Dearly Beloved,
WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY?
Your spiritual growth is of central importance to me as your Rector and to St. Gregory's as your parish.
Perhaps you're just starting to explore the Christian faith. Perhaps you're a seasoned Christian. Or perhaps you're feeling a bit stalled or dissatisfied with your spiritual journey.
Beginning Saturday, January 21, all parishioners 18 years and older will have the opportunity to take a look at where we are on our several Christian journeys by taking a Spiritual Life Survey.
There are five things you need to know about this survey:
1. It's completely anonymous so you can be open and honest with your feedback
2. It's comprehensive and thought-provoking
3. You should set aside 35-40 minutes to take it
4. It's extremely important. The findings from this survey― which we will only receive for St. Gregory's as a whole in composite form and not from any of you individually― will shape our decisions about how to create the best possible programs and strategies to serve you better on your spiritual journey.
5. We want to hear from ALL of you. Whether you worship at St. Gregory's every week or only a few times a year, please take the survey and encourage all of your St. Gregory's friends to take it, too.
The Spiritual Life Survey is the first step in St. Gregory's participation in the EASEL-R Program― the Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal Program.
I am particularly excited because a dozen years ago the Vestry adopted this Vision Statement: "to build a community of God's love where spiritual journeys are discovered and nurtured."
In 2012 we will begin to realize that vision and grow together spiritually through this challenging and life-giving experience. Stay tuned for the login information so you can take the survey.
OTHER COMING ATTRACTIONS!
This Sunday, January 15:
Sexual Abuse Prevention Training Part II at 10:10 am in Founders Hall
Winter Skit Costume and Prop Night from 5-6:30 pm in Founders Hall (and please see Winter Skit Schedule below)
Wednesday, January 18:
Book Club discusses Gail Collins' When Everything Changed at 7 pm the in Library
Saturday, January 21:
Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal Initiative begins with the Survey
Sunday, January 29:
The 59th Annual Meeting of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY IS COMING!
Are you planning a dinner out, a fancy meal at home or a box of chocolates?
Manna cards are available to purchase everything you need.
We need your orders no later than January 17 for pick up January 29.
We also have a small number of grocery, movie theater and restaurant cards on hand.
Keep us in mind and help the preschool raise some money by shopping for things you would typically buy.
THANK YOU TO DE-GREENING HELPERS!
I really appreciate all of you who pitched in to help take down the Christmas decorations throughout the church and store them away for another year.
These intrepid volunteers included Lyle and Sybil Ten Eyck, Curtis and Mary Keller, Pat Carroll, Diane Jones, Jake Hamilton, Kathleen and Ross Peacock, John Welker, and David Schaper.
Thanks a ton!! Leigh Stewart
LAKE COUNTY UNITED'S 7TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIFE INSTITUTE will be held on Sunday, January 15, beginning at 2:00 pm with the Community Meal at Christ Episcopal Church, followed by panel and small group discussions on Economic Inequality & Democracy. There are two articles to read in advance and you will find them on the table opposite the Parish Office.
To RSVP and get the two articles, please contact Meredith Potter at her home or Matt McDermott at 773-206-8292.
CONGRATULATIONS CORNER
Great Grandson Westley Jack Potter was born on January 10, at 12:58 pm Colorado time, 21 inches long and 8 lbs. 9 oz. Westley is Meredith's son Charlie's older son Eric's and his wife Alechia's first child. (A genealogical quiz will follow in next week's Newsletter.)
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
If you contributed to our Special Christmas Flowers, there are some Christmas Cacti and Red, White, and Pink Poinsettias in Founders Hall awaiting your living and dining rooms and kitchens
CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS
Bret and I launched our Confirmation Class for Youth this past Monday with an impressive group of Confirmands: Kate Baddeley, Ashley and Hannah Benson, Jacob Hamilton, Brian Hill, Myra Peterson, and Emily Zint.
Are there any of you who would like to learn about the Christian Faith as the Episcopal Church has received it, or who are thinking of being Confirmed or received into this branch of Christ's One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church? Please let me know.
Now that winter snows and cold are threatening to make their late arrival, please remember that we are still collecting hats, mittens and scarves, even though the mitten tree is long gone from Founder's Hall.
We will also accept money donations, and these donations may be placed in the alms basin, mailed in, or given to Dennis personally at the Church and checks made payable to St. Gregory's and noted "Gift of Warmth."
Thank you! Deacon Dennis Lietz
REMINDER ABOUT OFFERING ENVELOPES
Please use only current year Envelopes to assure accurate contributions are recorded. Your 2012 Envelopes are available on the hallway table across from Bret's office. Please return unwanted Envelopes to the Treasurer for recycling.
Thank you! Dorthea White
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In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially, Ed Kussler, Jake and Mary Ann, Richard Moore, Liz Barris, Bruce Roberts, Kara Graham, Mitch Kopeny, Deann Gerber, Addie LeSueur, Marion Perhauch, Don Lypold, Sarah Snyder, Brian Hill, 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 Donald Dutcher, Bob Porter, and Ryan Saf.
Faithfully yours,
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