Starting on January 15 Fr. Andrew leading a five week discussion of Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury's book,"Being Christian."

 

In this simple, beautifully written book Rowan Williams explores four essential components of the Christian life: baptism, Bible, Eucharist, and prayer. Despite huge differences in Christian thinking and practice, these four basic elements have remained constant and indispensable for the majority of those who call themselves Christians.  All are welcome.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING DEFINE THE VISION AND LEADERSHIP OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) here at St. Gregory's, then we invite you to a luncheon being held on Saturday, January 28th at noon. What is ECW: The Episcopal Church Women of St. Gregory's and of the Diocese of Southeast Florida are part of the church-wide organization of Episcopal Church Women, a ministry of and for women, through which they are called and empowered by grace to serve our Lord in prayer, action, study and fellowship. All women in every congregation in the diocese are members and are invited to be active participants. Women of all ages are invited.  The signup sheet is available in Harris Hall.

I moved to Boca Raton from New York City approximately 2 years ago and have been a member of St. Gregory's for over a year. I happily participate in the St. Gregory's choir as well as contributing in a small way to raising money for the church in various auctions and activities.

 

I attended St. Bart's in NYC and was a performer for many years on Broadway, as well as being the Associate Director and Director of Spanierman Modern Art Gallery, one of the premier American art galleries in the US. My move to Boca Raton was prompted after the closing of the gallery when Ira Spanierman retired after 60 years, taking the job as Director of Rosenbaum Contemporary here in Boca and now I have semi-retired, happily creating my own works.

 

My volunteer work while in NYC was varied, I was on the ground floor of the Aids Resource Shelter from 1985-1988, helping to form Bailey House from 1984-1986, giving Aids patients free housing for as long as they needed it. I also worked with Cancer Care for children in NY from 2003 until my move here in 2014. The Battered Women's Shelter was another charity that meant a lot to me, contributing from 2003-2010, in various ways from teaching jewelry beading to helping out with various fairs to raise money for the organization.

 

I consider it such an honor to be nominated for the Vestry of St. Gregory's, this church under the direction of Father Andrew Sherman, has touched my life in a very deep meaningful way and I am forever grateful.

It would be an honor to represent the people of St. Gregory's on the vestry as we continue our journey to share the love of Christ with each other and our neighbors near and far. For nine years I have been nourished spiritually worshiping with you in this place. I am blessed personally by belonging to this family.

It has been a privilege to work with various ministries and to help St. Gregory's and the Diocese mark significant milestones. Currently, I co-chair the Memorial and Special Gifts Committee; chair the Flower Guild (a subset of the Altar Guild); work as an Office Angel Volunteer; serve as  a member of the Long-Range Strategic Planning Group and the HII Committee (Hospitality, Invitation and Incorporation of new members). To supplement funds for outreach and church music, I co-chaired the Cross Dinner & Auction for four years, the recent HollyVersary Celebration and a Broadway music benefit evening. 

For the Diocese, I serve on the Duncan Center Board of Directors and

co-chaired the Transition Committee, an 18-month assignment managing activities and logistics related to the retirement of Bishop Leo Frade, the election and the consecration  and seating of Bishop Eaton.

Working on St. Gregory's year-long 60th anniversary celebration gave me new appreciation for

the founders, dedicated clergy and parish leaders throughout the years. It was an honor to lead

the memorial walkway project which marks that milestone in our church's life.

Professionally, my career spanned financial journalism in the roles of reporter, editor and

publisher; director corporate communications for financial market research companies; event planning for U.S. and international conferences and exhibitions and consulting.

My husband Walter (Jones) and I frequently say that we cannot imagine life without St. Gregory's. It is so true. We are blessed every day by this church and family.

I graduated from The Ohio State University and pursued a career in manufacturing, banking and as a real estate broker. Now I have served as a member of St. Gregory's Vestry for the past two years. I am able to run for a three year term as I replaced another Vestry member before his term expired.

I have enjoyed serving on the Vestry and feel that I have matured as a Christian. I serve as liaison to the Tech Committee, The Ushers and Greeter, and the Altar Guild. I also serve on the South Florida Haiti Project Board, the Eastburn Committee and the Ruth Harris Committee.

I use common sense when dealing with issues as well as listen to all sides before making a decision. I hope you will vote for me so I can actively participate in the continued spiritual and thriving growth of St. Gregory's. 

I'm happy to have been a member of St. Gregory's for six wonderful years. I've served on

-Special gifts and memorials committee co-chair, 
-Eastburn Grant committee for Family Promise and the South Florida Haiti Project, 
-Human resources committee. 
-Mission and outreach planning, 
-Love Boca advisory committee. 

I serve on the board of Episcopal charities of Southeast Florida and on the Lilly Foundation advisory committee for Father John Beniste's new ministry at the Church of the Holy Redeemer. 

I have years of business experience including 25 years as owner and CEO of a voice response development company which has assisted numerous cities and large school districts in recovery from natural disasters.  In addition, my experience includes work as Owner and CEO of an industrial  real estate holding company and years working for AT&T as regional manager of human resources and compensation and manager of large deals and a pilot for business reorganization.  I have previous experience with my former parish, Holy Spirit, Lake Forest, Ill, with strategic planning and parish life, altar guild, acolyte, chalice bearer and lector.

I'm honored to be nominated for this position. I would welcome the opportunity to continue and build upon the outstanding traditions of St. Gregory's and to help our church be a positive force during these challenging times in strengthening our broader community of faith.

I moved to Boca with my husband Craig, and joined St. Gregory's in 2015. I am a sculptor and medical artist. My life has been shaped by the Episcopal Church via my parents' journey, as my father was called to serve as parish priest, archdeacon, and seminary dean. When I was 30 he was elected The Episcopal Bishop of NY, and they have since retired. My life has been immersed in and witness to the compassionate management of systems, and of community relationships grounded in faith, trust, love, and worship.

My first career was in small museum and non-profit management in the arts and sciences. I offer the vestry a familiarity with the "nuts and bolts" aspects of organizational management.

I have been a spiritual director and retreat leader since receiving a Masters from The General Theological Seminary in 2010. During our Sabbatical summer, I had the opportunity to address the congregation and lead lectio divina for our field trip. This year I look forward to serving at the altar and participating in new ministries. I will be facilitating the Women's Lenten Retreat and co-facilitating an adult forum later this spring on "Mind, Body, Spirit."

I hope that my journey will be an asset to the community as we continue the journey together. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you at St. Gregory's, Heather.