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March 13, 2025
TRANSFORMING HEARTS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH JESUS' LOVE.
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A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM FATHER ANDREW
We are in the heart of the Lenten Season and life is blooming at St. Gregory's! In today's video, Father Andrew invites you to join us for a very special Lenten Choral Evensong on Sunday at 6 PM. On Tuesday afternoon, St. Gregory's will be resuming our Senior Ministry. If you are 55 years young or older, please join us for lunch and fellowship.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
ASH WEDNESDAY
St. Gregory's has been offering Ashes to Go for more than a decade and the world has taken notice. For fun, click here to go to the Wikipedia page on "Ashes to Go" and view the featured images from St. Gregory's at Mizner Park.
Every year I am freshly moved by how the offering of ashes and a blessing so deeply moves the people we encounter. What I often discover is that being out in the world, in our case at Mizner Park and at the beach, makes it a little safer for some people to seek this blessing. Entering a sacred space can be intimidating, especially for someone who has been away from congregational life or who has never experienced it. The yearning for God and God's blessing, though, remains strong and real. And so, when people come before us, it is a holy moment that touches deep emotions. Often tears flow.
This year, two people who came for ashes and blessings were so touched by the experience that they then joined us for our evening worship in church. The ashes and blessing became the opening for something more rooted. These are Holy Spirit moments and examples of evangelism in action, Episcopal style! What a special joy to experience in such a personal and profound way, God healing and drawing hearts back home with Him through St. Gregory's.
Lenten blessings!
Andrew+
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TIME TO PACK FOOD FOR OUR FRIENDS IN BONDEAU!
Teens -- Community service hours for all who help!
Volunteers -- Meet at St. Gregory's to Carpool
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DOK MEETING SATURDAY, MARCH 14
AT 10 AM (Zoom and in Person)
DOK will meet on Saturday, March 11 at 10 AM on Zoom and in person in the Conference Room.
The Order of the Daughters of the King® is a lay order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the historic episcopate but not in communion with it. Our membership currently includes women in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA), and Roman Catholic churches. The Mission of The Order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism.
If you are interested in joining St. Gregory's chapter of the DOK, please contact Particia Lusk at plusk421@yahoo.com.
All women of St. Gregory's are warmly invited to be part of our group! Find out more at https://www.doknational.org/page/AbouttheOrder
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82160826540?pwd=S7PT34X8i7lYQ94KhJTN3fy8cSMAIH.1
Meeting ID: 821 6082 6540 Passcode: 612948
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UPCOMING COFFEE HOURS
We invite you to join us for Sunday Coffee Hour. To keep our Coffee Hour welcoming and stocked, we need contributions such as cheese and crackers, vegetable trays, salads, deviled eggs, and other refreshments. If you can bring something to share, please do so on a Sunday that corresponds to your last name, as outlined in the schedule below. Your contributions will help make our fellowship time even more enjoyable!
Thank you for your support!
March 16: Families with the last name beginning I-M
March 23: Families with the last name beginning N-Z
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ST. GREGORY'S NURSERY
Opens for Drop off at 9:30 AM on Sunday
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On Sundays, the beautifully renovated nursery provides childcare for the 10:00 AM service. Dropoff for little ones begins at 9:30 AM.
There is no cost for this service.
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HEARING ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE - LISTEN WIFI
St Gregory's has Listen WIFI, an innovative Wi-Fi streaming solution for those with hearing loss or those who would just like to hear better during services. Listen WIFI allows parishioners to use their smartphones to access this technology. Listen with your own headphones, earbuds, or hearing aid device. If you are interested in this hearing-assisted service, please meet the ushers at the back of the church before the 8 AM service and at the back of the church before the 10 AM service.
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What does Lent mean for us
in the Episcopal tradition?
Here's what our Episcopal Dictionary offers:
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).
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/lent/
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THE RITE OF RECONCILIATION WITH REV. ROBYN
Offered On Fridays in Lent
In the Episcopal tradition, the ministry of The Reconciliation of a Penitent (as defined in the Book of Common Prayer) “is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution” (p. 861). It is often referred to as “private confession.”
Reconciliation (or private confession) will be offered by the Rev. Dr. Robyn Neville in the Chapel every Friday in the liturgical season of Lent, from 10 AM to 12 noon, by appointment, starting on Friday, March 7. To make an appointment, please email Rev. Robyn at rneville@st-gregorys.com, or you may call her direct line at the church office at 561-931-3455.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Save These Dates
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 13
Special programs for children and teens
during Sunday School time!
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 20
No Sunday School or Upper Room Time for teens.
Everyone is invited to enjoy worshiping together.
Service times and other details coming soon.
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PALM SUNDAY EGG HUNT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
11:30 a.m., Sunday, April 13 | Gather in Harris Hall
This year, we are going to have our annual Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. The Egg Hunt will take place on the East Terrace and in the Butterfly Garden, and it will be broken up into age groups. Children who are just-walking through 2 years old will go first at 11:30 a.m., to find the eggs that are in plain sight. Then the 3- through 6-year-olds get to go at 11:40 a.m., to find the eggs that are more hidden. The 7- through 9-year-olds will go as the last group at 11:50 a.m. to find the really hidden eggs. Please gather in Harris Hall at the designated "Families with Young Children" tables and wait for your age group to be called. To RSVP (so we can get an idea of how many eggs to provide), please contact Amanda Tenorio at ajamesphoto@live.com or Margaret O'Connor at margaret.ellard.oconnor@gmail.com
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EASTER MUSIC AND FLOWER ENVELOPES
In the Prayer book and hymnal racks, you will find the Easter flower and Easter music envelopes allowing you to support both of these ministries. If paying by check, please make it out to St. Gregory’s and in the memo line put music and/or flowers. Don’t forget to list the names of the people you would like listed in the MEMORY OF or in the THANKSGIVING FOR space provided. If you prefer to donate online, please use this QR code and follow the prompts. ALL DONATIONS ARE DUE IN THE OFFICE BY MONDAY, APRIL 7 so that all names can be included in the Easter bulletins. Click here to learn more.
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THE MEN'S SPIRITUALITY GROUP
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS ON ZOOM
The Men's Spirituality Group meets every Wednesday morning via Zoom
(Meeting ID: 891 9943 6120 Passcode: 408274)
Please join us at 8:00 AM on Wednesday mornings. Rev. Robyn will join us at 8:20 AM as we continue our new book study on "Thirsty for God -- a brief history of Christian spirituality" by Bradley P. Holt.
All are welcome!
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WEEKLY OFFERINGS
Monday
9:00 AM - Morning Prayer (In Person)
Tuesday
9:00 AM - Morning Prayer and Musical Meditations with Tim Brumfield* (Online)
Noon - Noonday Eucharist (In Person)
Wednesday
8:00 AM - The Men's Spirituality Group
The Men's Spirituality Group meets every Wednesday morning via Zoom
(Meeting ID: 891 9943 6120 Passcode: 408274).
Rev. Robyn will join us at 8:20 AM as we continue the new book study on
"Thirsty for God -- a brief history of Christian spirituality" by Bradley P. Holt.
All are welcome!
9:00 AM - Morning Prayer and Musical Meditations with Tim Brumfield* (Online)
Thursday
9:00 AM - Morning Prayer (In Person)
Noon - Noonday Eucharist (In Person)
Friday
9:00 AM - Morning Prayer (In Person)
UPCOMING OFFERINGS FROM FATHER EMILIO
A Celebration of Healing
Healing Masses will be held at 4:30 PM in the Sanctuary on
Saturday, April 12
Take it to the Sacred with Father Emilio
Join Father Emilio at 1:30 PM in St. Mary's Chapel
for his monthly cancer and cardiac support group
Tuesday, April 15
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RESERVING ALTAR FLOWERS
TO HONOR A LOVED ONE
OR SPECIAL OCCASION
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Each Sunday, as we walk into the church, we are greeted by the beauty of our surroundings. In addition to our newly remodeled space, we now have stunning frontals for each church season, enhancing our worship environment. The flowers at the altar further enrich our worship experience. Sponsoring altar flowers on any given Sunday is a meaningful way to honor a loved one on their birthday, celebrate an anniversary, or pay tribute to someone special. The cost to sponsor flowers is $250. The flowers serve as a beautiful and lasting expression of love and remembrance.
Reservations for altar flowers will resume after Easter. To learn more or to get the process started, please email the church office at
office@st-gregorys.com.
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A MESSAGE FROM TIM
It was wonderful to be back with you this past Sunday! I missed everyone, especially the choir! Rev. Robyn did a great job chanting the Great Litany and Adriana Portales sang a beautiful solo by J. S. Bach.
This Sunday as we observe Lent II, we will hear the Choir of St. Gregory’s sing a hauntingly beautiful anthem by Ron Nelson, “Cause us, O Lord… Cause us, O Lord our God, to lie down each night in peace and to awaken to renewed life and strength. Lord, help us to order thy lives by thy counsel, lead us in the paths of righteousness, Lord be thou our shield about us, protect us, shelter us beneath the shadow of your wings.” May this be our prayer as we journey through this Lenten season together.
Sam Cucci will sing “ Piéta, Signóre!” Thought by many scholars to have been written by an anonymous composer, this aria has often been attributed to the Italian composer Alessandro Stradella (1643-1682). Stradella composed over three hundred works as a freelance composer, writing on commission, often collaborating with poets of his time. His life was like something straight out of a movie! He made quite a name for himself at an early age and by the age of 24, he was very popular in Rome composing operas which were performed in private theaters of aristocratic families. He began to travel down a road not too wise when, with accomplice Carlo Lonati, he embezzled money from the Roman Catholic Church which necessitated him to flee the city. After things died down, he returned only to have illicit affairs with numerous women, which in turn created many enemies among the powerful men of the city and he had to leave Rome for good this time. In 1677 he went to Venice, where he began working as a music tutor for the mistress of a powerful nobleman, Alvise Contarini. Of course, he and the mistress had an affair and had to flee together to Turin where he was attacked by men hired by Contarini in an attempted assassination. But he survived! He then fled to Genoa in 1678 where he began composing for the nobility. Stradella was murdered in 1682, being stabbed to death at the Piazza Banchi by hired assassins of the Lomellini family after he’d been found seducing the sister of the three Lomellini brothers. Stradella was laid to rest in the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Vigne.
We will never know for sure who actually composed this aria, but it makes sense that it was attributed to Stradella who lived such a “colorful” life if for no other reason than to give it popularity!
“O Lord, have mercy, I call upon thee, Lord, here my prayer, Grant me Thy favor, hear my prayer. Let not the hand with rigor fall, be wrathful never, forgiving ever, Shed Thy light upon me, Lord, heed my call, O heed my call! May I ne’er merit, that in perdition My soul may languish, but may contrition, and Thy grace heal all. Jehovah, O never may I be tortured by fires eternal, for Adam’s first fall…”
This Sunday evening March 16, at 6 PM, we will have a very special Lenten Choral Evensong which we will dedicate to the memory of our beloved Hugh Strachan who passed away last week. Hugh loved Choral Evensong and his gentleness, his faithfulness, his kindness, his smile, and his steadfastness will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace, Hugh.
I’ll see you Sunday!
Blessings,
Tim
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MORNING PRAYER AND MUSICAL MEDITATIONS WITH TIM BRUMFIELD | | |
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 | | |
CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES | | |
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Teach children in the way they should go and when they are old, they will still not depart from it.
- Proverbs 22.6
Registration is always open!
Click here to register online.
For more information, contact:
ANITA SHERMAN anitasherman561@gmail.com
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
A Place to Belong
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CALENDAR QUICK LOOK
Saturday, March 15
Food Packing for Haiti!
Scroll down for more info!
Contact Anita Sherman if you want to at
anitasherman561@gmail.com
Sunday, Mar 16
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:45am: 3yrs - 5th Sunday School classes (designated classrooms)
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
Special series for Lent continues! From Brokenness to Healing - We will start our kintsugi art project.
Next Sunday, Mar 23
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:45am: 3yrs - 5th Sunday School classes (designated classrooms)
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
Special series for Lent continues! From Brokenness to Healing
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ST. GREGORY'S CHORISTERS
Young People Praising God in Song!
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St. Gregory's Choristers offers outstanding musical education for children in grades 3 - 7 and an opportunity for young people to enjoy fellowship while making glorious music together.
Choristers meet Thursdays at 5:45 PM.
Contact Tim Brumfield for more info
tbrumfield@st-gregorys.com
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UPPER ROOM SCHEDULE
Sunday March 16, 23, 30
Special Lenten series: From Brokenness to Healing
We will explore our own brokenness and the world's and have conversation around what breaks us and what can heal us.
Special activities will include a kintsugi art project (see below for more info about kintsugi), a sensory experience, and a healing service.
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UPPER ROOM TIME
Conversation, Reflection, and Prayer - with lots of Fun and Fellowship!
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Upper Room Time meets at 9:45 AM in the Youth Room and is open to all teens 6th - 12th grade.
WHAT WILL WE DO DURING UPPER ROOM TIME?
Following our pattern of Pause, Listen, Reflect, Pray, and Go, we will build on our previous theme -- What will you do with your one wild and precious life? (based on Mary Oliver's poem The Summer Day.)
We will continue to use some Benedictine practices to bring more balance, proportion, and harmony into our lives.
This year we will focus on "What makes you come alive?" (from a quote by theologian and civil rights leader Howard Thurman)
We will continue to use some Benedictine practices to bring more balance, proportion and harmony into our lives.
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WHAT IS KINTSUGI?
Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that involves repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold, silver, or platinum. The word kintsugi literally translates to "golden joinery".
How it's done
- The broken pieces are carefully glued together with lacquer
- The lacquer is dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum
- The cracks are highlighted with the precious metal
The philosophy
Kintsugi is based on the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which values simplicity and sees beauty in imperfection. The technique embraces the idea that breakage and repair are part of an object's history.
The meaning
Kintsugi can be seen as a metaphor for embracing flaws and imperfections. It can also be a symbol of the attractiveness of change and aging.
The benefits
Kintsugi can teach us to turn adversity into something beautiful and resilient. It can also help us to heal from wounds, embrace imperfections, and become stronger.
Source: Google AI
SCENES FROM THE UPPER ROOM...
On Sunday, March 9th, we started our Lent series focusing on brokenness and healing. We listened to the Gospel story about Jesus when he was at a breaking point, being tempted by Satan in the desert. We talked about what can break us, as individuals and as communities, and worked on creating a "mosaic of brokenness". During upcoming Sundays we will continue this conversation and start exploring how we move from brokenness to healing in and through our faith in Jesus.
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GREAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY THIS SATURDAY!
TIME TO PACK FOOD FOR OUR FRIENDS IN BONDEAU!
Teens -- Community service hours for all who help!
We are reserving 2 tables for St. Gregory's.
Contact Anita Sherman for more info:
anitasherman561@gmail.com
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BOCA BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS
"COPPELIA"
Boca Ballet Theatre is proud to present the ballet “Coppélia”
on April 5 and 6, 2025!
This charming full-length ballet tells the story of a life-size dancing doll who captures the heart of a villager named Franz. When Franz sets aside his beloved Swanhilda to pursue Coppélia, Swanhilda shows him his folly by dressing as the doll and pretending to make it come to life. Ultimately, Swanhilda saves Franz from an untimely end at the hands of inventor Dr. Coppélius.
You don’t want to miss this narrative ballet classic, featuring professional principal guest artists and a talented cast of local dancers!
Schedule of performances:
Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 2 PM
SEE OUR OWN AMELIA GRUBB AT THE SUNDAY PERFORMANCE!
Amelia is a high school senior who has been a long-time, faithful member of St. Gregory's. She has danced with Boca Ballet for many years. This will be her final performance with this group before heading to college this Fall.
(Amelia is second from the left in the photo above.)
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YAYA BOUTIQUE UPDATE
Where does YAYA come from?
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.
More pop up sales will be coming in 2025 -- stay tuned for the latest updates!
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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! Thank you! | |
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THEOLOGICAL DEBATE CAMP
FOR HIGH SCHOOL TEENS
The SUMMA Theological Debate Summer Camp brings together high school students from across the country to one of the largest and most beautiful college campuses anywhere – the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. By exploring life’s biggest questions through theological debate, we broaden students’ understanding of Christianity and its enduring power to speak the truth in love. Contact SUMMA at summa.sewanee.edu with any questions.
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MEN OF ST. GREGORY'S!
JOIN THE BROTHERS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER ON MONDAY
IN HARRIS HALL AT 6:30 PM
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Brothers of St. Gregory's!
They will be serving corned beef and cabbage!
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VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS ARE NEEDED
FOR THE ECW THRIFT STORE!
The ECW Thrift Store is now open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 2:00 PM and two Sundays per month). Please stop by to shop for a treasure or to say hello. We'd love to see you!
𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱: The ECW Thrift Store needs donations. Please consider donating purses, jewelry, scarves, glassware, silver, crystal, and home decor. We are not currently accepting clothing, records, DVDs, books toys, paints, or electronics.
𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱: If you can volunteer at the ECW Thrift Store, please email Karen Guzik at karenguzik@aol.com.
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PAINTING CLASSES - MONDAYS
AT 9:30 AM IN THE 4TH/5TH GRADE CLASSROOMS
Feeling creative? Join us on Mondays at 9:30 AM for painting classes. It is a great way to get creative and make new friends.
Click for more information.
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SAVE THE DATE
JOIN THE LUNCH BUNCHERS FOR A TOUR OF THE BOCA MUSEUM OF ART - SUNDAY, MARCH 23
More details to follow soon.
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If you are interested in giving of your time to helping others and making a difference, St. Gregory's and its ministries have many volunteer opportunities available There is truly something for everyone. Learn more. | |
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are needed for various ministries.
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Our Lay Eucharistic Visitor volunteer group is looking for members of our St. Gregory’s family to join them as they:
1. Deliver communion and enrich the religious experience of those unable to attend church due to illness or incapacity.
2. Visit and spiritually support those in need of the comfort and companionship of St. Gregory’s
3. Maintain contact with those parishioners with whom they are assigned to assure them that they are still a part of our St. Gregory’s community.
If this type of ministry appeals to you, please contact David Cominole 561-376-9056 or email him at david.cominole@att.net for more information.
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PASTORAL CARE
St. Gregory's Is Here For You.
| St. Gregory's provides a variety of support ministries that are here to support you. Our clergy, staff, and Stephen Ministers are here to answer your questions, pray with you, and for your pastoral needs. Contact the church office at 561-395-8285 or by email at office@st-gregorys.com. Learn more. | | | |
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SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT
March Prayer Calendar + Quarterly Newsletter
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Join us in prayer for the people of Haiti. Click the link below to view this month's prayer calendar. The need for your prayers and support is greater than ever - they truly make a difference. https://conta.cc/3FeEF2Y
View the SFHP Quarterly Newsletter: https://conta.cc/3DmswbP
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PRAYER
Daily Prayer and Prayer Requests
| Join us in prayer. Click here to submit your prayer request. To pray for others, click here to view this week's prayer requests. If you'd prefer to receive a daily written prayer, click here to receive each day's word from Daily Prayer (a resource of Forward Movement). | | | | | |
