A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

Personal Words of Reflection

In today's video message, Father Andrew shares personal words of reflection on the situation in Israel and God's Way of Love.

Additionally, Father Andrew has shared comments from Dean Richard of St. George's College and Michael Even Esh, a Jewish leader at the Livnot Kibbutz in Southern Israel along with a prayer for the people of the Holy Land from Bishop Eaton.

AN UPDATE FROM DEAN RICHARD

On the current situation in Palestine and Israel

I write to you from Galilee where I am with a group of intrepid St. George's College pilgrims. St George’s College has experienced numerous serious disruptions to its ministry over the past fifty years and there is an institutional memory of surviving these great challenges. We are in another of those moments of deep rupture. Once again, it isn’t the result of the College’s mismanagement or errors of judgment. This crisis is brought about by an explosion of violence between Israelis and Palestinians which has resulted in atrocities by both sides causing devastating numbers of deaths and casualties. The College staff along with people of all faiths and none, mourn these tragic events and the grief and deep trauma which result. 

Pilgrims and tourists have fled in droves. There has been a rush to the airport even as there have been wholesale cancellations of flights. We have a group of 33 pilgrims with us on a study pilgrimage and it has been a profoundly challenging experience for them. Several decided to leave to return home. But 30 have remained, determined to do as much of their greatly anticipated experience that safety and sensible planning will allow. They feel confident in the College’s planning and assessment of direct risks and so, barring one day when we simply sheltered in place in the College library, we have been able to offer an adapted schedule of visits to key holy sites in Jerusalem and Galilee.....

Click here to read the full message from The Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell, Dean of Saint George's College Jerusalem

THE BISHOP IS ASKING FOR PRAYERS

For the peoples of the Holy Land and for an immediate end to violence

O God, the Source of Life, and Creator of Peace,

help your children, anguished and confused,

to understand the futility of hatred and violence;

and grant us the ability to stretch across political, religious and national boundaries

so we may confront horror and fear

by continuing together in the search for justice, peace and truth.

Remember those now caught up in armed conflict in Israel and Palestine.

Give rest to the dead;

succour to the wounded;

strength to those held hostage;

and energy to those with the power to bring the violence to a swift end.

With every fiber of our being we beg you, O God,

to help us not to fail nor falter in the work of peace, justice and reconciliation.  Amen.

"TERRIBLE THINGS HAPPENED ON SHABBAT..."

A Message by Michael Even Esh

"Terrible things happened on Shabbat. And more terrible things will yet happen. One of the biggest challenges for Israel will be destroying terrorist infrastructure while keeping our ethical soul intact. And, this will be at a time that terrorists will be hiding behind civilians, under hospitals, in schools and in private homes, with an actual wish that the IDF will hurt their own civilians for PR gains. And some civilians will be actual terrorists. I hope you realize how hard it will be to discern between the guilty and the innocent. If we are too mean, we lose ethically. If we are too nice, we lose more lives. (And you know one thing for sure: the world and the world’s media and the world’s institutions will soon vilify Israel, no matter what we’ll do.) It is a lose-lose situation, but it must be done. 

But we must live and act in the way we feel is ethical, even if we are censured by the entire world. This is no small challenge."

-Michael Even Esh, a Jewish leader at the Livnot Kibbutz in Southern Israel. 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Ark and the Flood

This past Sunday the children got their chance to worship in a new place thanks to the air conditioning being out. And what a gift it turned out to be. We spread blankets on the south lawn under the trees and listened to the story of the Ark and the Flood. The time of wondering was deep and cleansing for the week ahead. Some said their favorite part was that the rain stopped, or that the dove made a nest. Another wondered how the animals knew to start walking to the Ark. We wondered, did God put a special prayer over the boat to make the animals not eat each other and be patient? Did Naamah, Noah’s wife, sing lullabies to the animals like in a picture book someone read?

After the wondering died down, some chose to paint with watercolors and others chose to just lay on the blanket watching the breeze move the sunlight through the trees… “Can we do this again?” they wanted to know… - Anna Thomas & Kristen Chaney

WISDOM SCHOOL

Seeing with the Eye of the Heart

Dear Wisdom students,

If you are looking for something you're trying to find outside of yourself, join me by going within.

Connect here.

In Christ,

Fr. Ben+

FALL / 2023 OFFERINGS

Click here to learn more about Fr. Ben's Fall offerings:

Radical Optimism, and The Reality of Being.

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

Music Ministry

This Sunday we will read the rest of the story of the Ten Commandments where the people had turned to frivolity and idol worship while Moses was on the mountain. The Lord in his fury planned to destroy them, but Moses implored to God to spare them and so he did. In the Gospel, we hear Christ’s parable about the wedding banquet as he says “…many are called, but few are chosen.” The Choir of St. Gregory’s will sing the beautiful anthem by Edward Bairstow “I Sat Under His Shadow” which is a meditation on the love of God for his people, bridging these two scriptures together with text from the Song of Solomon “I sat under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was Love.”

Continuing with this theme from the scriptures, we will hear Sam Cucci sing the beautiful poem “The Call” by George Herbert set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams. “…Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such a Light, as shows a feast: Such a Feast, as mends in length: Such a Strength, as makes his guest…Such a Love, as none can part: Such a Heart, as joys in love.”

I’m so excited to be back with you during the week for Morning Prayer and I hope you’ll join me online Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It truly is one of my favorite times of the week.

Blessings to all,

Tim

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

A Place to Belong

Thursday, October 12

5:45 PM - Choristers Rehearsal (Harris Hall)

Sunday, October 15

9:10 AM - Confirmation Class (South Lawn)

9:30 AM - St. Gregory's Nursery Opens for Dropoff

9:45 AM - Sunday School (South Lawn)

9:45 AM - Upper Room Time for Middle and High School (South Lawn)

Thursday, October 19

5:45 PM - Choristers Rehearsal (Choir Room)

Sunday, October 22

9:10 AM - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 AM - St. Gregory's Nursery Opens for Dropoff

9:45 AM - Sunday School (Designated Rooms)

9:45 AM - Upper Room Time for Middle and High School (Youth Room)

HARVEST FESTIVAL!

For all children and youth (nursery open for our youngest members). Scroll down for more info!

Sunday, October 22

9:10 AM - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 AM - St. Gregory's Nursery Opens for Dropoff

9:45 AM - Sunday School (Designated Rooms)

9:45 AM - Upper Room Time for Middle and High School (Youth Room)

MEALS WITH MEANING SERVICE DAY

(Scroll down for more information)

UPPER ROOM TIME

Meets Sundays at 9:45 AM

St. Gregory's Upper Room Time meets each Sunday (except the first Sunday of the month or other specially designated Sundays) for snacks, downtime, conversation, reflection, and prayer.

Our theme last year focused on living our "one wild and precious life". We'll continue this theme and add some Benedictine spirituality by working on a rule of life to help us with balance, proportion, and harmony. Here are a few scenes from Upper Room time...beating the heat by being outside!

HARVEST FESTIVAL

For all children and youth

Sunday, October 22

Join us in the Youth Room after Communion time at the 10:00 AM service. We will celebrate Fall with great food, reflection time, and super fun activities - s'mores are on the menu!

MEALS WITH MEANING SERVICE DAY

Sunday, October 29

During Upper Room Time we will have conversations around serving, hunger, and hope. After church, gather in the Youth Room for lunch and fun before we start our service shift. Community service hours for all who help!

CHORISTER REHEARSALS

Thursday Evenings

from 5:45 PM - 6:30 PM

St. Gregory's Choristers meet each Thursday at 5:45 p.m. in the choir room for rehearsals. If you are interested in learning more about the Choristers, please email Tim Brumfield at TBrumfield@St-gregorys.com

GODLY PLAY

We Have An Exciting Fall Planned!

So many thought-provoking events are happening with Godly Play this fall! Click here to view our September newsletter and learn about ways to connect and engage. Click here to hear from an adult who grew up with Godly Play to better understand the importance of why Sunday School Matters. Don't miss a minute of information about Godly Play! Click here to register for our newsletter!

YOUTH GROUP PET FOOD COLLECTION

CONTINUES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER

Help Local Animal Shelters

Feed Their Guests!

Please bring canned wet food or bagged dry food to the church office during the week (during office hours) and on Sundays all through October.

(NO expired or previously opened items, please!)

The Youth Group will collect items

and donate them to local shelters.

LOOKING AHEAD

Exciting Fall Offerings

Sunday, October 22 - Harvest Festival (Youth Room): Food, Fun, and Fellowship for all children and youth during the Town Hall Meeting!

Sunday, October 29 - Meals with Meaning Service Day: Gather in the Youth Room immediately following the 10:00 AM service.

More amazing programs in the works!

Stay tuned for dates and details!

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON SATURDAY

For the Blessing of the Pets

We'd like to extend a huge, heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who came out to participate in St. Gregory's annual Blessing of the Pets last Saturday. Your presence and your beloved furry, feathery, or scaly companions brought joy and a sense of community to the day. It was a truly special occasion, and we are so very grateful for the opportunity to share this meaningful tradition with you. More photos to follow next week!

54TH ANNUAL EPISCOPAL CONVENTION FOR THE SOUTHEAST DIOCESE OF FLORIDA

Thank You to St. Gregory's Delegates!

The 54th Annual Episcopal Convention for the Southeast Diocese of Florida will convene on October 27 and 28 at St. Andrews School in Boca Raton, Fl. St. Gregory’s will send three delegates this year: Paula Holgerson, Hugh Strachan, and Phil Hall. The First Alternate is David Gury. We would like to give prayers and thanks to our volunteer members as they represent our church

at this important convention.

WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP?

Stewardship Sunday is October 22

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.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

Next Sunday, October 22, is Stewardship Sunday which kicks off St. Gregory's Stewardship season. During this time, we ask that you prayerfully consider your pledge for the coming year. The monies pledged will help St. Gregory's formulate our 2023 budget, so we can meet our operating expenses such as salaries, insurance, utilities, etc., and fuel our mission and ministries for this coming year but also help to secure the future. Your pledges are a loving response to a generous and loving God and demonstrate our commitment to Him and the Church. Look for pledge cards in the mail this week or go to the stgregorysepiscopal.org/pledge website.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Sanctuary Renovation

The anticipation is building!

The renovation work in the church sanctuary continues to progress beautifully. The flooring contractor is installing the hardwood flooring in the choir loft. The Botticino altar flooring installation should commence in the next couple of weeks.

The drywall finishes are complete, and the crew is ready to start the painting. We are looking forward to the pews being delivered in mid-November. We have not encountered significant delays and still anticipate being in the Sanctuary for Christmas.

ALL SAINTS DAY IS NOVEMBER 5

Please Submit the Names of Your Loved Ones

If you would like to have the names of your friends and loved ones remembered on All Saints Sunday, please call the office, 561-395-8285 or email us at office@st-gregorys.com. Let us know if you'd like the names read at the 8 AM or 10 AM service. ALL NAMES MUST BE INTO THE OFFICE BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 30 to be included.

ADULT FORMATION

Classes and Formation at St. Gregory's

Sundays

11:30 AM - Newcomers Classes with Fr. Andrew (In Person, in the Overflow Area)



Wednesdays

8:00 AM - Men's Spirituality Hour (Zoom) 

Meeting Link

10:00 AM - The Reality of Being with Fr. Ben (Zoom)

The Reality of Being will be an ongoing group, initially composed of the fruit that has fallen out of a three-year Gospel of Thomas circle, and will meet via Zoom every Wednesday from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST. If interested, contact Fr. Ben here.

6:00 PM - Rector's Bible Study with Fr. Andrew - Hybrid - On Zoom and In Person (In the Conference Room)

Meeting Link Meeting ID: 821 8193 8028 Passcode: 713673

6:00 PM - Radical Optimism with Fr. Ben (Zoom) Click here to learn more and to register.



Thursdays

1:00 PM - Women's Bible Study (Youth Room) - For information, contact Evelyn Anderson at ebunn@stanfordalumni.org  or Susan D’Ambrosio, sldambro@gmail.com

SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT

Regional Gathering Tonight - Thursday, Oct. 12

While we are spread out geographically, SFHP is connected by our hearts for partnership with the people of Bondeau, Haiti.

Please Join Us!

Regional Gathering at Bethesda by the Sea

Thursday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 PM

141 S. County Road

Palm Beach, FL 33480



Please come learn about who we are....hear he latest updates...how you can make a difference and meet the many faces of South Florida Haiti Project from your deanery!

Enjoy some delicious treats, beverages, and connect with one another!

THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

A Brief History of this Outstanding Organization

St. Brigid of Kildare is an active chapter of the International Order of the Daughters of the King (DoK) here at St. Gregory’s that was initiated on December 13, 1959. The DoK is an ecumenical organization originating in 1885 in the Episcopal Church. Today there are chapters worldwide including churches in communion with the Episcopal church, or churches in the historic episcopate but not in communion with it. Our membership currently includes women in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA), and Roman Catholic churches.

The Mission of The Order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. The vows of prayer, service, and evangelism are taken after a discernment period during which a twelve-unit study is completed. As nuns we do not wear habits or live in communal housing together, rather we are regular women married, single, or divorced.

In line with St. Gregory’s inclusive tenets we are an open and inclusive organization available to all women regardless of race, creed, color, gender, or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA+ women are welcomed as children of God.

Our chapter has hybrid meetings (live and via Zoom) monthly on the second Saturday. The meetings incorporate spiritual growth & and development, prayer, scripture readings, and chapter business, We are mindful of respecting time and maintain a one-hour meeting.

DID YOU KNOW?

Madagascar and St. Gregory's have a connection!

As a congregation, we pray for the Diocese of Toliara in our weekly worship.  Would you like to be involved in furthering this relationship? If you are interested in helping, there will be a luncheon meeting on Saturday October 14 at 11:45am at the home of Betsy Wenzel, 485 NW 6th Street in Boca Raton.  We intend to connect via Zoom at the meeting with a diocesan leader in Madagascar to discuss ways to enhance educational opportunities in the Diocese.  For more information please contact Betsy Wenzel at (561) 542-0305 or jpbetsy@gmail.com 

TOWN HALL MEETING

AND STEWARDSHIP KICKOFF

Sunday, October 22

Join us on Sunday, October 22nd as we kick off Stewardship season with an informative Town Hall meeting as part of the 10:00 AM service! During the timeeting, children and youth will enjoy a fun Harvest Festival in the Youth Room!

ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA

An Informative Discussion

on Sunday, October 29

Alzheimer’s and Dementia: An Informative Discussion with Deborah Germain, Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 11:30 am in Harris Hall Refreshments and continued conversation will be available in the courtyard following the program Worldwide, 55 million people are experiencing the heavy burden that living with Alzheimer's or dementia carries for themselves as well as their caregivers. Join us Sunday, October 29 following the 10:00 am service for an informative discussion with Deborah Germain, Palm Beach County’s Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, to learn more about early signs, symptoms, stages of progression, and the resources that are available at every step. Whether you or a loved one are already suffering from this degenerative brain disease or you are worried about memory loss or other cognitive decline that is beginning to interfere with daily life, help and support is available. This program is hosted by St. Gregory’s Stephen Ministry. For further information, contact Roberta Kjelgaard, rkjelgaard@gmail.com or office@st

SAVE THE DATE

St. Gregory's Platinum Anniversary Gala

Mark your calendars for an evening of elegance and celebration! Join us for St. Gregory's Platinum Anniversary Gala on Thursday, November 2nd, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Lakeside Terrace located at 7880 Glades Road in Boca Raton.

This gala promises to be a dazzling tribute to our rich history and vibrant future. Click here to purchase your tickets now. We look forward to celebrating with you!

ST. GREGORY'S

PLATINUM ANNIVERSARY GALA

Supporting The Event

We are excited to announce our 70th Anniversary Gala! To commemorate this milestone in our history of devotion to God, we will be celebrating with a festive fundraising event on November 2, 2023. We prayerfully ask that you support this important event with contributions, gift certificates, sponsorships, your own creative ideas, as well as donated items for silent and live auctions. All donations are taxdeductible as allowed by law. To donate and celebrate this historic anniversary, please contact:

Arely Castellón-Cox: ACastellon@sparkleteam.com or Carole Boucard: caroleboucard@gmail.com

SUNDAY "COFFEE HOUR"

Join us in the Courtyard on Sunday!

Join us in the courtyard on Sunday morning following the 10 AM service to enjoy cool drinks and time with good friends. Unfortunately, we don’t always have a varied assortment of goodies to serve. If you would like to bring some treats please drop them by the kitchen before the 10 AM service (the earlier, the better). Once construction is over and we have moved out of Harris Hall, we will go back to our snack contribution rotation, but until then, please bring something to go with our cold drinks! Thank you.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Honoring Loved Ones

Donations to our flower dedication fund help to offset the cost of altar flowers and are a wonderful way to honor a loved one or an important milestone. Click to learn more.

ST. GREGORY'S IS NOW LIVESTREAMING

TO THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE

stgregorysepiscopal.org

If you are unable to join us in person for services on Sunday, please join us online! In addition to livestreaming each Sunday's 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist to our Facebook page, St. Gregory's is now livestreaming the service to our homepage for your convenience. Click here to view the service on our hompage (it is located in the middle of the page) or click here to view it on Facebook.

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.

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).

SFHP OCTOBER PRAYER CALENDAR

Prayers for Haiti

Please join us in prayer for the people of Haiti. Click here for the October Prayer Calendar.

UPCOMING AT ST. GREGORY'S

Important Dates

Saturday, October 14th - DOK Monthly Meeting

Saturday, October 21st - Altar Guild Meeting

Sunday, October 22nd - Stewardship Sunday - Town Hall Meeting (The Town Hall Meeting will be part of the 10:00AM Service), Harvest Festival for Children and Youth

Sunday, October 29th - Altzheimer's Care Presentation

Thursday, November 2nd - St. Gregory's Platinum Anniversary Gala

NEW TO ST. GREGORY'S?

We are so very glad you're here.

Welcome! We invite you to explore life at St. Gregory’s by reaching out to our clergy after services, by emailing the church office at office@st-gregorys.com, by calling us at 561-395-8285 or by clicking here to complete our welcome form. Father Andrew will lead the next series of Newcomers classes beginning tSunday, October 8th in the Conference Room. 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.  

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are needed for various ministries.

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.

GIVING ST. GREGORY'S

Your Support Makes An Impact

Your support of St. Gregory's and our ministries makes our mission of Transforming Hearts and Community Through Jesus' Love a reality. Please click here to give online now. For more information, please email the Church Office or click on these links: Altar Flower Dedications, Capital Campaign, Meals with Meaning, Stewardship, and South Florida Haiti Project.

CONNECT WITH US

Engaging With St. Gregory's

We're grateful that you're part of St. Gregory's growing community! Visit our website at www.stgregorysepiscopal.org for more information or click the links and social media buttons below:

Contact Information

Volunteer Information

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