St. Blogory's: the internet café at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, Deerfield, IL

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

CHRISTMAS BASKETS ARE DUE DECEMBER 1

All doors into Founders' Hall Door will remain open until 10:00 PM evening. Place your boxes on south side under stained glass bay windows. Please use sturdy boxes to survive multiple handling during deliveries to Cathedral Shelter and the recipients. Boxes should be small enough for one person to carry on public transportation. Remember to number your boxes according to the provided instructions and label forms. 

CHRISTMAS BASKETS LOADING ON DECEMBER 2

If you can help load the baskets please call the office or sign up with your phone number― we anticipate the truck will arrive between 9:30 and 10:00, but we'll call you with updates.

If you have any questions, please contact Dorthea White at (847) 946-1829 or Cyndi Millspaugh at (847) 945-7733.

THIS SUNDAY! DECEMBER 5! FOUR (4) BIG EVENTS!  

1. 3RD ANNUAL KNITWEAR SALE

Lin Reichenbach will host the 3rd Annual Knitwear Sale in Founders Hall following all services. Hand-knit mittens, hats, scarves and ear warmers will be available. Prices range from $4 to $15 and Lin will donate all her proceeds to the Troop Support Ministry. You can purchase Ear Warmers for a soldier for $5.00 for our next Troop Care Package Event. They also make great holiday gifts for friends and family. For details, contact Lin Reichenbach at 847-945-6482.

2. PARENTS' FORUM

Our first meeting in November was a hit, so please join us this Sunday during the Church School education hour from 10:10-11am. Our jumping off point for discussion will be: "Balancing academics, free time, extracurriculars, and family time." Cyndi and Jim Millspaugh will once again be hosting this relaxed, informal time for parents to gather and share their experiences.

3. THE NATIVITY – LIVE AT ST. IGNATIUS CHURCH, ANTIOCH

Join Mother Meredith and other parishioners young and older on a walk through the events leading up to and including that sacred night in which Jesus was born. Participate in an interactive experience that includes real, live animals, including camels. We will this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. from St. Gregory's. Everyone is welcome and admission is free! For more information, please contact Mother Meredith at vicar@stgregoryschurch.org.

If you can't make it with Meredith, you can go on Saturday, December 4th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. St. Ignatius of Antioch is located at 500 E. Depot Street, Antioch.

4. JOINT YOUTH GROUP SERVICE PROJECT

We will once again be decorating doors at the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation home. Because we will be going off site for this project and need to organize drivers, please let Erica know in advance if you will be joining us. We will be gathering at St. Gregory's at 4:30, eating dinner, and leaving for the Claremont at 5:15. We aim to return by 8 pm. Please bring tape, scissors, bows, and wrapping paper (Christmas, Hanukkah, and generic). 

NEXT SUNDAY! DECEMBER 12! THREE (3) BIG EVENTS!

(1) THE GREGORYS AT THE NINE O'CLOCK SERVICE

(2) GREENING OF THE CHURCH & COOKIELUCK

Calling all people high school age and older! Following the Nine O'Clock Service you can help decorate the church for Christmas. Each decorating job will take less than an hour and sign-up sheets are on the table outside the office. Don't wait 'til the last minute because they're going fast! We'll be leaving the bottom part of the big tree in Founders Hall for the Church School children to decorate after their classes.

We'll enjoy lots of hot chocolate, hot apple cider and Christmas music. AND there'll be the 1st Annual Cookieluck! "What," you say, "is a cookieluck?" Well, it's part potluck and part cookie exchange. Here's how it works:

ü Bring at least one batch of your favorite cookies

ü Provide a copy of your recipe with your name and email address on it

ü After the Greening, take home a mix of any cookies that remain

ü You'll receive an E-mail with all the cookie recipes!

So sign up to help decorate, bring a batch of cookies, and have some holiday fun!

(3) THE ANNUAL YOUTH GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTIES during our regular group meeting times, Middle School from 5-8:30, and high school from 7-8:30.  We will be meeting at the Marian House, Erica and Brian's home right next door to the church.  Please bring a snack to share and a white elephant gift under $10 to exchange. 

Faithfully yours,

 

IF YOU HAVEN'T PLEDGED YET, please do.

If you have pledged, THANK YOU!

If you need a pledge card, please call the Parish Office or pick one up.  

ST GREGORY'S KITCHEN CLEAN-UP CAPER

The kitchen cleaning project has turned up some unusual objects. Two boxes of unused punch glasses in their original shipping box from 1959! With four dozen glasses in each box! Additionally, there are five very large metal cooking trays which are much too large for our oven.  If you or your ministry has a need for any of these items, please let the office know.  

NEW ACOLYTE ROOM COURTESY OF RON AND CATHERINE MARTIN

When the Vestry decided to move the treasury function from the parish office's "machine" room to The Room Previously Known as Acolyte, our acolytes needed a new home. Thanks to Ron and Catherine Martin's idea and implementation, our acolytes can now change in style in the Room Previously Known As Machine. The space for hanging the acolytes' vestments is wider, and there's plenty of room to move about. From the main hallway, just walk into the parish office and turn right into the new "Commons" room.

SIGN-UPS FOR CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND MUSIC

If you would like to give special gifts for Christmas Music and Flowers in thanksgiving for, or in memory of, someone, please sign up on the table opposite the church office. Their names will be listed in our Christmas booklets.

In the past, we used gifts for Christmas Music to cover the cost of a Brass Quintet. Unfortunately, the cost for each instrumentalist is now $350, and funding 4 or 5 instrumentalists is no longer feasible unless one or more parishioners would be willing to fully subscribe the expense in advance. Donations for Christmas music do cover other aspects of the Christmas music program— including our vocalists and the purchase of music scores—and support the music budget. Every gift for Christmas Flowers or Music is greatly appreciated.

IN YOUR PRAYERS PLEASE REMEMBER. . .

. . . the people of South and North Korea; and also the Sudan. Our Presiding Bishop has asked us to pray for Peace in Sudan from 1 Advent through January 9: www.episcopalchurch.org/sudan.

HONORED AND HUMBLED AGAIN

Today was another day that will always be part of the tragedy of this war for me. We had a mass casualty last night from a fire fight in the north. Today we had the Fallen Comrade Ceremony for 5 soldiers who were returning home in flag covered caskets. There were 4 wounded soldiers in our hospital who wanted to attend the ceremony. This ceremony being only 24 hours after their involvement in this fire fight. The 2 junior nurses who care for them asked me to assist them in getting these patients to the flight line to allow them to send their comrades home. I was again honored and humbled by the bravery of these soldiers to attend a ceremony that is difficult beyond words. The nurses exemplified what nurses do for their patients. I could not begin to tell them how incredibly proud and honored I was to stand by them during this ceremony. Again, I hope this is my final Fallen Comrade Ceremony. It is time for me to come home. Major Pamela Aitchison

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In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, particularly Kyle, Ann Shields, Carrie McIntosh, Sue Nebel, John Ham, Michael Brady, 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 Mike Demmon, Ryan Krochmolny, Sarah Shirley, 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.

Public "Service" Announcement

 

Surprise!

+ In the Love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Many Christians think of the Old Testament as being about Law and the New Testament as being about Grace, but (surprise!) this morning’s reading from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah sounds a lot more like Grace than the New Testament Gospel of Matthew.

Again, many Christians think of the Old Testament as being about Judgment and the New Testament as being about Mercy, but (surprise!) this morning’s reading from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah sounds a lot more like Mercy than the New Testament Gospel of Matthew.

Well, perhaps the reason the New Testament reading is so threatening is because the Gospel of Matthew was written at a time when the Roman Empire was threatening to destroy Jerusalem, and Isaiah was written at a time of peace. But (surprise!) Isaiah was written at a time when the Assyrian Empire was threatening to destroy Jerusalem.

Well, I’ve just barely begun my sermon and already we’ve had three surprises!

Let’s turn to our reading from Isaiah (2:1-5), and right away we get another little surprise: “The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.”

And now Isaiah speaks the word he has seen rather than heard:

“In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.”

Here’s another surprise: the Hebrew verb naharu translated “stream” means literally “to flow like a river.” Now as we all know, water flows downward from mountains, but here all the nations are flowing like a river up the mountain!

“Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (What a surprise it will be when that happens.)

Isaiah concludes, “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!”

This last sentence contains the final surprise from Isaiah, because the Hebrew verb naharu meaning “flow like a river” can also mean “shine with joyful radiance.” So the nations, having flowed like a river up the mountain of the Lord, are now walking with joyful radiance in the light of the Lord!

Now let’s turn to our reading from St. Matthew (24:36-44) and see what surprises await us there.

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’”

What is this day to which Jesus is referring?

Please turn to the Collect of the Day, the Collect for the First Sunday in Advent:

“Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life”― this life when we are subject to death― “in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal”― that is, to life without death.

So the day to which Jesus refers in today’s Gospel is the day when Jesus will come again in his glorious majesty, and that brings us to the first surprise in today’s Gospel― that Jesus, the Son, the One who will be coming again, even Jesus doesn’t know the day or the hour when that will happen!

Jesus continues: “For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

Let’s discover the first surprise in this passage. For those of you who remember the story of Noah and the flood, what was the reason for the flood? {{Congregational Response}} [the wickedness of the people] But here the problem is not their wickedness, it’s their obliviousness― they just aren’t paying attention. So when the flood comes, it comes as a terrible surprise.

But for us, there’s a welcome surprise hidden in this passage. Again, for those who remember the story of Noah and the flood, what happens at the end of the story? {{Congregational Response}} [the flood recedes and a rainbow appears] The symbolism of the rainbow is that God’s bow and arrow is now turned away from the earth, and that in turn means that God’s grace triumphs over judgment.

Here’s how St. Peter puts it in his First Letter (3:18-21a): “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. . . . God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you. . . .”

And now comes the final surprise, and also the most fun and the most outrageous surprise in this morning’s readings.

“Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.”

So, who’s the thief in this passage? {{Congregational Response}} [surprise! it’s Jesus!]

The surprises continue in the Book of Revelation. Jesus tells the Church in Sardis, “If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you” (3:3).

And again, later on in Revelation, Jesus says, “See, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake. . .” (16:15a).

So here’s your assignment for this Season of Advent: be on the lookout for surprises! Because if you’re not on the lookout for surprises, then Jesus will come to you like a thief in the night and break into your heart― and suddenly you might be surprised into forgiving someone you never intended to forgive; suddenly you might be surprised into beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks; suddenly you might be surprised into streaming up mountainsides and walking in the light of the Lord!

And those are the very kinds of surprises which will truly prepare us for the greatest surprise of all― that the God who created heaven and earth is about to become a helpless baby, born in a manger in Bethlehem to poor, travel-weary parents.

Thanks be to God!

"Have no anxiety about anything. . . ."

+ In the Love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What’s an atheist? {{Congregational Response}} [someone who doesn’t believe in God] How many of you would describe yourself as an atheist? {{Congregational Response}}

Now, for the next series of questions, keep your answers to yourselves. How many of you are worried or anxious about employment? about your family? about the church? about the economy? about what’s going on in the world? How many of you are worried or anxious about the Thanksgiving dinner you’re going to be cooking?! How many of you are worried or anxious about the Thanksgiving dinner you’re going to be attending?!

Paul knew that the disciples in Philippi were worried and anxious about many things, too. So as he finished up his letter to them, he gave them words of encouragement:

“The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul was reminding the Philippians that God was with them so much so that they could pray with anticipatory thanksgiving.

Jesus faced a similar situation with the crowd that followed him after he fed them with just five loaves and two fish: “When the crowd found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs [that is, signs that would lead them to become disciples], but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’”

Notice that the crowd has taken Jesus’ words about “working for the food that endures for eternal life” to mean work that they themselves must do. So Jesus corrects them: “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” Jesus isn’t asking them to do anything― they are to believe in the One who will give them everything they need.

Although neither Jesus nor Paul would have put it this way, both the crowds whom Jesus fed and the Philippians to whom Paul wrote were suffering from “functional atheism.” Here’s how the Quaker writer, teacher, and activist Parker Palmer describes “functional atheism”:

“. . . the belief that ultimate responsibility for everything rests with us. This is the unconscious, unexamined conviction that if anything decent is going to happen here, we are the ones who must make it happen – a conviction held even by people who talk a good game about God. . . .

“The gift we receive on the inner journey is the knowledge that ours is not the only act in town. Not only are there other acts out there, but some of them are even better than ours, at least occasionally! We learn that we need not carry the whole load but can share it with others, liberating us and empowering them. We learn sometimes that we are free to lay the load down altogether. The great community asks us to do only what we are able and trust the rest to other hands” (Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation [San Francisco, Jossey-Bass, 2000], pp.88-89). 

On this Thanksgiving Day, may God grant us the grace to renounce our “functional atheism” and remember all the gifts we constantly receive from God’s gracious and loving hands. Amen.

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

Our Giving Campaign is drawing to an end as we begin receiving your Mission Pledge Cards.

This Sunday, November 21, we will hold our second Pledge Card Ingathering. Please consider your Mission and Pledge to St. Gregory's for 2011, and bring it on Sunday or mail it in this week.

THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

During this past week we lost two devoted members of our parish. Most of you have heard about Joe Schwarz' death through Vestry calls or the Prayers of the People and announcements last Sunday. We will celebrate Joe's life this Saturday, November 20, at 10 o'clock in the morning, with committal in our Churchyard immediately following the service.

Bill Phillips and his family became members of St. Gregory's in 1961. Although he moved to DuPage County in the 1990s, Bill would come back to worship here at his "home" church about every two or so months at the 11 am service. His service will be Monday evening, November 22, at 6:00 pm.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FAMILY SUPPORT MINISTRY CO-CHAIRS

A big THANK YOU to all our Family Support Ministry volunteers who have sustained this ministry by willingly providing meals and transportation services to members who needed support during a time of ill health.

Some of you have helped out repeatedly during the past few months, when we had multiple requests for meals on an almost regular basis. We are grateful for your willingness to help out over and over again.

We appreciate all our volunteers, because we could not carry on this ministry without your support. Our sincere thanks to the following members who have provided meals in the recent past: Alison Cioffi Brown, Anne Clark, Caroline DiNardo, Catherine Martin, Cyndi Millspaugh, Dorothy Collins, Ida Butler, Joan West, Lisa Halpin, Lorilee Bielski, Marmie Kiva, Mary Keller, Meredith Potter, Kathy Swager, Shari Benson, Shirley Traettino and Sylvan Hallet.

We are always looking for new volunteers. Please contact one of the co-chairs if you have an interest in volunteering for this ministry.

Brooke Fogt (847-945-1871/brookefogt@discover.com), Sharon Moceri (847-392-6433/sharmo1@aol.com), and Ishani Sinnaduray (847-634-9106/IshaniS@aol.com)

OUR LATEST HEROS

A huge round of applause for Julia Balmos and Kristi Leimbeck who began their "clean and organize the kitchen project" this weekend. They have done a great job, throwing out all kinds of "disgusting stuff," and washing the shelves, dishes, and utensils. They have also relabeled the doors and drawers with accurate descriptions of what lies inside.

With Julia's and Kristi's hard work accomplished, would anyone in the parish like to take on the role of "Kitchen Deacon?" We need someone (or someones) to take leadership in organizing and equipping this important center for parish activities.

AN EMAIL FROM MAJOR PAMELA AITCHISON (Part Three)

The next picture is of the Egyptian Nurses and me. I am the liaison officer for the Egyptian Field Hospital and they came for a visit here at the military hospital.

Last is LT G and a patient.

We have seen a lot of pediatric patients here. They are caught in the crossfire of this war. It has been a long summer and we all look forward to the winter, this stops the Taliban till Spring. Will keep you posted on life in Afghanistan. MAJ A

YOUR HOUSEHOLD'S PARISH DIRECTORY IS WAITING FOR YOU!—Please pick up your copy on the long table opposite Erica's Office.

Faithfully yours,

MANNA EXPRESS GIFT CARDS  

Do you shop for groceries at Jewel or Dominick's? Do you need gas for your car― at Shell, for example? Do you ever dine out, buy coffee at Starbucks, or go to the movies? Purchase iTunes? Eat at Subway? Do you shop at Best Buy, Home Depot, JCPenney, Macy's, or Kohl's? St. Gregory's Pre-K and Kindergarten Enrichment is participating in a scrip (gift card) program called Manna Express. Families purchase all kinds of gift cards for all kinds of national vendors at face value and the school keeps the difference. You can see the large number of participants and the percentage return on the vendor list. This is a "pain free" way to support the school at no extra cost to you. And it's a great one stop shop for Christmas and other gifts.

To take part in the program, please stop at the Manna Express table following Sunday Services this month or drop your completed order form, along with a check made out to St. Gregory's Preschool, into the drop box across from the office. The December order will be due by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 28, for pickup Sunday, December 12.

We are grateful for all your support. If you have any questions about the Manna Express program, please contact Ida or Debbie at 847-945-1678.

BOOK CLUB NEWS

The next meeting date is November 17th with a NEW TIME of 7:00 p.m. in the Library. This month's selection is The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman.

We will take a break from Book Club meetings during the holidays and will meet again on January 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Library to discuss Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a prosperous Syrian-American and father of four, chose to stay through the storm to protect his house and contracting business. In the days after, he traveled the flooded streets in a secondhand canoe, passing on supplies and helping those he could. But, on September 6, 2005, Zeitoun abruptly disappeared. Eggers' riveting nonfiction book explores Zeitoun's roots in Syria, his marriage to an American who converted to Islam, their children, and the surreal atmosphere in which what happened to Abdulrahman Zeitoun became possible.

NEXT TROOP PACKAGE EVENT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH

On Veterans Day, I was reminded of the importance of a commitment to support our deployed troops. While I am reminded of this each day in many ways, on Veterans Day it was especially meaningful for me to know that we continue our effort of this important work to send care packages to our troops. I wholeheartedly thank each of you for your support and belief in this mission.

After checking the deadlines listed by the U.S. Postal Service for holiday packages to arrive timely in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tuesday, November 30th has been set for the next package night to be held at St. Gregory's. Volunteers will also be able to write holiday cards, which will be mailed separately.

Setup will begin at 4:30 p.m. on November 30th and packing will start at our usual time of 7:00 p.m. It would help immensely if you are able to arrive early to help with the numerous tasks that need to be completed before we begin.

Donations can be dropped off in the box in Founders Hall. If you wish to donate by check towards purchases or postage, a check should be written to St. Gregory's Church with TROOP SUPPORT in the memo line. No matter how you support this effort you are vital to the success and I thank you. I hope to see you on November 30th. Cissy Singleton  

3RD ANNUAL KNITWEAR SALE

On Sunday, December 5th, Lin Reichenbach will host the 3rd Annual Knitwear Sale in Founders Hall following all services. Hand-knit mittens, hats, scarves and ear warmers will be available. Prices range from $4 to $15 and Lin will donate all her proceeds to the Troop Support Ministry. You can purchase Ear Warmers for a soldier for $5.00 for our next Troop Care Package Event. They also make great holiday gifts for friends and family. For details, contact Lin Reichenbach at 847-945-6482.

A SPECIAL VISIT FROM THE PRESIDING BISHOP

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Ph.D., Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will give a talk "Health and Healing Across the World and Across the Street: Collaboration Between the Religious and Health Care Communities" on Friday December 3, 2010, Noon - 1:00 p.m.

The talk will take place in the Brainard Room, Searle Conference Center, 5th Floor of the Rush Professional Building, 1725 W. Harrison Street, Chicago. A box lunch will be provided for the first 200 people.

Following her talk will be a panel discussion, "Being a Just Health Care Organization in an Age of Health Disparities" with Larry J. Goodman, MD, CEO, Rush Medical Center; William T. Foley, CEO, Cook County Health System; and Bryan Becker, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital.

For more information or to register, call Cherryl Holt at 312-563-4825 or E-mail bpandersonhouse@aol.com.

OASIS FOR ORPHANS THANK YOU NOTE

Dear St. Gregory's Leadership Team, I am humbled again by your continued support of Oasis for Orphans and our work in Kenya. There are so many exciting things that are taking place, it is hard to know where to begin. Perhaps Jon [Dutcher] can share some excerpts from our newsletters. Please thank your entire team for their support. We would love to update you personally if you think that would be helpful. Blessings, Scott and Jill.

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In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, particularly Carrie McIntosh, Oksana Paffett, Erick Cerveny, Charles Woods, Tim Udd, Sue Nebel, Bernice Andrea, John Ham, Michael Brady, Keith Stewart, Tricia Evans, Steve Lake, and Jack Trapani;

our companion parish in Fort Dauphin, Madagascar, and its leaders, Rev. Donné and Evangelist Tomboasy;

the men and women serving in our armed forces and their families, remembering especially Mike Demmon, Ryan Krochmolny, Sarah Shirley, 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; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Joe Schwarz and Bill Phillips.

Dihareb Cymraeg / Welsh Proverb

Ni ddaw cof i chwegr ei bod yn waudd.

The mother-in-law forgets that she was a daughter-in-law.

On this Veterans Day . . .

. . . I salute, you, Dad, my favorite Veteran.

My friend Christy from Kenilworth days posted her favorite Veteran on Facebook, and that reminded me that I have this wonderful picture of my dad.

 
Dad grew up in Evanston and went to Dartmouth College where he learned how to ski. That gave him the basic skills to serve in the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops who broke the back of Nazi strength in the high ridges of northern Italy.

Here's his Bronze Star citation:

James H. Roberts PFC, Infantry. 86th Mountain Infantry, United States Army,

For meritorious service in combat on 19 Feb. 1945, near Farni, Italy.

When Private First Class Roberts was engaged in laying communication wire along a mountain ridge, the enemy infiltrated into the wire in which he was working. When he and his comrades were stopped by small arms fire they immediately attacked the infiltrating enemy, capturing eight prisoners. They then continued forward to complete their telephone lines, establishing communications at a time when the coordination and the direction of an attack depended on the completion of their mission. For his outstanding courage and devotion to duty Private First Class Roberts has earned the highest commendation and praise.

Entered the Military service from Evanston, Ill.

By command of Major General Hays.

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

Last Sunday we changed pace in our Giving Campaign with an exercise in Mad-Libs, in which randomly-suggested parts of speech are use to fill in a paragraph's blanks.

So here's a goofy example courtesy of Derek Hill and Ashley Babcock at the Nine O'Clock Service:

MY CHURCH: A Mad-Lib for the Parishioners of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church

When I tell people that I go to St. Gregory's Church, they always seem a little (feeling) frightened at first. "You mean the church at the corner of Deerfield and Wilmot? What's that place like?" I (adverb) slowly tell them it's a really (adjective) hairy church, and that the people are (adjective) warty. Even the priests and staff are (adjective) green. When I explain what I like best about our parish, I mention the (noun) baseballs and (noun) frogs That's what makes St. Gregory's such a (adjective) slimy place for me and (noun) toads."(exclamation) Eureka! It sounds like an (adjective) ugly church," they exclaim. "What does it take to make it all happen?" That's when I tell them that we need (adjective) bubbly people and a (adjective) spongy budget of $500,000― or about $2,500 for every household. "That sounds like a (adjective) wet bargain, but it must be rough in this (adjective) Squidwerd-like economy." "Fortunately," I tell them, "our median pledge is about $3,640. Still, I realize that without my (noun) hamburger, St. Gregory's couldn't possibly (verb) hopscotch such (adjective) hot pink ministries. And when I think about the impact our ministries have for those who are hurting, spiritually, physically, or financially, I am especially (adjective) thorny of what we do together!"

And some parishioners played it straight, like this one:

When I tell people that I go to St. Gregory's Church, they always seem a little smiley at first. "You mean the church at the corner of Deerfield and Wilmot? What's that place like?" I always tell them it's a really wonderful church, and that the people are friendly. Even the priests and staff are personable. When I explain what I like best about our parish, I mention the Altar Guild and Cathedral Shelter. That's what makes St. Gregory's such a marvelous place for me and my family." "Wow! It sounds like a grand church," they exclaim. "What does it take to make it all happen?" That's when I tell them that we need more people and a reasonable budget of $500,000― or about $2,500 for every household. "That sounds like a real bargain, but it must be rough in this difficult economy." "Fortunately," I tell them, "our median pledge is about $3,640. Still, I realize that without my pledge, St. Gregory's couldn't possibly maintain such wide ministries. And when I think about the impact our ministries have for those who are hurting, spiritually, physically, or financially, I am especially proud of what we do together!"

If you'd like to try your own Mad-Lib, please click here.

By the end of this week you should all have received my Giving Campaign letter and enclosed pledge card. On Sunday we will give you an opportunity to place your pledges on the Altar. Of course we will be happy and grateful to receive them at any time, in church, in the mail, or in the parish office.

Faithfully yours,

Former parishioner Pete Sale's mother, Molly, died last week. Her funeral will be at 2:00 pm this Saturday at the Church of the Holy Comforter, Kenilworth. Molly was a great friend when I was a seminarian from Holy Comforter, my home parish. May her soul, and the souls of all the departed, rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.

EXCITING NEW PARENTING FORUM― On November 14th and December 5th the youth commission will be offering a "Parenting Forum" in the Parker Room during the Church School education hour, from 10-11am. Jim and Cyndi Millspaugh, parents of three grown children, will be hosting these meetings. 

The purpose of this time is to allow for parent-driven discussion on issues that are important to the group.  If needed, we may break into multiple groups. All active parents with children 0-18 are invited to come, and should have received a more detailed email from Erica.  If you would like more information or have an idea for discussion, please see Erica.

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 in southwest Lake County to gather with others to Build new relationships; Hear about new efforts on senior independent living, affordable housing and college readiness; and Learn more about Lake County United.

ST. GREGORY'S BOOK CLUB NEWS― The next meeting date is November 17th with a NEW TIME of 7:00 p.m. in the Library. This month's selection is The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman.

AN EMAIL FROM MAJOR PAMELA AITCHISON (Part Two!)

Hello, I just wanted you to know that your Halloween boxes are a HUGE morale booster here. I am trying to get you a couple of photos of our soldiers with the goodies but they are anxiously ripping through the boxes. Tell everyone thank you and I hope to be out of here by the first of the year. It has been a long year and I have missed too many holidays, friends and family. Thank You to everyone for supporting us while we are here it is very meaningful to me and others that we are in your prayers and thoughts. MAJ A

And here are the photos she finally managed to take:

And just this week we received a thank you card which I have posted on the bulletin board:

Hello St. Gregory Church, Thank you for the wonderful boxes of Halloween treats. I have been passing them around the hospital to staff and our wounded soldiers. It is always a treat to get stuff from home. I have sent pictures to your parish website. Will keep everyone posted. I miss the Fall, Halloween, and the holidays!! God bless all of you for your support!! I will stop in once I return!! Thanks, Maj. A. TF Med (E) TOC, APO, AE 09354

More from Maj. A. next week!

MANNA GIFT CARDS

Our first order of Manna gift cards has arrived! Please pickup from Debbie in the Preschool Office. Thank you to all who purchased gift cards. We sold $4100 in Manna scrip this month and the Preschool keeps $208.15. This is a "pain free" way to support the Preschool at no cost to you. And it's a great one stop shop for Christmas and other gifts.

To take part in the program, please drop your completed order form, along with a check made out to St. Gregory's Preschool, into the drop box across from the office. The December order will be due by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 28, for pickup Sunday, December 12.

We are grateful for all your support. If you have any questions about the Manna program, call Debbie at the Preschool at 847-945-1678 or E-mail at preschool@stgregoryschurch.org.

3RD ANNUAL KNITWEAR SALE

On Sunday, December 5th, Lin Reichenbach will host the 3rd Annual Knitwear Sale in Founders Hall following all services. Hand-knit mittens, hats, scarves and ear warmers will be available. Prices range from $4 to $15 and Lin will donate all her proceeds to the Troop Support Ministry. You can purchase Ear Warmers for a soldier for $5.00 for our next Troop Care Package Event. They also make great holiday gifts for friends and family. For details, contact Lin Reichenbach at 847-945-6482.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP AT DIOCESAN CONVENTION, NOVEMBER 19-20

Volunteers are needed both days of convention to serve as greeters, registration assistants, plenary session assistants, convention office administrative assistants, learning opportunity assistants, worship participants and assistants (acolytes, eucharistic ministers, altar guild), photographers and videographers, and internet technology specialists. Contact Brendon Hunter, volunteer coordinator, to offer your services: 847-835-0458 ext 10.

OASIS FOR ORPHANS THANK YOU NOTE

Dear St. Gregory's Leadership Team, I am humbled again by your continued support of Oasis for Orphans and our work in Kenya. There are so many exciting things that are taking place, it is hard to know where to begin. Perhaps Jon [Dutcher] can share some excerpts from our newsletters. Please thank your entire team for their support. We would love to update you personally if you think that would be helpful. Blessings, Scott and Jill.

The Parish Office is open from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The Rector's Open Office Hours are 10:00 am to 11:30 am, Monday through Wednesday

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In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, particularly, Pat Auch, Kathy Swager, John Ham, Michael Brady, Keith Stewart, Tricia Evans, Steve Lake, 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 Mike Demmon, Ryan Krochmolny, Sarah Shirley, 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.

On the Homiletic Cutting Floor

Discarded from my sermon on the Sunday after All Saints' Day and the Gospel according to St. Luke, in which Jesus says, "Blessed are you who are poor"; and "Woe to you who are rich":

The gulf between the rich and the poor in first century Palestine is echoed in twenty-first century America:

1. According to the Wall Street Journal, the richest 14,000 American families possess over 22% of the nation’s wealth, while the poorest 133 million families possess only 4% of the nation’s wealth. (The rest of us, about 10%, possess about 75% of the nation’s wealth.)

2. A study done by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management found that the wealthiest 1% of Americans have $13 trillion in investable wealth.

3. In 1965, the average salary for the CEO of a major U.S. company was 25 times the salary of the average worker. Today, the average salary for a CEO is 250 times the salary of the average worker.

The source for these three statistics may be found here.

Backhanders and Bullies

+ In the Love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 Our Gospel this morning begins with four Beatitudes or Blessings for the poor. The first three Beatitudes describe the poor:

 “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

 And the fourth Beatitude describes how others treat the poor:

“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.”

And then Jesus matches the four Beatitudes with four Woes for the rich, and again the first three Woes describe the rich: “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.”

And the fourth Woe describes how others treat the rich:

Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.”

The great social divide in first century Palestine was not primarily between those who were poor and those who were rich. The great social divide was primarily between those who were honored and those who were shamed. But as we can see by the Beatitudes and Woes, there was a connection: the poor were shamed by society― hated, excluded, reviled, and defamed― while the rich were honored― spoken well of.

Now, keeping that in mind, let’s continue with our Gospel:

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, [and here’s how:] do good to those who hate you [remember the fourth Beatitude: “Blessed are you when people hate you”], bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you.” And as an example of “those who abuse you,” look at the next verse: “If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.” Or, as Matthew’s version has it, “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also” [5:39].

So let’s try an experiment. Find a partner. Point to your right cheek. Now make a fist with your right hand and pretend (I emphasize pretend!) to try hitting the other person on the right cheek. It’s almost impossible, isn’t it? If you’re right-handed, the only natural way to hit someone on the right cheek is to use the back of your right hand.

Listen to what the Biblical scholar Walter Wink tells us about this:

“The only way one could naturally strike the right cheek with the right hand would be with the back of the hand. We are dealing here with insult, not a fistfight. The intention is clearly not injure but to humiliate. . . . Masters backhanded slaves; husbands, wives; parents, children; men, women; Romans, Jews. We have here a set of unequal relations, in each of which retaliation would invite retribution. . . . “The person who turns the other cheek is saying, in effect, . . . ‘I deny you the power to humiliate me. I am a human being just like you. . . .’ Such a response would create enormous difficulties for the striker. . . . how would he hit the other cheek now turned to him? He cannot backhand it with his right hand. . . . If he hits with a fist, he makes the other his equal, acknowledging him as a peer. . . . In that world of honor and shaming, he has been rendered impotent to instill shame. . .” (Engaging the Powers [Minneapolis: Augsberg Press, 1992], p. 176).

Today the backhanded slap of the first century is called bullying, and the culture of honoring and shaming is alive and well in the twenty-first century. And like the backhanded slap, "bullying is characterized by a power differential," according to education.com's webpage, "Bullying at School and Online."

Here's some more:

“A fight between two kids of equal power is not bullying; bullying is an unfair fight where the child who bullies has some advantage or power over the child who is victimized.”

“These power differences distinguish bullying from other forms of aggression and create unique challenges for parents, educators, and researchers who want to help reduce bullying behaviors. These power differences also make telling kids to ‘stand up to bullies’ ill advised, as such efforts are far more likely to fail than succeed.”

“The power differential that characterizes bullying makes it very tricky for students to defend themselves against some perpetrators, especially those who wield social power.”

“Beware of traditional stereotypes of bullies as social outcasts who resort to violence because they have no other options. Many bullies actually have high levels of social skills and social intelligence . . . and in some cases, we may be giving some students the ‘benefit of the doubt’ and in doing so unintentionally condone their behavior.”

The website gives a number of strategies for dealing with bullying, and I’ll summarize them when I post this sermon, but there are spiritual strategies as well. 

The first spiritual strategy is to remember who we are and whose we are. In just a moment we will baptize Linnea, and I will say to her, “Linnea, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever.” To be marked as Christ’s own for ever is something no bully can ever take away from us.

And because we are Christ’s own for ever, we have a mission, and it includes the last two questions in our Baptismal Covenant: “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” and “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”

And then we have the spiritual strategies in this morning’s Gospel:

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” These strategies seem counter-intuitive, but when we practice them we will discover that Christ’s own power― which Paul describes in today’s reading from Ephesians as resurrection power ― will be unleashed in us in astonishing ways.

Thanks be to God.

 

+  +  + 

4 Things for Students to do:

Use the buddy system

Practice not reacting, because it make the bully feel powerful

Tell the bully to stop and walk away

Tell an adult

 

4 Things for Parents to do:

Focus on your child: be supportive and get the information about the bullying.

Encourage your child to use the buddy system

Work with your child’s school

Help your child become more resilient

 

4 Things for Witnesses to do

Tell the bully to stop

Support the person who is being bullied

Walk away

Report the bully