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The Last Sunday after Pentecost 
__________________________________________________________________

November 24, 2019 
Dear friends,
 
Over the last few months we have concluded our Cottage Meetings and your Long Range Planning Committee has been hard at work compiling all the information that we gleaned from these meetings so that we can forge a way forward this Spring.  You will receive a full summary report of these meetings at the Annual Meeting of the Parish on January 26, but in the meantime, I want to share with you the highlights prepared by the Long Range Planning Chair, Mark Moxley: 
 
Over the past few months, several gracious parishioners hosted Cottage Meetings in their homes. Facilitators facilitated. Participants participated. Though a full report will be completed by January, here is a sneak peek at some of the highlights.
 
Who is SJE
Participants were asked to describe our most precious gifts (things we offer our neighbors). The overwhelming response, consistent across meetings, was this: we are welcoming, we offer a place to belong, and we show love to those in crisis. Many described SJE as a place where Christians from varying traditions and perspectives are accepted. At a time in our dominant culture when tribalism has run amok, such a place is increasingly unique and highly valued.
 
Episcopal Gifts
Participants placed abundant regard for these elements of our church: communion and worship, prayer and the prayer book, church calendar and holy week, music and the altar.
 
Inspired Thinking
In response to a question about God’s call for us, many described SJE as a hidden gem with too much inward focus. We need to significantly increase outward communication and leverage our welcoming culture, amazing sanctuary, and individual talents. We need to be much better at sharing SJE beyond Park and Leavitt.
 
And On That Note
One of the most emphasized themes was the call to draw in more children by creating an environment good for families. One of the more interesting suggestions was to start a Royal School of Church Music (or similar) program for children. Such a program would truly serve the community, revitalize young family participation, and add a new dimension to our worship at SJE. And it could help us grow a more robust congregation.
 
Looking Ahead
There were dozens of references to our rich legacy of activities: organized groups, missions, and initiatives. Most of them had to do with food! And there were many suggestions for future groups. To summarize, SJE has an impressive history of creating meaningful experiences and there remains a strong desire within our community to maintain that tradition.
 
Another A-mazing Idea
In three different meetings, someone suggested we build a labyrinth on the south lawn, a space for reflection and meditation. 
 
Building & Grounds
And finally, on the question of investing in our future, many people suggested an overhaul of the education wing, either by a remodel or by a total rebuild. The new space should focus on mission but be designed for multi-purpose. It should embrace technology, but also have furniture for aging bodies. We should prioritize climate control and lighting and automatic doors (where needed). And fix the sidewalks. And make everything ADA compliant.
 
So What’s Next
In January, a more complete report will be made available to the congregation from the Long Range Planning Committee. In the meantime, please continue to pray for this process:
 
God, We ask that you bless this parish, strengthen our faith, and grant us the spirit of Christian stewardship so that we may generously give our time, talent and treasure in order to grow your kingdom here at SJE and throughout the world. Amen.
Christmas Baskets for ReVive Center 2019

Huge thank you to everyone who has already taken on the task of helping a family have a great Christmas. If you didn't get a chance last week, there are still 6 unclaimed families who need our help. 

Packets of information have been created and include the following:
- The Family Profile
-Instructions on how to best create the baskets
-An in-kind donation form
-Pre-made labels for each box


All unassigned family information packets can be found on the bulletin board in the Undercroft. There is a sign-up sheet located on the bulletin board as well. Please be sure to put your name next to the family you're "adopting" so we can distribute any thank-you cards that are received after Christmas. If needed, additional box labels can be obtained outside the Parish Office. Please call or email the office if you have any questions. 

*Note: All gifts MUST be brought to the Church by Thursday, December 5th.

If you are unable to adopt an entire family don't fret! You can still help out by donating to the St. John's Youth Group. They will be taking on the largest family assigned to the Parish this year.   
St. John's by the Numbers

Attendance Last Sunday: 90
Last Week's Offering: $1,994.00
We need an average of $4,294.93 each week to maintain our budget.
Our income year-to-date is
$170,231.24 which is $27,335.54 (14%) BELOW our budgeted need.

Dear Friends,

St. John's is joining with many churches around the country in using scrip to raise money for our church.  It is simple but does require some planning.

What is scrip?  It is the purchase of gift cards that give a rebate percentage to the charity. Rebates range from 1%- 12% rebates.  The range of gift cards include grocery stores, department stores, gas, restaurants, airlines, etc.

There are 3 ways to order scrip:

1.) Create a Shopwithscrip account and set up Bank draft (Presto Pay)
2.) Create a Shopwithscrip account, order and give check to the Scrip Coordinator(s).
3.) Complete a form with pre-selected cards,    turn in form and check to the Scrip Coordinator(s).

The first order for cards will go in on Sunday November 17th. If you are interested in viewing the website it is: shopwithscrip.com

Pat Smith-Huntoon and Shirley Reilly will have more detailed information and will be available to answer any questions in person or you can send any questions to sjescrip@gmail.com.

The first year of college can be a fun but challenging experience for most young adults. One thing we all need to succeed is love and support from each other. To show our support, we will be collecting items to put in a College Survival care package for Matthew Turnquest, who is in his first year at Ohio State. The care package can include a wide range of things such as snacks, quarters to do laundry, notes of encouragement, prayers, and other well wishes. Care package items can be dropped off at the Parish Office at any time. Please include a note or follow up email if you drop off something after hours. 
Your 2020 Stewardship Book and Pledge Card is on the way.  Please check your mailbox, information about this year's stewardship campaign should be arriving any day now if you have not already received it!  Let's work together to meet this year's pledge goal of $217,000!
 This week's Birthdays 

November 25: Janice Hickman
November 28: Robert Marquis
November 29: Stewart Keene
November 30: Monica White
 
Our sweet Lord, we are in full swing for this season of celebration. Please bless those who are celebrating birthdays this week as well as the entire parish. We all have something to be thankful for and Your unending love is most certainly at the top of our list. 
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. 
  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.  
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. 
Would you like a variety of scrumptious sweets but don't care to spend hours upon hours baking? Well then you're in luck!

The annual St. John's Cookie Walk will take place on Saturday, December 14th from
9-11:30 a.m.

The "elves" of St. John's will be busy making tasty treats for your friends and family to enjoy! 
Collect for November 24

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

This Week's Lessons

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Canticle 16
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43


Go to lectionarypage.net to read this week's lessons.
What's going on with the Capital Campaign?
 
The Cottage Meetings have concluded, the Long Range Planning Committee has been working hard, and here's what to expect over the next few months:

November/December - Writing of Executive Summary + Detailed List of Comments

January 26 - Presentation of Executive Summary at Annual Meeting

February 2 & 9 - Open Forums for further feedback. Forums will take place after each Mass. 

February 16 - Capital Campaign Survey Distribution

March 8 - Survey Deadline

April/May - Survey results distributed

 
Please note these important dates and stay engaged!
Exciting developments are on the horizon.
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.
Practicing our Faith Book Club will be meeting on Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Resource room to discuss Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others by Barbara Brown Taylor. 

Please Note: Book Club generally meets on the third Thursday of the month but was moved to Friday due to Bishop Montgomery's Memorial Service. 
We've been invited to join with friends and neighbors for an annual service sponsored by the South Suburban Interfaith Ministerial Association. Fr. Jeremy Froyen will be giving the Sermon for the evening.

In addition to prayers and hymns of praise and thanksgiving, the service will include music by the HF Viking Choir. An offering will be collected to benefit the work of Respond Now in providing social services in our community.

What: Thanksgiving Eve Community Interfaith Service
Where: Flossmoor Community Church
When: Wednesday, November 27 at 7:30 P.M.
Serving this week:

8:00am Holy Eucharist
Lector: Shirley Reilly
LEM: Kristy Petersen
Usher: Tom Senesac
10:00am Holy Eucharist
Lectors: Sue O'Brien, John Huntoon
LEMs: M.J. Bond, Sam Otoo
Acolytes: Abbey Sutherland, Rowan Moxley, Zoe Huntoon, Ruby Moxley
Ushers: Mike Juskelis, Rob McManamy
Greeters: Martin Mears, Joanne Fisher
Oblation Bearer: 
Stewart Scott
Coffee Hour: Lois Rinkenberger, Joanne Fisher, Sarah Walter

Altar Guild: Captain: Lynn Ruschhaupt, Bev Keene, Marilyn Kromer, Nancy Mulcahy                          
Tired of cooking for just 1 or 2? Dinner groups could be the answer to beating the post holiday and winter blues.

This is your last chance to sign up for St. John’s Parish Dinner Groups. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  
 Groups of six to eight will meet at each other’s homes at least three times. This is an interesting way to get to know other parishioners better.
Sign up by November 24 with Gale Michael before or after
mass. For more information contact her at verger@comcast.net.
Coming Up This Week:

Sunday, November 24
8:00 a.m.  Holy Eucharist, Rite I 
9:00 a.m. Adult Christian Formation: Walk in Love (Resource Room)
9:00 a.m. Church School (Education Wing)

10:00 a.m.  Holy Eucharist, Rite II  
5:00 p.m. St. John's Table 

Wednesday, November 27 (Office Closing at Noon)
9:00 a.m Holy Eucharist w/Healing
10:00 a.m. Bible Study (Resource Room)
7:30 p.m. Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (Flossmoor Community Church)
8:00 p.m. A.A. (Undercroft)

Thursday, November 28 (Office Closed)

10:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass

Sunday, December 1
8:00 a.m.  Holy Eucharist, Rite I 
9:00 a.m. Adult Christian Formation: Walk in Love (Resource Room)
9:00 a.m. Church School (Education Wing)

10:00 a.m.  Holy Eucharist, Rite II  
5:00 p.m. St. John's Table 
Other Announcements

Pastoral Care & Hospital Visits
One of the most important aspects of ministry is visiting with those who are ill.  If you or a family member or friend are hospitalized, please be sure to contact the Parish Office at (708) 798-4150 as soon as possible to let us know.  It used to be that hospitals would notify clergy of parishioners who have been admitted.  With HIPPA laws as they now are, hospitals are NOT allowed to contact us anymore.  If you are in the hospital, or are in need of pastoral care, Fr. Jeremy wants to visit you, but he cannot do so if no one tells him that you are in the hospital. Please make this a part of your family's emergency plan, to have someone contact the church.  Thank you for your assistance. 
The Fine Print
The weekly e-vangelist is distributed (usually) on Thursdays via e-mail subscription.  You may subscribe by submitting your request (including your e-mail address) to office@mysje.org.
 
If you would like to submit material for the weekly e-vangelist, please e-mail to office@mysje.org.  Or you may phone the parish office at 708-798-4150.  Please limit announcements to 100 words or less.  Graphics or photos may be submitted and will be included at the editor’s discretion.  The deadline is Noon on Thursday.
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Copyright © 2019 The Church of St. John the Evangelist, All rights reserved.

Contact us:
The Church of St. John the Evangelist
2640 Park Drive
Flossmoor, Illinois 60422
(708) 798-4150
office@mysje.org
http://www.mysje.org

The Rev. Jeremy C. Froyen, CFC
Rector
frjeremy@mysje.org
To schedule an appointment with Fr. Jeremy,
please go to https://frjeremy.youcanbook.me

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Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist · 2640 Park Dr · P O Box 25 · Flossmoor, IL 60422-1228 · USA

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