| Weekly Newsletter for October 8, 2026 |
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| Rectory Sale Updates Rev. Dan Puchalla, Rector |
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Hey, friends.
First, another reminder: Church is on Zoom only again this Sunday, Oct 11!
Second: Thanks to everyone who was able to stay for the Parish Meeting. Here are the headlines for those who weren’t there: We have a contract to sell the Rectory and adjacent land to the Park District for $1.45 million! The Vestry’s strategic work so far on growing our congregation is leading us toward the hire of a “Community Relationships Coordinator” with an intentional pivot toward building relationships and not just more programs in order to add to our membership, deepen our impact, and expand our reach.
If you were not at the Parish Meeting, I encourage you to: Watch the presentation, and also view the slide deck if you wish. And, after that, give us feedback by filing out this 2-question form.
Thanks! Dan
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| | Join us for Sunday morning worship online at 9:30am
Meeting ID: 842 861 148 Passcode: 414299 |
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| | No bulletin needed for online worship this Sunday! |
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| Now’s the Time to Sign Up: Pumpkin Patch is Almost Here!
Folks, this is our major way of connecting to our neighbors. We need all you wondeful people to be part of showing our neighbors who we are as we all work together to feed the hungry. Remember, every dollar of our proceeds goes to local food pantries.
First: Help Unload the Pumpkins on 10/17 Unloading Day is Saturday, October 17, starting at 10:00 a.m. Different strength levels are all welcome. We’ll have coffee, donuts, and lunch at the end. Scouts and other partners are already signed up. |
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Second: Staff the Pumpkin Patch Sign up for a shift or two (or many) to help people purchase their pumpkins. The process is easy to learn, and the most important thing is to be welcoming and friendly. It’s also a great way to spend time with other St. Gregory’s folks. |
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Third: Help with Pumpkin Fest Sunday, October 18, is our big community event this year, and we need LOTS of help with things like: Facilitating a game - we’ll give you all the info on how to run the game, you just have to tell participants the rules and hand out tickets! Staffing the StGs booth - pointing people to the restrooms, answering questions about the church, and running an easy rubber ducky game Setup: Before the event, help set up pop-up tents, games, and activities
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| While we’ll share the official weekly update in our Friday afternoon email, here’s the latest as we currently know it: The parking lot and building continue to be closed, and we expect it to remain that way until Oct 16. We will have church on ZOOM ONLY on Oct 11 (not sure how to access our Zoom meetings? Use the “Sunday Worship Online” button above, or contact Kathryn ASAP!) Worship will be followed by Zoom Spiritual Growth on Oct 11.
How Do I Stay Up to Date? Friday afternoons: look for a weekly email with construction progress updates. Updates will also be posted to our website. |
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| | | | Annual Giving 2027:Rooted in Faith, Growing Together, Giving with Purpose
We are thrilled to feature a special video this Sunday from three of our St. Gregory’s young adults: Gabriella Rodriguez, Kaden Soonthornsima, and Celeste Rodriguez. They share their happiest moments, passions, and favorite memories of being Rooted in Faith at StGs. While each brought a unique perspective, one phrase beautifully captured the heart of all three messages: “There is So Much Happening Here!”
When we make a pledge, we are investing in joyful music, Growing Together through community connections, and intergenerational events that unite all age groups.
Help us extend this warm, lively community to everyone who walks through our doors with your commitment to Giving with Purpose.
While pledges are due at In-Gathering Sunday on November 1, you can give anytime between now and then via the button below: |
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| | Love in a Dish support for the Hamiltons!
Dates are available between now and the end of December to provide a meal (or food gift card) each week to support Scott and Elizabeth Hamilton. Please check the link below. If you have any questions, contact Cissy Singleton. |
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Get Your Tickets Now:Nationally famous Leo High School Choir performing on Oct 17!
Leo High School Choir, America’s Got Talent 2025 finalist, will be performing at a concert hosted by Religious Leaders United on Saturday, October 17 at 7pm! The concert will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Deerfield.
Get more info and your tickets here!
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| | Oct 25 is next Community Meals
We have opportunities for bakers and volunteers for this month's Community Meals, October 25th. We meet at 12 noon at Christ Church in Waukegan to prepare and distribute meals. Please sign up by emailing Barb via the button below. |
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| | Free Concerts about Justice & Belonging!
Come hear Kathryn, Ivo, and LaRob as Hearing in Color brings its resident vocal ensemble, Chroma, to the parks for We the People, a program exploring the evolving American story through music that asks who is remembered, who belongs, and how we might imagine a more inclusive future together. Join Chicago’s newest chamber choir as we blend contemporary works, reimagined favorites, and new voices to explore what it means to feel welcome and how we acknowledge the many voices that shape our country.
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| | | | | Coffee with Dan on Mondays
Have something weighing on your heart, mind, or spirit? Want to connect more deeply with Dan? Not sure exactly what you want to talk about? It’s all good. No RSVP, no appointment needed. Drop-in to the Starbucks at Deerfield & Waukegan every Monday from 3-6pm. As always, he’s also available by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sunday afternoons. Send him an email to schedule!
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| | Midweek Prayer Every Wednesday | 8:00am
Need a midweek spiritual boost? Join a lovely small group of folks who gather online every week for spiritual renewal and to pray intentionally for everyone in our community who is in need. |
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| | Meeting ID: 750 552 357
Password: 587299 |
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| | Common Threads Second Tuesday of the month | 7:00pm
Bring a new or ongoing craft project to work on while you enjoy fun and fellowship with other parishioners in the newly revamped Parker Room at StGs. Whatever your craft - whether your medium is knitting, embroidery, painting, calligraphy, etc - and whatever your skill level, all are welcome! Please reach out to Kathryn at kathryn@stgregoryschurch.org to get on the mailing list! |
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| | Book ClubWed, October 21 | 7:00pm
October 21: Daughters of Egypt by Marie Benedict
Daughter of Egypt is a historical fiction novel by Marie Benedict (writing as Heather Terrell) that tells the parallel stories of two ambitious women: Lady Evelyn Herbert in the 1920s and the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Hatshepsut. The book follows Evelyn's quest to find Hatshepsut's tomb, a mission that mirrors Hatshepsut's own struggle to rule Egypt and have her legacy recognized, as both women defied the expectations of their time to leave their mark on history.
Upcoming reads… November 18: Brighter Than Her Fears by Lisa Ard |
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| | Meeting ID: 817 1184 3180
Passcode: 893734 |
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| | Curious Faith:A New Theology Book ClubThursdays from 7-8pm, Zoom only
Current book: Love Is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times by former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Interested in exploring big questions of faith through thoughtful, accessible books? Join St. Gregory’s new theology book group. No previous background in theology is needed—only curiosity and a willingness to join the conversation. Sign up in the Sign-up Center or online here. For more information, contact Sudi Johnson at 920-242-2059. |
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| | Meeting ID: 817 1184 3180
Passcode: 893734 |
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| | | | | For healing in mind, body, or spirit: Jeffrey Kistler Lisa Jay Carol Radloff Scott & Elizabeth Hamilton Jeanette Blanck Kristen & baby Henry Lily Irene Kreer
In thanksgiving for… the engagement of Kathryn Kinjo & Brendan Balfe
For the departed…
David Barron Denise Kaulfers Antje Kalov Alex
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| | | | | | | | | | Announcements are for church-related matters only. Deadline for announcements is Monday at noon. Please send announcements to Kathryn Kinjo. |
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