the next year.
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St. John's will be passing out candy and treats next Thursday, October 31 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. This is an excellent way to be visible in our community and see lots of cute kids enjoying their trick-or-treat adventure.
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Bless Your Heart!
Did you know that 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure?
Here at St. John's we believe in caring for our congregation, not only spiritually but also mentally and physically.
That's why, beginning November 10, and continuing on the second Sunday of each month, the
Ministry for Caring will be offering free blood pressure screenings after the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services. No registration is necessary, come on down and get checked out.
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2019-2020 Adult Christian Formation
Would you like to know more about what we, as Episcopalians, believe, and how we are formed to be followers of Jesus? Please join us on Sunday mornings beginning September 15 at 9:00am in the Resource Room as we spend a year walking through the Book of Common Prayer together and learning what shapes us. This is a perfect class for anyone who would is considering being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. This year's Confirmation and Reception will be the last one with Bishop Lee!
Registration is not required, but you should purchase the book to fully participate in the class. You can purchase Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices on Amazon.com.
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The newly formed Recovery & Healing Ministry meets on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m in the Guild Room. All are welcome to join us, as we explore the addictive and co-dependent nature of Western society and seek to find recovery and healing that only comes through Spiritual transformation. Currently we are studying Addiction and Grace by Gerald G. May, M.D. You can purchase the book through your local bookseller or by clicking on the image above to purchase it through Amazon.
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Have you ever wondered, "What if church was like a dinner party?"
On Sunday evenings it is! You're invited to join us as we worship much like the early Church did, gathering as a community around the table, sharing a meal that we all help to prepare. Come see how God's Holy Spirit is moving in our own time and community.
St. John's Table is held every Sunday at 5:00 pm. Come join us and invite your friends.
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Click the link above to go to the Online Giving page of our website and join us as we continue worshipping God through our generosity.
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Winner, winner Turkey dinner!
Loaves & Fishes will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal in the Undercroft on Sunday, November 17 after the 10:00 a.m. service. They will be supplying the delicious turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes. Please bring your appetite and a dessert or side-dish to share.
We have much to be thankful for this year, let's celebrate with some fellowship and a great meal.
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From the Prayer of the Order
O eternal Father, you have sent us your Son to teach us things pertaining to your heavenly kingdom.
Give your blessing to our Order, wherever it may be throughout the world. . . .
The next regular Daughters of the King meeting will be Saturday, November 2nd starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Resource Room.
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Serving this week:
8:00am Holy Eucharist
Lector: Donna Blackburn
LEM: Kristy Petersen
Usher: Ken & Beth Blackburn
10:00am Holy Eucharist
Lectors: Candice Barrera,
Bill Moser
LEMs: Debbi Huggett, M.J. Bond
Acolytes: Abbey Sutherland, Kyle Dailor, Maggie Oyster, Gale Michael
Ushers: Sam & Theresa Otoo
Greeters: Zayda Stewart,
Sarah Walter
Oblation Bearer: Don Rubins
Coffee Hour: Jack Voigt,
Nancy Mulcahy
Altar Guild: Captain: Lynn Ruschhaupt, Bev Keene, Marilyn Kromer, Nancy Mulcahy
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Collect for October 27th
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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This Week's Lessons
Joel 2:23-32
Psalm 65
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
Go to lectionarypage.net to read this week's lessons.
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Baby, it's getting cold outside. Why don't you grab your knitting needles and get cozy on the Guild Room couch with some other yarn enthusiasts!
The next Yarn Ministry meeting will take place on Monday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m.
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