March 30, 2011 (Ingrid's and Bill's 37th Wedding Anniversary)
Dearly Beloved,
QUARTERLY MEETING THIS SUNDAY
Please join us after the Nine O'Clock Service for the unveiling of our newest recipients of the Rector's Point of Pentecost Award, and for reports from the Youth Commission, Children's Church, Preschool, and Wardens.
ALSO THIS SUNDAY: COMMUNITY MEALS
It is our turn to serve at the Community Meals Program at Christ Episcopal Church in Waukegan. If you would like to help, please join us. We are also looking for people to make desserts. If you have any questions, please contact me, Barbara Schaper (bschaper7@aol.com), or Bill and Janet Foltz. Thanks, Barb Schaper.
BOWLING PARTY! (Sign-Up Deadline Is THIS Sunday.)
Join us on Sunday, April 10, from 11:30 to 1:30 at The Alley in Highwood (210 Green Bay Road). Pizza and drinks will be served. Come right after church, hang out, and watch the kids bowl (or bowl yourself!). Bumpers will be provided for the youngest bowlers. RSVP on the sign-up sheet outside Founder's Hall. (Note: parents must stay with their children; this is not a drop-off party). For more information, contact Gail Bozzano or Annette Baez.
PARISH OFFICE VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
My thanks to Cathy Leimbeck who responded to last week's request, and has worked for two mornings. 10-12:30.
THE HOUSE THAT ST. GREGORY'S BUILT!
1. CONGRATULATIONS CORNER
Emma Martin has advanced to the U.S. Biology Olympiad semi-finals. Her semifinal examination will be a two hour test that consists of basic knowledge questions, higher level questions with multiple interpretations, graphs, analysis of data, case studies, and open responses. Over 10,000 students compete annually. Godspeed Emma!
Optimist Dorothy Collins and Barbara Schaper presented this year's Deerfield Optimist Awards "For Exemplary Service to the Community" to our students at Deerfield High School last week. Ashley and Hannah Benson and Ashley Babcock were on hand to receive their plaques. Our other recipients will find their awards at St. Gregory's this Sunday on the table across from Erica's office.
2. GRATITUDE GABLE
Leigh Stewart, fresh from her success in the Greening of the Church, has agreed to be the Balloon Brigade Brigadier in charge of our Easter Day balloon extravaganza. If you would like to begin your Resurrection Celebration by joining her and other early rising disciples, please let her know. More details later.
3. PERFORMANCE PORCH
Vocalist Susan Nelson is singing this Sunday, April 3, with the Elmhurst Choral Union in a performance of Brahm's Requiem. More at: www.elmhurstchoralunion.org.
And two Saturdays from now, on Saturday, April 9, 7:00 pm, Susan will be singing and soloing at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park. It's all sacred music, it's free, renowned bass Samuel Ramey is also singing.
BISHOPS ARE US!
On Palm Sunday, Bishop Ernest Shalita from Uganda and African Team Ministries (the crafts and jewelry people who care for AIDS orphans) will join us; and on May 15, Bishop Todd McGregor of Madagascar will be on hand!
AND SPEAKING OF BISHOP McGREGOR AND MADAGASCAR. . . .
Here are excerpts from his most recent email about our companion parish and their new church building:
"This is just a short update to let you know that we are plugging along and have scheduled a date for dedication in Ft. Dauphin on May 1st. Please make sure to have you parishioners praying for this special day. Bishop Jaona will be joining me on this trip.
"Also, the House of Bishops has informed Bp. Jaona that he is to write (within three months) the letter requesting the Archbishop to start the process of elections for the diocesan bishop of Toliara. We are very excited about this new development.
"Serving Christ Together, +Todd"
MANNA GIFT CARDS NEWS!
We had a great response to our first "Cash and Carry" Manna Sunday!
We'll offer them again this Sunday, and next time we'll order more. Gift Cards for Jewel, Dominick's, Walgreen's, Starbucks, and just in time for Easter, Fannie May! (You can use your Fannie May card online as well as at any of their stores.)
If you pre-ordered Manna Gift Cards they will be available to pick up on Sunday.
Also this Sunday: the next round of pre-ordered gift cards are due, with delivery on Sunday, April 17.
JOURNEY THROUGH LENT: NEED WATER ALONG THE WAY? WELL, WELL, WELL!
Many of us are already wearing our "I DIG" stickers, having contributed to this year's Deacons' Project to provide water wells to thirsty villages.
As of last Sunday, our own Deacon Dennis Lietz reports that 33 parishioners have dug down over 140 feet for a total of $2,110― two-fifths on the way toward our hoped-for $5,000 to provide one well.
Please mail in or give your checks, payable to St. Gregory's with Well, Well, Well in the memo line, to Dennis on Sunday.
JAPAN
Here are some more text message sent to us by Alanna Foxwell Barajas:
"Tomorrow, my father will be sent to the Fukushima nuclear plant. He will be retiring from his job in six months, and I was close to tears when I heard that he actually volunteered to go. "What we do now will affect the future of nuclear plants. I have a mission to accomplish," he said. I wouldn't say that he's been a dependable father at home, but I've never felt this proud of him as I did today. We are all praying for his safe return."
"A child in a store was holding a snack, waiting for his turn in line at the cash register. When it was almost his turn, he looked at the register then he looked like he was pondering for a moment. Then he put the money he had to buy a snack into the donation box and returned the snack to the shelf, and left the store. The cashier said 'Thank you' to his back in a quavering voice."
"Nights were never this dark, and I never realized how beautiful the stars were. Sendai, look up and keep your heads high." From conversation overheard at an evacuation camp
To support the relief efforts of Alanna's father Phil, please go to www.crashjapan.com/.
Episcopal Relief and Development is a good option for sending contributions― we always stay long after the Relief phase in order to bring our resources to help a country's Development: You can call (800.334.7626, ext. 5129), send a check (P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7), or go to their website.
TROOP CARE PACKAGE NEWS
The 34th troop care package event was especially meaningful as we welcomed Donna Shelton's son, Michael Molloy, and gave thanks for his safe return. Prayers answered! We honored Donna, daughter Keelin, and Michael during the opening remarks. Michael presented Nuala and Cissy with a flag flown in St. Gregory's honor.
A crowd of 30 packed 153 boxes in record time. We appreciate all the volunteers who helped setup, pack boxes, and cleanup. The evening was a success with your help! Thanks also to donors who provided funds for postage and package items as well as books, magazines, socks, and food.
We are now at the end of the 6th year of this ministry. This milestone is an amazing accomplishment. We have made a difference to so many. You have all made this possible through your prayers and support. We offer our heartfelt thanks. Cissy & Nuala
W W W W W W W
In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, particularly Bill Waltemath, Matt Gunnels, Walter Davies, Judy McCann, Trey Travis, Linda Monson, Celia Foltz, Nicholas Raimondi, Sr., Jacob, Rachel, and Matt Stoughton, Ed Collins, Sung Lemrise, and Gertrude Knight;
the people of Japan;
our companion parish in Fort Dauphin, Madagascar, as they prepare to dedicate their church building, and their leaders, Rev. Donné and Evangelist Tomboasy;
the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families, remembering especially Ray Creevy, Cary Clark, Bob Morrissette, Jack Lee, Carl Best, Mike Demmon, Ryan Krochmolny, Sarah Shirley, Jason Greenman, Jamie Hayes, Ilan Kedar, Robert Steere, Eric Cloe, Robb Dunlap, Greg Hirsch, Jamie Mitchell, Brian Adamson, Hunter Levine and Chad Field.
Faithfully yours,
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