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CHRISTIAN FORMATION
for
CHILDREN & YOUTH
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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 LENT + + + | | |
Lent opens our own terrain to us,
that we might meet anew the God who lives in every layer of our life.
Jan Richardson
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CALENDAR QUICK LOOK
This Sunday, Mar 22:
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
9:30am: Nursery open
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
Palm Sunday Passion Story review/rehearsal!
9:45am: 3yrs - 5th grade - regular classes (designated classrooms)
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
Palm Sunday Passion Story review/rehearsal continues!
NOTE: After the 10am service, please meet in the church for a short blocking rehearsal!
Youth Group Soup Sale -- Part 2!
Carry out only! Frozen soups will be on sale after both services!
Next Sunday, Mar 29: Palm Sunday
9:30am: Nursery open
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
Passion Story final prep time!
Everyone meet at 9:45am at the front of the church for the Procession with Palms.
After the procession, special programs for children during Sunday School time!
3yrs - 5th grade - designated classrooms
Youth (6th - 12th grade) - Present the Passion Story during the 10am service.
After the procession, meet Gena Vallee and Anita Sherman in the church (by the family seating area by the grand piano).
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ONLINE REGISTRATION: ALWAYS OPEN!
Sunday School, Confirmation Class, Upper Room Time for Teens
| Click the link OR scan the QR code to register! | | |
Visit our Welcome and Registration Table!
(just outside the Godly Play classroom; 2nd floor of Harris Hall)
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THE SEASON OF LENT
What does it mean?
Early Christians observed “a season of penitence and fasting” in preparation for the Paschal feast, or Pascha (BCP, pp. 264-265). The season now known as Lent (from an Old English word meaning “spring,” the time of lengthening days) has a long history. Originally, in places where Pascha was celebrated on a Sunday, the Paschal feast followed a fast of up to two days. In the third century this fast was lengthened to six days.
Eventually this fast became attached to, or overlapped, another fast of forty days, in imitation of Christ's fasting in the wilderness. The forty-day fast was especially important for converts to the faith who were preparing for baptism, and for those guilty of notorious sins who were being restored to the Christian assembly. In the western church the forty days of Lent extend from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, omitting Sundays.
The last three days of Lent are the sacred Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Today Lent has reacquired its significance as the final preparation of adult candidates for baptism. Joining with them, all Christians are invited “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word” (BCP, p. 265).
Sources: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary and https://www.episcopalchurch.org
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GODLY PLAY NEWS
STORY TIMES FOR LENT | Tuesdays at 6:55 p.m. ET during Lent
Lent is a season of preparation. We need a way to get ready for the Mystery of Easter. Join us online each Tuesday from February 24 to March 31, 6:55 p.m. Eastern/3:55 p.m. Pacific, for special children’s book readings by authors from around the globe.
March 17 | God’s Holy Darkness by Sharei Green and Rebeckah Selnick
March 24 | Sparking Peace by Teresa Kim Pecinovsky
March 31 | Mother God by Teresa Kim Pecinovsky
Come together to hear a story, find peace, and foster connection as we make the journey to Easter. Register once and attend one, some, or all sessions for free!
| | WORSHIP ☩ DISCIPLESHIP ☩ STEWARDSHIP ☩ FELLOWSHIP | | |
WHAT'S COMING UP?
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
This Sunday, Mar 22: The Fifth Sunday in Lent
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
Palm Sunday Passion Story review/rehearsal!
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
Palm Sunday Passion Story review/rehearsal continues!
NOTE: After the 10am service, please meet in the church for a short blocking rehearsal!
Youth Group Soup Sale -- Part 2!
Frozen soups will be on sale after both services!
Next Sunday, Mar 29: Palm Sunday
9:10am: Confirmation Class members AND everyone who would like to participate in the Passion Story presentation (Conference Room)
Passion Story final prep time!
ALL ARE WELCOME -- Even if you have not attended rehearsals!
Everyone meet at 9:45am at the front of the church
for the Procession with Palms.
Following the procession, head into the church to get ready for our presentation of the Passion Story. Meet Anita and Gena
in the family seating section by the grand piano!
Youth (6th - 12th grade) - Present the Passion Story during the 10am service
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PALM SUNDAY -- PRESENTATION OF THE PASSION STORY
As you know from our recent Confirmation Classes and Upper Room Time sessions, we will be presenting the Passion Story during the 10am service on Palm Sunday (March 29).
A few important reminders:
This Sunday, March 22
-- Please attend Confirmation Class and Upper Room Time for rehearsal.
-- After the 10am service, please meet in the church for a short blocking rehearsal!
Next Sunday, March 29 (Palm Sunday)
-- Please arrive at 9:10am for final prep.
At 9:45am, we will take part in the Procession of the Palms and head into church after the procession.
Gena and Anita will meet you in the family seating section (by the grand piano, to the right of the altar).
-- Please remember to wear dark clothing so that our costume materials stand out!
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YOUTH GROUP LENT SOUP SALE CONTINUES!
This Sunday, March 22, 2026
We still have some frozen soups left for sale, so if you haven't had a chance to purchase some last week (or you've already run out!) come by our table during Coffee Hour to make your purchases!
This Sunday, March 22 -- help at the sale after the 10am service
WHAT'S ON THE MENU?
Soup Selections
Chicken, Rice & Veggie
Split Pea with Ham
Chunky Tomato with Onions and Garlic (vegan, gluten free)
Black Bean (vegan, gluten free)
Prices
Carry Out Only!
16oz - $5/container AND/OR 16oz - 5 for $20
The soups freeze very well, so grab some for now and save some for later!
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT IMAGES
FROM THIS PAST SUNDAY'S SALE!
Many, many thanks to Souper Chef Rose Vallee for creating these amazing soups, and a special shout out to all who helped with prep,
serving and clean up!
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Confirmation Class: LIFE IN CHRIST (Grades 6, 7, 8 and others)
Confirmation Class meets every Sunday at 9:10am
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!
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WHAT DO WE DO DURING UPPER ROOM TIME?
Following our pattern of Pause, Listen, Reflect, Pray and Go,
we will 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)
OUR THEME FOR 2025-2026: Building Beloved Community
In conjunction with St. Gregory's church-wide Beloved Community initiative we will work on how our lives and gifts reflect God's love in the world.
As we have in the past, we will continue to use some Benedictine practices to bring more balance, proportion and harmony into our lives.
COMING UP IN UPPER ROOM TIME
This Sunday, Mar 22: The Fifth Sunday in Lent
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
Passion Story rehearsal continues!
NOTE: After the 10am service, please meet in the church for a short blocking rehearsal!
Next Sunday, Mar 29: Palm Sunday
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
Passion Story final prep time!
Everyone meet at 9:45am at the front of the church
for the Procession with Palms.
Following the procession, head into the church to get ready for our presentation of the Passion Story. Meet Anita and Gena
in the family seating section by the grand piano!
Youth (6th - 12th grade) - Present the Passion Story during the 10am service
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SCENES FROM THE UPPER ROOM...
On Sunday, March 15 we continued our special Lenten series as we focused on the study of the Passion story and worked on our Imago Dei art project. We emphasized that belovedness is where our deepest identity is rooted. We also reiterated that though we may make mistakes, it is belovedness that defines who we are, not our mistakes. Life with and in God through Jesus is a never ending cycle of love. Our art project is a visual representation of living in this love.
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Our closing prayer for this Sunday:
A Prayer for Lent: Beloved Is Where We Begin
If you would enter
into the wilderness,
do not begin
without a blessing.
Do not leave
without hearing
who you are:
Beloved,
named by the One
who has traveled this path
before you.
Do not go
without letting it echo
in your ears,
and if you find
it is hard
to let it into your heart,
do not despair.
That is what
this journey is for.
I cannot promise
this blessing will free you
from danger,
from fear,
from hunger
or thirst,
from the scorching
of sun
or the fall
of the night.
But I can tell you
that on this path
there will be help.
I can tell you
that on this way
there will be rest.
I can tell you
that you will know
the strange graces
that come to our aid
only on a road
such as this,
that fly to meet us
bearing comfort
and strength,
that come alongside us
for no other cause
than to lean themselves
toward our ear
and with their
curious insistence
whisper our name:
Beloved.
Beloved.
Beloved.
Amen
—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace
| | PLEASE CONTACT ANITA IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT! | | |
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!
STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING POP UP DATES!
AN END-OF-THE-YEAR BLOWOUT SALE
IS IN THE WORKS! MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!
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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 DID IT!! SAILING ON OUR "4 SHIPS"!
Worship ☩ Discipleship ☩ Stewardship ☩ Fellowship
🙌 Pet Food Drive and Pet Blessing Day
🙌 Meals with Meaning Serve Day
🙌 YAYA Pop Up Sale
🙌 BRIYA Sukkot Celebration and MLK Day
🙌 Upper Room Fun 'n Games Day
🙌 Ministry Fair Day
🙌 "Psychology and Soul Care" mental wellbeing program
🙌 All Saints Day Prayers of the People presentation
🙌 Poinsettia Sale
🙌 Annual Christmas party and gift exchange
🙌 Rock the Universe trip
🙌 Emergency response program
🙌 Haiti Food Packing
🙌 Lenten Soup Sale
and, of course...
🙌 Confirmation Class every Sunday
and regular Upper Room Time Gatherings on Sunday mornings!
WOO HOO!! MORE GREAT PROGRAMS IN THE WORKS!
STAY TUNED!
— More mental wellbeing program(s)
— Cyber safety program
-- All About THC awareness program
— Another Meals with Meaning serve day
— More YAYA Pop Up sales
-- Special Lent Series: Imago Dei
— More BRIYA events
— 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
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!
SEE BELOW FOR GREAT EXAMPLES DONE BY THOMAS TWINS SHREYA AND SANJANA! AMAZING!
❤️ 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.
GOT A GREAT SERVICE IDEA OF YOUR OWN?
SHARE IT WITH US!
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Check out these fantastic cards made by Shreya and Sanjana Thomas!
NOTE: Copies of these were shared in the care packages that we recently sent to 16 St. Gregory's college students!
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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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YOUNGEST DESIGNER AT PARIS FASHION WEEK UNVEILS HIS COLLECTION
Max Alexander sounds like a fashion designer’s name — and at 10 years old, he’s already living up to it. The fourth grader, who’s previously said he was Gucci in a past life, recently made history as the youngest designer to showcase a collection at Paris Fashion Week. See him (and his looks) on the runway.
News Source: www.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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FORGIVE -- IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!
Offering forgiveness to someone who’s hurt you is often easier said than done — but recent research adds to a body of evidence suggesting it can actually be a gift to yourself as well as the person you’re giving it to.
In a study published earlier this year, researchers analyzed data from more than 200,000 people across 23 countries, measuring participants at two points roughly a year apart. The team first assessed how often people forgave others, then followed up on well-being outcomes such as health, happiness, relationship quality, and financial stability.
They found the habit of forgiving was most consistently linked to better psychological and social well-being, including higher optimism, a stronger sense of life purpose, and greater relationship satisfaction. Those who forgave more readily also tended to feel more grateful and more motivated to promote good in the world.
While the improvements were modest, lead study author Richard Cowden said forgiveness can have a ripple effect — and it can be practiced. He told PsyPost: “If we consider these findings alongside intervention studies that show forgiveness can be cultivated, strengthening people’s capacity to practice forgiveness more consistently (when safe and appropriate) may benefit well-being.” Learn how to use a five-step model to cultivate forgiveness.
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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Enjoy an evening under the stars as the City of Boca Raton’s Night Market returns for the 2025–2026 season! Held monthly in the heart of Downtown Boca in Sanborn Square, this lively outdoor event invites you to gather with friends, family, or coworkers for a night of food, art, music, and community.
EXPERIENCE BOCA RATON AFTER DARK
- A variety of delicious food and sweet treats
- Local artists and makers selling their unique goods and items
- Live music setting the mood
- A mobile bar and plenty of good vibes
Save the Date for all the Night Markets this Season
April 2, 2026
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Looking for Last-Minute Spring Camps?
Not to worry, we have all been there. Lucky for you, we have a few spots left. Take a look at our offerings, and register today!
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Planning Ahead for Some Summer Fun?
We know you're getting ready for a memorable Summer! And the 2026 Summer Camps season is going to be one to remember! Stay tuned for our upcoming Summer Camps brochure and website!
Registration Dates:
- Residents: March 23
- Non-residents: March 30
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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!
| | UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE BROWARD CENTER | |
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 Coordinator 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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