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September 25, 2025
TRANSFORMING HEARTS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH JESUS' LOVE.
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A VIDEO MESSAGE
FROM FATHER ANDREW
In this week's video, Father Andrew invites you to join us for two of our most popular onramp services - YogaMass in the Chapel on Saturday, September 27 at 4 pm and Sunrise Beach Eucharist on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 6:30 am. Invite your friends, family and neighbors. Everyone is warmly welcome.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
RECOVERY MINISTRY
Last Sunday, we observed Recovery Ministry Sunday at St. Gregory's as part of our diocesan observance of Recovery Month. Our special Sunday liturgy reflected this theme. I found myself particularly moved by the Prayers of the People, which were shaped around the principles of the twelve steps of the recovery movement. We also were blessed by Gena Vallee's moving and inspirational sermon. Gena continues in her discernment of a call to ordination as a deacon and last year was appointed by Bishop Eaton as the Co-Chair of our diocesan recovery ministry.
Many members stayed for the engaging and informative conversation Gena led about recovery during Coffee Hour. We noted that we have available the resources of clergy and members, such as Dr. Maria Lopez and the Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren, who have special expertise in recovery work. We also host both AA groups and an Al-anon group at St. Gregory's. Furthermore, the ministry of Gentle Giant provides potential subsidies for professional counseling for those without insurance or resources to cover counseling costs. I am also grateful that our healing ministry which includes our Sunday prayers in the chapel during the time of communion and the ministry of Fr. Emilio provide additional spiritual support for those in need of healing or recovery for themselves or on behalf of others.
With God's grace and the support of this loving community recovery is possible, as Gena powerfully reminded us in her sermon. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to our clergy team for pastoral conversation and guidance. God's promise in Christ is freedom and new life!
Blessings in Christ,
Andrew+
| | You are invited for a very special evening... | | Please join us to give thanks, celebrate, and continue the Journey together! | | |
SUNRISE BEACH EUCHARIST
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 6:30 AM
Join us seaside for our September Beach Eucharist on Sunday, September 28 at 6:30 AM at South Beach Park in Boca Raton located at A1A and Palmetto Park Road. Everyone is warmly welcome!
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ALTAR FLOWERS
The flowers adorning the altar on Sunday have been given in loving memory of Maria Jacoby by her husband, Daniel. Maria Jacoby passed away on September 13, 2025.
The flowers are also given by Chris and April Thomson and family in loving memory of his uncle, David Orlowski.
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33 MINUTES ON EMPATHY
WILL MEET IN THE PARISH LIBRARY
SUNDAYS FROM 9:12 AM - 9:45 AM
St. Gregory’s is bringing back our popular “33 Minutes” program on Sunday mornings. Join Rev. Robyn in the parish Library from 9:12 to 9:45 AM (between the 8 AM and 10 AM services of Holy Eucharist) for thirty-three minutes of discussion, teaching, and discovery.
We are reading the book, Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart: How to Relate to Those Who Are Suffering, by Kenneth Haugk. The title is based on Proverbs 25: 20, which says that trying to offer cheer in misguided ways to someone who is suffering can actually increase their pain, discomfort, and feelings of isolation. As Christians, we often want to reach out to help those who are hurting—but the words or actions we use may unintentionally add to their burden instead of easing their pain. Forged from author Kenneth C. Haugk’s own experiences of suffering, the book draws on extensive research on empathy and compassion, offering key insights and suggestions of what to say and do—and what not to say or do—when people are hurting.
With its biblical foundation, compassionate approach, and concrete, practical ideas that you can use in your own life, our study of Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart will help us to bring God’s loving presence to hurting people when they need it most. A limited number of copies are available for purchase in the parish office for $15, and the book is also available for purchase here: https://www.stephenministries.org/On_Line_Store/viewitem.cfm?ItemID=467
“33 Minutes" will run through mid-December. One minute for each year of Christ’s life = 33 minutes to change your own. This program is co-sponsored by both the Center for Spiritual Formation and the Stephen Ministry program of Christ-centered caregiving at St. Gregory's.
Join us!
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MANY THANKS TO THE LEDWELL FAMILY
FOR CREATING OUR FANTASTIC SIGNS!
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YOUTH GROUP PET FOOD DRIVE
RUNS THROUGH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
(during our Blessing of the Pets service)
As we did last year our Youth Group is sponsoring a pet food drive to help local rescue organizations feed hungry animals. Donations of canned or dry (unopened!) pet food is most appreciated.
Items can be dropped off at the church office from Sunday, Sept 21 through Friday, Oct 3 (during office hours Mon - Thurs 9 am - 4 pm and Friday 9 am - 12 pm) AND on Saturday, Oct 4 during our annual Blessing of the Pets service
(10 am). Cash contributions are also most welcome!
Please join us for our annual Blessing of the Pets service on Saturday, Oct 4 at 10:00 am at St. Gregory's! All are welcome and youth are invited to greet and usher.
For more information, please contact Anita Sherman at anitasherman561@gmail.com
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THE ECW THRIFT STORE
WILL BE OPEN THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
STOP IN TO SAY HELLO!
The Thrift Store has resumed regular hours and will now be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10 AM - 2 PM) and 2 Sundays per month
(9 AM - 12:30 PM).
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REGISTERING FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL,
UPPER ROOM TIME AND CONFIRMATION CLASS
Please visit our Welcome and Registration Table on Sunday (located just outside the Godly Play Classroom; 2nd floor of Harris Hall) ONLINE: Or, Register online anytime at: SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM — St Gregory's Boca
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CONTRIBUTING TO 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!
September 28 - Soup Sunday
October 5 - Families with the last name beginning I-M
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USHER AND GREETER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Can you help?
| We are looking for a few awesome volunteers to be ushers and or greeters on Sunday mornings. If this ministry speaks to you, please contact David Rogers (8 AM service, at daverog10@yahoo.com) or David Cominole (10 AM service, at David.cominole@att.net) | | | | | |
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 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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Dear St. Gregory's Family,
It's time once again for us to host and support Family Promise during the week of September 28.
Family Promise kindly requests assistance in providing the following items:
- Nonperishable food items
- Grocery store gift cards
- Personal care items (travel-size body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc.)
- Paper products
If you're interested in donating any of these items, please contact me, and I will arrange for pick-up or drop-off.
I'm happy to report that our recent School Supply Drive raised over $1,000 in funds and collected enough supplies to fill two SUVs—thank you for your incredible generosity!
Additionally, there are volunteer opportunities available with Family Promise, including:
- Office Assistant
- Outreach Session Assistant (helping clients complete paperwork, etc.)
Please feel free to email, call, or text me for more information.
Peace,
Paula Holgerson
954-325-6955
plholgerson@hotmail.com
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A MESSAGE FROM TIM
We have a lot of musical events happening this Fall and I’d like to highlight them for you!
1. In a couple of weeks on Oct 12, at 4 PM, we will be the host venue for the return season of Seraphic Fire as they present a concert entitled “The Best of Seraphic Fire” led by Associate Conductor James Bass. Home: Seraphic Fire
2. On October 19, we will have our first Choral Evensong at 6 PM featuring the Choir of St. Gregory’s.
3. On Oct 29 at 7 PM I’ll be at the organ once again accompanying the silent film “Phantom of the Opera”. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of this groundbreaking and historic film and I’ll be improvising the musical score just as it would have been done inside the giant movie palaces of this bygone era. General admission is free but you don’t want to miss The Behind the Curtain Experience at 5:30 PM which is $75! Get your tickets now! Click here to get The Behind the Curtain Experience tickets now!
4. The Master Chorale of South Florida will be here on October 26, at 4 pm as they present “Handel and Mozart” under the direction of Brett Karlin. www.masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org
5. The Boca Symphonia, South Florida’s Premier Chamber Orchestra, returns to St. Gregory’s for their opening concert of the season on November 23 featuring the music of Mozart and Poulenc. I will join the Symphonia performing the Organ Concerto in g minor by French composer Francis Poulenc (1899-1963). His organ concerto is a tour de force and one that is rarely performed, blending both the lush and vibrant orchestration with the broad scope of the pipe organ showcasing its mighty power and delicate subtleties. Mozart and Tim - The Symphonia
6. On November 30, we will have a special Advent I Choral Evensong once again led by the Choir of St. Gregory’s.
7. The Master Chorale returns on Saturday, December 13 at 4 pm for their Holiday concert entitled “Comfort and Joy.” I’ll be joining the Chorale at the organ for this beautiful concert of holiday favorites. www.masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org
8. On December 21, the choir will present our annual Christmas at St. Gregory’s concert which will be in the style of Lessons and Carols with special readings, and anthems, featuring the choir, guest musicians and special soloists.
Lots of stellar, world-class music happening right here at St. Gregory’s! Make plans now to invite your friends and spread the word! For concert and ticket information, please click on the links provided.
This Sunday at the 10 AM service, the Choir will sing “Treasures in Heaven”, a beautiful anthem by Joseph Clokey (1890-1960), featuring soloist Anja Yargici. The text is a paraphrase of Matthew 6, and pairs very well with our reading of I Timothy: “As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.”
Blessings to all!
I’ll see you in church!
Tim
| | | | | General Admission is free, but you don’t want to miss The Behind the Curtain Experience beginning at 5:30 PM which is $75! Click the button below to get your tickets now! | | |
MORNING PRAYER AND MUSICAL MEDITATIONS
WITH TIM BRUMFIELD
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ART CLASSES AT ST. GREGORY'S
MONDAY MORNINGS AT 9:30 AM
CALLING ALL ART LOVERS, ARTISTS, AND PAINTERS!
BEGINNERS ARE WELCOME!
Painting classes have resumed and are held on Monday mornings from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. The first class was held on Monday, September 8th, and the last class will be held November 10. Come and have fun while learning. Learn the rules of color, composition, design, and much more. If you want to learn more about the class or need a materials list please contact Patricia Lusk at 786-218-0197. This class is free.
SCENES FROM ART CLASS AT ST. GREGORY'S
Thank you, Patricia Lusk for leading such a fabulous class!
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LIVING WATER - RECTOR'S BIBLE STUDY
WITH FATHER ANDREW
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 6 PM
(ZOOM AND IN PERSON)
Living Water - Rector's Bible Study with Fr. Andrew Wednesdays at 6 PM (via Zoom and In Person) Explore the Sunday readings before worship with Father Andrew. This weekly study offers fresh insight into scripture and prepares your heart to hear God’s Word more deeply. -Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87313630103?pwd=cioOTPy7hNKtrUdfg4OijM5vcTl0Dl.1
Meeting ID: 873 1363 0103 Passcode: 537993
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SAVE THE DATE!
NATURE WALK AT GUMBO LIMBO PARK AND NATURE CENTER
FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
LED BY REV. ROBYN ON
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT 10 AM
Save the date! On Saturday, October 18, Rev. Robyn will lead a nature walk at Gumbo Limbo Park and Nature Center for families with young children. Bring your sunscreen. your water bottle, and your walking shoes! We will meet at the park at 10 AM for a nature walk, a visit to the baby turtles in the aquarium with the Sea Turtle Conservation staff and then juice boxes and a "turtley awesome" snack at the picnic tables. This event will be stroller friendly. For more information, please speak with Rev. Robyn.
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GALA AUCTION ITEMS ARE NEEDED
We're currently seeking auction items to make this event unforgettable. Vacation homes are always a hit—do you have a getaway spot you'd be willing to share? We're also on the lookout for luxury travel packages, unique experiences, artwork, home improvement services, jewelry, designer purses, and personal training sessions. Your generous contributions help us raise vital funds while offering guests one-of-a-kind treasures. Please email the church office if you can donate a special experience or auction item.
Stay tuned for more details, but for now, save the date and start thinking about how you can be part of this joyful tradition!
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HURRICANE PREPARATION RESOURCES
NOAA forecasts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season (June 1–Nov 30) this year. To help you prepare, Florida Power & Light offers a general storm guide and a Storm Guide for Seniors, plus safety tips on their storm prep site. Please see the links below. Additionally, if you face an emergency, please call 911. After calling 911, please also keep St. Gregory's main phone number, 561-395-8285, and office@st-gregorys.com in your phone so you may contact the church in the event of an emergency.
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IMMIGRATION RESOURCES AND PROTOCOLS
If you were unable to attend the recent meeting on the immigration protocols for St. Gregory’s and the Diocese of Southeast Florida, please feel free to pick up a copy from the Welcome table on Sunday or to click the link below to learn more:
stgregorysepiscopal.org/immigrationresources
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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 $300. The flowers serve as a beautiful and lasting expression of love and remembrance.
To learn more or to get the process started, please email the church office at office@st-gregorys.com.
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THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, Sept 28
6:30 am: Beach Eucharist
South Beach Park
(A1A and Palmetto Park Rd, Boca)
9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:30 am: Nursery open
9:45 am: 3yrs - 5th grades -- Regular classes (designated classrooms)
9:45 am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)
PET FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES!
Saturday, Oct 4
Annual Pet Blessing!
10 am in front of the church.
Youth -- Come to assist and earn community service hours!
Scroll down for more info!
Next Sunday, Oct 5
9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:30 am: Nursery open
10 am: Rise & Shine service (Harris Hall)
No regular classes or Upper Room Time for Teens
11:30 am: Newcomers Reception (Rectory; 245 NE 2nd St, across the street from St. Gregory's parking lot)
1:30 pm: Youth Group: Meals with Meaning Serve Day
Scroll down for more info!
Monday, Oct 6
Youth Group - Boca Raton Interfaith Youth Association (BRIYA)
Sukkot Celebration at B'Nai Torah
5 pm - 7 pm
Scroll down for more info!
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MEALS WITH MEANING SERVE DAY!
Sunday, Oct 5 at 1:30 PM
More details coming -- stay tuned!
Join us as we gather to serve food and distribute essential self-care items to our most vulnerable neighbors.
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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 and is open to all teens 6th - 12th grade.
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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.
SCENES FROM THE UPPER ROOM...
On Sunday, Sept 21 we met in Harris Hall for a short session to introduce our upcoming discussion about mental wellbeing. We enjoyed donuts, juice and fruit together, had our usual opening prayer/meditation time, conversation, and closing prayer and then headed into church to hear Gena Vallee's sermon focusing on recovery.
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Our closing prayer for this Sunday:
Lord Jesus, life can be hard at times. Help us to know that you are always with us to bring light into darkness and show us the way to go. We pray for peace, comfort and lasting healing for all those struggling with mental wellbeing.
Amen.
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BOCA RATON INTERFAITH YOUTH ASSOCIATION (BRIYA)
Kicking Off Another Great Year!
BRIYA is an intentional interfaith community for teens (grades 6-12) to explore common life and to build relationships in the context of various faith traditions. Gatherings take place at various locations depending on the program and activities include faith-centered conversations, visits to various houses of worship, participation in community events, and field trips to significant sites -- and, of course, lots of fun and fellowship!
Our BRIYA coordinators are Gena Vallee from St. Gregory's and Cathy Berkowitz from B'nai Torah Congregation. Contact them any time with questions.
Gena Vallee gvallee@st-gregorys.com
Cathy Berkowitz CathyB@bnai-torah.org
Join us for an uplifting and amazing year ahead!
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WHAT ELSE IS ON DECK?
PLENTY -- SO STAY TUNED!
2025-2026 PROGRAMS IN THE WORKS!
STAY TUNED!
Here's a small sampling of things being planned
and/or considered for our 2025-2026 program year:
— Mental health program(s)
— Pet food drive
— Cyber safety program
— Emergency response program
— Meals with Meaning serve day
— YAYA Pop Up sales
— Soup Sale
— Rock the Universe trip
— BRIYA events
— Misc fun activities!
Got a great idea? Please share!
Contact Anita to share your thoughts and ideas!
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Check out these fantastic cards
made by Shreya and Sanjana Thomas!
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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. The boutique will be on hiatus during the summer months but will return this Fall. Stay tuned for future pop up dates!
Restore the Earth ~ Refresh Your Style ~ Renew Your Wardrobe!
| | | | 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! | | |
How have you served our community?
Share your stories and photos!
Send to anitasherman561@gmail.com
Service Ideas
Though school has started, there are still opportunities to do community service 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.
GOT A GREAT SERVICE IDEA OF YOUR OWN?
SHARE IT WITH US!
| Check out these fantastic cards made by Shreya and Sanjana Thomas! | | 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. | | | | | |
SEPTEMBER PRAYER CALENDAR FOR HAITI
Please keep Haiti in your prayers.
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Join us in prayer for the people of Haiti. Now, more than ever, they need our prayers and support. Click the link below to view this month's prayer calendar.
https://conta.cc/4mBMVek
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