UPDATE OF KEY DATES!
This Sunday, January 8, 2012:
Sexual Abuse Prevention Training Part I at 10:10 am in Founders Hall
Meeting of the Standing Parish Nominating Committee (see below #2)
St. Gregory's Youth Group Resumes! (see below #3)
Sunday, January 15, 2012:
Sexual Abuse Prevention Training Part II at 10:10 am in Founders Hall
Wednesday, January 18:
The Book Club (see below #4)
Saturday, January 21, 2012:
Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal Initiative begins (see below #1)
Sunday, January 29, 2012:
The 59th Annual Meeting of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
#1 THE EPISCOPAL SPIRITUAL LIFE RENEWAL INITIATIVE [ESLR] is a diocesan project developed by the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest in collaboration with Willow Creek Church (how's that for an exciting pairing!).
I first learned about the ESLR [maybe we could pronounce this as "Easel-R"] when Jay Sidebotham, Holy Spirit's rector, sent me a letter "to share experiences we've had as a parish over the last two years, and to invite you to join with other parishes in the diocese in the coming months in a process of exploration and spiritual growth. The process involves a survey assessing spiritual vitality and subsequent workshops to reflect on the survey results. A number of parishes in our diocese have committed to this process in hopes of bringing renewed life to our parishes and to our diocese, [and] helping our churches to be agents of growth and service in the world. The process has brought spiritual growth to our congregation. It has brought spiritual growth to my life as well. It has been a gift."
I sent this invitation and other information about the Easel-R [ESLR] to the November Vestry meeting, which unanimously endorsed our participation in this exciting and spiritually challenging program.
The survey will be available from Saturday, January 21, through February 12. More details later!
Between now and then, please add this prayer to your daily devotions: "Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with us as we consider the renewal and mission of our congregation. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us by your Holy Spirit to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it, and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
#2 THE MEETING OF THE STANDING PARISH NOMINATING COMMITTEE will begin at 1:30 PM in the Rector's Office with elected members Bonnie Travis, John Craig, Jon Dutcher, and Mary Curtis; and two retiring Vestry members, Paula Hamilton and Ray Bukszar. They will choose the nominees to present to the Annual Meeting for the following positions. Please let any of them know the persons you would like to see nominated (including yourself):
For one-year terms as Wardens: 2 to be elected (Art Bielski and Catherine Martin, eligible for 3 more one-year terms). For three-year terms on the Vestry: 4 to succeed Al Bazzoni (eligible for a three-year term in his own right), Jeff Singleton, Paula Hamilton, and Ray Bukszar; 1 for a two-year term to complete Lisa Halpin's term, and 1 for a one-year term to complete Donna Shelton's term.
For two-year terms on the Standing Parish Nomination Committee: 2 to succeed Bonnie Travis and John Craig.
We also directly elect two Delegates to Diocesan Convention and Deanery Chapter meetings for one-year terms. If you would like to represent our Parish at the November 16-17, 2012, Diocesan Convention, please fill out a Candidate Form, available on the table across from the Parish Office, by Sunday, January 22.
Complete descriptions of these positions are posted outside my Office:
The 59th Annual Meeting of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church will be Sunday, January 29, 2012, beginning with the Nine O' Clock Service, for the purpose of reviewing the Spiritual and Temporal Condition of the Parish, and for the election of Wardens, Vestry, Diocesan Convention and Deanery Chapter Delegates, and members of the Parish Nominating Committee.
#3 ST. GREGORY'S YOUTH GROUP RESUMES!
Happy New Year to all!
After having a break from Youth Group for a few weeks, we will resume this coming Sunday with a joint Youth Group, including all ages from grades 6 to 12.
We will have dinner, fellowship, and games. Hope to see you there to start off the new year! Bret
#4 JOIN THE BOOK CLUB for the next meeting on January 18th at 7 o'clock in the library to discuss When Everything Changed by Gail Collins. Enjoy a cup of tea, treats, and engaging conversation.
The selection for February 15th is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Cissy
THE DEACONS' PROJECT CONTINUES!
Our Mitten Tree in Founders Hall continues to have empty branches waiting for your hats, mittens and scarves.
We will accept money donations as well, either through the alms basins, the mail, or personally to Deacon Dennis Lietz.
Please make out your check to St. Gregory's and note "Gift of Warmth."
Thank you! Deacon Dennis Lietz
MORE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT PICTURES― from Shari Benson
JUST IN! 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. To RSVP and get the two articles, please contact Meredith Potter or Matt McDermott at 773-206-8292.
EVEN MORE JUST IN FROM DORTHEA! OFFERTORY 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!
+ + +
In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially, Bob Porter, Mitch Pokeny, Jack Therian, Deann Gerber, Addie LeSueur, Jeff Franciosi, Marion Perhauch, Don Lypold, Donald Dutcher, Sarah Snyder, Brian Hill, Dawn Hainsworth, Cheryll Johnston, 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 Bill Morell and Bill Milligan.
Faithfully yours,
Comments