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January 1, 2026
TRANSFORMING HEARTS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH JESUS' LOVE.
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Dear Beloved St. Gregory's Family,
We are blessed to celebrate another Christmas season with you -- and it never gets old! Our great family of God coming together from near and far to worship together, marking the birth of the Christ child and proclaiming His coming again, is a gift that never loses its ability to amaze. We are truly grateful, for the experience and for each of you.
We also want to thank all those who remembered us during this season with notes, cards and treats. Such an abundance of thoughtfulness and caring! As we do each year, we are working on sending thank you cards in the next few weeks. It is important to us to express our thanks personally, so if you brought us a treat and don't receive a note, please let us know. (We have already located one gift -- delicious Moravian ginger cookies and a devotions book -- for which we could not locate a card or tag. Please let us know if this is you!)
As we begin a new year together, we pray that God will fill and surround you with unshakeable peace and unending joy. In the unforgettable words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!"
With much love and gratitude from
The Sherman Family
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
A CHILDREN'S LITURGY FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
A Children’s Liturgy for Christmas Eve is a Godly Play presentation described as “The Nativity Story as Liturgy.” We have been using this story as the Christmas pageant for the past two years, a lyrical and poetic retelling of the night that Jesus was born. We began with “This night is like no other night…” and ended with all of us following the star, as people have done through the ages, bringing our own gifts to the Christ Child.
This year, we added a few elements: angels coming down the aisle singing “Glory to God in the highest and peace to God’s people on Earth,” and at the end, the children on the altar enthusiastically sang “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
In the past, Middle School and High School children have served as narrators; however, three of our narrators this year were 4th and 5th-graders.
They all did such a wonderful job!
A huge thank-you to the parents who made this pageant a success: Katherine Anthony, Hannelene Beillard, Anita Sherman, Liz Dicoi, and Melissa Halsey, who helped during rehearsals, provided input on the program, supplied snacks, assisted with costumes, and chaperoned the animals.
Blessings, Silvia Hall
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NEW YEARS EUCHARIST
10 AM NEW YEARS DAY EUCHARIST
SERVICE IN THE CHAPEL
As we enter 2026 and look forward to new beginnings, we invite you to join Father Andrew in the Chapel on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for a New Year’s Day Eucharist, a meaningful way to start the year grounded in reflection and community.
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THE CHURCH OFFICE
IS CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
IT WILL REOPEN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
The Church Office is currently closed for the holidays.
The office will reopen at 9 am on Monday, January 5, 2026. St. Gregory's staff and clergy wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy new year filled with many blessings.
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RISE AND SHINE THIS SUNDAY AT 10 AM
Our next Rise & Shine service will be this Sunday, Jan 4 in Harris Hall!
All are welcome to join us! Invite a friend!
This worship service provides a joyous and meaningful liturgical experience for all ages with particular emphasis on children and families. Rise & Shine takes place in Harris hall and runs concurrently with the 10am service in the main sanctuary. For more information, please contact Rev. Robyn Neville at rneville@st-gregorys.com
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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!
January 4: Coffee Hour/Coffee Only in the Courtyard
January 11: Brothers Breakfast
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ALTAR FLOWERS
Happy Anniversary Linda and Rimmie MacLaren
| The first flowers of 2026, adorning the altar on Sunday, have been given by Linda and Rimmie MacLaren in celebration of their 55th anniversary. Congratulations Linda, and Rimmie! | | | | | |
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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THE ANGEL TREE IS IN THE NARTHEX
As you enter the church, you will notice the Angel tree has been set up in the Narthex. On the tree are 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. If you are able to support these ministries, please consider doing so. Every gift makes a meaningful difference.
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A MESSAGE FROM TIM
The Choir of St. Gregory’s and I extend our best wishes to everyone for a very Merry Christmas! Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services were resplendent, and from where I was sitting, it looked like some of the largest crowds we’ve ever had! I want to once again thank the Choir of St. Gregory’s and the Choristers for singing so beautifully on Christmas Eve, and thanks also to our Schola Cantorum for a beautiful service on Christmas Day.
I am in Ky at the present time visiting my family, and I wish to thank Susan Dodd for playing the organ this Sunday, January 4, and Sam Cucci for providing cantorial and solo leadership while I’m away. Sam will play flute at both the 8 am and 10 am services, as well as sing Schubert’s “Ave Maria” at the 10 am service.
Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and many blessings for the new year!!
Tim
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MORNING PRAYER & MUSICAL MEDITATIONS
WITH TIM BRUMFIELD
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025
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CHORAL EVENSONG
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, AT 6 PM IN THE SANCTUARY
Led by the Choir of St. Gregory’s under the direction of Tim Brumfield, Director of Music, Organist, and Choirmaster, Choral Evensong is a beautiful service that is steeped in the Anglican tradition. Come and experience the wonder and beauty of this historic day and witness the magic that only Evensong can bring. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be a part of a very special service. Bring your friends and family. Everyone is welcome.
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THE KNITTERS MINISTRY
WILL MEET ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, AT 10 AM
The Knitters' Ministry will meet on Monday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome to join the knitters.
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THE ECW THRIFT STORE
WILL REOPEN ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
The ECW Thrift store will be closed from Tuesday, December 23 through Sunday, January 4, 2026. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 6. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for all of your support this year!
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THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY
NOON EUCHARIST - TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
Join us for a very special
Feast of the Epiphany Noon Eucharist
on Tuesday, January 6 at Noon.
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BOCA RATON INTERFAITH CLERGY ASSOCIATION (BRICA) MEETING AT ST. GREGORY'S
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, AT 2 PM
BRICA will meet at St. Gregory's on Thursday, January 8, at 2 PM in the second-floor conference room.
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THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING (DOK) WILL MEET
ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, AT 9 PM
The Daughters of the King will meet on Saturday, January 10, at 9 am in the Chapel for Morning Prayer, followed by a meeting in the second-floor conference room.
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SUNRISE BEACH EUCHARIST
ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026, AT 6 AM
Join us seaside at 6:30 am on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at South Beach Park (located at Palmetto Park Road and A1A in Boca Raton) for the first Sunrise Beach Eucharist of the new year. Bring your blankets and chairs! Everyone is warmly welcome!
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BROTHERS BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026,
FOLLOWING BOTH THE 8 AM AND 10 AM SERVICES
Join us in Harris Hall following
both the 8 am and the 10 am services
for the Best Breakfast in Boca on Sunday, January 11!
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COFFEE & CONVERSATION
(AND SOUP SALE!)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1B IN HARRIS HALL
BISHOP TODD AND REV. PATSY MCGREGOR
JOIN US IN PERSON TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE
ON MADAGASCAR
Join us Sunday, January 18 in Harris Hall following the 10 am service for an engaging and enlightening discussion with Bishop Todd and Rev. Patsy McGregor as we learn what is happening in Madagascar. There will also be a soup sale on Sunday, January 18 in support of the people in Andranovory.
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SAVE THESE DATES:
JANUARY YOGA OPPORTUNITIES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026, AT 4 PM:
YOGA & SACRED MOVEMENT WITH DAPHNE LOMBARDO
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026, AT 4 PM: YOGAMASS
Join us Thursday, January 22 at 4 pm for Sacred Movement in the sanctuary with Daphne Lombardo and on Saturday, January 24, for YogaMass in St. Mary’s Chapel at 4 PM.
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HOPE GROWS HERE
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
Hope Grows Here is more than this year’s Stewardship theme. It is a reflection of the vibrant, faithful life of St. Gregory’s. You can see it in our worship, in the ministries that serve our community, and in the spirit of generosity that binds us together.
Thanks to your support, we have received 165 pledges totaling $930,000, a demonstration of your generosity and trust in the mission we share. We are deeply grateful for every pledge that has brought us to this important milestone.
As we look toward the year ahead, we also recognize the financial realities facing our parish. This year's Stewardship goal is $1,150,000, which marks an increase over last year. This increase is necessary to sustain and strengthen our ministries in the face of rising costs. Higher insurance premiums and our Diocesan assessment alone will add approximately $25,000 to next year’s expenses. As we prepare our 2026 budget, we anticipate total operating costs rising by 5–7% (about $90,000), while one of our revenue sources is expected to decline by around $50,000.
Even with these challenges, hope continues to grow here because of you. Through faithful giving and parish-wide participation, we can meet our goal and ensure that St. Gregory’s remains a place of spiritual strength, compassion, and welcome for all.
Together, we can continue to grow hope and faith at St. Gregory’s.
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COMMUNITY FOOD RESOURCES
As many face the threat of SNAP benefit reductions, the number of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity continues to grow.
At St. Gregory’s, our Meals with Meaning ministry remains committed to serving nutritious meals and providing essential items six days a week to all who come to our doors. With Meals with Meaning, a SNAP card is never required.
For those seeking additional assistance, several local programs are also offering support. The first link below lists local restaurants (including two in Mizner) currently providing free meals to SNAP card holders. You’ll also find links to the Palm Beach County Food Finder, 211 Palm Beach, and DoorDash SNAP assistance for additional food resources and delivery options.
🔗 Subculture SNAP Program
🔗 Palm Beach County Food Finder
🔗 211 Palm Beach
🔗 DoorDash SNAP Assistance
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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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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FOR OUR GARDENING MINISTRY!
JOIN THEM ON TUESDAY MORNINGS
AT 8:30 AM
Our wonderful gardening group needs volunteers to help them continue to keep our campus so beautiful! Both men and women are invited to volunteer. The group meets on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 AM! Please join them to help out! Email office@st-gregorys.com fore more information.
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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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CALENDAR QUICK LOOK
Sunday, Jan 4
9:30am: Nursery open
9:10am: Confirmation Class
10am: Rise & Shine service (Harris Hall)
No regular classes or Upper Room Time for Teens
Sunday, Jan 11
9:30am: Nursery open
9:10am: Confirmation Class
9:45am: 3yrs - 5th grade - regular classes (designated classrooms)
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens
(East Terrace or Youth Room -- depending on weather!)
Special New Year program!
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Confirmation Class: LIFE IN CHRIST (Grades 6, 7, 8, and others)
Confirmation Class will meet on Sunday at 9:10 am
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
CONFIRMATION CLASS AT ALL SAINTS SERVICE
Our class wrote the Prayers of the People for All Saints Day and read them during the service. Everyone did an outstanding job!
Many thanks to all who participated!
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NEWS FROM OUR
GODLY PLAY CLASS
Our Godly Play class enjoyed the beauty of the Advent season and prepared to celebrate the birth of the Christ child with meaningful stories and ample time for wondering, play and responses.
Check out the great pictures below!
To learn more about our Godly Play program, please contact Silvia Hall at silviahall@yahoo.com.
You can also visit the Godly Play website
for more information and great resources.
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UPPER ROOM TIME
Conversation, Reflection, and Prayer
-- with lots of Fun and Fellowship!
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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.
WHAT'S COMING UP?
Sunday, Jan 4
10am: Rise & Shine service (Harris Hall)
No Upper Room Time or Sunday School
Sunday, Jan 11
9:45am: Upper Room Time (East Terrace or Youth Room -- depending on weather!)
Special New Year program!
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SCENES FROM THE UPPER ROOM...
On Sunday, Dec 21 it was party time!
We had a blast with our annual indoor snowball fight, a spirited games of cornhole, trivia and -- of course -- the traditional axe throw! We finished up with our gift exchange, with some truly fun items offered. A good time was had by all!
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CANTERBURY MINISTRY
CHRISTMAS PARTY!
| | Our Canterbury Ministry hosted a Christmas gathering at the Rectory on Friday, December 19. A dozen young adults enjoyed great food, a couple of scavenger hunts and fun fellowship and conversation. We had an awesome time! | | |
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 2025
SENDING A HEARTFELT THANK YOU!
Many thanks to Silvia Hall for coordinating our pageant again this year!
We also thank all our participants and parent volunteers who made this pageant so wonderful and a beautiful gift for our parish family on Christmas Eve!
Blessings to all for a joyous new year!
Please see the "Making a Difference" story written by Silvia Hall the top of this newsletter.
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KITCHEN SAFETY ALERT!
Keeping Our Children Safe
At St. Gregory's we continually work to keep our children as safe as possible when they are at church. With that in mind we are requesting that children not be in our kitchen for safety reasons.
There are a number of potentially hazardous items that can present challenges -- sharp knives and other kitchen tools, burners and ovens, electrical appliances and outlets, hot pots and pans of food, etc. The kitchen is also often a hive of activity with many volunteers working on food prep or clean up in close quarters and thus is not an ideal place for children.
We ask that you respect this request and instruct your children not to be present in the kitchen. Thank you in advance for your understanding as we all work together to keep our beloved children safe. Grace for all!
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WORSHIP ☩ DISCIPLESHIP ☩ STEWARDSHIP ☩ FELLOWSHIP
WHAT'S COMING UP?
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Sunday, Jan 4
9:10am: Confirmation Class
10am: Rise & Shine service (Harris Hall)
No regular classes or Upper Room Time for Teens
Sunday, Jan 11
9:10am: Confirmation Class
9:45am: Upper Room Time for Teens
(East Terrace or Youth Room -- depending on weather!)
Special New Year program!
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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!
SHOP YAYA!
OUR POINSETTIA AND GIFT SALE -- OVER $500 RAISED!
During our sale we offered lovely poinsettias as well as a variety of gift items that netted over $500. Many thanks to all our happy purchasers!
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Many thanks to Addison Leech for helping with the sale this past Sunday
and to John & Sam Beillard for helping with the clean up!
| | | | 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! | | |
LOOKING AHEAD
...AND CELEBRATING WHAT WE'VE DONE!
YAY -- WE DID IT!! SAILING ON OUR "4 SHIPS"!
Worship, Discipleship, Stewardship, Fellowship
🙌 Pet Food Drive and Pet Blessing Day
🙌 Meals with Meaning Serve Day
🙌 YAYA Pop Up Sale
🙌 BRIYA Sukkot Celebration
🙌 Upper Room Fun 'n Games Day
🙌 Ministry Fair Day
and, of course...
🙌 Confirmation Class every Sunday
and regular Upper Room Time Gatherings on Sunday mornings!
WOO HOO!! MORE GREAT PROGRAMS IN THE WORKS!
STAY TUNED!
— Mental health program(s)
-- Christmas Poinsettia Sale
-- Annual Christmas party
— Rock the Universe trip
— Cyber safety program
-- All About THC awareness program
— Emergency response program
— Another Meals with Meaning serve day
— More YAYA Pop Up sales
— Lenten Soup Sale
— More BRIYA events
— More fun activities!
Got a great idea? Please share!
Contact Anita to share your thoughts and ideas!
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How have you served our community?
Share your stories and photos!
Send to anitasherman561@gmail.com
Service Ideas
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!
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Our closing prayer for this Sunday:
Jesus, You are my strength when I have none,
and you are my shield when I feel attacked.
You keep my hope alive and fill my soul with peace, joy, and love.
Help me to keep on remembering all the reasons I have to be grateful now
and all the things that help me to be hopeful, peaceful, joyful and loving.
Use my gratitude, my hope, my peace, my joy and my love to bless others today,
Lord, let them see thankfulness, hope, peace, joy and love in my attitude.
Let them hear it in my words.
And let them feel it in the way I treat them.
Even when I struggle, I thank you for the lessons
and the growth that comes from them.
Lord, help me to be grateful, hopeful, peaceful, joyful and loving.
Amen.
Source: Google AI (paraphrased by Anita Sherman)
| | 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. | | | | | |
DECEMBER PRAYER CALENDAR
FOR HAITI
Please keep Haiti in your prayers.
| 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/3M9wo4c | | |
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
FROM THE SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT!
Click here to view the full Christmas message from the South Florida Haiti Project.
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