Another great ministry resumes after the summer break. See below for further details. 
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The weekly newsletter from St. Gregory's
Phase 1 of Strategic Planning Begins Sunday, Oct. 11
St. Gregory's is developing a strategic plan-and we need your help. The more we understand about your spiritual needs and desires-and the more you understand about the strategic planning process-the better plan we can create.
 
Over the coming month, you'll hear quite a bit about RenewalWorks (RW). RW is a ministry of the Episcopal Church that helps refocus parishes (and the individuals in them) on spiritual vitality. Through a guided methodology of self-reflection, sharing, and workshop discussion, RW challenges congregations to focus on spiritual growth, identifying specific ways that we are called to grow in love of God and neighbor. This work is based on 10 years of research and examination, uncovering key characteristics of vital Episcopal congregations.

The process begins with an anonymous, confidential, and thought-provoking online Spiritual Life Inventory (SLI), which each member of the congregation is invited and encouraged to complete. The SLI is actually a powerful spiritual exercise. Parishioners often report that simply taking the SLI is an important reawakening in evaluating their own spiritual needs and desires.

 Responses are then statistically compiled into a snapshot of the congregation's overall spiritual vitality.  The parish then forms a Leadership Team to undertake four guided workshops, exploring the topics of spiritual growth informed by the survey findings. From there, St. Gregory's will develop congregation-wide growth initiatives. 
  
This data will also inform Phase 2 (February 2016 - April 2016) of the strategic planning process that will examine the other vital components of life at St. Gregory's: worship space, capital needs, ministry leadership and structure, and staffing needs.

The SLI takes 35-40 minutes to complete and is available to the congregation over three weeks and four Sundays, beginning on Sunday, October 11. Stay tuned for further details!

St. Gregory's: On the Road from Good to Great!

Brothers Breakfast
Join the Brothers of St. Gregory's for their monthly fellowship breakfast on September 13. Their cooking is always a treat! This is a great Sunday to invite first-time visitors to St. Gregory's.


Daughters of the King
The Daughters of the King will meet on Saturday, September 12 at 9:30 a.m. for prayers in the Conference Room, followed by the monthly meeting at 10 a.m., also in the Conference Room.

Altar Guild
Altar Guild members are invited to gather on Saturday, September 12 at 9 a.m. in Harris Hall for our first meeting of the fall.  A light breakfast will be served. This is a wonderful opportunity to greet our new members!

Friday Morning Women's Bible Study Kicks Off
The Friday Morning Women's Bible Study group will resume gatherings in September with a kick off Welcome Prayer and Fellowship Breakfast on Friday, September 11, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Betsy Wenzel. Please bring a bite to share and invite anyone who is interested to join us. All women of the parish are warmly invited to attend; RSVP to Betsy at [email protected].

The What's SUP Paddle Boarding Event is Sunday, September 13 in Deerfield Beach. Sorry, this event is full and no more RSVPs can be accepted.  Participants can either meet the group at St. Gregory's at 12:30 p.m. or arrive at Sullivan's Park in Deerfield Beach no later than 1 p.m. Please be on  time! The event will conclude at approximately 3:30 p.m.  For more information, contact Rev. Angela M. Cortiñas at 561-395-8285 or [email protected] .
Consider Donating to the ECW Christmas Emporium
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) are hard at work preparing for the 2015 Christmas Emporium. They are looking for donated items in GOOD CONDITION for the Attic Treasures, Toyland, Jewelry Boutique, and Dollar Store. They especially need collectibles, porcelain, and nicer household items for Attic Treasures. Donations can be dropped off to the ECW Room anytime during church office hours or on Sundays after the 10 am service.
 
For more information or if you are interested in helping, call or email Lauren Giosmas at 954.481.2236 or [email protected].  The 2015 Christmas Emporium will be November 6-8. Stay tuned for further details!

Knitters Group
The Knitters Group will meet on Monday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to noon in the church library.

Rector's Bible Study
The Rector's Bible Study begins Wednesday, September 23, with a special dinner at 6 p.m. in Harris Hall.

Confirmation Begins
Youth Confirmation Classes begin Sunday, September 13 at 9:45 a.m.

Participate in the St. Gregory's Media Usage Survey
St. Gregory's is working to improve promotion of upcoming events and news. The more we know about how you prefer to communicate, the better our promotion efforts will be for you and the community. If you haven't already completed our brief media usage survey emailed to you last week, please do so today! Your help is much appreciated!


Rector's Forum Will Be Sunday, September 20
Fr. Andrew will hold two Rector's Forums on Sunday, September 20 in Harris Hall, one after the 8 a.m. service and another after the 10 a.m. service.
 
Topics of discussion will include the imagery on the front doors of the sanctuary and an update on the strategic plan and Fr. Andrew's sabbatical.
 
Fr. Andrew will also discuss the upcoming formation of a discussion series at St. Gregory's. He would like to see time set aside each month for structured congregational discussions of important moral issues. Come to the forum for details!

Boca Helping Hands Backpacks
We are looking for additional volunteers from St. Gregory's to particpate in the Boca Helping Hands Backpack ministry. If interested, please contact Michele Knowlton or Ron Knowlton in the office. We are currently targeting Wednesday, September 23, as the start date.  

Choir Retreat
The St. Gregory's Choir will enjoy a Choir Retreat on Saturday, September 19, starting at 9 a.m.

The choir's first performance will be Sunday, September 20.

Young Professionals
The Young Professionals fall kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, September 20 at 12 p.m. We will meet following the worship service and walk over to Mizner's Dubliner Irish Pub for lunch and libations. All those interested are asked to contact Pastor Angela at [email protected] . 

Tim Brumfield Performs at Museum
Save the date: our very own Director of Music Ministry Tim Brumfield will perform original piano compositions at the Boca Raton Museum of Art on September 20 from 3-4 p.m. 

Tim is an outstanding pianist and an internationally-recognized musician. In this performance, he puts the museum's special exhibitions to music as part of their "Music in the Museum" series. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind concert!

Pet Blessing Will Be Saturday, Oct. 3
All are welcome to attend the St. Gregory's Annual Pet Blessing where your pets (furry, scaly, slimy, and feathered) are invited to receive a blessing. The Annual Pet Blessing features a short service and a special blessing for the beloved pet in your life. All pets are welcome!
 
There's more: local pet adoption organizations will be showcasing some of their adoption-eligible animals, and our own Simple Gifts Youth Band (The Family) will share their talents and music for this wonderful community-wide event.

Look for more details in the coming weeks!

Readings for September 13
Coffee Hour Host Schedule
Proverbs 1:20-33
Psalm 19
James 3:1-12
The Gospel according to Mark 8:27-38 

Sermon: Rev. Andrew Sherman, Rector
Read this week's lessons online
September 13: Brothers Breakfast
September 20: Last names J-M
September 27: Last names N-Z


Join Us in Prayer
As families flee war-torn regions and seek asylum in Europe, we ask you to join us in a prayer for the human family, found in The Book of Common Prayer:

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us  through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole  human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;  unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and  confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in  harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ  our Lord.  Amen.

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Support Our Ministries!
St. Gregory's reaches out to the community through its music and lecture programs, worship services, ministries that benefit the poor locally and internationally, and much more. But we can't do it alone. Join St. Gregory's in giving back to the community by supporting our ministries. Let's do God's work together!
Stay Connected
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
100 NE Mizner Blvd
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561.395.8285
www.stgregorysepiscopal.org