A THANKSGIVING INVITATION

FROM FATHER ANDREW

In this week’s video, Father Andrew joins the Meals with Meaning team as we prepare for the great Thanksgiving community meal at St. Gregory’s. In the kitchen, the aroma of turkeys roasting fills the air! This year, 50 turkeys will be cooked as we’re on track to serve over 400 people. If you’d like to join us, come! If someone you know needs a meal delivered, just let us know and we’ll make sure it gets there. It’s a glorious day to serve Christ by caring for those in need and sharing gratitude for God’s abundant grace. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you all.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

MARY CSAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF

THE BOCA RATON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Thank You, MARY CSAR! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mary Csar, beloved member of St. Gregory’s, for her unwavering support of the Boca Raton Historical Society. For nearly 30 years, Mary Csar has been a dedicated steward of our city’s history, ensuring that Boca Raton’s stories and heritage are preserved for generations to come. As Executive Director of the Boca Raton Historical Society, Csar is retiring after 27 years. “I wanted to get through the centennial,” she says. “This is an important year. It was also a capstone of a career.”



It all started when Anne Merrill, the former executive director of the society, invited Csar to a membership tea at the home of Jamie Snyder, who would found the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Csar joined the society and never looked back. She also joined the Junior League of Boca Raton (eventually serving as president), served on the Downtown Advisory Committee, and worked at the CRA. This was all during a period of change in Boca Raton—there was a new development in the works for a place called Mizner Park, and residents were vehemently split on the plans. “I was taking the notes at the meeting when they decided to call it Mizner Park,” she remembers. “It was an interesting time.”

For four years, Csar worked at the National Cartoon Museum. Then, she was hired part-time by the historical society as it prepared to celebrate its 25th anniversary. When the director left in 1999, Csar was selected to take over. At the time, she was the only full-time staff member; she worked alongside a part-time office manager and facilities manager and a volunteer archivist. The society is still a small and mighty team, but now with five full-time employees.

Csar led the BRHS through the sale of the old train depot for $2.1 million; those earnings went toward a major renovation project. Then came the $1 million donation from the Schmidt Family Foundation—the largest in the society’s history. The funds created the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, and the donation also allowed for new display areas, exhibits, and the utilization of the historic council chamber as a gathering space and a research library. The new digs were ready in time for an important milestone: the 100th anniversary of Boca Raton’s incorporation. For the last two years, the society has worked with the city to prepare while also fielding countless queries from local and regional media. Even with a small team, they were able to nimbly satisfy photo and information requests; Csar credits her colleague, curator Sue Gillis, for spending a decade archiving and organizing the museum’s photographs and artifacts.

As Mary retires, we celebrate her incredible contributions and wish her all the very best in this next chapter. Congratulations Mary! Your legacy will continue to inspire us all!

Blessings,

Robyn +

The Rev. Robyn M. Neville, PhD.

Senior Associate Rector

CONGRATULATIONS TO

MARY CSAR AND FATHER ANDREW

2025 LUMINARIES OF THE 2000s

Congratulations to Mary Csar and Father Andrew on being selected as part of the 2025 “Luminaries of the 2000s” class for the Boca Raton Historical Society’s Walk of Recognition: Luminaries of the 2000s, a Centennial Tribute honoring those whose vision, leadership, and service have helped shape Boca Raton’s schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural life. Your extraordinary contributions across community service, civic leadership and philanthropy are deeply appreciated.

ACT NOW TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS FOR

A NEW ORLEANS JAZZ CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 5 PM

DINNER TICKETS TO ST. GREGORY'S

A NEW ORLEANS JAZZ CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

ARE NEARLY SOLD OUT!

FOR THE LATEST EVENT AND TICKET INFORMATION,

PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AT

(561) 395-8285 OR ACCOUNTING@ST-GREGORYS.COM.

If you would like to enjoy a world-class concert experience, a champagne reception, and a delicious dinner with live music, auctions, and more, please act now! A limited number of dinner and Legend's Table tickets are available. Don't miss the chance to dine with

jazz legend Wycliffe Gordon. Email accounting@st-gregorys.com to learn more.

SUPPORTING THE EVENT:

There is still time to support St. Gregory’s and its ministries while celebrating the Christmas season at our world-class event. Email accounting@st-gregorys.com to learn more.

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 raised $610,674.00 and are nearly halfway to our 2026 Stewardship goal. 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 $1,250,000, about a 10% rise 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.

THANKSGIVING DAY,

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28

THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED

IN OBSERVANCE OF THE HOLIDAY

St. Gregory's church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Wishing you and yours a happy, safe, and blessed holiday.

33 MINUTES ON EMPATHY

WILL MEET IN THE PARISH LIBRARY

SUNDAYS FROM 9:12 AM - 9:45 AM

St. Gregory’s has brought back our popular “33 Minutes” program on Sunday mornings. Join us in the parish Library from 9:12 to 9:45 AM (between the 8 AM and 10 AM services of Holy Eucharist) for thirty-three minutes of discussion, teaching, and discovery.

We are reading the book, Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart: How to Relate to Those Who Are Suffering, by Kenneth Haugk. The title is based on Proverbs 25: 20, which says that trying to offer cheer in misguided ways to someone who is suffering can actually increase their pain, discomfort, and feelings of isolation. As Christians, we often want to reach out to help those who are hurting—but the words or actions we use may unintentionally add to their burden instead of easing their pain. Forged from author Kenneth C. Haugk’s own experiences of suffering, the book draws on extensive research on empathy and compassion, offering key insights and suggestions of what to say and do—and what not to say or do—when people are hurting.

With its biblical foundation, compassionate approach, and concrete, practical ideas that you can use in your own life, our study of Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart will help us to bring God’s loving presence to hurting people when they need it most. A limited number of copies are available for purchase in the parish office for $15, and the book is also available for purchase here: https://www.stephenministries.org/On_Line_Store/viewitem.cfm?ItemID=467



“33 Minutes" will run through mid-December. One minute for each year of Christ’s life = 33 minutes to change your own. This program is co-sponsored by both the Center for Spiritual Formation and the Stephen Ministry program of Christ-centered caregiving at St. Gregory's.

Join us!

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

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!



November 30: Families with the last names beginning A-H

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. 

THE ANGEL TREE RETURNS TO THE NARTHEX



This Sunday is Hope Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent.

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.

LIVING WATER - RECTOR'S BIBLE STUDY

WITH FATHER ANDREW

NO CLASS TONIGHT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR THANKSGIVING SERVICE ON WEDNESDAY

CLASS WILL BE VIA ZOOM ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 AT 6 PM

Living Water - Rector's Bible Study with Fr. Andrew Wednesdays at 6 PM (via Zoom and In Person) Explore the Sunday readings before worship with Father Andrew. This weekly study offers fresh insight into scripture and prepares your heart to hear God’s Word more deeply. -Meeting Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87313630103?pwd=cioOTPy7hNKtrUdfg4OijM5vcTl0Dl.1

Meeting ID: 873 1363 0103 Passcode: 537993

SHARE HOPE ON GIVING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

YOUR GIFT TO MEALS WITH MEANING

SUPPORTS THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Giving Tuesday is an annual global day dedicated to generosity and uplifting those in need. As we enter this season of giving, we invite you to consider supporting St. Gregory's Meals with Meaning ministry. This vital ministry provides warm, nutritious meals and essential items to our guests at a time when many in our community are facing food insecurity. Your gift is a powerful way to make a meaningful impact. Please use the button below to give through St. Gregory’s PushPay and select Meals with Meaning from the dropdown. Thank you for sharing hope with those who need it most.

SUPPORTING THE EVENT:

CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Corporate and individual sponsorships are available. Support St. Gregory’s and its ministries while celebrating the Christmas season at our world-class event.

Email accounting@st-gregorys.com to learn more.

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

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

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.

Gratitude is not a passive response

to something we have been given,

gratitude arises from paying attention,

from being awake in the presence of everything.

-- David Whyte --

CALENDAR QUICK LOOK

This Sunday, Nov 30: The First Sunday of Advent (Hope)

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 am: Nursery open

9:45am: 3yrs - 5th grades -- Regular classes (designated classrooms)

9:45 am: Upper Room Time for Teens (Youth Room)

Saturday, Dec 6

St. Gregory's presents A New Orleans Jazz Christmas Celebration!

Scroll up to the top of this newsletter for details!

Next Sunday, Dec 7

The Second Sunday of Advent (Peace)

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 am: Nursery open

10 am: Rise & Shine Service (Harris Hall)

No regular Sunday School classes or Upper Room Time for Teens

11:45am: Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

🌟 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT THE RECTORY! 🌟

9 am - 10 am (after the 8 am service)

11:30 am - 12:30 pm (after the 10 am service)



All are warmly invited to join us for refreshments and fellowship!

A plate of goodies to share would be most appreciated

(finger foods, please -- nothing requiring utensils!).

Confirmation Class: LIFE IN CHRIST (Grades 6, 7, 8 and others)

Confirmation Class meets every Sunday at 9:10am

in the Conference Room (unless otherwise noted).

Our journey to Confirmation for young people is a three-year program. Our program seeks to nurture the faith of our young people as they prepare for their high school years and beyond, giving them a solid foundation for a Christ-centered life. The Confirmation Class experience may also include retreats, service opportunities and other activities. All young people in grades 6, 7 and 8 can participate in and benefit from this class, regardless of whether or not they choose to be confirmed. Older teens, those transferring from other churches, or any others who are interested are most welcome to participate as well.

During Confirmation we explore:

-- The Bible and the stories that shape our life and faith

-- A life of prayer and worship led by and replenished by the Holy Spirit

-- A life of ministry and service as disciples of Jesus

-- The Anglican/Episcopal tradition in all its breadth and depth

ANY QUESTIONS? NEED MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT CONFIRMATION AT ST GREGORY'S?



Please contact Confirmation teachers

Fr. Andrew Sherman - asherman@at-gregorys.com

Gena Vallee - gvallee@st-gregorys.com

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!

UPPER ROOM TIME

Conversation, Reflection, and Prayer -- with lots of Fun and Fellowship!

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?

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

COMING UP IN UPPER ROOM TIME

This Sunday, Nov 30

Upper Room Time; 9:45 am in the Youth Room

S'mores and more!

🎄 SAVE THE DATE! 🎄

Youth Group Christmas Party with Gift Exchange

Sunday, Dec 21, 9:10am - 10:45am 

(during Confirmation Class and Upper Room Time;

no classes that day -- just party fun!)

SCENES FROM THE UPPER ROOM...

On Sunday, Nov 23 we gathered to have conversation about gratitude. During our meditation time we listened to renowned author David Whyte's reflection on gratitude as well as hearing the Gospel lesson for Christ the King Sunday.

We discussed how we can live more gratefully, which can benefit our own physical and mental wellbeing as well as bless those around us. We created mini-journals to help us write down things we are grateful for and to get us started on a more gratitude-focused way of life.

We also watched two great videos along this theme:

The Present

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XA0bB79oGc

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 2025

It's time to start planning!

Many thanks to Silvia Hall for coordinating our pageant again this year! We look forward to great participation and a fantastic experience for our children!

A message from Silvia:

Pageant Calendar 2025 – Rehearsal Times

Sunday, Dec 7th – 11:45 am to 12:30 pm.

Sunday, Dec 14th – 11:45 am to 12:30 pm.

Sunday, 21st – 11:45 am to 1 pm. Pageant Rehearsal for everyone.

Costume fittings for the actors during Sunday School – I will try not to

interfere during that time, and we can start as early at 9:45AM.

A simple lunch will be served prior to the rehearsals, except on December 14^th (Brothers’ Breakfast).

Wednesday, December 24th – Christmas Eve. The service begins at 4:00 pm.

Please arrive in Harris Hall at 3:15 pm. (Preschool children may arrive at 3:45 pm.) Volunteers will lead activities for the children, and we will provide a simple snack of pretzels and juice. The children will join their families in the pews after the pageant for the Eucharist.

We need volunteers to help us during rehearsal and on the day of the Pageant. Please sign up if you can help us!

I am so thankful for your patience and commitment and really looking forward to giving the children the opportunity to help the larger St. Gregory's family come close to the Mystery of Christmas! Thanks for making it all the way to the bottom of the email ;)



Silvia Hall

Sunday School Teacher- Godly Play

silviahall@yahoo.com

NEWS FROM GODLY PLAY

Advent Resources

Advent is almost here! The first Sunday of Advent is Sunday, Dec 30th. As we mark this season of reverent waiting and preparation, try something new this year with resources from the Godly Play Foundation!

Getting Ready to Get Ready

Advent approaches! As you prepare to walk with your community through the season, below are helpful resources, some of which are brand new.

ADVENT STORY TIME | Mondays in December 7:30-8 pm ET

“…people need a way to get ready to enter or even come close to a mystery like Christmas.” 

Join us for special Advent children’s book readings by authors from around the globe. Come together to hear a story, find peace, and foster connection as we make the journey to Bethlehem. Register HERE.

Dec 1: Laura Alary | The Christmas That Almost Wasn't

Dec 8: Gayle Boss | All Creation Waits, The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings

Dec 15: Petr Horáček | Suzy and the Christmas Star

Dec 22: Mariko Clark, author and Rachel Eleanor, illustrator | The Book of Belonging: The Kids Who Heard the Good News

FAMILY ADVENT CALENDAR (Printable)

Mark the days of advent with intention and care! Print and post it for the family to see or take advantage of the clickable digital version with links to Godly Play story videos. All Godly Play members can access this free resource when you log in. If you’re not a member yet, sign up HERE for a FREE Everyday Godly Play membership.

“JOURNEY TO THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS” VIDEO COLLECTION

Check out this collection of Advent story videos and share with your community, family and friends.

WORSHIP ☩ DISCIPLESHIP ☩ STEWARDSHIP ☩ FELLOWSHIP

WHAT'S COMING UP?

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

This Sunday, Nov 30: The First Sunday of Advent (Hope)

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:45 am: Upper Room Time for Teens

(Youth Room)

Next Sunday, Dec 7: The Second Sunday of Advent (Peace)

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

10 am: Rise & Shine Service (Harris Hall)

No regular Sunday School classes or Upper Room Time for Teens

🎄 SAVE THE DATE! 🎄

Youth Group Christmas Party with Gift Exchange

Sunday, Dec 21, 9:10 am - 10:45 am

(during Confirmation Class and Upper Room Time;

no classes that day -- just party fun!)

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 LAST POP UP SALE -- OVER $700 RAISED!

During our sale as part of the ECW Bazaar, we offered a variety of items that netted over $700. Many thanks to all who donated items and to all our happy purchasers!

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!

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!

Our closing prayer for this Sunday:

Jesus, You are my strength when I have none,

and you are my shield when I feel attacked.

Help me to keep on remembering all the reasons I have to be grateful. 

Use my gratitude to bless others today, 

Lord, let them see thankfulness 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.

Amen.

Source: Google AI (paraphrased by Anita Sherman)