CELEBRATING CONNECTION - Our Season of Gathering, Gratitude, and Generosity

St. John’s auction on Sunday, August 29th, gives the parish a fabulous opportunity to Gather together, share our talents with Gratitude, and showcase the Generosity of time and money that makes St. John’s an exceptional community.  This biennial tradition has three main goals for 2021:

1. Give the community multiple opportunities to party together.
2. Raise money for the operating budget and special projects (goal is $45,000).
3. Showcase the many changes on St. John’s campus and in its worship space.

You’ve seen the Friday emails that detail the events that make this year’s auction unique.  Here’s a rundown of the special features of this year’s auction:   
 
Bidding for Auction items August 28-30: Bidding and sign-up for auction events runs from August 28-30. You will register for the auction on zoom at no charge—a link will be provided for easy access. 
 
Cocktails Celebrating Connection 4-5 pm August 29: Gather in your home with vaccinated friends for Cocktails Celebrating Connection from 4-5 p.m. People who buy the kit for two ($40 for alcohol, $25 for non-alcohol) will pick up (or have delivered if desired) an ‘English Tea’ box of appetizers, drinks, and treats. Then Carolyn George and professional mixologist Sean Van Straatum will host a Happy Hour over zoom that will inform, delight and entertain you and your guests….Consider inviting your friends, family and neighbors (who are vaccinated) to join you in your home to have a spectacular party
 
5-6 pm August 29 Live Auction with Jim McIlvaine and special program including a surprise from Rev. Scott!
 
Now is the time to start planning what you would like to donate to the auction. Think about the kinds of services, creative events, vacation getaways, tickets, or other gifts that parishioners and their friends will either need or enjoy.  For example, popular items from past auctions in the Services category have included:

• Yard work and run to the dump
• Pet, house and baby sitting
• House sprucing such as window cleaning, gutter clearing, dryer duct cleanout
• Christmas decoration sorting and organization
• Car washing
• Organize address lists by Excel for Christmas and event mailings
• Home-made food delivery: monthly desserts, chocolate cookies, soups, weekly meal, jams and jellies)
• Closet organizing

Let your own talents and creativity be your guide! What is easy for you is a burden to others.  Since we can’t safely display, store, or deliver physical items, we can’t accept objects d’art.  But we would like to include a photo and/or description of the service or activity you are donating for online display.
 
We are led by a super talented crew that is focused on fun ways to accomplish these goals.  Contact any of them if you want to help on their committees.
Laurie Bennett              lebennett1950z@gmail.com      Chairperson                 
Jon Owens                    jon@stjohnsoakland.org            Staff rep and communications
Pat Harden                    patharden1230@gmail.com       Vestry rep and communications
Carolyn George             cgeorge207@gmail.com            Cocktails Celebrating Connection
Judi Marr                     judimarr33@gmail.com             Technology/database coordinator 

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