| Weekly Newsletter for November 5, 2026 |
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| Exiting the Game The Rev. Dan Puchalla, rector
There is no denying the dramatic and historic nature of this past week’s election results. There will be no end of reflection on what these results mean for our country, our world, and our shared future.
In a recent sermon, I spoke about “exiting the game”: intentionally stepping away from the small reality of competition in order to remember the bigger reality of God’s creation and our shared humanity.
Elections have winners and losers, and their consequences matter deeply. But the scoreboard is not the real story.
Whether we greet these results with a deep exhale of relief, with disappointment, or with caution and uncertainty, God's bigger reality is the story: Our neighbors need food, housing, safety, peace, purpose, and opportunities to flourish, and our very created nature calls us to join God in doing something about it. Exiting the game means returning to public life with those needs — not 2028 — at the center.
As Christians, we are called to hold all our public servants to a simple standard: work together for the common good. That is the only excuse for holding power. I daresay that we should do that most vociferously with those we voted for (it’s their best chance of getting elected again!). When we live into that calling, we are clear that we expect honesty, respect for human dignity, and a willingness to cooperate across differences to improve people’s lives.
It also asks something of us: to resist rewarding contempt, to recognize good work across party lines, and to insist that the people most easily overlooked remain part of every calculation. Let us pray for our leaders, encourage them, do our part, and hold them accountable. Winning an election is not the job, it’s just getting hired. The job is serving the whole nation with justice, wisdom, and mercy.
In that spirit, I hope you will also join us this Sunday as we remember, bless, and pray for our veterans, in partnership with our Scout Troop, with a brief Veterans Day Service following the 9:30 Eucharist.
One other note: We will also start this Sunday's service with a Blessing of the New Parking Lot. We will gather at 9:30 in Founders Hall (like on Palm Sunday), and have a procession with bagpipes. Accommodations will be made for those with mobility issues.
Abundant blessings to you all, 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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2026 Pumpkin Patch Results
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make our 2026 Pumpkin Patch a resounding success! Keeping in mind we did this in HALF THE TIME, here is how this year stacks against last year:
2025 2026 Total pumpkin/gourd profit: $7,129 $6,011
(after paying our pumpkin vendor)
Raffle ticket sales: $953 $868
Honey & Soap sales: $1,277 $438
Donations: $6,486 $2,066
Total to split between food pantries: $15,869 $9,383
Moreover, this year’s Patch also fulfilled its other purposes: connecting with our neighbors, working with other organizations to change the world, helping neighbors build deeper connections with one another.
We would be remiss without thanking the following: Our Weekly Patch Captains: Sharon Gramer, Mary Rodgers, Peter Holtz The masterminds behind our patch events & raffle: Suzann Sladcik and Kathryn Kinjo All who helped clean up the patch after: Peter Holtz, Sally Holtz, Matt Geiger, and Pat King (m) Our staff who provide the background support: Anita Tasher (who manages the sales records) and Casey Kremer (our johnny-on-the-spot for whatever needs doing) And all of YOU who unloaded pumpkins, staffed sales shifts, volunteered at patch events and the farmer’s market, who bought pumpkins, and who told their friends to come support this amazing neighborhood service we have provided for our 22nd year in a row!
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| Thank you for a profoundly lovely All Saints & All Souls service! |
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| Thank you so much to all who made last Sunday’s All Saints & All Souls service so meaningful and beautiful! To Audrey & Morgan Logas, who were baptized at this service! To our Necrology readers (Bruce Moore and Lauro Sansano, Matthew & Catherine Regalado, Ana Soonthornsima, Megan Agyeman, Gregor Leckie, and Emily Calub), and all those who submitted names of their beloved dead to be read aloud and brought photos and mementos. To our special musicians and our wonderful choir for filling the service with such beautiful music, and the pledges who make their music possible. To all who submitted their pledges for In Gathering Sunday, as well as Ana Soonthornsima, Sharon Gramer, Kristen Logas, and Sarah Snyder for all their work heading up the Annual Giving Campaign so far. Special thanks to Casey Kremer for designing and producing the mailing and pledge cards. To all who contributed to the delicious brunch afterward: Ana and Ob Soonthornsima, Sharon Gramer, Carolyn Lombardo, Barb Schaper, and Casey Kremer.
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| | | | This Sunday, November 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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| | Annual Giving 2027: It’s Not Too Late!
Our annual giving campaign is winding down, and while we have already seen a wonderful harvest of leaves on our Spiritual Growth Tree, there is still a perfect spot waiting just for yours. We need you to help our tree reach full bloom!
Your pledge provides the steady foundation we need to keep our ministries growing, support our staff, and bear witness to God’s grace by caring for one another.
If your card is currently pulling a disappearing act under a pile of mail or lingering on your dashboard, consider this your joyful rescue mission. Please drop it in the basket this Sunday, mail it in, or make your commitment online today so we can finalize our budget for the coming year. We truly grow better together! |
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| | Dan and Kathryn Out of Office Dates
Pastor Dan will be 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 Thursday, Nov 12 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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| | Rest in Peace, Lambert Hirscheimer
We’re saddened to let you know that former parishioner Lambert Hirscheimer died on October 24, in his home of Cary, North Carolina. Please pray for Carol, his wife, and his sons, Lambert and Matt, and their whole family. Learn more about Lambert’s life here.
We will have a small interment service for Lambert at St. Gregory’s this Monday, Nov 9, at noon. Any who wish may attend. Please gather in the Sanctuary at noon, and we will then process outside to the Memorial Garden.
Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. |
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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. Guests who wish to do so are invited to bring a nonperishable food donation for the Deerfield Food Pantry.
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.
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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| | Next Community Meals is Nov 22!
Thanks to the two people who signed up to bake cookies for the November 22nd Community Meals. We have a few volunteers but need more since we will be serving buffet style. Additionally, we are collecting personal care items and Halloween candy. 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: Join our usual 8am Wednesday morning Zoom service the day before Thanksgiving (Nov 25) for a special Thanksgiving service. Click here to join.
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!
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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: Advent Spiritual Growth series on November 29 and Dec 6 from 10:45-11:30am 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: Jamie Kendall Synda Nelson 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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