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.
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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,
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