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November 21, 2024
TRANSFORMING HEARTS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH JESUS' LOVE.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE—NOVEMBER 18
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Last Monday, St. Gregory's hosted the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Over a hundred people from our community gathered in our sacred space to worship and give thanks to God. A special highlight was the presence of the Boy Scout troop that meets weekly at St. Gregory's and a number of teens who comprise the Boca Raton Interfaith Youth Association (BRIYA).
For this special event we removed the two rows of pew chairs and brought in round tables and chairs enabling people from different faiths to sit together in our beautiful church. We listened to scriptures and prayers from the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Native American traditions; we reflected on the words from our shared American heritage; we sang hymns of thanks and listened to music inspired by the Native American tradition; we lit candles and offered prayers for our nation.
But I believe what made the most memorable difference was when participants at each table discussed four questions: 1. What are we personally thankful for? 2. What are we thankful for as Americans? 3. What are the highest and best values of our nation? 4. How has our relationship with God shaped our gratitude?
To listen in on these conversations as diverse members of our community-young and old-spoke from their heart was a hopeful, indeed, holy moment. God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, declares,
"My house will be called a house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7).
On Monday night this promise was brought to life!
In a nation healing from a divisive political season and in a world in which the wounds of violence in Gaza, Ukraine and Haiti painfully bleed, we all shared that blessed evening a taste of what God intends for the human family, the children of God. This is how St. Gregory's makes a difference.
Blessings in Christ,
Andrew+
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A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR | | | |
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A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM FATHER ANDREW
In today's video message from Father Andrew, he warmly invites you to join us for several important events: Sunday, December 1, we celebrate the beginning of the new church year and welcome Rev. Robyn to St. Gregory's. Join us for an open house in the Rectory following the 8 am and 10 am morning services. On Saturday, December 7 at 5 pm, we will celebrate at our Holiday Gala in Harris Hall. Come and celebrate with us!
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STEWARDSHIP 2025: WALK IN LOVE
If you've not yet made your pledge to St. Gregory's - there's still time to do so. Your support is needed now more than ever.
Please click the button below to view this year's Stewardship brochure, view testimonial videos, and make your pledge online.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email the church office at office@st-gregorys.com.
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ST. GREGORY'S TOT TIME TOGETHER GROUP
(FORMERLY MOMMY AND ME GROUP)
This group is open to all St. Gregory's families and invited guests. Please contact Amanda Tenorio or Margaret O'Connor for more information!
Amanda: ajamesphoto@live.com or
Margaret: margaret.ellard.oconnor@gmail.com
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TURKEY AND TOTS CRAFTS
Saturday, November 23 in Harris Hall
Join the St. Gregory's Tot Time Together group (formerly Mommy and Me) for Thanksgiving crafts and play. Please let us know if you are able to join. Hope to see you all there!
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ST. GREGORY'S NURSERY
Opens for Drop off at 9:30 AM on Sunday
| On Sundays, the beautifully renovated nursery provides childcare for the 10:00 AM service. Dropoff for little ones begins at 9:30 AM. There is no cost for this service. | | | |
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COFFEE HOUR THIS SUNDAY
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Join us Coffee Hour on Sunday! If your last name begins with N-Z, please bring goodies (such as cheese and crackers, salads, deviled eggs, fruit, or similar items) to share on Sunday!
Sunday, November 24 Coffee Hour
Last Names between N-Z - Please bring goodies to share!
Sunday, December 1 - Open House at the Rectory
Everyone is welcome! Please bring a dish to share.
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ST. GREGORY'S HOLIDAY GALA | | |
HAVE QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT US! | | |
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A MESSAGE FROM TIM
By Tim Brumfield
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This Sunday we will be holding a special Choral Evensong in commemoration of Christ the King Sunday, our last Sunday of the Church year. The choir will be singing the anthem, “Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor”, composed by American composer and organist Gerre Hancock (1934-2012) who served as Organist and Master of the Choristers at St. Thomas Fifth Ave. Episcopal Church in Manhattan from 1971-2004. Known for his extraordinary improvisational gifts, Hancock transformed the music program at St. Thomas Fifth Avenue building the chorister program into a world-renowned choir of men and boys. The Choir will also be singing a set of Preces and Responses which I composed in honor of the rededication of our Sanctuary, April 21, 2024.
Choral Evensong is perhaps one of the most beautiful of all services that comes out of the Anglican church. The service is quite literally a living history of our church and its traditions. Being basically Evening Prayer, apart from a few prayers and scripture readings, the service is sung by a choir and cantor. The office of Evensong traces its history of origin all the way back to the reign of Henry VIII with the two major canticles, the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, coming from Vespers and Compline respectfully. The form of the service with the psalms, scripture, collects and prayers all originate from these two services and haven’t changed too terribly since first appearing in the 1549 Prayer Book. Many countless musical settings of the canticles and psalms have been composed throughout the centuries making the service of Evensong rich in musical diversity, beauty, and heritage and we in the Episcopal Church are very blessed to have these services upon which to draw inspiration and guidance through their graceful elegance and tradition.
For the 10 AM service of worship, soloist Sam Cucci will be singing “Antiphon—Let All the World”, a poem by the Welsh priest (Church of England) and poet George Herbert (1593-1633). English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) set this poem to music as part of a work he entitled “Five Mystical Songs”.
I hope to see you both Sunday morning and Sunday evening at 6 PM! We’ve some extraordinary music coming your way!
Tim
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MORNING PRAYER AND MUSICAL MEDITATIONS WITH TIM BRUMFIELD | |
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Morning Prayer and Musical Meditations with Tim Brumfield
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
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Morning Prayer and Musical Meditations with Tim Brumfield
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
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THANKSGIVING SERVICE
WEDNESDAY EVENING AT 6 PM
Join us on Wednesday evening for
a very special Thanksgiving Service in the Sanctuary.
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MUSIC AND FLOWER ENVELOPES
In your bulletins next week, you will find the annual flower and music envelope allowing you to support both of these ministries. If paying by check, please make it out to St. Gregory’s and in the memo line put music and/or flowers. Don’t forget to list the names of the people you would like listed in the MEMORY OF or on the IN THANKSGIVING FOR page.
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HEARING ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE - LISTEN WIFI
St Gregory's has Listen WIFI, an innovative Wi-Fi streaming solution for those with hearing loss or those who would just like to hear better during services. Listen WIFI allows parishioners to use their smartphones to access this technology. Listen with your own headphones, earbuds, or hearing aid device. If you are interested in this hearing-assisted service, please meet Tim Brumfield at the back of the church before the 8 AM service and Kristen Chaney at the back of the church before the 10 AM service. If you are able, please scan the QR code below and download the app in advance to make the process faster. If not, please have your app store password so you can download the app to your smartphone.
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ANGEL TREE IN THE NARTHEX
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
Sunday, December 1 is the first Sunday of Advent. You will notice as you enter the church, the angel tree 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.
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES | | |
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Teach children in the way they should go and when they are old, they will still not depart from it.
- Proverbs 22.6
Registration is always open!
Click here to register online.
For more information, contact:
ANITA SHERMAN anitasherman561@gmail.com
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
A Place to Belong
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Saturday, November 23
10 am - Turkey and Tots Crafts
Join the St. Gregory's Tot Time Together group (formerly Mommy and Me) for Thanksgiving crafts and play.
Next Sunday, November 24
9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:30am: Nursery open
9:45am: 3yrs - 5th grade (designated classrooms)
9:45am - Upper Room Time for teens (Youth Room)
Looking Ahead: Mark Your Calendars!
Annual Rectory Open House and Welcome Reception
for The Rev. Dr. Robyn & Damian Neville
Sunday, Dec 1
St. Gregory's Holiday Gala
Saturday, Dec 7
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
Sunday, Dec 8, 15, 22; 11:45am; light lunch for children provided.
YAYA Pop Up and Poinsettia Sale
Sunday, Dec 8
Youth Group Christmas Party
Sunday, Dec 15
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BECOME A PART OF
ST. GREGORY'S CHORISTERS
Young People Praising God
in Song!
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St. Gregory's Choristers offers outstanding musical education for children in grades 3 - 7 and an opportunity for young people to enjoy fellowship while making glorious music together.
Contact Tim Brumfield for more info
tbrumfield@st-gregorys.com
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UPCOMING UPPER ROOM SCHEDULE
Sunday, Nov 17, 24 - Upper Room Time (Youth Room)
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UPPER ROOM TIME
Conversation, Reflection, and Prayer - with lots of Fun and Fellowship!
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Upper Room Time meets at 9:45 AM in the Youth Room and is open to all teens 6th - 12th grade.
WHAT WILL WE DO DURING UPPER ROOM TIME?
Following our pattern of Pause, Listen, Reflect, Pray, and Go, we will build on our previous theme -- What will you do with your one wild and precious life? (based on Mary Oliver's poem The Summer Day.)
We will continue to use some Benedictine practices to bring more balance, proportion, and harmony into our lives.
This year we will focus on "What makes you come alive?" (from a quote by theologian and civil rigths leader Howard Thurman)
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WHAT ELSE IS ON DECK?
PLENTY -- SO STAY TUNED!
Service Opportunities
Fuller Center -- teen volunteers needed for a variety of pre-school and aftercare programs!
Other great stuff coming up!
LOOKING AHEAD --
TRIP TO UNIVERSAL - ROCK THE UNIVERSE EVENT - SATURDAY, JAN 25, 2025
St. Gregory's and St. Joseph's in Boynton are collaborating on taking a trip to Universal Studios for the 2025 Rock the Universe event. Click the link below to read more!
Rock, Ride and Rejoice
Raise Your Hands. Raise Your Voice. Raise Your Spirit. Rock the Universe is an unforgettable weekend of faith and fun. On January 24 and 25, 2025, experience powerful beats from Christian Music’s brightest stars and thrilling rides at Universal Studios Florida.
Source: universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/rock-the-universe
PLEASE LET ANITA KNOW ASAP IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO!
anitasherman561@gmail.com
Diocesan gatherings (various dates -- details coming)
Stay tuned for more details about these and other great programs!
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Happening, A Christian Experience -- DATE CHANGE!
Jan 17-18, 2025
Happening is a weekend renewal retreat led by youth for
youth.
In Southeast Florida, 9-12th graders are invited to attend this incredibly moving weekend filled with learning, sharing, and building relationships. Through videos, skits, talks, and more, candidates see how God and their faith fit in with the ups and downs of high school life. Happening is designed to help youth feel the love of God and their Christian community. We hope that by the end of the weekend everyone can return home knowing how to continue growing a relationship with God and having a group of fellow believers to rely on. It's a weekend full of fun, games, sharing, surprises, and most of all, spiritual renewal and empowerment.
HAPPENING #42
Event Timing: Friday, January 17th 7:30 PM - Sunday, January 18th, 3:30 PM, 2025
Event Address: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 2750 MacFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Contact Krisan Lamberti, 305-962-1450, youth@diosef.org
Rector: Ariana Hylton
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Please note that Anita will not be available to attend Happening, Christmas Elves or Winterlight.
However, any teen from St. Gregory's who would like to participate
is definitely encouraged to attend.
St. Gregory's can also provide administrative and
scholarship assistance as needed!
Please let Anita know if you are interested!
anitasherman561@gmail.com
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SCENES FROM THE UPPER ROOM: COMING ALIVE!
On Sunday, Nov 17, we gathered in the Youth Room and had a follow up conversation, building on last Sunday's discussion about money. We agreed that building grand "houses" does not mean anything unless there is love.
Our goal is to work on building the temples of our hearts and the building blocks are the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
We wrapped up completing some of the blankets for rescue animals!
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YAYA BOUTIQUE UPDATE
Next Pop Up - Sunday, Dec 8
Our YAYA (Youth and Young Adult) Eco-Chic Boutique will have another pop-up sale on Sunday, Dec 8. We also hope to have a poinsettia sale on that day.
Come and shop for the holidays, find great gifts or treat yourself to something fun and fabulous!
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A note about YAYA donations: Please speak with Anita Sherman directly if you have any items to donate. We are very grateful for those who would like to contribute, but due to extremely limited storage space, we cannot accept drop off donations without prior notice and agreement. We appreciate your patience and understanding! Thank you! | |
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Next Sunday, Dec 1
9:10 am - Confirmation Class
No Upper Room or Rise & Shine
All worship together for Advent 1
AND
Enjoy the Holiday Open House at the Rectory and welcome
The Rev. Robyn Neville, our new associate priest, and her husband Damian!
11:30am - 12:30pm at the Rectory
Sunday, Dec 8
9:10am -- Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:45am -- Upper Room Time (Youth Room)
11:30am -- YAYA Pop Up Sale and Poinsettia Sale (Courtyard)
11:45am -- Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (for those who are participating)
Sunday, Dec 15
9:10am - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:45am -- Youth Group Christmas Party - Part 1!
11:30am -- Youth Group Christmas Party - Part 2 - Walk to Starbucks
11:45am -- Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (for those who are participating)
Sunday, Dec 22
9:10am -- Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:45am -- Upper Room Time (Youth Room)
11:45am -- Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (for those who are participating)
Tuesday, Dec 24 -- Christmas Eve!
4pm - Christmas Service with Pageant
(All participants arrive at 3:15pm in Harris Hall)
7pm - A Service of Lessons and Carols with the Choir of St. Gregory’s
10:30 pm - Music Prelude
11pm - Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, Dec 29
No Confirmation Class or Upper Room Time
Enjoy the break with your families and friends!
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WHAT ELSE IS ON DECK?
PLENTY -- SO STAY TUNED!
Service Opportunities
We still have some blankets to finish for rescue animals!
If you would like to work on some, let Anita know!
Other great stuff coming up!
Youth Group Christmas Party
Date/Time/Location TBA - stay tuned!
Rock the Universe trip to Universal Studios Park in Orlando
Saturday, Jan 25, 2025
PLEASE LET ANITA KNOW ASAP IF YOU WANT TO GO!
Diocesan Gatherings/Events
Happening retreat for 9th - 12th graders
Christmas Elves party; Winterlight at Kanuga
Scroll down for details!
Stay tuned for more details about these and other great programs!
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MEET REV. ROBYN!
The Rev. Dr. Robyn Neville will join our church staff as the new Sr. Associate Rector on Sunday, December 1. As part of her work with us, Rev. Robyn (her preferred mode of address) will serve as our clergy liaison for children, youth and families.
She and her husband Damian will be living on campus at the 298 NE 2nd Street house. Please take a moment to introduce yourselves at the Open House (or whenever!) and welcome them warmly into our church family!
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Come one, come all to the
Annual Rectory Holiday Open House
and
Welcome Reception for
The Rev. Dr. Robyn & Damian Neville
Sunday, December 1st
Open House after the 8am service (9am - 10am)
Open House after the 10am service (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Meet the Nevilles and enjoy holiday cheer
and refreshments with our church family!
Please bring a plate of goodies to share
(finger food only, please -- no items requiring utensils!).
Children and youth are most welcome, too!
The Rectory is located across the street from the church parking lot
at 245 NE 2nd Street.
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ECW THRIFT STORE
HOLIDAY POP UPS!
The Thrift Store will be conducting Holiday POP-UP Sales in the courtyard and store on the following Sundays: December 8, December 15. Hours will be 9am - 12:30pm.
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CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 2024!
Many, many thanks to Silvia Hall for coordinating our Christmas pageant! The pageant this year will feature the Godly Play story about the nativity. There are plenty of role for all who want to participate. Please contact Silvia for more details at silviahall@yahoo.com.
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Message from Silvia about the pageant:
Pageant Calendar 2024 – Rehearsal Times
Sunday, Dec 8th – 11:45 am to 12:30 pm.
Sunday, Dec 15th – 11:45 am to 12:30 pm.
Sunday, 22nd – 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
8 th (Brothers’ Breakfast).
Tuesday 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 Storyteller
Silvia Hall
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IT'S PARTY TIME!
Youth Group Christmas Party: Sunday, Dec 15
Join us on Sunday, Dec 15 during Upper Room Time
for a fun and fabulous Christmas celebration!
Enjoy Brothers' Breakfast -- with some special treats!
Play games, have fun, win prizes!
Exchange great gifts!
AND... Walk to Starbucks after church!
Please bring a wrapped gift ($5 - $10 value) for the gift exchange!
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If you are interested in giving of your time to helping others and making a difference, St. Gregory's and its ministries have many volunteer opportunities available There is truly something for everyone. Learn more. | |
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are needed for various ministries.
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Our Lay Eucharistic Visitor volunteer group is looking for members of our St. Gregory’s family to join them as they:
1. Deliver communion and enrich the religious experience of those unable to attend church due to illness or incapacity.
2. Visit and spiritually support those in need of the comfort and companionship of St. Gregory’s
3. Maintain contact with those parishioners with whom they are assigned to assure them that they are still a part of our St. Gregory’s community.
If this type of ministry appeals to you, please contact David Cominole 561-376-9056 or email him at david.cominole@att.net for more information.
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NEWS, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES | | | |
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UPCOMING
Mark your calendar for these important dates!
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Saturday, November 23 - Boca Holiday Tree Lighting at Mizner Park, Turkey and Tots Crafts at St. Gregory's in Harris Hall
Sunday, November 24 - Christ the King Sunday - last Sunday of the Church year, Special Christ the King Choral Evensong at 6 PM
Wednesday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Service in the Sanctuary.
Wednesday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 - Church Office is Closed
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The Thrift Store is now open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM and two Sundays per month. Stop by for a treasure or to say hello! We would love to see you!
DONATIONS ARE NEEDED!
The ECW Thrift Store is looking for gently used donations! We're especially looking for jewelry, purses, gift items, and decorative pieces. Donations can be dropped off at the church office from Monday - Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM.
Please note, unfortunately, we cannot accept books, puzzles, CDs, DVDs, clothing, artwork, or furniture at this time.
Thank you for your support!
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RESERVING ALTAR FLOWERS
TO HONOR A LOVED ONE
OR SPECIAL OCCASION
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Have you ever wondered where our beautiful altar flowers come from each week? We work with a wonderful local florist who has partnered with us for years. They create the stunning weekly arrangements (except during Lent) and decorate our worship space for Easter and Christmas.
DID YOU KNOW? THE BEAUTY IS SHARED!
After the service, Maggie Brockman and her team repurpose the arrangements and deliver them from St. Gregory’s to members who are confined to their home and to various nursing homes in the area. The beauty is shared.
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ACCESS, ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT | | | |
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PASTORAL CARE
St. Gregory's Is Here For You.
| St. Gregory's provides a variety of support ministries that are here to support you. Our clergy, staff, and Stephen Ministers are here to answer your questions, pray with you, and for your pastoral needs. Contact the church office at 561-395-8285 or by email at office@st-gregorys.com. Learn more. | | |
SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT | | | |
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NOVEMBER 2024 UPDATE AND
PRAYER CALENDAR FOR HAITI
Prayers are needed now, more than ever, for the people of Haiti. Click the link below to view the SFHP's October Update and Prayer Calendar for Haiti: https://conta.cc/4dstHmc
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PRAYER
Daily Prayer and Prayer Requests
| Join us in prayer. Click here to submit your prayer request. To pray for others, click here to view this week's prayer requests. If you'd prefer to receive a daily written prayer, click here to receive each day's word from Daily Prayer (a resource of Forward Movement). | | | | | |
