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December 19, 2024
TRANSFORMING HEARTS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH JESUS' LOVE.
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A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR | | | |
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A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM FATHER ANDREW
In today's video, Father Andrew warmly invites you to join us this Sunday for morning services and at 6 PM for "A St. Gregory's Christmas" service with The Choir of St. Gregory's featuring music and readings celebrating the birth of Christ. Join us again on Christmas Eve for four services and on Christmas Day for our Christmas Day Eucharist at 10 AM. Please invite your family, friends and neighbors to join you and make this Christmas a St. Gregory's Christmas.
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ALTAR FLOWERS THIS SUNDAY
The flowers adorning the altar this Sunday are given by Rimmie and Linda MacLaren in honor of their 54th anniversary. Congratulations Linda and Rimmie!
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ANGEL TREE IN THE NARTHEX
This second Sunday of Advent, you will notice the angel tree in the Narthex. On the tree are still many opportunities to help some of our Outreach ministries. This year we are focusing on Meals with Meaning, our friends in Bondeau, Haiti, the children in Andranovory, Madagascar, and the St. Gregory’s Discretionary fund.
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ST. GREGORY'S NURSERY
Opens for Drop off at 9:30 AM on Sunday
| 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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JOIN US FOR SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
Please check the schedule below for our coffee hour rotation. If your last name begins with those letters, we invite you to bring goodies to coffee hour to share.
This Sunday, December 22
Families with the last names beginning I-M
Sunday, December 29
There will be no Coffee hour December 29.
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Families with the last names beginning N-Z
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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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CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSALS ON SUNDAY
Rehearsals continue this Sunday for the children's Christmas Pageant. Many thanks to Silvia Hall for coordinating this year's Christmas pageant!
Sunday, December 22 from 11:45 to 1 pm
Rehearsal for everyone-costume fittings during Sunday School (there will be a light lunch served).
Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24 at 3:30 PM
All participants should arrive in Harris Hall at 3:15 PM Volunteers – Can you help?
Please contact Silvia Hall at Silviahall@yahoo.com
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BROTHERS ANNUAL HOLIDAY DINNER
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
AT 6:30 PM IN HARRIS HALL
Attention men of St. Gregory's! Join the Brothers of St. Gregory's for their annual Holiday Dinner on Monday evening at 6:30 PM in Harris Hall. Prime Rib and great conversation are on the menu!
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PARKING ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Overflow parking is available on the south lawn of the church, at the post office, on side streets and in the Mizner Park parking garages.
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CHRISTMAS AND THANK YOU WISHES
FROM THE ECW
A very special thank you to all of our volunteers who work so hard to make the Thrift Store a success for our parishioners and customers. Your support helps so many people. The ECW Thrift Store will be closed the weeks of Christmas and New Years, (12/22 and 12/29). Wishing you a Blessed and Merry Christmas and New Year. Karen Guzik
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STEWARDSHIP 2025: WALK IN LOVE
If you've not yet made your 2025 pledge to
St. Gregory's - there's still time to do so. Your support is needed now more than ever. While we have made significant progress, we still have a ways to go to reach our stretch goal of $1,200,000. Currently, we stand as follows:
Number of Pledges Received:
192 pledges received
Total Value of Pledges Received:
$1,033,570 in pledges toward our goal
Please click the button below to view this year's Stewardship brochure, view testimonial videos, and make your pledge online.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email the church office at
office@st-gregorys.com.
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A MESSAGE FROM TIM
By Tim Brumfield
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As of this writing, I’m in New Haven, CT performing at Woolsey Hall, Yale, with the Paul Winter Consort. It’s always a joy to be here in this incredible hall playing this amazing organ!
On Sunday at 6 PM, the Choir of St. Gregory’s will present “A St. Gregory’s Christmas”, a concert-styled Lessons and Carols which will feature beautiful readings and music of the season. Please invite your friends to this glorious service which will usher in Christmas! Music will include works by Morten Lauridsen, R. V. Williams, James Bassi, Timothy J. Brumfield, John Rutter, and Gustav Holst. The Choir will be joined by guest soloists Casey Kunmann and Silvia Aycock, along with guest musicians Irina Antsiferova, violin, and Stephanie Jaimes, cello. I hope to see the sanctuary filled!
For the 10 AM service on Sunday morning, we honor Mary, Mother of God as the choir sings the Magnificat. Normally part of Evensong, this canticle has been set to music throughout the centuries by some of the world’s greatest composers. Sunday’s setting was composed by Irish composer Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) who is known as one of the most prolific composers of Anglican Choral music and served as a great influence on later composers Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams, both being students of his. In addition to serving as organist at Trinity College, Cambridge, he was one of the founding professors of the Royal College of Music and was a professor of music at Cambridge University.
Advent and Christmas Blessings to all,
Tim
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MORNING PRAYER AND MUSICAL MEDITATIONS WITH TIM BRUMFIELD | |
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Morning Prayer and Musical Meditations with Tim Brumfield
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Morning Prayer and Musical Meditations with Tim Brumfield
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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ST. GREGORY’S FOYER GROUPS
ARE BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Enjoy social time with fellow members of the St. Gregory’s congregation. Get to know others or renew friendships already established. Laugh and enjoy four fun-filled evenings from January through April 2025. Sign up in the courtyard on December 22 and January 5 at our table in front of the church and on Sunday, December 29 in front of the church.
We're past our restrictive period of the past three years so it's time to join together for dinners, laughter, and fellowship in small group settings. Come, participate, enjoy, and meet a new friend or two from St. Gregory’s. Snowbirds, especially, this is a great time to get acquainted with more church family members. You'll be glad you did!
Look for me, Janet Leech, in the courtyard or in front of the church to sign up or, for more information.
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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
This Sunday, Dec 22
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:30am: Nursery open
9:45am: 3yrs - 5th grade (designated classrooms)
9:45am: Upper Room Time for teens (Youth Room)
11:45am: Christmas Pageant rehearsal
Tuesday, Dec 24 -- Christmas Eve services
4pm, 7pm, 11pm
Next Sunday, Dec 29
No Sunday School classes, Confirmation Class, or Upper Room Time for Teens -- Enjoy the break with your loved ones!
Sunday, Jan 5
Rise & Shine service; 10am in Harris Hall
No Sunday School classes, Upper Room Time
Confirmation Class - TBD, stay tuned!
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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.
Contact Tim Brumfield for more info
tbrumfield@st-gregorys.com
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UPCOMING UPPER ROOM SCHEDULE
Sunday, Dec 15 - Youth Christmas Party during Upper Room Time! Part 2 -- Walk to Starbucks after church!
Sunday, Dec 22 - Upper Room Time (Youth Room)
Sunday, Dec 29 - No Upper Room Time (Enjoy the holiday break!)
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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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PARTY TIME 2024!
WE HAD A BLAST!
We gathered for great food (pancakes and bacon from Bros Breakfast complemented by scrumptious toppings!), a fun gift exchange and -- of course -- our annual indoor snowball fight! We topped off the time with a trip to Starbucks and little fun on the Mizner putting green.
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WHAT ELSE IS ON DECK? PLENTY!
Diocesan Gatherings/Events
Happening retreat for 9th - 12th graders
Christmas Elves party; Winterlight at Kanuga, and more!
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TRIP TO UNIVERSAL - ROCK THE UNIVERSE EVENT - SATURDAY, JAN 25, 2025
St. Gregory's and St. Joseph's in Boynton are collaborating on taking a trip to Universal Studios for the 2025 Rock the Universe event.
Rock, Ride, and Rejoice
Raise Your Hands. Raise Your Voice. Raise Your Spirit. Rock the Universe is an unforgettable weekend of faith and fun. On January 24 and 25, 2025, experience powerful beats from Christian Music’s brightest stars and thrilling rides at Universal Studios Florida.
Source: universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/rock-the-universe
PLEASE LET ANITA KNOW ASAP IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO!
anitasherman561@gmail.com
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HAPPENING A CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
Jan 17-18, 2025
Happening is a weekend renewal retreat led by youth for youth.
In Southeast Florida, 9-12th graders are invited to attend this incredibly moving weekend filled with learning, sharing, and building relationships. Through videos, skits, talks, and more, candidates see how God and their faith fit in with the ups and downs of high school life. Happening is designed to help youth feel the love of God and their Christian community. We hope that by the end of the weekend everyone can return home knowing how to continue growing a relationship with God and having a group of fellow believers to rely on. It's a weekend full of fun, games, sharing, surprises, and most of all, spiritual renewal and empowerment.
HAPPENING #42
Event Timing: Friday, January 17th 7:30 PM - Sunday, January 18th, 3:30 PM, 2025
Event Address: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 2750 MacFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Contact Krisan Lamberti, 305-962-1450, youth@diosef.org
Rector: Ariana Hylton
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Please note that Anita will not be available to attend Happening, Christmas Elves or Winterlight.
However, any teen from St. Gregory's who would like to participate
is definitely encouraged to attend.
St. Gregory's can also provide administrative and
scholarship assistance as needed!
Please let Anita know if you are interested!
anitasherman561@gmail.com
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YAYA BOUTIQUE UPDATE
A Great Pop Up!
Our YAYA (Youth and Young Adult) Eco-Chic Boutique had a pop-up sale during the St. Gregory's Holiday Gala on Saturday, Dec 7 and on Sunday, Dec 8. We also had a poinsettia sale during both events.
GREAT NEWS: We raised several hundred dollars (over $500 after expenses!).
More pop-up sales will be coming -- 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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CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
Sunday, Dec 22
9:10 am -- Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:45 am -- Sunday School (Designated Classrooms)
9:45am -- Upper Room Time (Youth Room)
11:45 am -- Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (for those who are participating)
Sunday, Dec 29
No Confirmation Class or Upper Room Time
Enjoy the break with your families and friends!
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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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RESERVING ALTAR FLOWERS
TO HONOR A LOVED ONE
OR SPECIAL OCCASION
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Have you ever wondered where our beautiful altar flowers come from each week? We work with a wonderful local florist who has partnered with us for years. They create the stunning weekly arrangements (except during Lent) and decorate our worship space for Easter and Christmas.
DID YOU KNOW? THE BEAUTY IS SHARED!
After the service, Maggie Brockman and her team repurpose the arrangements and deliver them from St. Gregory’s to members who are confined to their home and to various nursing homes in the area. The beauty is shared.
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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. | | |
SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT | | | |
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DECEMBER 2024 UPDATE AND
PRAYER CALENDAR FOR HAITI
Prayers are needed now, more than ever, for the people of Haiti. Click the link below to view the SFHP's December Update and Prayer Calendar for Haiti: https://conta.cc/49eoAFy
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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). | | | | | |
