| Weekly Newsletter for October 22, 2026 |
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| The Unparalleled Prophet The Rev. Kyle Oliver, guest preacher |
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This weekend's passage from Deuteronomy raises the question of individual fairness for Moses, the unparalleled prophet. The people of Israel have reached the promised land, and Moses gets to see it but not cross over. What does this passage teach us about leadership and stewardship?
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| You Are a Leader The Rev. Dan Puchalla, rector
Building off of Kyle’s sermon this Sunday, we also complete our October Spiritual Growth series with guest presenter, our very own warden LoriLee Bielski. LoriLee has enormous experience in being a leader and developing leadership in others. She will teach about an approach called Mindful Leadership to round out our series, When Loving Thy Neighbor is Driving You Nuts.
In following the way of Jesus, we are all called to be leaders in the world — not necessarily by having fancy titles or lofty offices. Rather, we are leaders by nudging our communities toward the peace, justice, and beauty of what God dreams for humanity.
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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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Pumpkin Unloading!
Pumpkin Unloading Day is always the best active demonstration of “many hands make light work!” Thanks to Peter Holtz for coordinating food after all our hard work, and also the huge unloading efforts of our Troop 50 friends, the Village of Deerfield guys, and SO many of you (hope we haven’t missed anyone!): the Seilheimer family, the Rodgers-Geiger family, Suzann Sladcik (and her strong-backed-friends who lent their invaluable help!), the Logas family, Ed Bayer, Cissy Singleton, Marilyn Knilans, LoriLee Bielski, Gregor Leckie, the Kinjo/Balfe family, the Soonthornsimas, the Holtzes, the Millspaughs, the Orsi family, and of course Pastor Dan! |
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| Pumpkin Fest… WOW!
Holy cow! We estimate we had a record-breaking 500+ attendees at our Pumpkin Fest on Sunday, it was amazing! There are SO many people to thank for their efforts in making it such a huge success, including: Pumpkin Fest setup: the Agyeman family, the Holtzes, the Kinjo/Balfe family, Sharon Gramer, Matt Geiger, Jim Millspaugh, Janet Foltz, Casey Kremer, Cissy Singleton Our game facilitators: Sally Holtz (the MVP of the Granny Pants game!), Matt Geiger, Ob Soonthornsima, Sarah Snyder, Cheryl Trevithick, Hiko & Debbie Kinjo, Rafael Orsi, Catherine Regalado, Andy, Marcus, & Val Seilheimer, LoriLee Bielski, Jim & Cyndi Millspaugh, Suzann Sladcik, Sophia Lombardo (I’m so sorry if I missed anyone!) Our StGs booth staffers: Marilyn Knilans, Mary Rodgers, Kristen Logas, Ana Soonthornsima Our MC: Pastor Dan! Our second-half entertainment: our tenor Michael Potsic with Michael’s Music Machine Our amazing face painters: Abby Kettlewell & Olivia Polzin Traffic minders: Peter Holtz, Tony Trevithick Cleanup: especially the Seilheimer & Kinjo families, Casey Kremer, and Pastor Dan, but also everyone who lent a hand in cleaning up their game station/booth! … and all of YOU who came to enjoy the Fest, shop for pumpkins, and more!
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| Trunk-or-Treat & Scouts Haunted House
The fun isn’t over yet… this weekend we have our final events in the Patch! |
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A Few Sales Shifts Still Open 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.
Immediate Needs: We need a few more folks to help during all shifts this Sunday during all shifts, to help with peak sales times. |
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| | | | Annual Giving 2027:Rooted in Faith, Growing Together, Giving with Purpose
This Sunday marks the fourth week of our Annual Giving Campaign, and we hope to strike a chord as we welcome a familiar voice during the announcements to share a unique perspective on our parish life!
Beautiful, transformative worship is intentionally funded by our congregation to serve as the unifying soundtrack to our faith. As we crescendo toward our In-Gathering on November 1, we invite you to prayerfully consider your pledge - Annual Giving 2027 Invitation.
Whether your gift is large or small, Giving with Purpose resonates as St. Gregory's remains Rooted in Faithand continues Growing Together in perfect harmony through song, prayer, and community. |
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| | November 1: All Saints & All Souls
October is fast coming to a close, which means we’re nearing our feast of All Saints & All Souls on Sunday, November 1. It is a beautiful and heartfelt service to commemorate those we love but see no longer, with many special features: The baptisms of Audrey & Morgan Logas! An altar at the front of the church where you can place photos/mementos of your beloved dead A bigger choir with extra special music throughout the service The reading of the Necrology (where we read aloud a list of the names of all our beloved dead) during Communion. Just as we did last year, this year we will read only the names that you submit to Kathryn. Please do so via email or the button below, including pronunciation help. Deadline is MONDAY, Oct 26! A delicious brunch to follow, where we’ll move the altar with photos/mementos so we can enjoy looking at them all while we eat!
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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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| | This Sunday is our next Community Meals
We have 3 bakers – yay! – but still need volunteers to serve for Community Meals this coming Sunday. Please sign up in the Sign Up Center or by emailing Barb via the button below. |
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| | Coffee with Pastor Dan cancelled Oct 26
Dan will be at clergy retreat on Monday, Oct 26, so if you go to Starbucks to chat with him… he won’t be there! His normal 3-6pm hours there on Mondays will resume on Nov 2. As always though, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with him via email! |
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| | Friendsgiving Luncheon: celebrate friendship, connection, and community with Partners in Aging!
Join Partners in Aging and West Deerfield Township for a special Friendsgiving Luncheon on Friday, November 13, from 12:00–2:00pm at the Deerfield Golf Club, 1201 Saunders Road, Deerfield.
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, live music, and the company of friends in a warm and welcoming setting. Our delicious meal will include Roast turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, green bean casserole, creamed corn, dinner rolls, pumpkin butter cakes, and apple crumble bars for dessert.
This dementia-friendly community event is open to everyone, with a special invitation to family caregivers and their loved ones. There is no cost for the event, but space is limited, so RSVP early.
Guests who wish to do so are invited to bring a nonperishable food donation for the Deerfield Food Pantry.
Please RSVP by November 6 to Partners in Aging (info@piahelp.org or 847-721-8414) and let us know if you need transportation. Free transportation is available. |
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| | Kathryn is Kind of A Big Deal
Pastor Dan here telling you to listen to Kathryn sing with Chroma on WFMT this past Monday. It’s an incredible program and a magnificent performance.
How to listen: Click here. Click on Monday, Oct 19. Scroll down to Live from WFMT Click the blue play button.
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| | Nov 8: Parking Lot Blessing & Veteran’s Day Ceremony
On Sunday, November 8 we will begin our service with a joyful procession around our beautiful new parking lot to bless it (led by bagpipes because… why NOT?!), much like our Palm Sunday procession!
Then, immediately following the service, please join our Scout Troop 50 in the chapel as they hold a short Veteran’s Day service to honor our nation’s veterans. |
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| | | | | Coffee with Dan on Mondays
CANCELLED MONDAY, OCT 26 - Dan at clergy retreat! 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: Carol Radloff Scott & Elizabeth Hamilton Jeanette Blanck Kristen & baby Henry Lily Jamie Kendall Synda Nelson Ron and his family Kathy Rodgers
In thanksgiving for… the upcoming baptisms of Audrey & Morgan Logas at the Nov 1st All Saints service!
For the departed…
Loraine
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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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