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NOVEMBER 9, 2023
TRANSFORMING HEARTS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH JESUS' LOVE.
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AN INVITATION FROM FATHER ANDREW
Join the Conversation on
the Sacred Ground Dialogue Series
| Father Andrew and St. Gregory's Racial Justice and Healing Ministry invite you to join them this Sunday, November 12, 2023, following the 10:00 AM service, for an enlightening and interactive discussion on the Sacred Ground Dialogue Series. Click on the video to the left to learn more. | | | |
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SACRED GROUND DIALOGUE SERIES
Informative Discussion
This Sunday, November 12
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Join us this Sunday, November 12th following the 10:00 AM service for an interactive discussion on the Sacred Ground Dialogue Series.
Information about the program will be shared to inspire participation in the series will be hosted by the Racial Justice and Healing Ministry. Refreshments will be served. The discussion will be held in the Youth Room.
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FROM THE MOST REV. MICHAEL B. CURRY | | | |
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STATEMENT FROM
PRESIDING BISHOP MICHAEL B.CURRY
On the Conflict in Gaza and Israel
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Please see the statement below from November 7th by the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church:
"You may know me as the pastor who is always talking about love, and I am. But today I am mindful that the urgency of love—true, sacrificial love that respects all of humanity—is not just a good feeling, and it is not easy.
We are called to a love that demands much from us. We are called to a love that tells the truth.
Today I raise my voice for love because more than 10,000 people have died in Gaza, including more than 4,000 children.
The violence is horrific, and the geopolitics are complex, but my call to love is simple: Stop the killing. Stop all of it. Stop it today.
We will not be silent while an entire population is denied food, water, electricity, and fuel needed to run hospitals. We cannot stand by while thousands of civilians die. Our partners in the region tell us they live in terror—that they feel they have died even while alive. They feel that the international community is tacitly sanctioning the killing of civilians and the bombing of schools, hospitals, and refugee camps.
Staying quiet in this moment would be a stain upon our souls and would deepen our complicity.
U.S. leadership must tell Israel to stop bombing civilian areas and allow access for full humanitarian aid to flow freely into Gaza.
Every human child of God—Palestinian and Israeli—deserves safety and security. We need to stop the killing. Today.
Vengeance will not bring back the dead. Retaliation will not repair the harms and the hurt. We are called to love, even and especially when it seems impossible.
We must stop the next 10,000 from being killed. As Episcopalians, we must call upon our leaders—President Biden, members of Congress, and others—to be unequivocal that we need to stop the killing. Today. This is clearly what love demands of us."
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When the above photo was shared with Father Andrew, it was sent with the following message from Kevin Meech, grandfather to Chase Maddex .
"I'm at the hospital now with Chase and we all want to thank you so much for the prayer shawl.
His first reaction was that he wants to come and meet our friends who made this.
Hopefully soon, we can make this happen when he is well enough to come to Florida.”
-Kevin Meech
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Prayer Shawls
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Once a month, an energetic and faithful group of knitters and crocheters gather at St. Gregory's to create prayer shawls and prayer blankets. These beautiful and holy creations are prayed over—stitch by stitch—and then blessed at one of our Eucharists. We then present them as a gift from our St. Gregory's family to members and friends who are experiencing a life-challenge, often a sickness or surgery or perhaps the death of a loved one.
I am deeply touched that recipients often break into tears of gratitude for these blessed tokens of God's love and the love of our parish family. There is something so tangible, so sacramental about feeling wrapped by love. Recently, the grandson of Kevin and Pat Meech received a shawl. This fifteen-year-old, who is a Down Syndrome child, is also experiencing a significant health challenge. Upon receiving the shawl, he immediately draped it over his head. The family shared this image with us and gave us permission to share it with the St. Gregory's congregation. What a difference this ministry makes!
Blessings,
Andrew+
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What are Spoofing, Phishing and other common scams?
Spoofing is when scammers masquerade as trustworthy entities by subtly altering communication channels, like an email address or website URL. Phishing uses these spoofed emails or websites to trick you into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or bank details. Such scams may also come as text messages (smishing) or phone calls (vishing) and can even redirect you to fake websites through malicious software (pharming).
To learn more about spoofing and phishing, please visit the FBI's website by clicking this link: Spoofing and Phishing — FBI
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PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST
EMAIL SPOOFING
Spoofing Scams Are On the Rise
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St. Gregory's has experienced a recent increase in "spoofing" attempts, where scammers imitate emails from our staff or clergy to evoke a response from the recipient.
In our connected world, it's crucial to stay informed about the tactics of cyber scammers, notably spoofing and phishing.
To keep safe, always be skeptical of unsolicited communications requesting personal information. Scrutinize email addresses and URLs for authenticity, and don't click on unknown links. Establish two-factor authentication on your accounts, and be mindful of the personal details you share online which could be used to breach your privacy.
If you receive a dubious email seemingly from St. Gregory's, please do not click on any links. Instead, directly contact our church office at (561) 395-8285 or send an email to office@st-gregorys.com to verify its legitimacy.
If you've been a victim of a serious cyber crime, please file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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Wisdom School
To learn more about Fr. Ben's Wisdom School, click here.
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The Reality of Being with Fr. Ben
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 morning from 10:00 am - 11:30 am EST. If interested, contact Fr. Ben here.
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VOIR: A THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY
Fr. Ben is pleased to announce a new project – VOIR: A THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY. Submissions are open for a Winter 2024 publication.
Please visit Fr. Ben's the ABOUT page to learn more or click here to support this initiative with your tax-deductible donation.
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WISDOM SCHOOL
Seeing with the Eye of the Heart
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Dear Wisdom students,
If you are looking for something you're trying to find outside of yourself, join me by going within. Connect here.
With everything going on in the world, I offer Gurdjieff’s version of the Te Laudamus (We Praise You God) as a prayer. Typically, this is chanted in times of great joy, but this haunting tone seems more appropriate while we try to stay in front of the grief and praise God nonetheless.
In Christ,
Fr. Ben+
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A MESSAGE FROM TIM
Music Ministry
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This Sunday, we read in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians how, with the sound of the trumpet, the dead in Christ shall rise and those left will be caught up in the clouds. We then read in Matthew’s Gospel how we should be on the watch, to be ready, to keep oil in our lamps. “Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” This is one of the first lessons of the season which foretell the coming of Advent as we are reminded to be on the lookout for something amazing. The choir will sing “Watchman, Tell us of the Night” , a hymn composed by John Bowring and Lowell Mason which is usually sung during Advent but lends itself nicely to this theme of keeping watch. “Watchman, tell us of the night, For the morning seems to dawn. Traveler, darkness takes its flight, Doubt and terror are withdrawn. Watchman, let thy wanderings cease; Hie thee to thy quiet home. Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace, Lo! the Son of God is come!”
I was thrilled with the amount which my mini concerts brought at the Gala auction! Two performances were bought, however if you would like to get in on the action, simply call the office and speak with our Parish Administrator, Kristen Chaney, about purchasing your own time with me for a mini-concert which will include a tour of the pipe organ and the newly renovated sanctuary. I’ll also play the newly restored Steinway grand piano for you. You’ll get to experience the magic of our new acoustical environment and hear the organ in a whole new way just for you and your guests! This makes a great anniversary, graduation, or birthday celebration!
I’ll work with you regarding scheduling the events. Proceeds will go directly to support the ongoing ministries of St. Gregory’s!
We’ll welcome flautist Ms. Lori Snow to the 8 a.m. service as guest musician and Ms. Susan Dodd as guest musician at the 10 a.m. service as I’m performing out of town this weekend.
Blessings to all,
Tim
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MORNING PRAYER AND MUSICAL MEDITATIONS
WITH TIM BRUMFIELD
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Tuesday, November 7, 2023 | |
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 | |
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
There is still time to
register online for Fall!
Click here to register online.
For more information,
please contact:
ANITA SHERMAN anitasherman561@gmail.com
or
KRISTEN CHANEY
kchaney@st-gregorys.com.
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
A Place to Belong
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THURSDAY, NOV 9
5:45 pm - Choristers rehearsal (Choir Room)
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SUNDAY, NOV 12
9:10 am - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:45 am - 3yrs - 5th grade (designated classrooms)
9:45 am - Upper Room Time for middle and high school (Youth Room)
YOUTH - Advent wreath sales in the courtyard after 10:00 am service
NOTICE: Due to ongoing AC repairs, please be prepared to meet in alternate locations. We will direct you once you arrive at church. Thank you for your continued patience. Grace for all!
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NEXT THURSDAY, NOV 16
5:45 pm - Choristers rehearsal (Choir Room)
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NEXT SUNDAY, NOV 19
9:10 am - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)
9:45 am - 3yrs - 5th grade (designated classrooms)
9:45 am - Upper Room Time for middle and high school (Youth Room)
Special CPR/basic first aid presentation today!
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UPPER ROOM TIME
FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEENS
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. This Sunday, our children and youth will participate in special All Saints Day services. | | | |
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YOUTH GROUP SPONSORS ADVENT WREATH SALES & WREATH MAKING DAYS
Sunday, November 26
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On Sunday, November 26 after the 10 a.m. service, we will gather on the East Terrace for an intergenerational wreath-making day.
Light the season with a beautiful Advent wreath!
Our Youth Group is sponsoring sales of Advent wreath kits. Each kit will include a lovely reusable wreath with built-in candle holders and a set of Advent candles (3 purple, 1 pink). Cost is $20/kit.
You can purchase a kit ahead of time all during November and make it yourself at home, or purchase a kit on our wreath making day. If you join us for the wreath making event, additional greens and decorations will be available!
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CPR/BASIC FIRST AID PRESENTATION
Sunday, November 19 at 9:45 AM
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Upper Room Time
for Middle and High School Youth(Youth Room)
Many thanks to Paula Holgerson for being our presenter for this activity!
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ALL SAINTS DAY WORSHIP
And the Children and Youth Shall Lead Them
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Ed Bell shared his Stewardship Testimony last Sunday. | |
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THIS SUNDAY IS STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY!
Your Support is Essential to Our Mission
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This Sunday is Stewardship Sunday which means there will be an opportunity to turn in your pledge cards during the morning services.
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.
The monies pledged will help St. Gregory's meet our operating expenses which include salaries, insurance, utilities, etc., and fuel our mission and ministries for this coming year as well as 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.
If you have any questions, please email us at office@st-gregorys.com or visit stgregorysepiscopal.org/pledge.
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BAPTISM BLESSINGS
Alfred Wade Caladen
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This Sunday at the 10 AM service, we welcome into our Family of God: Alfred Wade Caladen Mansueto. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, he becomes our brother in Christ. Pray that he will continue to grow in faith and love throughout his life.
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ECW MEETING TODAY
Thursday, November 9 at 2:30 PM
| Calling all ladies of St. Gregory's! Join us this afternoon, November 9th at 2:30 PM in the Conference Room for this month's ECW meeting. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please email Karen Guzik at karenguzik@aol.com. | | |
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VIEWING THE LIVESTREAM SERVICE
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.
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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR KATHY KREPP
Saturday, November 11 at 4:00 PM
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A memorial service and internment for Kathy Krepp will be held this Saturday, November 11 at 4:00 PM.
The service will be live-streamed to St. Gregory's homepage and the church's Facebook page. If you are unable to attend the service in person, please join us online.
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Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11th but the Federal Holiday will be observed tomorrow, Friday, November 10th. In honor of the holiday, banks and post offices will be closed tomorrow. | |
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VETERANS DAY
Saturday, November 11
(Observed Friday, November 10)
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As we approach Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to those who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces. Thank you for your service.
PRAYER FOR OUR MILITARY
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and on earth: Hear our prayers for those who serve in the military. Be present with them, their families, and their communities. Guide and govern them by your good Spirit. Protect them from evil, and lead us all into your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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ST. GREGORY'S PLATINUM ANNIVERSARY GALA | | | |
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WHAT A CELEBRATION!
Thank You to Everyone Who Made
The Evening So Unforgettable!
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We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for St. Gregory's Platinum Anniversary Gala last Thursday evening. Your presence truly made the celebration an unforgettable occasion.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated committee leaders Arely Cox and Carole Boucard, the gala committee, our incredible event volunteers, St. Gregory's staff, and our generous donors and sponsors. Your efforts behind the scenes made the night one we will remember for many years. The magic of the evening was not just in the beautiful decor or the sumptuous me, but in the warmth and spirit of our community coming together.
For your enjoyment, we've created a gallery of photos from the gala. Click here to view more photos from the gala.
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ST. GREGORY'S CANTERBURY MINISTRY MEMBERS ENJOY THE GALA!
Our College Students/Young Adults Enjoyed a Fun Night Out at the Gala!
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Our college students/young adults enjoyed a night out at our 70th Anniversary Gala on Nov 2nd at Lakeside Terrace. Present for the celebration were Elijah Figueroa, Jacob Norris, Hannah Sherman, Jenna Vece, Kimmy Wilkinson, and Verona Zeqiri. In October, the group also attended the 6pm Eucharist service followed by a pizza dinner at the Canterbury House.
If you know a college student or young adult who would enjoy this fellowship community, please email Anita Sherman (anitasherman561@gmail.com). Anita would love to reach out to them to invite them to future gatherings!
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RENOVATION OF THE SANCTUARY | | | |
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THIS WEEK'S CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Sanctuary Renovation
The renovation work in the church sanctuary is stunning! Our pipe organ has been installed, as seen in the latest photos. The pews and many of our liturgical items have been delivered and are ready to be assembled. The beautiful altar marble flooring is being installed, as is the marble inlet along the center aisle. We have not encountered significant delays and anticipate being in the Sanctuary for Christmas.
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ADULT FORMATION
Classes and Formation at St. Gregory's
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Sundays
11:30 am - The Newcomers Classes with Fr. Andrew Childcare will be pro during the class.
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
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
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BOCA RATON INTERFAITH
YOUTH ASSOCIATION (BRIYA)
INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SEDER
Monday, November 13 at Temple Beth El
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. RSVP TODAY!
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Please join Cathy and Gena
at the
Interfaith Thanksgiving Seder at Temple Beth El
Monday, November 13 - 7:00PM-8:15PM
Thanksgiving is a time to recognize the blessings we have received and show our gratitude. All are invited to join the many houses of worship in Boca Raton gathered together for an Interfaith Thanksgiving Seder.
We will share reflections on appreciating our gifts through symbolic foods and meaningful questions, and hear from the faith leaders in our community, including Temple Beth El’s clergy.
There is no cost to attend.
Please bring a canned food item to donate.
We encourage the teens to wear their BRIYA shirts.
Parents are invited to attend!!!
If you have any questions, please contact
Cathy Berkowitz
at Cathyb@bnai-torah.org or 561-706-7795
or Gena Vallee
at gvallee@st-gregorys.com or 561-451-7747
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MEALS WITH MEANING
(FREE!) THANKSGIVING MEALS TO GO
Everyone is Welcome!
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Stop by St. Gregory's on Thursday, November 23rd to pick up a delicious Meals with Meaning Annual Thanksgiving meal. Meals with Meaning will be sharing complimentary warm and delicious Thanksgiving meals between 11 AM and 1 PM. All your favorite traditional savory and sweet dishes will be available.
Meals are availble to everyone, so please join us and bringa friend. For further details or to contribute gift cards to our guests, please contact Gena Vallee via email at Gvallee@st-gregorys.com or by phone at 561-451-7747.
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THANKSGIVING MEALS
Delivered to our Senior Members
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Meals with Meaning wants to connect with our "Golden" church members. If you are a senior and would enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner delivered to your door, keep reading.
This Thanksgiving, Meals with Meaning wants to ensure our seniors have something savory and something sweet. And most importantly, something freshly made and prepared in love. Our head chef, Rose Vallee, will be dishing out turkey and all the traditional sides of Thanksgiving as she prepares it in our church kitchen. We will of course have your favorite pies too! If your mouth is watering and you would like a personalized food delivery on Thanksgiving Day, please contact Gena Vallee to place an order. You can email her or call her on her cell phone.
Gvallee@st-gregorys.com - 561-451-7747
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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 LIVESTREAMING | | | |
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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. | | |
SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT | | | |
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SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT
Regional Gathering on Sat. Nov. 18
| Join the SFHP on Saturday, November 18 at 4:00 PM at Holy Family Episcopal Church . Come learn more about the SFHP, what's happeng now, and enjoy fellowship and refreshments. Learn more or RSVP | | | |
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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. | | | |
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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). | | | |
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UPCOMING AT ST. GREGORY'S
Important Dates
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Saturday, November 11 - 9:00 AM - DOK Monthly Meeting, 4:00 PM - Memorial Service for Kathy Krepp
Sunday, November 12 - Stewardship Sunday / Pledge Cards are Turned In During Services; 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Baptism
11:45 - Sacred Ground/Racial Justice and Healing Discussion
Monday, November 13th - Vestry Meeting, Interfaith Thanksgiving service at Temple Beth El
Thursday, November 16th - SFHP Board Meeting
Saturday, November 18th - YogaMass
Sunday, November 19th - CPR/Basic Firsts Aid/Youth Upper Room Time
Wednesday, November 22nd - Thanksgiving Service
Thursday, November 23rd - Meals with Meaning Thanksgiving Meal to Go
Sunday, November 26th - Advent Wreath Making following the 10:00 AM service
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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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