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Parish Newsletter

 

Dearly Beloved,

 

THIS SUNDAY— THE FEAST OF THE HOLY TRINITY!

A TRINITY OF TIDINGS! 1. Dialogue Sermon; 2. Donna Shelton Scones; 3. Farewell Party

 

BUT FIRST— BREAKING NEWS!

WARDENS' CORNER

As we prepare for Bill's retirement celebration on May 31st, Cherie and I are extremely pleased to announce that the Reverend David P. Jones has accepted our call to be Interim Rector at St. Gregory's.

After retiring as a parish priest in New Hampshire in 2006, David relocated to the Chicago area. 

He has served as an Interim Rector at five different Episcopal Churches, including St. Matthews, Evanston; St. James the Less, Northfield; Holy Trinity, Skokie; St. Mary's, Park Ridge and Trinity, Highland Park, where he is currently serving through August.

David will become Interim Rector at St. Gregory's on September 1, 2015.

David's wife is the Reverend Heath Howe, who is an assistant at Holy Comforter in Kenilworth.

They have four children and reside in Evanston, where David is the Chaplain for the Evanston Fire and Police Departments.

Here's a photo of David at a baptism… David is the guy in the beard!

Since David will not be joining us until September, we have arranged these Supply Priests for June, July and August:

June 7: The Rev. Suzann Holding

June 14 and 21: The Rev. Lisa Hackney-James

June 28: The Rev. Dr. Meredith Woods Potter (Deacon Scott Elliott preaching)

July 5 and 12: The Rev. Lisa Hackney-James

July 19 and 26: The Rev. James Swarthout

August 2: The Rev. Andrea Mysen

August 9: The Rev. Dr. Meredith Woods Potter (Deacon Sue Nebel preaching)

August 16: The Rev. Dr. Meredith Woods Potter (Deacon Scott Elliott preaching)

August 23: The Rev. Dr. Meredith Woods Potter (Brett Chandler preaching)

August 30: The Rev. Dr. Meredith Woods Potter (Mass on the Grass)

Please keep David, Bill, the Vestry, the Search Committee Chairs, and St. Gregory's in your prayers during this time of transition.

Jon Dutcher and Cherie Thompson, Wardens

 

1. FINAL DIALOGUE SERMON

After reading the Lesson and Gospel, ask yourself:     

1. What did I learn?     

2. What mired or inspired, depressed or impressed me?        

3. Is God inviting me to change?

Romans 8:12-17:

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption.

When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ— if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

John 3:1-17:

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the [Jerusalem Judicial Counsel].

He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God."

Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."

Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?"

Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

"What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.

"Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.'

"The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.

"So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"

Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

"Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.

"If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

"No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

"And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

 

2. DONNA SHELTON IS BAKING HER SCRUMPTIOUS SCONES

Come to the Coffee Hour following the Nine O'Clock Practice for conversation, coffee, and culinary craft!

 

3. BILL'S AND INGRID'S FABULOUS FAREWELL, 1-5 PM (Park Early!)

1:00-5:00 p.m.         Music, Cash Bar and Complimentary Lemonade, Coffee and Tea Service

2:00-4:00 p.m.         Food Stations (food service will end promptly at 4:00 p.m.)

2:30 p.m.                 Program Begins

4:00 p.m.                 Cake and Champagne Toast and Farewell

 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER CHANGES BEGINNING NEXT WEEK!

If you would like to have something included in the newsletter sent out on Wednesdays, please submit your article no later than the preceding Monday at 9:30 a.m. to parish@stgregoryschurch.org.

If you do not have email, please call the office at 847-945-1678 and speak to me directly.

For all events, include a brief description of the event, the date, time and location.

Please contact me if you have any questions. Charlene Vanderhulst, Parish Administrator

 

THANK YOU FROM MANO A MANO FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Dear Missions Board,

Thank you for sponsoring Milagros de Corazón (Miracles from the Heart) 2015 Gala Dinner on April 11, 2015, as a Generous Heart sponsor.

We are sincerely grateful for your leadership in giving and support as it enables us to continue providing much needed services to thousands of immigrant families in Lake County.

All proceeds from Milagros de Corazón will support our comprehensive programming that empowers more than 4,000 community members every year— providing support and the tools they need to be successful, self-sufficient, and better integrated into the community.

Together with your support we build Healthy Families, create Engaged Citizens, empower Productive Parents, and raise Successful Children.

Your presence and support at this year's annual gala and all of the other days of the year speak to Mano a Mano's amazing community of support, one that supports at Mano a Mano every day.

Thank you for your continued support,

Megan McKenna Mejia, Executive Director

 

THANK YOU FROM BISHOP EPTING

Dear Bill and the People of St. Gregory's,

Thank you for your gift to the Bishop of Chicago's discretionary fund of $695.00 on the occasion of my episcopal visit on April 12, 2015.

It was a great pleasure to worship with you and spend time in fellowship and conversation.

What a special privilege to confirm 14 youth as part of the visit.

I am most grateful for your generosity and spirit of outreach and for your presence and ministry in our Diocese.

Your gracious gift will be used with care and discernment.

God bless you all.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

+ C. Christopher Epting, Assisting Bishop

 

THANK YOU FROM PRESIDING BISHOP JEFFERTS SCHORI

Dear Good People of St. Gregory's,

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have received word of your faithfulness and generosity in the financial support you have provided through the Good Friday Offering.

On behalf of the bishops, clergy, and people of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East and all who will benefit from your support, I offer you my deep appreciation.

We sometimes wonder what we can do in times which seem so tragic and confusing.

The Good Friday Offering provides us a focus for our prayers and action in support of our sisters and brothers throughout the Middle East.

Our support for the schools, hospitals, medical clinics, and parishes sponsored by the dioceses of the Province promote mutual respect and understanding among the people of the region which are the foundation stones of the future.

Thank you for your participation in the vital ministry.

Your servant in Christ,

+ Katherine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop, The Episcopal Chuch

 

THANK YOU THE WEST DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP FOOD PANTRY

Dear Rev. Roberts and St. Gregory's Parishioners,

Thank you for your generous donation of food that you delivered to the 1st Presbyterian Church's food drive on May 9thth for the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry!

Once again we appreciate the planning, time, and effort that went into making your collection such a success.

Your continual commitment to helping your fellow community members is truly commendable.

The many bags of food your provided will make a big difference to those the pantry assists.

Sincerely,

Alyson M. Feiger, Township Supervisor

 

BRENT HOUSE CHAPLAIN STACY ALAN'S COLUMN

Brent House is the Episcopal Center at the University of Chicago. Mother Stacy Alan has preached several times at St. Gregory's— you will find two of them clicking here— and the Missions Board has supported Brent House. This article appears in the May 2015 Brent House Newsletter.

Two themes have been appearing with some regularity in conversations with my students lately: prayer and sex. Prayer has been a major theme all year: What is it, really? What are we trying to accomplish? How can I pray? There has been an increased interest in the communal, structured prayers of our tradition and we had a full roster for our all-night Maundy Thursday vigil. Hand-in-hand with the questions about prayer has come an increased and more explicit interest in discernment, which is, I believe, a kind of prayer as well: What is God's call in my life? How do I know it?

The questions about sex are mostly what one would expect in this place with this community: questions about my body and the other's body, my boundaries and commitments and how they intersect with another's. They are more numerous this year, however, at least insofar as students are approaching me about them.

It occurs to me that the two themes are not unrelated. At the core, at their depth, prayer and sexuality are about connection, about community, about who I am as beloved, and about whom (or Whom) I love. Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, in his beautiful and oft-cited essay on sexuality, "The Body's Grace," describes grace in such a way as to evoke both prayer and sexual intimacy:

Grace, for the Christian believer, is a transformation that depends in large part on knowing yourself to be seen in a certain way: as significant, as wanted. . . .

The Christian community's reason for being is to embody that grace:

The life of the Christian community has as its rationale—if not invariably its practical reality —the task of teaching us this: so ordering our relations that human beings may see themselves as desired, as the occasion of joy.

More and more I am convinced that offering this kind of acknowledgement, of seeing each other in such a way as to give a sense of how God sees and desires us, is the most important work of the Gospel. All of our Gospel work—justice, reconciliation, formation, hospitality, piety, Discipleship—is rooted in this vision.

In our prayer lives, this is the invitation: to be in God's presence with our whole being—past, present, and future; body, heart, mind, and soul; wounds, sins, and reconciliations; fears, hopes, and convictions—and to know ourselves seen: seen and loved.

This has been my experience of the communities that make up Brent House and its ministries. In our resident community, where despite the stresses of classes and field placements, and amid the inevitable tensions over getting the dishes done, our residents offer support to each other and warm, open hospitality to our many guests. In a discernment group, graduate students listen deeply and compassionately to the questions each asks about God's call in their lives. Students bring friends (religious and not) to our worship services so that they may experience both the comfort and challenge of hearing and experiencing in the liturgy (and the community that Practices it) the truth about themselves—loved and flawed, accepted and challenged, seen and embraced. I have been the recipient of that kind of seeing, as our students have welcomed me into their lives and challenged me in love.

In this context, it is no surprise that conversations about prayer can morph into conversations about sexuality and return again to who we are—and who we are being called to be—in God's eyes. We all desire to be seen as beloved, and in experiencing this, our mandate is to offer that to others.

For more than 85 years, Brent House has been a place where this vision of God's love has been lived out: beginning with its work among international students, and continuing to today, with a strong reputation on campus, within our Diocese, and nationally, as a place of welcome, spiritual depth, and warm community. We invite you to help us continue in that ministry of being a place where our belovedness in God's eye is experienced with your generous gift. As our students depend on us, so we depend on you.

Faithfully yours,

Stacy +

 

PENTECOST SUNDAY RETROSPECTIVE!

Thanks to Debbie Welker for these pictures of the Altar and a representative Altar Guild member!

And Dan Evans, who grew up at St. Gregory's, and whose mother Marilyn is still a member, came all the way from Crystal Lake for my penultimate Sunday!

And thanks to Ida Butler here is a video of Courtney Yvette Creevy's Baptism:

 

And a video of my Pentecost sermon:

 

And the text of my sermon by clicking here.

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Vicki Garvey, Rob Beuttas, Laurie Vancil-Beyer, Bridget Caude and Family, Ruth Ann Stokes, Chanel Bazzoni, Lou Ness, Danielle McLaughlin, and Maryellen Davis; and

thanksgiving for the birth of Mia Grace Keller; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné.

 

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

Parish Newsletter

 

Dearly Beloved,

 

THIS SUNDAY— THE FEAST OF PENTECOST!

WEAR RED!

Mimic the tongues of fire that danced on the Apostles' heads, and wear red this Sunday!

TWO EVENTS THIS PENTECOST SUNDAY AND MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND—

1. What better way to spend the Sunday before Memorial Day than by listening to General John and Mrs. Jan Bradley and Captain Mike Butler at the Adult Forum as they talk about their ministries for Afghan children's education?

2. What better way to spend this Pentecost Sunday than by renewing our Sealing by the Holy Spirit in Baptism, and, at the 11 o'clock practice, witnessing the Baptism of Ingrid's and my granddaughter, Courtney Yvette Creevy?

 

WARDENS' CORNER

Cherie and I are very pleased to announce that LoriLee Bielski and Curtis Baddeley have agreed to serve as Co-Chairs on the St. Gregory's Rector Search Committee.

LoriLee and Curtis will be working with the Vestry in the coming days to discern and call the other members of the Search Committee.

We expect to have a total of 10 Search Committee members, including LoriLee and Curtis.

Please let LoriLee, Curtis, or a Vestry member before June 9th if you would like to nominate a parishioner to serve on the Search Committee.

(Per Diocesan guidelines, clergy and staff are not eligible for the Search Committee.)

Please join us in thanking LoriLee and Curtis taking on this leadership role at this crucial time in our parish life.

We ask that you keep them and the Vestry in your prayers.

Jon Dutcher and Cherie Thompson

 

YOUTH GREGORYS

Last Sunday we had our first Youth Gregorys performance, as they played the Anthem, "Viva la Vida" at the 9 am service. 

They worked hard and all did a wonderful job.

Thanks to Brian Hill, Cate Ariano, Cassie Lemrise, Ashley Benson, and Sara Craig, for offering their musical talents to our worship service. 

We'll be looking forward to more Youth Gregorys in the Fall and next Spring!

 

 

 

FOUR WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE PRESCHOOL HELP OTHERS

 

FIRST WAY— St. Gregory's Preschool is looking for volunteers to assist in the classroom. 

Volunteers must be over 18 and able to commit to help one morning per week for the school year (September through the end of May). 

Classes run from 9 to 11:30 am.

Volunteers must have a successful criminal background check and provide proof of a physical examination, including a TB test.

If you enjoy young children, consider joining us for fun and laughter.

Please talk to Preschool Director Debbie Ham-Bolger if you are interested or need more information.

 

SECOND WAY— It is a good time to display a Preschool sign in your front yard, from now until November. 

If you had one last year and stored it for the winter, please put them out again to promote our Preschool.

If you would like to get a sign, or a replacement sign, please see Parish Administrator Charlene Vanderhulst.

This is an easy, no-cost way to support the Preschool!"

 

THIRD WAY— The Preschool Board has formed a scholarship fund to provide tuition support for under-resourced families.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation St. Gregory's Preschool with the notation "scholarship fund" in the memo line.

Your employer's match could increase your gift, and we will soon have 501(3)(c) status to broaden our ability to receive corporate contributions.

 

FOURTH WAY—St. Gregory's Preschool Board plays a crucial role in the Preschool's vision and management, with tasks ranging from event planning— like our Auction— to budgeting, marketing, and fundraising.

If you have any questions about the board and what kind things members do, please contact any parish Board member: Suzanne Francis, Mike Hamilton, Mike Hill, Catherine Martin, David Schaper, or Troy Thurlwell

Please consider giving some of your time and talents your help our Preschool continue to thrive.

 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER CHANGES. . .

As Fr. Bill retires at the end of the month, so too will the weekly newsletter format that we have all grown to love. As we explore new formatting over the summer, please know that important church information will continue to be sent to the congregation.

If you would like to have something included in the newsletter to be sent out on Wednesday, please submit your article no later than the preceding Monday at 9:30 a.m. to parish@stgregoryschurch.org.

If you do not have email, please call the office at 847-945-1678 and speak to me directly.

For all events, include a brief description of the event, the date, time and location.

Feel free to contact me if you need further clarification or with any questions you may have. Charlene Vanderhulst, Parish Administrator

 

COUNTDOWN TO OUR FAREWELL TO BILL AND INGRID!

We are less than two weeks away from the big event! Here are a few details:

Location: Great Lakes Ballroom

Please note that there are close to 300 RSVPs for our event and that Marriott Theatre show times are 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., so parking may be a challenge.

Schedule:

1:00-5:00 p.m.         

Music, Cash Bar and Complimentary Lemonade, Coffee and Tea Service

2:00-4:00 p.m.         

Food Stations (food service will end promptly at 4:00 p.m.)

2:30 p.m.                 

Program Begins

4:00 p.m.                 

Cake and Champagne Toast

5:00 p.m.                 

Farewell

 

GET READY FOR OUR FINAL DIALOGUE SERMON ON TRINITY SUNDAY, 5/31!

After reading the Lesson and Gospel, ask yourself:     

1. What did I learn?     

2. What mired or inspired, depressed or impressed me?        

3. Is God inviting me to change?

Romans 8:12-17:

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption.

When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

John 3:1-17:

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jerusalem Council.

He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God."

Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."

Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?"

Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.

"Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"

Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

"Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.

"If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

"No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Laurie Vancil-Beyer, Ruth Ann Stokes, Chanel Bazzoni, Lou Ness, Bridget Caude and Family, Danielle McLaughlin, and Maryellen Davis; and

our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

the faithful departed, remembering Olsen Caude.

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

 

THIS SATURDAY AT 10:00 AM: MASS OF THE RESURRECTION FOR JACQUELINE K. UNGER,

 

THIS SUNDAY AT 9:00 AM: SPECIAL MUSIC BY THE YOUTH GREGORYS!

The Gregorys will be leading worship this Sunday for the last time until the Fall.

With them, we will have a special introduction of the Youth Gregorys playing the anthem.

This will include Cassidy Lemrise, Ashley Benson, Cate Ariano, Caroline Bielski, Sara Craig, and Brian Hill performing "Viva la Vida," by Coldplay.

We truly are blessed to have such musical talent to help lead worship! Bret Chandler, Youth Minister

 

ALSO THIS SUNDAY AT 10:10 AM: LAWRENCE HALL YOUTH SERVICES' C.E.O.

Kara Teeple will speak at our Adult Forum about one of our own Episcopal Charities and Community Services agencies.

She will highlight the issues in general with child welfare in Illinois as well as address the role of Lawrence Hall Youth Services within the system.

Parishioner Jeff Singleton is Lawrence Hall's Chairman of the Board, and this will be a stimulating and informative Adult Forum. Please join us. The Missions Board.

 

ALSO THIS SUNDAY AT 10:30 AM: CAREER RENEWAL EVENT

Career Renewal is a joint ministry of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church and Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, whose 20 volunteer advisors provide free one-on-one assistance to help individuals navigate the job search maze.  

The meeting is held in the Holy Cross Community Room at 724 Elder Lane Deerfield, IL 60015.

Please visit our new website at www.careerrenewal.org.

Questions? Please contact Mickey Casner casnerjm@sbcglobal.net or Sharon Dieter sdieter1@aol.com

 

AND ALSO THIS SUNDAY: LAST REGULAR YOUTH GROUP UNTIL SUMMER

Make sure to come to Youth Group in the Upper Room this Sunday. 

It will be our final meeting until we begin summer youth group. 

Middle School meets from 5:00 to 6:15 pm and the High School meets from 6:30 to 7:45 pm. See you there!

 

YOUTH GROUP CHICAGO RIVER CLEANUP

Last Sunday the Youth Group participated in the Chicago River Cleanup. 

We cleared out invasive weeds and picked up trash at the river behind the Highland Park Staples store. 

Our crew worked hard and did a fabulous job on a muddy and cold day.  

 

UPDATE FROM OUR AD HOC CHURCHYARD RENOVATION COMMITTEE

We had our first meeting on Tuesday, May 5.

We identified and discussed a range of practical issues, and also developed an overall vision for a Churchyard which is welcoming, user friendly, beautiful, respectful, peaceful, and organized.

If you have any ideas or inputs toward the committee's vision please discuss or email any of the committee members. 

My email is swagerjim@comcast.net. Jim Swager, Chairperson

 

UPCOMING VISIT BY GEN. AND MRS. BRADLEY AND CAPT. BUTLER

On Sunday, May 24, at the 10:10 am Adult Forum, we will welcome back Captain Mike Butler and introduce retired Lieutenant General John and Mrs. Jan Bradley.

Mike and the Bradleys have collaborated in their common concern for educating the children of Afghanistan.

Come find out more about their wonderful work.

 

 

The Rev. William D. Roberts

875 Wilmot Road

Deerfield, IL 60015

 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church

815 Wilmot Road

Deerfield, IL 60015

 

Dearly Beloved,

We are having, and will yet have, more personal and face-to-face opportunities to say farewell and Godspeed leading up to my last day and Sunday as your Rector on May 31, 2015.

The Diocese of Chicago asks all resigning Rectors to write letters to their congregations about the ending of their pastoral relationships, gratitude for their shared ministries, and appreciation for their friendships in Christ.

I prefer the way St. Paul wrote to his congregation in Thessalonica:

"For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Yes, you are our glory and joy!" (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

The Diocese also asks us to say a harder word— that with the ending of my pastoral relationship as your Rector, I may "no longer be able to function as [your] pastor or priest" as has been my holy privilege and joy since May 16, 1988, when I began my ministry among you.

That also means that it will no longer be my role to officiate at baptisms, weddings, and funerals; and that I may return to St. Gregory's only at the invitation of your new Rector and with the concurrence of the Vestry.

As hard as this is, it reflects the otherwise all-too-human temptation not to let go— on my part as well as yours!—and the need for you to begin a free, forward-looking, and healthy relationship with your new Rector.

In the meantime, please support to your Wardens whose privilege and joy— and daunting challenge— is to act for the congregation in the absence of a Rector, and to your Interim Rector when she or he arrives, and then to your new Rector.

I turn again to St. Paul for a final word:

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved" (Philippians 4:1).

Faithfully yours,

May 12, 2015

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Ruth Ann Stokes, Chanel Bazzoni, Lou Ness, Bridget Caude, Danielle McLaughlin, Cecilia Rodriguez, Ardene Ejnik, Richard Babcock, and Maryellen Davis; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Harmon Greene.

 

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

 

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

 

YOUTH GROUP CHICAGO RIVER CLEANUP, THIS SATURDAY, MAY 9!

Get ready to help clean up the Chicago River! This will be our fourth year participating in the event. We'll meet at the church at 8:15 am and start cleanup behind the Highland Park Staples at 9 am. We should be finished by 11 am. Come and help clean up the river, serve as a good steward of our Earth, and get a free Chicago River Cleanup T-Shirt. Please let me know if you will be coming along by Wednesday, May 6.  

 

RENEWAL OF SCOTT AND CINDY ELLIOTT'S WEDDING VOWS

This Sunday at the 8:00 am service, Scott and Cindy will mark liturgically the 10th anniversary of their marriage on May 21. They chose the 8:00 am service because that's the service Cindy most usually attends.

 

WALTER H. BLANCK, 1928-2015

Long-time and devoted parishioner Walt Blanck, who joined St. Gregory's with his wife Jeanette and their children Ken, Janice, and Shari in 1973, died after a brief illness this past Monday, May 4. 

We will celebrate his life on Saturday, June 13, at 2:30 pm, with burial afterward in our Churchyard.

Please keep Walt and Jeanette in your prayers, along with their children's families, including Shari and John and their children, Ashley and Hannah.

 

MASS OF THE RESURRECTION FOR JACQUELINE K. UNGER, 1927-2015, MAY 16, 10:00 AM

As previously announced, Jackie died on January 31 of this year. I hope you will be able to join her family to celebrate her life and ministries in our parish.

Jackie and her husband John joined St. Gregory's in 1966, with their son John and daughter Henri. Jackie was a devoted member of the parish, and especially in her work with the Missions Board, and her love for our Music Ministry. She participated as a Lector, and in the Community Meal program. Jackie was also an indomitable bridge player.

Following the service, Jackie will be interred in our Churchyard, alongside her husband John.

 

MEET THE NEW CEO OF LAWRENCE HALL YOUTH SERVICES

On Sunday, May 17, at 10:10 am, Kara Teeple will speak at our Adult Forum about one of our own Episcopal Charities and Community Services agencies. She will highlight the issues in general with child welfare in Illinois as well as address the role of Lawrence Hall Youth Services within the system.

Parishioner Jeff Singleton is Lawrence Hall's Chairman of the Board, and this will be a stimulating and informative Adult Forum. Please join us. The Missions Board.

 

NEXT CAREER RENEWAL EVENT ON SUNDAY, MAY 17, 10:30 AM - NOON

Career Renewal is a joint ministry of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church and Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, whose 20 volunteer advisors provide free one-on-one assistance to help individuals navigate the job search maze.  

The meeting is held in the Holy Cross Community Room at 724 Elder Lane Deerfield, IL 60015.

Please visit our new website at www.careerrenewal.org.

Questions? Please contact Mickey Casner casnerjm@sbcglobal.net or Sharon Dieter sdieter1@aol.com

 

INTRODUCING OUR 2015-2016 ARCHACOLYTES

I am pleased to announce that our Archacolytes for 2015 to 2016 are Jacob Hamilton and Brian Hill. Both have had exceptional service and leadership, and we are truly blessed to have them.  We will formally induct them during the Acolyte induction on November 1.  Bret Chandler, Acolyte Master and Youth Minister

 

AD HOC CHURCHYARD RENOVATION COMMITTEE

At our March meeting, the Vestry approved this Action Plan:

In accordance with the request of Tom and Dot Elliott's children that the Vestry use their parents' bequest to renovate the Churchyard, the Vestry authorizes the Rector and Wardens to form an ad hoc Committee comprised of not less than three parishioners (including Scott Elliott) who have either  purchased plots or who have family members buried in the churchyard. The Director of BGMT and the members of the Vestry's Buildings and Grounds Committee shall serve on the Committee ex officio.

I am pleased to announce that Fran Ingram, Jim Mitchell, Jim Swager (who will chair the Committee), Kevin Christenson, Mary Maraist, Pat Auch, Scott Elliott, Sybil Ten Eyck, and Yvonne Sharpe have agreed to serve on this pastorally significant Committee.

 

MADAGASCAR THANK YOU

Dear St. Gregory's Episcopal Church,

Thank you for your recent donation for the people in the Diocese of Toliara affected by Cyclone Chedza and Tropical Storm Fundi.

Our brothers and sisters are persevering. They truly have the ability to rejoice in all circumstances. This is a gift from God.

Thank you for making a difference in their lives.

Prayerfully, Cheryl M. Harman, President, People Reaching People (supporting Bishop Todd and Mother Patsy McGregor).

 

UPCOMING VISIT BY GEN. AND MRS. BRADLEY AND CAPT. BUTLER

On Sunday, May 24, at the 10:10 am Adult Forum, we will welcome back Captain Mike Butler and introduce retired Lieutenant General John and Mrs. Jan Bradley. Although Mike and the Bradleys have never met each other face to face, they have collaborated in their common concern for educating the children of Afghanistan.

John and Jan founded The Lamia Afghan Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3), non-profit foundation chartered and based in Tennessee.

The Foundation has been working in Afghanistan since October 2008, building schools for girls; providing job and skills training for women and men; and collecting, shipping, and distributing humanitarian aid. This aid has included winter clothing, blankets, school supplies, medical equipment and supplies, and food, distributed to hospitals, orphanages, schools, and Internally Displaced Persons (refugee) Camps.

Their programs for women have included sewing and tailoring to help them the acquire skills to help support their families.

To distribute their humanitarian aid, they have worked with the U. S. Military, Civil Affairs Teams, Provincial Reconstruction Teams, Special Operations Teams, and Female Engagement Teams. Their Afghan Country Director, Mr. Mahboob Shah, has been instrumental in their work.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.lamia-afghanfoundation.org/.

Jan Bradley also established ALTSO (A Leg To Stand On) in Afghanistan, which provides medical care for children with disabilities and provides and fits custom-made prosthetics for children. Jan volunteered as the Executive Director of the Marshall Plan Charities and personally responsible for "building a village" in western Afghanistan. In addition, Jan has been working as a full-time volunteer on Air Force family support programs, "wounded warrior" programs, and humanitarian aid programs for eleven years. The Secretary of the Air Force awarded her the Air Force Exceptional Service Award in June 2008. She is a member of the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council.

John Bradley retired from the United States Air Force in August 2008, with 41 years of service. He was the Chief of Air Force Reserve; and the Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, the largest Major Command in the U.S. Air Force, responsible for over 76,000 Airmen around the world. Before that he served as the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters in the Pentagon. He is a Vietnam veteran, with 337 combat missions as a fighter pilot. He has over 7,000 flying hours in the A-37, A-10, F-4, and F-16 fighter aircraft. He, too, is a member of the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council.

On 28 January 2015, John and Jan published an update on their work. Here are excerpts:

The Lamia Afghan Foundation finished building its sixth school for girls two months ago. We are now in the process of building a security wall around the school. This school is in Cheltan Village, near the mountains west of Kabul. When the school opens this spring, over 900 girls will have a real school to attend. The recent Minister of education, Mr. Farooq Wardak, had set in motion a plan for Internet connections and computer training for the students.

Our seventh school project, when we have raised enough money to fund it, will be a school for another 900 girls in Shorab Village, in western Afghanistan. Currently, they go to school sitting on the ground inside a set of stacked cinderblocks with a tarpaulin covering for the nine months of school (as did the girls in Cheltan Village before their school was built).

Our second upcoming school project will, when we raise the money, take us back to our first school in Lakan Khel, east of Kabul. We built a ten-room school for 400 children there. When it was built, it was stressed to accommodate a second floor when it might be needed. Now they have 750 students and they need a high school. So, we will add the second floor.

The Denton Program Office in USAID tells us no other non-government entity has moved as much aid to Afghanistan as have we.

 

CHRISTMAS BASKET NEWS (yes, already)

Please sign up at the church or call me or email me, and let me know if you'd like a senior or family (and family size). The ReVive Center's Christmas Baskets organizers need to know approximately how many families and seniors we will be able to sponsor this year because registration begins June 6.

If you are interested in helping with registration, here are the dates:  Saturdays— June 6, 13, 27, and July 11; and Fridays— June 19, and July 10,   from 8:45AM until about 3PM with lunch included. Thank you, Marilyn Knilans 

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Bridget Caude, Danielle McLaughlin, Cecilia Rodriguez, Ardene Ejnik, Richard Babcock, and Maryellen Davis; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Walt Blanck.

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

Parish Newsletter

Indro Izaho momba anareo mandrakariva

Dearly Beloved,

THIS SUNDAY, MAY 3

1. INGATHERING OF ST. GREGORY'S  FEED THE HUNGRY! MINISTRY

Please place your  Feed the Hungry! tote bags at the foot of the Altar when you come in at 8, 9, or 11.

This Sunday's collection will be special because we are joining with other Deerfield churches and synagogues in the First Presbyterian Church's 3rd Annual Homeless Awareness event on Saturday evening May 9, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

This year's goal is to collect 10,000 cans of food for the West Deerfield Food Pantry, and $5,000 for the PADS Resource Center in Waukegan.

Bring your tote bags Sunday and the Missions Board will deliver them.

Otherwise, you may drop off your donations at the Food Pantry from May 3 onward.

Please also consider coming to the May 9 event itself.

Tip: strive for pull-top cans and food bars; homeless people don't carry can openers or pots and pans in their backpacks.

 

2. DIALOGUE SERMON

After reading these passages,

1. What did you learn?

2. What mired or inspired, depressed or impressed you?

3. Is God inviting you to change?

First Letter of John 4:7-21:

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.

In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world.

God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.

We love because he first loved us.

Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.

The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

John 15:1-8:

Jesus said to his disciples,

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.

"He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit.

"Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.

"Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches.

Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."

 

3. ST. GREGORY'S PRESCHOOL MANNA GIFT CARD ORDERS DUE— Last Call Until Fall!

 

WARDENS' CORNER

As we near the time of Father Bill's departure, we felt it was time to update the parish on our transition planning to date. Out of respect for Bill and his position as Rector, we have conducted much of this planning quietly so far. But with May 31st approaching, here is where we stand:

Working with the Diocese, we have identified four candidates for Interim Rector. Cherie and I will be screening and interviewing these candidates in the next ten days to two weeks, and should have the selection finalized in mid-May. We want to have the Interim selected before Bill's departure.

Whoever is selected, it does not appear that any of the candidates will be able to start at St. Gregory's before August 1st. So we have Supply Clergy lined up to cover Sunday Services in June and July.

June 7: The Rev. Suzann Holding;

June 14 and 21: The Rev. Lisa Hackney-James;

June 28: The Rev. Dr. Meredith Potter;

July 5 and 12: The Rev. Lisa Hackney-James;

July 19 and 26: The Rev. James Swarthout.

On May 3rd, the Vestry will be meeting with our Diocesan representative to discuss transition issues, specifically the process to select and commission our new permanent rector Search Committee. Our intention is to have the Search Committee in place and working by mid-June.

I realize that we are entering a time of stress and change. During times such as these, you may become aware of rumors or speculation. Please share any of these concerns with Cherie or me, or other Vestry members, so we can deal with them in an open and transparent way.

Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation.

Jon Dutcher and Cherie Thompson, Wardens

 

EPILOGUE: JOSEPH MALHAM'S ICONS MAY BE ORDERED! 

After his fascinating presentation on icons, Joe left a portfolio of limited edition prints, signed by him, which may be ordered from Parish Administrator Charlene Vanderhulst for $40.00 each, unframed. A portion of the purchase price goes to St. Gregory's. For more information, please go to his website: www.trinityicons.com.

 

SPECIAL CHURCH SCHOOL WEAVING WITH PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS (Book of Common Prayer, page 833)

Thank you to Pam Moore, our guest teacher who has done two special lessons on Peace with our 4th-8th graders.

On Sunday students learned the prayer of St. Francis and did a weaving with words from the prayer.  

 

ABOUT MEREDITH CHANDLER'S ANNOUNCEMENT LAST SUNDAY

At the Nine O'Clock Practice, Meredith told us about "Imerman's Angels."

Here's the information:

Imerman Angels is a non-profit organization providing free, personalized support to patients, parents, and friends touched by cancer.

Founded by Johnny Imerman, a Detroit native and cancer survivor, its mission is to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. 

While the support and love of family and friends is a necessity for strength building among oncology patients, there is no better hope than that found in people who have survived the same diagnosis with similar demographics as you. 

Get connected! Join Johnny Imerman's mission by volunteering as an angel if you're a cancer survivor or surviving spouse/parent, volunteering to host an event with proceeds going to the organization, racing with the Imerman team, or simply calling to ask for an angel to connect with if you're in need of companionship, knowledge, and hope with your diagnosis. 

Check out the Imerman Angels website by clicking here. 

 

YOUTH GROUP CHICAGO RIVER CLEANUP, SATURDAY, MAY 9!

Get ready to help clean up the Chicago River! 

This will be our fourth year participating in the event.

We'll meet at the church at 8:15 am and start cleanup behind the Highland Park Staples at 9 am. We should be finished by 11 am.

Come and help clean up the river, serve as a good steward of our Earth, and get a free Chicago River Cleanup T-Shirt.

Please let me know if you will be coming along by Wednesday, May 6.  

 

MANO A MANO FAMILY RESOURCE GALA EVENT

Our Missions Board has supported this ministry for several years.

This year Jose and Celia Rodriguez and Diego and Maribel Ize represented us, along with 275 other people to celebrate the organization's 15th anniversary.

Mano a Mano supports immigrant citizenship education, and you can find more information by clicking here. 

"It was great to see so many people willing to guide the immigrants and show them a path," noted Maribel Ize. 

 

THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY MEALS PARISH VOLUNTEERS

On Sunday, April 19th, the following volunteers made and served lunch at the Soup Kitchen in Waukegan:

Peggi Adams, Mary Keller, Sue Koy. Cathy Leimbeck, Luke Peterson, David, Matthew and Scott Schaper, Don Swager and Sybil TenEyck.

Thanks to the people who donated desserts: Janet Foltz, the Ize family, Mary Keller, Karen Nicholas, Barb Schaper, Cissy Singleton, Sybil TenEyck, Cherie Thompson, and Debbie Welker.

Our next Sunday to serve is July 5th.

Please prayerfully consider serving in this important ministry, especially since the 4th of July is a time when we think of family and many of these people have no family with whom to celebrate. Barb Schaper and Bill and Janet Foltz

 

JANE HUSH AT THE ART FAIR

This past Saturday, Jane Hush displayed and sold some of her pottery creations at Deerfield's North Shore Unitarian Church Art Fair.

I am sure Jane would be happy to tell you more about what she might create for you!

 

CHRISTMAS BASKET NEWS (yes, already)

The ReVive Center's Christmas Baskets organizers would like to know approximately how many families and seniors St. Gregory's will be able to sponsor this year because registration begins June 6.

Please sign up at the church or call me or email me, and let me know if you'd like a senior or family (and family size).

Also, if you are interested in helping with registration, here are the dates:  

Saturdays— June 6, 13, 27, and July 11; and

Fridays— June 19, and July 10,  

from 8:45AM until about 3PM with lunch included.

It's a great way to meet the families and seniors— and you just might find the family or senior you wish to sponsor as well.

If you have any questions about either the basket program or registration, let me know. Thank you, Marilyn Knilans

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Walt Blanck, Cecilia Rodriguez, Ardene Ejnik, Allen Fine, Irene Besthoff, Doug Schwert, Richard Babcock, and Maryellen Davis; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Malcolm McGee.

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

  

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

 

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 26, GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY

ADULT FORUM AT 10:10 AM— JOSEPH MALHAM ON SACRED ART

Joseph Malham is of Greek and Assyrian descent, and credits his Near East and Mediterranean heritage for his love of sacred art and iconography.

He studied art in Rome through Loyola University's Rome Center.

Since 1997, he has been a full time iconographer, and since 2001 the artist-in-residence at St. Gregory the Great Church in Chicago.

Using the traditional techniques and materials iconographers have utilized for centuries, Mr. Malham writes his icons on poplar panels in egg tempera and 23k gold leaf.

His panels and icon banners, a meld of traditional Byzantine and Russian images with his own unique style, have been acquired by churches, institutions and individuals around the country.

He is also an author and his first book, By Fire into Light, a biography of four Christian martyrs of the Nazi Camps, was published in 2002.

His most recent book, John Ford: Poet in the Desert, an award-winning biography of the great Irish American film director, was published in 2014.  

For more information, you can go to his website by clicking here.

 

 

1. PRESCHOOL MANNA GIFT CARD UPDATE AND ALERT!

Please help our Preschool by purchasing Manna Gift Cards— 100% on the dollar for you, and a percentage from the vendors for the Preschool.

And you can purchase them by check or cash.

April Manna orders may be picked up this Sunday.

May Manna orders— the last of the School Year— are due Sunday, May 3, for delivery on May 17.

 

2. PLEASE MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD

Earlier we announced the Preschool Board's approval to form a scholarship fund to provide tuition support for under-resourced families.

The Preschool has accepted the applications of 5 students who need full or partial scholarships to our Preschool, totaling $10,485 of tuition assistance.

The Missions Board has already approved $7,500 of tuition support for 2015, and we have received one $100 contribution to the Scholarship Fund.

That leaves a goal of $2,885.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation St. Gregory's Preschool with the notation "scholarship fund" in the memo line. Your employer's match could increase your gift. Director Debbie Ham-Bolger and the Preschool Board.

 

YOUTH GROUP BETTER TOGETHER EVENT

Last Sunday, St. Gregory's Youth Group, along with St. David's, Glenview; Christ Church, Winnetka; St. Augustine's, Wilmette; Holy Comforter, Kenilworth; and Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest, all gathered together for our "Better Together" event. 

We enjoyed an evening with a progressive dinner, hosted by Christ Church and Holy Comforter, games, fellowship, worship, and service through A Just Harvest.

A good time was had by all, with about 60 youth participating from all the churches combined!

First stop: Christ Church, Winnetka.

Next stop, Church of the Holy Comforter, Kenilworth (where I grew up, and Fred and Mary Herlocker worshiped):

 

JON AND SUSIE DUTCHER'S EXCELLENT CUBAN ADVENTURE

Jon's and Susie's Adult Forum presentation included this map of Cuba and some interesting facts, some of them astonishing:

Cuba has a 99.8% literacy rate, one of the highest in the world.

The national sport is baseball.

The smallest bird in the world is Cuba's Bee Hummingbird, which grows only 2 inches in length.

In 2000, Castro declared John Lennon a music revolutionary and erected a statue of him.

Cuban food is a mixture of Spanish and Caribbean dishes that incorporates a lot of spices and includes black beans, shredded beef, rice, and plantains.

Every child in Cuba between the ages of 6 and 15 is required to attend school and there are no private schools.

The birthrate is among the lowest in the world.

Cuba operates under a universal health care system, their doctors and medical community have contributed greatly to world health, and there are no private hospitals.

Cubans refer to the island of Cuba as El Cocodrilo, or "crocodile," because from an aerial view, the island resembles a crocodile.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba went through a time termed the Special Period when their economy rapidly declined. To help recover, they legalized the use of the US dollar in business and began allowing self-employment.

Here are some pictures of:

An immaculate 1955 Pontiac convertible. Classic cars like this one, not always in this great condition, are taxis in Cuba, especially in Havana. . .

A view of Sugar Cane Valley, near Trinidad. At one time, over 10,000 slaves worked the sugar cane fields in this valley. Slavery was only outlawed in 1886;

The home of Cuban artist Jose Rodriguez Fuster. He re-decorates the homes in this neighborhood with his ceramic art as part of a community development project;

A sculpture in an Old Havana square entitled "Female Domination." One of Susie's favorites!

A banyan tree on the grounds of Ernest Hemingway's estate. These two ladies were part of our tour.

Ernest Hemingway's typewriter in the studio at this house near Havana.

 

 

A reception to celebrate Father Bill's 27 years of service will be held at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Ten Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL, on May 31, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

To RSVP, please click here.

RSVP by May 1!

 

GET READY FOR OUR NEXT DIALOGUE SERMON ON SUNDAY, MAY 3!

After reading the Lessons, ask yourself:

1. What did I learn?

2. What mired or inspired, depressed or impressed me?

3. Is God inviting me to change?

First Letter of John 4:7-21

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.

In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.

No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world.

God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.

We love because he first loved us.

Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.

The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

 

John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples,

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.

He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit.

Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.

You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Ardene Ejnik, Malcolm McGee, Allen Fine, Irene Besthoff, Doug Schwert, Sheri Parry, Ed Collins, Roger Loeffler, Peter Eshoo, Richard Babcock, and Maryellen Davis; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Ursula Krappel.

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

THIS SUNDAY

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, APRIL 12

ONE SERVICE ONLY AT TEN O'CLOCK

(N.B.: 10:00 AM ONLY!)

BISHOP CHRISTOPHER EPTING TO BAPTIZE AND CONFIRM

INGATHERING OF THE   FEED THE HUNGRY   RED TOTE BAGS

 

GREAT THANKS FOR OUR MAGNIFICENT HOLY WEEK AND EASTER!

To the Altar Guild for all of the altar and cross and clergy vestment changes, and for the beautiful flowers on the Altar of Repose for Maundy Thursday and on our main Altar on Easter.

For those who watched with our Lord from Maundy Thursday night until 7 am on Good Friday: Pat Auch, Nancy Buller, Susan Koy, Mary Maraist, Judy McCann, Meredith Potter, Dave Schulz, Butler Sharpe, and Sybil Ten Eyck.

To Deacon Scott Elliott and Mother Meredith Potter and Bret Chandler and Mary Keller and Shari Benson for leading and organizing the Liturgy for Water and Light on Holy Saturday.

For the Balloon Brigade: Melly and Luke Peterson, Irene Besthoff; Suzanne, Warren, and Myha Francis; Valerie Hobbs; Maribel, Diego, Diego, Jr., and Paulina Ize; Diane Jones; Dennis Lietz; Anne Simpson; Leigh Stewart; and Sybil and Lyle Ten Eyck.

To Jim Collins, our wonderful Choir, and this year's extraordinary Brass Quintet. I thought the music this year was spectacular, and so also. . . .

For Ida Butler, who videotaped and posted on Facebook several choir pieces and Anastasia's swan song.

To Valerie Hobbs, who returned to church at 12:30 pm, removed all the balloons from the pews, took them to the Library, and deflated them; then cleaned up the coffee pots and threw away the dirty tablecloth.

For John Welker and David Schaper, for climbing tall ladders and scaffolding and replacing lights in the nave in time for a bright and glorious Easter!

To Anastasia Escargot who taught Bill the song he taught the children:

1,2,3, Jesus love me; 1,2 Jesus loves you;

3,4, He loves you more than you've ever been loved before;

1,2,3, Jesus love me; 1,2 Jesus loves you;

5,6,7, we're going to heaven, 8,9, it's really divine;

1,2,3, Jesus love me; 1,2 Jesus loves you;

Now it's 10, it's time to end

(but first why don't we sing it again—

1,2,3, Jesus love me; 1,2 Jesus loves you. . . )!

For those who prepared the eggs and organized the Easter Egg Hunt: Jaine and Luke Peterson, Barb Schaper, and the Middle and High School Youth Group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To our photographers: Shari Benson, Luke Peterson, Debbie Welker, Ida Butler, and Lukas Hernandez.

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

1. ALTAR FLOWERS NEEDED: 

Would you like to donate the Altar Flowers for this Sunday? If so, please contact Cathy Leimbeck at 847-541-0058, or cleimbeck@comcast.net.

2. CHILDREN'S CHURCH RESUMES UNTIL THE END OF MAY!

3. ADULT FORUM AT 10:10 AM—JON AND SUSIE DUTCHER'S VISIT TO CUBA

4. CHRIST CHURCH COMMUNION MEAL (SOUP KITCHEN):

On Sunday, April 19th, it will once again be our turn to serve at Christ Church Waukegan Community Meals. We meet at 12 noon to prepare a meal for our guests, which is served at 2 pm.  We are usually finished with clean up by 4 pm. We are also looking for donations of desserts. Please consider this important ministry where we serve the poor. A sign-up sheet will be on the hallway table across for the parish office. For additional information, please contact Barb Schaper at bschaper7@aol.com or 847-948-8989 or Janet or Bill Foltz.

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY

1. FIRST COMMUNION FOR CHILDREN: 

Although all baptized children 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 that they participate in a ritual like First Communion as practiced in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran traditions.

This is the fourth year that we are offering a First Communion rite at St. Gregory's on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, which is Good Shepherd Sunday.

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

2. ADULT FORUM AT 10:10 AM— JOSEPH MALHAM ON SACRED ART

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Doug Schwert, Sheri Parry, Ed Collins, Ursula Krappel, Roger Loeffler, Peter Eshoo, Malcolm McGee, Richard Babcock, and Maryellen Davis; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Dona C. Wiley, and Sally Byrnes.

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

 

Good News for the EASTER BALLOON BRIGADE: 

We do NOT have to gather at 6:00 AM on Easter Sunday morning! 

There is a product that keeps the balloons from deflating which we will be using for the first time this year. 

So We Will Meet in the Library at 3:00 pm this Saturday, April 4th.

I hope this makes it more available to more people. The more people, the faster it gets done! 

Please join us for a fun experience that will make our Easter morning joyous! Thank you, Melly Peterson

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY— 7:30 PM, HOLY EUCHARIST WITH MUSIC

Maundy Thursday is named for the New Commandment (Mandatum) which Jesus gave on the night in which he was betrayed.

After Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, and celebrated his Last Supper with them, he said: "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

 

THE WATCH 

At the conclusion of the Maundy Thursday commemoration of the Last Supper and Institution of the Holy Eucharist, the consecrated bread— Jesus' Body— is taken from the main altar and placed on the Chapel altar, which has been transformed symbolically into the Garden of Gethsemane.

You are invited to spend an hour before the "Altar of Repose" in response to Jesus' question to Peter, "Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?" (Mark 14:37 King James Version) or, in contemporary English, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour?"

This year the Wednesday Morning Eucharist and Healing Service congregation is sponsoring The Watch.

Please join them for an hour between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM the following morning, when we offer the Mass of the Pre-Sanctified.

As of this writing, we need Watchers from Midnight to 1 AM, from Three to Four AM, and from Four to Five AM.

 

GOOD FRIDAY

7:00 AM: Mass of the Pre-Sanctified and reading of St. John's Passion

12 Noon to 3:00 PM: Meditations and Silences during the Traditional Three Hours as Jesus hangs on the Cross

7:30 PM: The Stations of the Cross and the great Passion Hymns of the Church

During this service we will take a collection for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Checks should be made out to "The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society" with the memo "Good Friday Offering."

 

HOLY SATURDAY— 4:30 PM, LITURGY OF WATER AND LIGHT and Potluck

All church members are invited to attend.  

This special one-hour service will be officiated by Mother Meredith Potter with readings conducted by the children and special emphasis on the meanings of "water" and "light" and their significance at baptism.  

Please sign up for your child to read if you are attending.  

Also, please sign-up for the potluck supper. 

 

THE SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION, OR EASTER DAY

8:00, 9:00, and 11:00 AM Celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, with Anastasia Escargot appearing for the Nine O'Clock Practice Children's Sermon, and a Brass Quintet accompanying a magnificent Choir and Congregational singing.

EASTER EGG HUNT THIS SUNDAY!

This Sunday St. Gregory's will have an Easter Egg Hunt after the 9 am service for all kids 5th grade and under. 

We will have it in the churchyard for Kindergarten and under and on the side of the church closest to Deerfield Road for grades 1 - 5. 

Come for the family fun! Bret Chandler

 

PADS 'PPRECIATION! 

Many thanks to Amy Call, Sue Koy, John Welker, Joan West, and Matthew Schaper for taking the 4:30-7:00 AM breakfast shift at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday, and to our casserole chefs Joan West, Cecilia Rodriquez, Debbie Welker, and Maribel Ize— THANK YOU!

 

CHILDREN'S CHURCH RESUMES APRIL 19

Children's Church will be coming back soon! Our teacher will be returning on Sunday April 19, and Children's Church will then go until the end of May.

 

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, APRIL 12

ONE SERVICE ONLY AT TEN O'CLOCK (N.B.: 10:00 AM ONLY!)

BISHOP CHRISTOPHER EPTING TO BAPTIZE AND CONFIRM

INGATHERING OF THE   FEED THE HUNGRY  RED TOTE BAGS

 

PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION

Debbie Welker caught this sequence of panoramic views, showing the effects of the morning's blustery winds!

 

WORM? OR CATERPILLAR? OR. . . ?

Soon after I began my ministry as Rector Number 3, Rector Number 1 Jack Parker took me on a tour of the nave* and sanctuary** of our church. 

Among other things, he wanted me to know about the various stained glass windows, beginning with the St. Matthew window.

As we stood in front of the St. Luke window, Jack gave me a wry smile and asked me whether I could find "the worm."

I tried, and failed.

So he pointed it out to me.

I was as delighted to see it as he was delighted to show me.

And then he explained to me that artists— and among them, stained glass artists— like to leave little marks or "signatures" on their works.

Ever since, I have delighted in showing the "worm"— though to me it looks more like a caterpillar!—to our Confirmation classes.

As Bret and I gave a tour of the church to some of the students who will be confirmed in two weeks, it occurred to me that this would be my last Confirmation Class, and I wanted to make sure this little "secret" was passed on for future generations and not left to the preservation of oral tradition!

See if you can find the little creature in the first picture before going on to the second, or to the final photograph.

 

* The part of the church where the worshipers sit is called the "nave." If you look toward the ceiling of many churches, you will discover that they look like upside-down boats, and the word "nave" comes from the same root as "navy." The boat is one of the ancient symbols for the church, because Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell the story of the disciples who find themselves in the midst of a terrible storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee. Just when they fear that their boat will sink beneath the waves, Jesus comes to them walking on the water, and says "Peace." The first Christians told this story to remind themselves that no matter how imperiled the church might seem, Jesus will always be there. 

 

** In most churches the sanctuary (from the Latin word for "holy") is separated from the nave by an altar rail. It's called the sanctuary because that is where the bread and wine are made holy by the priest or bishop, and because the altar is a special focus of God's holiness and presence.

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Sheri Parry, Ed Collins, Ursula Krappel, Roger Loeffler, Peter Eshoo, Malcolm McGee, Dannie and Quentin, Kaidence Gerber, Audrey Baer, Rachel, Monica Paonessa, Richard Babcock, and Maryellen Davis; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Willa Arntz.

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY WITH PADS* AND PRESBYTERIANS! 

Since last week's Newsletter, Amy Call, Sue Koy, John Welker, and Joan West have signed up for the 4:30-7:00 AM shift to serve about 50 men, women, and children a hot breakfast— THANK YOU!     

We need one (1) more, please!

And since last week's Newsletter we now have our five (5) casseroles! Debbie Welker and Maribel Ize have joined Joan West and Cecilia Rodriquez in baking the main course for our breakfast— THANK YOU!

* PADS is an acronym for "Providing Advocacy, Dignity, and Shelter." The Mission of PADS is to help the homeless get into stable housing. PADS Lake County is often the only hope for people facing a long night outdoors.

 

MISSIONS BOARD NEWS

At our March meeting the Vestry approved the Missions Board's recommendations for the following ministries:

 

Parish and Local

I Plus (iplus.org/): $750.

Serves formerly homeless and mentally ill Lake County residents, half of whom are veterans.

Working with local landlords, I PLUS [Independent Positive Living Under Supervision] arranges housing, pays rent and other fixed costs.

Parishioner Donna Shelton serves on the Board of Directors.

 

Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (www.manoamanofamilyresourcecenter.org/): $750.

Supports Immigrant Citizenship Education.

 

Mothers Trust Foundation (http://www.motherstrustfoundation.org/): $1,000.

Provides immediate assistance during times of crisis to low-income children living in Lake County, Illinois.

 

National and International

Mindanao Feeding Program: $1,200.

Feeds malnourished children in a displaced tribal community on Mindanao (second largest island in the Philippines).

Santa Grégoire Deanery Famine Relief: $1,000.

From Bishop Todd McGregor: "one part is our diocese is being hit by a cyclone while another part is being hit by famine. Especially Ambovombe and Amboasary (which Sarah Snyder, Jean Schwarz, Meredith and I visited last year)."

Santa Grégoire Guesthouse/Sellers Building: $2,000.

This multi-purpose building will provide lodging for visiting evangelists and clergy, and office space for income-generating businesses.

This is the first installment in a 2 for 1 match with Santa Grégoire for a total estimated cost of $8,500.

 

PALM SUNDAY

 

PALM SUNDAY NARRATIVE ACTORS NEEDED!

Please sign up or call Charlene in the Parish Office for one of these still-open roles:

At the 8 am service: Peter, High Priest, and Pilate

At the 9 am service: Pilate, Someone at the cross, and Centurion.

At the 11 am service: High Priest, Servant-Girl, Someone at the cross, and Centurion.

 

NINE O'CLOCK SERVICE BEGINS IN FOUNDERS HALL FOR PROCESSION

 

LAST SUPPER RE-ENACTMENT (for 3rd Graders and younger; no Children's Church)

After the Palm Sunday procession around the Church, children ages 3 years to third grade will be brought to the upstairs Youth Room by the Atrium teachers for a re-enactment of the Last Supper.

Children will return to their parents for Holy Communion.  

We will not have Church School following this service.

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY— 7:30 PM, HOLY EUCHARIST WITH MUSIC

Maundy Thursday is named for the New Commandment (Mandatum) which Jesus gave on the night in which he was betrayed.

After Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, and celebrated his Last Supper with them, he said:

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

 

GOOD FRIDAY—

7:00 AM: Mass of the Pre-Sanctified and reading of St. John's Passion

12 Noon to 3:00 PM: Meditations and Silences during the Traditional Three Hours as Jesus hangs on the Cross

7:30 PM: The Stations of the Cross and the great Passion Hymns of the Church

During this evening service we will take a collection for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

Checks should be made out to "The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society" (which is the official name of the Episcopal Church), with "Good Friday Offering" written on the memo line.

 

HOLY SATURDAY— 4:30 PM, LITURGY OF WATER AND LIGHT and Potluck

All church members are invited to attend.  

This special one-hour service will be officiated by Mother Meredith Potter with readings conducted by the children and special emphasis on the meanings of "water" and "light" and their significance at baptism.  

Please sign up for your child to read if you are attending.  

Also, please sign-up for the potluck supper. 

 

THE SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION, OR EASTER DAY

8:00, 9:00, and 11:00 AM Celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, with Anastasia Escargot appearing for the Nine O'Clock Practice Children's Sermon, and a Brass Quintet accompanying a magnificent Choir and Congregational singing.

 

EASTER BRASS AND EASTER FLOWERS MEMORIALS AND THANKSGIVINGS

Please sign up opposite the Parish Office and write separate checks for brass and/or for flowers.

 

EASTER BALLOONS!

Meet in Founder's Hall at 6:00 AM for bagels, donuts and coffee. Let me know if I can count on you or just show up! Thank you for your efforts to make this Easter extra special! Melly Peterson

 

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, APRIL 12

 

ONE SERVICE ONLY AT TEN O'CLOCK (N.B.: 10:00 AM ONLY!)

 

BISHOP CHRISTOPHER EPTING TO BAPTIZE AND CONFIRM

 

INGATHERING OF THE FEED THE HUNGRYRED TOTE BAGS

 

The Third Sunday of Easter, April 19: Adult Forum: Jon and Susie Dutcher on their recent trip to Cuba

 

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 26: Adult Forum: Joseph Malham on Sacred Art (www.trinityicons.com)

 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD

The Preschool Board has approved the formation of a scholarship fund to provide tuition support for under-resourced families.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation St. Gregory's Preschool with the notation "scholarship fund" in the memo line.

Your employer's match could increase your gift.

Let's help make Deerfield a community that provides early education for all.

(Have you "Liked" St. Gregory's Preschool on Facebook?) Director Debbie Ham-Bolger

 

 

The Rev. William D. Roberts will deliver his final sermon as Rector of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church at the 8:00, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m. Services on Sunday, May 31, 2015.

A reception to celebrate Father Bill's 27 years of service will be held at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Ten Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL, on May 31, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. RSVP by May 1!

Join us for delicious food, live entertainment and a tribute to Bill and Ingrid as we wish them a joyous and relaxing retirement.

Hot and Cold Hors d'oeuvres; Cake and Champagne Toast; Cash Bar and Free Soda (Pop).

If you would like to share photos of your special memories with Bill and Ingrid, please send them to idabutler1@gmail.com.

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Malcolm McGee, Dannie and Quentin, Kaidence Gerber, Audrey Baer, Rachel, Monica Paonessa, Elizabeth Hamilton, Lynn Mayer, Kelly Slattery, Anita Bukszar, Sue Porter, Jewell Ramos, Richard Babcock, and Maryellen Davis; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Joan Barr Smith.

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,

Parish Newsletter

Dearly Beloved,

 

THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 22, WE CONCLUDE OUR LENTEN SERIES AT THE ADULT FORUM

"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?" presented by Susie Dutcher and Scott Elliott.

 

NO CHILDREN'S CHURCH THIS SUNDAY; NEXT CHILDREN'S CHURCH ON MARCH 29

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY WITH PADS* AND PRESBYTERIANS!

Join the Missions Board on Monday, March 30, 4:30 AM to 7:00 am, and help us provide breakfast to homeless families at the First Presbyterian Church in Deerfield [FPCD].

We will be serving about 50 men, women, and children a hot breakfast of casseroles, fruits, juices, and hard-boiled eggs; and FPCD will provide coffee and tea and the ovens, plates, cups, utensils and serving pieces.

Please sign up and let us know you will join us at the crack of dawn for our hungry and thirsty neighbors—

thank you, Butler Sharpe for being the first to sign up. We need five more, please.

Or, please help us by signing up to bake one of five casseroles preparing casseroles and deliver them to the church refrigerator by 9:00 PM on Sunday night. The recipe accompanies the sign-up sheet—

thank you Joan West and Cecilia Rodriguez (who signed up to bake 2 casseroles!) for being the first to sign up. We need two more, please.

 

* PADS is an acronym for "Providing Advocacy, Dignity, and Shelter."

The Mission of PADS is to help the homeless get into stable housing. PADS Lake County is the first point of contact for the homeless in Lake County, and it is often the only hope for someone, or some families, facing a long night outdoors.  Bill Roberts for the Missions Board

 

PALM SUNDAY

 

PALM SUNDAY NARRATIVE ACTORS NEEDED!

Please sign up for one of the roles at the 8, 9, or 11 am Practice.

 

NINE O'CLOCK SERVICE BEGINS IN FOUNDERS HALL FOR PROCESSION

Please pray for good processing weather around the church on Deerfield and Wilmot Road sidewalks!

 

LAST SUPPER RE-ENACTMENT (for children 3rd Grade and younger)

After the Palm Sunday procession around the Church, children ages 3 years to third grade will be brought to the upstairs Youth Room by the Atrium teachers for a re-enactment of the Last Supper.

Children will return to their parents for Holy Communion.  

We will not have Church School following this service.

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY

7:30 PM: Holy Eucharist with music.

Maundy Thursday is named for the New Commandment (Mandatum) which Jesus gave on the night in which he was betrayed.

After Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, and celebrated his Last Supper with them, he said:

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.

"Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

 

GOOD FRIDAY

7:00 AM: Mass of the Pre-Sanctified and reading of St. John's Passion

12 Noon to 3:00 PM: Meditations and Silences during the Traditional Three Hours as Jesus hangs on the Cross

7:30 PM: The Stations of the Cross and the great Passion Hymns of the Church

During this service we will take a collection for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

Checks should be made out to "The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society" (which is the official name of the Episcopal Church) with "Good Friday Offering" added in the note field.

 

HOLY SATURDAY

4:30 PM LITURGY OF WATER & LIGHT — WITH POTLUCK FOLLOWING

All church members are invited to attend.  

This special one-hour service will be officiated by Mother Meredith Potter with readings conducted by the children, and special emphasis on the meanings of "water" and "light" and their significance at baptism.  

Please sign up for your child to read if you are attending.  

Also, please sign-up for the potluck supper. 

 

THE SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION, OR EASTER DAY

8:00, 9:00, and 11:00 AM Celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, with Anastasia Escargot appearing for the Nine O'Clock Practice Children's Sermon, and a Brass Quintet accompanying a magnificent Choir and Congregational singing.

 

EASTER BRASS AND EASTER FLOWERS MEMORIALS AND THANKSGIVINGS

Please help make our Easter Day celebrations visually and aurally magnificent, and remember or give thanks for a beloved member of your family or for a friend.

Please sign up opposite the Parish Office and write separate checks for brass and/or for flowers.

 

REMEMBER EASTER BALLOONS?

Because this will be Father Bill's last Easter service— and Anastasia's farewell— let's and make it a memorable one!

I will be happy to lead the Balloon Brigade.

Volunteers are needed to cut ribbons on Sunday, March 22nd after the 9:00 service, and to pick up 3 helium tanks from Party City on Saturday, April 4th (returning them the next week).

The biggest need is volunteers to assemble the balloons and decorate the church before the 8:00 service.

We will meet in Founder's Hall at 6:00 AM with bagels, donuts and coffee.

Let me know if I can count on you or just show up!

Thank you for your efforts to make this Easter extra special! Melly Peterson

 

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, APRIL 12

ONE SERVICE ONLY AT TEN O'CLOCK (N.B.: 10:00 AM ONLY!)

BISHOP CHRISTOPHER EPTING TO BAPTIZE AND CONFIRM

INGATHERING OF THE   FEED THE HUNGRY  RED TOTE BAGS

 

The Third Sunday of Easter, April 19: Adult Forum: Jon and Susie Dutcher on their recent trip to Cuba.

 

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 26: Adult Forum: Joseph Malham on Sacred Art (www.trinityicons.com)

 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD

To extend St. Gregory's ministry to children and families in our community, the Preschool Board has approved the formation of a scholarship fund.

This fund will provide tuition support to families who otherwise could not afford high quality preschool for their children.

Research shows that attending a high quality early childhood program results in successful outcomes in both school and society.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation St. Gregory's Preschool with the notation "scholarship fund" in the memo line.

Your employer's match could increase your gift and the number of children and families we could serve.

Let's help make Deerfield a community that provides early education for all.

(Have you "Liked" St. Gregory's Preschool on Facebook yet? If not, please click here.) Preschool Director Debbie Ham-Bolger

 

The Rev. William D. Roberts will deliver his final sermon as Rector of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church at the 8:00, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m. Services on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the church located at 815 Wilmot Road, Deerfield, IL.

A reception to celebrate Father Bill's 27 years of service will be held at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Ten Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL, on May 31, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Join us for delicious food, live entertainment and a tribute to Bill and Ingrid as we wish them a joyous and relaxing retirement in their new home in Mundelein, IL.

Hot and Cold Hors d'oeuvres;

Cake and Champagne Toast;

Cash Bar and Free Soda (Pop).

If you would like to share photos of your special memories with Bill and Ingrid, please upload photos below or send to idabutler1@gmail.com.

For the Evite to this Event, please click here.

RSVP with total number of guests attending is required by May 1. Ida Butler

 

In your prayers this week, please remember the sick, especially Malcolm McGee, Dannie and Quentin, Kaidence Gerber, Audrey Baer, Rachel, Monica Paonessa, Elizabeth Hamilton, Lynn Mayer, Kelly Slattery, Anita Bukszar, Sue Porter, Joan Barr Smith, Jewell Ramos, Richard Babcock, and Maryellen Davis; and

for our companion parish in Madagascar, Santa Grégoire, Tolagnaro, and Dean Donné; and

for the faithful departed, especially remembering Marian Roberts.

Keep on loving and taking care of each other,