At this time of year, as the days get shorter and shorter, as we approach our longest night, and when so much in our world seems uncertain, it is easy for us focus on the darkness. But at Christmas we celebrate our God who loved us so much that God came out from heaven, to live among us, as one of us, in this broken world. In that act of incarnation, Christ became the light for us that not only shines in the darkness, but breaks the darkness open. As people of faith, we are called to share that light and to be beacons of hope as we are formed into Jesus' hand, feet and heart. This Christmas, I encourage us all to invite someone to join us as we celebrate the bursting forth of that light. Please remember that our Christmas services are at 5:00 pm and 10:30 pm on Christmas Eve, at 9:00 am on Christmas Day, and on the First Sunday of Christmas, Dec. 29, there will be one service of Christmas Lessons & Carols at 9:00 am.
Brave and I both wish you all a very joyous and light filled Christmas!
Faithfully,
Fr. Jeremy
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St. John's by the Numbers
Attendance Last Sunday:84
Last Week's Offering: $4,710.00
We need an average of $3,865.66 each week to maintain our budget.
Our income year-to-date is $190,276.24 which is $3,001.76 (2%) BELOW our budgeted need.
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St. John's Needs You!
The end of the year is quickly approaching and that means it's time to submit nominations for Warden, Vestry, and Convention Delegates. If you are interested in standing for election for any of these offices, or know someone who is, please download the Nomination Form that can be found on our website, https://www.mysje.org. Please note, that those who are elected to serve as Convention Delegates will represent St. John's at both the June 20, 2020 Special Electing Convention (where we will elect our new Bishop) and the November 20-21, 2020 Annual Diocesan Convention.
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The children were nestled all snug in their beds…
Dear friends, we're looking for someone to make a BIG sacrifice and spend from 10:45 pm – 3 am on Christmas Eve watching over the PADS Women & Children’s shelter at Church of the Holy Family in Park Forest. If you can help out – please contact Laura Brady lcmbrady@comcast.net.
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Lay Ministers- Christmas Edition
Blue Christmas
December 21, 7:00 p.m.
Lector- Betsy Elliot
LEM- Steven Russell
December 24, 5:00 p.m.
Lector- Don Rubins
LEM 1- Gale Michael
December 24, 10:30 p.m.
Lector- Bob Burgwald
LEM 1- Debbi Huggett
LEM 2- Donna Blackburn
December 25, 9:00 a.m.
Lector- Bill Moser
LEM- M.J. Bond
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If you're planning to buy gift cards for Christmas please consider checking out the wide variety of gift cards available through Scrip.
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).
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.
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This week's Birthdays
December 26: Candice Barrera
December 26: Kevin Oyster
December 27: Warren Becker
Father in Heaven, we come to you in thanksgiving for those celebrating this week. Please help them shine as brightly as the star of Bethlehem shone above our dear savior's manger. Bless and keep them, all the days of this year.
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Serving this week:
8:00am Holy Eucharist
Lector: Tom Senesac
LEM: M.J. Bond
Usher: Jack Voigt
10:00am Holy Eucharist
Lectors: Sue O'Brien,
Rob McManamy
LEMs: Donna Blackburn, Debbi Huggett
Acolytes: Kyle Dailor, Maggie Oyster, Catherine Madden,
Gale Michael
Ushers: Ben & Eric Turnquest
Greeters: Steven Russell,
Candice Barrera
Oblation Bearer: Don Rubins
Coffee Hour: Donna Blackburn, Ann Glascoff, Gale Michael
Altar Guild: Captain: Donna Blackburn, Kristy Petersen, Candice Barrera
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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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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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Collect for December 22
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Our Longest Night
A Blue Christmas Service of Hope
Saturday, December 21
7:00 p.m.
We understand that the holidays are not always seasons of joy for everyone. Blue Christmas is an opportunity to gather for prayer and reflection in a setting where it is safe to acknowledge the "blue" feelings we have at Christmas, the reasons for them, and then offer them to God for healing and transformation.
Please share this with those you know who would welcome such a time of reflection and know that all are welcome.
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Youth of St. John's!
This one's for you!
Join us for a night of good natured frivolity, snacks, games, and Christmastime fellowship.
Friday, December 20th starting at 6pm.
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If you haven't made your pledge toward the 2020 Stewardship Campaign, it's never too late! We invite you to join us as we work to secure the financial health and future of St. John's. Every penny counts! If you have not received your 2020 Stewardship Book and Pledge Cards there are extra copies in the back of the Church or in the Parish Office.
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Parish Cycle of Prayer
- Kathy Basil
- Brandon Basil
- Matthew Basil
Dear Lord, we come to you in thanksgiving this week for Kathy, Brandon, and Matthew. We ask that you keep them safe and healthy this winter. Please help them find joy and contentment in their lives and hold them close to your heavenly heart when they experience difficult times . And help us to be a good friend to them, too. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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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.
On the menu this week:
Sub Sandwiches
St. John's Table is held every Sunday at 5:00 pm. Come join us and invite your friends.
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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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This Week's Lessons
Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 11:18-25
Go to lectionarypage.net to read this week's lessons.
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