Our Youth will be participating in our intergenerational formation program this fall (2021-2022) as part of the Creating Beloved Community program. The program is called, Tell Me the Truth About Racism. We are meeting monthly (on site or online tbd) starting in September to learn about the Big Lie of racism and how it affects every one of God's beloved children. We will meet with all ages together (and two other churches) to hear a story in the Godly Play style. Then we will split into affinity groups (youth group age on their own) to wonder about the stories. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Seasonally the Youth Group also participates in running the Pumpkin Patch, game nights, trips to Six Flags, retreats with other churches and mission trips.
We had a Harry Potter Retreat with two other churches in February 2020 at the Castle at Stronghold where we discussed the connections between our baptismal covenants and the Harry Potter stories. We fought dementors, made potions and wands and served the community by playing games with residents at a nursing home. We prayed and discussed our identities as children of God. See the pictures by clicking here: Harry Potter Retreat - February 2020
We will be packing care packages for our college students on April 24 so they are received in time for final exams. in consideration of dietary restrictions and in order to avoid duplication, Shelley will purchase all the items. Please consider d...
During the pandemic, we had weekly photography contests for students in Middle School, High School and College! Each week we had a different topic and an objective judge (our wonderful Communications Minister) chose a winner! All our winners are displayed below!
Close-up
Youth Photo Contest
PenBasketballRoseStone
Black and White
Youth Photo Contest
Baby ElephantBasketballRose
Independence
Youth Photo Contest
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of HappinessLady LibertyJust ChillingLady Liberty
Nature
Youth Photo Contest
After the StormSpring is in the AirPretty in PinkBy the River
In 2018, when I interviewed for the position of Family Minister, the first question I was asked was, “Do you know what you’re getting into if you move to Deerfield, IL from Arizona?" I reassured everyone that I went to high school and college in Wisconsin and could deal with the winters once I bought some new clothes. Then, when I saw the Prayground (soft space for children to be children during services) in the church, and the beautiful Upper Room for the youth, I was sold! I could see that St. Gregory’s truly valued families!
I see God in the faces of children and am so blessed to be involved with them as they grow in their faith and mature. Teenagers are some of the most interesting “Children of God” because they grow more at that age than any other in life: physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. It is such a gift to be able to witness that growth and support them as they ask questions such as, “who am I to God?” or “why am I here?”
I have been involved in Christian Formation in various roles from Sunday School Teacher, Camp Counselor, Nursery Coordinator, Youth Group Leader, Social Service Director, Sunday School Administrator, Chalice Players Administrator to Family Minister over the course of 20 years. I have served churches and schools in Washington DC, Denver and Golden CO, and Scottsdale AZ.
I have a certificate in Children and Family Ministries from the Diocese of Arizona and a Certificate in Leadership in Lifelong Christian Formation from Forma and Virginia Theological Seminary. I also have a BA in English from Ripon College (3 credits short of a religion minor) and an AAS in Massage Therapy.
I have two adult daughters who bring me joy and help me laugh at myself! I have a granddog, Athena, who works with me in my office and three kitties: Max, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. As you can tell, I’m a bit of a Harry Potter fanatic. I can’t wait for it to be safe to swim again. I enjoy walking, yoga and movies.
Onsite AND Online worship - at the same time, at 9:30am starting in Advent!
God willing and supply chains cooperating, technology accessibility will be installed in our worship space in time for us to incorporate all of our worship into one service on Sunday mornings. The new cameras, sound system, and screen will allow our zoom worshippers to continue to participate and lead worship, and our onsite worshippers to see them and share in the sacred space together.
The new time (9:30am Central time) takes into account the desires and needs of the diverse part of the body of Christ that comes together as StGs Sunday worship community. We will try this time out for a season or two and see how it settles into our rhythm of life.
Click here to link to Sunday Worship page to join our services online and see past videos,
Location
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
815 Wilmot Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
Welcome to St. Gregory's – virtually! We know that the church is not the building in which we worship – but the people who worship and share God’s love with the world. In this time of social distancing, we will practice connectivity in new and powerful ways, for we know we all are connected as one in the Lord. Life is very different than we knew it to be, and yet our anchor in God’s love remains the same. All shall be well!
Everyone is experiencing the Pandemic in different ways. Many people are experiencing deeper loss than they ever have before, and we are here to support them during this time. If you are experiencing loss and grief, we are here to pray with you, talk with you, and help financially.
The Body of Christ exists to care for each other. Sometimes we can be generous, and sometimes we receive generosity. Both are equal acts of faith and grace, and one cannot exist without the other.