AN INVITATION AND MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE FROM THE RECTOR

In today's video, Father Andrew shares a message of gratitude to all those who helped to make Sunday's Service of Rededication and Open House Celebration possible. And, mostly, Father Andrew gives thanks to God for making all things possible. Please join us on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 6:30 PM for our Evensong service and community open house celebration.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Holy Spirit leading our congregation and renewing our common life!

This week we celebrate the completion of our campus and church renovation projects, the culmination of seven years of prayerful discernment, strategic planning, capital fundraising, and two phases of construction. As we prepare to gather for our Rededication Evensong Service and Community Open House this Sunday at 6:30 pm, I am full of gratitude for the sacrificial leadership and generosity of so many people. We did this together. But at the beating heart of it all is the dynamic, living, guiding, empowering, and renewing presence of the Holy Spirit! For seventy years, God has breathed life into the lungs of our common life. Generation by generation, beginning with the dozen Episcopalians who in 1953 assembled in faith to plant a church, the Holy Spirit has led this congregation. As the psalmist sings, "The steadfast mercy of the Lord endures forever." As we rejoice in the completion of this great work, let us remember that the true mover and shaker and life-giving force propelling this congregation forward, is God the Holy Spirit! I invite you to join with me in offering praise and thanks to God, the One who truly makes a difference in our lives and in the life of all creation! Thanks be to God!!

In Christ,

Andrew+

OPEN HEARTS, OPEN DOORS

A SERVICE OF REDEDICATION

AND CELEBRATION

Sunday, April 21 - 6:30 PM

St. Gregory's service of Rededication will be one of celebration and renewal as we come together to formally bless our beautifully renovated sanctuary and honor all those who have labored on this great project and those who have made it possible through their leadership, sacrifice, and gifts. Invitations to the community at large are being issued including civic leaders, city council members, sister parishes within the Diocese, religious organizations, churches and synagogues, as well as performing arts organizations. 

This monumental service will be in the form of a Choral Evensong with the Choir of St. Gregory’s and guest musicians and will feature the music of Hubert. H. Parry, William Harris, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and a special setting of the Preces and Responses by Tim Brumfield. 

Plan now to attend and be part of this historic service of rededication when we will not only rededicate our beautiful sanctuary and campus, but also rededicate ourselves to the service of God within our community and the world. 

ST. GREGORY'S NURSERY

The Nursery Opens Sundays at 9:30 AM

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.

MOMMY & ME

Meets Sunday, April 21 at 9:00 AM

Join this group in the nursery as they enjoy fun and fellowship every third Sunday in the church Nursery.

Dads welcome, too!

For more information,

contact Margaret O'Connor

margaret.ellard.oconnor@gmail.com

THE REALITY OF BEING

“I have to know that I have a double nature, that there are two forces in me: the descending force of manifestation and an ascending force returning to the source. I have to experience them here at the same time in order to know myself as a whole. There must be some reason why I am here, something that is needed for a relation between the two. This is the meaning of my Presence. In each event in life - whether family, professional or inner life - there is a double movement of involution and evolution. The action is directed toward an aim, toward manifestation, but behind it is something that has no aim, that does not project itself but returns to the source. These two currents are indispensable to each other.”

- Jeanne de Salzmann

This Week, our group work continued within The Reality of Being.

Last week, we discussed enstasy and ecstasy - keeping within and standing outside - and how both of these modes of being are needed to feel the voluntary suffering of our lack between the yes and the no. But, we noted that we can stay in front through our attention.

“When our attention is strongly concentrated in front of the various movements of our thinking, feeling and body, this produces a substance similar to electricity.”

To be electricity.

To be the conduit and the current at the same time. When this Presence happens, we find ourselves in the morphogenetic field of exchange. And we land in our relations with human beings.

The landing isn’t qualified. It is witnessed.

Clear impressions. I learn to purify the power of my seeing.

We create energetic fields. Or we refuse them.

The wish to be remains the wish to be. There is no compromise in nourishment and malnourishment if we want to be truly alive for ourselves and in service to the world.

We continued with the chapter, VOLUNTARY SUFFERING, p. 243, (section 116). creating a struggle between the yes and the no. And then move back to pp. 44 - 45, where we will discuss the two currents we sometimes live in between - if we can hold the post. Noting the active and passive forces that vibrate through our bodies.

If we can be electricity.

See you Wednesday.

The group meets on Zoom every Wednesday morning at 10:00 am - 11:30 am ET.

Zoom link here. Your desire is your compass.

Meeting ID: 854 5001 9587 Passcode: 1+1=3

Bless you,

Benjamin+

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

By Tim Brumfield

It’s almost here! Our Open Hearts, Open Doors Celebration will be this Sunday at 6:30!! Can you believe it! I’m overjoyed with excitement as we draw near to the time of rededicating our beautiful sanctuary and facilities. The music will include guest musicians including the incomparable Robyn Marie Lamp who will sing two solos along with our incredible Choir of St. Gregory’s. We will begin the service with selections played on our newly restored Steinway Grand accompanied by a string quartet. The choir will sing as a choral introit the majestic and stirring “I was Glad When They Said Unto Me” by Hubert H. Parry and we will process on the beautiful hymn “The Church’s One Foundation.” The service will take the shape of a Choral Evensong, appropriate for an evening service, and the choir will sing a new setting of the Preces and Responses which I’ve composed for the occasion. These include The Lord’s Prayer and Suffrages. 

Additional anthems will include “O How Amiable” by R. V. Williams and “Behold, the Tabernacle of God” by William Harris. 

Afterwards, there will be food, wine, and champagne! So let’s fill the sanctuary for this grand and glorious occasion as we rededicate our space and ourselves to the mission of Christ here in Boca Raton! 

Blessings to all,

Tim

OUR NEWLY RENOVATED SPACE

An Update on the "Punch List"

We all know that with any construction or renovation project, there are always some post-construction adjustments.   As we live into our beautifully renovated space, we continue to work on some final “punch list” items. These include:

* The finish on the marble flooring around the sanctuary (the altar area). We are still addressing cleaning issues around some post-construction residue that was on the marble and are reviewing our best options for amelioration. 

* The doors leading from the narthex into church will need to be rebalanced. We are working with the contractor to resolve the issue.

* Examining the best approach to sound issues for those with hearing support devices.

* Waiting to install two additional icons featuring Mary, Mother of our Lord, and Mary Magdalene behind the main altar.

We appreciate grace for all as we work through these finishing touches. We will keep the congregation updated as work is completed.

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

A Place to Belong

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

5:45 pm: Choristers rehearsal

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 21

9 am: Mommy & Me (Nursery)

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 am: Nursery open

9:45 am: 3yrs - 5th grade regular classes (designated classrooms)

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

SCHEDULE CHANGE: The Special Earth Day program for children, youth, and families has been moved to Sunday, April 28 after the 10 am service (Courtyard)

6:30 pm: OPEN HEARTS, OPEN DOORS

ST. GREGORY'S SERVICE OF REDEDICATION

AND OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION

Evensong service in the Sanctuary followed by an Open House reception in Harris Hall. Free and open to the public. Everyone is warmly welcomed! Please invite your families, friends, and neighbors, too!

THURSDAY, APRIL 25



5:45pam: Choristers rehearsal

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 28

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 am: Nursery open

9:45 am: 3yrs - 5th grade regular classes (designated classrooms)

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

11:30 am: Special Earth Day program for children, youth, and families immediately following the 10am service (Courtyard and other spaces)

SAVE THESE DATES!

Other Great Stuff In the Works!

Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28 - Happening Retreat - Diocesan program for high school teens.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, Boynton Beach

Sunday, April 28 - Special Earth Day program -

9:45 AM - during Youth Upper Room time for teens and after the 10 am service for everyone!

May (date/details TBD) - Youth Group fun time -- Boomers in Boca



April/May (date/details TBD) - Youth Group service -- Visit to Boca Rehab

April/May (date/details TBD) - College Conversations -- FAU students sharing wisdom with youth about all things college

JUNE: IT'S KANUGA TIME!

Kanuga Youth Week 2024

Kanuga Youth Week 2024

June 16-21

Bus transportation and other details are being determined by our diocese. Stay tuned for more info.

Let Anita know if you are interested in going!

anitasherman561@gmail.com

APRIL IS EARTH MONTH!

Celebrate with

a special program at St. Gregory's

LOVING GOD, LOVING CREATION

Sunday, April 28 after the 10 AM Service

All children, youth, families (and everyone!) are invited to celebrate Earth Month with special activities after the 10am service. Join us as we ponder how we praise and bless God and one another through caring for creation.

BEARING WITNESS

A JOURNEY WITH HOLY LAND CHRISTIANS

New Class with Fr. Andrew

Begins Sunday, April 28

Fr. Andrew will be leading a five-week adult formation program starting on Sunday, April 28 in the Conference Room, at 11:45 AM entitled, "Bearing Witness." Bearing Witness is a free, video-based study program that shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that bring hope and healing in this volatile part of the world.  A diverse group of Palestinians and Israelis share their stories to help us understand the realities of life in the Holy Land and the conditions that create the urgent need for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.    SESSION 1; BELONGING, connects the story of Jesus speaking in the synagogue where he claims his identity with the many and varied identities of people living in the Holy Land today.

ADULT FORMATION

Classes and Formation at St. Gregory's

Wednesdays

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

Meeting Link

10:00 AM - The Reality of Being with Fr. Ben - This class meets via (Zoom). The Reality of Being is 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. Zoom link here.

Meeting ID: 854 5001 9587 Passcode: 1+1=3

6:00 PM - Rector's Bible Study with Fr. Andrew  - Hybrid class - On Zoom and In Person (In the Conference Room). Zoom link here Meeting ID: 841 7545 8345 Passcode: 086160

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

ART CLASSES

Mondays at 9:30 AM

Welcome all art lovers and artists. Beginners and Intermediate 1 class in oil painting. Come and have fun while learning. Never again will you wonder what color to select or how to set up and create a pleasing composition. Learn all the rules of composition, design, color theory, and how to critique your work. An extremely positive class. Hope to see you there!

Note: There is no fee for this class. Perhaps a small donation to St. Gregory's as they are providing space and some setup.

Class began April 8 (Monday) Location - St. Gregory's. The class is six weeks. Please contact Patricia Lusk for a material list or additional information. 

Time: 9:30 AM - Morning prayer is at nine if you wish to attend and the painting class will begin at 9:30 AM. The class is from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. 

If you wish you had a watercolor class to attend or Advanced oil or Acrylics, please let me know as I am taking names for the possibility of additional classes. 

Email: Plusk421@yahoo.com

Phone: 786-218-0197

ST. MATTHEWS PARISH IN DELRAY BEACH'S

A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN DIASPORA

Meets Saturday, April 27 from 11 AM - 4 PM

Enjoy a day of fun and good food at a "Taste of the Caribbean" at St. Matthews Parish in Delray Beach on Saturday, April 27th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

St. Matthews Parish Hall

404 SW 3rd Street Delray Beach FL, 33444

Tickets: $35.00 Adults, $15.00 Children (4-10 years)

No charge for children 3 and under.

YOGAMASS

Saturday, April 27 at 4:00 PM

Don't miss St. Gregory's April YogaMass in the chapel on Saturday, April 27 at 4:00 PM. YogaMass® is a unique worship experience engaging and integrating all of our dimensions -- physical, psychological, and spiritual. It reconnects us, through sacred ritual and practices, to the divine presence among us, within us, and in the sacred meal that we share as we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Join us and experience what Jesus promises, “​behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21, KJV) All levels welcome!

Wear comfortable yoga attire & bring water, your own mat, and your friends! Namaste!

SERAPHIC FIRE IN CONCERT

AT ST. GREGORY'S

Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 PM

Enjoy Seraphic Fire’s Concert “Mid-Century Modern” at 4 PM on Sunday, April 28th at St. Gregory’s. For more info, visit seraphicfire.org.

ECW MEETING

Thursday, April 25 at 2:30 PM in Harris Hall

Calling all ladies of St. Gregory's! The ECW will meet at 2:30 PM next Thursday afternoon in Harris Hall. Please join us!

ECW (EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN) SCHOLARSHIP

Apply Now! $1,000 Scholarship to

Support Education for Women

Due to successful ECW fundraising efforts and to the generous donations of our greater church parishioners, and, as part of St. Gregory’s ECW mission in alignment with the National ECW organization, this program helps:

-To bring aid to women to help them become equal partners within their communities; and

-To provide an opportunity for women to improve life for themselves, their families, and their communities.

All applications must be received in full by May 5, 2024. The award recipient will be notified and receive their award either on or before May 15, 2024.

Contact: Rebecca Sorensen at rsorens51@gmail.com

UPCOMING AT ST. GREGORY'S

Sunday, April 21 - Mommy and Me Group meets, A Service of Rededication and Celebration with a reception in Harris Hall following the service.

Monday, April 22 - Brothers Dinner in Harris Hall.

Saturday, April 27 - Children's Communion Retreat in the Chapel, YogaMass in the Chapel at 4 PM.

Sunday, April 28 - Father Andrew's new class "Bearing Witness" begins, Seraphic Fire in Concert at St. Gregory's.

Click to view St Gregory's full calendar of services, events, classes, meetings and other activities.

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.

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 homepage (it is located in the middle of the page) or click here to view it on Facebook.

PARKING PASSES

If you have not yet gotten a parking pass, please stop by the church office during weekly business hours to get a pass.

NEED A LITTLE EXTRA SPACE OR ASSISTANCE FOR SERVICES?

To ensure our services are accessible and comfortable for everyone, we have now designated spaces specifically for members of our congregation who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers. These areas are designed to provide extra room, ensuring full participation in our services for everyone. If you require assistance upon arrival, please don't hesitate to ask an usher for help.

PALM TRAN CONNECTION

RIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE MEETING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Palm Beach County provides ride assistance to those who are unable to drive and meet their eligibility requirements. For those approved for the program, the cost is $3.50 each way or $7.00 round trip. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and to schedule an interview, call 561-649-9838 (and dial "7") or visit Paratransit (Connection) - PalmTran

SUPPORTING THE CHILDREN OF

Andranovory

Andranovory, St. Gregory's Parish link in Madagascar, is reaching out for your support. They have just launched an important fundraiser to provide essential school supplies for local students with an aim to raise $8,000. Reaching this goal will equip up to 400 students with the necessary school supplies for the upcoming school year. Just $20 can supply one student with a notebook, pens, pencils, a slate, chalk, and a backpack for an entire year.

Although public education is free in Madagascar, many families struggle to afford basic school supplies, leaving children to work in fields rather than pursue their education. Teachers in these schools volunteer their time and often only receive payment after 10-15 years of service. In most cases, teachers are forced to balance teaching with their paid job to make ends meet. While these teachers embody dedication and perseverance, it is a hard system.

We invite you to contribute to this noble cause by July 15, 2024. Your timely donation ensures we can purchase and deliver these supplies before the new school year starts in September.

To get involved or for more information, feel free to reach out to Betsy Wenzel at jpbetsy@gmail.com, Walter Jones at wjonesjr@comcast.net, or Gena Vallee at gvallee@st-gregorys.com.

By donating $20, you have the power to:

-Enhance a child's educational journey.

-Break the cycle of poverty.

-Improve their quality of life.

-Unlock a young person's potential.

Please make your check payable to St. Gregory's, with "Andranovory" in the memo line or click on the button to the left. Together, we can change lives and build a brighter future for the children of Madagascar.

HOW DO YOU SAY ANDRANOVORY?

(Hint: An.dra.new.voory)

If you're wondering how to say, "Andranovory," you're not alone! Click the video above and take a journey with Gena Vallee as she consults with a few friends both near and far to find out!

ABOUT ANDRANOVORY

Andranovory is one of sixteen parishes within the Diocese of Toliara, Madagascar. The Diocese is approximately the size of Florida. The Andranovory parish has eight churches. There is one parish priest, Bishop Samitiana (Samy for short) for all the congregations. In addition, there are two Evangelists and several Catechists that assist Bishop Samy. Christ Church (Fiangonan ’i Kristy) is in the town of Andranovory. Many rural parish congregations worship in a home, under a tree or in a classroom or rented space. The photos today are of Christ Church and Antranokaky Church. (under the tree)

Please keep the eight parish churches, Bishop Samy and their church leaders in your prayers, as we know that they are praying for St. Gregory’s. If you would like to be involved in sharing video clips or photos from St. Gregory’s, or just want more information about our mission, you may contact Mary Herin at cmnkd@comcast.net or visit: www.dioceseoftoliara.org/en/who-we-are/diocesan-churches/andranovory-parish

SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT

April Prayer Calendar

Click the button below to view

the April prayer calendar for Haiti. 

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).

ST. GREGORY'S LOVES COFFEE HOUR!

Donations and Volunteers Needed

Join the tradition of fellowship by volunteering for our Sunday Coffee Hour, following the 10 AM service. We are currently seeking volunteers to coordinate and serve our fellow parishioners each week (except for the Brothers Breakfast Sunday). If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, contact Kay Holt at kholt@st-gregorys.com.

Please support Coffee Hour by bringing something to share. We have plenty of pastries, but would greatly appreciate cheese and crackers, fruit, or other treats. 

             Schedule of Donated Goods for Coffee Hour

April 21: No Coffee hour due to Rededication set up!

April 28 - I through M

May 5– N through Z

May 12– MOTHER’S DAY! and BROTHERS BREAKFAST!

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 AT 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

Download the St. Gregory's App - iOS, Google Play