AN INVITATION

FROM FATHER ANDREW

In today's video, Father Andrew invites you to participate in life at St. Gregory's this Sunday as we offer Brothers Breakfast, a special blessing for Deacon Anita Thorstad, an exciting and educational South Florida Wildlife Presentation, and ending with Evensong, one of the most beautiful services in the Episcopal Church. Please join us! All services and activities are offered at no cost and are open to the public.

SPRING FORWARD

Please move your clocks forward

one hour on Sunday!

It is that time again! Please move your clocks forward one hour early Sunday morning!

BROTHERS BREAKFAST

Following the 8 AM and 10 AM Services

Join us for the very "Best Breakfast in Boca" following the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM services as the Brothers return to the kitchen this Sunday! It is a fun time of fellowship and friendship over a delicious hot breakfast! Attention parents! Keep an eye out for the designated tables for parents who would like to spend a bit of fellowship time with other families!

DEACON ANITA THORSTAD

Special Blessing During Sunday's 10 AM Service

Sunday's 10:00 AM service will be Deacon Anita Thorstad's last Sunday at St. Gregory's. Anita's ministry has modeled for us the true calling of Deacon - to live as a servant among us and especially to serve the most vulnerable among us with the compassion of Christ. Her ministry has been inspiring, exemplary, faithful, and radiant with the love of Jesus. We will send her with all our love and blessings as she prepares to move to Jacksonville where she will be living with her daughter and near her grandson. Well done, good and faithful servant!      

SO. FLORIDA WILDLIFE PRESENTATION

Sunday, March 10 following the 10 AM Service

Join us at 11:45 am on the East Terrace at St. Gregory's for a fun and informative presentation. Meet Ambassador Animals and learn about helping our fellow creatures in Florida. Sponsored by St. Gregory's Youth Ministry. All are welcome!

ENVELOPES FOR EASTER FLOWERS AND MUSIC WILL BE IN SUNDAY'S BULLETIN

The envelopes for Easter flowers and music will be in Sunday’s bulletin. Please fill out the information for Thanksgiving and/or In Memory Of. You may use the envelope for music and flowers using one check or cash. Also, remember to sign the envelope. THE LAST Sunday to place these envelopes in the offering plate is Sunday, March 24. The donating online deadline is Tuesday, March 26: To submit the names being honored, your message, and your donation, please go to stgregorysepiscopal.org/eastermusic-and-flowers  and follow the instructions to donate online.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Sacred Spaces

By Tim Brumfield

St. Gregory’s has been richly blessed with a facility which boasts a myriad of spaces which connect us to each other and to God both spiritually and functionally. Our “new” spaces, which are actually the old ones having been recently renovated, are breathing new life into our congregation and community with their design, aesthetics, practicality, and holy beauty.

Our Church Library, which is being supervised by Sylvia Hall, is one of our spaces which underwent a complete transformation and is now a place of reverent solitude and efficient functionality. Upon entering, one is struck by its simplicity and technical versatility in that the conference tables and chairs can be reconfigured to meet any small group’s needs. The large flat AV screen on the wall can be used to display visual arts complete with the latest high tech. The shelves contain an array of cherished literature which immediately gives one the feeling of being surrounded by centuries of knowledge and wisdom by hundreds of authors and poets as your eyes become fixated on titles of books ranging in topics from history to gardening. The room has a smaller footprint than before and is totally focused on being what it was meant to be—a place of reverent and quiet study for the individual or a place of focused intent for a small group’s meeting. If you’ve not stopped by the Church Library, I encourage you to do so and experience this Sacred Space for yourself.

One of my other favorite spaces which has undergone a complete transformation is the Chapel of St. Mary. This beloved chapel has been used over the years as a sacred space for prayer, eucharistic celebrations, funerals, memorial services, weddings, and meditation. Upon entering the chapel from the parking lot entrance, one is struck by its holiness and reverent beauty. You walk across a beautiful marble-like floor reminiscent of great cathedrals, and the space invites you to sit in its beautiful new pew chairs and take in the inspiring simplicity of the architecture. You gaze upon the stained-glass windows with new appreciation as they now reflect their vibrant colors on the stone below. The artwork on the wall above the new second altar immediately draws you into a deep trance as you contemplate the sacrifice and love of Christ. The kneeling bench invites you to take a moment to thank God for simply being. The original altar on the East wall now shines with an illumination not only from new lighting but from a new and holy aesthetic of matching marble over which it floats as if suspended in mid-air. The new lighting now provides a warm glow which invites one to focus on the newfound beauty. The space boasts an enhanced functional versatility as the chairs can now be arranged in a variety of configurations to accommodate different types of services. They can even be completely removed allowing the chapel to be transformed into a sacred space for Yoga Mass, or any type of gathering where floor space is desired. We can now host smaller musical and theatrical events and seating for events in the sanctuary can now extend into the Chapel. The new flooring, lighting, and furnishings give the chapel a renewed sense of spaciousness while retaining a reverent intimacy. If you’ve not taken a moment to simply sit in St. Mary’s Chapel, I invite you to do so as we live into our new Sacred Spaces which are designed to bring us ever so closer to the Divine.

THE REALITY OF BEING

“So long as I have not seen the nature and movement of the mind, there is little sense in believing that I could be free of it. I am a slave to my mechanical thoughts. This is a fact. It is not the thoughts themselves that enslave me but my attachment to them. In order to understand this, I must not seek to free myself before having known what the slavery is. I need to see the illusion of words and ideas, and the fear of my thinking mind to be alone and empty without the support of anything known. It is necessary to live this slavery as a fact, moment after moment, without escaping from it. Then I will begin to perceive a new way of seeing. Can I accept not knowing who I am, being hidden behind an imposter? Can I accept not knowing my name?”

- Jeanne de Salzmann

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

Can we accept not knowing our names?

When we learn to purify our vision, perception becomes objective and we see through the world.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

We stayed with the chapter, The Act of Seeing, beginning at p. 205, (sections 96 - 98), to move beyond our usual state of seeing with the mind in isolation - to seeing from a true state of unity.

Unity is hard won. A collected state is often bantered about as, “it’s all there.” A trite phrase of spiritual bypassing.

While unity is our natural state, it doesn’t come naturally to most who live in this world. Dispersion calls and we scatter. We self-separate instead of self-remember.

“The act of seeing is an act of deliverance.”

So we remain in front. Face to face.

See you next Wednesday!

This ongoing 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+

HEARING DEVICES MEETING POSTPONED

Please see an usher if you would like earphones during services

We find it necessary to postpone our instructional meeting for those with Hearing Aid Devices originally scheduled for this Sunday, March 10, to a later date to be announced. After meeting with several of our members and performing individual tests, it has been discovered that our technology isn’t compatible and we are now exploring other options. In the meantime, individual earphones have been ordered and will be available this Sunday for those with hearing impairments. Please see an usher if you desire an earphone. They will show you how to wear it and provide assistance.   

CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

WITH ROBERT G. RABIL, PH.D.

Lecture - Thursday, March 14 at 7 PM

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton re-launches its popular Lecture Series with an important discussion on the Crisis in the Middle East with Robert G. Rabil, Ph.D.

About the Speaker:

Robert G. Rabil, Ph.D. is an authority on the Middle East, an author, speaker, researcher, and Professor at the Department of Political Science at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

St. Gregory’s Lecture Series in Harris Hall

Free and open to the Public

Reception to Follow

MOMMY AND ME GROUP

Meets on Sunday, March 17 at 9:00 AM

Don't miss this month's Mommy and Me Group gathering on Sunday, March 17th, at 9:00 AM in the Nursery. It's a wonderful opportunity for parents and their little ones to connect and share in friendship and fellowship.

LENTEN LUNCH AND YOUTH FUNDRAISER

Sunday, March 17

What a fun (and delicious) way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day while supporting our youth group!

Join us for hot soup and more immediately following the 10:00 am service in Harris Hall. They are fixing salad and you will have your choice of one of 3 soups. The cost is only $10/person or a family of 4 can eat for $35. We need volunteers for prep on Saturday and servers/helpers on Sunday! Youth can earn community service hours for helping!

CANDLELIGHT STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Sunday, March 17 at 6:00 PM

Don't miss this stirring and beautiful Candlelight Stations of the Cross service!

THE SURRENDERED HEART OF LENT

St. Gregory's Lenten Offerings

As we embark on the season of Lent, we invite you to click here to learn more about St. Gregory's Lenten offerings.

UPCOMING

Mark Your Calendar

for these Important Dates

Click to view more Lenten activities.

Saturday, March 9 - DOK Meeting at 9 AM (Zoom)

Sunday, March 10 - Spring Forward - Please turn your clocks forward one hour. Brothers Breakfast after both morning services, Presentation from South Florida Wildlife Center (11:45 AM in the East Terrace); Choral Evensong in the Sanctuary at 6:00 PM

Thursday, March 14 - St. Gregory's Lecture Series Presents: Crisis in the Middle East with Robert Rabil, PhD. (Harris Hall)

Sunday, March 17 - Mommy & Me Group meets at 9 AM in the Nursery; Lenten Lunch Youth Group Fundraiser - Following the 10 AM Service in Harris Hall. Youth Volunteers are needed for prep on Saturday and servers/helpers on Sunday. You can earn community service hours for volunteering. Candlelight Stations of the Cross at 6:00 PM.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Schedule of Services and Activities

HOLY WEEK  

 Palm Sunday, March 24

Services at 8 AM, 10 AM, and 6 PM

9:45 AM - Sunday School and Upper Room Time

Wednesday, March 27, 6:30 PM; Tenebrae

Maundy Thursday, March 28

Services at 12 noon and 6:30 PM. 

Vigil follows: 8 PM-8 AM

               Good Friday, March 29

Services at Noon - 3 PM, 6:30 PM

Holy Saturday, March 30

Mommy and Me Easter Egg Hunt

(East Terrace/Harris Hall): Time TBD

Service in the North Columbarium: 8:00 AM

The Great Vigil of Easter: 6:30 PM

      EASTER SUNDAY

ESunday, March 31

Easter Sunrise Beach Eucharist: 6:30 AM (at the South Beach Pavilion at Palmetto Park Road and A1A)

         Holy Eucharist (In the Sanctuary)

7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, AND 11:15 AM (there will be incense at the 11:15 AM service) and 6 PM

FOOD PACKING FOR HAITI

Thank you to everyone who was part of last Saturday's food-packing event

BOCA RATON INTERFAITH YOUTH ASSOCIATION (BRIYA)

Recent Visit to Miami and

the Holocaust Memorial

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

A Place to Belong

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

5:45 pm - Choristers Rehearsal (Choir Room)

NEXT SUNDAY, MAR 10

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

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

Brothers Breakfast

After 8 am and 10 am services (Harris Hall)

Parents: Dine together at your specially reserved table(s)!

11:45 am: South FL Wildlife Presentation

(Meet on the East Terrace)Hear a fabulous presentation, meet ambassador animals, and learn about helping our fellow creatures in Florida.

Sponsored by St. Gregory's Youth Ministry. All are welcome to attend!

SAVE THESE DATES!

Other Great Stuff In the Works!

NEXT SATURDAY, MAR 16

YOUTH & PARENTS

Prep for Lenten Lunch fundraiser

Contact Anita for details!

(anitasherman561@gmail.com)

Sunday, March 17

9:00 AM: Mommy and Me Group Meets (Nursery)

9:10am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30am: Nursery open

9:45am: 3yrs - 5th grade regular classes (Designated Rooms)

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

Lenten Lunch Youth Group Fundraiser

Immediately following 10 am service; Harris Hall

We need volunteers for prep on Saturday and servers/helpers on Sunday!

Earn community service hours!

Palm Sunday, March 24

Special Palm Sunday program

for children and youth

April/May (dates/details TBD)

Youth Group fun time -- Boomers in Boca

Youth Group Service -- Visit to Boca Rehab

College Conversations -- FAU students sharing wisdom with youth about all things college

ST. GREGORY'S NURSERY

Open for Dropoff on Sundays at 9:30 AM

Did you know that St. Gregory's nursery is open on Sunday mornings? The beautifully renovated nursery provides childcare during for the 10:00 AM service. Drop off for little ones begins at 9:30 AM.

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 (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 - 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

ECW THRIFT STORE

REOPENING SOON!

Look forward to shopping in the newly renovated St Gregory’s Thrift Shop - Coming Soon!

MASTER CHORALE OF SOUTH FLORIDA

IN CONCERT AT ST. GREGORY'S

Sunday, April 7 at 4:00 PM

Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor

Brett Karlin, Conductor

This dazzling setting of the Mass exemplifies Mozart’s brilliance in uniting music and text to create drama. Written to showcase the vocal talents of his wife Constanze, the Great Mass is an undisputed masterpiece revered by Mozart fans for 250 years.

On this program, the Master Chorale’s performance of the Great Mass in C Minor will be complemented by two motets: Mozart’s glorious Exsultate, jubilate and Joseph Haydn’s Insanae et vanae curae. Click to learn more and to purchase tickets.

ART CLASSES AT ST. GREGORY'S

Starting Monday, April 8 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 begins 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

HATS OFF TO WOMEN

THE ECW TEA

Saturday, April 13 at 2:00 PM

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) at St. Gregory's invites you to an enchanting afternoon at our ECW Annual Tea, happening on Saturday, April 13th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Harris Hall.

This year, we're celebrating we are taking our "Hats Off to Women," and are thrilled to announce The Rev. Dr. Patricia ("Patsy" McGregor will serve as our special guest speaker.

Prepare to enjoy a variety of sweet and savory treats, complemented by exquisite teas. Tickets are available for $40.00 each. For those interested, mimosas, including non-alcoholic options, will be offered for an additional $5.00.

TICKET INFORMATION

To secure your tickets, please reach out to Susan D’Ambrosio at 561-350-5964, or Karen Guzik at 404-983-3476. Tickets will also be available for purchase in the courtyard after both services this Sunday.

Be sure to mark your calendars now as the ECW Tea is one of St. Gregory's most popular signature events and will likely sell out. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this memorable and inspiring event and feel free to bring your friends!

OPEN HEARTS, OPEN DOORS

ST. GREGORY'S DEDICATION

AND OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION

Sunday, April 21

Save the date for St. Gregory's dedication service and open house! The 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. 

COMMUNION RETREAT

Coming in April

Children’s Communion Retreat

For ALL children ages 6+

April 27-28, 2024

 First Communion classes

are also available now.

For more information please contact

Teri Heemstra-Hernandez

thhabc@aol.com

954-683-3610

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 COB 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

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.

THIS SUNDAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR PARKING PASS

FROM THE USHERS

If you have not yet gotten a parking pass, please pick one up from the ushers this Sunday after Services. After this Sunday, March 10th members will need to stop by the church office 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

ANDRANOVORY (An.dra.new.voory)

More….on the Parish of Andranovory

To begin the story:

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.

SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT

March Prayer Calendar and Update

Click the link and button below for the latest news of gangs attacking prisons, the freeing of 4000 criminals, and the March prayer calendar for Haiti. Read 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).

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

Sunday, March 24th - Last Names that begin with A-H

Sunday, April 7th - Newcomers Host Coffee Hour

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