Weekly Newsletter for January 15, 2026 |
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Bearing the Bleak Rev. Dan Puchalla
January can be bleak.
Joyful goals, inspired resolutions, and ardent hopes for the new year become chores to do … or not to do. The triumph, light, and peace of Christmas grows — in a word — cold, as we return to the realities of a broken, violent, and uncertain world. Was it all a dream? And, of course, there’s the literal cold and ice and snow. Even the most winter-loving among us (me included) will soon grow weary of even the loveliest of snowfalls.
By what means do we bear the bleakness of such seasons, whether a typical January or some other season (or years-long era)? This Sunday, we sidestep into the gospel of John. I think there’s something about the peculiar way he tells the story of Jesus that holds a secret — and a skill — for us all.
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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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| Monday coffee with Dan: starts this Monday!
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.
When Dan offered drop-in coffee over the holidays, there were many people who took him up on it… so he’s extending that regularly! 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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| January 25: Scout Sunday!
On Sunday, January 25 we will celebrate the kids and families of Scout Troop 50! Scouts will be featured in the service by helping with readings and music, and then all are invited to join us in Founder’s Hall after the service to learn about all the great things the troops have accomplished this year. Parents and kids interested in scouting can also learn about how to get involved! |
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| Next Community Meals: January 25
We have enough volunteers for our January Community Meals, but are looking for one more baker. If you’re able to help out (or join us for future Community Meals dates), please contact Barb via the button below. |
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| Save the Date: Annual Meeting is February 8
Immediately after the 9:30am service, we’ll look back at our accomplishments in 2025 and look ahead to our goals for 2026…. all while enjoying our annual crockpot chili/stew brunch. :) Add your name in the Sign-Up Center to bring your favorite soup/stew/chili (please bring it in your own crockpot!), or side items like rolls and drinks!
P.S. We promise to be finished well in advance of any pre-game tailgating for the Super Bowl. ;) |
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| Save This Date Too: Fat Sunday is February 15
On Sunday, February 15 we will enjoy our traditional Fat Sunday service - with gorgeous uplifting gospel music led by a band, and a festive brunch (with king cake!) to follow! This is a great Sunday to invite your friends and neighbors to, to showcase the fun and joyful heart of StGs on this last Sunday before Lent begins. :) You won’t want to miss it! |
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| KICKOFF for the StGs Cookbook Fundraiser Project!
We all know the StGs community enjoys our potluck events, and we’re sure you have requested or shared a recipe from food contributed! But now, you can help those dealing with food insecurity… just by sharing your recipes!
It’s simple: Use the button below to enter as many recipes as you’d like to share. Recipes will be collected until February 22nd. The St. Gregory’s Cookbook will be sold during Lent and delivered after Easter. All proceeds from cookbook sales will go to the West Deerfield and Vernon Township Food Pantries!
We need your help to achieve our goal of a minimum of 150 recipes! Questions or need help? Contact Cissy Singleton or Kim Baer. |
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| Are you interested in getting baptized or officially joining the Episcopal Church?
Pastor Dan would like to know if anyone is interested in a class for adults who might like to be baptized, confirmed, or officially received into the Episcopal Church.
This class would meet weekly between April 20 and May 20, day and time TBD.
This class will also be great for anyone who is simply interested in learning more about the distinctiveness of the Episcopal Church. You’re not committed to going through with one of the rites.
Click the button to express interest. |
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| Flu is Spiking!
Help protect the vulnerable
with these tips
The Lake County Health Department has requested we alert you to the recent spike in respiratory illnesses, especially influenza. Remember: It’s always okay to wear a mask – either to protect yourself, or to protect others if you’re feeling under the weather. Frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Stay home if you’re not feeling well or have been exposed to someone who is ill… that’s one reason why we still offer church on Zoom! You are always welcome to worship remotely if needed.
Let’s continue to live out God’s calling of protecting the vulnerable among us. |
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| Scout Troop 50 is collecting old phones
Are you like many of us, with a drawer full of old electronics just gathering dust and taking up space? Troop 50 is collecting old or broken mobile phones, tablets, and MP3 players in December and January for a donation to Cell Phones for Soldiers!
Donated phones are wiped of personal information and refurbished for sale through their partner, Vendidit, or responsibly recycled for parts. Proceeds will fund programs that provide free communication solutions to Active/Guard/Reserve Service members and Veterans in need.
Any device can be donated regardless of age or condition! Please leave them in the box in the Sign Up Center, and the Scouts will take care of the rest. Thank you! |
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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. Whatever your craft - whether your medium is knitting, embroidery, painting, calligraphy, etc - and whatever your skill level, all are welcome! We meet in the Parker Room. |
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| Book Club3rd Wednesday of the month | 7:00pm
Note: A reminder that we take December off, but will resume in January!
January 21:
James by Percival Everett
A brilliant reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—both harrowing and satirical—told from the enslaved Jim's point of view.
When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.
Brimming with nuanced humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a literary icon, this brilliant and tender novel radically illuminates Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion as never before. James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first-century American literature. |
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| | Meeting ID: 817 1184 3180
Passcode: 893734 |
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For healing in mind, body, or spirit: Ian McCarthy, Esther Rose, Mary Q, Arlene, Jacob Gramer, Nita Abbott
In thanksgiving for…
For the departed…
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Announcements are for church-related matters only. Deadline for announcements is Monday at noon. Please send announcements to Kathryn Kinjo Duncan. |
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