Weekly Newsletter for November 12, 2026 |
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You Asked For It The Rev. Dan Puchalla, rector
Hi, friends, this Sunday starts a 2-part Spiritual Growth class led by the Rev. Kyle Oliver about apocalyptic literature in the Bible. This past summer, when we asked for feedback about topics you were curious about, this one was near the top of the list. I hope you have a blast exploring this with Kyle!
This is also seasonally appropriate: as we enter these final weeks before Advent, the lectionary puts us in a place of contemplating the end of the world. Rather than defeatism or pessimism, these “wildest dreams” of the Bible contain strength and skills for realizing God’s dream for humanity today.
Blessed Little Adventures (K-5) will be meeting as well during this class!
A reminder that I’m on my annual sabbatical leave until November 23. This Sunday, please welcome as your presider and preacher Rev. Mary Haggerty, formerly of Missouri. On Sunday, Nov 22, the Rev. Kyle Oliver will be your presider, preacher, and finish his 2-week class.
With gratitude and blessings, 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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Sunday bulletins are posted online every Saturday morning. |
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| Updated Pumpkin Patch Numbers
More good news from the Pumpkin Patch! Thanks to a generous gift of honey sales proceeds from the Field & Forage Bee Co. booth at Pumpkin Fest, our total is up from $9,383 to $9,916.62. That’s $4,958.31 each for the West Deerfield and Vernon Township food pantries. Thank you to the Kettlewells and to everyone who helped us raise nearly $10,000 for our neighbors! |
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| Annual Giving 2027: It’s Not Too Late!
Thank you to all who have turned in their pledge cards thus far! While our Spiritual Growth Tree is heavy with leaves, we are still working hard to reach our goal. We truly need you to meet our financial target. Every leaf matters, and our tree isn't complete without yours! Pledge online today. Let’s gather every last leaf together! |
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| Dan and Kathryn Out of Office Dates
Pastor Dan is out of the office for his annual sabbatical time Nov 10-22: first at a CREDO Conference and then doing personal study. If you have any logistical questions in that time, please direct them to Anita (anita@stgregoryschurch.org). As always, you can direct pastoral emergencies to the pastoral care number (847.929.9986), which will go to our friend Pastor Kristin Saylor. A reminder that this also means that Pastor Dan’s Starbucks drop in hours are also cancelled on November 16 & 30.
Also, Kathryn is on vacation from November 7-13. If you have any questions or concerns for her in that time, please direct them to Anita (anita@stgregoryschurch.org). |
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| Apocalypse, How?
Spiritual Growth Sessions Nov 15 & 22
Our good friend Kyle Oliver will be leading our next Spiritual Growth series on November 15 & 22 (10:45-11:30) - and you won’t want to miss it!
Mainline Christians mostly shy away from engaging with the Bible’s so-called apocalyptic literature, and for some good reasons we’ll explore. But if we understand the historical context and poetic approach in these vivid books, we’ll find relatable and surprisingly comforting spiritual enrichment.
Blessed Little Adventures will be meeting during these times, focused on the Gospel for each Sunday. All children K-5 are welcome, while their parents attend the adult class. |
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| Curious Faith starts a new book!
StGs’ theological Zoom book club is starting a new book next week - they’ll be reading Your Untold Story: Tales of a Child of God. This was written by The Rt. Rev. Jake Owensby, the Episcopal Bishop of Western Louisiana since 2012, who was a previously philosophy professor at small college.
If you’d like to join, please do so via the link below! The first meeting for this book is tonight on Zoom from 7-8pm. |
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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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| New Ministry Alert: Wheels of Love!
We are starting a new ministry where those who are able to provide rides to/from church can be connected with those who need rides to/from church!
Our first recipient is Jeanette Blanck, who lives at CIEL Senior Living (145 N. Milwaukee in Vernon Hills). If you live in the area (or that’s on your way!), please use the button below for additional details and to sign up. If you have any questions, contact Cissy Singleton. Thank you! |
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| Next Community Meals is Nov 22!
We need YOUR help on November 22nd as we welcome guests inside for a warm meal at Christ Church. So far we only have a few volunteers. We have 2 bakers and need one more.
Please sign up in the Sign Up Center or by emailing Barb via the button below. |
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| Thanksgiving Services Offered
You have two options for Thanksgiving worship with StGs this year:
Religious Leaders United is holding its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 22 at 3pm, followed by a reception and neighborly fellowship. The service is hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park. Rabbi Ike Serotta from Makom Solel Lakeside will be preaching, and the service will also include remarks by local faith leaders, elected officials, and music by the Deerfield High School String Ensemble. The offering benefits the Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and the Moraine Township Food Pantry! Join our usual 8am Wednesday morning Zoom service the day before Thanksgiving (Nov 25) for a special Thanksgiving service. Click here to join.
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| It’s Time for Nicasa Christmas Gifts!
As is our annual custom, this season StGs will once again be providing Christmas gifts for 40 Nicasa families! Use the button below to sign up to sponsor a family (2-7 people). Once you’ve signed up, Janet Foltz will email the family’s wish list and all of the details to you. If you don’t have time to do the shopping, she is willing to do it for you. If you’re unable to provide gifts for a whole family, you can make a donation to StGs and indicate that it is to be used toward Nicasa Christmas gifts.
About Nicasa: Since 1966, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services has been providing transformational behavioral health and social services to communities throughout Lake County. From substance use, problem gambling, sports betting, anxiety, depression, self-esteem to family stabilization needs, linkages to other services, and any other challenges, our programs are carefully tailored to people’s specific needs.
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| Advent begins November 29!
This fall has gone by in a flash… can you believe Advent is starting in just a few weeks? Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up: Sign Up to Light the Weekly Advent Wreath: We are once again asking individuals, friends, and families to sign up to light the Advent Wreath every Sunday in Advent. Add your name to the Sign Up Center! Holy Emptiness: After Worship on Nov 29, Dec 6, and Dec 20, stay for fifteen minutes to breathe, rest, and make room for God. This is an intergenerational spiritual growth activity to bring some intentional calm to your holiday season. December 13: Nicasa gift wrapping party with Scout Troop 50 immediately following the service Christmas Eve & Christmas Morning: We hope to see you and your families at our services on Christmas Eve (4pm) and Christmas Morning (10am)
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| Coffee with Dan on Mondays
Cancelled November 16 & 30
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, November 18 | 7:00pm
November 18: Brighter Than Her Fears by Lisa Art
Brighter Than Her Fears is Lisa Ard's debut historical fiction novel, published in 2024, set in 1882 western North Carolina, and based on her great-great-grandmother's life. The story follows 30-year-old Alice Harris as she navigates personal and societal challenges, including the women's rights movement, inequality, and racism, after her father's death forces her into a marriage with a Civil War veteran. It's praised for its exploration of love, independence, and identity through a proactive female protagonist. |
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| | Meeting ID: 817 1184 3180
Passcode: 893734 |
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| Curious Faith:A Theology Book ClubThursdays from 7-8pm, Zoom only
Current book: Your Untold Story: Tales of a Child of God by Jake Owensby
Interested in exploring big questions of faith through thoughtful, accessible books? Join St. Gregory’s 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: Ron and his family Kathy Rodgers Yvette Ewing
In thanksgiving for…
For the departed…
Loraine Joanne Dutcher
Patrick Stewart Lambert Hirscheimer
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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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