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CHRISTIAN FORMATION
for
CHILDREN & YOUTH
+ + +
DIVING DEEPLY
INTO
GOD'S LOVE!
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Teach children in the way they should go
and when they are old, they will not depart from it.
~ Proverbs 22:6 ~
| | | + + + THE SEASON OF PENTECOST + + + | | |
"The Holy Spirit is a healing spirit.
When the Holy Spirit is present, anything is possible."
~ Reinhard Bonnke ~
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CALENDAR QUICK LOOK
This Sunday, August 30
FIRST DAY
OF REGULAR CLASSES FOR ALL!
9:30am: Nursery open
9:10am: Confirmation Class
(Conference Room)
9:45am: 3yrs - 5th grade classes (designated classrooms)
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
Next Sunday, September 06
9:30am: Nursery Open
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
10am: Rise & Shine service (Harris Hall)
No regular classes or Upper Room Time for Teens
11:30am: Strategic Plan Presentation during Coffee Hour
Youth Room open for children of all ages while adults attend presentation.
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ONLINE REGISTRATION: ALWAYS OPEN!
Sunday School, Confirmation Class, Upper Room Time for Teens
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Click the link OR scan the QR code to register!
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Visit our Welcome and Registration Table!
(just outside the Godly Play classroom;
2nd floor of Harris Hall)
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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST
SUNDAY SCHOOL COORDINATORS!
This year we are blessed to add Silvia Hall and Ayanna Reid to our Sunday School Coordinator team. Both are faithful, dedicated and gifted Sunday School teachers (Silvia - Godly Play, Summer Sunday School; Ayanna - 4th/5th) and they will be amazing additions to our team! Many thanks to them for their willingness to serve in this capacity!
Feel free to contact anyone on the coordinator team
for more information about our Sunday School offerings.
Silvia Hall ~ silviahall@yahoo.com
Ayanna Reid ~ aa.ricketts@gmail.com
Anita Sherman ~ anitasherman561@gmail.com
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RISE & SHINE SERVICE RESUMES!
Sunday, September 06
10am in Harris Hall
Rise & Shine offers a unique worship experience that is open to all as well as offering some special elements geared toward children, youth and families. The service, which takes place on the first Sunday of each month, is in Harris Hall and runs concurrently with the 10am service in the sanctuary. All are invited!
Please note that Sunday School classes and Upper Room Time for teens do not meet on Rise & Shine Sundays; Confirmation Class does meet as usual at 9:10am in the Conference Room.
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PICNIC FUN FOR ALL!
Our annual parish picnic was a blast! Water slide, corn hole, great picnic food and joyous time together. Many thanks to the Brothers of St. Gregory's for being our hosts for the lunch and to all who worked to make this a fantastic event. What a great way to kick off our new program year!
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SAFE CHURCH POLICIES
Working to assure the safety and wellbeing of our children, youth and all members
At St. Gregory's we work hard to follow policies and guidelines designed to keep all of us as safe and as well as possible at church. The national Episcopal Church and our diocese have set forth policies and guidelines for all parishes to aid in this effort.
With particular regard to children and youth, St. Gregory's does the following:
+ Require all who work with children and youth, as well as other staff and persons in authority, to complete the Safe Church program through our diocese.
+ Require background checks for all relevant people, including Sunday School teachers, youth ministers, clergy and regular volunteers.
+ Comply with our diocesan policies and guidelines.
As we have said in prior communications, we cannot guarantee anyone 100% safety. However, we can -- and do -- strive to do our very best to create a loving and safe space for everyone at our church.
If you would like more information about the Safe Church program
or St. Gregory's policies, please contact:
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman, Rector
asherman@st-gregorys.com
Kristen Chaney, Parish Administrator and Safe Church Coordinator
kchaney@st-gregorys.com
The Rev. Mary Ellen Cassini, Assistant Rector and
diocesan Safe Church trainer
mecassini@st-gregorys.com
Anita Sherman, Youth and Young Adult Program Coordinator
anitasherman561@gmail.com
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WELCOMING A NEW ADDITION
TO OUR CLERGY TEAM!
Please join us in welcoming The Rev. Chris Harding to our St. Gregory's family and to our clergy team! He will be joining us in September. Stay tuned for opportunities to meet him.
A MESSAGE FROM FR. ANDREW:
Dear Beloved Members of St. Gregory's,
It is with great joy that I announce that the Rev. Christopher ("Chris") Harding will be joining the clergy team at St. Gregory's as our newest Assistant Rector starting on September 15.
At the beginning of this year, we initiated a strategic planning process for
St. Gregory's. One of the critical priorities that has been identified is the need for additional clergy leadership to work with our children, youth, and families, and to strengthen, support, and expand our ministries in this area of our life in Christ. Thanks to a special financial gift recently given to the church, we have the resources to move forward with this new position.
For the past decade, Fr. Chris has worked as a transformative lay leader in the area of ministry with youth and young adults.
He attended The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City. He later began the ordination process and was ordained to the priesthood in April of this year. He currently serves as the Canon for Christian Formation at St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral in Boise, Idaho.
Fr. Chris is a native of Buffalo, New York. His family then moved to South Florida, where he graduated from Palm Beach Gardens High School before completing his college degree at Nyack College. He is a fan of his dogs (Beth and Gail), his husband (Andrew), cooking, and mystery novels. He especially loves the Gospel of Mark, Eucharistic Prayer C, and Hymn #382 (which is one of my favorite hymns and was sung at my ordination to the priesthood). Fr. Chris and his husband, Andrew, will reside on campus in our 298 Second Street home.
I also want to take this moment to express how very grateful I am that
Mother Mary Ellen has had such a positive start to her ministry at St. Gregory's. I feel very blessed to have two such gifted clergy colleagues to work with as we move forward in faith. I am also grateful to God for the gifts of our Clergy Associates, The Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren, The Rev. Emilio Rosolen, The Rev. Jean Bruno, and The Rev. Craig Burlington, Clergy Associate Emeritus, who continue to serve among us with immense grace and distinction. We are blessed!
Please join me in praying for Fr. Chris and his husband, Andrew, as they prepare to join us in September.
Blessings in Christ,
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman
Rector, St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
| | WORSHIP ☩ DISCIPLESHIP ☩ STEWARDSHIP ☩ FELLOWSHIP | | |
WHAT'S COMING UP?
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
This Sunday, August 30
FIRST DAY
OF REGULAR CLASSES FOR ALL!
9:10am: Confirmation Class
(Conference Room)
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
Topic: Upper Room Time - Deconstructed!
Next Sunday, September 06
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
10am: Rise & Shine Service (Harris Hall)
No Upper Room Time
11:30am: Youth Room open for all ages
for fun and games during Strategic Plan presentation at Coffee Hour
Looking Ahead: Mark Your Calendars and Stay Tuned for More Details!
Sun, Sept 20 - Sat, Oct 03: Youth Group Pet Food & Towel Drive
Sat, Oct 03: Blessing of the Pets; 9am; All youth invited to attend and help!
Sun, Nov 01: All Saints Day; Youth participate in the 10am service;
AND it's our Meals with Meaning Serve Day (1:30pm - 3pm)!
Scroll down to our Community Service section for more info
about these and other service opportunities!
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CONFIRMATION CLASS: LIFE IN CHRIST
(Grades 6, 7, 8 and others)
Confirmation Class meets every Sunday at 9:10am during the school year in the Conference Room (unless otherwise noted).
Our journey to Confirmation for young people is a three-year program. Our program seeks to nurture the faith of our young people as they prepare for their high school years and beyond, giving them a solid foundation for a Christ-centered life. The Confirmation Class experience may also include retreats, service opportunities and other activities. All young people in grades 6, 7 and 8 can participate in and benefit from this class, regardless of whether or not they choose to be confirmed. Older teens, those transferring from other churches, or any others who are interested are most welcome to participate as well.
During Confirmation we explore:
-- The Bible and the stories that shape our life and faith
-- A life of prayer and worship led by and replenished by the Holy Spirit
-- A life of ministry and service as disciples of Jesus
-- The Anglican/Episcopal tradition in all its breadth and depth
ANY QUESTIONS?
NEED MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT CONFIRMATION AT ST GREGORY'S?
Please contact Confirmation teachers
Fr. Andrew Sherman - asherman@at-gregorys.com
Gena Vallee - gvallee@st-gregorys.com
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UPPER ROOM TIME
Conversation, Reflection and Prayer -- with lots of Fun and Fellowship!
Upper Room Time meets at 9:45am in the Youth Room during the program year. All teens 6th - 12th grade are warmly invited to join us!
This Sunday, August 30
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
Topic: Upper Room Time - Deconstructed!
Next Sunday, September 06
10am: Rise & Shine Service (Harris Hall)
No Upper Room Time
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WHAT DO WE DO DURING UPPER ROOM TIME?
Following our pattern of Pause, Listen, Reflect, Pray and Go,
we build on our previous themes of
What will you do with your one wild and precious life?
(based on Mary Oliver's poem The Summer Day) and
"What makes you come alive?"
(from a quote by theologian and civil rights leader Howard Thurman)
"Building Beloved Community"
In conjunction with St. Gregory's church-wide Beloved Community initiative we worked on how our lives and gifts reflect God's love in the world.
Theme for 2026-2027 -- "I matter. I belong. I love."
We will delve more deeply into our core identity statement:
I am a beloved child of God. (I matter.)
I am a member of the Body of Christ. (I belong.)
I have a unique calling and purpose in this world. (I love.)
As we have in the past, we continue to use some Benedictine practices to bring more balance, proportion and harmony into our lives.
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SCENES FROM THE UPPER ROOM...
Sunday, August 23 was wild, wacky and wonderful as we kicked off our 2026-2027 year in the Upper Room! We had everything from a spirited ice-breaker featuring balloons and pool noodles to quiet meditation time to a closing prayer using a modified version of the Prayer of St. Francis (see below!).
We also started a discussion about AI based on a "Would You Rather...?" question: Would you rather have AI make all major political and social organization decisions or have random people make those decisions? Lots of hands went up to get the conversation started, so we will definitely continue the discussion in one or more of our upcoming sessions.
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OUR CLOSING PRAYER FOR THIS SUNDAY
Peace Prayer of St. Francis (alternate version)
Jesus, make me a channel of your peace and of your action.
Where there is apathy, let me bring real caring,
Where there is silence that shuts out others, let me be a kind voice.
Where there is too much entitlement, let me bring true thankfulness.
Where doors are closed and hearts are hard, let me bring the gentleness,
Where there is too much noise,
help me to be calm, listen respectfully, and speak quietly.
Where there is fear, let me bring courage.
Where pain is overlooked and no one seems to care,
help me to bring kindness.
Jesus, help me to take part in doing justice and being merciful,
not just talk about it;
Help me to see those who are struggling and do what I can,
understanding that I cannot do everything, but I can always do something.
Help me to love those that seem unlovable, not just the socially accepted ones;
Help me tear down what needs to be torn down
and build up what needs to be built up.
Help me to see your face in every one I meet.
Lord, make me a channel of your peace and your action.
(Author unknown; paraphrased/rewritten by Anita Sherman)
| | COMING UP IN UPPER ROOM TIME! | | |
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE, IN THE WORLD?
WHERE DOES JESUS FIGURE IN ALL THIS??
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AWESOME LEARNING AND FUN OPPORTUNITY!
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Teen Ambassador Program
High school students in grades 9-11 with an interest in the performing arts, journalism and marketing are invited to apply to the Broward Center Teen Ambassador Program.
Application deadline is September 08, 2026!
FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE!
Scroll down to the article in the Broward Center section to see more info about this program!
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YAYA BOUTIQUE
Reminder -- Where does the name "YAYA" come from? Easy -- it stands for Youth and Young Adult! All our proceeds benefit our ministry with youth and young adults.
We feature new and/or gently used clothing, accessories, and fun "what nots"!
Restore the Earth ~ Refresh your style ~ Renew your wardrobe!
SHOP YAYA!
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YAYA pop ups are coming!
FALL POP UP - MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Saturday, Nov 14 (during the ECW bazaar)
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A note about YAYA donations: Please speak with Anita Sherman directly if you have any items to donate.
We are very grateful for those who would like to contribute, but due to extremely limited storage space, we cannot accept drop off donations without prior notice and agreement. We appreciate your patience and understanding -- and your beautiful donations! Thank you!
| | ...AND CELEBRATING WHAT WE'VE DONE! | | |
YAY -- WE HAD A GREAT YEAR FROM 2025 - 2026
AND NOW WE CONTINUE OUR VOYAGE ON OUR 4 "SHIPS"!
Worship ☩ Discipleship ☩ Stewardship ☩ Fellowship
WHAT'S HAPPENED SO FAR? LET'S CELEBRATE!
🙌 Upper Room Time Meet & Greet Day
WHAT'S COMING UP? LET'S LOOK FORWARD TO:
Pet Food & Towel Drive and Pet Blessing Day
Meals with Meaning Serve Day
Upper Room Fun Days ~ YAYA Pop Up Sales
BRIYA gatherings ~ Mental wellbeing program(s)
All Saints Day Prayers of the People presentation
Poinsettia Sale ~ Annual Christmas party and gift exchange
Rock the Universe trip ~ Lenten Soup Sale
Palm Sunday Passion Story Presentation
Confirmation Retreat and Service
and, of course...
🙌 Confirmation Class every Sunday
and regular Upper Room Time Gatherings on Sunday mornings
during the school year!
WOO HOO!! EVEN MORE GREAT PROGRAMS IN THE WORKS!
STAY TUNED!
— Cyber safety program
-- All About THC awareness program
— More fun activities!
Got a great idea? Please share!
Contact Anita to share your thoughts and ideas!
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How have you served our community?
Share your stories and photos!
Send to anitasherman561@gmail.com
OUR NEXT SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Sun, Sept 20 - Sat, Oct 03: Youth Group Pet Food & Towel Drive
We're doing this at church, but if you want to do more, get your school,
club or other communities involved!
Need help? Contact Anita anytime! anitasherman561@gmail.com
Sat, Oct 03: Blessing of the Pets; 9am
All youth invited to attend and help!
Hand out bulletins and St. Francis medals, help people find seats,
visit with the animals, staff our information table, and more!
Sun, Nov 01: All Saints Day; Youth participate in the 10am service;
AND it's our Meals with Meaning Serve Day (1:30pm - 3pm)!
More to come about these activities -- stay tuned!
Service Ideas...Do On Your Own Any Time!
Though the following are not organized St. Gregory's activities
you can still try one and earn hours!
Try one of these ideas or come up with some of your own!
❤️ Write notes or make cards of encouragement
for seniors in local nursing homes.
Deliver them yourself (Boca Rehab is a great choice; 755 Meadows Rd, Boca) OR drop them off at church and Anita will deliver them!
❤️ Send a note of thanks or encouragement
to someone serving in the military.
Visit Operation Gratitude's website for great info and guidelines.
https://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/anywhere/letters/
❤️ DIY Beach Clean Up
Grab a bag, gloves and/or grabber and hit the sand to pick up trash to keep our beaches clean, beautiful and hospitable for wildlife.
You'll be amazed at how much debris you can collect in even a few minutes of clean up.
❤️ Paint and Distribute "Kindness Rocks"
Put your artistic skills to work and paint messages or drawings of encouragement on smooth stones. Put them around the neighborhood
or offer them to anyone who might need a pick-me-up.
GOT A GREAT SERVICE IDEA OF YOUR OWN?
SHARE IT WITH US!
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUTH MINISTRY
OR TO BE ADDED TO THE MAILING LIST
PLEASE CONTACT ANITA SHERMAN
anitasherman561@gmail.com
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BECAUSE WE LOVE THEM!
This section is dedicated to items of interest
for anyone who loves and cares for children
and youth. Enjoy!
[Please note that inclusion of any item in this section is purely for informational purposes and does not constitute endorsement or promotion of any person, product or program.]
+ + +
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SMALL ACT, BIG IMPACT: KINDNESS MATTERS!
The Greek storyteller Aesop once wrote, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” — and a new study is proof. The research, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, shows that small kind gestures can have a significant impact on recipients, even if givers don’t typically realize it.
Researchers conducted a series of experiments involving different situations and participants. In each, Axios reports, they studied how people perceived various small acts of kindness, such as offering someone a ride home, baking them cookies, or paying for a cup of coffee. They consistently found those on the receiving end of a kind gesture appreciated it more than the giver had anticipated.
Read more here!
News Source: nicenews.com
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JUST FOR FUN AND WONDERING
WHAT DO YOU SEE? 👀
[Please note that inclusion of any item in this section is purely for informational purposes and does not constitute endorsement or promotion of any person, product or program.]
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TRASH TO TREASURE: ECOARTIST CREATES
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS FROM NATIONAL PARKS TRASH
Our human footprint on national parks is undeniable: a crushed can littering the ground in Denali, a lone flip-flop left behind in Zion. Trash sullies these sights of natural beauty, but eco-artist Mariah Reading has found a way to merge the two and promote mindfulness about our environmental impact.
At public lands across the country, she collects pieces of debris and paints landscapes on them, then photographs the makeshift canvases against their reference settings, creating the illusion that the garbage is part of the scenery. It’s an “approachable way to discuss pollution and climate change,” she told Nice News, “and kind of bring the soul into it.”
Read and see more here!
Source:www.nicenews.com
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EVEN MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
FUN, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE!
Please note that these activities are not sponsored, supervised or hosted by
St. Gregory's Youth Ministry
or Sunday School.
They are extra opportunities
that we are sharing in case you would like
to participate on your own.
If you have any questions, please email Anita at anitasherman561@gmail.com.
PLEASE LET ANITA KNOW
IF YOU HAVE AN ACTIVITY TO ADD TO THIS SECTION!
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BOCA RATON PUBLIC LIBRARY
The library has abundant free and low-cost activities for children and teens. Check out the latest offerings and fun ideas for the upcoming months, including those on hoopla!
| | Hoopla is a digital streaming service that provides access to movies, TV shows, audiobooks, eBooks, music, and comics. It's available to library cardholders and is accessible through a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. | | |
BOCA RATON
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Check out the website
for a listing of great activities in our community!
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The Art School offers a hands-on, instructional approach across multiple mediums to aspiring artists of all ages, the intermediate artist looking to expand their skills and working artists looking to reinforce skills under the watchful eyes of seasoned, award winning teaching professionals. The Art School's growing curricula offers thousands of studio sessions each year to enjoy.
Offerings for young people include classes such as ceramics and pottery, art exploration, comic drawing, fashion, and anime drawing.
Click here for more info about classes!
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SKETCHING AT THE GALLERIES
All are welcome to slow down, look closely, and draw inspiration from the art around you. Sketching in the Galleries invites visitors of all ages to pick up complimentary drawing materials and sketch at their own pace. This is a drop-in program, no preregistration required.
Find out more!
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Great programs and events for all ages,
including lessons, camps, performances and more!
VISIT THE WEBSITE!
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BROWARD CENTER TEEN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
High school students in grades 9-11 with an interest in the performing arts, journalism and marketing are invited to apply to the Broward Center Teen Ambassador Program.
Broward Center Teen Ambassador Benefits:
- Attend, promote, and review shows with complimentary tickets from the Broward Center.
- Become a social media influencer amongst your peers by promoting shows and behind-the scenes experiences.
- Learn from experts about various careers and career pathways in the performing arts industry.
- Participate in backstage tours and monthly meetings with industry professionals.
- Gain exposure to behind-the-scenes operations at an arts organization that is consistently ranked among the top 10 venues in the country.
September 8 is the last day to apply!
APPLY HERE!
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2026/2027 Nicklaus Children's Health System
Smart Stage Matinee Series
Mister C Vol. 3: When Science Goes Viral | Oct 21, 2026 | The Parker
Slow Burn Theatre Co.: Come From Away | Oct 22, 2026 | Broward Center
School House Rock | Nov 13, 2026 | Broward Center
Shakespeare 45 | Nov 17, 2026 | Broward Center
Slow Burn Theatre Co.: Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Dec 15, 2026 | Broward Center
Arts Ballet Theatre - The Nutcracker | Dec 16 & 17, 2026 | The Parker
Magic School Bus | Jan 26, 2027 | The Parker
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! | Feb 4-5, 2027 | Broward Center
Bill Blagg: Magic in Motion | Feb 23-24, 2027 | The Parker
Junie B. Jones | Apr 1-2, 2027 | Broward Center
Slow Burn Theatre Co.: Dear Evan Hansen | Apr 15, 2027 | Broward Center
Llama Llama Live! | Apr 22-23, 2027 | Broward Center
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Nature talks and walks, all manner of fitness classes, tai chi groups and much, much more are available through the Palm Beach County Parks system. Check out the link below to see all the offerings! | |
PLEASE REMEMBER:
-- Safety policies: Please refer to the "What's Happening" weekly email or other church communications for current policies set by church leadership. Stay tuned for updates as situations are always evolving.
-- Stay home if you or your child(ren) feel unwell, test positive for COVID, or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID or other communicable diseases.
-- Don't forget that all our Sunday services are livestreamed. To access online services, please click on the link below at the scheduled time. No Facebook account is needed to access the services. https://www.facebook.com/pg/SaintGregorys/videos
-- Register your children for Sunday School Visit the St. Gregory's website to access online registration. Scroll down to the Children, Youth & Families section. See the link below!
-- Provide us with updated contact information so that we can keep you informed and in the loop.
-- Contact us at any time with questions or concerns. We will do our very best to address them. See contact information below.
-- Let us know if you would like to volunteer -- We can always use some helpers! No prior experience necessary. Speak with Sunday School Coordinators Silvia Hall, Ayanna Reid, or Anita Sherman if you would like to volunteer.
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DON'T FORGET -- YOU CAN REGISTER ANY TIME ONLINE!
Sunday School, Confirmation Class, Upper Room Time for Teens
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