MAKING A DIFFERENCE

A Beautiful Orchestra of Sincerity, Hope, and Trust

This past Monday, the Boca Raton Interfaith Clergy Association led a Thanksgiving Seder hosted by Temple Beth El. In these times of endless war, it could’ve sounded like an evening destined for failure or an evening of comic relief: So a Rabbi, a Mormon, a Unitarian minister, a Muslim, an Interfaith Youth Association, and a Priest walk into a synagogue. But through God’s sheer determination and power to be One, over 100 people from all walks of faith and life showed up as candles to light the great I AM together. 

It was a beautiful orchestra of sincerity, hope, and trust where the existential questions of life were deeply discussed: Who am I, why am I here, where am I going? The bush was aflame but not consumed. And for everyone who arrived with their presence and beings to hold the space collectively, I shout a loud: AMEN!

In deep thanksgiving,

Fr. Ben

WISDOM SCHOOL WITH FR. BEN

A Message of Gratitude

Dear Seekers and Seers,

Over the last seven years, I’ve been leading people through some of the great contemplative texts of Wisdom and Interspiritual Mysticism - through the flume of spiritual practice. What an absolute gift to join others at the banquet at the center of the world.

What began instinctually as an internal and external charge, became a prayer of the heart. And prayers of the heart happen, organically, in real-time. While I could sense this unfolding as one could sense a cup of tea in the hand, I had no agenda or interest in establishing a contemplative school. I simply had a yearning to be and to share. So I just rolled out of bed in the morning and said, “Reporting for duty!” I even gave a salute.

Never knowing what each day brings, I chose to make my effort my aim.

Years ago, people asked me if they could give to my Wisdom offerings a tax-deductible donation, an offering for simply pulling God out of the sky and into the proper places of our hearts. My answer then was, no.

I am now pleased to announce that I am my own 501(c)(3) that can receive your tax-deductible donations for the oblations I offer and receive in group work.

Thanks for the prompt. I listened to it, as St. Benedict wrote, with the ear of my heart.

The exchange we’ve had, and will continue to have together, is more necessary than our daily bread.

Thank you for your being. And thank you for your gift.

“Eat your fill of God’s delicacies, and you will be freed from hunger and begging." -Rumi

With a grateful heart,

-Fr. Ben+

Click to read Fr. Ben's full message.

YOGAMASS

This Saturday, November 18 at 4:00 PM

Join Fr. Ben for YogaMass this Saturday at 4:00 PM in Harris Hall! Everyone is welcome to experience YogaMass which offers a moving blend of yoga and service. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water, your yoga mat, and a friend or two to share in this special experience. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday! There is no charge for this beautiful service. Click here to learn more about YogaMass.

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

Music Ministry

Have you ever wondered about the hymn tune names which appear in our Sunday programs and in the

annotations in the hymnal? These are the tunes to which the hymn texts are sung. Often, tunes are used for multiple hymns and our hymnal is a great example of multi-use tunes. Hymn tunes have become a part of

our identity with the Christian faith as many have been passed down through the ages with origins stemming from Gregorian Chant and even earlier psalmody. Some tunes were derived from secular folk music which

were re-purposed for religious hymns since many people already knew the tunes and could easily sing the newly written hymns to the familiar tunes.

Martin Luther is one of the more prominent figures associated with hymn tunes and texts. He composed tunes for various hymns as well as wrote entirely new texts, and he would often adapt plainsong as well as folk melodies to go with existing hymn texts.

The Ravenscroft Psalter of 1621 was the first English hymnal which paired texts to named tunes and often, publishers of various subsequent hymnals would have different names for the same tune.

Many hymns were composed in the 18th and 19th centuries as well as the tunes and often the tunes were

published separately from the hymn texts. In one decade alone, from 1791-1800, more than 8000 hymn tunes were printed in Great Britain and 7000- 8000 were printed in the United States. From 1801-1810 some 11,000 hymn tunes were published in Great Britain with more than 15,000 in the United States.

Our hymns are a valuable and viable part of our corporate worship as they often tell and retell the stories of the bible. Many authors and composers through the centuries have given to us a great gift through hymn texts and hymn tunes. I’ll be writing more about hymns and tunes in an upcoming series of articles for What’s Happening.

I’ll see you on Sunday!

Blessings to all,

Tim

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

A Place to Belong

THURSDAY, NOV 16

5:45 pm - Choristers rehearsal (Choir Room)

THIS SUNDAY, NOV 19

9:10 am - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:45 am - 3yrs - 5th grade (Designated classrooms)

9:45 am - Upper Room Time for middle and high school (Youth Room)

Youth Special Program -- Emergency response/CPR presentation by Paula Holgerson

AND

Advent Wreath sales in the courtyard after the 10:00 AM service. Scroll down for more info.

Notice: Due to ongoing AC repairs, please be prepared to meet in alternate locations. We will direct you once you arrive at church. Thank you for your continued patience. Grace for all!

NEXT THURSDAY, NOV 23 - THANKSGIVING DAY

NO Choristers rehearsal - Happy Thanksgiving!

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV 26

9:10 am - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:45 am - 3yrs - 5th grade (Designated classrooms)

9:45 am - Upper Room Time for middle and high school

ADVENT WREATH MAKING!

Immediately after the 10:00 am service on the East Terrace. Please scroll down for more info!

UPPER ROOM TIME

FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEENS

Meets Sundays at 9:45 AM

St. Gregory's Upper Room Time meets each Sunday (except the first Sunday of the month or other specially designated Sundays) for snacks, downtime, conversation, reflection, and prayer. This Sunday, our children and youth will participate in special All Saints Day services.

CPR/BASIC FIRST AID PRESENTATION

Sunday, November 19 at 9:45 AM

Upper Room Time

for Middle and High School Youth (Youth Room)

Many thanks to Paula Holgerson for being our presenter for this activity!

YOUTH GROUP SPONSORS ADVENT WREATH SALES & WREATH MAKING DAYS

Sunday, November 26

On Sunday, November 26 after the 10 a.m. service, we will gather on the East Terrace for an intergenerational wreath-making day.

Light the season with a beautiful Advent wreath!

Our Youth Group is sponsoring sales of Advent wreath kits. Each kit will include a lovely reusable wreath with built-in candle holders and a set of Advent candles (3 purple, 1 pink). Cost is $20/kit.

You can purchase a kit ahead of time all during November and make it yourself at home, or purchase a kit on our wreath making day. If you join us for the wreath making event, additional greens and decorations will be available!

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Upper Room Time

Youth Ponder Darkness and Light

Our blessing prayer used during this time:

Blessed Are You Who Bear the Light

by Jan Richardson  

Blessed are you who bear the light

in unbearable times, 

who testify to its endurance amid the unendurable, 

who bear witness to its persistence when everything seems in shadow and grief.      

Blessed are you in whom the light lives, 

in whom the brightness blazes

— your heart a chapel, 

an altar where in the deepest night can be seen

the fire that shines forth in you in unaccountable faith, 

in stubborn hope, 

in love that illumines every broken thing it finds. 

THIS WEEK'S CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Sanctuary Renovation

The Anticipation is Building!

The renovation work in

the church sanctuary is stunning!

The pews have been installed and are gorgeous as you can see from the attached photos.

The installation of the beautiful altar marble flooring and wall is nearing completion. We have not encountered significant delays and still anticipate being in the Sanctuary for Christmas.

ADULT FORMATION

Classes and Formation at St. Gregory's

Wednesdays

8:00 AM - Men's Spirituality Hour (Zoom) 

Meeting Link

The following classes will be on hiatus

next week in observance of the

Thanksgiving holiday.

10:00 AM - The Reality of Being with Fr. Ben (Zoom)

The Reality of Being will be an ongoing group, initially composed of the fruit that has fallen out of a three-year Gospel of Thomas circle, and will meet via Zoom every Wednesday from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST. If interested, contact Fr. Ben here.

6:00 PM - Rector's Bible Study with Fr. Andrew - Hybrid - On Zoom and In Person (In the Conference Room). The final Rector's Bible Study of 2023 will be held on Wednesday, November 29th.

Meeting Link Meeting ID: 821 8193 8028 Passcode: 713673



Thursdays

1:00 PM - Women's Bible Study (Youth Room) - For information, contact Evelyn Anderson at ebunn@stanfordalumni.org  or Susan D’Ambrosio, sldambro@gmail.com

SPECIAL SFHP PRESENTATION THIS SUNDAY

Sunday, November 19 at 11:30 AM

Sunday morning after the 10:00 AM service, there will be a presentation by members of the South Florida Haiti Project in the conference room. Please join us to learn more about what is happening w this important ministry.

BLESSING OF THE CRECHE

Monday, November 27 at 6:00 PM

This year's Creche blessing at Sanborn Square will be held on Monday, November 27, at 6 p.m., located at 72 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton. This special evening will feature a Live Nativity, bringing the spirit of the season to life, accompanied by prayers and a Gospel reading. It's a perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends, embrace the festive spirit, and celebrate the essence of togetherness.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

From St. Gregory's

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, we at St. Gregory's extend our warmest wishes to each of you. We are profoundly grateful for our vibrant congregation. May this season of gratitude bring you peace, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

Please join us Wednesday evening for our Thanksgiving service at 6:00 PM and on Thanksgiving day for a holiday meal to go.

Church Office Closed Thursday and Friday:

The church office will be closed Thursday and Friday of next week in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. Have a safe and blessed holiday!

ST. GREGORY'S

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Wednesday, November 22 at 6:00 PM

Join us for a special Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday, November 22, at 6:00 PM in the Harris Hall Sanctuary and online. This service is a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.

We look forward to sharing this time with you and your loved ones.



Viewing the Service online:

If you are unable to join us in person, please join us online as the service will be live-streamed both to St. Gregory's Facebook page and on our website homepage. Click here to view the service on our homepage (it is located in the middle of the page) or click here to view it on Facebook.

MEALS WITH MEANING

(FREE!) THANKSGIVING MEALS TO GO

Everyone is Welcome!

Stop by St. Gregory's on Thursday, November 23rd to pick up a delicious Meals with Meaning Annual Thanksgiving meal. Meals with Meaning will be sharing complimentary warm and delicious Thanksgiving meals between 11 AM and 1 PM. All your favorite traditional savory and sweet dishes will be available.

Meals are available to everyone, so please join us and bring a friend . For further details or to contribute gift cards to our guests, please contact Gena Vallee via email at Gvallee@st-gregorys.com or her cell phone at 561-451-7747.

THANKSGIVING MEALS

Delivered to our Senior Members

Meals with Meaning wants to connect with our "Golden" church members. If you are a senior and would enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner delivered to your door, keep reading. 

This Thanksgiving, Meals with Meaning wants to ensure our seniors have something savory and something sweet. And most importantly, something freshly made and prepared in love. Our head chef, Rose Vallee, will be dishing out turkey and all the traditional sides of Thanksgiving as she prepares it in our church kitchen. We will of course have your favorite pies too! If your mouth is watering and you would like a personalized food delivery on Thanksgiving Day, please contact Gena Vallee to place an order via email or phone at Gvallee@st-gregorys.com or 561-451-7747.

OPEN HOUSE AT THE RECTORY

December 3 - Advent I

On Sunday, December 3, the first Sunday of Advent, Fr. Andrew, Anita, and their family will be hosting their Annual Open House at the Rectory! The Open House will take place after both services and refreshments will be ser. Please come and enjoy the St. Gregory fellowship at the Rectory. Children are always welcome!

ST. GREGORY'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND HOMECOMING

Sunday, December 17 at 10:00 AM

Join us at 10:00 AM on December 17, Advent III - Joy!, for a joyous service of worship as we reopen the doors of our beloved, newly renovated sanctuary!

This special service will be the only service of the day and is a heartfelt invitation to each member of our congregation to join us and extend invitations to friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

The service will be followed by

a homecoming potluck in Harris Hall.

Please plan now to bring your favorite dish!

Let's gather together in celebration, marking this momentous occasion in the spirit of unity, joy, and faith that defines our church family.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Come Home to St. Gregory's This Christmas

St. Gregory's Christmas services will be offered both in person in our beautifully renovated Sanctuary and online. If you are unable to join us in person, we invite you to be part of the magic by joining us online.

Christmas Eve Services - Sunday, December 24

4 PM - Children’s Pageant

7 PM - Lessons and Carols

led by the Choir of St. Gregory’s

10:30 PM - Musical Prelude

11 PM - The Christ Mass

A Festal Choral Eucharist with Sermon

featuring music for choir, strings, and organ.

Don’t miss this majestic and time-honored traditional service.

Christmas Day - Monday, December 25

10:00 AM - Christmas Service

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

For These Important Dates

Thursday, November 16th - SFHP Board Meeting

Saturday, November 18th - YogaMass

Sunday, November 19th - CPR/Basic Firsts Aid/Youth Upper Room Time; A Presentation with Fr. Andrew on Haiti during Coffee Hour

Wednesday, November 22nd - Thanksgiving Service (In Person and Online); No classes will be held Wednesday and Thursday/Thanksgiving Day.)

Thursday, November 23rd - Meals with Meaning Thanksgiving Meals to Go; the Church Office will be closed.

Friday, November 24th - The Church Office will be closed.

Sunday, November 26th - Advent Wreath Making following the 10:00 AM service; Newcomers host Coffee Hour

Monday, November 27 - Blessing of the Creche at Sanborn Square, Boca Raton.

Sunday, December 3rd - Advent I (Hope) - Open House at the Rectory with the Sherman Family(after each morning Service).

Homecoming Sunday, December 17th - Advent III (Joy), The Church Sanctuary reopens!!! Join us for a joyous 10:00 AM service in our newly renovated Sanctuary on St. Gregory's 70th Anniversary Celebration and Homecoming.

STEWARDSHIP SEASON

There is Still Time to Support

St. Gregory's Mission and Ministries

As reflect on Stewardship Sunday, our hearts are filled with immense gratitude for the love and support that has been shown by our church community. This day was a powerful testament to our faith and commitment, truly reflecting our mission of "Transforming Hearts and Community Through Jesus' Love."

Although we have made encouraging progress in this Stewardship season, there still remains a long road ahead to fully meet our commitments for the coming year. If you haven’t had the opportunity to do so, please take a moment to view The Rev. David Potter’s impactful and inspiring Stewardship testimony, available in the video to the left.

For those who have yet to pledge or those who feel moved to enhance their contribution, please know that every pledge—regardless of its size—plays a crucial role in our shared mission. Your commitment is a profound reflection of our united dedication to transforming lives within our community and beyond. As we continue to forge ahead, your ongoing support and prayers are essential in helping us spread light and love through all our endeavors.

If you have any questions, please email us at office@st-gregorys.com or visit stgregorysepiscopal.org/pledge.

A MESSAGE FROM REV. HEATHER SISK

Thank You for your Love and Support

My Dear Friends,

I’m writing to thank you for all of the love and support you have given me and Craig. You invited us into your home. We are so blessed to have found you at this time in our lives. Craig was so proud of this parish. Some of you in the 8 a.m. congregation did not get a chance to know him. Craig was a devoted husband; a Jewish man who attended our 10 a.m. services and participated in those aspects of the liturgy that share our Jewish heritage. He thought Jesus was GREAT. He always came to the altar rail for a blessing. He gave me feedback on my sermons and was my biggest cheerleader.

St. Paul's: You inspired him. Thank you! He enjoyed your company and greatly admired the community you've built. He felt he had met true elders at St. Paul’s. He believed the impact and respect of elders are critical to culture - and that we have lost that influence over the last few decades. Craig had another photography book in mind: He wished to photograph many of you and others, asking for a few words of wisdom that are part of your moral code - and that are important for our society to hear. He did not have that opportunity, but continued to discuss it with me even in his final weeks.

Craig was foremost a communicator. He loved conversation, trying to forge connection with everyone he encountered. He wanted to make people laugh. And on a deep level he wept and railed against the systems of the “World” like our prophets of old; he could frustrate people with his unwavering nerve to speak the truth: that so much of our cultural and political activities are not of the Kingdom of God. 

At our wedding we had an instrumental version of “Across the Universe” by The Beatles played. It is an unusual selection for such an occasion, but the final lyrics give me consolation now. (As I’ve said in recent funeral sermons, we are not merely earthly "dust to dust and ashes to ashes," we are stardust. Jesus told us we are salt and we are LIGHT.)

“Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing

through my open ears inciting and inviting me

Limitless undying love which shines 

around me like a million suns

It calls me on and on across the universe.”

With Love,

Your Sister in Christ Heather+

ST. GREGORY'S IS NOW LIVESTREAMING

TO THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE

stgregorysepiscopal.org

If you are unable to join us in person for services on Sunday, please join us online! In addition to livestreaming each Sunday's 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist to our Facebook page, St. Gregory's is now livestreaming the service to our homepage for your convenience. Click here to view the service on our hompage (it is located in the middle of the page) or click here to view it on Facebook.

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST

EMAIL SPOOFING

Spoofing Scams Are On the Rise

St. Gregory's has experienced a recent increase in "spoofing" attempts, where scammers imitate emails from our staff or clergy to evoke a response from the recipient. If you receive a dubious email seemingly from St. Gregory's, please do not click on any links. Instead, directly contact our church office at (561) 395-8285 or send an email to office@st-gregorys.com to verify its legitimacy. If you've been a victim of a serious cyber crime, please file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

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.

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).

SFHP NOVEMBER PRAYER CALENDAR

Prayers for Haiti

Please join us in prayer for the people of Haiti. Click here for the November Prayer Calendar.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are needed for various ministries.

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.

GIVING ST. GREGORY'S

Your Support Makes An Impact

Your support of St. Gregory's and our ministries makes our mission of Transforming Hearts and Community Through Jesus' Love a reality. Please click here to give online now. For more information, please email the Church Office or click on these links: Altar Flower Dedications, Capital Campaign, Meals with Meaning, Stewardship, and South Florida Haiti Project.

CONNECT WITH US

Engaging With St. Gregory's

We're grateful that you're part of St. Gregory's growing community! Visit our website at www.stgregorysepiscopal.org for more information or click the links and social media buttons below:

Contact Information

Volunteer Information

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