St. Blogory's: the internet café at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, Deerfield, IL

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

ALMOST 40% OF OUR GOAL! BOILER DEBT RETIREMENT CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Last week we had individual contributions of $20 and $1,000 and several in-between― so every gift, large and small, is important; and between now and May 31, every $20 contribution is worth an extra $2 and every $1,000 is worth an extra $100.

Why the campaign? Here's what Senior Warden Art Bielski said at April's Quarterly Meeting:

"The loan agreement included a lien on our endowment fund. This lien prohibits us from drawing the investment income that we have historically used in our operating budget. Currently this amounts to about $14,500 dollars per year of income lost to our operating budget.

"Our current loan payments constitute another $13,200 in annual operating budget expenses.

"If we can pay off the boiler loan in its entirety within the next few months, we can enter 2013 with ZERO debt and a surplus of $8,000. This will help position us to be a financially healthy parish."

Initial Goal: $52,120

Raised As Of May 8: $16,255

Raised As Of May 15: $16,815

Raised Between May 16 and May 20: $2,720

Ingrid's and Bill's Matching Tithe: $272

Total Raised So Far: $19,807

Yet To Go: $32,313

Please consider a generous contribution before May 31 to increase your gift by a tithe (10%).

LAST SUNDAY AT ST. GREGORY'S!

We honored and thanked, at the Nine O'Clock Practice and at a Special Youth Ministries Luncheon, the following ministers extraordinaire for their service to our wonderful congregation:

Church School Teachers & Helpers:    

Sharon Henley-Gramer, Paula Hamilton, Cyndi Millspaugh, Shari Benson, Jean Cummings,

Julie Ann Ariano, Anne Neumann, Caroline DiNardo, Janet Foltz, Andrea Bozzano, Dan Best,

Leigh Stewart and Sarah Snyder.

Youth Commission:

Lauren Hill, Judy McCann, Tracy Webster-Babcock, Cherie Thompson, Annette Baez, Gail Bozzano, and Bill Foltz

Youth Group Helpers:

Bill Foltz, Barb Schaper, Catherine Martin, Judy McCann, and Teresa Benish

Children's Church Leaders: Annette Baez, Sharon Henley-Gramer, LoriLee Bielski

Acolyte Director: Barb Schaper

Acolyte Mothers: Damaris Boutros and Gail Bozzano

Christmas Pageant Organizer: Michelle Appelbaum and Helper: Lauren Hill

Parent Forum Leaders: Cyndi and Jim Millspaugh

And, please, a hearty round of applause to Gretchen Bayer, our Church School Coordinator, and

Bret Chandler, our Youth Minister, who work together so well to bring our parish such life!

And wouldn't you like to join their ranks next year and be recognized as a Minister Extraordinaire?!

Our Middle School students will need additional teachers, or adult helpers, starting next fall.

Please consider if you can join this teaching team. Contact either of our returning teachers:

Andrea Bozzano, 847-562-0071, andrea.bozzano@sbcglobal.net

or Dan Best, 847-948-0036, dbest@bestvantageinc.com.

It's a wonderful group of students!

 

Now that summer is upon us, we may not publish a Newsletter every week.

Be sure to worship every Sunday so you won't miss any important announcements!

 

YOUTH GROUP ON THE MOVE!

Youth Families Cookout at Marian House

On June 3 there will be a cookout at the Marian House for all the Youth Group Families.

This will mark the end of our year of regular Youth Group, so come and enjoy the time together with family as we close out the year!

I will be cooking burgers and hot dogs, please bring side dishes and/or desserts.

Incoming 6th graders and families are welcome.

Please let me know if you will be able to come so that we can prepare for everybody.

Date and Time: 10:30-1 pm, Sunday June 3

Bret

Graduating Seniors!

St. Gregory's has eight graduating seniors this year: Julia Balmos, Justin Bathelt, Julia Beinlich,

Hayley Beinlich, Louis Lovacheff, Zachary Johnson, Chloe Seghers, Andrew Zint.

To acknowledge their accomplishment we will be presenting them with their own Bibles. The Bibles will be placed in Founders Hall throughout May for everyone to sign and make a comment for our graduating youth.

Six Flags on Sunday, June 24!

Sign up to go to Six Flags on June 24 to begin our summer Youth Group meetings. We will be spending the day at Six Flags from when it opens at 10 am and leaving at 4:30. The cost is $15 per person, which is a great deal for a day at Six Flags.

P.A.D.S. [PUBLIC ACTION TO DELIVER SHELTER] LAKE COUNTY

PADS Lake County will hold its 11th Annual Walk to End Homelessness on Saturday, June 9th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest (at the corner of Middlefork and Waukegan Roads, 1.3 miles north of Rte. 60).

Bill Foltz is looking for sponsors to support this worthy cause (contribution checks are payable to "PADS Lake County").

If you'd like to contribute or join Bill for the walk, please contact him at 847.548.2772.    

And you can visit the PADS website by clicking here. 

+ + +

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Audrey Nicolas, Richard Nicolas, Mary Dutcher, Janice Gaskill, Don Caldwell, Joan Wille, Martha Clarke Morris and children, Susan Browne, Joan Barr Smith, Keith Stewart, Kennedy Gerber, Luke Wiles, Diane T., Janet Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Tami and Anna Waltemath, Margaret Schalz, Diane Jones, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Stanley Demski, 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 Alex Meade, Brian O'Lavin, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar.

Faithfully yours,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

THIS SUNDAY AT ST. GREGORY'S!

10:10 AM: Parent Forum in the Parker Room. Please come to talk about parent and child stress.

11:00 AM: The Annual Youth Ministries Lunch in Founders Hall. Everyone participating in a ministry that benefits our youth is invited to attend, share fellowship, and receive our heartfelt thank you!

Ministries include: Youth Commission, Youth Group Helpers, Church School, Children's Church, Christmas Pageant, Acolyte Director and Mothers, Parent Forum, Student Readers, and more…

Thank you to so many people who lead and assist in these ministries throughout the year!

Church School Volunteer Opportunity

Our Middle School students will need additional teachers, or adult helpers, starting next fall.

Please consider if you can join this teaching team. Contact either of our returning teachers: Andrea Bozzano, 847-562-0071, andrea.bozzano@sbcglobal.net  or Dan Best, 847-948-0036, dbest@bestvantageinc.com.

It's a wonderful group of students!

YOUTH GROUP ON THE MOVE!

St. Gregory's at the Chicago River Cleanup

Last Saturday, St. Gregory's Youth Group and leaders participated in the Chicago River Cleanup behind the Highland Park Target store.

To help keep the river clean, we worked picking up trash and pulling invasive weeds for two and a half hours.

We had a great experience outdoors being good stewards of the earth, and a wonderful time together as a group.

Thanks to our volunteers― Andrea Bozzano, Tracy Webster-Babcock, Judy McCann, and Bill Foltz and to all the youth who participated!

And here are some pictures by Bill Foltz:

Graduating Seniors!

St. Gregory's has eight graduating seniors this year: Julia Balmos, Justin Bathelt, Julia Beinlich, Hayley Beinlich, Louis Lovacheff, Zachary Johnson, Chloe Seghers, and Andrew Zint.

To acknowledge their accomplishment we will be presenting them with their own Bibles.

The Bibles will be placed in Founders Hall throughout May for everyone to sign and make a comment for our graduating youth.

Six Flags on Sunday, June 24!

Sign up to go to Six Flags on June 24 to begin our summer Youth Group meetings.

We will be spending the day at Six Flags from when it opens at 10 am and leaving at 4:30. The cost is $15 per person, which is a great deal for a day at Six Flags.

ANNIVERSARY!

Twenty-four years ago today (May 16, 1988), I began my ministry as St. Gregory's third Rector!

One of the first things I did was to suggest at the June 14th Vestry meeting that the "Vestry in Charge" on Sunday mornings should be called the "Vestry Greeter" in order for us to be a more "newcomer friendly" congregation.

If you would like to read the parish letter announcing my call, please click here.

And my first letter to parishioners written from our Manhattan apartment is here.

AND IN THANKSGIVING FOR YOU AND THESE 24 YEARS. . . .

Ingrid and I will contribute up to an additional $1,000 for our Boiler Debt Retirement Campaign by adding a tithe― 10%― to your contributions between May 16 and the end of May.

For example, if you can contribute $10 by May 31, Ingrid and I will add $1; if you can contribute $100 by then, we'll add $10; if you contribute $500, we'll add $50; and if you contribute $1,000, we'll add $100.

In other words, $10,000 by May 31 will become $11,000!

TROOP SUPPORT CARE PACKAGE NIGHT NEXT TUESDAY

Please mark Tuesday evening, May 22nd for our next Troop package night.

Our theme will be Memorial Day. We will line our boxes with red white and blue tissue paper and encourage everyone to write a note to the recipient thanking them for their service and sacrifice. You can write a note ahead of time addressing it to "Dear Soldier."

If you cannot make the event, you can leave your letter in the office ahead of time for inclusion. Our troops love to receive mail, especially letters.

Holidays are a lonely time for our deployed military, and Memorial Day is especially poignant.

As usual we need your support with donations for mailing and goodies. We are in dire need of books and current magazines. Come join in saying "thank you" to a soldier.

Thank you, Nuala Kurokawa and Cissy Singleton 

Would you like to know more about what's happening in the Diocese of Chicago? Then sign up for the diocesan online e-Newsletter by clicking here.

+ + +

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Janice Gaskill, Don Caldwell, Joan Wille, Martha Clarke Morris and children, Susan Browne, Joan Barr Smith, Keith Stewart, Kennedy Gerber, Luke Wiles, Diane T., Janet Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Tami and Anna Waltemath, Margaret Schalz, Diane Jones, Ryland Grum, Norman George, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Stanley Demski, 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 Alex Meade, Brian O'Lavin, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar; and

for the faithful departed, remembering especially Bob Briskey, and Jim Morris.

Faithfully yours,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

30% OF OUR GOAL! BOILER DEBT RETIREMENT CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Why the campaign? Here's what Senior Warden Art Bielski said at April's Quarterly Meeting:

"The loan agreement included a lien on our endowment fund. This lien prohibits us from drawing the investment income that we have historically used in our operating budget. Currently this amounts to about $14,500 dollars per year of income lost to our operating budget.

Our current loan payments constitute another $13,200 in annual operating budget expenses.

If we can pay off the boiler loan in its entirety within the next few months, we can enter 2013 with ZERO debt and a surplus of $8,000. This will help position us to be a financially healthy parish."

Initial Goal:       $52,120

Raised So Far:  - 16,255    

Yet To Go:         $35,865

Please consider a generous contribution.

YOUTH GROUP ON THE MOVE!

Chicago River Cleanup This Saturday!

We will meet at the church at 8:45 and try to be at the Highland Park Target by 9am. We will be working outside from 9-12 pm and then we'll get lunch.

Graduating Seniors!

St. Gregory's has eight graduating seniors this year!

To acknowledge their accomplishment we will be presenting them with their own Bibles. The Bibles will be placed in Founders Hall throughout May for everyone to sign and make a comment for our graduating youth.

(also: Parent Forum! The next Parent Forum will be on May 20 in the Parker Room at 10 am. Please come to talk about parenting issues. This particular Sunday we will be focusing on parent and child stress.)

Six Flags on Sunday, June 24!

Sign up to go to Six Flags on June 24 to begin our summer YG meetings.

We will be spending the day at Six Flags from when it opens at 10 am and leaving at 4:30. The cost is $15 per person, which is a great deal for a day at Six Flags.

Let Bret Chandler know ASAP so that we can get as many tickets as possible through the Preschool Manna sales.

THIS SUNDAY, MAY 13!

Manna orders are due for delivery on May 27.

This will be the last Manna order before September, so stock up now!—including for Six Flags tickets for your family!

BOOK CLUB NEWS

The next book club meeting is Wednesday, May 16th to discuss The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton.

A look ahead… June 20: State of Wonder - Ann Patchett. Cissy Singleton

TROOP SUPPORT

Please mark Tuesday evening, May 22nd for our next Troop package night.

Our theme will be Memorial Day. We will line our boxes with red white and blue tissue paper and encourage everyone to write a note to the recipient thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

You can write a note ahead of time addressing it to "Dear Soldier."

If you cannot make the event, you can leave your letter in the office ahead of time for inclusion. Our troops love to receive mail, especially letters.

Holidays are a lonely time for our deployed military, and Memorial Day is especially poignant. As usual we need your support with donations for mailing and goodies. We are in dire need of books and current magazines.

Come join in saying "thank you" to a soldier. Thank you, Nuala Kurokawa and Cissy Singleton

A BIG COFFEE HOUR THANK YOU FROM PEGGI ADAMS AND ANNE CLARK!

A BIG thank you to all who have served so far and all who have signed up for May and most of June―

May 13: Bets and Ray Bukszar;

May 20: Julie Ann Ariano and Sarah Snyder;

May 27: Don and Phoebe Caldwell;

June 3: Sharon and Dan Moceri;

June 10: Marmie and Don Kiva;

June 17: Julie Ann Ariano and Art and LoriLee Bielski

ADDITIONAL EXCITING WORSHIP MINISTRY NEWS

I am pleased to announce that Chris Boutros will be joining Derek Hill in the ministry of Archacolyte beginning June 1.

If you have a child who will be in the third grade next year― or older― please encourage her or him to be an acolyte.

Prime seating on Sundays, an important ministry, learning social skills, exercising leadership in a public arena, and (eventually) resume-building! All good reasons for your children to participate.

A BIG MADAGASCAR THANK YOU!

Hi, Bill - just want to say "thank you" to the people of St. Gregory's for the opportunity to bring Todd and Patsy into your parish through our beta Skype test.

We hope to expand the use of global communications with other donor parishes to share the exciting work of spreading the Good News in southern Madagascar.

With thanksgiving and blessings, Syd Verinder

(Many of you will remember when Syd preached on behalf of FIVE TALENTS last year. Syd is also on the Board of People Reaching People.)

GIRL SCOUTS IN THE NEWS     

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, a former Girl Scout, preached at a packed April 28 interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral that celebrated a century of girl scouting.

Juliette Gordon Low, nicknamed "Daisy," founded the Girl Scouts in 1912 on the principle that all girls should have the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. One hundred years on, there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts in the United States.

After Emily Quinn, a Girl Scout ambassador from Virginia, read the story of the Widow's Mite (Luke 21:1-4), Jefferts Schori got up to preach.

"I first went to Girl Scout Camp when I was 7 years old," Jefferts Schori said, noting that among the lessons learned there― identifying birds, learning to plant trees, tie knots or build a fire― the most important was how to live in community "and "those gifts of character, like dignity and respect."

Describing a group of students who recently raised $80,000 to help a classmate with a brain tumor― baking cookies, inviting people to sponsor them jumping rope and simply reaching out to ask― Jefferts Schori compared them to the widow in the Gospel of Luke, who was willing to share everything she had.

"She puts in her two cents, and it makes a world of difference," she said. "That's a big part of what it means to be a Girl Scout."

The foundation for a worthy, meaningful life, she said, is to "use what you have been given – who you are, and the gifts and skills you're developing – to make a difference. That is how we serve God and our neighbors – by loving them.

"Do that, and I expect that Girl Scouts will still be helping girls grow into mature and confident women, sharing and serving the world around us a hundred years from now." Episcopal News Service ― Washington, D.C.

ANGEL SIGHTING

Great thanks to the workmanship of Charlie Porter who transformed our Eucharistic Minister Coat Rack to accommodate all adult sizes, complete with a shelf for hats and other accessories.

+ + +

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Susan Browne, Joan Barr Smith, Keith Stewart, Kennedy Gerber, Luke Wiles, Diane T., Janet Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Tami and Anna Waltemath, Bob Briskey, Margaret Schalz, Diane Jones, Ryland Grum, Norman George, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Stanley Demski, 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 Alex Meade, Brian O'Lavin, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar; and

for the faithful departed, remembering especially Ernest Singleton and Scott Clark.

Faithfully yours,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

THIS SUNDAY, MAY 6!

Spring Clean-up: Please come to the Nine O'Clock Practice dressed to clean and prepare for summer.

Manna pick-up for April preordered gift cards, plus Cash-and-Carry gift cards for Dominick's, Jewel, Starbucks, Regal Entertainment, AMC Theaters and Lettuce Entertain You!

You can also make orders for May (due by May 13) for delivery on May 27. This will be the last Manna order before September, so stock up now!—and which brings us to this announcement:

YOUTH GROUP TO SIX FLAGS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24!

Sign up to go to Six Flags on June 24 to begin our summer YG meetings. We will be spending the day at Six Flags from when it opens at 10 am and leaving at 4:30.

The cost is $15 per person, which is a great deal for a day at Six Flags. Let Bret Chandler know ASAP so that we can get as many tickets as possible through the Preschool Manna sales.

Also this Sunday: Deerfield Park District's annual Deer Dash Race beginning at Jaycee Park. Please exercise caution as runners will be out on the streets from 8 am until about 10 am.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FOR THE OUTPOURING OF LOVE AND A GREAT PARTY!

Especially I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the Altar Guild and their floral tribute that adorned the altar;

to the vestry and committee who made it all happen: especially, Cherie Thompson, Pam Dorband, Mary Furbush, Catherine Martin, and Cathy Leimbeck, as well as so many others working behind the scenes;

to Matthew, David, and Scott Schaper who set up tables, chairs, and tent, and then took them all down again;

to Teresa and Greg Benish for preparing such a magnificent meal;

to Peter Thompson for the wonderful salsa that he made himself;

to Michele Appelbaum for the creative centerpieces; to Jean Schwarz and Ida Butler for taking charge of the beverages;

to Bret Chandler, Rob Cunningham, and Jim Swager for their great music, and to Jim for MC-ing the event;

to Mary Furbush for gathering and compiling the wonderful signature photo and to Bonnie Travis and Anne Clark for presenting it;

to Jean Schwarz for Joe's beautiful painting of the parish;

to Bill Foltz, Damaris Boutros, and Ida Butler for the candid photos that seemed to be everywhere and for recording the event itself for posterity; and

to Jaine and Luke Peterson for their gift of childcare for the youngest guests.

I am especially grateful for the gathering of so many cherished friends― your outpouring of love by your presence, your toasts and roasts, and the many individual gifts and good wishes which I hope to acknowledge more personally; and especially for the most generous "purse."

I am still so overwhelmed by its magnitude that I intend to pray for special discernment about how I might use it in a special and memorable way― you will hear more about that in the future.

And finally I want to give special thanks to Bill Roberts for his generosity in sharing the mission and ministry of this special parish, and for being such a wonderful friend and colleague over the years.

With my gratitude, love, and prayers, Meredith+

And here are some pictures taken by Damaris Boutros:

UPDATE ON OUR BOILER DEBT RETIREMENT CAMPAIGN

Why the campaign?

Excerpts from last week's Letter from Senior Warden Art Bielski:

"The loan agreement included a lien on our endowment fund. This lien prohibits us from drawing the investment income that we have historically used in our operating budget. Currently this amounts to about $14,500 dollars per year of income lost to our operating budget.

Our current loan payments constitute another $13,200 in annual operating budget expenses.

If we can pay off the boiler loan in its entirety within the next few months, we can enter 2013 with ZERO debt and a surplus of $8,000.

This will help position us to be a financially healthy parish."

Initial Goal:         $52,120

Raised So Far:     - 11,400    

Yet To Go:           $40,720

Please consider a generous contribution.

And, as David Schaper notes, the sooner each debt retirement gift is deposited, the sooner our carrying and interest costs are reduced, which in turn puts more of our gifts toward reducing our debt!

CONGRATULATIONS CORNER:

to John and Debbie Welker on the marriage of their son Jonathan to Christina Ring-Hillard on May 4; and

to Peter Thompson and Kyle Neumann who made their First Communions on Sunday:

BOOK CLUB NEWS:

The next book club meeting is Wednesday, May 16th when The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton will be discussed.

A look ahead… June 20: State of Wonder - Ann Patchett; July 18: Cleopatra A Life - Stacy Schiff; August 15: The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Cissy Singleton

TROOP SUPPORT:

Please mark Tuesday evening, May 22nd for our next Troop package night.

Our theme will be Memorial Day. We will line our boxes with red white and blue tissue paper and encourage everyone to write a note to the recipient thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

You can write a note ahead of time addressing it to "Dear Soldier."

If you cannot make the event, you can leave your letter in the office ahead of time for inclusion. Our troops love to receive mail, especially letters.

Holidays are a lonely time for our deployed military, and Memorial Day is especially poignant.

As usual we need your support with donations for mailing and goodies. We are in dire need of books and current magazines.

Come join in saying "thank you" to a soldier.

Thank you, Nuala Kurokawa and Cissy Singleton

EXCITING WORSHIP MINISTRIES NEWS

1. Announcing our new Archacolyte: Derek Hill will be our new Archacolyte beginning June 1.

My thanks to Louis Lovacheff, who did an excellent job in training and supporting our newest acolytes.

As is our custom, Derek and the other Acolytes will be formally inducted on the Sunday after All Saints in November.

2. Announcing a new role for Youth Minister Bret Chandler.

On most Sundays at the Nine O'Clock Practice, Bret will be vesting in order to provide leadership and support for the acolytes, and to connect with our grade school youth as a prelude to his working with them as middle and high school students.

In addition to Bret's music ministry with The Gregorys, this will be another way for Bret to connect with our youth in a worship capacity.

3. Congratulations to Emily Craig who debuted as our newest Nine O'Clock Practice Reader last Sunday.

4. I am delighted to welcome our newest Eucharistic Ministers whom you have begun seeing at the Altar on Sundays:

Allison Appelbaum, Bret Chandler, Dave Rion, Dinorah Nazario, Ida Butler, Karen Nicholas, Margo Ramtin, Maryellen and Earl Davis, Robin Raimondi, Sara Lemrise, Sarah Snyder, and Susanne Francis.

HOLLY FORDHAM NORBERG'S REMINISCENCES

I have so many memories of St. Gregory's―

One of my earliest memories, in fact, was when I was 4 yrs old and leaving the Easter service at the Masonic Lodge in 1952― holding my 2 yr old brother's hand and running up the drive towards Waukegan Road!

And later, helping to set up the folding chairs for a service in the gym at Wilmot School (1953).

One Sunday, the entire Sunday School went on a "Field Trip" across the street from Wilmot School to see the new Church― it was almost completed, and we were so impressed! It seemed so big!

Of course, it didn't take long before we outgrew the Church― We even had a Sunday School class around card tables in the little entrance hallway, in front of Father Parker's office!

My Mother loved St. Gregory's dearly, and so did I.

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Janet Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Tami and Anna Waltemath, Bob Briskey, Margaret Schalz, Diane Jones, Ryland Grum, Norman George, Paul Maraist, Jill Henrickson, Casey Henrickson, Paul Beuttas, Ernest Singleton, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Stanley Demski, 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 Brian O'Lavin, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar; and

for the faithful departed, remembering especially JoAnne White, Mary Jo Kussler.

Faithfully yours,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

THIS SUNDAY, 3:30 PM:

MEREDITH'S RETIREMENT PARTY! We are looking forward to welcoming all those who have made reservations, but we may not be able to seat last minute arrivals for whom we haven't ordered food! So please call the Parish Office today to make your reservation.

Also, please use either the office door or the handicap-accessible door to enter, but not the kitchen door.

The first half-hour will be social time and the dinner will begin at 4:00. Child care will be available in the Nursery if desired.

And remember to come prepared with a brief tribute or memory about Meredith that you'd like to share at an open mic.

OUR FINANCIAL STRATEGY FOR 2012-2013 PRESENTED AT THE QUARTERLY MEETING:

Dear Fellow Parishioners,            

I want to thank all of you for your support of St. Gregory's and all of our programming. I am very excited about 2012 and all of the work that the vestry is doing to better St. Gregory's mission and overall programming for us to enjoy. In the coming weeks there will be a flurry of touch points and discussions on events, campaigns, and missions. A lot of what I love about St. Gregory's is our ability to change with the needs and times of our members and all that is made possible through the hard work of our volunteers, worship, family, and your financial generosity. In the years I have been a member I have seen our parish take on tough issues constructively and move forward as a family unit together towards a positive change for the better. One of the most gratifying times is when I see the smiles and love of people that we welcome into our family home and who join our worship.

It's now 2012 and I have been a member here for 12 years. It feels like yesterday and my own children are growing up very quickly. When I first became a member the times were very exciting. The internet was new, the economy was good, there were plenty of jobs, and no wars. Today is quite different with new challenges. The world is struggling economically, jobs are hard to come by, and our dedicated and loyal military personnel are in many conflicts. Yet I feel when I enter the doors every Sunday it's the year 2000 all over again. I see many of the same people, with those same smiles, and I still appreciate the spiritual insights I take from here and which I love and depend upon in my life.

Many of you who know me personally understand that I am a fairly candid person and tend not to hold back my thoughts. This remains the case and I have tried to use that same approach in my position as your Senior Warden. 2011 was a year of retooling our operations. This included addressing lots of issues that have been lingering for a long time and never fully addressed. The Vestry implemented new processes, improved oversight and transparency, and reengineered a lot of our financial methods and ownership. I feel that will benefit future vestries, staff, and generations of members. We have recently concluded last year's pledge campaign and have a new budget that is balanced. Some of the highlights are:

• Full restoration of our Parish tithe (10%)
• New equipment purchase to replace some aging systems
• Added funds to perform outside financial audits
• Maintain our current staffing and programming

However it is important to note that overall pledge income was down from last year, even though we have an increase in new members. Certain members have acknowledged that due to employment loss and other financial obligations, they simply cannot give at the levels that they used to. Given the economic uncertainty this is no surprise.

Last year the parish was asked to help in the reduction of the Marian House debt accrued due to the emergency repairs that were made to it. Initially we had planned for a payoff of 5 years; however, with cost saving efforts through volunteers, your generosity, and extensive work by the finance committee's sharpening many pencils on the budget, we were able to pay that debt off early. This was a tremendous feat and we are all to be applauded for it.

Current and Post Campaign Budget

Although 2012 currently shows a manageable shortfall of $7,608, without a significant improvement in our financial picture 2013 will be a difficult year. Thus we started to take a hard look at our recurring expenses. We discovered that although the new boiler is paying for itself with savings in increased efficiency, the mechanics of the loan and how it was structured are hindering us. Let me clarify how this works.

The loan agreement included a lien on our endowment fund. This lien prohibits us from drawing the investment income that we have historically used in our operating budget. Currently this amounts to about $14,500 dollars per year of income lost to our operating budget. Our current loan payments constitute another $13,200 in annual operating budget expenses.

The outstanding balance on the boiler loan was $90,120 as of January of this year. As mentioned above, this loan is reducing the operating budget by a total of $27,700 ($14,500 on lost endowment income, and $13,200 in loan payments.)

If we can pay off the boiler loan in its entirety within the next few months, we can enter 2013 with ZERO debt and a surplus of $8,000. This will help position us to be a financial healthy parish.

At our March meeting the Vestry approved a plan to use the carry-over Parish Tithe from 2010, the remaining funds from last year's Buildings and Grounds budget, and some initial generous donations from parishioners to reduce our outstanding boiler loan debt by approximately $38,000. This reduces the debt on the boiler loan to $52,120.

The vestry is asking your help to raise the other $52,120 in order to solidify our fiscal future. We ask every parishioner to consider this as a great challenge and opportunity to secure our financial future, and to make a heart-felt contribution towards this debt reduction in the spirit of our parish family. I urge all of us to work together to achieve the goal of freeing St. Gregory's from the debt which limits certain of our financial decisions.

Sincerely, Art Bielski, Senior Warden, on behalf of the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church.

After Art's address, I gave him Ingrid's and my check for $1,000 toward our beloved parish's financial future, and another $3,800 was raised by the end of the meeting. In the weeks to come I'll publish our progress toward reaching our goal.

REQUIESCAT IN PACEM: Frances Holly Norberg's letter:

"Dear Father Bill, at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church.

"It is my sad duty to tell you of the death of my mother, Frances Diann McDermott Fordham, on March 6, 2012. It was sudden and unexpected, a heart attack.

"St. Gregory's was without an organist at the beginning of July, 1953. My mother took courage from her ten years of piano lessons, and offered to try to play the organ. Mom would have had 59 years as a Church organist at the beginning of July this year. She played the organ at the 3-4-12 Sunday service at St. Mary Of The Snows Anglican Church in Eagle River, WI, two days before her death.

"Mother had told me three of four times that she hoped to die in her sleep when her time came, and that is how she went. I have been told her death was painless and would have felt like a 'big hug.' It gives me comfort to know that God came down, gave Mom a big hug and took her home.

"St. Gregory's was my first Church home, and I will always wish the best for you.

"May God bless and keep you all,

"Frances Holly Fordham Norberg"

(Next week: some of Holly's reminiscences of St. Gregory's.)

COMMUNITY MEALS:

A huge thanks to all who helped with the Soup Kitchen this past Sunday: Anita and Bets Bukszar, Ida Butler, Erika and Lukas Hernandez, Anne Clark, Janet and Bill Foltz, Sue Koy, Marsh LeSueur, Tim Miller, Jim Mortell, Matthew, Scott and Barb Schaper, and Sybil Ten Eyck.

Thanks to those who provided desserts: Dori Carlson, Anne Clark, Janet Foltz, Mary Keller, Barb Schaper, Anne Simpson and Sybil Ten Eyck. Our next turn to serve dinner is on Sunday, July 8th. Barb Schaper, and Janet and Bill Foltz

BOOK CLUB NEWS:

The next book club meeting is Wednesday, May 16th when The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton will be discussed. A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives completely alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book — a beautiful volume of fairy tales. She is taken in by the dock master and his wife and raised as their own. On her twenty-first birthday they tell her the truth, and with her sense of self shattered. "Nell" sets out on a journey to England to find her real identity. This is a novel of outer and inner journeys and an homage to the power of storytelling, filled with unforgettable characters who weave their way through its spellbinding plot to astounding effect. (From the publisher.)

A look ahead… June 20: State of Wonder - Ann Patchett; July 18: Cleopatra A Life - Stacy Schiff; August 15: The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Cissy Singleton

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Diane Jones, Ryland Grum, Norman George, Paul Maraist, Jill Henrickson, Casey Henrickson, Bill Waltemath, Normand LaJoie, Paul Beuttas, Mike Wyatt, Joseph Reibel, Kimberly Newman, Ernest Singleton, Darrell Groves, Linnea Hotopp, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Stanley Demski, 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 Brian O'Lavin, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar; and

for the faithful departed, remembering especially Herm Wille, Charlotte Roberts, and Arthur Roofing.

Faithfully yours,

 

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

THIS SUNDAY AT ST. GREGORY'S

1. QUARTERLY MEETING:     

We will be introducing and discussing our Financial Strategy for 2012-13 in addition to our usual quarterly updates.

2. COMMUNITY MEALS:    

It's our turn once again to prepare and serve dinner at the Waukegan Community Meals Soup Kitchen and we need additional and new volunteers because some of our stalwarts have other commitments for this Sunday.

We meet at 12 noon and are done with clean up by 3:30 pm.

Please consider joining us for this important and fun ministry.

We are known for our delicious homemade desserts so if you are unable to join us, please consider baking a dessert or two. If you bring the desserts in to the church kitchen by 10 am, we will be sure to take them to Waukegan.

Please sign up on the sign-up sheet across from the office.

If you have any questions, please contact Barb Schaper at bschaper7@aol.com, Janet Foltz at jfoltz1004@hotmail.com or Bill Foltz at wfoltz@comcast.net.

4. SIGN-UP FOR MEREDITH'S RETIREMENT CELEBRATION ON APRIL 29!    

Our own Greg Benish's Bridget McNeill's Restaurant will be catering our special event on Sunday, April 29, so be sure to secure your reservation this Sunday or by April 27.

In addition to the incredible food, Rob Cunningham, Bret Chandler, and Jim Swager are providing special music!

All this for a suggested donation of $20 for adults, $10 for kids from 6 through 12 years old, and free for kids 5 and under.

The donation is suggested because we want to encourage all parishioners and family members to attend, so please let me know if we can help financially.

3. SIX FLAGS:

How would you like to go to Six Flags Great America (or any other Six Flags) for only $35.00?! Yes, that's right, only $35 for a one day ticket― instead of $59.99!

The Preschool will earn 9% on these tickets!

Just write Six Flags Great America on your Manna order form!

This is the second to the last order before the end of the school year. Keep in mind all your traveling plans for the summer, as well as for wedding gifts or other summertime gift card needs, and order now!

April orders due April 22 with pick up on May 6.

May orders due May 13 with pick up on the Memorial Day weekend Sunday, May 27.

Order Form and Vendors available by clicking here.

EASTER IN THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR

WERE YOU AMONG OUR GENEROUS EASTER FLOWER DONORS?

Then please stop by Founders Hall and pick up one of the lilies or other gorgeous plants with our thanks.

EASTER EGG HUNT PICTURES

On Easter, eager and energetic St. Gregory's children searched and discovered 200 eggs all hidden outside by our Middle and High School youth.

These pictures were taken by Maddy Boutros and they capture some of the excitement of the hunt. Enjoy the photographs! Bret Chandler 

ERRATA!

Some of our Balloon Brigade participants were misidentified or unidentified!

Palm Sunday Ribbon Cutters also included Susan Lowman and her mother, and Sarah Snyder; and Easter Balloonists included Ericka Hernandez and Suzanne Francis. Thank you! (And thanks to sharp-eyed Ida Butler)

CONFIRMATION CONGRATULATIONS

Last Saturday, Saturday in Easter Week, the Right Reverend Christopher Epting confirmed Emily Catherine Zint, Myra Lee Peterson, Brian Michael Hill, Jacob Michael Hamilton,

Hannah Marie Benson, Ashley Elizabeth Benson, Katherine Jean Baddeley, Susan Renee Lowman, Bret Alexander Chandler, and Margo Ramtin who reaffirmed her Baptismal vows.

Shari Benson sent these pictures of Holy Confirmation and Sunday's Reception and Prayer Book Presentation: 

ALSO COMING UP ON SUNDAY, APRIL 29:

EIGHT, NINE, and ELEVEN O'CLOCK SERVICES―

YouTube Sermon by Bishop Todd McGregor and then, LIVE FROM MADAGASCAR! a Skyped Adult Forum featuring the Bishop and parishioners at our Companion Church, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro!

NINE O'CLOCK SERVICE―

St. Gregory's will offer an experimental FIRST COMMUNION rite at the Nine O'Clock Service.

If your child hasn't received Holy Communion before, and you are interested, please let me know.

(Two families have already contacted me about having their children participate; are there others?)

IT'S A GIRL!

Congratulations to Lisa and Ryan Bedtelyon, on the birth of their daughter Evelyn Rae, weighing in at 7 lbs., 9 oz.

She was born on Sunday, April 15, and their son Emerson now has a baby sister!

ONCE LOST, PERHAPS NOW FOUND?

Over the past couple of years, have you found yourself pondering the whereabouts of ONE teardrop earring?

What about the spare sunglasses that seemed to sprout wings?

Spend time chiding your teenager for losing her pink "Pink" hoodie a mere three weeks after you relented and bought it for her?

Perhaps your lost treasure is among the unclaimed items we have found in the Hall or the Youth Room or the Sanctuary or Nave or even the parking lot!

We now have quite the stockpile and we need to divest the church of it.

So for ten (10) days – and 10 days only- beginning April 18, all items will be displayed on a table in the Hall with a sign encouraging rightful owners to reclaim them.

After that point, they will be discarded, given away for re-use or recycled. GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE …..GONE!

REQUIESCAT IN PACEM:

Diann Fordham's daughter Frances Holly Norberg has written me about her mother's death on March 6, 2012. Her letter will appear in next week's Newsletter.

Diann was St. Gregory's organist from 1953 until 1969.

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Paul Maraist, Jill Henrickson, Casey Henrickson, Bill Waltemath, Normand LaJoie, Paul Beuttas, Mike Wyatt, Joseph Reibel, Kimberly Newman, Jane Hush, Jim Collins, Ernest Singleton, Darrell Groves, Linnea Hotopp, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Stanley Demski, 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 Brian O'Lavin, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar; and

for the faithful departed, remembering especially Diann Fordham.

Faithfully yours,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

WHAT MAGNIFICENT AND GLORIOUS EASTER CELEBRATIONS!

So many people to thank, and those thanks will follow, but first, because St. Gregory's never pauses, here's what's coming up!

SATURDAY, APRIL 14: 11:00 am― EIGHTH GRADE AND ADULT CONFIRMATION SERVICE.

Come and see and support our Confirmands and welcome our new Assisting Bishop, Christopher Epting.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15―

"Please contact me as soon as possible if you would like to give the altar flowers for this Sunday. Just provide the message you would like for the bulletin, and you will be billed later. Thank you!" Cathy Leimbeck (847-541-0058 or cleimbeck@comcast.net).

SUNDAY, APRIL 22― LOTS GOING ON:,

1. QUARTERLY MEETING:

We will be introducing and discussing our Financial Strategy for 2012-13 in addition to our usual quarterly updates and the latest recipient of the Rector's Point of Pentecost Service Award.

2. COMMUNITY MEALS:

April 22nd will once again be St. Gregory's turn to prepare and serve dinner at the Waukegan Community Meals Soup Kitchen.

We meet at 12 noon and are done with clean up by 3:30.

Please consider joining us for this important and fun ministry.

We are known for our delicious homemade desserts so if you are unable to join us, please consider baking a dessert or two. If you bring the desserts in to the church kitchen by 10 am, we will be sure to take them to Waukegan.

Please sign up on the sign-up sheet across from the office.

If you have any questions, please contact Barb Schaper at bschaper7@aol.com, Janet Foltz at JFOLTZ1004@hotmail.com or Bill Foltz at wfoltz@comcast.net.

3. SIX FLAGS:

How would you like to go to Six Flags Great America (or any other Six Flags) for only $35.00?!

Yes, that's right, only $35 for a one day ticket― instead of $59.99!

The Preschool will earn 9% on these tickets!

Just write Six Flags Great America on your Manna order form!

This is the second to the last order before the end of the school year. Keep in mind all your traveling plans for the summer, as well as for wedding gifts or other summertime gift card needs, and order now!

April orders due April 22 with pick up on May 6.

May orders due May 13 with pick up on the Memorial Day weekend Sunday, May 27.

Order Form and Vendors are available here.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29:

8:00, 9:00 AND 11:00 AM ―

We will have a YouTube Sermon by Bishop Todd McGregor and then,

LIVE FROM MADAGASCAR! ―

a Skyped Adult Forum featuring the Bishop and parishioners at our Companion Church, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro!

9:00 AM ―

FIRST COMMUNION:

Although all baptized children as well as all baptized adults are invited to receive Holy Communion in the Episcopal Church, some parents prefer that their children be older or confirmed before receiving the Sacrament― or participate in a ritual like First Communion as practiced in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran traditions.

On this Sunday, St. Gregory's will offer an experimental First Communion rite at the Nine O'Clock Service.

If your child hasn't received Holy Communion before, and you are interested, please let me know.

3:30 PM ―

RETIREMENT PARTY FOR OUR VICAR EMERITUS!

SATURDAY, MAY 12― CHICAGO RIVER CLEANUP

On May 12, from 9-12 pm, all youth from grades 6-12 are invited to participate in the Chicago River Cleanup which will take place at the River's Highland Park Target site.

Afterwards we will get lunch together.

Spend the morning outside cleaning up trails, planting seeds, picking up and separating garbage, and more.

Please let Bret Chandler know as soon as possible that you would like to participate!

AND NOW FOR ALL THE WORDS OF APPRECIATION

To our Cast of Characters for the Passion Narrative (Part in order of appearance: 8, 9, and 11 actors respectively):

Narrator: Pat Auch, Ingrid Roberts, Lisa Halpin;

Jesus: Paul Maraist, Sarah Snyder, Hazel Aguirre;

Peter: Mary Maraist, Ashley Benson, Jim Mortell;

Judas: Lyle Ten Eyck, Derek Hill, Rob Cunningham;

High Priest: Al Bazzoni, Brian Hill, Hans Royal-Hedinger;

Servant: Marcia Bazzoni, Kristin Hill, Yvonne Masurat;

Pilate: Sybil Ten Eyck, Ashley Babcock, Normand LaJoie;

Bystander: Marilee Morrison, Bill Roberts, Pat Carroll;

Centurion: Chuck Morrison, Jim Collins, David Schaper.

For the Last Supper Re-Enactment:

to Shari Benson and Sharon Henley-Gramer, and the Deerfield Review, which carried a full page story on Maundy Thursday (appropriately!), headlined "Children reenact the Last Supper at St. Gregory's."

To read the main article, please click here.

To see the photographs, please click here.   

For the Liturgy of Water and Light:

"I would like to add a thank you to all who helped with the Holy Saturday service.

"A special thank you to Mother Meredith Potter, who helped not only with delivering the service, but with the program itself, including set up along with the Altar Guild.

"To Bret Chandler and Brian Hill for their gift of music with guitar and piano.

"To Annette Baez for her help with the pot-luck and Paula Hamilton for all her assistance with the worship.

"A special tribute needs to go to all the children who conducted all the readings, including Joe and Cate Ariano, John Arnell, Peter Thompson, Joshua and Leah Hamilton, Caroline Bielski, Noah Fishman, Kristin Hill, and Warren and Eddie Esgar.

"Many thanks to all who assisted with the clean up after our great potluck! Have a blessed Easter season!" Sharon Henley-Gramer

For the Balloon Brigade, especially Brigadier Diane Jones, who drew up the battle plan and lugged in the two helium canisters!

And Diane wishes to thank . . .

"The Ribbon Cutters who helped on Palm Sunday:

Julie and Cate Ariano; Jeanette and Walt Blanck (who took a ribbon spool home and cut together for two days), Ida Butler, Pam Dorband, Fran Ingram (who devised a mass-production team method), Diane Jones, Melly Peterson, Meredith Potter with Jaime and Elyse Chandler, Margo Ramtin, Sarah Snider, Dawn Hainsworth and Bill Theobald, Karen Nicholas, and Vanessa and Jacob Fjeldheim.

"And the Easter Day Balloon Brigade― "the Red-Eye helpers"― who rose early to greet the dawn and blow up the balloons and affix them to the pews:

"Leigh Stewart, Lyle and Sybil Ten Eyck, Erica Hernandez (who brought her friend, Susan Lowman, and they worked while Ida watched their children, Diane Jones, and Melly Peterson and Sue Koy, who helped her curl the ribbons.

"What a Community we have!" Diane Jones.

(Said one parishioner: "For some reason, this year those balloons looked especially wonderful.")

To Blanche Esgar: For baking 75+ delicious cookies, and three monster cookies to illustrate the Children Sermon:

Not only did she master the difficult ichthus shape― she hand frosted the five Greek letters flawlessly!

An incredible (and incredibly edible!) labor of love.

For the Vestry Coffee Hour:

Donna Shelton baked her scrumptious scones;

Michele Appelbaum made centerpiece baskets (from the Holy Saturday Potluck);

Ron Falbe and Mary Furbush helped with set-up;

Cherie Thompson and Catherine Martin served (and also brought bread and cheesecake cups, respectively);

Art Bielski provided the Starbucks Coffee; and

Cathy Leimbeck, Tim Miller, and David Schaper also helped in various ways.

CONGRATULATIONS CORNER:

The Deerfield Review also reported last Thursday on the Deerfield Optimist Club's annual Youth Appreciation Night at Deerfield High School on March 21st.

Awards for involvement in service to our community at the following places:

Caruso Middle School: Kate Baddeley, Ashley Benson, and Hannah Benson;

Deerfield Public Library: Hannah Benson and Ashley Benson;

St. Gregory's: Allison Appelbaum, Ashley Babcock, Ashley Benson, Hannah Benson, Andrew Boutros, Chris Boutros, Madeline Boutros, Mark Bozzano, Jacob Hamilton, Josh Hamilton, Brian Hill, Derek Hill, Louis Lovacheff, Philip Lovacheff, Philip Lovacheff, Grayson Peacock, Aurora Raimondi, Kelsey Travis.

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Paul Maraist, Jill Henrickson, Casey Henrickson, Bill Waltemath, Normand LaJoie, Paul Beuttas, Mike Wyatt, Joseph Reibel, Kimberly Newman, Jane Hush, Jim Collins, Ernest Singleton, Darrell Groves, Linnea Hotopp, Jim Brown, Ed Kussler, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Stanley Demski, 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 Brian O'Lavin, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar; and

for the faithful departed, remembering especially Lillian Hathaway.

Faithfully yours,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK OBSERVANCES

PALM SUNDAY   (April 1)     Child Care at all services

8:00 A.M. – Liturgy of the Palms, Passion Narrative, and Holy Eucharist

The Nine O'Clock Service begins in Founders Hall

9:00 A.M. – Liturgy of the Palms, Passion Narrative, and Holy Eucharist and Last Supper reenactment for Atrium I and II *

11:00 A.M. – Liturgy of the Palms, Passion Narrative, and Holy Eucharist        

WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK   (April 4)   

7:00 AM – Holy Eucharist and light breakfast

MAUNDY THURSDAY   (April 5) 

7:30 PM – Institution of the Holy Eucharist

9:00 PM – Watch at the Altar of Repose overnight until . . .

GOOD FRIDAY   (April 6)

7:00 AM – End of Watch and Mass of the Pre-Sanctified

12:00-3:00 PM – The Three Hour Vigil at the Cross (Self-Guided Meditations)

7:30 PM – Good Friday Liturgy and Stations of the Cross

HOLY SATURDAY   (April 7)           

4:30 PM – Service of Water and Light ** for children and adults with a Potluck Dinner following

EASTER DAY (April 8)     Child Care at all services

At all three services, we will celebrate the Holy Eucharist and renew our Baptismal vows.

At the Nine O'Clock Service Anastasia Escargot will make her 23rd appearance at the Children's Sermon.

WANTED! HELP WITH BALLOONS FOR EASTER! PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE.

REMINDERS

April 1        No Church School or Children's Church for Palm Sunday

April 8        No Church School for Easter Day

* LAST SUPPER RE-ENACTMENT ON PALM SUNDAY

For children 3rd Grade and younger

The children are invited to attend after the Palm Sunday procession into the church.

The children will be brought to the upstairs large Youth Room by the Atrium staff

The children will be returned to their parents for Holy Communion.

GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING

It has been our custom at St. Gregory's to send our 7:30 pm Good Friday Stations of the Cross offering to the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. For more information, please click here. 

** LITURGY OF WATER & LIGHT - HOLY SATURDAY 4:30 pm

All church members are invited to attend.

The readings are conducted by the children.

Special emphasis is made to the meanings of "water" and "light" and their significance at baptism. The service will last one hour.

The sign-up sheet for the potluck supper is available in the hallway.

SPECIAL EASTER MUSIC AND EASTER FLOWERS

If you would like to contribute to our special Easter Flowers and Music, in Thanksgiving or in Memory of someone, please call the Parish Office (847-945-1678) or sign-up on the table opposite the Parish Office.

SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP! THIS SUNDAY!

While I hope everybody is enjoying their Spring Break, don't forget to come to joint youth group this Sunday from 5-7 pm.

We'll be having dinner, playing some games, and getting Easter eggs ready for the hunt for April 8.

YOUTH GROUP CHICAGO RIVER CLEANUP AND LUNCH

On May 12, from 9-12 pm, all youth from grades 6-12 are invited to participate in the Chicago River Cleanup which will take place at the River's Highland Park Target site. Afterwards we will get lunch together.

Spend the morning outside cleaning up trails, planting seeds, picking up and separating garbage, and more.

Please let Bret Chandler know as soon as possible that you would like to participate!

FROM THE VESTRY PARISH COMMUNITY COMMITTEE

We had 82 responses to our Social Events Survey!

Here are the results:

#1: Wine/Scotch/Cheese Tasting;

#2: Music Festival;

#3 and 4 (Tie): Restaurant Dinner and 5 K Run/1 miles walk;

#5: Chili Cook Off

And we had lots of other great suggestions, too. Stay tuned!

WOULD SOMEONE LIKE TO DONATE FOR THE ALTAR FLOWERS ON APRIL 15?

Please call or e-mail Cathy Leimbeck at 847-541-0058 or cleimbeck@comcast.net.

REMEMBER THE MANNA!         . . . AND HELP OUR PRESCHOOL

The April order will be due on Sunday, April 15, and ready for pick up Sunday, April 22.

Order Form and Vendors available here.

A QUICK GUIDE TO COFFEE HOUR HOSTING, BY PEGGI ADAMS

• All cabinets and drawers are labeled correctly! Get here around 8:30 and then usually done by 11:10 or so.
• If not already done, plug in both coffee urns. The large one has a toggle button that needs to be pushed on.
• Fill white pot with water for tea. Plug this in and flip the switch up right after communion.
• In the summer, make 2 or 3 pitchers of lemonade, which can be found in the buffet in parish hall.
• Coffee cakes should already be on counter, if not, pull them from the freezer and begin to cut them in small pieces. They are provided for this, you don't have to buy them!
• Put napkins in 6 baskets and put the coffee cake bites in them. Cover until you put them on the tables before 10:00.
• Most all tea supplies are in the buffet under the window, in the parish hall. Some may be on the counter next to the window. Put these out on the buffet, with some spoons and a small plate.
• Tables should have tablecloths on them. If not and if you can get to it, they are in the tall cabinets on the west side of the parish hall.
• Cups are under the sink side of the long counter, pull them out by the front table in the parish hall and set out maybe 20 or so. Saucers are in the labeled cabinet, also bring those out to the table.
• Right after communion, come to kitchen and fill 2 regular carafes and 2 decaf carafes to put on head table, and turn the tea water on to heat. When it's done, fill a water carafe and put out on the buffet with the tea supplies. Unplug the coffee urns.
• Put a few napkins on the buffet, and at the head table.
• Greet people, pour coffee as needed, and refill carafes as necessary.
• Shortly before the 11:00 service, start to collect the baskets and combine whatever is left into one or two, and leave on the head table.
• Leave one carafe each of regular and decaf on the head table, along with cups and saucers. Leave whatever hot water is left, and tea supplies, but wipe the buffet clean.
• Rinse cups and saucers and place them in the dish baskets by the sanitizer.
• Wipe off the tablecloths and generally straighten up the room.
• Dump the coffee grounds in the garbage can carefully (very hot!) and rinse and wipe out the coffee urns. Do not wash or use soap on them! Leave them on the counter to dry.

GOOD NEWS OF ANOTHER SOLDIER HOME AGAIN

My nephew, Timothy Welton, has safely returned from his tour in Afghanistan.

Tim's mother and I are grateful for everything St. Gregory's has done for Tim and we are happy to have him home.

He will be leaving Army life once his enlistment is up and will be heading to nursing school. Debbie Ham-Bolger

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Darrell Groves, Linnea Hotopp, Dave Solak, Jim Brown, Ed Kussler, Ryan Bedtelyon, Liz and Ron Barris, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Jeannie, Stanley Demski, 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, especially Brian O'Lavin, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, and Ilan Kedar

Faithfully yours,

 

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

EASEL-R UPDATE

The first Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal [EASEL-R] Workshop will take place tonight.

The Workshop Team members are Julie Ann Ariano, Annette Baez, Greg Benish, Bret Chandler, Jim Collins, Susie Dutcher, Mary Keller, Meredith Potter, David Rion, Bonnie Travis, Leigh VanderMeer, and me, under the guidance of our facilitator and fellow team member, Mary Furbush, an educator and Vestry member.

Our first workshop is about "Understanding the Spiritual Growth Framework" which informed the Spiritual Life Survey that over 70% of our parishioners completed.

Sometime after Easter, the Workshop Team will receive the results of our survey, and "Understanding Your Data" will be the topic of our second workshop.

After we understand the Survey results, the next two workshops zero in on what we can do to implement new practices or programs to enhance our spiritual growth individually and corporately.

I am so grateful to our Workshop Team― every workshop is a gift of their time― 2 ½ hours plus 1-2 hours of homework for each workshop, and time for reflection and prayer― and a gift of their talents for our parish.

You can support the Workshop Team through your prayers. Please offer this "Prayer for Discernment" daily:

"Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with the Workshop Team as they consider the renewal and mission of our congregation. Teach them and us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide them and us by your Holy Spirit to perceive what is right, and grant them and us both the courage to pursue it, and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

SPECIAL CHURCH SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

March 25     No Church School nor Children's Church for Spring Break (all local schools)

April 1        No Church School nor Children's Church for Palm Sunday

April 8        No Church School nor Children's Church for Easter Day

LAST SUPPER RE-ENACTMENT ON PALM SUNDAY

(For children 3rd Grade and younger)

A re-enactment of the Last Supper for all children 3 years to third grade will be held during the Nine O'Clock Palm Sunday service on April 1.  

The children are invited to attend after the Palm Sunday procession into the church.  

The children will be brought to the upstairs large Youth Room by the Atrium staff members: Sharon Henley-Gramer, Annette Baez, and Shari Benson.

The children will be returned to their parents for Holy Communion.

LITURGY OF WATER & LIGHT - HOLY SATURDAY 4:30 pm

This service will be held on Holy Saturday, April 7, at 4:30 pm with a potluck supper immediately following the service.  

All church members are invited to attend.  

This service will be directed by the Atrium staff, Sharon Henley-Gramer, Paula Hamilton, and Annette Baez, and officiated by Mother Meredith Potter. The readings are conducted by the children.  

Special emphasis is made to the meanings of "water" and "light" and their significance at baptism. The service will last one hour.  

The sign-up sheet for the potluck supper is available in the hallway. We encourage all those attending the service to participate in the potluck as a community and fellowship for Easter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL EASTER MUSIC AND EASTER FLOWERS

If you would like to contribute to our special Easter Flowers and Music, in Thanksgiving or in Memory of someone, please call the Parish Office (847-945-1678) or sign-up on the table opposite the Parish Office.

COMING UP IN APRIL (NOT COUNTING PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER!)

SATURDAY, APRIL 14: 11:00 am― EIGHTH GRADE AND ADULT CONFIRMATION SERVICE. Our new assistant Bishop, Christopher Epting, will confirm here at St. Gregory's!

SUNDAY, APRIL 29: 8, 9, and 11 o'clock services― LIVE FROM MADAGASCAR! Bishop Todd McGregor will be preaching and leading the Adult Forum from Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro!

ALSO ON SUNDAY, APRIL 29: 3:30 PM ― RETIREMENT PARTY FOR OUR VICAR EMERITUS!

REMEMBER THE MANNA!         . . . AND HELP OUR PRESCHOOL

The Manna program is the best example of win-win there can be!

The April order will be due on Sunday, April 15, and ready for pick up Sunday, April 22.

We are grateful for all your support. If you have any questions about the Manna program, call Debbie at the Preschool at 847-945-1678 or E-mail at preschool@stgregoryschurch.org.

For an Order Form and the list of Manna Vendors, please click here.

FACILITIES ALERTS AND REMINDERS!

Lights: If you're the last person in the room, please turn off the lights on your way out!

Doors: When you open or close an outside door, especially the Wilmot Road Church Door, the Chapel Door, and the Parish Office Door, please make sure it closes completely so the outside air doesn't make the boiler or air conditioner work harder than necessary.

Handicap Entrance: Unless you are disabled, please use one of the other church entrances (as you know we have too many as it is!). Our handicap door is itself fragile, and we want to reserve its use for disabled persons only.

GASTRONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AT ST. ANDREW'S, GRAYSLAKE, THIS SATURDAY!

In honor of St. Joseph, whose Feast Day was Monday, the 19th, this Saturday, March 24, from 4 pm-8pm, you are invited to a fun and filling night!

All you can eat Homemade Italian Food, Desserts and Silent Auction

$10.00 Adults; Senior and Children (5-12) years $7.00; Children 4 years and under FREE! Carry out $10.00

Menu: Tossed Salad, Lasagna, Spaghetti, Marinara Sauce, Garlic Bread, Ravioli, Alfredo Sauce, Vegetables, Italian Meatballs, Assorted Desserts, Assorted Beverages

St. Andrew Episcopal Church; 31 Park Avenue, Grayslake, IL 60030; 847-223-2310; www.standrewsgrayslake.org

GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING

Since 1922, Episcopalians have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. The Episcopal dioceses in the Middle East enable Christians to maintain a peacemaking and stabilizing presence in the region, serving their neighbors regardless of faith background.

It has been our custom at St. Gregory's to send our 7:30 pm Good Friday Stations of the Cross offering to the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. For more information, please click here. 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Linnea Hotopp, Margo Ramtin, Dave Solak, Jim Brown, Pat Carroll, Ed Kussler, Ryan Bedtelyon, Liz and Ron Barris, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Jeannie, Genevieve Ten Eyck, Stanley Demski, 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 Brian O'Lavin, Timothy Welton, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar;

and for the faithful departed, especially John Roberts.

Faithfully yours,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,    

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS APPRECIATION

Dear St. Gregory's Parishioners,

Thanks to everyone who signed up to host coffee hour through April.

It is always a fun time to get together and talk with people.

There will be a new list for May and June next week. Please look for it and sign up for a Sunday.

Thanks again for your participation. Anne Clark and Peggi Adams, co-chairs

SPECIAL CHURCH SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

March 25     No Church School for Spring Break (all local schools)

April 1        No Church School for Palm Sunday

April 8        No Church School for Easter Day

LAST SUPPER RE-ENACTMENT ON PALM SUNDAY

(For children 3rd Grade and younger)

A re-enactment of the Last Supper for all children 3 years to third grade will be held during the Nine O'Clock Palm Sunday service on April 1.

The children are invited to attend after the Palm Sunday procession into the church.

The children will be brought to the upstairs large Youth Room by the Atrium staff members: Sharon Henley-Gramer, Annette Baez, and Shari Benson.

The children will be returned to their parents for Holy Communion.

LITURGY OF WATER & LIGHT - HOLY SATURDAY 4:30 pm

This service will be held on Holy Saturday, April 7, at 4:30 pm with a potluck supper immediately following the service.

All church members are invited to attend.

This service will be directed by the Atrium staff, Sharon Henley-Gramer, Paula Hamilton, and Annette Baez, and officiated by Mother Meredith Potter. The readings are conducted by the children.

Special emphasis is made to the meanings of "water" and "light" and their significance at baptism. The service will last one hour.

The sign-up sheet for the potluck supper is available in the hallway.

We encourage all those attending the service to participate in the potluck as a community and fellowship for Easter.

SPECIAL EASTER MUSIC AND EASTER FLOWERS

If you would like to contribute to our special Easter Flowers and Music, either in Thanksgiving or in Memory, please call the Parish Office (847-945-1678) or sign-up on the table opposite the Parish Office.

TROOP SUPPORT MINISTRY NEWS

The 38th troop care package event was recently held at St. Gregory's Church.

We celebrated the safe return of Cary Clark and gave thanks for the generous gift from local Cubs Pack 50 who donated $550 to the effort and wrote 50+ letters to mail to the troops.

We also incorporated a St. Patrick's Day theme in our packages and a group of 30 volunteers prepared 139 boxes.

We now begin the 8th year of this Ministry and find the importance today is as great as it was when we began in April of 2005.

Thank you for your continued and generous support. Cissy and Nuala

As a post-script, one of our frequent packagers is Deerfield's Mayor, Harriet Rosenthal. At this event, she brought her grandson Mason, and I think he had a good time joining his grandmother in packing boxes for the troops.

The Mayor and I serve on the Board of Directors of Parents. The Anti-Drug, a community based organization comprised of parents, local government and school officials, clergy and health providers whose mission is to generate conversation and provide accurate information about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, and Riverwoods.

MARCH MADNESS CONTINUES!

THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 18: 1:30 PM― ADULT CONFIRMATION in Founders' Hall (please see me for details)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21: 7:00 PM― THE BOOK CLUB's YOUR CHOICE event in the Library. Cissy Singleton

SUNDAY, MARCH 25: 1:30 PM― ADULT CONFIRMATION in Founders' Hall (please see me for details)

FACILITIES ALERTS AND REMINDERS!

Lights: If you're the last person in the room, please turn off the lights on your way out!

Doors: When you open or close an outside door, especially the Wilmot Road Church Door, the Chapel Door, and the Parish Office Door, please make sure it closes completely so the outside air doesn't make the boiler or air conditioner work harder than necessary.

Handicap Entrance: Unless you are disabled, please use one of the other church entrances (as you know we have too many as it is!). Our handicap door is itself fragile, and we want to reserve its use for disabled persons only.

PASTORAL CARE VISITOR SUSIE DUTCHER'S "Baptismal Ministry Testimonial"

The Diocese of Chicago's Commission on Ministry has a wonderful website which you can access by clicking here. 

Susie's article, recently published on the website, follows:

My understanding of the ministry of the baptized has been expressed practically in different ways that reflect the changing stages of my life's journey.

This understanding of baptismal or lay ministry has always been separate from any service or responsibilities connected with the church or the diocese. I have felt that service or leadership roles inside the church were part of the responsibility of belonging to the group and don't fall in the category of lay ministry.

Nearly all my adult life I have worked in healthcare (in the hospital laboratory and, later, for a pharmaceutical company). My sense of ministry has evolved and deepened over the years, but I tried to see my employment as ministry by keeping these two concepts in mind:

• Excellence: producing the best quality work, reliably and with integrity.
• Mentoring: intentionally focusing on an under-recognized group to listen to, advocate for, and promote.

In my last job, I focused on the administrative assistants, asking them to take on responsibilities others said were beyond them and showing them how to use their experience to improve their work life.

Excellence and mentoring are my way to "respect the dignity of every human being" (Baptismal Covenant, BCP p. 303). I could cite many examples of failure and falling short, but linking my intention with God's intention has been source of strength for me.

After I retired last year, I felt called to a more active ministry in my parish. So after completing training offered by Bishop Anderson House, I now serve as a lay pastoral care visitor. In the future I hope to expand this ministry outside the parish. Susie Dutcher

EASEL-R UPDATE

I am delighted to announce that Julie Ann Ariano, Annette Baez, Greg Benish, Bret Chandler, Jim Collins, Susie Dutcher, Mary Furbush, Mary Keller, Meredith Potter, David Rion, Bonnie Travis, Leigh VanderMeer have agreed to serve on the EASEL-R Workshop Team.

Under the guidance of our facilitator, Mary Furbush, who is an educator and Vestry member, we will meet four times:

Workshop #1: Understanding the Spiritual Growth Framework;

Workshop #2: Understanding Your Data (the results of our Spiritual Life Survey);

 Workshop #3: Identifying Actions (based on our data);

Workshop #4: Taking Action (build an implementation plan for one identified action).

Homework is typically about 1-2 hours for each workshop, plus an additional half-hour for reflection and prayer.

Once our work is finished, we will report to the Vestry and then to the Parish.

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Margo Ramtin, Dave Solak, Jim Brown, Pat Carroll, Ed Kussler, Ryan Bedtelyon, Liz and Ron Barris, Beverly Falbe, Luke Freeman, Peter Graves, Jeannie, Peter Heck, Genevieve Ten Eyck, Stanley Demski, 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 Brian O'Lavin, Timothy Welton, Jason Greenman, Jamie Mitchell, Bob Morrissette, Ilan Kedar

Faithfully yours,