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November 2011
November 30, 2011
November 29, 2011
Parish Newsletter
Dearly Beloved,
BUT FIRST A WORD FOR OUR SPONSORS. . .
This year's Giving Campaign ends Sunday with the ingathering of our pledges at all three Sunday practices.
As is our custom, during the Offertory we will place our pledge cards on the Altar as the outward and visible sign of our gratitude to God for the many ways we are blessed in this Parish family.
The Vestry will be hosting our Coffee Hour this Sunday, so you may ask any questions you have about our mission and ministries, and our hopes for 2012.
W W W
THIS SUNDAY, THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT:
Lin Reichenbach will be selling her delightful hats, mittens, scarves, booties, and more. Prices range from $3.00 to $16.00. Her "favorite" head-warmers are only $5.00 apiece! And all proceeds from the sale go to the Troop Support Ministry.
Ingrid Roberts will be hosting our sale of unique gifts of African Jewelry and Crafts in the Rector's Office. Your purchases will support African Team Ministries' work among the East African orphans of AIDS parents.
Bret Chandler will be leading St. Gregory's Youth Group to Claremont Nursing Home to decorate doors for the Holiday Season. They will meet at the church at 4:45 pm and plan to leave by 5. Afterwards they will go out to dinner at Chipotle for fun and fellowship. They will plan to be back at the church between 7 and 7:15 pm. Please sign up outside the youth ministry office or contact Bret so that he know how many to plan for.
SIGN UP FOR THE GREENING OF THE CHURCH!
The "Greening of the Church?"― What is that?!
Leigh Stewart, our Greener-in-Chief, explains:
The "Greening of the Church" is Episcopalian-speak for decorating the church for Christmas. Like last year, it's an opportunity for high school age and older folks to prepare the church for the Christmas season. On Sunday, December 11, we'll put up trees, wreaths, and garlands all around the inside and outside of the church. Starting this Sunday there will sign-up posters for the various activities― each takes less than an hour. Derek Hill has already volunteered to lead a high school team in putting up the big tree in Founder's Hall so that it will be ready for the children to help decorate when they get out of their church schools classes. Sign up this Sunday for your favorite activity!
But wait! There's More!
OUR 2nd ANNUAL COOKIE-LUCK
While we're "Greening the Church" we'll also be enjoying our 2nd Annual Cookie-Luck! It's part potluck and part cookie exchange. Here's how it works:
- Bring at least one batch of your favorite cookies
- Provide a copy of your recipe with your name and email address on it
- After the Greening, take home a mix of any cookies that remain
- You'll receive an email with all the cookie recipes!
So sign up to help decorate, bring a batch of cookies, and have some holiday fun!
CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY'S ADVENT OFFERINGS― AND THEN CHECK THEM OUT!
Advent is here and Christmas is coming, and the Sally Craig Memorial Library has a number of seasonal books for your perusal. Some of them are on the shelves on the north wall of the library.
There are books of readings and meditations for the season: Watch for the Light, Meditations for Advent and Christmas, and Messiah, a book of beautiful calligraphy.
Want some family activities? We have Before and After Christmas, Countdown to Christmas and The Bethlehem Tree.
Do you feel like the Christmas emphasis has gotten too commercial and materialistic? Check out Unplug the Christmas Machine or Simplify and Celebrate.
The library also has some great read-alouds for the younger people in your life; a selection is shelved on the lower shelf of the north wall.
There are more books for the season on the library shelves; look up "Christmas" in the subject drawers of the card catalog.
COUNTDOWN TO A CHRISTMAS WITH MANNA-FOLD GIFTS!
Order for Christmas gift cards are due this Sunday, December 4, and they will be ready for you on December 18.
Don't forget business gift cards for your employees or clients. With our large selection of retail and restaurant cards, there's something for everyone on your list!
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Ashley Babcock, inducted into the Spanish Honor Society at Deerfield H. S.
HOUSEKEEPING REMINDER!
Please no coffee or other beverages or food in the Parker Room, which serves as our parlor for families before weddings and funerals, and for other special occasions. Jean Schwarz of Buildings and Grounds.
CHRISTMAS IS A-COMIN' AND. . .
CALLING (not quite) ALL USHERS!
We are hoping that two ushers might be able to assist the Wardens and other Vestry Greeters at each of the Christmas Eve services. Ushers are NOT scheduled on Christmas Eve, so please volunteer for this special night if you can. This is primarily help with handing out bulletins and with the offertory collection, after which your "work" is complete!
If you can help at ONE of the two services, please let Catherine Martin know by December 11th. The Services on Saturday, December 24th, will begin with special music at 4:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Please call me at 847-317-9503 or e-mail me at csmartin02@att.net, and let me know which of the two services is best for you. And thanks so much for your consideration! Catherine Martin, Warden.
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR CHRISTMAS BRASS AND CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
The joy of our Christmas services/practices at St. Gregory's is heightened both by our beautifully decorated sanctuary and by the glorious sounds of brass within our music program. Neither is possible without your support.
Next time you are in church, look opposite the office for the clipboards for FLOWERS and MUSIC donations. Contributions may be made either "In Memory Of.." loved ones or "In Thanksgiving For…" the blessings in your life. There are separate sign-ups for each.
Please attach your checks payable to St. Gregory's and note either flowers or music in the memo line. The Altar Guild reminds us that donations should not be combined; please write separate checks for music or for flowers.
Thanks to your generous donations, Christmastide will be ever brighter! Catherine Martin
WOULD YOU LIKE OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2012?
Please contact Treasurer Dorthea White if you aren't currently receiving Offering Envelopes. If you need help with Electronic Transfers of Gifts or Stock Contributions, Dorthea would be happy to help you.
+ + +
In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially, Jordan Haley Peterson, Liz Barris, Bill Waltemath, Victor Grandinetti, Tommy Tuszynski, Marie and family, Dawn Hainsworth, Lauren Keller-Taylor, Sharon Moceri, and Andrew Zint;
our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and their leader, Rev. Donné;
the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families, remembering especially Timothy Welton, Cary Clark, Mike Demmon, Ilan Kedar, Jason Greenman, Robert Steere, Robb Dunlap, Brian O'Lavin, Greg Hirsch, Jamie Mitchell, Brian Adamson, Bob Morrissette, and Doug Columbus; and
for the faithful departed, remembering especially Marta Ciochon.
Faithfully yours,
November 27, 2011
Occupy!
+ In the Love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I think we all know the pattern by now.
A group of people who feel disenfranchised by the system, and burdened by taxes and debt, march into the heart of a city, and occupy it. And because these occupiers get a fair amount of support from the general population, the local authorities keep their distance at first. But eventually the occupiers overstay their welcome, the police are called in, and some of the occupiers get hurt, some get arrested, and some take off.
And the rest of us, who may be sympathetic if not completely on their side, wonder when it will all end, and how it will all be sorted out, because we know it’s got to end sometime, and we know things have to change somehow.
So let’s look at a specific example.
On Sunday, Jesus enters Jerusalem with a core group of 12 occupiers and a number of other people who have been inspired by his message, and over the next several days they do a number of provocative things.
On Monday, the Occupy Jerusalem movement goes right to the Temple, the nexus of power, and Jesus brings the banking system to a screeching halt by overturning the tables of the money changers.
On Tuesday, Jesus publicly denounces the Judean and Roman authorities― the 1%― for their neglect of the 99%. And then, as the day is coming to an end, one of the occupiers, overwhelmed by the magnificence of the Temple, exclaims “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” And Jesus makes an incredibly provocative prediction: “Not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mark 13:1-2).
Later, the Occupy Jerusalem movement crosses the Kidron Valley and sets up camp for the night on the Mount of Olives, which overlooks the Temple across the Valley. Jesus’ top four lieutenants in the Occupy Jerusalem movement, Peter and Andrew, and James and John, ask Jesus, “When will this be?”
Jesus tells them that the only thing he knows for sure is that there will be a time of great suffering, especially among his followers in the Occupy movement. In short, it’s going to be rough time for a long time. But then Jesus assures them that the time will come when everything will be put right, and that’s where this morning’s Gospel comes in:
“In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory.”
This great event is at the heart of this morning’s Collect for the First Sunday of Advent, when we ask God to “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 time when life ends in 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”― the time when life never ends.
The word “Advent” means “coming,” and in Advent we prepare both for the First Coming of Jesus “in great humility” when he was born in a manger and died on a cross; and for the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of time― “in the last day”― when he will come again “in his glorious majesty.”
Which is to say that in Advent we celebrate the very first Occupy Movement when God occupied a manger in Bethlehem, and the very last Occupy Movement when God will occupy a new heaven and a new earth:
“Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.”
Isn’t that a delightful image for the Second Coming and the end of time? Especially as our days are getting shorter, and the leaves have fallen from the trees, and winter is about to set in.
And this delightful imagery would have been particularly vivid for the disciples because the Occupy Jerusalem movement took place during Passover, at just the time when the fig trees covering the Mount of Olives were breaking into leaf.
But in the meantime, Jesus gives his Occupy movement its marching orders:
“Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake— for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
Until the end comes, Jesus has put us in charge, each with our own work for the kingdom of God. For we who have been “sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever” are called to be Occupiers.
Are you living in Lincolnshire? Then you are a part of Jesus’ Occupy Lincolnshire movement, so “Keep Awake,” for you may encounter Jesus in the most unexpected people and places.
Are you working in Wheeling? Then you are a part of Jesus’ Occupy Wheeling movement, so “Keep Awake,” for you may encounter Jesus in the most unlikely people and places.
Are you vacationing in Venice? Then you are a part of Jesus’ Occupy Venice movement, so “Keep Awake,” for you may encounter Jesus in the most surprising people and places.
Are you doing business in Beijing? Then you are a part of Jesus’ Occupy Beijing movement, so “Keep Awake,” for you may encounter Jesus in the most unexpected people and places.
For the last several weeks I’ve featured a logo on our Parish Newsletters that shows the Episcopal Church shield and the legend “Occupy the pews of your Episcopal Church!”
Now I realize that that’s not the Gospel message at all.
The Gospel message is this: Occupy the World!
For as St. John reminds us in his Gospel, “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).
Thanks be to God!
THE WORLD!
November 25, 2011
November 22, 2011
Parish Newsletter
Dearly Beloved,
Last Sunday the Acolytes, Eucharistic Ministers, Choir, and Clergy led our worship in street clothes.
Apart from that, the Eucharist continued as usual.
I concluded my sermon with three questions and an invitation:
"How can we improve our one-hour Sunday rehearsals or practices for the other 167 hours of the week?
"How can we do a better job of imagining how we might take the Scriptures we read in church out into the world?
"How can we do a better job of recognizing God in the world?
"I don't know the answers to those questions, but I think they're the right questions.
"I hope that in the weeks and months to come, we can begin to answer those questions together, for the sake of the least of these, the members of God's family."
Please give or send me (WilliamsInk@msn.com) your comments about last Sunday's Eight, Nine, and Eleven O'Clock Practices, and your initial answers or thoughts about any or all of those three questions.
THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATION WITH PIPER
Come, ye thankful people, come―
to Church at 10 o'clock this Thursday, November 24,
to ask the Lord's blessing,
to hear our piper, Peter Duffield, and
to sing Amazing Grace accompanied by bagpipes.
ABOUT THIS SUNDAY― THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
No Church School or Children's Church this Sunday
ABOUT THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
This year's Giving Campaign will end with our 'ingathering' of pledge cards.
Also on December 4th, St. Gregory's Youth Group will be going to Claremont Nursing Home to decorate doors for the Holiday Season. We will meet at the church at 4:45 pm and plan to leave by 5. At Claremont, we will spend time spreading Holiday cheer and putting up decorations on the doors of those who live there. Afterwards we will go out to dinner at Chipotle for fun and fellowship. We will plan to be back at the church between 7 and 7:15 pm. Please sign up outside the youth ministry office or contact Bret Chandler (bretyouthminister@gmail.com) so that we know how many to plan for.
And Also on December 4th, following every service, Lin Reichenbach will be selling her delightful hats, mittens, scarves, booties, and more. Prices range from $3.00 to $16.00. Her "favorite" head-warmers are only $5.00 apiece! And all proceeds from the sale go to the Troop Support Ministry.
ABOUT THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY AND THE SUNDAY FOLLOWING
On December 4 and December 11 our Annual African Jewelry and Crafts will be on sale in the Rector's Office. Support African Team Ministries work among the East African orphans of AIDS parents while buying unique gifts for Christmas.
ABOUT THE SUNDAYS AND DAYS BETWEEN NOW AND CHRISTMAS
The joy of our Christmas services/practices at St. Gregory's is heightened both by our beautifully decorated sanctuary and by the glorious sounds of brass within our music program. Neither is possible without your support.
Next time you are in church, look opposite the office for the clipboards for FLOWERS and MUSIC donations. Contributions may be made either "In Memory Of.." loved ones or "In Thanksgiving For…" the blessings in your life. There are separate sign-ups for each.
Please attach your checks payable to St. Gregory's and note either flowers or music in the memo line. The Altar Guild reminds us that donations should not be combined; please write separate checks for music or for flowers.
Thanks to your generous donations, Christmastide will be ever brighter! Catherine Martin
THANK YOU NOTE FROM FIVE TALENTS
"Dear Bill― many thanks to the people of St. Gregory's and you for the opportunity to preach on Five Talents Sunday and the generous donation to the fight against poverty. You have a spirit-filled congregation! Laura and I also thank you for lunch and conversation. Please stay in touch. Blessings, Syd [H. Verinder]"
AND A FRUSTRATING UPDATE FROM SANTA GRÉGOIRE, TOLAGNARO
From Bishop Todd McGregor: "Just a brief update on Rev. Donné. Someone broke into their house during the Sunday service and stole, their laptop, digital camera and few other things. Please pray for them."
WOULD YOU LIKE OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2012?
Please contact Treasurer Dorthea White if you aren't currently receiving Offering Envelopes.
If you need help with Electronic Transfers of Gifts or Stock Contributions, Dorthea would be happy to help you. For general information, please click here.
FANTASTIC NEWS ABOUT OUR MANNA PROGRAM!
Thanks to many of you, November has been a record month for the Manna Program at St. Gregory's. 18 families, including 9 from the Preschool, and 1 business participated. Earnings were over $955!
Special thanks to Vortex Commercial Flooring, a family-owned business that purchased Christmas gifts for their clients from us. The next order will be due December 4 with pick up before Christmas break. (December 20 for Church families)
And orders due 12/4 will be ready for you on 12/18 for business gift cards for your employees or clients for the Holidays. With our large selection of retail and restaurant cards, there's something for everyone on your list!
ADVENT BEGINS THIS SUNDAY
So, for your spiritual edification, please visit the Forward Movement Tract Rack for these new offerings:
How to Keep Advent • Things Not to Do During Advent: Top Ten List • The Advent Wreath
Mary in the Episcopal Church • Keeping Christmas Alive • Christmas Changes Everything
Stewardship: Why We Give • Ten Commandments for Disagreeing • The Real Christian Agenda • Walking the Labyrinth
+ + +
In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Jordan Haley Peterson, Liz Barris, Bill Waltemath, Victor Grandinetti, Anna Filinska, Tommy Tuszynski, Jerry Archbold, Marie and family, Dick Jacobson, Kim Abrams, Dawn Hainsworth, Chase Koller, Beverly Falbe, Zach Davis, Lauren Keller-Taylor, Sharon Moceri, Andrew Zint, and Judy McCann;
our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and their leader, Rev. Donné;
the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families, remembering especially Timothy Welton, Cary Clark, Mike Demmon, Ilan Kedar, Jason Greenman, Robert Steere, Robb Dunlap, Brian O'Lavin, Greg Hirsch, Jamie Mitchell, Brian Adamson, Bob Morrissette, and Doug Columbus; and
for the faithful departed, remembering especially Ed Kozak and Marta Ciochon.
Contributions for the S. Kathy Christenson Memorial Fund at John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights, IL, may be made payable to Kevin Christenson and mailed to him at 2725 Forest Ct. Deerfield, IL 60015.
Faithfully yours,
November 20, 2011
November 15, 2011
Parish Newsletter
Dearly Beloved,
OUTREACH
FIVE TALENTS SUNDAY
On behalf of St. Gregory's Church, and thanks to the generosity of the Hawkes Family through the Nancy Parliament Hawkes Outreach Fund, I was able to present Syd Verinder a check for $1,000 to support the work of this Christian micro-financing organization, the Anglican Communion's ministry dedicated to "Fighting Poverty, Creating Jobs, and Transforming Lives."
SANTA GRÉGOIRE, TOLAGNARO
Syd is not only on the board of Five Talents; he is also the Chairman of the Board of People Reaching People, the organization that support Bishop Todd and Mother Patsy McGregor, and the work of our companion parish and Rev. Donné.
On Saturday night, Syd and his wife Laura hosted a fund-raiser at St. David's, Glenview. Todd and Patsy were the guests of honor in celebration of their 20 years as missionaries in Madagascar and Kenya. It was my privilege and joy to present to them another check for $1,000 from the Nancy Hawkes Fund.
INREACH
THE VESTRY'S GIVING CAMPAIGN FOR 2012
. . . began last Sunday. Vestry members personally handed letters with information about financial stewardship to parishioners after all three services. The remaining letters were mailed on Monday.
Over the next week or two, the Giving Campaign will continue with each household being contacted by Vestry members in order to answer any questions you may have or to hear your thoughts.
This year's Giving Campaign will end with our 'ingathering' of pledge cards on December 4th.
YOUTH COFFEE HOUR THIS SUNDAY
On November 20 St. Gregory's Youth will be hosting the coffee hour.
The Pumpkin Patch was again a very successful fundraiser for our youth ministry, and it was only possible because the entire congregation pulled together to make it happen.
This coffee hour is our way of saying thank you for all that you have done to support our youth ministry. Bret Chandler
ALSO THIS SUNDAY― PRE-ORDERED MANNA GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE
And orders due 12/4 will be ready for you on 12/18 for business gift cards for your employees or clients for the Holidays.
With our large selection of retail and restaurant cards, there's something for everyone on your list!
ST. GREGORY'S THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATION WITH PIPER
Come, ye thankful people, come
to Church at 10 o'clock on Thursday, November 24,
to ask the Lord's blessing,
to hear our piper, Peter Duffield, and
to sing Amazing Grace accompanied by bagpipes!
YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS ANNUAL THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
The day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:30 a.m., the Youth Conservation Corps [YCC] will host its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon at Christ Church, 410 Grand Avenue, Waukegan.
Much like our Community Meal program, this event provides an opportunity for YCC students and their families to participate in what may be their first real Thanksgiving celebration.
If you are interested in helping prepare the meal, we will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning (with some prep the night before).
Regular Community Meal preparers who know their way around the kitchen at Christ Church are welcome!
If you would like to make a donation of food (turkey and ham are appreciated), desserts, beverages or paper goods, please contact Ida Butler at ycc.idabutler@att.net or 847-736-0636.
BOOK CLUB RESCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, AT 7:00 PM
Join us for a lively discussion of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
And next year, on January 18, 2012, we'll be reading Gail Collins' amazing book, When Everything Changed.
THE FOURTH ANNUAL KNITWEAR SALE
On December 4th, following every service, Lin Reichenbach will be selling her delightful hats, mittens, scarves, booties, and more.
Prices range from $3.00 to $16.00.
Her "favorite" head-warmers are only $5.00 apiece!
And all proceeds from the sale go to the Troop Support Ministry.
NEWS YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO USE
Parishioner Greg Jackson passed this on from Dan Rutherford, Illinois State Treasurer:
"There is a tuition waiver available for children of Veterans living in Illinois.
"The waiver may be used for any University of Illinois campus.
"Up to six waivers per Illinois county are awarded each year, one for each of the following conflicts: World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Southwest Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"Applications will be available beginning December 1, 2011. Students need to apply before March 1, 2012.
To learn more about this tuition waiver, please click here.
EMMANUEL MOMENT!
Some of you will remember Zach Kolkman, a Trinity student who sang in our choir last year. He had to go home to help his mother take care his father, Tim. Recently I contacted his mother, Bev, on Facebook for an update:
"Tim has miraculously recovered from the accident. Still goes to therapy 3 times a week, but is doing great!
"Zach is still working part-time at our store and has several piano students. He is also playing for several different services during the week.
"He, too is on FB. Received your phone message, thank you for thoughts and prayers. It was exactly that from so many that made Tim's recovery possible. We are so grateful.
"A friend of mine had a wonderful prayer idea. She is Roman Catholic. When someone needs the power of prayer, she stops for a moment, prays that they are placed in 'Mary's Garden.'
"Each day after that she prays for all those in the 'garden.'
"That way, no one is ever forgotten. Tim was in that garden.
"So appreciate your concern and thoughts for Tim and our son."
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Our former and longest-serving Parish Secretary, Carol Hirsheimer, and husband Tubby, are moving.
Their new address: Lambert & Carol Hirsheimer; 56 Pembroke Rd. #3; Danbury, CT 06810.
Godspeed!
I DO NOT WISH TO INCITE PANIC, BUT . . .
Advent is just around the corner!
So, for your spiritual consideration, visit the Forward Movement Tract Rack for these new offerings:
How to Keep Advent
Things Not to Do During Advent: Top Ten List
The Advent Wreath
Mary in the Episcopal Church
Keeping Christmas Alive
Christmas Changes Everything
Stewardship: Why We Give
Ten Commandments for Disagreeing
The Real Christian Agenda
Walking the Labyrinth
+ + +
In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Jordan Haley Peterson, Liz Barris, Bill Waltemath, Victor Grandinetti, Anna Filinska, Marie and family, Jerry Archbold, Irene Besthoff, Dawn Hainsworth, Ed Kozak, Dick Jacobson, Kim Abrams, Anastasia Masurat Carnahan, Beverly Falbe, Zach Davis, Lauren Keller-Taylor, Chase Koller, Sharon Moceri, Andrew Zint, and Judy McCann;
our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and their leader, Rev. Donné;
the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families, remembering especially Timothy Welton, Cary Clark, Mike Demmon, Ilan Kedar, Jason Greenman, Robert Steere, Robb Dunlap, Brian O'Lavin, Greg Hirsch, Jamie Mitchell, Brian Adamson, Bob Morrissette, and Doug Columbus; and
the faithful departed, remembering especially Kathy Christenson.
Contributions for the S. Kathy Christenson Memorial Fund at John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights, IL, may be made payable to Kevin Christenson and mailed to him at 2725 Forest Ct. Deerfield, IL 60015.
Faithfully yours,
November 08, 2011
Parish Newsletter
Dearly Beloved,
FIVE TALENTS SUNDAY!
"Master," he said, "you entrusted me with five talents.
See, I have gained five more." Matthew 25:20
Five Talents is a global ministry we have supported for many years through our Parish Tithe and Missions Board.
This Sunday's Gospel is the Parable of the Five Talents, and we will have a special guest preacher and Adult Forum presenter on this life-changing and community-changing ministry.
Mr. Syd Verinder is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in New Braunfels, TX, and an active supporter of Five Talents since its creation.
Syd was on the Vestry at Church of the Holy Comforter, Vienna, VA, back in 1999 when Craig Cole, the President and CEO of Five Talents, introduced the concept of Christian microfinance to the congregation. The U.S. office headquarters of Five Talents has been in Vienna ever since.
Syd is a veteran of Five Talents' overseas mission trips to Kenya, Madagascar, and the Philippines, and has done extensive grant writing for Five Talents over the past two years.
His professional background includes 30 years in Federal service and is currently a consultant in his wife Laura's company in San Antonio, Texas.
He is also the President of People Reaching People, Inc., a support organization set up to aid the ministry of Bishop Todd and Rev. Patsy McGregor in southern Madagascar― another connection with our Parish!
Syd has been to Madagascar on four separate mission trips, most recently in 2010. Please join us at the Adult Forum for his presentation.
SPECIAL GIRL SCOUT TROOP COLLECTION
Senior Girl Scout Troop 43181 is collecting baby wipes, deodorant, diapers, and feminine products for A Safe Place, a women's shelter in Waukegan.
We are working on our Senior Visionary Award, prerequisite for the Gold Award.
You can help by dropping off items in the box in Founder's Hall from now until Monday, November 14. Please contact Ashley Babcock at 945-7546 or ashbab@sbcglobal.net with any questions. Thank you!
MANNA UPDATE
Your ordered gift cards will be ready for you on 11/20. And orders due 12/4 will be ready for you on 12/18 for business gift cards for your employees or clients for the Holidays.
With our large selection of retail and restaurant cards, there is something for everyone on your list!
TROOP CARE PACKAGES SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PACKING
Please mark your calendar and join us Tuesday, November 15th as we pack festive Christmas care packages for our troops.
These Christmas packages will be mailed a Afghanistan, from large bases to remote mountain Forward Operating Bases.
Many of our troops will be spending another Christmas far from home and loved ones.
We have a wonderful opportunity to be part of a Point of Pentecost (God ministering through us) by sending our good wishes and a little piece of home to our military for Christmas.
We urge you to write letters and cards ahead of time, as well as on the 15th, to be included in the packages.
"Dear Soldier" is a perfect way to address your correspondence.
Write as many as you want. Mail from home is a tremendous morale booster and makes a huge difference in the life of a soldier.
As always, your donations of goods and funds for mailing are needed to make this happen for our soldiers.
May we be the first to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! Nuala and Cissy
YOUTH COFFEE HOUR NEXT SUNDAY
On November 20 St. Gregory's Youth will be hosting the coffee hour.
The Pumpkin Patch was again a very successful fundraiser for our youth ministry, and it was only possible because the entire congregation pulled together to make it happen.
This coffee hour is our way of saying thank you for all that you have done to support our youth ministry.
IN THE NEWS!
The Grovers are providing a scholarship so one of our preschoolers can attend an extra day each week.
Congratulations one-time Archacolyte Stacy Sharpe and her parents, Butler and Yvonne Sharpe: "As we continue to build talent deep in varied experiences from across Allstate, we are pleased to announce that Stacy Sharpe, vice president, Law and Regulation, will join the Capital Region as field vice president, effective Jan. 1.
Andrew Zint visited the Pope with his mom Susan and sister Emily, thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation.
This is Susan's favorite picture:
This is Andrew's favorite picture:
And this is Emily's favorite picture:
YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS ANNUAL THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
On Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:30 a.m., the Youth Conservation Corps [YCC] will host its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon at Christ Church, 410 Grand Avenue, Waukegan.
Much like our Community Meal program, this event provides an opportunity for YCC students and their families to participate in what may be their first real Thanksgiving celebration.
Christ Church, Waukegan is also the host for the Community Meals Program we support financially and by taking our turn preparing and serving lunch about five times a year.
If you are interested in helping prepare the meal, we will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning (with some prep the night before). Regular Community Meal preparers who know their way around the kitchen at Christ Church are welcome!
If you would like to make a donation of food (turkey and ham are appreciated), desserts, beverages or paper goods, please contact Ida Butler at ycc.idabutler@att.net or 847-736-0636.
The Youth Conservation Corps is a program for at-risk youth in Lake County. YCC provides education, job skills training, and community service opportunities for youth ages 16-24.
Our own Ida Butler is the YCC's new Finance Director, and thanks to help from Bill Foltz, Ida and Mother Eileen Shanley-Roberts, Rector at Christ Church, recently connected and arranged for Christ Church to host this year's Thanksgiving Luncheon.
YCC and Christ Church share a common mission to eliminate poverty and provide educational and environmental opportunities to the Waukegan area community.
HELP WANTED: CHRISTMAS ELVES
Cathedral Shelter's Christmas Basket Program needs volunteers to help distribute the Christmas Basket. If anyone has some volunteer hours to offer, please contact Kevin McCullough at kmccullough@cathedralshelter.org.
Elves are needed for:
Driving Santa's sleigh:
Sleigh drivers are needed from 8:30 a.m. until their route is completed (approximately 3-4 hours). A driver and navigator, equipped with a Cathedral Shelter supplied truck (U-Haul size) and GPS system picks up Christmas Baskets from parishes, schools, or businesses throughout the city and suburbs. Truck teams may have to help load trucks at pick-up locations. Two to four drivers/navigators are needed every day. Drivers must have a valid driver's license.
Workshop Elves:
Santa needs elves to help give all the good girls and boys their gifts. Workshop elves help from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Early-day volunteers locate Christmas baskets and move them to check-out as recipients arrive for pick-up. Late-day volunteers unload trucks and organize Christmas Baskets by family for next-day distribution.
List Checking Elves:
Santa just finished checking his list and now needs elves to check it twice. Elves helping Santa with check-in are needed from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Elf duties include helping to verify the identity and scheduling of recipients. Check-in elves have the most contact with recipient families.
CALLING ALL KIDS FOR THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT!
All children may participate as angels, shepherds and sheep.
Speaking parts will be given to interested children, with the older children selected first.
Children may also sign up to be singing angels or to play an instrumental prelude before the pageant.
Lauren Hill will begin the sign-up process for specific roles in the coming weeks.
Parents need to agree to these commitments:
Speaking parts will rehearse at 4 pm on Sunday, December 11, and 9 am on Saturday, the 17th.
Everyone will have a Dress Rehearsal from 9:30 to 10:30 on December 17, followed by a rehearsal for children playing in the prelude.
COMING ATTRACTIONS!
Sunday, November 13, 10:10 AM― Parenting Forum: Communicating and Compromising with our kids
Wednesday, November 16, 7:00 PM― Book Club Meeting: John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men; and next year on January 18, 2012, Gail Collins' When Everything Changed (which, as it happens, I'm currently reading and appreciating immensely).
Thursday, November 24, 10:00 AM― Thanksgiving Day Celebration: A wonderful celebration with Piper Peter Duffield on the Bagpipes.
Sunday, December 11, 10:10 AM― The Greening of the Church
Sunday, December 18, 10:10 AM― Christmas Pageant
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In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Tommy Tuszynski, Victor Grandinetti, Anna Filinska, Marie and family, Jerry Archbold, Irene Besthoff, Dawn Hainsworth, Ed Kozak, Dick Jacobson, Kim Abrams, Anastasia Masurat Carnahan, Beverly Falbe, Zach Davis, Lauren Keller-Taylor, Chase Koller, Sharon Moceri, Andrew Zint, Kathy Christenson, and Judy McCann;
our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and their leader, Rev. Donné;
the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families, remembering especially Timothy Welton, Cary Clark, Mike Demmon, Ilan Kedar, Jason Greenman, Robert Steere, Robb Dunlap, Brian O'Lavin, Greg Hirsch, Jamie Mitchell, Brian Adamson, Bob Morrissette, and Doug Columbus;
thanksgiving for the birth of Ava Lynne Redig to Ryan and Brittany Redig on Sat., October. 29, and
for the faithful departed, remembering especially Jim Warren.
Faithfully yours,
November 03, 2011
November 01, 2011
Parish Newsletter
Dearly Beloved,
THIS SUNDAY, THE SUNDAY AFTER ALL SAINTS DAY
1. At all three services we will read the names of our beloved faithful departed as we come forward to receive Communion to remind us that we are all members of the Communion of Saints in heaven and on earth.
2. At the Nine O'Clock Service we will induct Archacolyte Louis Lovacheff, our other acolytes, and Acolyte Director Barbara Schaper and Acolyte Mothers Damaris Boutros and Catherine Martin. As many acolytes as possible will vest, and all will process into the Church during the Opening Hymn.
3. Fall Clean-up will begin immediately after the Nine O'Clock Service, so please come dressed to work inside and outside the church to prepare for Winter.
PUMPKIN PATCH CLOSED!
October is over, and so is another successful and record-breaking year at the Pumpkin Patch.
Thanks to all the help from you, the Patch made over $14,000 in pumpkin sales!
We began with 2,000 pumpkins and we ended with about thirty by the end of Halloween—truly another amazing year. How the whole congregation pulled together is a testimony to St. Gregory's dedication to its youth ministry.
We are blessed to have such a loving and ready commitment.
Very special thanks to the Ten Eycks for volunteering so much of their time to the patch. Every day of the week they opened up the patch, worked shifts, and closed it down. We are truly grateful for their service.
In addition the youth would like to thank Jean Schwarz for all she has done for our youth ministry. Every afternoon we were met with a new batch of her very popular pumpkin bread, and every afternoon we sold out that same batch.
Some Pumpkin Patch Firsts:
First celebrity: Jay Cutler bought from John Welker.
First home grown St. Gregory's pumpkin!
And highest single pumpkin sale: Thank you Bielski family for purchasing our "holy pumpkin" for $500!
TROOP 50 HAUNTED HOUSE HURRAH!
A really big THANKS to everyone who "chilled" (and thrilled) at the Haunted House this weekend!
The Scouts drew in 479 guests; collected up to 40 bags of food-pantry donations; and accepted $581 in donations!
(The Scouts have supported the food pantry for a dozen years.)
The Deerfield Food Pantry were very appreciative and said that had been their largest donation of the season.
Greg Richards, St. Gregory's Troop 50 Committee Chair
SPECIAL GIRL SCOUT TROOP COLLECTION!
Senior Girl Scout Troop 43181 is collecting baby wipes, deodorant, diapers, and feminine products for A Safe Place, a women's shelter in Waukegan.
We are working on our Senior Visionary Award, prerequisite for the Gold Award.
You can help by dropping off items in the box in Founder's Hall from now until Monday, November 14.
Please contact Ashley Babcock at 945-7546 or ashbab@sbcglobal.net with any questions. Thank you!
THREE SOLDIER AND VETERAN APPRECIATION EVENTS
DEERFIELD HIGH SCHOOL RUMMAGE SALE TO HELP THE HOMELESS
The 3rd Annual Deerfield High School Rummage Sale to help the homeless will be held again this year from 9 to 3 on Veterans Day Friday, November 11, from 8 to2 on Saturday, and from 10 to 2 on Sunday.
Early admission starts at 8 AM on Friday with a $10 donation (free with an active military ID).
ST. GREGORY'S TO HOST AARP DRIVERS SAFETY COURSE
The course will consist of two sessions: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 9, and again on Thursday, November 10.
The course is designed to help participants compensate for normal age-related physical changes and drive more safely.
Persons who complete the course are eligible for discounts on their auto insurance. Cost of course: $12 for both sessions for AARP members and $14 for both sessions for non-members.
The course will honor individuals who serve or have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard / Reserves or Coast Guard by waiving course cost. Spouses (including widows and widowers) will also be eligible to attend the course free of charge.
For more information or to register for the course, contact: Harold Sterling, AARP Regional Coordinator, 847-882-8346 or hgsterling@comcast.net.
TROOP CARE PACKAGES SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PACKING
Please mark your calendar and join us on Tuesday, November 15th as we pack festive Christmas care packages for our troops.
These Christmas packages will be mailed to all parts of Afghanistan, from large bases to remote mountain Forward Operating Bases.
Many of our troops will be spending another Christmas far from home and loved ones.
We have a wonderful opportunity to be part of a Point of Pentecost (God ministering through us) by sending our good wishes and a little piece of home to our military for Christmas.
We urge you to write letters and cards ahead of time, as well as on the 15th, to be included in the packages. "Dear Soldier" is a perfect way to address your correspondence. Write as many as you want. Mail from home is a tremendous morale booster and makes a huge difference in the life of a soldier.
As always, your donations of goods and funds for mailing are needed to make this happen for our soldiers. May we be the first to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! Nuala and Cissy
IMPORTANT CATHEDRAL SHELTER CHRISTMAS BASKET INFORMATION
Thanks again to all of you who have adopted a family for Christmas through the Cathedral Shelter Christmas Basket program. Please keep the following important dates and details in mind:
1. All boxes are due by Monday, November 28th― the Monday after Thanksgiving.
2. We cannot accept Christmas baskets until Wednesday, November 16, because all of Founder's Hall will be in use for our November 15th Troop Support Night.
3. Please use the labels provided or something you have created to indicate your Family Code number and the number of boxes you have (i.e., Box 1 of 4, Box 2 of 4, etc.).
4. Each box must be light enough so it may be carried by one adult. To help in this cause, please wrap your gifts in their original packaging.
5. If you have purchased a Jewel or other gift card from the Manna preschool fundraiser, you may wish to photo copy the front and back of card and keep it with your Record of In-Kind Contribution receipts.
6. Please keep all your receipts, and a copy of your Record of In-Kind Contribution for your records, and mail just the Record of in-Kind Contribution form to Cathedral Shelter at the provided address.
Thank you once again for your generosity and Christmas Spirit! Questions? please contact Dorthea White or Cyndi Millspaugh.
DON'T WAIT FOR MAÑANA FOR MANNA FOR CHRISTMAS BASKETS OR THANKSGIVING SHOPPING OR CHRISTMAS BUSINESS GIFTS.
There are two dates for Manna orders before Christmas. Orders due Sunday, 11/6 will be ready for you on 11/20, and orders due 12/4 will be ready for you on 12/18.
If you have a business and provide gift cards for your employees or clients for the Holidays, consider ordering the cards through us. With our large selection of retail and restaurant cards, there is something for everyone on your list!
See us Sunday, or call the preschool if you have any questions.
CALLING ALL KIDS FOR THE DECEMBER 18 CHRISTMAS PAGEANT!
The Christmas Pageant will be held after the Nine O'Clock Service on Sunday, December 18.
All children may participate as angels, shepherds and sheep.
Speaking parts will be given to interested children, with the older children selected first.
Children may also sign up to be singing angels or to play an instrumental prelude before the pageant.
Lauren Hill will begin the sign-up process for specific roles in the coming weeks.
Parents need to agree to these commitments for their children to participate:
1. Children with speaking parts will rehearse twice:
at 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 11, before the youth group meeting; and
at 9:00 am on Saturday, December 17.
2. The whole ensemble will gather for a Dress Rehearsal from 9:30 until 10:30 on Saturday morning, December 17, and children playing instruments in the prelude will rehearse immediately following the Dress Rehearsal.
Costumes will be selected by the children with speaking parts on December 11. All other children will select their costumes at the rehearsal on December 17.
Here are the roles to be filled:
1. Speaking Parts (Eighth grade and older) – St. Nicholas, Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, Narrator 1 and Narrator 2.
2. Speaking Parts (Children who can read) – Prophet 1, 2 and 3, Innkeeper 1 and 2, Shepherds 1, 2 and 3, Archangel, Wise men 1, 2 and 3.
3. Non-speaking parts – Star, Shepherds and Sheep. Angels are asked to sing Away in a Manger.
Please let Michelle Appelbaum know if you have any questions. We are looking forward to another great pageant presentation!
COMING ATTRACTIONS!
Sunday, November 6, 5:00 PM― Youth Group trip to Target for their Christmas Basket
Saturday, November 12, 5:30-8:30 PM― Bishop Todd and Mother Patsy McGregor
Learn about their Madagascar ministry: St. David's Church, 2410 Glenview Road, Glenview IL
Sunday, November 13, 10:10 AM― Parenting Forum: Communicating and Compromising with our kids
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In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Dawn Hainsworth, Ed Kozak, Dick Jacobson, Kim Abrams, Anastasia Masurat Carnahan, Beverly Falbe, Zach Davis, Lauren Keller-Taylor, Chase Koller, Sharon Moceri, Andrew Zint, Kathy Christenson, and Judy McCann;
our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and their leader, Rev. Donné; and
the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families, remembering especially Ryan Redig, Timothy Welton, Cary Clark, Mike Demmon, Ilan Kedar, Jason Greenman, Robert Steere, Robb Dunlap, Brian O'Lavin, Greg Hirsch, Jamie Mitchell, Brian Adamson, Bob Morrissette, and Doug Columbus.
Faithfully yours,
