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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
ADVENT 3 - THE CANDLE OF JOY
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JOY—What is real JOY? We find exuberance in so many facets of our lives, however, we often fail to seek out JOY or to realize just how much JOY is in our daily life. Living a JOY-filled life on the surface can seem an easy thing to do. However, for some, it’s a struggle. We all know that person—the one who, no matter what may be going on in their life, is always JOYful. They’re always smiling, they always have a positive attitude, and nothing seems to get them down. What is their secret?
The scripture is full of examples where JOY is mentioned and proclaimed, and the word JOY occurs 214 times in the Bible. In studying these various examples of JOY in the scriptures, it’s no secret that the overarching theme of JOY is LOVE. “But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22. LOVE, pure and simple. Undiluted JOY. When we have Love—love for our fellow mankind, love for our friends and loved ones, love for ourselves—we will have JOY. It’s impossible not to. And in seeking out JOY, we must be willing to take a bad situation and see the good in it, however difficult that may seem. In Proverbs 17:22, we read “A Joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” There it is. It’s up to each of us to find the JOY in everything we do. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” We are to find JOY in each day, whether it be a good day, or a bad day, stormy or clear.
Mary proclaims in her Song of JOY, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.” As frightened as Mary must have been—young and with child, no family to speak of other than her husband, Joseph, leading a nomadic existence, giving birth in a barn full of farm animals, using a feeding trough as a crib—she found JOY! Let us be JOYFUL, let us seek out JOY, let us LOVE, and be JOYFUL in that LOVE.
May you find JOY this Advent and Christmas and may the LOVE and JOY of God in Christ sustain you through all your days.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, REJOICE!
--Philippians 4:4
With Joyful Love,
Tim
Tim Brumfield
Director of Music Ministry, Organist, and Choirmaster.
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AN IMPROVISATION ON "VENI EMMANUEL"
(O COME, O COME EMMANUEL) BY TIM BRUMFIELD
A piano improvisation on “Veni Emmanuel” (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) by
Tim Brumfield.
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PRAYER
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. AMEN.
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The Rev. Benjamin Thomas will be the preacher on Sunday at the 10 AM service. The Gospel reading is
MATTHEW 11:2-11
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SHARE YOUR MAKING A DIFFERENCE STORY
We invite you to share your personal story of how St. Gregory's is making a difference in your life or the lives of others. To share your story, click here to email us. If you would like to give online to St. Gregory's, please click here.
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THE ANGEL GIVING TREE
The Angel Giving Tree is up in the Narthex. Please take one or more angels and help to support St. Gregory’s Outreach Ministries.
Please make your checks payable to "St. Gregory’s" and designate on the MEMO line, which ministry you would like to support.
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PASTORAL ALERT
Grant Genovese
Grant Genovese (17 years old) and his family (parents Dave & Donna, siblings Gianna and Gavin, grandmother Pat Litzenberger) are members of St. Gregory's. Grant plays goalie for the Boca Raton High School soccer team. During a game last week he suffered a serious and debilitating spinal injury and is now being treated at the Lynn Rehabilitation Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
St. Gregory's is responding with pastoral care and will also assist with meals and other needs. A Meal Train is being set up -- please stay tuned for details. A parent group at Boca High is also organizing support; please stay tuned about details about those efforts as well.
For now, please keep Grant and the Genovese family in your prayers.
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
~ Psalm 147:3 ~
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ADVENT RETREAT THIS SATURDAY
IN HARRIS HALL10:00 - NOON
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ATTENTION BAKERS! THE ECW NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Calling all St Gregory’s Bakers for your favorite holiday cookies, brownies, pies, or cakes. Savory treats such as crackers, snack mixes, etc. and gluten free are always in need. Please contact Pat Meech with any questions at 561 703-9640.
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WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP?
Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our earnings to God (Numbers 18:26). The Episcopal Church sees stewardship as more than simply contributing money to the church; it’s also about contributing time and talents and volunteering for ministry and mission. It’s about reaching out to build relationships from a perspective of abundance instead of scarcity.
Your generosity is Making a Difference at St. Gregory's.
Click the button below to learn more about stewardship at St. Gregory's.
If you've not yet had a chance to pledge,
please do so now.
PLEDGING TO ST. GREGORY'S
IN-PERSON PLEDGING
Pledges are gratefully collected during Sunday services
or can be dropped off at the church office.
MAILING YOUR PLEDGE
Please complete your pledge card and mail it to:
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1503
Boca Raton, FL 33429
ONLINE PLEDGING
Please CLICK HERE to complete your pledge form online.
Note: the pledge form is located at the bottom of the page.
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ALL 6TH - 12TH GRADERS ARE INVITED
TO THE NEXT BRIYA EVENT
ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18
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QUARTERLY HIGHWAY CLEANUP
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 | 8:30 AM
The Environmental Committee has scheduled the last 2022 quarterly highway clean-up! Join us on Saturday, Dec 10. We will start at 8:30 at the church. For those who have not been at our site, it is North Federal Highway from the Boca Valley Plaza at 74th and Federal Highway north to the canal. We will meet at the church at 8:30 and carpool for those interested. Or, join us about 8:45 at our site meeting at the east end of the parking lot of the Boca Valley Plaza. Following the clean-up we will have a brief meeting at the church to look at activities going forward. We welcome new participants. Email me at [email protected] to let me know if you have any questions and let us know if you plan to join us.
God Bless,
Jim
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ENVELOPES FOR
CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
Envelopes will appear in your bulletins beginning the first Sunday of Advent, Sunday, November 27. Please remember to include the names of the people you wish to remember and/or the people in you life you are thankful for. Please designate music or flowers. No names will be accepted after Friday, December 16.
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CALLED TO LOVE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
UPDATE AND SPECIAL THANK YOU
Within the last month, the brothers and sisters of the St. Gregory’s family have stepped up to contribute to the capital campaign, for which I would like to give a special “shout out.”
Literally, the Brothers of St. Gregory’s and the St. Gregory’s ECW (Episcopal Church Women), gave their time and talents to bring us that much closer to achieving our goal to complete the updating of our sacred sanctuary space. The Brothers prepared a splendid “Thank You” brunch for the congregation on November 13, with extra items (such as mimosas), to enhance the musical program arranged by Tim Brumfield. They work hard every month to prepare “the best breakfast in Boca” and surely outdid themselves then.
The ECW voted on December 1 to contribute $5000 raised at the various events they undertook this year. This is in addition to the door blinds they provided earlier in the year for Harris Hall. Through bake sales, the thrift shop, the signature Afternoon Tea, and the Holiday Bazaar the ECW has contributed fellowship, fun, and “funds.” I should also shout out to the Altar Guild for its financial contribution in the first year of the campaign.
My heartfelt thanks to our beloved brothers and sisters whose ministries at St. Gregory’s enhance our community in many ways.
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
Nancy Stroud
If you are able to contribute, please do so now. To learn more about St. Gregory's Called to Love campaign, please click here. To contribute to the campaign online, please click on the button below now.
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EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
OPEN HOUSE AT THE RECTORY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11
The Sherman Family invites everyone to sip some beverages, enjoy some nibbles and share the spirit of the season during our 2022 Rectory Open House.
Please join us on Sunday, December 11th for:
Coffee hour after the 8am service (9am - 10am)
Coffee hour after the 10am service (11:30am - 12:30pm)
NOTE: There will be NO Coffee Hour in Harris Hall.
Please join us for refreshments in the Rectory after services.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
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FRIDAY MORNING PRAYER IS NOW BEING HELD IN PERSON IN THE CHAPEL
Friday Morning Prayer is now offered in person in the Chapel rather than online. Monday through Thursday Morning Prayer services will continue to be available online only.
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WISDOM SCHOOL WITH FR. BEN | | |
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“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." - John 12:24
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Click here to learn more about Wisdom School with Fr. Ben or here to subscribe to his newsletter The Work of The Way.
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A MESSAGE FROM TIM
This Sunday we will celebrate Advent III with a special emphasis on Gaudete Sunday when the clergy will don their beautiful rose-colored vestments and the liturgy will focus on Mary, the Mother of God. The day takes its name from the incipit for the Gregorian Chant introit for the third Sunday of Advent Gaudete in Domino semper…(Rejoice in the Lord always…) which the choir will sing as the Communion Proper at the 10 AM service. This Sunday of Joy is a time of rejoicing with Mary as she proclaims, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.” We will hear the choir sing a powerful and beautiful setting of the Magnificat by Herbert Brewer and Fr. Ben has chosen several readings which reflect on the wonder, mystery, and love which is associated with Mary, mother of the Christ-child.
The Old Testament reading for this Sunday will instead by sung at the offertory by the choir as the beautiful anthem by William Harris, “Strengthen Ye, the Weak Hands”. And interspersed between the various readings will be a haunting anthem “Mary’s Magnificat” featuring Anja Yargici, soloist, and another of my favorite hymns “Sing We of the Blessed Mother.” It’s going to be a beautiful service!
I’m very excited about our upcoming Advent/Christmas concert “A St. Gregory’s Christmas”!! Joining the choir will be the incredible soprano Robyn Lamp. Robyn has delighted us on several occasions, and I’m thrilled that she’ll be with us for this special concert. Also joining that evening will be violinist Yaylen Savignon and cellist Sarah Huseman along. Please invite your friends and spread the word! Let’s fill the sanctuary for this beautiful candlelight service of music and readings to herald the season.
Rejoice!! I’ll see you in church and online!
Advent Blessings to all,
Tim
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MORNING PRAYER AND MUSICAL MEDITATIONS
WITH TIMOTHY BRUMFIELD
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
Tuesday's Morning Prayer and Musical Meditations with Timothy Brumfield
features an improvisation on “Veni Emmanuel” (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel).
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NEW SUPPORT MINISTRIES
UPDATED DECEMBER DATES
Loss and Healing
Meets Tuesday, December 13, and December 27
Back to Living
Meets Tuesday, December 20
Loss and Healing – Meets from 5:30 pm -7:00 pm in the Youth Room – a group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of job, reproductive loss, lost relationships, lost time, loss of identity, and other losses. Join us as we open ourselves to healing.
Back to Living – Meets from 5:30 pm -7:00 pm in the Youth Room – a group for those with a loved one with mental health and/or addiction issues.
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About David Potter: David Potter is a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has served a number of congregations and is a member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church.
He has also been a chaplain for VA Medical Centers in Minnesota and a spiritual care counselor for Hazelden Betty Ford and the Hanley Center at Origins. He currently serves as a Family Support Specialist for Futures Recovery Healthcare in Tequesta, FL.
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THE HEALING MINISTRY HAS RESUMED
St. Gregory's Healing Ministry has resumed in St. Mary’s Chapel at the 8 AM and 10 AM Eucharistic services. You are invited to receive a blessing of healing with laying on of hands during the time of Communion
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PEW CUSHIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX!
For your comfort and convenience, St. Gregory's provides individual seat cushions.
They can be found in the narthex. Please help yourself to one the next time you join us for services!
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ST. GREGORY'S LUNCH BUNCHERS WILL
MEET TOMORROW, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH AT 12:30 PM AT SAQUELLA CAFE
Join us for Lunch tomorrow, Friday, December 9th at Saquella Cafe in Royal Palm Place in, Downtown Boca Raton. Address: 410 Via De Palmas, Boca Raton, FL 33432.
Everyone who is interested is warmly invited to attend. Please RSVP by calling 954-245-9388 or emailing [email protected].
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Fall is here and we have a full roster of activities, services, and meetings planned.
There is truly something for everyone and we'd love for you to be a part of it all!
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ALTAR FLOWERS
Altar flowers are provided thanks to the generosity of those who donate to celebrate special occasions or to honor their loved ones.
If you would like to donate to St. Gregory's altar flowers fund, please CLICK HERE to complete the online order form or email us at [email protected].
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FATHER ANDREW'S LIVING WATER RECTOR'S BIBLE STUDY WILL BE ON HIATUS UNTIL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11
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GOSPEL OF THOMAS CIRCLES WITH FATHER BEN
Days/Times: Wednesday Mornings at 10 AM & Sunday Mornings at 9:10 AM
Location: Zoom (link below)
Resource: The Gospel of Thomas. The translations by Leloup, Bauman, or Pagles are recommended.
NOTE: FR. BEN'S GOSPEL OF THOMAS CIRCLE WILL BE ON HIATUS FROM DECEMBER 14 - JANUARY 11.
Join our Gospel of Thomas Circle on Wednesdays at 10 am and Sundays at 9:10 am. The Gospel of Thomas was part of the Nag Hammadi find in the desert of Egypt in 1945 at the end of World War II which completely changed the landscape of Christianity. It is 114 sayings attributed to Jesus that are like Buddhist koans - these compact little hand grenades for the mind that force us into heart-centered awareness and intuitive knowing. Join us every Sunday at 9 am where we'll take this mystical leap into what many historians believe is most likely the oldest Gospel of Jesus that we have. I recommend these three translations by Leloup, Bauman, or Pagles. Having a diversity of translations will only enrich our discussion. The Circle will be picking up with Logion 76.
"The Kingdom of the Father is like a merchant who had a load of goods to sell. Then he saw a pearl. The merchant was wise and sold his goods to buy the pearl. You too should pursue that treasure which is everlasting, there where moths never go nor worms devour."
Here's to pursuing treasures that are everlasting. The pearl of inner revolution. It's wonderful to be back with you.
Enter our Wednesday 10 am and Sunday 9:10 am Circles here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85450019587?pwd=ODZEUGFycVdPMkFqaFpRN0t1OGtkZz09
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MEN'S SPIRITUALITY GROUP
Begins: Ongoing
Day/Time: Wednesdays at 8 AM
Location: On Zoom
This men's group gatherings weekly to explore and deepen our relationship with God in Christ through mutual support, prayer, and conversation. Book studies and other reflection material guides and frames our conversation together. All men are welcome to join.
Class Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82720629725?pwd=VE4wdndhTDFvb3RxM3FvK3ZuS2J6UT09#success
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THURSDAY
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Day/Time: Thursdays at 1 PM
Location: Youth Room (2nd floor, Harris Hall)
Note: The group will meet this Thursday (Dec 8) and then be on hiatus for the next 4 weeks. We will resume our regular Thursday 1pm schedule on January 12, 2023.
All women of St. Gregory's (and friends!) are warmly invited to join us in the Youth Room for prayer, study and fellowship.
For more information, contact Anita Sherman at [email protected]
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A MESSAGE FROM ANITA
If you would like additional information on our Youth Ministry or would like to be added to the youth email distribution list, please email me at: [email protected]
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CALENDAR QUICK LOOK
THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11
Confirmation Class
9:10am
Conference Room (2nd floor, Harris Hall)
Regular Classes
9:45am
3yrs - 5th grade - designated classrooms (2nd floor, Harris Hall)
Middle/High School - Upper Room Time - Meet at the Rectory!
(NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!)
Nursery open during the 10am service
Drop off starts at 9:30am
+ + +
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18
Confirmation Class
9:10am
Conference Room (2nd floor, Harris Hall)
Regular Classes
9:45am
3yrs - 5th grade - designated classrooms (2nd floor, Harris Hall)
Middle/High School - Upper Room Time
Youth Room
Nursery open during the 10am service
Drop off starts at 9:30am
Youth Group -- BRIYA
Meet at St. Gregory's at 11:30am
(see flyer below for more info!)
Christmas Program (pageant) Rehearsal
11:30am in the church
Light lunch provided for all participants
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CALENDAR --
ITEMS TO NOTE DURING
THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON!
Sunday, December 18
9:10am
Confirmation Class - Conference Room
9:45am
3yrs - 5th grade classes - designated classrooms
Upper Room Time for Teens - Youth Room
Christmas program rehearsal - immediately after 10am service
(if you are participating in the 4pm service on Christmas Eve)
Light lunch provided for all participants!
Youth Group -- BRIYA
Meet at St. Gregory's at 11:30am
(see flyer below for more info!)
Saturday, Dececember 24
Christmas Eve Family Service with Children's Program
Service begins at 4pm.
Participants should meet in Harris Hall at 3pm.
Sunday, December 25
No Regular Classes, Confirmation Class or Upper Room Time
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Enjoy church and family time!
(Note - Only one church service on this day - 10am in the main sanctuary)
Sunday, January 1
No Regular Classes, Confirmation Class or Upper Room Time
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Enjoy church and family time!
(Note: Both 8am and 10am church services will be available.)
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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSES?
Godly Play Class (3yrs - K) explores the mystery of Advent
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UPPER ROOM TIME
9:45am in the Youth Room
Every Sunday (except first Sunday or other specially designated Sundays)
Snacks and Downtime
Conversation, Reflection and Prayer
For more information and to be added to the Youth Ministry mailing list, please contact Anita Sherman (Youth Ministry Program Coordinator).
[email protected]
Scenes from The Upper Room...Christmas Party!
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CANTERBURY MINISTRY: DECEMBER DINNER GATHERING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 AT 5 PM
St. Gregory's Canterbury Ministry for young adults will meet and have a dinner together this Sunday, Dec 11 at 5 pm at the Canterbury House (260 NE 2nd St, adjacent to the St. G parking lot). All young adults are warmly invited to attend. For more information, please contact Anita Sherman at [email protected].
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WHAT'S COMING UP?
This Sunday, Dec 11
Upper Room Time - 9:45 am
Meet at the Rectory to enjoy
the Open House!
(NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!)
Sunday, Dec 18
9:45 am
Upper Room Time - Youth Room
Christmas program rehearsal - immediately after 10 am service
(if you are participating in the 4pm service on Christmas Eve)
Light lunch provided for all participants!
11:30 am
Youth Group -- BRIYA (Boca Raton Interfaith Youth Association)
Visit to a Hindu Temple
Meet at St. Gregory's at 11:30am
(see flyer below for more info!)
5:00 pm
A St. Gregory's Christmas - In the Sanctuary
Saturday, December 24
Christmas Eve Family Service with Children's Program
Service begins at 4pm.
Participants should meet in Harris Hall at 3pm.
7:00 PM - A Service of Lessons and Carols, Eucharist and Sermon
10:30 PM - A Christmas Eve Music Prelude followed by Midnight Mass
(with incense)
Sunday, December 25
No Confirmation Class or Upper Room Time
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Enjoy church and family time!
(Note - Only one church service on this day - 10 am in the main sanctuary)
10:00 AM: Christmas Day Eucharist and Sermon (Sanctuary)
Sunday, Jan 1
No Confirmation Class or Upper Room Time
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Enjoy church and family time!
(Note: Both 8am and 10am church services will be available.)
LOOKING EVEN FURTHER AHEAD...
Saturday, Jan 14
"LEAP OF FAITH" -- DIOCESAN YOUTH PROGRAM
CHALLENGE COURSE & TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES
Saturday, Jan 14 from 9:30 am - 4 pm at the FAU campus
Cost: $5/person, includes lunch
Let Anita know ASAP if you are interested -- Registration deadline is Dec 10!
Sunday, Jan 15
Youth Group Meals with Meaning Service Day
Details coming - stay tuned!
Monday, Jan 16
BRIYA (Boca Raton Interfaith Youth Association)
Community Martin Luther King Day celebration
Details coming - stay tuned!
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An Advent Reflection by Anna Thomas
More than a decade ago, our family began incorporating the Advent Spiral into our time of preparation. It’s a simple enough thing to search that has its roots in the Waldorf schools and communities.
In the last decade it has been made new in several different ways depending on our family and community needs. When we lived in the mountains, the kids would simply walk around the woods surrounding our house to gather the evergreens which make up the spiral. After moving to southeast Florida we had to get a bit more creative. While we do incorporate some palm fronds, we discovered that many Christmas tree stands are happy for you to take their trimmings - fill up your trunk and head out! We have created the Advent Spiral in our front yard, in a field beside an art gallery, our parish hall and even the beach! We have created it just for our family and also as part of the beautiful Advent retreats we’ve offered for our church annually.
Our youngest wanted to add flowers last year
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For our family, the gathering of the greens is just the beginning of the ritual which builds the anticipation of the season and the preparation to be present in the season of Advent before crossing the threshold into the great mystery of the Incarnation. Once it’s all gathered you can begin to build the spiral. As children native in the rituals of Godly Play, it is not lost on me that they continue to want to come back to this spiral even as teenagers, and that they take the work of building the spiral seriously, making sure to check any branches that might get in the way of the path. At the center of the spiral we place a large Christ candle. If you’re doing this inside a parish hall, it’s fun to get about a dozen or so apples and have the children core the center to add a taper candle. When doing this outside, it’s best to make sure you have tall mason jars to protect your candles from the wind unless you have a particularly still night. I like to space a few candles throughout the spiral to help light the path everyone will take.
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My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. -Psalm 130:6 - is one possible call and response as candles are being lit.
Once the sun has set (and it seems like all the light is about to go out) you are ready to begin. As people begin to gather we greet them with quiet voices and offer them a candle and invite them to cross the threshold. What happens next can look differently each year but the rhythm remains the same. Witnesses will take turns walking to the center of the spiral to light their candle and say a prayer followed by the response of the others gathered. One year I printed 4 cards and laid them around the Christ candle: the prophets, the holy family, the shepherds and angels, and of course, the Magi. People could choose which light they felt drawn to, “This is the light of the Holy Family” for example, and the circle would reply, “Let us enjoy the light.” After everyone has had the chance to receive their light and are gathered around the spiral you might say, “look at all this light. All this light came from the light, but that light didn’t get any smaller… I wonder…” It’s a beautifully still moment that opens the way for the light of Advent to guide us. The circle leaves with the light of the prophets, holy family, shepherds and angels, the magi - all the light that is needed to journey with us as we make our way through Advent, awaiting the one who was coming and still is coming, all the way to the Mystery of Christmas.
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RAIN
On the second day, God gave us the gift of water. Now, I don’t just mean the water in the bathtub. I don’t mean just the water in a river or lake. I don’t even mean the water in the ocean or the water that comes down from the sky like rain. I mean all the water that is water. This is the water that all the rest of the water comes from. #adventword #godlyplay #rain #glacialicewater #allthewaters
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DELIGHT
On the Sunday of the Epiphany story, I supplied each of my teachers
with frankincense, myrrh and myrrh oil, and delicate, tissue-thin sheets of twenty-four carat gold. In our three- and four-year-old class, the children sat in the circle, transfixed as the storyteller placed the tiny stones of incense on the burning charcoal, and told of this ancient way of getting ready to come close to the presence of the
mystery of God. They smelled the oil of myrrh and heard her speak in hushed tones of this strange gift, used when someone important dies. They reverently passed the sheet of gold, one tiny hand placing it in another, and they were puzzled to discover that bits of the
brightly colored gold tissue had stuck to their fingertips. Sara, their teacher, wisely waited as each one made this discovery, and then
she asked, ‘I wonder where you could put the gift of the gold?” One child leaned into the circle, and then they all did, and they stuck their fingers full of gold onto the Christ candle. Where it still is.
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UNITY
All the creatures began to come out of the ark. They were so happy to be home again that they could not help it. They had to say their prayers to try to say how happy they were. They made an altar and gave thanks to God.
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READY
“Are you ready to hear a story?”
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MAKE
Why tell parables? In parables, we enter with wonder to live the question. Parables question our everyday view of life. They wake us up to see in life what we have not seen before. Parables question the status quo, the order imposed by tradition, power, or class. That is why Jesus’ parables often got him into trouble, and why Christians ever since have tried to make parables
more benign, so they will not disrupt our comfortable worldviews.
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MOUNTAINS
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
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Many thanks to Anna Thomas
for coordinating this year's Christmas program (aka pageant)!
Here's what you need to know:
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE - Plenty of roles for all who wish to join in!
Speaking and non-speaking roles available. Open to all ages!
REHEARSAL: Only ONE REHEARSAL this year!!!
SUNDAY, DEC 18 immediately after the 10 am service.
Light lunch is provided for all children who participate.
PAGEANT DAY: SAT, DECEMBER 24 at the 4 pm Christmas Eve service
All participants should meet in Harris Hall by 3 pm.
FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE EMAIL ANNA THOMAS at
[email protected]
Message from Our Coordinator, Anna Thomas
The family Christmas Eve liturgy is adapted from the Godly Play Advent lessons presented to the children throughout the season of Advent to help them anticipate the Mystery of Christmas. Godly Play is a Montessori-inspired approach to spiritual formation that invites listeners into stories and encourages them into larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and open-ended response time. It is through the regular, predictable shape of our weekly Godly Play sessions that children begin to understand the importance of setting aside time to come close to God and experience the delight of being part of a faith community. If you are interested in participating in this service, please contact Anna Thomas @ [email protected] There are speaking and non-speaking roles available, no memorization required. Open to ALL ages, adults and children, alike!
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SUNDAY
8 AM– Holy Eucharist | In-Person Sanctuary
10 AM– Holy Eucharist | In-Person Sanctuary & Online
6:00 PM Evening Eucharist | In-Person Sanctuary
MONDAY
9 AM - Morning Prayer | Online
TUESDAY
9 AM - Morning Prayer | Online
12 PM - Noon Eucharist | In-Person
WEDNESDAY
9 AM - Morning Prayer | Online
THURSDAY
9 AM - Morning Prayer | Online
12 PM - Noon Eucharist | In-Person.
FRIDAY
Morning Prayer | In Person (In the Chapel)
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18
11:30 AM - CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL | Sanctuary
5:00 PM - A ST. GREGORY’S CHRISTMAS |Sanctuary
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES:
4 PM - FAMILY CHRISTMAS SERVICE
7 PM - A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS, EUCHARIST, AND SERMON
10:30 PM - CHRISTMAS EVE MUSIC PRELUDE FOLLOWED BY MIDNIGHT MASS
(with incense)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25:
10 AM: CHRISTMAS DAY EUCHARIST AND SERMON
We are fully committed to providing the safest worship environment possible. In-person services will be provided to smaller groups to facilitate social distancing and the wearing of face masks is recommended for those attending services this Sunday.
If you have questions about our services,
please email Michael Koppenal at [email protected]
between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday or 9 AM to Noon on Fridays.
To access online services, please click on the link below at the scheduled time. No Facebook account is needed to access the services.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/SaintGregorys/videos
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SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Schedules listed here may be subject to change.
As we roll into summer, the rhythms of our schedule may change from time to time as our team members enter into occasional respite time with their loved ones. Please stay tuned for the most up-to-date information. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Grace for all!
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MASKS ARE RECOMMENDED
Our Covid Advisory Committee, with the consent of our Vestry, has approved moving to a “masks recommended” policy for our worship and for all gatherings on our campus.
Throughout the pandemic, we have followed the guidelines established by the diocese, the insights of the CDC and other health officials, and Jesus’ commandment to love and care for each other. As we’ve continued our prayers, received new directives from the diocese, and taken note of the recently revised CDC guidelines, we have determined this is the proper time to loosen our current restrictions.
In addition, other changes include:
• Restoring open seating in the main nave section. For the time being, we will still offer an option for social distancing in St. Mary’s Chapel and the “Family Section” located in the transept on the south side of the main altar. In these sections, every other pew will be designated for seating.
• Returning to receiving Holy Communion and the chalice at the altar. CLICK HERE to view Fr. Andrew's video update which includes an overview of Holy Week and Easter as well as more information on taking the chalice at the altar.
• We have removed cushions around the altar rail to encourage safe distancing at the altar.
If you are feeling unwell or are out of the area, we invite you to view our online services on our Facebook page by clicking here. We thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation at this time.
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WELCOME HOME
At St. Gregory's, everyone is welcome and loved. If you are new to the church, please contact us. We are here for you and so very glad you choose to be a part of the St. Gregory's family.
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NEW TO ST. GREGORY'S? WELCOME!
We are so very glad you are a part of our growing family! It is our fervent prayer that you will find God’s love and peace at St. Gregory's.
Have questions? We're here for you. We invite you to explore life at St. Gregory’s by reaching out to our clergy or by completing an information card. (NOTE: the information cards can be found in the pew rack and placed on the offering plate or given to an usher once completed).
Members of our clergy are available to speak with you following services or by the email addresses below. Fr. Andrew will be offering a Newcomers Welcome Reception Sunday, October 2nd at 11:45 AM in the Rectory (more information is located below). We warmly invite you to attend. God is doing extraordinary things among us and would love for you to be a part of it all.
Rector of St. Gregory's
Fr. Andrew Sherman
[email protected]
Associate Rector of St. Gregory's
Clergy Liaison for Christian Formation for Children and Youth
Fr. Ben Thomas
[email protected]
St. Gregory's Church Office
[email protected]
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The last few years have taken a toll on so many of us. Pandemics, shootings, division, inflation - there is no shortage of stress in our society. St. Gregory's is here to support you and those in need with Christian care during tough times. | |
Stephen Ministry
St. Gregory's Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry of St. Gregory’s. Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care and compassionate listening to people going through tough times. If you find yourself struggling through a difficult time in life—experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or some other life crisis, our Stephen Ministry is here to care for you in this difficult season. Stephen Ministers typically provide care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour. Twice a month, Stephen Ministers gather with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education.
If you are in need of care or are interested in learning more about St. Gregory's Stephen Ministry, please email the church office at [email protected] or call us at 561-395-8285 and we will ask a Stephen Leader to contact you. All conversations are completely confidential. Confidentiality is a holy part of Stephen Ministry.
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Doyle's Gentle Giant
In celebration of the powerful life of Dr. Doyle Patton, a skilled and compassionate clinical neuropsychologist, Gentle Giant was established with a mission of providing Compassionate Mental Health Care for Children and Families Experiencing Financial Hardship. Over the course of the past year, Gentle Giant has already provided critical services to families in dire need of therapeutic, assessment, and psychiatric services. Please consider making a donation to this valuable program and/or forward this message to others. For more information, please visit our website: DoylesGentleGiant.com.
To support this important ministry, please visit Give to St Gregory's Episcopal Church (pushpay.com) and select "Gentle Giant" from the drop-down "fund" box. Donations are also gratefully accepted by check addressed to St. Gregory's Episcopal Church with "Gentle Giant" in the memo line.
Mailing Address:
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
For the Gentle Giant Initiative
P.O. Box 1503
Boca Raton, FL 33429-1503
Thank you for your kindness and consideration.
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Talking with Children and Youth about Traumatic Events
In light of the recent violent and tragic events in our nation, please know that St. Gregory's is here to help. Please speak with Fr. Andrew, Fr. Ben, or Gena Vallee about resources to guide and support you in conversations with your children about traumatic events.
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"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Pastoral care is challenging in the best of times and even more so during this pandemic time. Fr. Andrew, Fr. Ben, our clergy associates, and lay pastoral leaders are working faithfully to address the ever-growing needs. To keep everyone better informed about our efforts, each week we are featuring a different pastoral care ministry. A complete overview of all our ministries can be found on our church website: Pastoral Care — St Gregory's Boca (stgregorysepiscopal.org)
LAY EUCHARIST VISITORS are available to any of our St. Gregory’s members who would like the Eucharist brought to them at home. Please call the office at 561.395.8285 or email us at [email protected] to inform us of your pastoral needs.
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HEALING PRAYERS FROM
THE ORDER OF ST. LUKE
Susan Manwaring and The Order of St. Luke are making healing prayers available to those who request them via zoom. Prayer requests should be sent to Susan, who will set up a time for available members to honor the request. Contact Susan at 561-866-6154 or [email protected].
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WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.
Contact St. Gregory's office staff, clergy, or Stephen Ministry.
St. Gregory's staff members, clergy, and Stephen Ministers are here to answer your questions, pray with you, or for all your pastoral needs. Please contact us by calling us at 561.395.8285 or emailing us at [email protected].
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Daily Prayer and Prayer Requests
CLICK HERE to submit your prayer request. To join us in prayer for others, CLICK HERE to view this week's prayer requests. CLICK HERE to join us live for morning prayer services or to enjoy past videos. 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).
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FAITHFUL GIVING
Your faithful giving funds everything we do.
Our services and ministries are a tribute to the devotion of our clergy, staff, and volunteers - and the generosity of our beloved congregation. Your gifts make everything we do at St. Gregory's, in our community, and in our missions - possible.
If faithful giving is important to you, please consider giving now from one of these options:
Offering Plate. You can give by placing a check or cash in the offering plate during Sunday Services.
NEW! Text to Give.
Simply text SGEgive to 833-672-4095 and you will receive a link to give via text.
St. Gregory's App. Give through PushPay on our App! Download the free "St. Gregory's Boca Raton" app on your mobile device or tablet from the app store. Click the "Give" icon and choose "Use Pushpay" to set up an account, make a one-time gift, or schedule your giving. For technical assistance using PushPay, call 425-202-8470.
SMILE.AMAZON.COM: When you purchase your Amazon items through smile.amazon.com, and choose "St Gregory’s Episcopal Church" as your charitable organization, a small percentage of your purchase will be donated to St Gregory’s, at no additional cost to you.
Bank Auto Bill Pay Feature:* Check into your bank’s online auto bill pay feature to give automatically each month. This option generates a paper check from your bank to St Gregory’s Episcopal Church upon your action. Your bank thenmails the check to St Gregory’s Episcopal Church for you.
Gifts of Stock or Mutual Funds. To give through gifts of stock or mutual funds, contact Michael Koppenal at [email protected] for more information.
Mailing in a check. If you would prefer to send in your payment check, please send your contribution to:
St Gregory's Episcopal Church
PO Box 1503
Boca Raton FL 33429
*If you give to multiple funds at St Gregory’s Episcopal Church on one check, please denote your breakdown of giving on the memo line. Example: Your check total is $1,500. The memo line should read as follows: Pledge fund – $1000, Capital Campaign – $500.
Need assistance? We are here to help. If you would like help setting up your recurring giving on Pushpay our merchant processing platform, email Michael Koppenal at [email protected] or Nancy Brooks at [email protected]. For technical assistance using PushPay, please call 425-202-8470.
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