Dearly Beloved,
Our Giving Campaign for this week of October 24 is centered on our Mission of Youth and Children, and this week we have two Mission Statements and one Prayer:
Mission of Youth and Children― Church School Statement
The mission of the Church School for 2011 is to educate our children about the core teachings of our faith, share community together with the positive message of God's love and forgiveness, encourage and support five new teachers and one new helper, and begin a new curriculum for the middle school group.
Mission of Youth and Children― Youth Ministry Statement
The Mission of St Gregory's Youth Ministry for 2011 is to offer Middle and High School students opportunities to honor God through caring service to others, share God's love with the community, enjoy one another, and strengthen them in their faith; and to launch a new Parenting Group.
Mission of Youth and Children Prayer:
Heavenly Father, at every Baptism we are reminded that you have given us the blessing and incredible responsibility of nurturing our children and youth. Be present in the nurseries, atria, classrooms, and youth room, that these young disciples may come to know your awesome love for them and learn to love you in return. Encourage the teachers, nursery staff, and youth ministry volunteers, that they may be blessed with wisdom, patience, and laughter. We thank you, God, for the gifts in all the families of St. Gregory's, and we ask you to guide our parents as they raise their children to grow in awareness of you. Amen.
This Sunday our Mission focus turns to our diverse Parish Groups, from Acolytes and Altar Guild to Support our Troops and Youth Commission. Representatives from all these groups will be in Founders Hall after the Nine O'Clock Service to introduce their groups and answer any questions you may have about their missions― and even to sign up to join if you'd like!
"As disciples of Jesus, we have a two-fold Mission. First, we have a mission to see people in need and do something about it, and second, a mission to see God's grace at work, and to celebrate it. Our Giving Campaign is about that two-fold mission, so that when we see people in need we can do something about it, and when we see God's grace at work we can celebrate it."
PUMPKIN PATCH UPDATE! (And Youth Group Announcement)
Sunday was the best day ever in the pumpkin patch. We sold about $2,100 in pumpkins, bread, and other items. We have $1,200 left to sell to reach our goal of $12,000. Last year, we sold about $11,500.
Thank you to the many, many, parishioners that have staffed shifts in the patch. We still have this Saturday and Sunday, the 30th and 31st to staff. These will likely be excellent selling days for us, and we only have two people signed up. Please call Erica or Ida at the church office if you are able to help anytime this weekend.
No Youth Group this weekend. Enjoy trick-or-treating. For Joint Youth Group in November, we will be having Pumpkin Olympics! Bring your friends (and dress for the mess) for this pumpkin smashing party. November 7th, 5-7 pm with dinner.
And now for some more Pumpkin Patch Pictures, with thanks to Damaris Boutros:
COMMUNITY MEALS AT CHRIST CHURCH, WAUKEGAN
On Sunday, October 31, it will be St. Gregory's turn at Christ Church Waukegan's Community Meals program. There's a sign-up sheet on the hallway table to volunteer to help, and/or provide a dessert. If you've never taken part in this important ministry and would like more information, please contact Bill/Janet Foltz (847-548-2772) or Barbara Schaper (847-948-8989).
FALL CLEAN-UP SUNDAY
Join us on Sunday, November 7th immediately following the 9 am service to help us prepare the church and our grounds for the winter. Please wear work clothes and meet in Founder's Hall where we will have instructions and supplies for the different areas that need to be cleaned. Following the clean up, we will have a potluck lunch. Please contact Barb Schaper at bschaper7@aol.com or 847-948-8989 to let her know what you would like to bring.
LEADERSHIP CAUCUS
Lake County United is sponsoring a Leadership Caucus on Tuesday, November 16th, 7:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. at Congregation Solel, 1301 Clavey Road Highland Park. The purpose of the caucus is for lay and clergy leaders from churches, synagogues, and other institutions in Highland Park, Deerfield, and nearby to gather with others to:
- Build new relationships
- Hear about new efforts on senior independent living, affordable housing and college readiness
- Learn more about Lake County United
We are hoping that 10 lay leaders from St. Gregory's Church will attend this leadership caucus. For more information, contact Meredith Woods Potter or Butler Sharpe.
CONGRATULATIONS CORNER
Caroline Di Nardo's brother and Jack Van Renterghem's son John received Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business Distinguished Alumnus Award of 2008-2009 on October 8th in South Bend. This award is given annually to an alumnus who demonstrates achievement in business and a strong commitment to the College through leadership and contributions to their MBA program. As a guest instructor courtesy of Walgreen's, John teaches a special case-study course in revenue management. He has also been a guest instructor at De Paul University in Chicago.
Faithfully yours,
31ST TROOP CARE PACKAGE EVENT
The 31st Troop Care Package event at St. Gregory's Church held last week was the first without Nuala Kurokawa and it was duly noted that she was missed. The evening was dedicated to the memory of Donna Shelton's husband, David, and to her son, Michael, a Marine who is currently deployed. Donna and the family made a generous and thoughtful decision that donations could be made in David's name to support the troop care package ministry. We are grateful for the donations made to support this important mission and were so pleased that many family members could be there to share the evening with Donna.
We received a special thank you from Major Pamela Aitchison: a flag flown in Afghanistan for the church, several certificates, and a personal note from her. A large contingent of staff and students from nearby Shepard School assisted us with the package effort as well as many St. Gregory's parishioners.
We prepared a record 159 packages and they were shipped the next day. Please see the special thank you, which will be posted outside of the church office later this weekend. Remember, if you have a name and address to add to our mailing list (or a change) please forward that to me as soon as possible. Thank you to the many that helped to make the evening a success! Cissy Singleton
DIOCESAN OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORTING VETERANS
Veterans Day Eucharist, November 10, 5:30 pm at St. James' Cathedral, 65 East Huron, Chicago
Veterans Seminar, November 13, 10:00 am, Grace Church, 924 W. Lake Street, Oak Park― learn about veterans and how to serve them
Remember Our Wounded Soldiers Christmas Gift Drive and Holiday Party, December 12, 4:00 pm, at St. Joseph's/St. Aidan's Church, 2453 Oak Street (at Greenwood), Blue Island
For more information, episcopalveterans@gmail.com, or http://episcopalveterans2008.blogspot.com.
NEED BOXES FOR CHRISTMAS BASKETS?
There are sturdy (diaper) boxes available in Founders Hall on the pew. Apple boxes from any produce department are also excellent for packing your family's basket. Many hands handle our Christmas Baskets during the loading/unloading and sorting for families' pick-up. Please use sturdy boxes that are securely taped. Thank you.
COFFEE HOSTS SCHEDULE (Nine / 11 am)
November 7: Kathleen & John Peacock/Yvonne & Butler Sharpe
November 14: Ishani & Suren Sinnaduray/Sarah Snyder
November 21: Judy Stevens/Barb & Bob Kimberlin
November 28: Judy McCann & Jim Stone/Shirley & Bob Traettino
"LIFE IS CHANGED, NOT ENDED"― a discussion of end-of-life issues and how we approach them faithfully.
Saturday, November 6, 2010, 9:30-11:30 am. Church of the Holy Spirit. 847-234-7633. www.chslf.org
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In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, particularly Jim Collins, Michael Brady, Keith Stewart, Dennis Lietz, Sharon Moceri, Tricia Evans, Lydia Pourciau, Melanie Bryant, Steve Lake, Jerry Archbold, and Jack Trapani;
our companion parish in Fort Dauphin, Madagascar, and its leaders, Rev. Donné and Evangelist Tomboasy; and
the men and women serving in our armed forces and their families, remembering especially Jason Greenman, Jamie Hayes, Chris Meinhardt, Michael Molloy, Tom Samella, Robert Steere, Eric Cloe, Pamela Aitchison, Mark Kraus, Ilan Keldar, Robb Dunlap, Greg Hirsch, Jamie Mitchell, Chad Field, Brian Adamson, and Hunter Levine.
Please contact the church office to add an individual or family to the Prayer List.
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